Puno, the capital of the Indian state of Rajasthan, is a beautiful city with rich culture and history and home to many amazing sites. If you’re traveling to Puno, here are 10 places you won’t want to miss out on during your stay!
1) Galta Temple
This towering, whitewashed temple is a popular stop on any tour of Puno, Jaipur . Built by King Ahilyabai Holkar in 1740, it features a series of temples dedicated to various Hindu deities. Visitors can explore its maze-like complex—the temple has 300 shrines and 15 courtyards—or hire an electric vehicle that will ferry them from one shrine to another. The most famous part of Galta Temple is its view: from atop a hill, visitors can see for miles across Pune’s surrounding countryside.
2) Thiksey Monastery
Located on a hillside in Thiksey Village, around 25 kilometers from Leh city and on the way to Spituk. The monastery is built at 3600 m (about 12000 feet) above sea level. It’s well known for its beautiful wall paintings and ‘museum’. It was established by Lama Drom Tonpa Sherab Gyaltsen. He founded about 20 monasteries including Hemis Monastery and Chokhor Monastery.
3) Chand Baori Stepwell
Chand Baori is one of India’s best-known stepwells and a popular attraction in Jaipur. The stepwell is covered by an architectural dome built around five levels of intricately decorated balconies. With its elaborate carvings, Chand Baori represents all that was accomplished during Rajput rule—and it’s still standing nearly 1,000 years later.
4) Jantar Mantar (Jaipur Solar Observatory)
The Jantar Mantar observatory is a collection of architectural astronomical instruments located in Jaipur. It was constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Amber, India between 1727 and 1734. The purpose of these enormous geometric instruments was mainly astrological: their function was to calculate accurate horoscopes by studying astronomy and mathematics.
5) Palaces of Rajasthan
Built between 1501 and 1727 during several distinct periods of the Rajput clan rule. The palaces are a blend of Hindu, Mughal and medieval Rajput architecture. The city is host to some of India’s most famous monuments. It is believed that there were more than 516 forts built by different rulers over time, but today only a few stand as testimony to their grandeur. Some of these are: Kumbhalgarh Fort (located at Kumbhalgarh), Mehrangarh Fort (situated at Jodhpur), Chittorgarh Fort (situated at Chittorgarh) and Ranthambore Fort (located at Sawai Madhopur).
6) Albert Hall Museum (Amber Fort Palace)
The Albert Hall Museum is located within Amber Fort Palace and is considered a must-see attraction in Jaipur. Exhibits inside include exhibits on weapons, old coins and artifacts recovered from excavations. The museum was opened by British officer James Tod after he obtained permission from king Dhundia. Known as James Tod Museum when it first opened its doors in 1877, it houses historical items dating back to ancient times.
7) Swatantra Sangram Sagar Project Site & Education Center(Amber Fort Palace)
The construction of The Swatantra Sangram Sagar Project Site & Education Center was completed on September 21, 2003. It is located on both sides of Amber Road near Amber Fort Palace. The purpose of The Swatantra Sangram Sagar Project Site & Education Center is to educate people about their natural heritage and make them aware about conserving and saving water.
8) Harshil Fossil Park(Ratangarh Fort Palace Area)
Harshil Fossil Park is located near Ratangarh Fort Palace Area, about 8km from Pali and around 17km from Ratangarh. Harshil Fossil Park has been laid down by Geological Survey of India on NH 12 ( Delhi-Mumbai highway) at Chorat on Pali-Nagaur section.
9) Rose Garden (Ratangarh Fort Palace Area)
This beautiful garden has at least 50 different species of roses and a very sweet smell that lingers throughout most of its pathways. Make sure you bring your camera with you because it’s impossible not to want to capture some shots of these beautiful flowers. Also make sure you visit during their festival so you can see some traditional Indian culture – it’s always fun!
10) Lake Garden & Lal Ghat
Two of India’s biggest and most beautiful cities—Mumbai and Delhi—are about as similar as America’s east and west coasts. The one thing they have in common is Lake Garden & Lal Ghat. Located at opposite ends of their respective cities, these are landmark sites that are perfect for a relaxed stroll or an active jog. You can take your pick between soaring skyscrapers with incredible views of Mumbai or historic sights like Jama Masjid while taking in some fresh air along Lal Ghat on your way back home and much more to visit in Puno.
