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Best Time to Visit Patrika Gate

Quick Look

  • Best overall season: November to February (cool, clear, festival-rich winter)
  • Best time of day for photography: 6:00 AM – 8:30 AM (empty gate, perfect soft light)
  • Best evening experience: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM (golden hour + Jawahar Circle fountain show at 7:00 PM)
  • Best for budget travellers: July – September (off-peak discounts, monsoon greenery)
  • Worst time: March to June afternoons (heat exceeds 42°C, uncomfortable and harsh light)

This guide breaks down the best time to visit Patrika Gate by season, month, and time of day, covering crowd levels, lighting for photography, weather comfort, festival windows, and budget considerations. Whether you are a solo photographer chasing the perfect golden-hour shot, a family looking for the most comfortable visit, or a couple planning a pre-wedding shoot, this guide gives you a precise answer.

Overview

Patrika Gate is one of the most photogenic landmarks in India, a 32-metre-tall gateway at Jawahar Circle whose nine archways are painted with vibrant murals representing every region of Rajasthan. Unlike many Jaipur monuments, it is open 24 hours a day, completely free, and accessible year-round. But when you visit, it makes an enormous difference to what you experience.

This guide breaks down the best time to visit Patrika Gate by season, month, and time of day, covering crowd levels, lighting for photography, weather comfort, festival windows, and budget considerations. Whether you are a solo photographer chasing the perfect golden-hour shot, a family looking for the most comfortable visit, or a couple planning a pre-wedding shoot, this guide gives you a precise answer.

The Three Seasons at Patrika Gate

Winter - November to February

Peak season - ideal for most visitors

  • Temperature:  8°C – 25°C (cool days, cold nights below 10°C in December-January)
  • Sky condition:  Clear blue skies, excellent visibility, no haze
  • Crowds:  High – especially December 24-January 2 (Christmas/New Year peak) and during the Kite Festival (January 14)
  • Photography:  Exceptional – soft winter light, rich colours, no heat shimmer
  • Comfort:  Outstanding for walking and outdoor exploration
  • Hotel rates:  Highest of the year (peak tourist demand – book 4-6 weeks in advance)
  • Who visits:  International tourists, domestic holiday groups, photographers, and pre-wedding shoots
  • Verdict:  Best overall season for first-time visitors and photographers alike

Summer - March to June

Difficult but not impossible - rewards the determined

  • Temperature:  28°C – 45°C (May-June can hit 46°C; extreme heat waves likely)
  • Sky condition:  Hazy, dusty, bright, harsh overhead light by 10:00 AM
  • Crowds:  Very low – the gate is often nearly empty from 10:00 AM onwards
  • Photography:  Excellent before 8:00 AM (rich warm light, empty gate); impossible 10 AM-5 PM (washed out, dangerous heat)
  • Comfort:  Very poor in the afternoon. Only mornings (before 9 AM) and evenings (after 6 PM) are tolerable
  • Hotel rates:  Lowest of the year – 40-60% cheaper than peak winter rates
  • Who visits:  Budget travellers, local Jaipur residents, those on tight schedules
  • Survival tips:  Carry 2+ litres of water; wear light, loose cotton; apply SPF 50+; visit only at dawn or dusk
  • Verdict:  Only recommended for budget travellers and early-morning photographers; avoid completely in May-June afternoons

Monsoon & Shoulder - July to October

Underrated season - lush, atmospheric, budget-friendly

  • Temperature:  25°C – 35°C (humidity makes it feel warmer; evenings pleasant after rain)
  • Sky condition:  Dramatic cloud formations; occasional showers; vivid greens in Jawahar Circle Garden
  • Rainfall:  July-August: heaviest (230 mm/month average, 10+ rain days); September-October: tapering off
  • Crowds:  Very low July-August; gradually building from October (shoulder season)
  • Photography:  Surprisingly excellent after rain – murals look freshly washed, colours are deeply saturated, dramatic skies
  • Hotel rates:  30-50% below peak winter rates; excellent availability
  • Who visits:  Photography enthusiasts, budget-conscious travellers, domestic tourists
  • Caution:  Carry a compact umbrella; the gate’s courtyard can become slippery after heavy rain
  • October highlight:  Diwali (Oct/Nov) transforms Patrika Gate with lights and decorations – one of the most beautiful times to visit
  • Verdict:  Excellent for experienced travellers seeking atmosphere and value; surprising photography opportunities after rain

Best Time of Day - Hour-by-Hour Breakdown

Early Morning - 6:00 AM to 8:30 AM (THE GOLD STANDARD)

This is the single best time window to visit Patrika Gate for any purpose – photography, peaceful exploration, or pre-wedding shoots. The gate is at its quietest, the air is cool and clean, and the sun is low enough to cast a warm directional light that brings out every colour in the murals without creating harsh shadows.

