Dera Amer Elephant Safari

 

Jaipur is well known for its elephant rides, and this elephant safari is a thrilling way to explore the countryside around the city. Situated on a private estate in the green foothills behind Amber Fort, it enables visitors to get right away from the hustle and bustle. The safari ventures though villages, agricultural fields, hills, and ancient monuments. Many people take a safari before or after visiting Amber Fort, but night safaris are popular as well. If you wish, it's even possible to stay at the camp.

• Location: 20 minutes from Amber Fort, Jaipur.
• Cost: Around $130 per person for a morning safari, buffet lunch, beer and soft drinks. Inquire with the company for exact pricing.
• Opening Hours: Safaris run from morning to night.

Government Central (Albert Hall) Museum

 

This old and famous museum was modeled on the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Its collection includes portraits of local kings, costumes, woodcarvings, paintings, and arts and crafts. Unfortunately photography isn't allowed.

• Location: Ram Nivas Bagh, south of the Old City, Jaipur.
• Entry Cost: 30 rupees (60 cents) for foreigners.
• Opening Hours: 10 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. daily.

Jantar Mantar Observatory

Jantar Mantar, built by King Jai Singh II between 1727 and 1734, literally means "calculation instrument". More than just a curious collection of sculptures, each structure at the intriguing Jantar Mantar observatory has a specialized astronomical function. There are 14 structures in total, which measure time, predict eclipses, and track stars. The most impressive one is the huge Samrat Yantra sundial. At a height of 90 feet (27 meters), it has a shadow that moves roughly the width of a person's hand every minute. It's a profound display of how quickly time does in fact go!

• Location: Next to the City Palace, Jaipur.
• Entry Cost: 10 rupees (20 cents) plus 50 rupees ($1) for a camera.
• Opening Hours: 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. daily.

Markets and Shopping

 

Jaipur is an excellent place to shop and you'll find an enticing variety of goods available there. Some of the most popular items are precious gemstones, silver jewelry, bangles, clothes, blue pottery, and textiles. Don't miss these top 5 places to go shopping in Jaipur.

• Location: The main shopping area is M I Road.
• Opening Hours: Many shops are closed on Sundays.

Jaigarh Fort

 

The massive Jaigarh Fort was built in 1726 and holds great appeal for military lovers. Flanked by towering gateways and watchtowers, it contains the world's largest cannon on wheels. The cannon has never been fired though, and neither has the fort been captured. As a result the fort has remained intact over its long life, and is very well preserved. Infact, it's one of the best-preserved military structures of medieval India. Jaigarh doesn't have the delicate interiors of Amber Fort, and therefore appears as a real fortress. Climb the Diwa Burj watchtower to get an excellent view over the plains.

• Location: North of Jaipur, within walking distance of Amber Fort.
• Entry Cost: 50 rupees ($1).
• Opening Hours: 9 am to 4.30 p.m. daily.