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India's Iconic 'Pink City' Is Continuously Voted One of the Best in the World

Jaipur, the capital of India's Rajasthan state, is a destination filled with beautiful palaces, a rich history, and luxury hotels. Here's how to plan the best trip.

Meena Thiruvengadam is a lifelong traveler and veteran journalist who has visited more than 50 countries across six continents. Her writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal , Departures , TripSavvy , and other publications.

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Things to know, how to get around, best hotels, best restaurants, things to do, best shopping, neighborhoods to know, apps to download.

Jaipur, nicknamed the Pink City, forms a key point on the Golden Triangle, the tourist circuit that connects New Delhi, Agra, and Rajasthan. Jaipur's nickname is a nod to the pink buildings within its historic core, among them the iconic Hawa Mahal.

Jaipur is also continuously named one of the best cities in the world by Travel + Leisure readers . A city of sprawling palaces, it's also home to ornate architectural masterpieces and sweeping views of lush green hills and idyllic lakes. It is the first planned city in India and has earned UNESCO World Heritage status for setting an exceptional example of indigenous city planning. And its streets feel a little more manageable than the congested labyrinths of New Delhi and Mumbai, especially for first-time visitors to India.

This is a city that inspired Paul McCartney to write "Riding into Jaipur" and became the backdrop of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel movies. It is a place to enjoy the performing arts, to feast on sumptuous meals in the banquet halls of royalty, and to reminisce about a bygone era of Maharajas. Ride elephants and explore Mughal architecture by day and enjoy some of the world's finest hotels by night.

Jaipur is also a shopper's paradise, offering everything from fine jewelry and intricate handmade art pieces to a variety of textiles.

Visitors can fly directly into the city or take a train, bus, or private car from New Delhi. The fastest route is by high-speed train, which takes just under four hours.

Jaipur is in the Indian Standard Time Zone. Indian Standard Time is 10 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Eastern Time, and India does not observe Daylight Saving Time.

Jaipur is warm all year long, but the most comfortable time to visit the Pink City is between October and February. This is when the days are clear and breezy and when visitors can expect to find the most pleasant temperatures. Visit between March and July and you may find yourself exploring sprawling castles that pre-date air conditioning in stifling heat. During these months, temperatures in Jaipur can soar above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

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Jaipur is the largest city in Rajasthan and the 10th most populated city in India. It is known as the Pink City, a nickname earned for a color elegantly woven throughout the city. Jaipur forms one point of the Golden Triangle, a tourist trail that connects New Delhi, the Taj Mahal, and Rajasthan. Jaipur is only 167 miles from New Delhi, but it is an entirely different world. Founded in 1727, Jaipur is the first planned city in India. Instead of a complicated labyrinth of roads, the city is built on a street grid that makes it easier to navigate than Delhi or Mumbai. Jaipur is a place to explore the palaces of pre-colonial India, dive deep into Indian history, and relax in world class hotels.

Currency: Rupee (Check the current exchange rate )

Language: Hindi, English, Dhundari

I don't speak Hindi: main hindi nahin jaanta hoon

I'm lost: main haar gaya hoon

I would like: main chaahoonga

Calling code: + 91 0141

Trains: Jaipur has big ambitions for local transit, but it still has a ways to go in realizing them. Jaipur's metro serves an eight-mile stretch of the city and has just one operating train line. If you're looking to get around by public transit, bus is a better bet.

Buses: Jaipur operates city buses, some with air conditioning. Several tour companies offer sightseeing bus tours as well.

Taxis: Several taxi companies operate in town and many can be booked online. India's iconic yellow and green auto rickshaws also are widely available.

Ride service: Ride sharing is available through Uber and Ola in Jaipur. Taxi and private car services also are available.

The Leela Palace Jaipur

Address: Jaipur-Delhi Highway, NH 11, Kukas, Rajasthan 302028, India Phone: +91 1426 350 000 Book Now

This gorgeous five-star hotel is a feast for the senses set against the backdrop of the Aravalli mountain range. Spread over eight acres, this hotel is a palatial respite that's home to some of the city's top restaurants.

Rambagh Palace

Address: Bhawani Singh Rd, Rambagh, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302005, India Phone: +91 141 238 5700 Book Now

This sprawling luxury hotel offers just 78 luxury rooms and suites set around a picturesque Mughal garden. The former palace of the Maharajas is home to some of the finest restaurants in Jaipur and has hosted guests including Prince Charles and Jackie Kennedy.

