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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Amar Grover

When Maharaja Jai Singh II shifted his capital from Amber in around 1727, he laid the foundations for a meticulously planned city – Jaipur. City Palace lies at the heart of the Old City, a stirring complex of palaces, halls, courtyards and pavilions embodying the power and stature of one of Rajasthan’s leading royal families.

The glitz and glamour are tempered by various displays, from a quirky collection of carriages and palanquins to an astonishing armoury.

Price from: £2
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

You can’t miss the palace in the heart of the Old City. Although a guide isn’t essential, you’ll learn more about the palace and its history by using one. Choose between an audio guide (fun even for children) or a personal guide. Both can be arranged at the entrance; rates are fixed and reasonable.

When to do it

It’s open all year round, seven days a week. Try to avoid May and June, when it can be ferociously hot and uncomfortable.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Jaipur Sightseeing By Car, Driver and Guide

Jaipur Sightseeing By Car, Driver and Guide

Jaipur

Explore the enchanting city of Jaipur, In 9 Hour tour of Jaipur! In the morning, there will be a 8 - 10 AM pickup from your hotel by your Dr...

$15 | Rating 4.95 / 5 [23 ratings]

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One Day Tour In Pink City With Guide

One Day Tour In Pink City With Guide

Jaipur

Explore the enchanting city of Jaipur, In 8 Hour tour of Jaipur! In the morning, there will be a 9 AM pick up from your hotel by your Drive ...

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Jaipur Full-Day Private Guided Tour

Jaipur Full-Day Private Guided Tour

Jaipur

Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites — the Amber Fort and Jantar Mantar — in addition to other top attractions on a private full-day tour o...

$36 | Rating 4.90 / 5 [21 ratings]

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Jaipur Amer Fort, Jal Mahal & Stepwell Private Half-Day Tour

Jaipur Amer Fort, Jal Mahal & Stepwell Private Half-Day Tour

Jaipur

Enjoy a private heritage tour that captures the most important sites of Jaipur. Beat the tourists to get an aerial view of Jaipur from Jaiga...

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Samode Haveli

Jaipur, Rajasthan, India[1.5 miles]

A beautiful boutique hotel combining heritage and romance in an atmospheric corner of the Old City.

Official star rating:

Diggi Palace Hotel

Jaipur, Rajasthan, India[2.1 miles]

Characterful and charming heritage hotel in central Jaipur – a haveli, or mansion, originally built for a wealthy noble family. Excellent value for money.

Official star rating:

Rambagh Palace

Jaipur, Rajasthan, India[3.4 miles]

Formerly the Maharaja of Jaipur’s palace, this superb heritage hotel boasts luxurious and characterful rooms, coupled with impeccable service and charming gardens.

Official star rating:

The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur

Jaipur, Rajasthan, India[8.1 miles]

A top-end, spacious reinvention of a Rajput fortress with beautiful gardens spread over 32 acres, with accommodation in elegant Maharajah-style tents or luxurious villas.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Jaipur

Rajasthan, India

Rajasthan’s state capital is a compelling blend of huge hillside forts, extravagant palaces, bustling bazaars, memorable heritage hotels and almost comically thronged streets.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Palace of the Winds

Jaipur, Rajasthan, India[0.4 miles]

Designed to lend seclusion to ladies of the royal court, the intricate lattice-screened and salmon-pink facade of the Hawa Mahal, or ‘Palace of Winds’, is among the most iconic of Jaipur’s buildings.

Best for ages: 13+ | £1

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Johari Bazaar

Jaipur, Rajasthan, India[0.7 miles]

Vibrant Johari Bazaar encapsulates the city’s reputation as India’s main gemstone and jewellery centre, with artisans’ workshops dotting its lanes and alleys.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Raj Mandir Cinema

Jaipur, Rajasthan, India[1.8 miles]

One of India’s most famous and flamboyant cinemas, it remains a Jaipur landmark and often screens movies to a full house.

Best for ages: 18+ | £1 | 90+ minutes

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Amber Fort

Jaipur, Rajasthan, India[7.2 miles]

One of Rajasthan’s great maharaja fortress-palace complexes, dating back to the 16th century, set amidst a spectacular backdrop of stark hills.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Overview >

Round-ups that include this experience

101 World’s greatest historic buildings

Multiple countries

The great civilisations of the past have left a legacy of constructions that still stand out and inspire. Built without the wonders of 20th-century technology, many are also monumental feats of engineering; others offer such grace and beauty, that they’ll literally take your breath away.

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