Day 6: Self-Guided Tour of Amber Palace and Hawa Mahal, Jaipur | India Purple Travel Guide

Today is your only full day in Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan and the iconic Pink City.

This day is packed with magnificent fortress complexes, royal residences, and some of the world's most intricate architecture. To maximize your time, we have structured this day to begin with the grand hill fortresses outside the city walls and end in the bustling heart of the old city. Be ready for an early start, the earlier you arrive at the first stop, the better you can beat the crowds.

Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we promote self-guided walking tours.
But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the GuruWalk and Viator tours below.

Why Jaipur Is the Pink City

In 1876, Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh ordered the entire Old City to be painted a uniform terracotta pink to welcome the Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII) and Queen Victoria. Pink is traditionally considered the color of hospitality in Rajasthani culture. This tradition proved so popular that a municipal law was passed to enforce the continued painting of the buildings in the Old City in this color, and that mandate continues to this day.

Jaipur Tourist Composite Ticket: Is It Right for You?

(government_website)

Jaipur offers a Tourist Composite Ticket (sometimes called the Jaipur Monuments Ticket), which grants convenient, two-day access to many of the city's top historic sites.
While this ticket offers excellent value for anyone who plans to spend 2 or more days in Jaipur, it is NOT suitable if you follow our tight, one-day itinerary.

What the Composite Ticket Covers

The ticket is a good deal for anyone planning a longer stay. It provides single entry to all monuments and gardens under the management of the Government of Rajasthan's Department of Archaeology and Museums.
The key attractions included are:

• Amber Palace (Amer Fort)

• Albert Hall Museum (Central Museum)

• Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds)

• Isarlat

• Jantar Mantar (The Royal Observatory)

• Nahargarh Fort (Overlooking the city)

• Sisodia Rani Garden

• Jaipur Metro Kala Deergha

• Vidyadhar Garden

The ticket is valid for two consecutive days from the date of purchase, and costs ₹1,100 for foreigners (at the time of writing) if you buy it from the government website; other places may charge higher fees.

Why It Does Not Fit a One-Day Itinerary

Our Day 6 itinerary is already optimized to cover the essential highlights of Jaipur in a single day: Amber, City Palace, Hawa Mahal (exterior), and Panna Meena ka Kund.
For this structured, single-day trip, we advise buying individual tickets only for Amber Palace, City Palace, and Panna Meena ka Kund Stepwell. This ensures you spend your money only on the sites you can comfortably visit and avoids the pressure of trying to use a two-day pass in just one.

Amber Palace: The Magnificent Hilltop Citadel

(map, reviews, website)

The day begins with a transfer to Amber Palace, located 7 miles (11 kilometers) outside of Jaipur.
Please be advised that no Uber or taxi driver in Jaipur will agree to a one-way trip to Amber Fort or a one-way pick-up from there. They will always insist on a round-trip fare where they wait for you and bring you back to Jaipur. This is due to the heavy traffic and the long time it, takes to get there.
Therefore, hire a driver (taxi or Uber) and be prepared to pay cash. Our advice is to hire the driver for the whole day. Agree on the price in advance.

The magnificent Amber Palace (Amer Fort) is a massive, stunning citadel perched high on a hill overlooking Maota Lake. Built from pale yellow and pink sandstone, this fortress is a masterpiece that perfectly blends Mughal and Rajput architectural styles. It served as the primary residence for the Rajput rulers before the capital moved down to Jaipur city.

The palace's grandeur, from its imposing exterior walls to the intricate artistry inside, is mesmerizing. It’s the sheer size and the layers of history that make exploring Amber Fort on your own an entire morning adventure.

Why Amber Palace is the Centerpiece of Day 6:

• Architectural Wonder: Don't miss the famed Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), a chamber covered floor-to-ceiling in mosaic mirrors.

• Epic Views: Enjoy stunning, sprawling views of the surrounding hills, the lake, and the fortifications.

• Self-Guided Discovery: The vast complex, courtyards, and hidden passages are perfect for independent exploration at your own pace.

Ready to unlock the fortress? Click here for our detailed Amber Palace guide, including the best time to arrive, how to navigate the complex on a self-guided route, and the full history of the Rajput Maharajas!

Geometric Oasis: Panna Meena ka Kund Stepwell

(map, reviews)

Just a short walk or drive from the magnificent Amber Palace, you will stumble upon the peaceful, symmetrical beauty of Panna Meena ka Kund Stepwell. While it may not be as enormous as Chand Baori (seen on Day 5), this 16th-century stepwell is perfectly preserved and equally stunning in its geometric design.