The Oberoi Rajvilas

Address: Babaji Ka Modh, Goner Rd, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302031, India Phone: +91 141 268 0101 Book Now

This luxury hotel pays homage to the heart of the Pink City, borrowing the color throughout the property. If you're looking for lots of privacy, a dreamy pool to lay beside, and a personal experience to make you feel like royalty, you can find it here.

The Raj Palace

Address: Jorawar Singh Gate, Amer Rd, Chokdi Gangapol, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002, India Phone: +91 141 263 4077 Book Now

Walking into this heritage hotel is like entering another era. This is a place to revel in Jaipur's intricate design work and to lounge in luxury — or the gorgeous hotel pool. Don't miss the afternoon tea.

Jai Mahal Palace

Address: Jacob Rd, Civil Lines, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302006, India Phone: +91 141 222 3636 Book Now

This epic hotel is set within 18 acres of gorgeous Mughal gardens. The five-star property has 100 rooms and suites in the heart of the Pink City, the historic inner core of Jaipur. It also boasts a spa, cigar bar, and private dining unlike anything you've ever experienced.

Mohan Mahal

Address: Jaipur-Delhi Highway, NH 11, Kukas, Rajasthan 302028, India (Inside the Leela Palace) Phone: +91 1426 350 000 Website

This gorgeous restaurant takes the authentic Rajasthani cuisine dinner to a whole new level. Just decide between vegetarian and non-vegetarian, and let the chef take you on a flavorful journey through several local specialties.

Preet Mahal

Preet Mahal draws its inspiration from Italian Trattoria serving traditional Italian comfort food including Pizzas, Pastas, Risottos with warm service in an elegant setting along with an alfresco area.

Suvarna Mahal

Address: Bhawani Singh Rd, Rambagh, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302005, India (Inside the Rambagh Palace) Phone: +91-141-2385700 Website

This upscale Indian restaurant is housed in what was once a palace banquet hall. This is an opulent space filled with gilded mirrors and ornate frescoes and a place to feast on the favorite dishes of pre-Colonial Indian royals. Don't miss the Rajasthani spicy lamb curry or the chicken with mango and saffron.

House of Han

Address: Crowne Plaza, Sitapura Industrial Area, Tonk Road, Jaipur Phone: +34 914 77 34 38 Website

Located inside the Crowne Plaza Hotel, this restaurant is the place to go for Dim Sum in Jaipur. Beyond Dim Sum, you'll find a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes from China, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Don't miss the signature olive fried rice.

If you like trains, you're going to love this lounge style restaurant inside the Rambagh Palace hotel. The restaurant is set inside a restored steam engine and the recreated Victorian train station it's pulled into. On the menu, you'll find a variety of global cuisines including Indian, Mediterranean, Asian, and Mexican items. There's also a selection of pizzas.

Address: Hawa Mahal Road

This is the heart of the Pink City. The five-story architectural icon is made of red and pink sandstone and sits at the edge of the City Palace in Jaipur's historic core. Hawa Mahal's exterior looks like a honeycomb and boasts 953 small windows whose latticework has become famous around the world.

Amber Palace, also known as Amer Fort

Address: Devisinghpura, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302001, India Website

This palace is about a half-hour drive outside of Jaipur, but it too has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This palace traces its history to 1592 and Sheesh Mahal, the hall of mirrors, is one of its can't-miss spots. Amber Fort is also a popular spot for elephant rides.

City Palace

Address: Tulsi Marg, Gangori Bazaar, J.D.A. Market, Pink City

Next to Hawa Mahal, this is one of Jaipur's top attractions. Until 1949, this was the ceremonial and administrative seat of the Maharaja of Jaipur. It hosted religious and cultural events in a collection of buildings surrounding open courtyards.

Address: Man Sagar Lake, viewable from Nahargarh Fort

Jal Mahal is a majestic palace rising from the center of Man Sagar Lake. This palace seems to float on top of the glassy water, but a close look shows it's partially submerged. Just one of its five stories is now visible. The building isn't accessible, but you can catch a glimpse of its former glory from Nahargarh Fort.

Jantar Mantar

Address: Gangori Bazaar, J.D.A. Market, Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002, India

This is yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site you won't want to miss, especially if you're fascinated by astronomy. The Jantar Mahal is a collection of 19 astronomical instruments built in the early 1700s. It is home to the world's largest stone sundial.

Nahargarh Fort

Address: Krishna Nagar, Brahampuri, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002, India

This magnificent force was once a key point in the city's defense. It's connected to the Jaigarh Fort and offers sweeping views of the city of Jaipur as well as the Jal Mahal, which is no longer accessible to tourists.

