Built in 1799 by the Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, this ornate pink palace is formed into the shape of the crown of Hindu god Krishna and features a honeycomb network of 953 small windows called jharokhas. It was built to allow the ladies of the royal household, including the harem, to observe the outside world through the delicate, lattice covered windows.

See the world pass by below you as countless ladies did before. Unlike the past wives and concubines, you get to leave after your tour!

Jal Mahal is Jaipur's enchanted fairytale of a building, suspended in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake. Sawai Pratap Singh built the palace in 1799 and everything, from the water-submerged lower floors to the exquisite rooftop gardens, have been lovingly restored, carved and gilded by dozens of artists and builders. Visit at dusk when the setting sun sets the glassy surface of the lake alight and the palace glows.

This fascinating observatory was constructed in 1728 by Jai Singh. At first glance it looks like a jumble of modern art sculptures but the short tours around the complex provide incredible detail on these complicated structures. This striking site shows off Jai Singh's incredible grasp of astronomy as he managed to measure time through the sun's shadow and plot its annual movement through the zodiac as well as calculating solar eclipses.

Escape the heat of the Old City and get lost in the City Palace that sprawls across an endless complex of intricatly-painted courtyards, gardens and decorative buildings. A mixture of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture, the palace's outer wall was built by Jai Singh, but other additions are far more recent - hence it's impeccable condition. 

If you ever get lost in Jaipur's labyrinthine, traffic-chocked side streets, which could be quite often, just look up and use this towering minaret as your landmark. Found near the ornate Tripolia Gate, Iswari Minar Swarga Sal was erected by Jai Singh's son Iswari. It's worth braving the steep spiralling steps to catch a view of the city from the top. Above the noise of the streets, with just the breeze for company, you can appreciate the pink-hued Jaipur in all its beauty.

Found just beyond the city walls, this royal cenotaph is the resting place of royalty. Made from intricately carved and shaped white marble, the cenotaph of Maharaja Jai Singh is, unsurprisingly, the most elaborate. Visit in a hot day to sit under the cool, shaded marble.

Every corner, province and village of India has its own regional delicacies and specialities and Jaipur is no different. Indulge in some distinctive Rajasthani cuisine on you visit to Jaipur and try the local��Dal Batti Churma - Dal served with Bhatti, a round of stuffed flour that's baked in a charcoal fire or oven. Churma is a sweet dish made with flour, jaggery or sugar and ghee.

Or try some of the region's famous sweets from shops like Rawat sweets and Kanji sweets near the main bus stand  or at the Johri Bazaar.

Built in 1734 and then extended in 1868, the imposing Nahargah sits atop the sheer ridges of the sun-bleached sandstone hills overlooking the city. Tramp up the winding 2km path to reach the fort and explore the furnished rooms, parapets and museums. It's worth heading up to the fort late afternoon to catch one of India's most beautiful sunsets from the top.