Located on the rugged Galta Hills, Surya Mandir is a small but historically significant temple dedicated to the Sun God. While the Galtaji (Monkey Temple) lies in the valley below, Surya Mandir sits 100 meters above the city, acting as a silent sentinel over Jaipur. Built in 1734 AD by Diwan Rao Kripa Ram (a minister to Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II), it remains the best spot for photographers and peace-seekers.
🕒 Visitor Information: Timings & Entry (2026)
Surya Mandir is a serene heritage site with no commercial hurdles, making it a favorite for solo travelers and hikers.
| Category | Details |
| Entry Fee | No Entry Fee (Free for all) |
| Phone Number | +91 99829 84267 |
| Timings | 5:00 AM – 7:30 PM (Daily) |
| Best Time for Photos | 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM (Golden Hour) |
| Ideal Duration | 1.5 – 2 Hours (including the hike) |
🏛️ Architecture & Spiritual Significance
The temple’s design mirrors the Kalki Temple in the city, utilizing stone masonry and lime.
Strategic Placement: Following the Sthapatya Veda (ancient architectural science), the temple was placed on the eastern axis. It aligns perfectly with Suraj Pol (Sun Gate) and Chand Pol (Moon Gate) on the west.
The Royal Connection: The Jaipur royal family considers themselves Suryavanshi (descendants of the Sun God through Lord Rama’s son, Kush), giving this temple deep ancestral importance.
🌅 Top Things to Do at Surya Mandir
1. Watch the Iconic Jaipur Sunset
As the sun dips below the horizon, the entire Pink City is bathed in a golden-orange hue. From this vantage point, you can see the city’s grid-like layout, the Nahargarh Fort in the distance, and the bustling life of the old bazaars.
2. Hiking & Mountain Biking
There are two main ways to reach the temple:
The Galta Hike: A 1.5 km uphill climb from the Galtaji Temple complex.
The Suraj Pol Route: A 200-meter steep, cobbled pathway starting from the Suraj Pol gate. It’s a great workout with rewarding views at every turn.
3. Meditation & Photography
Unlike the crowded temples in the city center, Surya Mandir offers a quiet atmosphere (Aarti at sunset adds a beautiful musical backdrop). It is a prime spot for capturing 360-degree panoramas of the Aravalli hills.
🚗 How to Reach the Sun Temple
By Metro: Take the Pink Line to Badi Chaupar, then a 5 km auto-rickshaw ride to the Galta Gate.
By Taxi/Cab: You can book a cab to the base of the hill (Galta Gate) and then hike up for 15–20 minutes.
Distance from Key Hubs: * Sindhi Camp Bus Stand: 6.5 km
Jaipur Railway Station: 10 km
Jaipur Airport: 14 km
💡 Expert Tips & Safety Warnings for 2026
Monkey Alert: The Galta hills are famous for Rhesus Macaque monkeys. Do not carry food in your hands and avoid direct eye contact; they can be quite bold!
Wildlife Awareness: Local residents and forest officials have occasionally spotted leopards in the surrounding scrub forests of the Galta hills. Avoid staying past 7:30 PM and try to hike in groups.
Footwear: Wear shoes with a good grip. The stone paths can be slippery, especially during the monsoon (July–September).
Etiquette: It is a functional temple; remember to remove your shoes at the entrance gate before entering the main sanctum.
To reach the Surya Mandir from the Galtaji (Monkey Temple), you need to navigate a steep but well-defined walking path. This route takes you from the holy kunds (water tanks) in the valley up to the mountain crest.
🗺️ The Galtaji to Sun Temple Trail Map
The Starting Point: Begin at the Galta Kund (the highest of the sacred pools) within the Galtaji temple complex.
The Ascent: Look for a set of stone stairs located behind the main temple structures. These stairs lead into a narrow crevice between the cliffs.
The Ridge Path: After climbing the stairs for about 10–15 minutes, you will reach a ridge. Here, the path splits:
Right: Leads to the Surya Mandir (Sun Temple).
Left: Continues toward the Twin Tower Trek and higher Aravalli ridges.
The Destination: Follow the right-hand path along the cobbled rampart. Within 5 minutes, you will reach the platform of the Sun Temple, overlooking the entire city.
⏱️ Trail Logistics
Distance: Approximately 1.5 km (0.9 miles).
Time: 25–40 minutes (depending on your pace and how often you stop to dodge monkeys).
Elevation: A moderate climb of about 100–150 meters.
Difficulty: Moderate (steep in parts with uneven old stone steps).
💡 Expert Navigator Tips
The Monkey “Pass”: This trail is the main thoroughfare for the “Galta Gang” of rhesus macaques. Do not carry plastic bags or food in your hands. If a monkey approaches, stay calm and keep walking; don’t show your teeth (it’s a sign of aggression to them).
Sunset Timing: If you are visiting for sunset, start your hike from Galtaji no later than 5:00 PM. This gives you enough time to reach the top before the “Golden Hour” begins.
The Descent: While you can walk back down to Galtaji, many people prefer to walk down the other side of the hill, which leads directly to Galta Gate/Suraj Pol in the city. This is a much shorter, 15-minute downhill walk.
Footwear: Avoid flip-flops. The stone stairs can be smooth and slippery, especially if they are wet from the morning dew or a recent rain.
⚠️ Safety Check
Since this trail enters the Amagarh/Galta Wildlife Sanctuary zone, it is best to hike in a group of 2 or more. Local guides and signs occasionally warn of leopard activity in the deeper brush surrounding the trail after dark.