  • Crowd level: Very low (1-5 other visitors typical, mostly locals jogging)
  • Photography: Outstanding – morning golden hour runs approximately 6:50 AM – 8:00 AM in winter, 5:50 – 7:00 AM in summer
  • Light direction: Sun rises in the east, illuminating the western-facing interior archways first, then sweeping across the courtyard
  • Air quality: At its clearest before dust and traffic build up
  • Temperature: Ideal in all seasons, the gate faces east-west, providing natural morning shade inside
  • Insider tip: Arrive 15 minutes before sunrise if you want the gate entirely to yourself for the first 20-30 minutes

Mid-Morning - 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM (GOOD WITH CAVEATS)

Crowds begin to build after 9:00 AM, especially on weekends and public holidays. Photography becomes more challenging as organised tour groups arrive and the light shifts to a harsher overhead angle. In winter, this window is still comfortable and pleasant; in summer, the heat begins to become noticeable by 10:00 AM.

  • Crowd level: Low to moderate on weekdays; moderate to high on weekends
  • Photography: Good until 9:30 AM; challenging after 10:00 AM (overhead light flattens depth)
  • Best for: Relaxed sightseeing, exploring mural details, visiting Jawahar Circle Garden
  • Summer caution: Temperatures rise quickly, not recommended past 10:00 AM from April to June

Afternoon - 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM - AVOID (SUMMER) / ACCEPTABLE (WINTER)

The afternoon slot is the most variable window depending on season. In winter, afternoon visits from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM are perfectly comfortable at 18-24°C. In summer, this window should be completely avoided – temperatures between 40-45°C make outdoor exploration dangerous, and the overhead sunlight renders all photography flat and over-exposed.

  • Winter (Nov-Feb): Comfortable, moderate crowds, acceptable photography with softening light after 3:00 PM
  • Summer (Mar-Jun): Avoid entirely after 10:00 AM – heat exhaustion risk is real at 42°C+
  • Monsoon (Jul-Oct): Afternoon showers likely in July-August; carry an umbrella; the gate looks spectacular after rain clears
  • Budget note: If visiting solo in summer, the empty afternoon gate is a unique opportunity for photography, but only if you are prepared with adequate water, sunscreen, and timing to leave by 4:00 PM

Late Afternoon / Golden Hour - 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM (EXCELLENT)

The second major sweet spot of the day. From about 4:30 PM in winter (5:30 PM in summer), the sun drops to a golden angle that turns the gate’s pink sandstone exterior into a glowing amber-gold surface. This is the best time to photograph the gate’s exterior facade and capture the iconic archway tunnel perspective.

  • Crowd level: Moderate and growing, locals arrive for evening walks from 5:00 PM onwards, creating a lively atmosphere
  • Photography: Outstanding from 4:30-6:30 PM – warm golden light, long shadows, deep colour saturation
  • Evening golden hour (winter): approximately 5:10 PM – 6:10 PM
  • Evening golden hour (summer): approximately 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
  • Insider tip: Position yourself at the outer entrance (Jawahar Circle side) facing inward during late golden hour, the sun illuminates the entire painted tunnel from behind you, creating a glowing corridor effect

Evening & Night - 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM (MAGICAL ATMOSPHERE)

After 7:00 PM, Patrika Gate transforms into a different experience entirely. The gate is lit with warm artificial lighting that creates a theatrical glow on the murals. Next door, the Jawahar Circle Garden hosts its nightly musical fountain show from 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM, a spectacular combination that makes the evening visit uniquely rewarding.

