Galtaji Temple often called Galta Ji or Galwar Bagh, lies in a rocky gorge to the east of Jaipur and feels almost like a hidden holy town. A natural spring flows from the hills and fills a series of stepped kunds (water tanks), where pilgrims bathe and perform rituals. Temples and pavilions cling to the cliff sides around the main tanks, painted in faded pinks and yellows, with arches reflected in the water. Because many monkeys live here, tourists sometimes call it the “Monkey Temple,” but for devotees it is primarily a sacred site associated with saints and the Sun God. From the top of the pass above Galtaji, you get wide views of Jaipur and its ring of forts, adding a dramatic landscape element to the spiritual atmosphere.
About this place
History & highlights
Galtaji has been a Hindu pilgrimage centre for centuries, linked in legend to the sage Galav, who is said to have performed long penance here until the gods blessed the site with an ever-flowing spring. The continuous presence of water in an otherwise dry region made it especially sacred, and multiple kunds – including Galta Kund, regarded as the holiest – were created to store the spring water. In the 18th century, under the patronage of the Jaipur rulers, the present temple structures were developed, with ornate gateways and painted façades that turned the natural gorge into a built sacred complex. Over time, mathas (monastic establishments) and resident priestly lineages took charge of managing the site and its festivals. Today, Galtaji continues to host major religious gatherings, such as festive dips on auspicious days and community celebrations like Chhath, while also functioning as a key heritage and tourism spot for Jaipur.
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