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Heritage Walk In Jaipur- A Walking Tour In The Walled City Of Jaipur

Heritage Walking Tour in Jaipur in the walled city of Jaipur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site remains a remarkable way to experience the varied heritage of the pink city. Jaipur walking tour adds a new dimension to experience the heritage of the pink city.

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Everything You want to know about the heritage walking tour in Jaipur

I have conducted many Heritage Walks In Jaipur during the last few years. There are a selected few who provide Jaipur heritage walking tours worth experiencing, especially on the popular heritage Jaipur walk route developed by Jaipur Municipal Corp (JMC). This is definitely one of the most popular walking routes in Jaipur although there are many other interesting routes.

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There is a fascinating aspect associated with this heritage route. It was after Prince Charles had undertaken this walking tour that JMC or JNN decided to develop it as a heritage walking route in Jaipur. To distinguish the walking route, cobblestones were laid, and “faux” heritage lamp posts were installed. Regrettably, even though many years have elapsed, the heritage walkway project could not be completed in its entirety.

Why this heritage walking route is popular in Jaipur?

This walk possesses many unique elements like craftsmen, temples, and Havelis, to name a few. One of the temples in the vicinity of the walking tour predates Jaipur City. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu & contains beautiful frescoes. This temple has many unique aspects. It is privately owned and in a dire need of restoration.

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There are two temple buildings inside this complex. One of them has beautiful wall paintings and frescoes.

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A few buildings on the route prompt you of the architecture from the 1930s to the 1950s. This was the time when architecture in India was hugely inspired by the art deco style. In India, Mumbai represents a classic example of how this architecture shaped the facade of buildings. Rounded corners, Streamline Moderne style, linear appearance, setbacks, and geometric ornamentation are its key features.

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Art Deco-style buildings in Film Colony. Jaipur Heritage Walk
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A Heritage Walk is being undertaken in Jaipur

Art is one of the distinguishing features of Jaipur. The city is synonymous with art. Is it not impressive to witness craftsmen in action? While Moradabad’s brass work is famous the world over, Jaipur has carved out its own niche.

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The brass work one finds in the city caters to a niche segment. The sound of beating the hammer is loud and clear in these lanes.

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A craftsman busy working in the by-lanes of the walled city; photo clicked during a heritage walk in Jaipur. Woefully, this art is suffering a slow death due to many reasons. These artists are certain that there won’t be many torchbearers to take it ahead.

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Hammer used by craftsmen, the Thatheras. 

As we move ahead, there is a variety of Havelis to witness & capture.

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Heritage Haveli Entrance. Jaipur Heritage Walk
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Haveli Facade. Heritage walk in Jaipur.
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Facade of a Haveli. Heritage walk in Jaipur

Some of these structures probably will be razed down to make new commercial buildings.

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A lot of Haveli facade has undergone massive change over the last few years. The Haveli in the below picture looks strikingly different today after having undergone restoration.

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For an inquisitive mind, there are so many interesting structures in the by-lanes of the walled city of Jaipur. If you love these Havelis or mansions, check out this post The Vanishing Havelis of Jaipur

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The rulers of Jaipur were patrons of arts and crafts. One of the Jaipur rulers, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II invited scores of artists from across the length and breadth of the country to settle in Jaipur; his descendant took it even further. This art and craft school in Jaipur is a perfect example. The building has an imposing facade. The fusion of architectural styles is evident in its facade.

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The beautiful facade of Maharajah School of Arts & Craft, Kishanpole Bazar, Jaipur.

If plans go through, the building will be converted into a museum, very soon. Update 2018-Maharajah School of Arts and Crafts has been converted into a museum called – the Museum of Legacies.  Update 2022- The museum has been closed by the current government being a project started by the previous one.

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Read more about this museum- Museum of Legacies| Everything but A Legacy

Technically, the Jaipur walking tour ends here. But we continue to explore more, beyond the “prescribed” heritage walking tour route in Jaipur.

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This Haveli formerly owned by the merchant family has an imposing facade. It is unlikely people won’t notice this Haveli. Once owned by an influential man, today it is not in its most excellent condition.

