Best places to visit in Jaipur

Amber Fort (Amer Fort) is the crown jewel of Jaipur — a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage hilltop fortress built by Raja Man Singh I in 1592, overlooking Maota Lake with the Aravalli hills as a backdrop. Inside, the dazzling Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) encrusted with thousands of tiny mirrors is the highlight. Elephant rides (or jeep rides) to the fort entrance are iconic Jaipur experiences. A top Pink City sightseeing attraction on every Rajasthan Golden Triangle tour.

Hawa Mahal — the Palace of Winds — is Jaipur's most iconic landmark: a five-storey pink sandstone façade with 953 intricately latticed jharokha windows, built in 1799 for royal women to observe street festivities unseen. The honeycomb design creates a Venturi effect, channelling cool breezes through the palace. One of India's most photographed buildings, it is essential on every Jaipur sightseeing tour. Arrive at sunrise for the best pink-sandstone photographs. Entry fee applies.

City Palace Jaipur is the magnificent royal residence of the Jaipur royal family — a sprawling complex of palaces, gardens, and museums at the heart of the Pink City, built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1729. The Mubarak Mahal, Chandra Mahal, and two giant silver urns (the world's largest silver objects, a Guinness World Record) are the highlights. Home to the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum. A top Jaipur heritage attraction on every Rajasthan tour package.

Jantar Mantar Jaipur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — the world's largest stone astronomical observatory, built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1734. Its 19 instruments, including the world's largest sundial (Samrat Yantra) accurate to 2 seconds, were used for astronomical observations without telescopes. One of the most extraordinary scientific monuments in India and a top Jaipur sightseeing attraction on the Golden Triangle tour. Located adjacent to City Palace. Entry fee applies.

Nahargarh Fort perches dramatically on the Aravalli ridge above Jaipur city — built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1734 as a defence for the Pink City. Today it offers the finest panoramic sunset views of Jaipur's skyline, lakes, and surrounding hills. The Madhavendra Bhawan palace inside, with its symmetrical suites built for the Maharaja's nine queens, is unique. A top Jaipur sunset spot, photography destination, and heritage attraction near Amber Fort.

Jaigarh Fort, the "Fort of Victory," sits atop the Cheel ka Teela hill above Amber Fort and is connected by an underground passage to the royal palace. Home to the world's largest cannon on wheels — the Jaivana Cannon, which was fired only once in history — it also houses an armoury, watchtowers, and panoramic views of the Aravalli valley. One of the best preserved military forts in Rajasthan. An essential addition to Amber Fort on every Jaipur sightseeing itinerary.

Jal Mahal — the Water Palace — is one of Jaipur's most enchanting and photographed sights: a five-storey Rajput palace appearing to float in the centre of Man Sagar Lake on the Amber Road. Four of its five storeys remain submerged; only the top floor is visible. Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, the restored palace is a top Jaipur photography destination and birdwatching spot, attracting migratory birds to the lake. Best photographed at sunrise or dusk.

Albert Hall Museum — Jaipur's oldest museum, built in 1887 in Indo-Saracenic style — is Rajasthan's finest heritage museum, housing an extraordinary collection of carpets, pottery, ivory carvings, ancient sculptures, miniature paintings, and a famous Egyptian mummy. Named after King Edward VII (then Prince of Wales), it is located in Ram Niwas Garden in the heart of Jaipur. A top Jaipur family attraction and cultural landmark, illuminated spectacularly at night.