  • Crowd level: High, the most popular evening time for local families and couples
  • Photography: Challenging without a tripod (low light); with a tripod, the illuminated gate against a dark sky is extraordinary
  • Musical fountain show: Jawahar Circle, 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM daily – free, no booking
  • Night photography tip: Use ISO 800-1600, f/2.8-4.0, 1/30-1/60s exposure for murals; bring a tripod for long-exposure exterior shots
  • Best for: Families, couples, and those who want cultural atmosphere over photography precision

Quick Reference: Time of Day at a Glance

Time Window
Crowd Level
Photography
Overall Rating
6:00 - 8:30 AM
Very Low (1-5 people)
★★★★★ Perfect morning light
★★★★★ Highly Recommended
8:30 - 11:00 AM
Low → Moderate
★★★★ Good until 9:30 AM
★★★★ Good (winter) / ★★★ (summer)
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Moderate
★★ Harsh overhead light
★★★★ (winter) / ★ Avoid (summer)
4:00 - 7:00 PM
Moderate → High
★★★★★ Golden hour exterior
★★★★★ Highly Recommended
7:00 - 9:00 PM
High
★★★ Tripod needed
★★★★ Evening atmosphere
After 9:00 PM
Low → Very Low
★★ Dark; long exposure only
★★★ Peaceful night walk
Month
Temp (°C)
Crowd
Weather
Best For
January
8-19°C
Very High
Clear & cold
Kite Festival (Jan 14), Jaipur Literature Festival (Jan 15-19), best weather overall
February
March
High
Clear & mild
Second best month -- slightly fewer crowds than Jan, still beautiful winter light
March
16-33°C
Moderate
Warming up fast
Good early month; avoid from mid-March as heat builds. Holi festival (dates vary)
April
22-38°C
Low
Hot & hazy
Early morning only. Budget accommodation available. Gate nearly empty by 9 AM
May
26-43°C
Very Low
Extremely hot
Hardcore early-morning photographers only. Hotel rates at lowest. Avoid 9 AM-6 PM
June
29-40°C
Very Low
Hot; pre-monsoon dust
Pre-monsoon dust storms (andhi) possible. Avoid except at dawn
July
25-35°C
Low
Monsoon begins
Dramatic rain clouds for photography. Gate glistens after showers. Budget season
September
23-35°C
Low → Moderate
Tapering rains
Rain decreasing; lush green Jawahar Circle Garden. Hidden gem month
October
18-34°C
Moderate → High
Clear & warm
Diwali decoration season - Patrika Gate lit beautifully. Excellent shoulder month
November
10-28°C
High
Cool & clear
Peak season begins. Ideal balance of good weather and manageable crowds
December
7-23°C
Very High
Cool & clear
Coldest month (below 8°C at night). Peak tourist season. Christmas/New Year rush

Festival Calendar - When Patrika Gate Is at Its Most Spectacular

Diwali - October / November (UNMISSABLE)

Diwali is arguably the single most beautiful time to see Patrika Gate. The gate and Jawahar Circle are decorated with thousands of clay diyas (oil lamps), coloured lights, and rangoli. The entire city glows, and Patrika Gate, already the most colourful structure in Jaipur, becomes spectacular after dark.

2026 Date

November (exact date follows lunar calendar – confirm 3 months ahead)

Crowd level

Very High – arrive by 5:00 PM to secure a good vantage point

Best time

Dusk to 9:00 PM when diyas and lights are at their most vivid

Photography

Bring a tripod – long exposure captures the light trails beautifully

Pro tip

The Diwali week (not just Diwali night) is decorated – visiting on Chhoti Diwali (one day before) gives an equal spectacle with smaller crowds

Makar Sankranti / Kite Festival - January 14 (UNIQUE)

On January 14 every year, Jaipur’s sky becomes a canvas of competing kites from dawn to dusk. Patrika Gate and the Jawahar Circle area participate fully, the park is filled with families, and the skies above the gate are alive with kites of every colour. Evening concludes with wish lanterns and firecrackers, transforming the experience into something between a festival and a spectacle.

