Best Photo Spots in Jaipur

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India was just one of those countries that surprised me with its beauty. My most favorite city in India was no doubt, Jaipur — the capital of the state of Rajasthan. You may also have heard that Jaipur is known as the “Pink City,” as it was literally painted all pink back in the late 1870’s. Members of the British royal family visited India in 1876, and Maharaja Ram Singh of Jaipur painted the city pink as a welcome to the guests (pink is a color that symbolizes hospitality). Even today, everyone is still required to maintain the city’s pink color. Jaipur is home to some of the most stunning places you will visit in India, so here’s a list I compiled of the best photo spots in Jaipur you MUST check out when you’re exploring the Pink City. I have also included spots I researched but did not get to visit myself due to lack of time (but will definitely be back to explore in the future!)

Amer Fort — also known as the Amber Fort or Amber Palace, is in Amer, Rajasthan, just about 11 km out of Jaipur. This is perhaps the most known attraction in Jaipur, and it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The architecture within has both Hindu and Muslim influences, and it is nothing short of stunning. The fort is open daily from 8:30-5, and it will get super crowded, so make sure to go as early as possible. Because the fort is located on a hill, you will want to take a jeep ride up. Elephant rides are also available, but please do not contribute to this as they are not treated well and are abused. Also, bring water and perhaps a hat. Though India in general is very hot, I felt the heat maximized as we walked around the fort. With all the walking, you will want to stay hydrated.

2. Panna Meena ka Kund — located just about a 10 minute walk from Amer Fort (or you can just pay your jeep driver to make a stop here on the way to the fort), you have probably seen this stairwell a few times on Instagram. You are not actually allowed to walk down the steps — you will only be allowed on the top step. Despite all the photos you may have seen, those people most likely bribed the guards to be allowed to go further down.

4EB5F44B-7582-49D5-9AE2-E380131FB327 — Usually you will see photos on Instagram of people walking further down these steps, but unless you bribe the guard, you are only allowed on the top step.

3. Hanuman Temple — also known as the Monkey Temple, due to the large colony of monkeys you will find here. Hanuman Temple is a Hindu temple located a bit outside of the common tourist areas, which is why I was not able to visit, but I would suggest this as a half day excursion from Jaipur. You can also come here for a great sunset view!

4. Patrika Gate — sometimes overlooked, but definitely worth a visit! Located at the entrance of the Jawahar’s Circle entrance, it doesn’t look like much from the street, until you walk in and see a beautifully decorated walkway. This is one of Jaipur’s architectural wonders, as you will find the history of the city painted/decorated all over the gate.

Located just 30 minutes from the city center, you will probably find this spot empty or with a couple of people at the most. However, as I mentioned in a previous post, Indian people are always astonished when they see Westerners, so you will probably draw attention if you’re there taking photos for long (about 30 guys gathered in the walkway as they the twelve of us women having our own photoshoot, which of course was disrupted by them standing in our shots).

A629A1E7-E74D-4733-AB94-7DAF7302E557 — Before the crowds of men stopped in the walkway to stare at us.

5. Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace) — The Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of the Winds, is an iconic piece of architecture in Jaipur. The name comes from the 953 small windows built in to keep wind from blowing in the palace. The palace is a difficult spot to photograph as it’s in the middle of a busy street lined with markets and restaurants. However, if you do want a better view, many of the restaurants there have outdoor eating spaces with a higher view. We ate at the Tattoo Cafe, a spot with great food and a tattoo parlor (both ink and henna tattoos offered). Note: We were told the cafe is on top of a temple, so because of that they do not offer any kind of meat or poultry. If you’re here though, try their burgers. Instead of meat, they are made with potato patties and they are simply delicious!

9D9CB1F9-9615-4097-921C-52588B2688BF — View of the Wind Palace from the Tattoo Cafe rooftop

6. Bar Palladio — a classic Italian restaurant located with the gardens of a historic Jaipur palace. While I did not get to visit due to lack of time, the photos of this place are beautiful! It’s a lovely turquoise blue interior with a checkered floor. I’ve heard camera photos are not allowed though, so be prepared to use your cell phone.

_HJW0507 — Photo of interior from Bar Palladio’s website: https://www.bar-palladio.com/home

7. City Palace — Another popular spot in Jaipur, you’ve probably seen photos of the blue room. This room, along with others, are only available if you pay an additional $50. I skipped it for this time, but you still have access to the main hall, which is also stunning. Again, this spot will get extremely crowded, so if you’re not able to make it early, walk around. Most people stay in the center to get the common shot, but you can still get a great photo on the sides. Past the main hall are the famous four gates. Each represents a season as well as a hindu god. The most popular one is the Peacock Gate, but it is also the one that remains open, so the other three will be better for photos, as the doors are shut.

8. Umaid Bhawan Haveli — not a tourist attraction, but a place for you to consider staying. I had my accommodations already pre-booked through my tour, but after seeing the beautiful interior of this 4-star resort, I will definitely be staying here whenever I’m in Jaipur again.