Jaigarh Fort

Address: Devisinghpura, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302028, India

Jaigarh Fort is located 500 feet above sea level, in the Aravalli mountain range. It was built in 1726 to protect the Amer Fort palace complex and overlooks the Amer Fort and Maota Lake.

Johari Bazar

Address: Johari Bazaar Road

This is one of the best known shopping spots in Jaipur. Johari translates to jeweler, and jewelry is a market specialty. Shoppers can expect to find traditional Rajasthani jewelry made from gold and precious stones as well as a variety of traditional Indian clothing.

Address: Bapu Bazaar Road

Bapu Bazar is the place to buy Mojari, a popular local shoe made of camel skin. Shoppers can also expect to find a variety of Rajasthani textiles, crafts, and traditional Indian clothing including lehengas and sarees.

Tripolia Bazar

Address: Kanwar Nagar

Tripolia Bazar is one of the oldest and busiest markets in Jaipur. This is the place to shop for bangles and colorful fabrics. You can also expect to find a variety of fine carpets and rugs.

Chandpole Bazar

Address: Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302007

If you've got a dream home to furnish, you'll want to pay this 300-year-old market in the heart of the Pink City a visit. This market is home to hundreds of vendors and best known for its intricately carved marble statues.

Nehru Bazar

Address: Film Colony, Modikhana

You'll find a variety of gorgeous clothing items and textiles here, but the big draw are the juttis, a traditional North Indian style of shoe. Juttis are a Jaipur specialty, and you'll find the best of them at Nehru Bazar.

Pink City : This is the old city, the historic core of Jaipur where you'll find key sights including Hawa Mahal, City Palace, and several local markets.

Sindhi Camp : This modest residential neighborhood is east of Pink City. This is a transport hub and a place brimming with authentic street food and affordable accommodations.

The days are marked with warmth all year long in Jaipur, though nights can get chilly from December to February. Summer comes early with peak temperatures that can rise above 100° Fahrenheit April, May, and June. Monsoon season runs from July to September, cooling down temperatures and lowering hotel prices for visitors who don't mind the rain. October to June bring cool breezes and moderate sunlight, making it the most popular time of the year to visit. You may want to pack a jacket, though. Temperatures can dip into the 40s in January.

The following are average temperature highs and lows by month in Fahrenheit.

January: 46°F to 74°F February: 54°F to 81°F March: 63°F to 92°F April: 72°F to 101°F May: 80°F to 108°F June: 81°F to 105°F July: 78°F to 96°F August: 76°F to 92°F September: 75°F to 95°F October: 68°F to 95°F November: 58°F to 87°F December: 50°F to 78°F

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Enthralling, historical Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital, is the gateway to India’s most flamboyant state.

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Experience the real Jaipur. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

City Palace

A complex of courtyards, gardens and buildings, the impressive City Palace is right in the centre of the Old City. The outer wall was built by Jai Singh…

Jaipur’s most-distinctive landmark, the Hawa Mahal is an extraordinary pink-painted, delicately honeycombed hive that rises a dizzying five storeys. It…

Jantar Mantar

Adjacent to the City Palace is Jantar Mantar, an observatory begun by Jai Singh II in 1728 that resembles a collection of bizarre giant sculptures. Built…

Piercing the skyline near the City Palace is this unusual minaret, erected in the 1740s by Jai Singh II’s son and successor Iswari. The entrance is around…

Central Museum

This museum is housed in the spectacularly florid Albert Hall, south of the Old City. The building was designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, and combines…

Maharaja Sawai Mansingh II Museum

The Maharaja Sawai Mansingh II Museum comprises several buildings and courtyards within Jaipur's City Palace complex. The Mubarak Mahal (Welcome Palace)…

Royal Gaitor

The royal cenotaphs, just outside the city walls, beneath Nahargarh, feel remarkably undiscovered and are an appropriately restful place to visit. The…

Built in 1734 and extended in 1868, this sturdy fort overlooks the city from a sheer ridge to the north. The story goes that the fort was named after…

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Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

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Home » Asia » India » Jaipur

JAIPUR Itinerary • MUST READ! (2024)

“The Pink City” of Jaipur is majestic Rajasthan’s bustling capital and is just jam-packed with splendid palaces, mystical temples and unmatched shopping opportunities. Located in the Golden Triangle in the north of India, it’s been at the center of India’s cultural, artistic and scientific development since its foundation.

Whether it’s a museum of handmade textiles or a sprawling astronomical observatory you’re after, you’ll find this living history all over our Jaipur itinerary!

Jaipur is so big and so manic that it can be a challenge to pack everything in. But when you decide to follow our Jaipur itinerary, you’re getting so much more than just a list of sites to visit. From the best place to stay in Jaipur in 3 days to the nearest eatery for every attraction, we’ve really thought of everything!

