Ghat ki Guni or Ghat Ki Ghuni is a narrow alley between the eastern hill range of Aravalis in Jaipur. It provides access to the areas situated on the east side of Jaipur & beyond. Ghat ki Guni is also a starting point of the road that leads to Agra – the city of Taj Mahal, hence called Agra Road.
Reginald Herber, Bishop & traveller who reached Jaipur on 28 January 1825 described Ghat ki Guni in his memoir, Narrative of a Journey through the Upper Provinces of India from Calcutta to Bombay 1824–1825.
“….The pass grew narrower, the path steeper & more rugged as we proceeded along with it & the little stream which we were ascending instead of dimpling amid the grass & stones now leapt & bounded from crag to crag like a Welsh rivulet. Still all was wild & dismal when on a turn of road we found ourselves in front of a high turreted & battlement wall, pierced with a tier of arched window & showing us beyond them the dark green shades of a large oriental garden……”
For a newbie, visiting Jaipur for the first time & entering the city from Ghat Ki Guni, the architecture will surely enthrall him. It has a beautiful facade lining both sides of the road, adorned by the jharokhas and chhatris, a hallmark of Jaipur architecture.
Ghat ki Guni was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur city in 1739. Layout plan of Ghat ki Guni area envisaged Mughal style terraced gardens like Sisodia Rani Garden, Vidhyadhar Garden and Raj Niwas Garden. These gardens were styled & inspired by the famous Mughal gardens of Delhi, Kashmir and elsewhere. Apart from these gardens, there are dwelling units, Havelis and many temples lining both sides of the road. Over the period of time, many people moved out of these buildings and now they are deserted.
Read related post: Sisodia Rani Garden/ Heritage Photo-Walk in Jaipur
Jaipur was envisaged as a major trading city by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II (the founder of Jaipur) due to its favorable location. The layout of Jaipur incorporated this element. Delhi Road and Agra Road were the main entry points to the city. Entry to the city from Delhi road was from the north while the entry from Agra was from the east direction. Both Agra & Delhi had immense importance during Mughal rule as they were the center of Mughal power, ruling over vast tracts of northern India, spanning right from Afghanistan to Bangladesh.
The entire area has now been renovated by Amer Development Authority (ADA) recently after years of neglect. In fact, before the renovation took place, all these heritage structures were in a dilapidated state.
Various shapes of entrance gates are quite striking!
These doors are reminiscent of a bygone era!
Looking at the beauty of Ghat Ki Guni, we can probably guess the political importance of Agra during Mughal emperor Akbar’s rule; it was the capital of the Mughal empire for more than a century!!
Ghat ki Guni served as a recreational area for the Jaipur Royalty. It is 4 km from the walled city area of Jaipur and serves as a glimpse of the beautiful city that lies ahead. This is evident from the description of Reginald Heber as detailed above.
Ghat ki Guni served as an access point for all traffic heading to Agra and beyond, for years, which caused further damage to these structures. An alternative route, Ghat Ki Guni tunnel has now been thrown open and all heavy & commercial vehicular traffic has been diverted through it. Below picture shows the expansive view of the area around Ghat Ki Guni Tunnel.
Stay updated with Jaipurthrumylens!! via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
Read related post: Sisodia Rani Garden/ Heritage Photo-Walk in Jaipur
Ghat ki Guni has many heritage structures that will continue to enthral tourists & travelers! There are many interesting places to explore in this area and I have already written about a few of these – Monkey Temple- Galtaji, Ghat Ke Balaji Temple, and Sisodia Rani Garden. Do check them out.
Expansive view of Ghat ki Guni area with Roop Niwas garden in the foreground
Discover more from JaipurThruMyLens
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
JaipurThruMyLens 
I am proud of you dear friend for highlighting our legacy. Lovely pictures! Even having visited Jaipur twice, I didn’t see Ghat Ki Guni due to lack of awareness. I am sure they look better in your pictures!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ghat ki Guni does have some tourist oriented places few gardens, but they have not been popular. I guess the reason why this could not be developed into a tourist spot is lack of concerted efforts by the authorities. I’m yet to explore Ghat ki Guni completely!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Adorable pictures! I’m sure people who are planning for a trip to Jaipur won’t return to their home without visiting Ghat Ki Kuni. The beautiful description with the help of photos gives me a clear idea about the beautiful city. Thanks for highlighting our historical place.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks savar pandey for words of appreciation! I’ll be happy if they enjoy this piece of history… Unfortunately the tourist usually focuses on the Standard itinerary which is quite cliche and overdone! In this process they miss many other good options! Thanks for visiting this blog!
LikeLike
Beautiful pictures.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Mick! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely pictures . It is sad that you’ve not been able to narrate the real reason these chhatris were commissioned though. This valley was not meant to be a merely copies of the Nishat Bagh or the chashm-e-shahi at all though
LikeLiked by 1 person
Digvijay, This valley was an entry point to the city from those coming from Agra. Agra had immense importance to the Mughal empire, it being capital of its empire, though for short period. It was an attempt to show the architectural grandeur of newly formed city to the visitors. This area was developed as a recreational area for the influential and regal persons, which explains presence of 3-4 gardens styled on the lines of Mughal gardens in Ghat ki Guni. I haven’t been able to cover any of the gardens yet, hope to so in future. There is so much to write and cover, and it all takes time! 🙂
LikeLike
Ghat ki Guni is my favourite place in Jaipur. Have driven down that lane many times on my way to Galtaji and often just for the pleasure of seeing those palatial row houses. Thank you for this post. You brought back some very beautiful memories.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Svetlana it’s a visual treat. Not only that it’s rich in history too. Even though I don’t pass through this area very often, but when I do, I slow down and take a good look. I often wonder how current architecture trend has lost it’s connect with local climate, custom and sensibilities. It’s all same -Bangkok, Shanghai, Mumbai… in race for globalization. uniqueness is fading away. Makes me sad!
