Galta Fort, Jaipur
Galtaji is a very popular temple and is a highly considered sacred spot for the Hindus. This amazing temple is carved and designed with pink rocks and wonderfully sculpted by skilled workers who stand in the topmost position of all the places in the pink city. People coming in this temple get a sense of positive feeling which helps in healing and also to motivate them. This temple lies close to the Aravali ranges which are spread irregularly and consist of seven kunds which are considered as reservoirs of sacred water and are filled by the streams and waterfalls nearby. The Galta temple contains great historical importance and is one of the most explored places in the city of Jaipur. The paintings and sculptures of the temple describe its magnificent beauty and capture the nature of the temple. You will surely get in touch with the natural beauty which surrounds this temple and it is regarded as a perfect place for any nature lovers.
History and Legend of Galta Temple
The magnificent pink sandstone complex is believed to have been built by Diwan Rao Kriparam who was the attendant of Sawai Jai Singh II. From the early 16th century, Galtaji has been a refuge for the puritans which belongs to the Ramanadi sect and under the employment of Jogis. Saint Galtav has spent his days here doing Tapasya for 100 years. Impressed by his devotion, the Gods came in front of him and blessed his place of worship with holy waters. To admire him, the Galtaji Temple was built named after him. Legends say that at this spot, Tulsidas has written the parts of the sacred Ramcharita Manas. Galav used to perform meditation over here for many decades and was consecrated with springs. Because of these reasons, the temple was named after the sage.
Water Tanks at Galtaji Temple
The Galta temple is mostly admired for its natural water springs wherein the water rushes out automatically in the temple complex and gets stored in the tanks. The specialty of this place is that the natural spring over here never dries out which surprises the visitors and persuades them from all around. There are a total of seven tanks in this temple complex and out of that, Galta Kund is the most sacred one. It is considered as optimistic to take a bath in this sacred kund during the festival of Makar Sankranti in the month of January.
Amazing Tips for the Traveller
- Most people are recommended to visit this temple only on weekdays and avoid mornings and evenings because there will be a large crowd that won't allow you to get a perfect experience which you have thought of.
- As this temple is very popular and a lot of people used to visit it all the time, so better you keep your footwear at the allotted places in order to avoid theft and misplacing your footwear.
- Make sure to wear a comfortable pair of slip-on which can be removed and re-worn with ease. This will help you with a comfortable exploration of this beautiful temple.
- Jaipur is a hot city and visitors are recommended to carry water bottles along with them in order to keep themselves well hydrated and avoiding the stroke of the sun.
- Be sure not to hinder the water of the kunds and most importantly not to consume the water as it will not be clean enough for drinking purposes.
- As you can find out so many monkeys in this place, so make sure to keep your belongings safe.
- While exploring this temple, avoid wearing clothes which are so revealing.
- The mobile network connection will be a bit weak in this temple complex.
- Beware of touts who will force you to pay an entry charge at the temple.
Things You Can Enjoy Here
- Get yourselves soaked in the holy waters of the kunds.
- Get the best view of the sunset from the sun temple.
- Offer bananas and peanuts to the playful monkeys.
Entrance Fee
The entry to this amazing temple is free for everyone.
Visiting Time
You can explore and enjoy this beautiful destination from 5 am to 9 pm on all days.
Operating Hours
The duration to explore this place is 1-2 hours.
The Guides That are Available
You will not get guides in this temple as this is not such a big place which may require a guide.
Perfect Time to Explore
The best time to explore this place is in the middle of January when you can find a large gathering and many people visiting this temple on the wonderful occasion of Makar Sankranti. Enjoy the beautiful evenings here and the monkeys coming out to play during this time.
Accommodation Near Galta Temple
You can check so many good hotels around Galtaji Temple which offers good facilities and services for a comfortable stay. Hotel Maya International, Jaipur Palace Hotel, Cambay Golf Resort, and Hotel Eurasia are some of the good hotels in this place.
