Jaipur Hidden Gems: 5 Places that Most Tourists Never Find

In Jaipur, everywhere you go, you are compelled to make your way through a sea of tourists visiting from around the world. To make things worse, some popular places (such as Amer Fort, Patrika Gate, and Albert Hall Museum) are overrun by pre-wedding photography groups. Time and again, you will be annoyed and exasperated and want to throw your hands up in the air. At some point, you will feel dejected when all your plans go awry, thanks to the hordes of visitors.

Given Jaipur’s fame around the world as the Pink City of India, such a massive crowd is not surprising though. The popular historical monuments of Jaipur are teeming with visitors, no matter how early you go in the morning. Most tourists stick to the famous landmarks such as Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, and City Palace. However, Jaipur is a treasure trove of heritage edifices and has a few lesser-known wonders. These hidden gems of Jaipur are also architectural marvels, minus the crowd. They will enchant you with their intricate patterns and serene corners.

In this blog, we have discussed 5 of Jaipur’s offbeat attractions that most tourists never visit. These are truly hidden gems of Jaipur which only a handful explore. Bookmark this guide for your next trip to Jaipur!

Panna Meena Ka Kund:

This 16th-century stepwell is tucked away near the Amer Fort, barely a 5-minute drive. Yet, while the Amer Fort is teeming with zillions of tourists, the Panna Meena Ka Kund remains virtually deserted. In all likelihood, you will be the solitary visitor here and have the stepwell all to yourself!

Hidden in plain sight, this stepwell is a fascinating specimen of Rajasthan’s architectural ingenuity. It features perfectly symmetrical steps in a crisscross pattern that creates an optical illusion. It is believed that you can descend the steps from one side, but you must return the same way as no two staircases align! Talk about being an architectural enigma! A fine blend of artistry and practicality, it was built not only as a water reservoir but also as a rendezvous for the locals.

According to the local legend, this stepwell was built by an eunuch named Panna Meena, who was also a treasurer of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Hence the name.

• Timing: The stepwell remains open from 7 AM to 6 PM.
• Tickets: Entry is free here, thus making it a budget-friendly attraction.
• Time required: Half an hour.
• Pro-tip:
• Best time to visit is early morning and late afternoon.
• For photography, visit in the early morning and try capturing the stepwell from above for a hypnotic symmetrical shot of the zigzag pattern.
• At present, going down the step-well is strictly prohibited. Security guards remain sternly vigil here.
• Club your visit to the Amer Fort with this underrated gem of Jaipur.

Jagat Shiromani Temple:

Much like the Panna Meena Ka Kund, this exquisite temple is nestled near the Amer Fort but is oft-overlooked by visitors. It was built between 1599 to 1608 CE. Queen Kankawati, the consort of Raja Man Singh I, commissioned this temple in memory of their son, Jagat Singh.

The temple is dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu, Shree Krishna, and Meera Bai. It is one of the few temples devoted to the poet-saint Meera Bai. Devotees believe that the temple houses the very idol of Lord Krishna that Meera Bai herself worshipped in Mewar. The idol was later secretly transported to Amer to save it from the impending Mughal invasions.

The temple is an exemplary model of the fusion of Hindu and Rajput architectural styles, marked by its beautifully carved stone pillars, ornate ceilings and meticulously designed courtyards.

• Timings: The temple’s door remains open every day from 6 AM to 8 PM.
• Tickets: No ticket is required here. However, a fee is charged for videography.
• Time required: An hour.
• Pro-tip:
• Best time to visit is early morning for a peaceful experience.
• For photography, visit in the early morning and during sunset. Capture the beautiful gateway and intricate sculptures.
• Combine your visit with Amer Fort and Panna Meena Ka Kund for an offbeat Jaipur experience.

Galtaji Temple:

Surrounded by the rugged Aravalli Hill, Galtaji is venerated as one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimages of Rajasthan. It is comprised of numerous temples, which look more like royal palaces than traditional temples, and ‘kund’ or holy tanks which never run dry even during peak summer months.

Galtaji is fondly called the ‘Monkey Temple’ for the large colony of playful monkeys living here.

