JAIPUR WITH KIDS in 2016:

Visiting jaipur with kids is a great idea. The beautiful Pink City, Jaipur is full of beautiful monuments and are a fine sample of Indian architecture. The monuments form a great part of Indian history and culture and hence visiting jaipur can be a great and fun learning experience.
There are a lot of interesting things to do in Jaipur with kids of all ages. Little Babies and toddlers can see the monkeys at Monkey Temple and have fun. Children can have a blast with the village fair kind of experience at Chokhi Danhi. Teenagers will find the astronomical instruments at Jantar Mantar absolutely fascinating.

MUST SEE THINGS WITH KIDS:

DAY1:

A visit to Amber Fort & Palace is a must do in while in Jaipur with kids. Amber was the ancient capital of the state of Dhundhar. Its construction began in the 11th century and further enhancements were made gradually from time to time. It is a magnificent blend of Rajput and Muslim architecture. Amber fort is one of the most well preserved forts in India and even after centuries remain glorious. Once upon a time it was the palace where the Rajput Maharajas and their families lived.

At the entrance to the palace there is a beautiful temple dedicated to Sila Devi. The Amber Fort is an opulent palace complex made of red sandstone and marble. It consists of the Diwan-e-Aam meaning the "Hall of Public Audience", the Diwan-e-Khas meaning the "Hall of Private Audience", the Sheesh Mahal (a gorgeous mirror palace)/ Jai Mandir, and the Sukh Niwas where a cool climate is artificially created by winds that blow over the water cascading within the palace.
Amber is a must add to your Jaipur sightseeing itinerary. It lights up magnificently at night, making jaipur even more beautiful. You can take an audio guide to better understand the structures and history. Also in the evenings there is a light and sound show that has amber as the backdrop and is a must attend to know more about the heritage and history.

AMBER FORT

ELEPHANTS @ AMBER

MUST CARRY: loads of water, a comfortable pair of walking shoes, hat, sunscreen lotion and sunglasses!

Please note there are lots of nooks and corners to explore in Amber. There are lots of stairs and balconies, so if you are travelling with a baby or toddler its best to use a baby knapsack, stroller will not be a very good idea. It is best to explore AMBER with a guide who would give you an interesting insight into this beautiful place. Children would love riding a decorated elephant to Amber!

Timings:
Opening Hours: 8.00 a.m. -17.30 p.m.
Entry Fee (In Indian Rupees):
Indian : 25

Foreigner: 200
Tel: 2530293 

Elephant Ride: For two persons approx Rs. 900/- Ride is available for one way only.

How to Reach: The fort entrance is reached by walking up the hill, going in a jeep, or taking a Elephant ride.

JAIGARH FORT: This rugged fort is also known as Victory Fort and houses the largest canon on Wheels in the world- Jaibaan. The kids will be fascinated by the huge canon and will also can get some gorgeous views of jaipur from jaigarh. Many movies are shot here, concerts held here and weddings hosted year after year.

JAIGARH FORT

JAIGARH FORT

CITY PALACE OF JAIPUR: The City palace is a great mix of traditional Rajasthani & Mughal Architecture. Within the City Palace, the kids can see the textile and costume museum, arms and armour museum, art gallery and hall of public and private audience. Please Note: The City Palace and S.M.S II Museum. Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Again they have great audio guides in many languages and it makes a lot of sense to take one and then tour the palace. Read more about City Palace on my tripadvisor review page: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g304555-d324468-r25078887-City_Palace_of_Jaipur-Jaipur_Rajasthan.html

JANTAR MANTAR

JANTAR MANTAR: is an 18th century Observatory and is a must see monuments with kids and teenagers. It is filled with astronomical instruments. Be sure to hire a guide (available at the entrance) to explain these instruments to your family. The architecture is very interesting and its a great learning /educational experience for kids. There are audio guides available at the ticket counter in various languages, must take one if you are not taking a guide otherwise nothing will make sense!

After Jantar Mantar you may want to take the kids for a fun experience in one of the many bazaars. BAPU BAZAAR- linking road is easy and fun with Kids. You can buy puppets, handicraft, Jutties and even get Henna tattoos done for the kids. 

BAPU BAZAAR

 This has been a hectic day so better to stay in for the night. Order room service and have a long sleep.

DAY 2
ALBERT HALL: The Albert hall- The Central Museum-Jaipur- open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. is a must see with kids in jaipur. Albert Hall is the oldest museum of the state and functions as the State museum of Rajasthan. The building is situated in Ram Niwas Garden and is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. The building was designed by Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob and was opened to public in 1887. Photography strictly prohibited inside. A must see when visiting Jaipur; The museum has a rich collection of artefacts like paintings, carpets, ivory, stone, metal sculptures, colourful crystal works etc.

ALBERT HALL

BIRLA MANDIR: Also known as Laxmi Narayan Temple is a new temple, built entirely of marble; this is a showcase of the skill of the maisons and the sculptors. The Temple is hand carved and is a fine example of workmanship. Kids can get a glimpse of Hindu religion and spirituality while visiting this place.

BIRLA MANDIR

 
ALICE GARG NATIONAL SEASHELL MUSEUM: A visit to the Shell Museum is a nice break from the temples, palaces and forts when travelling with children. It is home to a collection of 3000 shells including some extremely rare ones. Kids will love checking out the crazy shapes and colors of shells. This is a very unique thing to do with kids while in Jaipur.


GALTAJI MONKEY TEMPLE: If you are a Non-Indian National then you may visit the Monkey Temple. Head to Monkey Temple early in the morning or at sundown, this is when the monkeys are most active. The ruins of this temple are full of mischievous monkeys. Please keep a close eye on the kids and make sure they don't try to touch the monkeys. Toddlers, children and teenagers would love the experience. 

GALTA MONKEY TEMPLE

GALTA MONKEY TEMPLE

CHOKHI DHANI: Dinner at Chokhi Dhani is one of the best things to do in Jaipur with kids. Although its a bit touristy- children can enjoy the shows, folk dances, camel and elephant rides, puppet shows, magic shows, snake charmers and more! Chokhi Dhani is modelled on a typical village fair of Rajasthan. For all the foreign tourists who expect a village in rajasthan to be like one in Europe- please do not go there!! It is more of a cultural experience, great for those who have an open mind. 

FOLK DANCERS @ CHOKHI DHANI

TIGHT ROPE WALKING @ CHOKHI DHANI

PUPPET SHOW @ CHOKHI DHANI

SHOOTING @ CHOKHI DHANI

For more Itineraries on Jaipur, read: http://visitingjaipur.com/itineraries