There’s lots more that I’m yet to post! Time…. Always short on that! Thanks for sharing your views! 🙂
LikeLike
Yes true. This incredible new pace is giving way to a uniform standard in everything and it is no wonder that all our cities have started looking the same. Its not too far, when the beauty and glamour in timelessness will be gone. I so badly missed out on coming to Jaipur last time and having the pleasure of seeing it through your eyes. Your city is proud to have you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I couldn’t agree more Svetlana. it’s happening to everything clothes, culture, customs. It’s always a let down when things don’t happen as per our plans. I trust you’ll be presented with better situations to plan trip to Jaipur again. you’re very kind with your words! Keep me posted with your plan, whenever it ‘s possible 🙂
LikeLike
I have heard so many great things about Jaipur. Unfortunately I didn’t have time to go there when I was in India. Your pictures really do make me want to go though!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure opportunity will present itself soon. Thanks for sharing your views here. 🙂
LikeLike
What a inspiring set of photographs! I still haven’t been to India yet (although I have visited about 50 countries) but will be very soon. I will definitely look it up next time I travel to your region! Thank you for sharing!
LikeLike
50 countries? wow! quite some travel. I’m sure you’ll like India. Let me know if you need any input from me. Thanks for sharing your thoughts here. 🙂
LikeLike
I love the way you described Ghat ki Kuni area and I can see the beauty of the Murghal architecture in your photos. I have visited Jaipur twice but I never got in by car, but by train. It’s great that the municipality is trying to protect the area and that they have opened a tunnel for heavy traffic. The heritage should always be protected.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’ve been to Jaipur twice? Next time you’re here do visit this place. Thanks for commenting and sharing your thoughts here 🙂
LikeLike
I recall this as a lovely road enroute to Sisodia Rani Garden. I was quite enthralled by the architecture here, and remember wondering what these were. Glad your post tells me about it. Lovely captures.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s great Ami. I’m happy that you were able to witness these beautiful structures. There’s lots more to explore in this entire stretch. Thanks for sharing your views.
LikeLike
Your post brought back fresh memories of our trip to jaipur in last year September. We visited a lot of places and did shopping as well. I personally liked amer fort the most. Beautiful pictures!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m happy that this post refreshed your memories. Jaipur is indeed very popular city because of it’s attractions and opportunities for shopping. Amer Fort is my personal favorite too. Did you check out my post on Amer Fort? I’m sure, you’ll like that too 🙂
LikeLike
Ghat ki Guni is a beautiful place! I, too, like the architecture. The narrow little roads are pretty, too. I would love to visit someday. Maybe I will!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stacey, you are right…the narrow road has beautiful structures lined on both sides. I’m hoping you get to see and experience this in person..someday!
LikeLike
What a beautiful location and I just thoroughly enjoyed looking at your pictures. There is such a romantic and historic feeling to those old buildings. I just love it and would love to visit someday! Thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Rachelle, if you liked pictures…you’ll love visiting and exploring it in person. Trust me!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts here. 🙂
LikeLike
I have never been to this side of the world but have always been intrigued. Your pictures make me want to visit and explore the beauty there. The streets look so empty is it always like that? I like places that are not to crowded so this may be great for me
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well the roads are not really empty but I timed it so I could photograph. Its a busy road actually.
I’m sure you’ll love this place Joella. Thanks for sharing your thoughts
LikeLike
Jaipur is so beautiful we absolutely love it and India as a whole as well. We took so many pictures in Jaipur we are not even done editing them!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a great thing to hear…Did you visit Jaipur recently?
LikeLike
I love the architecture of the old buildings. The ornate designs and painting are no longer affordable in today’s world. It’s such a shame, but it is wonderful to venture to “old” parts of the world to experience this craftmanship.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We need to conserve our heritage. It provides a peek into the past. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Really nice photographs here! Jaipur seems like a nice place to explore, and that Ghat Ki Guni garden reminds me of Chatsworth house garden in England.
LikeLike
Thanks Fillia.Is that so? I haven’t heard about Chatworth House. I will check it out. Thanks for sharing your views and info. 🙂
LikeLike
The architecture is STUNNING. It almost reminds me of some of the palaces I saw in Portugal in the hills. It’s always interesting for me to see temples / homes in other countries.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It surely is. There is a Portugal connection too. The King of Jaipur invited astronomer from Portugal to help him build solar observatory. Thanks for your comment and inputs. 🙂
LikeLike
It seems like I have missed Ghat ki Ghuni area on my previous visit. It looks cinematically superb place. I would love to visit again. Some nice captures. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure opportunity will present again for you to visit Jaipur again, Parnashree. Thanks for appreciation. Let me know if you any any further info. 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing these photos – it looks amazing! And it seems like there are no crowds, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It does have lots of traffic flowing through. 😊
LikeLike
It looks fantastic. And wonderful photos.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is. Thanks for sharing your thoughts 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person