Believed to be 500 years old, the Galtaji Temple was built by Diwan Rao Kriparam, a courtier of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. According to legends, the renowned saint Galav meditated here for centuries. It is also believed that the poet-saint Tulsidas wrote a few sections of Ramcharitmanas in this temple.

• Timings: Galtaji remains open every day from 5 AM to 9 PM.
• Tickets: No entry fee required.
• Time required: More than an hour.
• Pro-tip:
• Best time to visit is early morning (to bask in the tranquillity of the temple) and sunset (when the temples look resplendent).
• For photography, visit during sunrise and sunset. The Surya Temple above offers spectacular sunrise views of Jaipur.
• Keep your belongings (such as spectacles, sunglasses, mobile phones, and cameras) close to yourself as the monkeys are quite mischievous here.

Gaitore Ki Chhatriyan:

You may find yourself lost in the flood of tourists in Jaipur’s top attractions such as City Palace and Hawa Mahal. But here in Gaitore Ki Chhatriyan, you will be welcomed with serenity. In spite of being a prime historic attraction of Jaipur, the royal cenotaphs stay forlorn. If you are seeking quietude after a whirlwind day exploring Jaipur, visit the Chhatriyan in the late afternoon and relish a few moments of peace.

Hidden near the walls of Jaipur city, this royal cemetery is home to the cenotaphs of the Kachwaha kings. The word ‘Gaitore’ is perhaps derived from the phrase ‘gaye ka thor’ which means ‘resting place for the departed’.

The courtyard of this royal memorial site is divided into three parts, with the chhatri of Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur, standing in the centre. The chhatris feature fine Rajasthani carvings and Mughal-inspired domes. The cenotaph of Jai Singh II is hands down the most spectacular of all, decorated with floral carvings and peacock motifs.

• Timings: Open every day from 10 AM to 6-30 PM.
• Tickets: The entry fee is just INR 30.
• Time required: An hour or so.
• Pro-tip:
• Best time to visit is at sunset.
• For photography, visit during the late afternoon and sunset as the marble-made chhatris look exceptional during this time.
• You can pair your visit to the cenotaphs with Galtaji Temple, which is just a short drive away.

Maharaniyon Ki Chhatriyan:

This is another hidden gem, tucked away on the Jaipur-Amer Road and secluded from the tourists. While Gaitore Ki Chhatriyan is reserved for the kings of Jaipur, this complex is reserved as the final resting place of the queens of Jaipur.

The domed cenotaphs are specimens of assimilation of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles and are characterized by delicate lattice works, ornate domes, and elegant floral motifs. The level of detailing on each cenotaph reflects the status of the queen it was built for—the grander the structure, the more prominent the queen. Some cenotaphs have half-burnt pillars, symbolizing the queens who committed Sati or self-immolation after their king’s death.

The cenotaph of Maharani Gayatri Devi is also situated here.

• Timings: Open every day from 10 AM to 6 PM.
• Tickets: Entry is INR 30.
• Time required: An hour.
• Pro-tip:
• Best time to visit is late afternoon.
• For photography, late afternoon is perfect for the soft lights.

Important FAQs:

Where is Jaipur located?

Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan, lying in the north-eastern part of this incredible state. Jaipur is located at a distance of 295 km from New Delhi.

How can I reach Jaipur?

By flight: Jaipur is well-connected with other metro cities in India. You can catch daily flights from New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Gwalior, and Ahmedabad.

By train: The train is another convenient option for reaching Jaipur. From Delhi, you can board 20978 Vande Bharat Express, 12986 Jaipur AC Double Decker Express, 12958 Swarna Jayanti Rajdhani Express, and 12015 Shatabdi Express; from Kolkata, there are 12987 Ajmer SF Express, 12307 Jodhpur SF Express, and 22307 Bikaner SF Express; from Mumbai, options are 12955 Jaipur SF Express and 12977 Marusagar SF Express.

What is the best time to visit Jaipur?

Since Jaipur is close to the Thar Desert, it becomes unbearably hot during the summer months. Temperature soars beyond 40 degrees Celsius, thus making it difficult to explore the pink city. It is best to completely avoid the summer (April to September).