2026 Date

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Crowd level

Extremely High, the city’s most popular single-day festival

Best time at gate

Early morning (6-9 AM for photography before crowds peak) and evening (5 PM onwards for atmosphere)

Unique element

Kites flying above the gate’s archways create extraordinary photograph opportunities

Local food

Til ke ladoo (sesame sweets) and gajak sold throughout Jawahar Circle on this day

Pro tip

Position yourself inside the gate looking skyward – kite-dotted sky framed by painted archways is a uniquely Jaipur composition

Jaipur Literature Festival - January 15-19 (CULTURAL SURGE)

The world’s largest free literary festival brings 250,000+ visitors to Jaipur over five days. Hotel prices triple. Patrika Gate becomes one of the most-photographed spots for festival attendees staying nearby at Diggi Palace and Clarks Amer.

2026 Dates

January 15-19, 2026 (Diggi Palace & Hotel Clarks Amer)

Impact on crowds

High, especially mornings as delegates do early Jaipur exploration

Recommendation

Either combine your visit with the festival atmosphere or avoid this specific 5-day window if you prefer quiet photography

Hotel booking

Must book 8-12 weeks in advance for any hotel near Patrika Gate during JLF

Holi - March (COLOURFUL BUT CROWDED)

The festival of colours falls in late February or March. While Holi is not celebrated at Patrika Gate specifically, the gate’s vibrant murals attract visitors who want to photograph the colours against an already-colourful backdrop. Be aware that Holi festivities can be boisterous – carry an old set of clothes and protect your camera equipment.

Republic Day & Independence Day - January 26 / August 15 (PATRIOTIC ATMOSPHERE)

The Jawahar Circle area around Patrika Gate is decorated with flags and lights for Republic Day (January 26) and Independence Day (August 15). The gate is illuminated in tricolour (saffron, white, green) lighting. Local gatherings and small parades take place nearby. A worthwhile visit for these specific evenings if you are already in Jaipur.

Photography Guide - Best Shots & Timing

Patrika Gate is one of the most photographed structures in India, and timing your shoot correctly separates a mediocre shot from a gallery-worthy image. Here is a precise photography-focused breakdown.

Golden Hour Timings by Season

November

Morning golden hour: 7:00-8:00 AM   |   Evening golden hour: 5:20-6:20 PM

December

Morning golden hour: 7:10-8:10 AM   |   Evening golden hour: 5:10-6:10 PM

January

Morning golden hour: 7:10-8:10 AM   |   Evening golden hour: 5:20-6:20 PM

February

Morning golden hour: 6:55-7:55 AM   |   Evening golden hour: 5:45-6:45 PM

March

Morning golden hour: 6:30-7:30 AM   |   Evening golden hour: 6:05-7:05 PM

April-June

Morning golden hour: 6:00-7:00 AM   |   Evening golden hour: 6:30-7:30 PM

July-September

Morning golden hour: 6:10-7:10 AM   |   Evening golden hour: 6:30-7:30 PM

October

Morning golden hour: 6:25-7:25 AM   |   Evening golden hour: 5:50-6:50 PM

Best Compositions & Where to Stand

  • The Tunnel Shot: Stand at the outer entrance, looking inward, captures all nine archways receding into perspective. Best lit from 7:00-9:00 AM when sun enters from the east.
  • The Overhead Look: Lie flat on the courtyard floor and shoot straight up – ceiling murals create a kaleidoscopic overhead composition. Works at any time of day.
  • The Silhouette: Stand inside the gate and photograph outward toward the road at golden hour, creating a dark silhouetted arch frame against a glowing sky.
  • The Mural Close-Up: Choose one panel (the Jaisalmer panel, the folk dancers panel, or the rulers’ portraits panel) and fill the frame, most compelling in side-lit morning conditions.
  • The Night Reflection: After 7:30 PM, Jawahar Circle Garden’s musical fountain creates water reflections, walks 200 metres into the garden and shoots the lit gate reflected in the fountain pool.