Just stick close to our 3 day in Jaipur itinerary and you’ll be in for a dazzling time in the pink city of Jaipur!

A Little Bit About This Jaipur Itinerary

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From state-of-the-art museums to an utterly beguiling pink palace, Jaipur hosts a whole trove of treasures with which to dazzle visitors. Our day-by-day Jaipur itineraries will introduce you to all the city’s iconic wonders, as well as find spaces where you can just breathe and take it all in! If you are wondering how many days to spend in Jaipur, then I suggest that 3 is plenty.

There are various methods of getting around Jaipur. Uber and Ola, another app-based cab service, both operate in Jaipur and are the most hassle-free ways of getting around.

You can also take a rickshaw which is best for short distances. Try The Pink City Rickshaw Company which is run and owned by women from low-income households in Jaipur. It’s easy to spot these hot pink, eco-friendly, and custom-designed vehicles from a distance!

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3 Day Jaipur Itinerary Overview

• Day 1 – Jaipur City Palace , Chandra Mahal , Street Food , Jantar Mantar , Hawa Mahal
• Day 2 – Albert Hall , Amrapali Museum , Lunch at Old Green Tandoori , Bazaar Shopping , Monkey Temple , Dinner at Arya Niwaz
• Day 3 – Amer Fort , Jal Mahal , Block Print Museum , Lunch at Anokhi , Gem Palace , Nahargarh Fort

As magical as Jaipur may seem when you’re ogling the pink palace, there are also parts of Jaipur that are far from picturesque. Choosing where to stay on your Jaipur trip is very important!

Bani Park is the best place to stay in Jaipur. It’s a tranquil and safe residential area that is within easy proximity to the sights on your Jaipur itinerary! It’s close to the train station and rickshaw drivers are always close by to get you around Jaipur.

There are numerous accommodation options ranging from budget to all-out luxury! Bani Park is actually the center of the haveli accommodation industry. Havelis are traditional Indian mansions that are built around a courtyard and you’ll find plenty of these charming hotels in Bani Park!

C Scheme is another good option to base your itinerary for Jaipur. It has fewer accommodation options than Bani Park but it is within walking distance of the major Jaipur attractions, such as the City Palace.

If you prefer to be right in the heart of things while on your Jaipur visit, consider Mirza Ismail Road (also known as MI Road). This colossal road cuts through the entire city, meaning it has ideal access to transport! The area has various accommodation options to suit all budgets and is ideal for those interested in shopping and local cuisine.

Best Hostel in Jaipur – Zostel Jaipur Hostel

Zostel Jaipur Hostel is the two-time winner of the best hostel in India prize so you know you’re in good hands here! It’s situated in the city center, near the Hawa Mahal. There’s free wifi, air conditioning for humid summers, and regular social events! The staff has gotten top marks for friendliness and helpfulness, while the hostel itself remains pristine.

Best Airbnb in Jaipur: Period property steeped in history!

This palatial, heritage property will make you feel like you stepped back in time the moment you walk through the door. It’s the kind of place where every detail has been considered and nothing skipped. Perfect for the insta-minded.

Best Luxury Hotel in Jaipur – Taj Rambagh Palace

With endless landscaped gardens, four-poster beds and on-call butlers, you could be forgiven for thinking you’re royalty at the Taj Rambagh Palace! After all, the hotel is a palace that was once the home of the Maharajah of Jaipur! The staff at this 5-star hotel is both discrete and efficient, and everything from cocktails to afternoon tea is on offer!

Day 1 of our Jaipur Itinerary takes in the historical pink city. Prepare to be amazed by the ancient palaces and swept up Jaipur’s manic energy. Wear comfortable shoes and light, loose clothing as there will be a bit of walking involved. You can get between the various attractions by Tuk Tuk which can easily be hailed from the street -just remember to barter hard on the price!

10.00 am – Chandra Mahal

Although it’s technically a part of City Palace, Chandra Mahal has its own entrance fee and a famed reputation in its own right! It’s a seven-story building but only the ground floor can be visited by tourists.

The royal collection on display at the museum is just spectacular, with everything from priceless manuscripts to rare carpets on display! Although it’s a bit pricey, most visitors agree that it’s worth it.

• How long should I stay here?  1 hour
• Getting there –  Take a Tuk Tuk or cab

11:30 am- City Palace

Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur City Palace is a fusion of Mughal and Rajput architecture. The enormous complex took up one-seventh of old Jaipur so there’s plenty to see.