Thus, the best time to visit Jaipur is winter (December to February). The temperature remains moderate and pleasant, perfect for visiting Jaipur’s forts and palaces. Needless to say, this is also the peak tourist season. You will find the attractions overcrowded and prices steep.

The shoulder months (October, November, and March) are also suitable, though the weather remains warm in general.

Where can I stay in Jaipur?

From luxurious heritage hotels to budget-friendly stays, Jaipur has it all.

• Heritage Hotels: If you want to soak yourself in the royal vibe of Jaipur, stay in Rambagh Palace, Samode Haveli, and Jai Mahal Palace.
• 5-Star Hotels: All the 5-star hotel chains have their hotels in Jaipur, such as The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur Mariott Hotel, The Lalit, Radisson Blu, and Hilton.
• Mid-range Hotels: There are numerous mid-range hotels in Jaipur such as Parkota Haveli, Pandya Niwas, Rajputana Haveli, and Haveli Kalwara.
• Budget Hotels: If you are looking for a budget stay, Jaipur has a handful of hostels and homestays such as Zostel Jaipur, Sunrise Guest House, Artbuzz Jaipur, Aura Homestay, The Hosteller Jaipur, Pachamama Hostel.
• We stayed in Hotel Gandharva, located just beside the Chandpole Metro Station and Police Barrack. We selected this hotel given its proximity to the Hawa Mahal, City Palace, and the old city. You can reserve hotels from Booking.com.

Where to eat in Jaipur?

Relish on Jaipur’s delicacies such as Dal Bati Churma (baked wheat rolls served with savoury dal & sweet Churma), Laal Maas (a fiery mutton curry prepared with Mathania chillies), Ghevar (a honeycomb-like disc-shaped sweet topped with dry fruits), and Pyaaz Kachori (onion-filled kachori served with tangy chutney). Chow down the delicacies with a glass of thick lassi.

Head to 1135 AD inside Amer Fort, Baradari inside City Palace, Suvarna Mahal, and Bar Palladio for a fine dining experience dipped with touches of royalty. If you want to enjoy your food with spectacular views of the Hawa Mahal, go to The Tattoo Café and Wind View Café. If you are craving South Indian food, Annapoornam is the best place to go. For a typical Rajasthani experience, visit Chokhi Dhani.

Also, don’t forget to relish the street foods, such as Mirchi Vada, Aloo Boonda, and Kulfi Falooda, at Masala Chowk and Bapu Bazar.

How to travel in Jaipur?

Jaipur has metro connectivity. This is the cheaper and more convenient mode of transportation given the city’s crazy traffic. Try staying near a metro station to travel with ease. Most of the top attractions are located near the Badi Chaupar, Choti Chaupar, and Chandpole metro stations.

Auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws are also suitable for Jaipur’s chaotic and busy traffic. For a unique experience, book an e-rickshaw from Pink City Rickshaw driven by women from low-income households.

App cabs, such as Uber and Ola, are widely available in Jaipur.

Jaipur also has a bus service. We won’t suggest taking a bus for travelling inside the city. However, you can opt for the bus to travel to Amer. AC/Non-AC buses run every day from Hawa Mahal to Amer Fort at intervals of 10 minutes; tickets are also cheap, INR 15 and 10 respectively.

What to pack for Jaipur?

Being one of the top tourist destinations of India which attracts scores of foreign visitors, the overall mood of Jaipur is quite chilled out. There is no restricted dress code as such. However, refrain from undeterred skin shows such as shorts and miniskirts. Off-shoulders and crop tops are good to go, though keep a stole for wrapping yourself when required. It is best to opt for flowy dresses and skirts (for that perfect twirl), and salwar suits. Don’t forget to pack the most vibrant of your clothes and accessories, as Rajasthan is a riot of colours.

Safety tips for Jaipur:

Overall, Jaipur is safe for travelling. The locals are friendly and helpful. Exercise normal precautions as you would do while visiting any other place.

Which of these hidden gems in Jaipur would you love to explore first? Share your thoughts (and experiences) in the comments and tag us on Instagram.