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Here is a picture of a victory tower in Jaipur.

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Essentially, a minaret or a victory tower possesses numerous versions as to why it was constructed. Only one is true, but the rest are rumors. It is intriguing how these rumors get strong over the years as they get passed down from one generation to another. The building is known by various names- Issar Laat/ Ishwar Laat/ Sarga Suli.

A few rulers of Jaipur provided a considerable impetus for developing scientific & modern thinking as well as the advancement of education. And for this very reason, Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II shines on the list.

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A public library in the heart of the city has undergone restoration over the years. Over here are the pictures of Araiash. These are not in their original state, but rather a restoration job and lack the finesse associated with the workmanship.

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As the walking tour in the walled city of Jaipur comes to an end, one can’t help but notice this gate at the tri-junction called Tripolia Gate. This is one of the entry gates of the City Palace. It is reserved for the exclusive use of the descendants of the Jaipur princely family. And it is, for this reason, sentries guard the gate.

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The heritage walk in Jaipur represents a remarkable way to explore the history and heritage of the city; one walk is not enough.  In my opinion, this walk is just a starting point as there are other routes that are even more interesting and offer a lot more.

FAQ on Heritage Walking Tours In Jaipur

Over here are a few frequently asked questions on heritage walks in Jaipur.

Why a heritage walk in Jaipur is a splendid idea?

Tourist attractions like Amer Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Hawa Mahal, etc. are invariably a must-do and it offers a peek into the past. A walking tour will enrich your travel experience as it provides you with a more thorough understanding of the city’s culture and history. It is highly recommended for explorers and travelers. It is vital to undertake the walk with a suitable person who can provide you with reliable information. Jaipur walks are one of the best you will ever find in India as it is an enriching experience.

How much does the heritage walking tour in Jaipur cost?

Typically, the walking tours in Jaipur can range from Rs 800 onward up to Rs 3000. The prices vary depending on the route, depth of the walk, and experience of the leader. It is not uncommon to find Jaipur walking tours listed on online portals at attractive prices, however, many of them fail in the content and curation. Often, such walking tours listed on the popular travel portal also involve commissions for listing and for the low-priced walks, you never know what’s in the store. Due to the lack of regulations, anyone can undertake a walking tour irrespective of his knowledge, background, or experience. Like most popular tourist destinations, tourist scams in Jaipur are a reality. Often, low-cost walking tours will include stops at shops disguised as factories or workshops where gullible travelers are tricked into buying overpriced products. Such walking tours are merely another funnel to trick travelers. In some tours, it is evident and clear; in others, shopping is disguised. Some well-known heritage walking tour companies in Jaipur have been accused of such practices on review portals. Select, wisely. Make a note, for large groups, it is possible to get group pricing for the walking tour.

How to do a heritage walk in Jaipur?

Here are two suggestions for undertaking a heritage walking tour in Jaipur. Both these take a different approach. One is a self-guided walking tour and the other is a guided heritage walk.

  1. If you are seeking a free walking tour in Jaipur and don’t want context or information read the write-up on this blog –How to do an amazing self-guided walking tour in Jaipur 
  2. To undertake a guided heritage walking tour in Jaipur & in-depth information, you can connect with me via Instagram at @arv_jpr

How long does it take for the heritage Jaipur walking tour?

It routinely takes around one and a half hours to two hours for most Jaipur walking tours. Some walking tours in Jaipur can extend up to three to four hours, well-known internationally as half-day tours. It altogether depends on the route and curiosity level of the explorer; the pink city offers so much and hence extended walking tour in Jaipur is an excellent starting point for explorers.

Hidden Places in Jaipur

In my opinion, A walking tour in Jaipur can be a great way to explore hidden places in Jaipur. The walking tour usually doesn’t include popular or routine places. A good walk leader will definitely include offbeat and unique places in his tour. However, this is not true for all walking tour companies or operators. With a little research, it is possible to find a good walking tour in Jaipur and thereby uncover hidden places in Jaipur.

I hope this blog on heritage walking tours in Jaipur must have piqued your interest in undertaking one.

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