Jaipur is a city that everyone knows about. People have taken pictures of Hawa Mahal.. Jaipur, the Pink City of Rajasthan has a hidden gems in Jaipur that are not known to many people. The real magic of Jaipur is in its streets old step-wells, temples that are falling apart and rooftop tea shops that you cannot find on Google Maps.
The only people who know about these places are the taxi drivers. They have been driving around these streets for a time. This guide will tell you about the hidden gems of Jaipur that only local taxi drivers know about.
Here are 10 secret places in Jaipur that you should visit.
1. Panna Meena Ka Kund
Panna Meena Ka Kund is a step-well that is hidden behind the crowds of Amer Fort. It is an old step-well that was built in the 16th century. It has a design with many stairs that go down deep into the earth. What makes it special is that it is not well known. It is not crowded with tourists.
You should visit Panna Meena Ka Kund at 7 or 8 in the morning when the sun’s not too bright. It is a place to take pictures because of its special design. You do not have to pay to visit this place but many people do not know about it so they walk past it.
If you ask your taxi driver to take you to “Amer ki baoli” he will know what you are talking about.
2. Galta Ji
Galta Ji is a temple that is hidden in a mountain gorge on the side of Jaipur. It is an old Hindu temple that has many sacred pools and temples. There are also wild monkeys that live in this area. The water from the spring is considered holy.
You should visit Galta Ji at sunrise to see the view from the top of the hill. There are seven pools that are filled with water from the natural spring. You can trek to the temple through the gorge, which’s very scenic.
3. Sisodia Rani Garden
Sisodia Rani Garden is an old garden that was built in 1728. It is a place with many fountains, paintings and peacocks. You can visit this garden on a weekday morning. Have the whole place to yourself.
The paintings on the garden walls are over 300 years old. Are still very colorful. You can see peacocks walking around the garden during the monsoon season. You can combine a visit to this garden with a visit to Vidyadhar Garden for a morning.
To explore the places you need a best Taxi Service in Jaipur who knows the city very well. At Cabs Rajasthan Tour our drivers are like guides who can take you to places that you would not find on your own.
4. Kanak Vrindavan Valley
Kanak Vrindavan Valley is a peaceful temple complex that is hidden at the base of the Aravalli Hills. It has a mountain backdrop and a pond filled with lotus flowers. Most tourists do not know about this place. It is very quiet.
The temple in this valley is very old. Was built in the 18th century. You can visit this place in the evening for a walk away from the city traffic. This valley is also a place for bird watching especially during the winter.
5. Bapu Bazars
Bapu Bazars Inner Lane is a place to try traditional Jaipur food. You can find restaurants that serve dal-baati-churma on steel plates for a very low price. This is a place to try authentic Jaipur food.
You should try pyaaz kachori with green chutney, which’s a traditional Jaipur breakfast. In the evening you can try mawa kachori soaked in sugar syrup which’s a local favorite. You should visit this place on a weekday morning to avoid the crowds.
If you ask your taxi driver “Don’t eat near Hawa Mahal it’s tourist pricing. Follow the chai smoke into the lanes.”
6. Surya Mandir
Surya Mandir is a sun temple that is located on a hill. You can see a view of Jaipur from the top of the hill at sunrise. This is a place to visit early in the morning.
It takes 25-30 minutes to climb to the top of the hill. The view from the top is one of the best in Jaipur. You should visit this place between October and March when the sky is clear.
7. Ramgarh Lake
Ramgarh Lake is a place to visit for a day trip from Jaipur. It is 35 kilometers from the city and is a great place for bird watching. The drive to the lake is very scenic. Goes through the Aravalli countryside.
You can see migratory birds at the lake between October and February. The old dam and the surrounding forest are very quiet and peaceful. This is a place to visit for a half-day trip from Jaipur.
8. Johari Bazars
Johari Bazars Gemstone Workshops are a place to see how gemstones are cut and polished. You can visit the workshops behind the showrooms. See the craftsmen at work. Many workshops offer entry and demonstrations.
You can buy gemstones directly from the workshops at a price than in the showrooms. You should visit the workshops on Tuesday to Friday mornings when the craftsmen are working.
9. Nahargarh Biological Park
Nahargarh Biological Park is a wildlife sanctuary that is located next to Nahargarh Fort. It is a place to see lions, tigers, leopards and bears in a natural habitat. You can take a tour of the park and see the animals up close.
The park is open every day except Monday. Closes at 5:30 PM. You can combine a visit to the park with a visit to Nahargarh Fort for a great day trip.
10. Isar Lat
Isar Lat is an old minaret that is hidden in the old city. It is a place to see a panoramic view of the city from the top. You can climb 150 steps to the top of the minaret. See the city from a different perspective.
The entry fee to the minaret is very low. You can ask your taxi driver to take you to “Swargasuli ka tower”. You should visit the minaret in the afternoon when the light is golden.
Jaipur is a city that has stories to tell. Every old lane, every forgotten garden and every hidden temple has a story that is waiting to be discovered. If you trust a taxi driver he can take you to places that you would not find on your own.
He can give you a relationship with the city that takes time to develop. Whether you are in Jaipur for a day or a week you should let the city surprise you. The best version of Jaipur is still waiting to be found. It is up, to you to discover it.