Are you planning to take your kids to a picturesque land of red sandstone monuments, and splendid palaces and forts, to give them the feel of history? Then we know your destination. Yes, it is the Pink City Jaipur, the capital and largest city of Rajasthan. Jaipur was built by Sawai Jai Singh in the 18th century and is the first ever planned city in India. MomJunction tells you about the 21 best places to visit in Jaipur, and we promise, your children will cherish the experience for a long time!

Historical Places In Jaipur

Given the rich cultural heritage of the Rajputs, Jaipur’s architectural glory can be best witnessed at some of these historical places visited by tourists from all over the world. Here are our picks:

Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal or ‘The Palace of Winds’ comprises 953 windows made up of pink and red sandstone. These little windows allow the breeze to flow all around the palace, making the entire visit refreshing and memorable. Let your kids see the street life from the windows; their curious eyes would definitely spot something that you might miss! Days open: All days (remains open on public holidays as well) Timings: 9:30am to 4:30pm Entry fee: Rs 10 Major attractions: Hawa Mahal museum (Thurs-Sat) exhibiting arrows, swords, and helmets of the warriors. Things to consider: The corridors are narrow and can get claustrophobic at times. Hotels nearby: Hotel Gulab Garh, LMB Hotel, RnB Select Vijay Palace

2. Amber Fort

Amber Fort, overlooking the beautiful Maota Lake, served as the residence for the Rajput maharajas. The most exciting and enticing part of this fort is the Sheesh Mahal, wherein thousands of mirrors and glasses of varied colors are inlaid, both on the walls and the ceilings. Even a single ray of light illuminates the entire Mahal, giving you and your children a heavenly view to witness. Thus, it becomes a must-visit place in Jaipur. Days open: Everyday Timings: 8am to 6pm Entry fee: Rs. 100 Major attractions: The magic flower fresco and the light & sound show taking place every evening is not just royal, but educative as well. You may also enjoy an elephant ride. Things to consider: Carry a bottle of water as the fort is extensive. Hotels nearby: Hotel Amer Haveli, Hotel Amer View, Regenta Central Jal Mahal

3. Nahargarh Fort

Nahargarh Fort is known as “the abode of tigers” as it was built for defense purposes. It will give you a breathtaking view of the Aravalli Hills and a beautiful lake. Here, too, there is a Sheesh Mahal, which is the only one in India to have been entirely created with hand-cut glass. It also has a Wax museum, which has statues of several Rajput warriors and popular people including actor Amitabh Bachchan. That’ll surely be a treat for your children. Days open: Everyday Timings: 10am to 5:30pm Entry fee: Rs 50 Major attractions: The Wax Museum and Sheesh Mahal. You can also enjoy food from the popular restaurant, called Padao, built atop. Things to consider: This place offers a magnificent view of Jaipur, even at night when the city is lit. Also, if you want to enjoy a sunset, this is probably the best spot to enjoy one. Hotels nearby: Hotel Arco Palace, Diggi Palace, Bissau Palace

4. City Palace

One of the most popular places in Jaipur is the City Palace. It was the seat of the then ruling Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. The major attractions here are the four beautiful gates that represent the themes of different seasons. The one that will attract your child the most is the peacock gate, which has stunning 3D peacock models of bygone eras. A part of this palace has also been converted into a museum. Space has been especially dedicated to traditional craftsmen of Jaipur, from whom you can purchase souvenirs to fill up your kids’ memory bucket. Days open: Everyday Timings: 9am to 5pm Entry fee: Rs 190 for adults, Rs 25 for children Major attractions: The biggest tourist attractions are the two silver vessels, which made their way to the Guinness Book of World Record as the largest in the world. Things to consider: Take an audio guide or a local guide to learn all about the palace. Hotels nearby: Sugan Niwas Palace, LMB Hotel, Hotel Ratnawali

5. Jaigarh Fort

Jaigarh Fort, one of the biggest tourist attractions in the city, was built to protect the Amber Fort. Popularly known as the Fort of Victory, it stands at the height of 500ft above sea level and presents you a far-reaching view of the Pink City and the Aravalli hills. The fort houses the world’s largest wheel cannon, ‘Jaivana cannon’, where your family can click a perfect picture. Days open: All days Timings: 9am to 4:30pm Entry fee: Rs 35 Major attractions: The largest cannon in the world ‘Jaivana’ and armory displaying the real swords and military equipment of the rulers. Things to consider: There’s a shopping complex inside for you to buy your favorite souvenirs. Hotels nearby: Hotel Amer View, Regenta Jal Mahal, V Resorts Adhbhut Jaipur

