Rajasthan is among one of the few places in India that is always crowded with foreign tourists as well as Indian tourists throughout the year. One common reason behind the enthusiasm of this place lies in its history, culture and architecture. Here we are going to discuss India's most popular tourist destinations and its splendid tourist attractions, also the capital of Rajasthan. Yes, we are talking about Jaipur, the Pink City. Jaipur is also a part of Golden Triangle India along with Delhi and Agra. In this Jaipur Travel Guide, we will explore top tourist places near Jaipur to make a wonderful trip in Rajasthan.
While Jaipur itself is a treasure trove of historical monuments, fascinating markets and colorful festivals, its location also makes it a perfect base to explore wonderful destinations around. Over 180 million tourists visited Jaipur last year because the region offers a wide range of experiences, from the haunted Bhangarh Fort to the peaceful Sambhar Lake, from the royal Rambagh Palace to the wild Ranthambore National Park. Are you ready to explore the hidden gems near Jaipur? This travel guide will take you through the best tourist places within 50 km, 100 km, 200 km and even further for a perfect weekend getaway. You do not need to worry about the distance when you are travelling with Tempo Traveller in Jaipur because it will provide you a comfortable and enjoyable trip for Jaipur sightseeing tour.
Amer Fort: 12 km from Jaipur, Amer Fort is a beautiful blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Built in 1592 by Raja Man Singh I, the fort sits atop a hill overlooking the peaceful Maotha Lake. Amer Fort is famous for its artistry with intricate carvings, mirror work and grand halls. The Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) is the most famous, with walls inlaid with thousands of tiny mirrors that reflect light in a million patterns. You can also take an elephant ride up the fort walls to add a touch of royalty to your visit. Don’t miss the light and sound show in the evening that tells the story of the fort.
Hawa Mahal: Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, is a Jaipur icon, 5 km from the city center. Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, this 5 Storied Palace with 953 small windows was designed so the royal ladies could watch the street festivals from behind the latticework. The honeycomb design of Hawa Mahal is an architectural wonder and the palace is made of red and pink sandstone that looks like a beautiful gem. Climbing up to the top gives you a view of the city below.
Jal Mahal: In the middle of Man Sagar Lake, 9 km from Jaipur, is Jal Mahal, a beautiful Rajput architecture that looks like it is floating on the lake. Built in the 18th century it was a hunting lodge for the royal family. Though entry to the palace is not allowed, you can take a boat ride on the lake and click some great pictures, especially during sunset when the palace looks golden in the evening light. The area around has been developed into a nice promenade making it perfect for a leisure walk.
City Palace: City Palace lies in the heart of Jaipur and is a beautiful complex of courtyards, gardens and buildings that blend Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The palace is still the residence of the royal family of Jaipur which was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in the early 18th century. The museum inside the palace has royal costumes, artifacts and armory on display that gives a glimpse of Jaipur’s royal past. There you can see the Mubarak Mahal (Welcome Palace) and the Chandra Mahal (Moon Palace) with its beautiful Peacock Gate. The palace also has an art gallery with a huge collection of miniature paintings and manuscripts.
Find Famous Food of Rajasthan to make your journey amazingly delicious.
Rambagh Palace: Originally a royal palace, Rambagh Palace is now a luxurious hotel about 8 km from Jaipur. Known as the “Jewel of Jaipur” this palace is a window into the life of royalty with its marble floors, beautifully maintained gardens, and elegant architecture. You can dine at its restaurants, have tea in the gardens or simply walk in the lawns. Rambagh Palace is a testimony to the royal heritage and hospitality of Rajasthan and even if you stay here for just a meal or a tea, it is an experience like no other of royal luxury.
Gatore Ki Chhatriyan: Gatore Ki Chhatriyan is 7 km from Jaipur and is the royal cremation ground of Kachhwaha Rajputs since 1733. This peaceful place is famous for its beautifully carved chhatris (cenotaphs) and is divided into three distinct parts where each is dedicated to a different king from Sawai Jai Singh II to Man Singh II. The pillars in this chhatri are in an octagonal pattern where if you stand in the middle you can see the open verandas on all four sides. The craftsmanship and architecture is superb with intricate carvings and beautiful domes that are a reflection of the Rajput era.
Elefriend: Just 13 km from Jaipur, Elefriend is a one of a kind and ethical elephant experience. This sanctuary is all about the welfare of these beautiful creatures, a safe and loving space. You can interact with the elephants by feeding them, bathing them and even taking a ride. It is an educational and fun experience especially for families and animal lovers, all about conservation and animal welfare. The team at Elefriend are elephant lovers and will share loads of info about their lives and habits.
Sambhar Lake: Located about 71 km from Jaipur, Sambhar Lake is India’s largest inland Salt Lake, spread over 230 sq km. The vast expanse of salt pans shimmering in the sun is a surreal sight. Sambhar Lake is a birdwatcher’s paradise, especially in winters when flamingos and other migratory birds come here. The area is also steeped in history with ancient temples and ruins all around the lake. Sambhar Wildlife Sanctuary nearby is where you can see wildlife in its natural habitat.
Khatu Shyam Ji Temple: 90 km from Jaipur, Khatu Shyam Ji Temple is a sacred place of pilgrimage dedicated to a form of Lord Krishna, Shyam Baba. Famous for its beautiful marble architecture and spiritual vibe which attracts thousands of devotees every year. An annual fair is held during Phalguna Shukla Ekadashi which is a big event with devotional music, dance and stalls selling traditional items. The mythology behind the temple is linked to Mahabharata so it adds a layer of history and spirituality to your visit.