With its precise zig-zagging staircases descending nine stories to the cool water below, the kund (stepwell) historically served as a vital community space for water harvesting and a cool refuge for socializing during the scorching summers. Its square perimeter and tiered corners make it an absolute favorite for photographers.

Why Panna Meena ka Kund is a Must-See:

• Photographic Symmetry: The colorful backdrop and razor-sharp geometric steps offer some of the most unique photo opportunities in Jaipur.

• Easy Access: Its location right near the Amber Fort makes it an easy, quick, and rewarding stop on your self-guided tour.

• History of Water: Witness the ancient, ingenious methods the Rajputs used to manage and conserve water resources.

Ready to capture the perfect symmetry? Click here for our detailed Panna Meena ka Kund guide, including photography tips, its exact location relative to Amber Fort, and its social history!

Mystery on the Water: Jal Mahal (Lake Palace)

(map, reviews)

One of Jaipur's most photographed, yet most mysterious, sights is the stunning Jal Mahal (Water Palace). This elegant palace appears to float serenely in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. While five stories tall, only the top floor remains visible above the water, giving it an ethereal and captivating appearance.

Though visitors cannot currently go inside the palace itself, the beauty lies in its location and the atmosphere of the surrounding promenade. It's a perfect spot to pause, take photographs, and appreciate the tranquil contrast to the bustling Pink City streets.

Why You Should Stop for Jal Mahal:

• Ethereal Beauty: The reflection of the pale palace on the lake, especially during the golden hour, makes for incredible photos.

• Architectural Intrigue: Learn about the massive engineering project required to build a palace designed to withstand water inundation.

• Relaxing Break: Take a self-guided stroll along the promenade and soak in the peaceful views before heading into the main city palaces.

Want to learn the secrets of the palace beneath the water? Click here for our detailed Jal Mahal guide, including its full history, the best time of day for photography, and tips for finding the ideal viewing spot!

Royal Heart of the Pink City: City Palace

(map, reviews, website)

Dive into the opulent heart of Jaipur at the City Palace, a vast complex that uniquely serves as both a public museum and the official residence of the Jaipur Royal Family today. This palace offers an unparalleled glimpse into the lavish lifestyle and administrative genius of the Maharajas.

The City Palace is a kaleidoscope of gardens, courtyards, and museum sections. While the sheer history is compelling, the modern fame rests on its stunning, highly photogenic gates—especially the four intricately painted Pritam Niwas Chowk gates, each representing a different season.

Why City Palace is Essential on Your Tour:

• Living History: Stand in a palace that is still partly occupied by royalty, offering a blend of historic grandeur and modern relevance.

• Architectural Gems: Seek out the famous Peacock Gate (Leheriya) and the other seasonal doors—a true masterpiece of Rajput artistry.

• Self-Guided Exploration: The complex contains multiple small museums and residential areas, allowing you to tailor your discovery to your interests.

Want to find the famous gates? Click here for our detailed City Palace guide, including ticket information, a map of the complex, and the specific history behind each of the breathtaking courtyards and gates!

Iconic Facade: Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds)

(map, reviews, website)

The Hawa Mahal is arguably the most recognizable landmark of the Pink City. This five-story palace, built from red and pink sandstone, is famous for its towering, honeycomb-like facade, featuring 953 tiny lattice windows.

Its name, the Palace of the Winds, reflects its ingenious design: the small windows were meant to allow royal ladies—who were required to observe purdah (face coverings)—to watch the city’s life, festivals, and processions unseen from the street below. Furthermore, the design ensures a constant, cooling breeze flows through the inner chambers, making it an architectural marvel of climate control.

Why Hawa Mahal is the Perfect Finale:

• Iconic View: Capture the ultimate Jaipur photo of the pink, intricately carved exterior from the street or the surrounding cafes.

• Architectural Genius: Discover the science behind the tiny windows and how they functioned as a natural air conditioning system.

• History of Seclusion: Learn about the fascinating social context of royal life that led to the creation of this stunning screen.

Want to find the best viewing spot? Click here for our detailed Hawa Mahal guide, including the ideal time for photography, a walking route to the best café view, and the history behind this iconic monument!

Where do you want to go now?

Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel

Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.

Other popular Purple Travel Guides you may be interested in:

Like this Backpack and Snorkel Purple Travel Guide? Pin these for later: