Colourful, chaotic and brimming with history, Rajasthan’s capital of Jaipur has been enthralling visitors for centuries. It is every bit as disorderly as India’s other major cities; traffic-clogged streets awash with autorickshaws and honking tuk-tuks, only here there are the added obstacles of lanky camels and plodding elephants dawdling through the labyrinthine streets of the Pink City.
It is known as the Pink City for a reason; to impress the visiting Prince Albert during his 1876 tour of India, the Maharaja (Sawai Ram Singh) decided to paint the whole city a shade of terracotta pink. Even today, 140 years later, a law still stands that makes it illegal for buildings to be daubed in any other shade.
The colour of the city certainly makes it one of the countries most photogenic destinations, but as do the remnants of Jaipur’s royal heritage. Amongst the mayhem of the city lie palaces, forts and gardens that are little islands of opulent beauty and tranquillity. This may be why Jaipur is becoming an increasingly popular destination for those hoping to capture the perfect Instagram shot. If you’re anything like me, not a day goes by without you seeing dozens of images of Jaipur as you scroll through your Instagram feed. Here are my favourite photography spots in the city:
Hawa Mahal
One of Jaipur’s most iconic and distinctive landmarks, the Hawa Mahal was constructed in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh as a way to allow ladies of the royal household to watch life on the streets below without being seen themselves. The five-storey tall honeycomb hive facade consists of 953 latticework windows for the ladies’ viewing pleasure. This famous perspective of the palace is actually on the rear side facing the main road, meaning that getting a shot through the traffic can be tough. I would recommend heading across the street to the rooftop of the Wind View Cafe where you can sip a coffee with an uninterrupted view of the Hawa Mahal.
Panna Meena Ka Kund Step Well
Panna Meena Ka Kund has become something of an internet darling as of late. It doesn’t feel like a single day goes by without me seeing a dozen photos of it cropping up in my Instagram feed. Built in the 16th century as a way of collecting the monsoon rains, the stepwell was a centre point for the community, used as a water source, bathing pool and for washing clothes. The geometric staircases are a stunning combination of ingenious Indian engineering and architectural beauty, making it a perfect backdrop for your Instagram snaps. To find the well, you will have to travel a fair way out of Jaipur’s centre to the town of Amer. However, it is just a 10-15 minute walk from the hilltop Amber fort so I recommend hitting up both spots in one trip. The well is free to enter but you may encounter an over-zealous security guard attempting to charge 100-200 rupees to unsuspecting tourists.
Jal Mahal
It says a lot about the sheer quantity of beautiful buildings on display in Jaipur that the Jal Mahal, or ‘Water Palace’, isn’t overrun with visitors peering across Man Sagar Lake in the hope of glimpsing it. In any other city, it would be the main tourist draw. At the moment, the palace is undergoing extensive renovations meaning that it cannot be accessed but it is worth stopping off on the road between Jaipur and Amer to take a look and capture a few photographs.
Jawahar Circle Garden
Jawahar Circle Garden is another location that has become Instafamous as of late. It seems that every one that is anyone in the blogosphere just has to capture an image of themselves nonchalantly frolicking through its brightly coloured archway and concourse in a billowing dress and floppy-rimmed hat. Believe it or not, this isn’t an opulent palace, tomb, or one of Rajasthan’s many magnificent forts but the inside of Jawahar Circle Garden’s entrance gate. While the park is nice for a 10-minute stroll, I very much doubt that many people would visit if it wasn’t for the thousands of Instagram images snapped in this corridor. In fact, it was so busy when I visited that I had to wait for around 15 minutes in a queue of photographers just to get a clear shot. What you can’t see in this image are the dozens of other Instagrammers hiding behind the pillars, waiting their turn.
City Palace
Jawahar Circle Garden is another location that has become Instafamous as of late. It seems that every one that is anyone in the blogosphere just has to capture an image of themselves nonchalantly frolicking through its brightly coloured archway and concourse in a billowing dress and floppy-rimmed hat. Believe it or not, this isn’t an opulent palace, tomb, or one of Rajasthan’s many magnificent forts but the inside of Jawahar Circle Garden’s entrance gate. While the park is nice for a 10-minute stroll, I very much doubt that many people would visit if it wasn’t for the thousands of Instagram images snapped in this corridor. In fact, it was so busy when I visited that I had to wait for around 15 minutes in a queue of photographers just to get a clear shot. What you can’t see in this image are the dozens of other Instagrammers hiding behind the pillars, waiting their turn.
If you want to add a little more individuality and magic to your grid, you will have to pay the eye-watering extra 2,500 RS (around £27.50) for entrance to the palace’s most impressive rooms. I couldn’t justify the expense but for that price, you will get a personal guide, a cup of chai in a private courtyard, and an entrance to the palace gardens.
Nahargarh Fort
Built in 1734, Nahargarh Fort stands high above the northern limits of Jaipur, casting an imposing shadow over the city. The fort was originally named Sudarshangarh, but it became known as Nahargarh, which means ‘abode of tigers’. Local legend says that the fort was named for Nahar Singh, a dead prince whose spirit was thought to be disrupting construction only sated once a temple was built within the grounds. While the labyrinthine corridors and maze of courtyards within the fort itself are impressive, the main attraction is the view of the city from the ramparts. Climb atop for the perfect Instagram shot, although I have to warn you that it is not encouraged and guards will quickly tell you to hop down.
Cafe & Bar Palladio
Bar Palladio describes itself as a place that delights in fantasy, a candle-lit wonderland and a floating world. Owned by Barbara Miolini and designed by Dutch designer Marie-Anne Oudejans, Bar Palladio sits beside the Narain Niwas Palace Hotel and spreads out into the daringly restored garden belvedere. Wander amongst the peacocks and tented pavilions and through the doors into a cobalt blue dreamland that appears to be modelled on the City Palace’s summer room, although the owner claims that the decor is inspired by the iconic Caffé Florian and Harry’s Bar in Venice. Either way, it really is an enchanting place to come for an early evening cocktail. The bar itself opens at 6 pm but tables fill fast. I recommend arriving at opening or pre-booking.
Both the Cafe and bar have been subject to features in Vogue, CN Traveller and National Geographic Traveller due to their beauty.
Amber Fort
The Amber Fort is not only Jaipur’s most popular tourist attraction, it is also one of the most magnificent buildings in all of Rajasthan. Built with pink and yellow sandstone then embellished with white marble floors and walls, it is infinitely photogenic, especially as the sun fades on an evening, giving the whole fortress an orange and pink hue. The best photographs can be taken from the winding road up to the main entrance and from Jaleb Chowk (Main Courtyard) where you can pose in front of the imposing silver doors on the staircase leading to the main palace.
One Response
Jaipur is my native place. So I have the special attachment with Pink City. I also want to add more Amer Fort in this list. Thanks for the sharing Dave.
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