The Mubarak Mahal is one of the great highlights of the palace. It was constructed as a reception hall in the 19th century and today, it’s the palace museum. There are some truly envy-provoking clothes worn by the royal family on display!

In the Diwan-I-Khas, an audience chamber, you’ll find two silver vessels which hold the Guinness World Book of Records for the largest silver vessels in the world. They were used to carry water from the Ganges for Sawaii Madho Singh II who wanted to only drink the holy water while on tour in England!

If you can afford to splash out on just one thing, it should be a guided tour of the City Palace. The palace is just gigantic and has so many stories that only an insider can tell! If you don’t have a guide, try the audio guide which costs $3 USD.

• Cost  – $10
• Getting there  –  It’s adjacent to Chandra Mahal so use those feet!

1.00 pm – Street Food

If you are backpacking India on a budget then you will probably be living on street food. Indian street food is world-famous and if it’s your first time in Jaipur you have to try it! The offerings are varied are ubiquitous, the flavors tantalizing and best of all it is super cheap! Pakora’s (fried balls of spicy stuff) can readily be picked up from $0.10. You can find street food pretty much anywhere and the streets around City Palace and Chandra Mahal have a few stalls or kiosks operating.

Some western stomachs can be a bit sensitive to spices and ghee and but you don’t have too much to worry about in terms of hygiene. Just pick somewhere that looks popular and eat only food that is hot and fresh.

2.00 pm – Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II who was fascinated with the mysteries of the skies. It continues to be a working astronomical observatory that fascinates tourists on vacation in Jaipur!

Vrihat Samrat Yantra, the huge sundial, is the crown jewel of Jantar Mantar. At 27m, it’s the tallest sundial in the world.

Jaya Prakash Yantra is another stellar highlight of our Jaipur itinerary. When the inverted image of the sky falls on the marble slabs, casting a shadow, it’s possible to determine the positions of various stars and planets!

Other fascinating instruments include Digamsa and Karnti Vritya which measure times for sunrise and sunset, and the solar sign of the sun, respectively.

Make sure that you get here around midday when the sun is overhead. This means you’ll be able to see how readings are taken from the various instruments much more easily than at other times!

• How long should I stay here?  30 – 60 minutes
• Getting there  –  A Tuk Tuk or Cab to the main entrance

3.30 pm – Hawa Mahal

The next of our places to visit Jaipur in 3 days is Hawa Mahal, the gorgeous “Palace of the Wind” and one of the classic Jaipur landmarks. It was built as an extension to City Palace in 1799 to allow royal ladies to watch street parades without being seen by the wider public.

The architecture of Hawa Mahal is just sublime. Admiring the facade, which is shaped a bit like a honeycomb, you can take in all 953 windows!

Some say that the shape was inspired by Lord Krishna’s crown.  When the royal ladies would watch street activities, they’d have the windows slightly open to let in a breeze, giving rise to the name “Palace of the Wind”.

Hawa Mahal is also reputedly the world’s tallest building without a foundation. If you notice a slight curve in the structure, that was a mechanism to compensate for the lack of a foundation!

• How long should I stay here?  2 hours
• Getting there  –  It’s a 9 minute walk from the last stop. Ask for “Hawa Mahal”.

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I do hope you saved some energy yesterday as Day 2 of our Jaipur Itinerary is equally as action-packed! Today we take in some colonial-era architectural gems, a few lovely museums, and finish with sunset up at the monkey temple; my personal favorite spot in Jaipur.

10:00 am – Albert Hall Museum

When the building first started on Albert Hall, no one had any idea of what purpose the structure would serve! Fortunately, Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II approved an idea to create a museum in the space that would showcase the talents of local artists.

Albert Hall’s architecture is something of an attraction in itself. The Indian-Saracenic style incorporates features from various Indian architectural styles.

The museum walls are covered in murals depicting daily life in various other great empires, like Babylon and Egypt. This allowed citizens to compare their lives with others and develop their knowledge.

The 16 galleries inside the museum range from armor to miniature paintings. There are some fascinating coins that date back to before the 11th century! You’re also able to admire royal jewellery, intricate woodwork, and ivory statues.

• How long should I stay here?  60 – 90 minutes
• Getting there –  Take a Tuk Tuk or cab

11.30 am – Amrapali Museum

No, it’s not just another museum on the Jaipur itinerary; this is the Amrapali Museum and, trust us, it’s awesome! It has arguably the most state-of-the-art facilities to showcase hand-picked items from around India, and it’s just stunning.

Amrapali Museum was founded by two friends who went on an epic trip around India, sourcing unique items from various Indian tribes. The love and thought that went into this venture are so palpable in the museum that it’d be a shame to miss it when you travel to Jaipur!