6. Amar Jawan Jyoti

Amar Jawan Jyoti, the ‘flame of the immortal soldiers’, stands as a memorial for all the soldiers, who have sacrificed their lives for their nation. Tourists majorly visit this place to marvel at the glory of the upturned rifles and the four torches burning endlessly. The entire structure looks gorgeous in the evenings, with decorative lights displaying various hues. It is a memory altogether. Days open: All days Timings: All timesEntry fee: None Major attractions: The illuminating architecture in the evening and the perpetually lit torches. Things to consider: One of the best places to visit at night in Jaipur. Hotels nearby: Treebo Indiana Pride, Treebo Indiana Classic, Hotel The Radiant Star If time permits, you may also visit other historical places such Tripolia Gate, Shahid Smarak and Birla Mandir. However, make sure to allocate some time for museums and zoos as that is where children can learn about history and wildlife respectively.

Museums and Zoos

Apart from having many palaces and forts, the city of Jaipur also has its rich history stored in museums. And the north Indian city’s natural beauty and wildlife abound in its zoos.

7. Albert Hall Museum

“It is now a rebuke to all other museums from Calcutta onwards”, said Rudyard Kipling, whose stories your children must be reading already. The building itself is a magnificent piece of artifact with pigeons flying all around, giving you and your kids the right ambiance for an artsy day. Dr. Thomas Holbein Hendley, a resident surgeon, began this as a small museum to display the artworks of local craftsmen and thus inspire and improve their skills. Your child, among everything else, is surely going to be thrilled to find a 2,300-year-old Egyptian mummy there — live and not out of films anymore! Days open: 9am to 5pm Entry fee: Rs 40 Major attractions: Coins, carpets & mural paintings. Don’t miss the Egyptian mummy Things to consider: Take an audio guide for better understanding Hotels nearby: Lords Plaza Jaipur, RSP Royals Hotel, Hotel Ratnawali

8. Jaipur Zoo

Established in 1877, Jaipur Zoo is one of the most loved tourist spots for kids. It is divided into two parts with one for mammals and another for birds and reptiles. The zoo boasts of housing 50 different species of animals, including Bengal tigers, panthers and more than 19 varieties of birds. The biggest tourist attraction is the gharial (a rare species of crocodile) breeding farm, the fourth largest in India. Location: Museum Road, Ram Niwas Bagh, Jaipur Entry fee: Rs 15 Timings: 8:30am to 5:30pm Days open: All days, except Tuesday. Major attractions: Best place in Jaipur for kids to watch birds and wild animals Things to consider: Carry sunglasses and water if you’re visiting in summer Hotels nearby: Hotel RG Inn, Sapphire Inn, Hotel Maharaja Residency

9. Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing

Here, you can see demonstrations of hand block printing and learn about the history of traditional to contemporary designs. Your children can watch the master artists carve intricate printing blocks and then they can learn and make their own T-shirt or scarf. Days open: Tuesday to Saturday Timings: 10:30am to 4:30pm Entry fee: Rs 30 for adults, Rs 15 for children Major attractions: Learning self block-printing Things to consider: The museum remains closed in summers from May 15 to July 15 Hotels nearby: Hotel Meghniwas, Hotel Amer View, KK Royal Hotel & Convention Center Some other museums to visit in Jaipur are Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur Wax Museum, Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum, Jewels Lake Palace, Alice Garg National Seashells Museum etc. All history and no fun makes you kids get bored of the trip. Therefore, here is our next section on some fun places in Jaipur.

Places Of Entertainment and Recreation

Let your children have the best time of their tour at these places. Here are a few places that’ll entertain them for sure.

10. Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar, the magical word every child is fascinated by, is one of the most popular tourist places in Jaipur. Take them to visit the observatory and learn all about astronomy. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II built it during 1728-1734. The observatory has a collection of 19 geometric devices studying the exact time of the day, the celestial bodies and has the world’s biggest stone sundial, named ‘Samrat Yantra’. If your kid is a fan of Star Wars or Guardians of the Galaxy, they are surely going to have great time learning about things they love! Today, the place stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Days open: All days Timings: 9am to 4:30pmEntry fee: Rs 40 Major attractions: ‘Samrat Yantra’ is the biggest tourist attraction here Things to consider: Taking a guide helps learn things here Hotels nearby: LMB Hotel, The Lodge, Hotel Ratnawali

