Royal Gaitor

The Basics

Royal Gaitor has been the traditional funerary grounds for Jaipur's royal family since the time of Jai Singh II, whose beautiful white-marble cenotaph occupies the older part of the complex. At the center sits the intricately carved cenotaph of Maharaja Madho Singh II, who had five wives and 18 mistresses, but never produced an heir. Though the attraction is a bit off the beaten tourist path, some day tours of Jaipur stop here.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Royal Gaitor is a must visit for those with an interest in history or architecture.

• Make sure to wear sunscreen and a hat, as this attraction gets lots of direct sunlight.

• Getting around the complex may prove challenging for wheelchair users or those with compromised mobility.

How to Get There

Royal Gaitor is located just north of the Pink City, about 10 minutes’ drive from the City Palace (without traffic) or 20 minutes from Amber Fort. It's easiest to reach by auto rickshaw or taxi, or as part of an organized tour, as it's a bit too far to walk from any of the other main attractions in the area.

When to Get There

Royal Gaitor is open daily 9am to 4:30pm, and access is free to the public. Because the attraction is largely outside, travelers are best off visiting first thing in the morning, when the sun is less powerful. Jaipur is best visited in the fall or winter months (this is the desert, after all), and outdoor activities are best avoided during the hot months of May and June.

Chhatris

One of the most common features in Indian architecture, chhatris are round canopy-style pavilions that are frequently used to adorn palaces and forts, particularly in Rajasthan. The word also refers to memorials built over cremation sites, which follow a similar architectural style. They are often decorated with carvings, as is the case with Jai SIngh II's chhatri.