Equipment Tips for Patrika Gate

  • Smartphone photographers: Use Portrait mode for mural details; use Ultra Wide for the tunnel perspective; HDR mode handles the high-contrast light inside the arch well
  • DSLR/mirrorless: Wide-angle 16-24mm ideal for tunnel shots; 50-85mm for mural detail; tripod essential for evening and night work
  • Pre-wedding shoots: Arrive by 6:00 AM on winter weekdays for a 90-minute window before the gate fills with other visitors. Weekday mornings in November-February are the industry-standard timing among Jaipur wedding photographers.
  • Monsoon tip: A circular polarising filter cuts through post-rain glare on the wet coloured surfaces and intensifies colour saturation dramatically

Crowd Guide - When to Go for Peace and Quiet

Understanding Patrika Gate’s crowd patterns lets you plan a visit that matches your priorities – whether you want a peaceful, photogenic experience or prefer the lively atmosphere of a bustling cultural space.

Least Crowded Times (Best for Photography)

  • Weekday early mornings (6:00-8:00 AM) in summer – the gate is near-empty on a Tuesday morning in April
  • Weekday early mornings (6:00-8:30 AM) in winter, a small number of serious photographers and local joggers
  • Monsoon mornings (6:00-9:00 AM in July-September), the lowest crowd period of the year combined with excellent post-rain photography conditions
  • Any weekday between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM in summer, the heat keeps the gate empty, though conditions are harsh

Most Crowded Times (Avoid for Photography)

  • Weekend evenings year-round – Friday and Saturday 5:00-8:00 PM are consistently the busiest periods
  • December 24 – January 2 (Christmas and New Year), tourist peak, gate can have hundreds of visitors simultaneously
  • January 14 (Makar Sankranti/Kite Festival), entire Jawahar Circle area is packed from dawn to dusk
  • Diwali evening – expect very large crowds, though the atmosphere is extraordinary
  • Sunday mornings – local families and organised school tour groups arrive as early as 8:00 AM on Sundays

PRE-WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY – TIMING SECRET
The professional standard among Jaipur wedding photographers is to book Patrika Gate sessions for 6:00-8:00 AM on weekdays in November, December, or February.
This window combines the best photography light (morning golden hour), the lowest crowd density (often just your group and 1-2 other visitors), and the most comfortable temperatures for models in heavy bridal wear.
Avoid January 14 (Kite Festival) and festival weekends entirely for pre-wedding sessions.

Best Time by Visitor Type

Different types of visitors have different priorities at Patrika Gate. Here is a targeted recommendation for each:

First-Time Tourist

Best period

November to February – comfortable weather, clear skies, full Jaipur cultural experience

Best day

Weekday (Tuesday-Thursday to avoid weekend crowds)

Best time

Late afternoon – 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM (golden hour + evening fountain show combination)

Time needed

45 minutes at the gate + 30 minutes at the Jawahar Circle fountain show

Serious Photographer

Best period

October-November (post-monsoon, before peak crowds) or February (good light, thinning crowds)

Best day

Any weekday

Best time

Arrive 20 minutes before sunrise; stay until 9:00 AM. Return 90 minutes before sunset.

Monsoon bonus

July-September offers the most dramatic skies and saturated colours – worth the humidity

Equipment

Bring a tripod for evening shots; circular polariser for midday and monsoon work

Pre-Wedding / Bridal Photography

Best period

November to February – comfortable weather, clear skies, full Jaipur cultural experience

Best day

Weekday (Tuesday-Thursday to avoid weekend crowds)

Best time

Late afternoon – 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM (golden hour + evening fountain show combination)

Time needed

45 minutes at the gate + 30 minutes at the Jawahar Circle fountain show

Budget / Backpacker Traveller

Best period

July-September monsoon off-season – hotel rates 40-60% below winter peak

Trade-offs

Possible rain (carry compact umbrella); humidity; fewer fellow tourists

Unexpected benefit

Post-rain Patrika Gate has some of the most vivid colours of the year – a genuine photography opportunity

Best time of day

Morning golden hour for photos; evening for atmosphere (fountain show still runs)

Accommodation savings

Easily ₹800-2,000 per night cheaper than the December-January peak

Family with Children

Best period

November to February – cool enough for children, safe outdoor exploration

Best day

Weekday morning to avoid peak weekend crowds

Best time

9:00-11:00 AM (post-early rush, before afternoon heat; children can explore Jawahar Circle Garden)

Evening option

6:30-8:00 PM – children love the musical fountain show (7:00-7:30 PM) in the adjacent garden

Practical tip

The gate itself takes 20-30 minutes; combine with 1-2 hours in the Jawahar Circle Garden park

