India definitely wrote the book on beautiful architecture! And in this metaphorical book, the chapter on Jaipur would have to have a title that read something along the lines of; Instagram Heaven!
If you follow any travel influencers on social media, chances are they’ve been to India and I could almost guarantee most of their jaw dropping posts would be from this incredible ‘pink city’. There are endless colourful buildings, doorways and forts to keep a keen photographer snap happy for days on end.
And so without further ado, here is my list (in no particular order) of the top 10 insta-worthy spots in the capital of Rajasthan and some tips on how to make the most of your time there.
1. Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace)
This beautiful pink building consists of 953 windows! The Maharaja (or King) built it in 1799 to allow the royal women to observe everyday life and festivals celebrated in the street below without being seen, since they were forbidden from showing their face in public.
TOP TIP: For the best lighting, go in the morning when the sun is shining directly on the facade. There are two cafe’s opposite the palace where you are awarded with these views. The above photo (not my own) was taken at the Wind View Cafe but there is also Tattoo Cafe right next door.
2. Patrika Gate
The outside of this building looks like a Barbie Doll palace, with it’s big features and pink hue and when you step inside, the pastel, intricately designed walls will take your breath away.
You’d be forgiven for thinking this must belong to some sort of royal family, but no. It’s actually just a monument built in the middle of a round-a-bout. Jaipur you are too much… but I love it!
3. Amber Palace & Fort
This palace is not shy on detail. Often confused as Amber Fort, this royal property is full of detailed entrance ways, gem covered walls and beautifully carved archways. You could spend a whole day here ‘for the gram’.
TOP TIP: As anywhere, go early to beat the crowds. Also don’t forget to head to Amber Fort (photo below) as well for incredible views made even better if you catch a sunrise or sunset.
4. Panna Meena ka Kund
This one makes me want to cry because I really wanted to visit, but ended up getting the name confused with a different step well and thought it was 3 hours out of the city. I now know it is right by the Amber Palace! 100% make sure you get to this one. There are many step wells across India but non quite as famous – or as beautiful – as this one.
5. Gatore Ki Chhatriyan
The whole complex is full of small temples and tombs and is relatively unknown to the majority of tourists, keeping it very peaceful (a rarity in India, let me tell you).
6. Cafe Palladio
Because you’re going to have to take some food pictures in India somewhere and it might as well look as pink and colourful as everything else in Jaipur!
7. Nahargarh Fort
The best spot in town to catch a sunrise or sunrise.
8. City Palace
This royal property was probably the most expensive thing I did in India, but a small price to pay for the beauty that awaits inside. The 3500 rupees does get you a private guide and we almost had the palace to ourselves.
TOP TIP: Go early in the morning for best lighting on these doorways (they sit in a courtyard and the two most colourful ones are in shade for the first half of the day which is much better for photos).
9. Monkey Temple (Galta Ji)
Thousands of monkeys call this palace in the hills home and they are really chilled out and don’t seem to care if you get close for photos (unlike the monkeys in Bali). Sunset was a great time to visit, as you can also hike up the top of the hill for nice views over the city.
10. Samode Palace
This colourful palace is about 42kms out of Jaipur city and is now utilised as a hotel. You can enter as a guest for 1000 Rs which can be used as a credit at the restaurant there. You can incorporate your visit here with a visit to the Amber Palace/Fort and step well.
Have you been to Jaipur? What was your favourite place?