11. Elefantastic

How about a happy elephant, whom your kid can feed, bathe and paint? Elefantastic offers you exactly that. Enjoy a nice cup of tea or cool drinks and head on to learn about the language of elephants from the mahouts (caretakers). Paint your giant friend with 100% natural colors, feed it, and give it a bath. Also, your kid can get on board for a safari ride or play a game of elephant polo. Days open: All days Timings: 9am to 5pm Entry fee: Free entry for children and Rs. 1,500 for adults Major attractions: Elephant safari ride and bathing the elephants Things to consider: Pre-reservation is mandatory. It takes around three hours to see it all, so plan your day accordingly Hotels nearby: Elefantastic team guides you to choose your accommodation. Apart from that you can check out Indana Palace Jaipur, Hotel Green Valley, and Trident

12. Chokhi Dhani

Chokhi Dhani is a Rajasthani ethnic village resort. It has amazing open-air restaurants, where you can enjoy a wholesome Rajasthani thali. Chokhi Dhani will let feel the flavor of Jaipur, and the evenings are especially vibrant with Rajasthani folk music and dance, puppet shows, and fortunetellers. And your kids will love games and adventure activities such as elephant rides, camel rides and boating. Days open: All days Timings: 5pm to 11pm Entry fee: Adult Rs 700, child Rs 300 Major attractions: Folk music and dance, acrobatics and fortune telling Things to consider: This is one of the best tourist places to visit at night in Jaipur. You can spend an entire day here as they have accommodation facilities too. Hotels nearby: Chokhi Dhani has ethnic resorts and cottages of all varieties. Choose the one that suits you.

13. Purple

The Purple game parlor is one place every child loves because who doesn’t like video games? There’s no dearth of games and entertainment for you and your child, and also you can enjoy an array of delicacies. Days open: All days Timings: 11am to 10pm Entry fee: NA Major attractions: Gaming and private movie hall, cafe, family movie shows Things to consider: You may Visit this if you have time to spare after visiting the other attractions Hotels nearby: Four Boutique Hotel, Hotel Park Regent, Hotel Raj Plaza

14. Snow Planet

If you and your kids want to enjoy some snow in a desert land, head on to Snow Planet, the perfect place to have fun, spend quality time with children while they do what they love. There are several rides, snow dance floor, snow slides, live snowfall and a game planet. Temperature is maintained between -4 to -6 degrees. Snow gear is provided to every visitor free of cost. You and your child can take amazing pictures to carry back as memories, as they have photo props to click pictures with. Days open: All days Timings: 12:30pm to 9pm Entry fee: Every zone has a different ticket pricing. Major attractions: Dance zone, play zone, snow slides, London Bridge, warzone Things to consider: Visit it if your kids enjoy the snow and you don’t mind cool environs. Hotels nearby: Hotel Bella Vista, Hotel Harsh Paradise, Red Fox Hotel Jaipur Some other places of entertainment for kids in Jaipur are Kidosphere, Kidz & Company, Central Park, Children’s Park Jawahar Circle, Scary House, Sky Waltz Balloon Safari etc. From indoor fun let’s now move on to visit some naturally beautiful places of the city.

Lakes and Gardens

Away from pollution, busy streets and crowds, there are beautiful lakes and gardens where you can relax or enjoy a family picnic and camp with your kids.

15. Man Sagar Lake

Adding up to the beauty of Jaipur is the refreshing and beautiful artificial lake Man Sagar. The magnificent Jal Mahal located in this lake was once a lodge for the king during his hunting adventures. In the recent years, the lake has undergone transformation and offers people an enchanting and serene atmosphere. You and your kids can watch the migratory birds flying above the crystal blue lake. Days open: All days Timings: 9am to 3pm Entry fee: Nil Major attractions: An artificial lake with plenty of migratory birds. Things to consider: Entry to the Jal Mahal is restricted. Hotels nearby: Regenta Central Jal Mahal Jaipur, Crimson-Park The Heritage Jal Mahal, Royal View Hotel

16. Sambhar Lake

If you want to spend time outside the drudgery of city life, Sambhar Lake is the perfect spot for you to visit in Jaipur. It is the largest inland salt water lake in India. The blue skyline merges with the lake, giving you the most beautiful memory to bring home. Yonder, a flock of pink flamingos, storks and pelicans will visit you too. Let your kids spot them. Days open: All days Timings: Anytime Entry fee: None Major attractions: Saltwater lake, pink flamingos and pelicans. Watch the process of salt making from the local women Things to consider: It is also a great camping spot in Jaipur. Hotels nearby: Clarks Amer, Jai Mahal Palace, Hilton Jaipur

