I recently undertook a Heritage Walking Tour in Jaipur in the walled city of Jaipur which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Read Unique heritage walks of Jaipur | Nahargarh water walk
Jaipur free walking tour was conducted to celebrate 288th Jaipur foundation Day. Certainly, this was a great effort to bring forth the rich heritage of the pink city!
Here is Jaipur walking tour map

The Jaipur Heritage Walk was conducted on the most popular heritage walkway, developed by Jaipur Municipal Corporation. The heritage path is easily identifiable -it has cobblestones. There are many individuals and companies offering similar heritage walk in Jaipur, unfortunately, most of them are not good. Only a handful of these walks are “packed and presented” well. As is the case with expanding market, many people jump in to make quick money but only a few deliver good value.

The walk started at Shri Sitaram Temple located in Chaura Rasta. The temple is very old and is owned by a family trust. The walk leader mentioned this temple predates Jaipur city. The condition of the temple is poor and lack of upkeep is visible. The temple has not been renovated, for ages. There are many unique aspects & stories about this temple. There are two temples buildings inside this complex. One of them has beautiful wall paintings and frescoes.




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Read Unique heritage walks of Jaipur / Nahargarh water walk
From here we headed towards the Film Colony in Chaura Rasta. The walk leader mentioned about the unique aspects of this location. The buildings located on the Main Square of the Film colony is built in the Art Deco style, not found anywhere else in the walled city! It was developed as a commercial area with few hotels since it was located near the entrance gate of the city – New Gate. Over the years, this market has developed into the medicine distributor’s hub.


From the film colony, we walked to Thatheron ka Rasta. Thathera is a person engaged in making metal utensils & objects. These days most of them are engaged in the making of brass items used in the temple spires. The sound of hammering on the brass was quite loud in the lane, proving true to its name – Thatheron Ka Rasta!!




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As we moved forward, the walk leader showed us various Havelis and many aspects of the same.





We passed through a very old Digamber Jain temple, supposedly as old as the city. We were informed that the temple is very beautiful and worth visiting. Our group didn’t venture inside the temple, due to paucity of time.

From these lanes, we then walked towards the Maharajah School of Arts in Kishanpole Bazaar. The art school was operational until recently, but it is closed currently. The rulers of Jaipur were patrons of art, especially Maharajah Sawai Jai Singh II and Sawai Ram Singh II. Establishing Art school only affirms their love for the art. Jaipur state (pre -Independence years) was famous for its Chattis Karkhanas (36 factories/ thirty-six departments) during the days of Maharajahs, Art was one of them!
The beautiful facade of Maharajah School of Arts & Craft, Kishanpole Bazar, Jaipur.
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Read Unique heritage walks of Jaipur / Nahargarh water walk
The building housing the Art school has an impressive architecture. It has a fusion of various architectural styles including Rajput and Mughal style. It was originally a residence of Pandit Shiv Deen but later converted into an art school. If plans go through, it will be converted into a museum, very soon.
Update 2018-Maharajah School of Arts and Crafts has been converted into a museum called – Museum of Legacies
Read more about this museum- Museum of Legacies| Everything but A Legacy
Maharajah School for Girls, near Nataniyon ki Haveli, Jaipur.
We moved on to Chhoti Chaupar, where we saw the magnificent facade of Nataniyon ki Haveli and its adjoining Maharajah School for girls. This school building was donated by a very influential trader called Hargovind Natani, whose haveli is located right next to it. The Haveli has an amalgamation of Rajput and Mughal style of architecture. Currently, its ownership rests with the Police Department.
Nataniyon Ki Haveli, Choti Chaupar, Jaipur. During Jaipur Heritage Walk by Square by FootFrom Chhoti Chaupar we walked through Tripoliya Bazar to Maharajah Public Library in Chaura Rasta. On the way, we saw Ishwar Laat or Swarga Suli.

There are 3 different stories revolving around the construction of this tower. We walked towards Triployia Gate to reach the Maharajah Public library which has been maintained well by the authorities. The walk leader took us inside the library and explained various aspects related to this building.

Araish plaster in its original condition on walls of Maharajah Public Library, Jaipur. During heritage walk in Jaipur


This is where the Heritage walk of Jaipur ended.

For those who are curious as to why Tripolia Gate is closed for the public here is the answer. Tripolia Gate is reserved only for the members of the royal family of Jaipur; it’s not open for the general public. The family of the erstwhile rulers wants to reserve this gate for their personal use.
The free Jaipur walking tour or Heritage Walk in Jaipur lasted one and a half hour. Heritage walk is a great way to uncover the real Jaipur – its history and culture. A caveat though, given its rich and diverse history, a single walk is not enough to get a proper glimpse into the city.
If you prefer a self-guided heritage walk do read How to do an amazing self-guided walking tour in Jaipur
Such a fascinating place with such wonderful history and beautiful buildings. I would definitely love to visit one day. I think a walking tour is the best way to go to see everything close up. Great photos, lovely post.
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You are right, Nicole. Walking is the best way to uncover a city. You can spend as much time as you want. isn’t it so? Do you undertake walking tour when traveling?
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What a cool idea to tour Jaipur! You are right, architects can provide you with comprehensive insight into the various architectural features. And I’ve always been impressed with the architecture in India, so it is a nice way to learn a bit about the architectural features in Jaipur as well!
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Hey! happy to know that you are impressed with architecture of India. Walking is the best way to learn more about the city.
Thanks for sharing your views.
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Your Heritage walks in Jaipur are very impressive. As many bloggers give the glimpses of 5 star luxury resorts/palaces of Jaipu but you have taken offbeat path to show whole city which I liked it. Even you have covered Thateron kaa raasta which nobody has paid attention. Loved the pictures of simple homes of ancient styled balconies and walls.
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I’m glad you liked this heritage walking tour, Yukti. You need to walk through the paths less traveled to uncover a new dimension. What is your travel style, Yukti?
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Aah how I miss this city! I had never even heard of Jaipur’s heritage walk while I was there and it seems so cool. They really do cover some offbeat interesting areas of the city. Would love to go back and do the heritage walk someday 🙂
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Jaipur has far too many places to explore for a tourist. You definitely must explore heritage walk in Jaipur. 🙂
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This is great! I am going to India this upcoming October and I am putting together an itinerary of activities to do during my trip. This looks like something I shouldn’t miss out on! I’ll definitely take a look into this 🙂 Safe travels. – Mariella
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Happy to know you are visiting India this October. Well, there’s lots to see and do. Let me know if you need any info, Mariella . 🙂
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The walking tour seems like the best way to see Jaipur. It has such beautiful history and architecture. It’s nice to see a different side to Jaipur more of its heritage versus the luxury hotels. Thanks for sharing.
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Walking tours are always best way to explore the city…slow and nice! Have you ever visited Jaipur?
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Jaipur is on my bucket list when I go to India and I have heard so many good things about Jaipur which made me plan a trip to it . Thanks alot for sharing
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Happy to hear that Jaipur ranks high on your list. It definitely ranks high on the list of tourist arriving in India.
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Reading your blogs is like taking a virtual tour of Jaipur! Really beautiful it is…
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Thanks, Ashwini! You made my day! 🙂 Since you are a heritage lover, you definitely should visit Jaipur. 🙂
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Yes, I want to…Too many places to visit and just one small life. Ughh…
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Exactly! my thoughts too 😦
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