Way to Reach This Amazing Place
As this temple is located in Khania-Balaji town which lies 10 km east to Jaipur city, people can either hire a taxi to get down to this beautiful place or take a bus which will drop them at Vidyadharji ka Bagh. From there, drive to the temple with the help of an autorickshaw. You can also go for a tuk-tuk. Buses, both deluxe as well as a state are available from different regions to the Jaipur city. The closest railway station to this temple is Bais Godam railway station. From here, hire a cab or auto-rickshaw to reach the temple. If you are preferring airways, then the nearest airport is Sanganer Airport which is about 10 km from Galtaji Temple. You can take a taxi from this spot to reach an amazing temple.
Interesting Details and Information About Galta Ji Temple
- This wonderful temple was constructed in the 18th century and till now it is one of the best pilgrim sites for the Hindus.
- The temple was built under the administration of Diwan Rao Kriparam who was also an assistant to Sawai Jai Singh.
- A saint named Saint Galav is believed to have spent 100 years doing his Tapasya in this temple and as an accolade, a temple is named after him.
- The water in the kunds is regarded as sacred and will never dry out.
- Taking a bath in these holy waters is believed to cleanse out all the sins of a person.
- You can check out beautiful architecture and paintings on the walls and pillars of this temple which provide people with an idea of Hindu Mythology.
- Galta Ji is a residential place for a large number of monkey tribes which are really friendly with the visitors.
- You can watch out sunsets from the sun temple which is extraordinary and it is considered as a must-visit place while traveling to Jaipur.
Enjoying Beautiful Sights Around Galtaji Temple
Galtaji Temple is a sample of the former regal life of Rajasthan with attractive architecture. Check out some places for sightseeing at the temple which include Galwar Bagh Gate which is a wonderful pink building inside this huge complex while Galta temple is m main attraction of this temple. There is one Hanuman temple which is worth visiting because of its architecture and the monkeys which are found there. The Brahma Temple, Galta Kund, and the Vishnu Temple are really awesome and should be surely explored.
Nearby Attractions
- City Palace
- Hawa Mahal
- Jantar Mantar
- Amber Fort
- The Surya Mandir
- Krishna Temple
- Sita Ram Temple
- Balaji Mandir
- Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh (a majestic palace and garden)
Restaurants That are Near to Galta Ji Temple
- Thaal Restaurant
- Khandelwal Sweets and Namkeen Bhandar
- Broadway Restaurant
- Lakshmi Parvati Bhojanalay
- Midtown multi-cuisine Restaurant
- Oliya Restaurant
- Kaka’s - The Punjabi Kitchen
- Chokhi Dhani Restaurant
- Grunge – The Fern Hotel
Shopping at Galtaji Temple
Jaipur is popular for its traditional handicrafts. Metal Work, Lac Work, Marble Work, Meenakari, Leather Work, Carpets, Gemstones, Paintings, Wood Work and Jewellery are famous here and you can do the shopping for these products when you travel to M.I. Road, Bapu Bazar, Johri Bazar, Busy Bazaar and many more. These are the few shopping centers where you can check out amazing Jaipuri items.
The food at Galtaji Temple
The pink city known as Jaipur provides you with famous and delicious cuisines like Dal Bati Churma, Missi Roti and sweets such as Feeni, Ghevar, Gajak, Moong Thal and Chauguni ke laddu. These foods are full of nutrition as it is prepared in ghee and butter. Here, you will surely experience the best culinary trips of your life.
Conclusion
Galta Ji is considered as a wonderful piece of the Indian heritage and culture and is one of the topmost destinations of Jaipur. One can feel a peaceful atmosphere here and can sense the paranormal. This temple signifies the rich history of India. Galta Ji is the pilgrim site which every Hindu wants to explore. This place is not only for religious followers but so many people around India visit this amazing place every day who are very keen to know about the artifacts of Indian history.