The bulk of the museum’s collection is jewelry and expensive personal items. While you can easily give yourself free rein to explore the museum, there are a number of absolute must-see items on show!

One of the more unusual collections is that of  mukhnaals . These gilded objects were used by Indian kings as mouthpieces for hookahs. The eclectic designs range from fish to elephants!

Another insight into lavish royal life comes with the pair of  mojris  from around the 19th century. These shoes are made of solid gold and silver, encrusted with rubies and emeralds, and would have been worn for ceremonial occasions!

You may not be able to afford the real thing but upstairs there are some pretty good replicas for sale!

• Getting there  –  It’s a 5 – 10 minute ride by Tuk Tuk or cab

1.00 pm – Lunch at Old Green Tandoori

Today we’re having lunch at what is something of a Jaipur institution. Green Tandoori situated just opposite Chamelli market is a hub for foreigners re-fueling after browsing the markets and professional stone buyers. They do classic Indian dishes and amazing tandoori’s at bargain prices.

I recommend the Paneer Tikka Tandoori (cheese roasted in spices) chased down by a lassi – a typical Indian milk-based drink. Or, if you are very hungry take a Thali (mixed tray).

The Green Tandoori makes it very easy to access the next options in our itinerary.

• Cost  – $3 will properly fill you up
• Getting there  –  It’s a 9-minute walk or you can grab a Tuk Tuk for about 50rps

2.00 pm – Bazaar shopping

From turbans to musical instruments, Jaipur’s bazaars have anything and everything you can imagine on sale! Even if you’re not buying, just taking the vibrant atmosphere in will be a highlight of your Jaipur itinerary!

There are different markets and bazaars scattered across Jaipur each one specializing in something different from textiles, to stones to metal to random bits of crap!

Sireh Deori Bazaar is probably the most famous place to shop while touring Jaipur. It’s just opposite the Hawa Mahal and has a variety of goods, ideal for window shoppers who want to get an idea of what’s on offer! You’ll also find the best camel leather products here.

For a bit of Maharaja bling, head to Johari Bazaar. It’s a bit like an Aladdin’s cave, with heaps of precious stones and glittering metals. Handmade necklaces and any jewelry set with precious stones are the perfect souvenirs to remember your vacation in Jaipur many years after!

You’ll find carpets, dyed fabrics, and brassware at Tripolia Bazaar. There are also rows and rows of the colorful lac bangles that are so iconically worn by Indian women!

Finally, head to Chandpole Bazaar. It continues its long history of selling sculptures made from marble, wood or stone. The marble carvings are particularly gorgeous!

• Cost  – Pay for what you buy!
• How long should I stay here?  90 minutes +!
• Getting there –   Depends on which bazaar you want. Either walk or grab a Tuk Tuk

5.00 pm- Monkey Temple

The Monkey Temple, or Galta Ji Temple, is a temple dedicated to Hanuman, the Hindu monkey god.  Aside from being popular with tourists, the temple complex is still a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindu devotees

There are actually a series of temples to explore here and taking them all on will take you a few hours. It is a must-see in Jaipur in 3 days.

Take a Tuk Tuk to the bottom of the hill. Your driver will wait around if you pay him for his time and this may be the easiest and safest opinion.

Then you walk up the temple and make your way up the winding pathways to the summit. The monkeys are absolutely everywhere, watch your valuables and do not get too close to them as they can become aggressive.

The view from the top is great and it is a great spot from where to take in the sun-set. Bring a torch as making your way down after dark can be a bit tricky.

• Cost  – Donation for maintenance
• Getting there  – Hire a Tuk Tuk or cab and ask the driver to wait for you

7.00 pm – Dinner at Arya Niwaz

Arya Niwaz is an (expensive) Jaipur hotel that has an excellent, well-priced restaurant that is open to the public. It offers some of the best traditional vegetarian food in Jaipur and the menu format allows you to try multiple options. I recommend the Bindi (Okra) and Aubergine dishes. The salads are also decent and are washed in mineral water.

They don’t allow alcohol to be consumed on the premises but if you sit in the garden nobody is exactly watching you…

• Cost  – $3 – $5 for a feast
• Getting there –   Grab a Tuk Tuk. It’s a 10-15 minute ride in evening traffic

Zostel Jaipur

Zostel Jaipur is the two-time winner of the best hostel in India prize, so you know you’re in good hands here! It’s situated in the city center near the Hawa Mahal. There’s free wifi, air conditioning for humid summers, and regular social events!