 

Practical Tips - Before You Go

What to Wear

  •  Winter (Nov-Feb): Light day clothes for afternoons; carry a warm jacket for early mornings (temperatures drop below 10°C before 8:00 AM in December-January)
  • Summer (Mar-Jun): Loose cotton or linen clothing in light colours; full-sleeve shirts protect from sun better than sleeveless; carry a scarf
  • Monsoon (Jul-Oct): Light breathable clothing; compact waterproof jacket or umbrella; avoid synthetic fabrics that trap humidity
  • Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes, the courtyard and surrounding path are paved but uneven in places

What to Bring

  • Water: Minimum 1 litre per person in winter; 2+ litres in summer – there are no water vendors inside the gate area
  • Camera or charged phone: Patrika Gate is one of the most photogenic spots in India – be prepared
  • Small cash: Street food vendors and chai stalls at the Jawahar Circle Garden entrance accept cash only
  • Sunscreen: Essential from February onwards; SPF 50+ strongly recommended from April to June

Getting There - Timing Tips

  • From the city centre (Hawa Mahal area): 25-35 minutes by auto-rickshaw; 30-45 minutes in morning traffic from 8:30 AM onwards, book your ride for 6:00 AM to avoid the traffic build-up
  • From Jaipur International Airport: Just 4-6 km away (10-15 minutes) – Patrika Gate is ideal as a first or last stop when arriving or departing
  • Parking: Available at Jawahar Circle, arrives early (before 8:00 AM) on weekends to secure a spot in peak season

COMBINE YOUR VISIT – THE PERFECT EVENING ITINERARY

4:30 PM: Arrive at Patrika Gate – photograph the exterior in golden hour light

5:00-6:00 PM: Walk through the gate archways and explore the mural panels in detail

6:00-6:30 PM: Cross into Jawahar Circle Garden – 1.5 km jogging track loop with fountain views

7:00-7:30 PM: Musical fountain show at the garden centre – free, spectacular, no tickets needed

7:30-8:30 PM: Street food stalls near the garden entrance – try kachori, samosa, and kulfi

8:30 PM: Return to the gate for night photography – the illuminated arches against the dark sky

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the absolute best time to visit Patrika Gate?

For most visitors, the ideal combination is a November or February weekday morning, arriving at 6:30 AM. You get the morning golden hour, a near-empty gate, cool comfortable temperatures, and clear winter skies. For an evening visit, aim for 4:30-7:30 PM on any winter weekday to combine golden-hour photography with the Jawahar Circle fountain show.

Is Patrika Gate open at night? Is it safe?

Yes, Patrika Gate is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. It is well-lit at night and the surrounding Jawahar Circle area is a safe, well-populated public space until at least 9:30-10:00 PM. Night visits for photography (with a tripod) and casual walks are common and safe.

How crowded is Patrika Gate on weekends?

Weekends in peak season (November-February) are significantly busier than weekdays. Saturday and Sunday evenings (5:00-8:00 PM) are the single most crowded period of the week. Weekend mornings (6:00-9:00 AM) are still manageable. If your schedule permits, a Tuesday or Wednesday morning visit will give you the most tranquil experience.

Is it worth visiting Patrika Gate in the monsoon?

Absolutely, and it is one of the most underrated travel decisions in Jaipur. After rain, the mural colours are vivid and freshly washed, the Jawahar Circle Garden is lush green, and the dramatic monsoon clouds make for extraordinary sky compositions. Crowds are minimal and hotels are 40-50% cheaper. The main caveat is to carry an umbrella and be prepared for afternoon showers, especially in July and August.

What time does the musical fountain show start at Jawahar Circle?

The musical fountain show at Jawahar Circle Garden runs from 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM daily, throughout the year. It is free to watch and requires no booking. Combined with an evening visit to Patrika Gate, this makes the 6:30-8:00 PM window the most complete evening experience in this part of Jaipur.

What is the entry fee for Patrika Gate?

Entry to Patrika Gate is completely free, there is no ticket, no entry fee, and no booking required. The gate is public infrastructure maintained by the Patrika Group and the Jaipur Municipal Corporation. The adjacent Jawahar Circle Garden also has no entry fee.