Nestled within a narrow mountain pass in the Aravalli Hills, Galtaji Temple is a prehistoric Hindu pilgrimage site that feels like a scene from an adventure movie. Known globally as the “Monkey Temple,” this 18th-century complex is famous for its natural fresh-water springs, sacred kunds (tanks), and the hundreds of monkeys that call its pink sandstone pavilions home.

🕒 Visitor Information: Entry Fee & Timings (2026)

Galtaji is a living place of worship and remains free to enter for all visitors, regardless of nationality.

🏛️ The Sacred Waters: The Seven Kunds

The spiritual heart of Galtaji is a natural spring that emerges from a rock shaped like a cow’s mouth (Gaumukh). This water fills seven sacred kunds.

• Galta Kund: The holiest tank, believed to never run dry. Taking a dip here, especially on Makar Sankranti or Kartik Poornima, is said to wash away a lifetime of sins.

• The View: Seeing the yellow-hued temple walls reflected in the green waters of the kunds is a highlight for photographers.

🐒 The Notorious “Monkey Temple” Residents

Galtaji earned its nickname from the large tribes of Rhesus Macaques and Langurs that inhabit the complex.

• Behavior: The monkeys are bold and highly intelligent. They are known to “dive” into the sacred tanks to cool off—a sight that has been featured on National Geographic and Discovery Channel.

• Safety Tip: Do not carry food or plastic bags openly. The monkeys are expert snatchers and can be aggressive if they sense you have snacks.

🌅 The Sunset Hike to the Sun Temple

For the best view in Jaipur, take the stone-paved path that leads uphill from the main Galtaji complex.

• The Sun Temple (Surya Mandir): Perched on the highest ridge, this small temple offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the “Pink City” below.

• Sunset Magic: Arrive here 30 minutes before sunset to watch the city turn golden as the temple bells begin to ring for evening prayers.

📜 History & Spiritual Legacy

• The Founder: While the site is ancient, the current structure was built in the 18th century by Diwan Rao Kriparam, a courtier of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II.

• Literary Roots: It is believed that the saint Tulsidas spent three years here writing portions of the Ramcharitmanas.

• ISKCON Connection: The foundational philosophy of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) draws from the Govind Bhashya, which was written right here at Galtaji in 1718.

🚗 How to Reach Galtaji

• By Road (The Main Way): The temple is 10 km from Jaipur city. You can take a cab or auto-rickshaw via the Ghalta Gate road.

• The Hike (The Adventurous Way): Start at the end of Suraj Pol Bazar. A 30–45 minute uphill walk through a pink stone archway takes you past the Sun Temple and down into the Galtaji valley.

• Nearest Airport: Jaipur International Airport (15 km).

💡 Expert Visitor Tips for 2026

1. Beware of Touts: There is no official entry fee. If someone asks for “protection money” or a “tour fee,” politely decline.

2. Dress Code: As this is a holy site, wear modest clothing. Removing shoes is required to enter the specific shrine areas.

3. Footwear: Wear comfortable walking shoes with a good grip; the stone paths can be slippery and are often covered in monkey “remnants.”

4. Photography: The monkeys are used to cameras, but avoid using flash or pointing your lens too aggressively at them, as they may perceive it as a threat.