• Free Parking

You may have 3 days in Jaipur, but there’s no need to search high and low wondering what to do in Jaipur next! Our incredible 3-day itinerary in Jaipur rounds up the final Jaipur attractions that will stoke your curiosity and steal your breath. Be sure to bring your best travel camera to record these precious moments!

07:30 am – Amer Fort

The jewel in the crown of Jaipuri tourism is without any doubt the splendid, epic, and captivating Amer Fort and Palace. Located some 20km away from Jaipur city, the fortress is built into the surrounding hills and was once t…

The best way to get here is to hire a Tuk Tuk for half day. He will drive you here, wait for you, can then stop by the Jal Mahal on the return leg and drop you either at your hotel or at our lunch spot.

The Fort itself is big with a number of different sections, It does get busy most days so get here EARLY. A guided tour is a good way to make the most of the fort.

Note that Tuk Tuk drivers will offer to take you textile stops on the way back from Amer Fort. If you are in the market for some, then do consider this but be mindful that they take you to their friends/cousins shop rather than the one that has the best wares. Personally I got an awesome shirt made via this method.

• How long should I stay here?
• Getting there –   It’s an hours drive from the centre of Jaipur. Hire a driver for half a day.

12.00 pm – Anokhi Museum of Hand Block Printing

Block printing is a proper Rajasthani tradition and some of the best block print work in the whole world is still done in Jaipur. If you are visiting Jaipur for the first time then you will certainly notice the blocks and fabrics on sale around you.

The Anokhi Museum is the stunning result of a true labor of love. It was founded by an Indian family and remains a privately-owned, small organization.

Anokhi is dedicated to preserving and promoting the threatened local hand block printing industry, and we think it’s doing a fabulous job.

There’s a small collection of historical textiles that help document the  evolution of hand block printing  in India. The focus, however, is on contemporary hand block printing from the 1960s to the present day.

There’s a rich permanent collection of clothing, raw fabrics and home furnishings that showcases the many varied patterns that these artisans have created in the last 60 years! This is accompanied by a photographic collection and items from the production process.

Learning about the different kinds of dyes (from natural to chemical processes) and tools (including brass and wooden blocks, as well as carving tools) is really an interesting experience to add to your Jaipur itinerary! The Anokhi Museum also hosts various temporary exhibitions. These might explore unique kinds of bedding from a small village or the use of traditional techniques in more contemporary styles of clothing. Don’t miss out!

• Getting there  –  Its en route back from Amer Fort

1.00 pm – Jal Mahal

Rising out of a body of glimmering water, Jal Mahal, or the Water Palace, has to be one of the most serene Jaipur points of interest! It was constructed at the end of the 18th century as a hunting lodge and was later renovated into the elegant palace we see today.

You can stop off here on the way back from Amer Fort and get your photo ops. Now, the Jal Mahal is also particularly beautiful at sunset but unfortunately, the sun doesn’t usually set at midday. Sorry about that bt this itinerary has to run on a schedule!

You’re probably wondering how a palace just “floats” on a lake and that’s a valid question! Firstly, you only see one level of the palace from above ground; below the water are a further four stories! When the palace was built, it wasn’t surrounded by a lake as the area was experiencing a severe drought.

To preserve the palace when the drought passed, the palace’s pink sandstone walls were coated in special lime mortar to prevent water seeping into the monument. Note that access to the Palace is by special request and private tour only.

• Getting there  –   It’s a 12 minute ride from the block museum

2.30 pm – Late Lunch at Anokhi

Anokhi is one of my favorite lunch spots in Jaipur. Located near Haveli & Sanjay Marg and set in a peaceful garden environment, they specialize in creating and serving up delicious, healthy, modern fusion foods. Dishes here include semolina pasta and vegetarian sushi. They also have a mega selection of tea, do great coffee, and filling cakes!

Prices are high for Jaipuri standards but don’t trouble most westerner budgets to be honest.

• Cost – $10 per person
• Getting there  –  Have your driver drop you here

4.00 pm – Gem Palace

Keeping with the theme of Jaipuri industries next up is a trip to the cities leading gem emporium (or gemporium…)

A veritable treasure trove, the Gem Palace is one of the best places to visit in Jaipur in 3 days! It’s home to both antique and modern jewelry that’s been in hot demand since the mid-19th century. If you’re shopping, be prepared to fork out your money but rest assured that the quality is unbeatable.

The store is owned by the Kasliwal family who first gained fame as court jewelers to the maharajas of India. The skilled jewelers and gem cutters passed their skills down to the present generation who have also brought in Western influences.

• Cost  – Pay for what you buy
• Getting there  –  Take a Tuk Tuk or cab

5.30 pm – Nahargarh Fort

Nahargarh Fort’s walls are visible from many parts of Jaipur so it would be rude not to visit.