Bhangarh Fort: Bhangarh Fort is one of the most haunted places in India, 83 km from Jaipur. Built in the 17th century by Raja Madho Singh, the fort is in ruins but still many tourists visit. Haunted stories and paranormal activities associated with the fort have made it a hot spot for ghost hunters, thrill seekers and history lovers. Though it is haunted, the fort and the Aravalli hills around it are worth a visit. You can only visit this fort in the daytime as after evening it is not allowed to enter the fort.
Chand Baori: 92 km from Jaipur in the village of Abhaneri lies Chand Baori, one of the biggest and most complex stepwells in India. Built over a thousand years ago this architectural wonder has 3,500 steps that go 13 storeys deep in a perfect geometric pattern. Originally built to provide water to the dry land and used to serve as a community center. The adjacent Harshat Mata Temple adds to the historical and cultural importance of the place. The stepwell is cool and shaded from inside that gives respite from the heat as well as perfect for photography.
Ranthambore National Park: Ranthambore National Park is one of India’s biggest and most famous national parks. Spread over 1,334 sq km and located 107 km from Jaipur. It is famous for its rich biodiversity and high tiger population. Here you can see tigers, leopards, sloth bears, hyenas and various species of deer. The park is divided into ten zones, each with its own landscape and wildlife experience. The historic Ranthambore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a view of the park and adds a historical touch to your visit. The fort built in the 10th century has several temples, tanks and massive gates that reflect its grand past.
Pushkar: Pushkar is one of the oldest cities in India and a holy place near Jaipur. The sacred Pushkar Lake, created by Lord Shiva’s tears, is surrounded by 52 ghats and numerous temples, the most famous being the Brahma Temple. Jaipur to Pushkar distance is 145 km and takes 2 hours to reach which make it best for planning same day trip from Jaipur. This is one of the only temples dedicated to Lord Brahma in the world. Pushkar is also famous for its annual Camel Fair which attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. The fair is a kaleidoscope of colours, with camel races, folk performances and a bustling market. The town’s markets, spiritual vibe and scenic beauty makes it a must visit place.
Ajmer: Ajmer is a home to the famous Ajmer Sharif Dargah and the tomb of the great Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti located 136 km from Jaipur. Millions of devotees throng here to seek blessings and peace. The Urs festival, celebrated on the death anniversary of the saint, sees a huge rush of people and festivities. Ajmer has the Ana Sagar Lake, an artificial lake built in the 12th century, surrounded by beautiful marble pavilions and gardens. Daulat Bagh Gardens built by Emperor Jahangir is a peaceful place to unwind. Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra which was originally a Sanskrit college was demolished by Mohammad Ghori and converted into a historic mosque.
Jodhpur: Jodhpur is also called blue city and is famous for blue painted houses and forts. To see the history and culture of the place visit one of the largest forts in India, Mehrangarh Fort situated on a hill and has many palaces, courtyards and museums. Another architectural marvel is Umaid Bhawan Palace, this is part museum, part hotel, and part royal residence. If you like to do shopping you can visit Sardar Market near the iconic Clock Tower for traditional Rajasthani handicrafts, textiles, and spices.
Jaisalmer: Jaipur to Jaisalmer distance is 528 km approx and takes more than 10 hours to reach Jaisalmer. The Golden City will mesmerize you with its yellow sandstone architecture. Jaisalmer Fort, one of the largest fully fortified cities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site is the city’s crown. Inside the fort you will find Jain temples, palaces and a bustling market. Thar Desert offers a lot of activities like camel safaris and dune bashing, so Jaisalmer is a perfect weekend getaway. Havelis of Jaisalmer like Patwon Ki Haveli and Nathmal Ki Haveli are famous for their ornate facades and intricate carvings.
Agra: Agra is home to the Taj Mahal which is one of the 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This white wonder was built by Shah Jahan for his beloved Mumtaz Mahal. You can see the beauty of colour changing marbles during sunrise and sunset. Agra Fort is another UNESCO World Heritage site, a massive red sandstone fort which was the main residence of the Mughal emperors till 1638. Fatehpur Sikri is just a short drive from Agra. It was the capital of the Mughal Empire for a brief period and has well preserved palaces, courtyards and the grand Jama Masjid.
Udaipur: Jaipur to Udaipur distance is 399 km and is called Venice of East for its lakes and palaces. City Palace on the lake Pichola has great views and gives you a peek into the royal Udaipur. The palace complex has several palaces, courtyards and museums with artifacts and royal memorabilia. The lake has several islands, Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas, where the luxurious Taj Lake Palace hotel is located. A boat ride on Lake Pichola is a must do, the views of the palaces and the Aravalli hills are breathtaking. Udaipur has other attractions like Saheliyon Ki Bari (Garden of the Maidens), Fateh Sagar Lake and the markets selling traditional Rajasthani handicrafts. You can plan Jaipur To Udaipur 5 Days tour to visit Mount Abu, Kumbhalgarh, Chittorgarh and Ranakpur.
Above mentioned places are not limited for outstation tour from Jaipur. You can plan a trip Jaipur To Manali By Road, Chandigarh, Delhi, Varanasi and many more with comfort of reliable car rental service in Jaipur.
The tourist places in and around Jaipur are a rich mix of Rajasthan’s heritage – history, culture, and nature. From the royal grandeur of Ranthambore National Park and Pushkar’s spiritual vibes to the architectural wonders of Ajmer and Alwar, each place is a different experience. Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, and Udaipur are best weekend getaways from Jaipur that are part of your journey and show you the state’s different avatars. Whether you are an adventurer, a history lover or a peace seeker, places near Jaipur will give you an experience to remember. Book your transportation from best Rajasthan Tour Operators in Jaipur and get the best experience of road trip with full comfort and luxury within the budget.
