The Jaipur Literature Festival is around the corner, with a mix of online and offline events that stretch across 10 days — in a series of on-ground events in India’s Pink City and on their website. If you’re looking for a break amid the pandemic and planning on visiting JLF, we suggest you explore the beautiful sights the city has to offer. These hidden gems in Jaipur are what you should give a shot! By Anushka Goel
Jaipur as a city has an unmatched charm. Built almost 300 years ago, the city has seen a history of rulers, each adding their own bit to the expanse of the Pink City, the most notable being by Sawai Ram Singh, who painted the entire city pink to welcome Albert Edward, the then Prince of Wales, in 1876. Pink was said to be the colour of hospitality. To impress the royalty, Sawai Ram Singh painted the entire city a dusty-hued pink – a terracotta shade durable across weathers.
The hue of the pink was such that Jaipur got the name Pink City, and even today, its streets are lined with pink-hued gates, markets, homes and more. Not only colour, but these pink-hued walls also add a certain charm to the vibe of the city, which is a mix of heritage, culture and modernity. So, if we’ve convinced you enough to visit the city, we suggest you check out these hidden gems in Jaipur the next time you visit!
7 hidden gems in and around Jaipur
Galta Temple
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Filled with numerous natural springs or ‘kunds’, the temple is constructed with pink sandstones. Nestled amid the hills, the Galta Ji temple makes for a beautiful place to go sightseeing, as the expanse of scenery will leave you wanting more! The place is also called the ‘Monkey Temple’ because of the abundance of monkeys here.
Distance from Jaipur: 12 kilometres
Panna Meena Ka Kund
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Located next to the Amer (Amber) Fort, Panna Meena Ka Kund is a square stepwell that was used in earlier times to store and use water. The place has steps on all its sides (hence, a stepwell), as well as a small room on the northern side, said to have been used for weddings and religious ceremonies. Today, the place is a picturesque spot that has no entry ticket. Ask any local to point you in its direction and enjoy a quiet evening there.
Distance from Jaipur: 14 kilometres
Chandlai Lake
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Another hidden gem in Jaipur is Chandlai Lake. A calm, serene spot, Chandlai Lake is located on Tonk Road and is about 140 years old. It makes for a great picnic spot with your loved ones, and if you’re a birdwatching enthusiast, you will surely not be disappointed with the variety of species you find here! Come here throughout the year, sit back, and soak in the quietness as you spend time with your friends and family or simply introspect.
Distance from Jaipur: 31 kilometres
Jawahar Kala Kendra
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If you’re a lover of art and culture, you’ll definitely enjoy your time at the Jawahar Kala Kendra. A place where art lovers and artists meet, the Kendra is often buzzing with events, musical nights and more, while its various rooms and galleries are mostly filled with displays and exhibitors.
Distance from Jaipur: 6.4 kilometres
Garh Ganesh Temple
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An 18th-century temple located in Jaipur, Garh Ganesh is one of the hidden gems in the city that are a must-visit if you are in town. Nestled comfortably atop the Aravallis, it is believed that the temple houses Ganesha as a child – Purushakriti. A long climb up the hills, the elderly may find it a bit tough to reach the top, but the beautiful views you encounter once up are worth all the effort you put in!
Distance from Jaipur: 6.5 kilometres
Kanota Dam
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Among the beautiful places that one must visit in Jaipur includes the Kanota Dam. A calm, serene spot, the dam offers some beautiful views of the water, letting a sense of calm wash over you as you sit by the water and relax. You can also spot birds here, and watch people cycle through the terrain if you’re here early in the morning or visiting in the evening. What’s more, the place is a delight to visit during the monsoons and is a photographer’s paradise.
Distance from Jaipur: 27 kilometres
Abhaneri
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A historical town close to Jaipur, this hidden gem will definitely leave you in awe! The Chand Baori (a stepwell) located here is what makes Abhaneri (the city of brightness) special, with its massive structure and breathtaking beauty. Over the course of history, the region of Abhaneri has been ruled by several rulers — Chahamanas of Shakambhari, Mahmud of Ghazni, the Mughals, and the Marathas — before it became a part of Jaipur. About two hours from the city, it makes for a great place to spend the day at.
Distance from Jaipur: 90 kilometres
Hero and Featured Image: Courtesy of Aditya Siva/Unsplash
Related: Your Guide To Experiencing The Best Of Udaipur In 48 Hours