17. Sisodia Rani Garden

This royal terraced garden was developed by the King Sawai Jai Singh for his beloved Queen Sisodia in 1728. The garden is full of flower beds, lush green plants, and fountains, and the outer walls are decorated with mural paintings of Lord Krishna and Radha. There’s also a palace on top of the garden. Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh is almost a love story to carry back home. Days open: All days Timings: 8am to 5pm Entry fee: Rs 50 Major attractions: Multi-tiered garden with amazing mural paintings Things to consider: There are no good restaurants near the complex, so do carry some snacks. Hotels nearby: Sugan Niwas Palace, Cambay Resort Jamdoli, Lebua Resort Jaipur Some other beautiful lakes in Rajasthan are Ana Sagar, Gadsisar and Balsamand lakes. Most of these attractions are within the city, hence reaching them is easy. The best means of transport are autos and rickshaws. For forts that are slightly far from the main city, it is best to hire a cab. Buses and shuttles are also available regularly for all the major tourist spots. Now that we have extensively covered the historical places, museums, zoos, places of entertainment, lakes and gardens within the city, let’s go to our last section, where we talk about some places that a little away from Jaipur but worth a visit.  

If you are visiting Jaipur for quite some and have a day or two left, you may be more than thrilled to discover some wonderful places to visit around Jaipur.

18. Pushkar

Pushkar is one of the oldest cities in India and is known as the abode of Brahma as it houses the only Brahma temple in the country. The most popular tourist attraction is the Pushkar Lake, surrounded by beautiful hills. The serene lake has more than 50 bathing ghats, exotic flora and fauna, a variety of fishes, and beautiful migratory birds. There are also several food joints and cafes to treat yourself with and loads of shopping options. Distance from Jaipur: 142km by road Nearby resorts: The Country Side Resort, The Gateway Resort, Lohana Village Resort etc. Major attractions: You may find Bhopa musicians in the streets and Kalbelia women performing the traditional Rajasthani dance. Another main tourist attraction is the Pushkar Camel fair, where more than 50,000 camels arrive and you can enjoy rides if you’re traveling in November when the fair takes place. Other places of interest in Pushkar: Brahma Temple, Savitri Mata Temple, Sunset Point, Gau Ghat.

19. Ranthambore

A great place to visit here is the Ranthambore National Park, one of the largest national parks in India. There are three lakes, spotted with architectural ruins in the vicinity enhancing the beauty of the place even more. You can go deep inside the jungle and watch the animals closely, in a jeep or canter safari. The Ranthambore Fort, which used to serve as the hunting lodge for the rulers, sits atop the hill inside the national park. Distance from Jaipur: Approximately 180km Nearby resorts: Aman-i-Khas, Ranthambore National Resort, Tiger Moon Resorts, et al. Major attractions: Ranthambore Fort, Jeep and Canter safari ride into the jungle. Ranthambore National Park is famous for tigers, and they can be seen during the daytime as well! Now, that’s adventurous. Other places of interest in Ranthambore: Trinetra Ganesh Temple, Padam Lake, Jogi Mahal, Kachida Valley, Village Women Craft, etc.

20. Abhaneri Stepwells or The Chand Baori

The Chand Baori or Abhaneri Stepwells were constructed during the 8th or 9th centuries. The 64ft well is the largest and deepest well in India and has more than 3,500 steps going down. Stepwells have immense historical significance in India where they were mostly made for water harvesting or for performing cultural rituals. This stepwell provided water to the people of Rajasthan in its arid and dry weather. Distance from Jaipur: 95km Nearby resorts: Chokhi Dhani Resort, Umaid Lake Palace, Hotel Fort Madhogarh Major attractions: The air remains 5-6 degrees cooler down the well. People marvel at its geometric construction and symmetry. Other places of interest in Abhaneri: Alwar, Bharatpur, Bundi, Harshat Mata Temple etc.

21. Tonk

Tonk is popular among tourists due to its history and is often called ‘The Lucknow of Rajasthan’. This small town of Jaipur was once built by the ‘Pathans’. The Nawab was a literature enthusiast and had set up a large library with Persian and Arabic manuscripts. Tonk is a cross-cultural town where you can witness a beautiful mixture of the Rajputana, Islamic and British architectural creativity. The main center of tourist attraction at Tonk is the Sunehri Kothi or the mansion of gold. Distance from Jaipur: 102km Popular resorts: Tordi Palace, Rajmahal Palace Hotel & Resort, Talabgaon Castle Heritage Resort. Major attractions: Sunehri Kothi with its enamel mirror-worked walls and ceilings Other places of interest in Tonk: Bisalpur temple, Rasiya ke Tekri, Hathi Bhata, Historical Ghanta Ghar, etc.