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“Don’t worry, the monkeys are not aggressive.”
That reassurance, offered by a local we met on the way up, stayed with us as we descended the steps toward the main kund (sacred pool) at Galta Ji Temple.
At the water’s edge, a group of tourists reacted with visible discomfort, some even gagging, yet still paused to photograph elderly women bathing in the murky pool. What felt unsettling to some was, for others, a deeply meaningful act of faith.
It was a reminder that we were witnessing something beyond our own understanding, and that places like this come with unspoken rules: to observe with respect.
So if you’re planning a visit to Galta Ji Temple, often referred to as the Monkey Temple in Jaipur, this guide covers everything you need to know, from what to expect and how to get there to the best times to visit. More importantly, it offers a little context to help you experience the temple with greater awareness and respect.
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Galta Ji Overview
Here’s everything you need to know to visit Galta Ji Temple today.
Location: Galta Ji, Jaipur
Opening Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Entrance Fee: Free
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon
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Jaipur’s Monkey Temple
Tucked within the rocky hills of Khania-Balaji village, Galta Ji Temple is one of Jaipur’s most important Hindu pilgrimage sites, located about 4 km east of Jaipur’s Old City.
Set within a narrow gorge in the ancient Aravalli Hills, the temple complex dates back to the early 18th century, during the reign of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur. Despite being so close to the city, the setting feels surprisingly secluded.
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A natural spring emerges from the hilltop and feeds a chain of sacred kunds, where pilgrims come to bathe in the holy water.
Troops of macaques freely roam through the temple grounds, giving Galta Ji its well-known nickname—the Monkey Temple. The animals are regarded as sacred and are closely associated with Hanuman, the monkey god revered in Hinduism.
Looking for more things to do in Jaipur? Read our 3-Day Jaipur Itinerary
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Best Time to Visit
You can visit Galta Ji any time of the year, but the best weather for exploring (especially if you plan to hike) is from October to March.
Summer in Jaipur, from April to June, can be intensely hot, so early morning or late afternoon is the best time to go. During the monsoon season from July to September, expect brief but heavy downpours.
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If you’re visiting in mid-January, keep in mind that Makar Sankranti draws large crowds of pilgrims who come here to bathe in the sacred pools.
Visiting India soon? Read our quick guide to India’s tourist visa requirements here!
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How to Get to the Monkey Temple
There are two main ways to reach Galta Ji:
- Via Galta Gate - the traditional route with a short walk over the hills
- Direct entrance - accessible by vehicle, with less walking
Tuk-tuk: The easiest option is to take a tuk-tuk from the Old City to Galta Gate, around 3km from Hawa Mahal. The direct entrance lies on the opposite side of the hills and is a much longer drive.
Note: If you choose the direct entrance, it’s wise to arrange for your driver to wait, as return transport can be limited
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Guided Tour: Although it’s easy to visit independently, you can also join a guided tour, which typically includes transportation and an English-speaking guide.
Here are the most highly rated tours in Jaipur that include a stop at the Monkey Temple:
Discovering Galta Ji: What to Expect
Here is everything you need to know when visiting Jaipur’s Monkey Temple
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Galta Gate
The pink sandstone Galta Gate is the traditional entrance to the temple. Before the road was built, this was the only way pilgrims could reach the complex, climbing through the hills before descending into the gorge below.
Today, it remains the closest entrance from the city, making it popular with locals, while many tour groups arrive through the easier road entrance.
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If you arrive by tuk-tuk, you may be approached by locals offering motorbike rides up the hill. Some drivers may also warn you about aggressive monkeys to encourage you to pay for a lift.
We heard the same warnings ourselves and decided to walk anyway. Aside from the heat, the climb was straightforward and took about twenty minutes.
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The Climb
The path begins with a zigzagging stone ramp climbing steadily into the hills. During our visit, we saw an elderly man offering photo opportunities with a five-legged cow, which is considered lucky in Hindu culture.
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Partway up, you’ll reach Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir, where it’s worth stopping for a view back across Jaipur’s old neighbourhoods.
Continue toward Shri Ram Mandir, where the path splits. From here, you can go straight to reach Galta Ji or turn right for a short detour to the Sun Temple.
Want to visit Galta Ji on a guided tour? Book your private tour here!
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Detour: Sun Temple
Also known as Surya Mandir, this small hilltop temple dates back to 1734.
The temple itself is modest, but the panoramic views over Jaipur are some of the best in the area, especially around sunset when kites fill the sky above the rooftops.
Looking for more breathtaking views in Jaipur? Visit Amer Wall with our guide on how to climb Jaipur's best viewpoint!
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Galta Ji
From Shri Ram Mandir, the trail descends along a dusty path into the gorge. As the temple comes into view, the number of monkeys begins to increase.
Soon, the upper pools appear, surrounded by smaller shrines and weathered temple walls. This was where we saw the highest concentration of macaques—climbing railings, balancing on electric lines, and watching visitors from every ledge.
Note: At first it can feel intimidating, but the monkeys are generally accustomed to people.
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Stone steps lead down to Galta Kund, considered the holiest of the temple’s sacred pools, framed by towering granite cliffs.
In the late afternoon, devotees gathered to bathe in the sacred water, believing it can cleanse sins and purify the soul, while others watched from the edges or fed fruit to cows and monkeys nearby.
Staying the night in Jaipur? Find the best accommodation here!
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Perhaps the most recognizable spot of the complex is the lower pool, set against a faded yellow temple built directly into the rock face.
Despite its spiritual significance, parts of the complex feel neglected, with scattered trash and fruit peels around the water. Still, if you look upward, the painted ceilings and worn frescoes reveal traces of the temple’s former grandeur.
Surrounding Temples
Between the direct entrance and the lower pools are several temples dedicated to the deities Rama, Krishna, and Hanuman.
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Among the most striking are Sri Gyan Gopal and Shri Sitaram Ji Temple, built in traditional haveli style with painted archways, carved balconies and delicate ceiling artwork typical of old Jaipur.
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And that’s our guide to visiting Galta Ji Temple in Jaipur!
As always, remember that it’s a place of worship, so be mindful and respectful during your visit.
If you’re looking for more things to do in the Pink City, check out our 3-day itinerary covering the highlights and hidden corners of Jaipur.
Have questions for planning your trip? Let us know in the comments below!
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