The story goes that while the fort was being built, strange things started happening. Each day the workers would come to work to find the previous day’s work destroyed.

The ruling Maharaja investigated and found that the land was haunted by the spirit of a tiger! To placate the tiger, a shrine to it was built and the fort was named after him: Nahargarh, meaning “abode of the tiger”!

Before you get lost in the wonders of  Nahargarh Fort itself , appreciate the fantastic views of Jaipur and the countryside that the hilltop location affords!

The fort was constructed in 1734 and you can still see the original 1km-long walls. Many of the other original structures have been destroyed. The highlight of the fort is the palace which dates from the late 19th century when it was used by Madho Singh II to keep his favorite concubines away from the disapproval of his officials and wives!

If you enjoy Indian sites with interesting stories, check out our guide to  the most mysterious places in India.

This is a very popular spot for Bollywood, music video & Instagram shoots. I’m not sure the Tiger spirit would approve.

• Getting there  –  It’s a 12 minute ride

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

When deciding when to visit Jaipur, the weather is the most important factor to keep in mind. Summers are incredibly hot, with temperatures reaching as high as 45 °C/113 °F. The added burden of dust and pollution makes summer even more unbearable. If you do visit Jaipur during this time, make sure to choose hotels with air conditioning and to drink lots of water!

Winter (from October to March) is actually the best time to visit Jaipur. The weather is warm and dry during the day but some nights can be very chilly! This is actually peak season so book your accommodation as soon as possible if you’re busy planning a trip to Jaipur.

Between August and September is monsoon season. Rainfall ranges between mild and moderate, and floods are rare. However, it is quite humid during this time. Photographers, though, will find an advantage to going on a Jaipur tour during this time. The monuments are fresh from the recent showers and the colors are more vivid!

The only way to get around Jaipur is by motor vehicle. The city is not suitable for walking primarily because of the big distances between attractions. However, aside from this, walking even manageable distances is simply not fun. Pavements are shoddy, traffic fumes punishing and roads dangerous to cross. Personally, I would not ever consider cycling in Jaipur either as the traffic is simply far too dangerous.

Fortunately, Tuk Tuk’s, cabs, and Motor’s (bikes) are plentiful and cheap. Uber operates across the city and is a lot cheaper than hailing transport on the street. If you do hail one from the street, barter very hard.

Planning a trip to Jaipur? Then this is what you need to know!

The weather in Jaipur ranges from punishing heat, damp humidity in monsoon, and gets a bit cool in winter. Packing for India can be a challenge as the environment and weather changes depending on where you are. In the warmer months, pack loose, thin clothes but remember to dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention. This is the mother of all Jaipur travel tips!

Bring a water bottle, hand sanitizer, diarrhea medication, and paracetamol in case Delhi Belly/Gandi’s revenge strikes.

Jaipur isn’t an especially dangerous city but you will need your wits about you. One of the more unusual safety hazards you may encounter on your Jaipur tour is monkeys!  Hold tight to your possessions as they’re notorious for grabbing. Monkey bites can transmit disease so keep your distance. Other than that;

• Take care when crossing roads.
• Pickpocketing does happen in crowded areas so be wary.
• Scams on foreigners are common all across India. There are far too many to list so as a rule, be just a bit wary of everybody.
• India has a bad reputation for overall sanitation which is semi-justified. Avoid tap water, bring hand sanitizer and only eat hot street food.
• Women travelers should take extra care. Dress modestly, avoid quiet, dark areas, and do not accept drinks from strangers.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Jaipur

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Find out what people want to know when planning their Jaipur itinerary.

How many days do you need in Jaipur?

2-3 days are ideal for Jaipur. Any extra days to explore further afield are a bonus!

What should you include on a 3 day Jaipur itinerary?

Jaipur is packed with incredible places to visit. Make sure to include these on your itinerary: – Chandra Mahal – Jantar Mantar – Hawa Mahal – Monkey Temple – Amer Fort

Where should you stay in Jaipur if you have a full itinerary?

Bani Park is the best place to base yourself. It’s a safe residential area close to top city attractions and easy transport connections.

What is the best month to visit Jaipur?

Any month from October-March are ideal for a trip to Jaipur, as the rest of the year sees temperatures soaring. Make sure to book accommodation early though as this is peak season!

Final Thoughts

In Jaipur, you’re never too far from a UNESCO World Heritage Site or a centuries-old tradition. Whether you’re shopping up a storm in the bazaar or ogling the many windows of the Hawa Mahal, our Jaipur itinerary ensures that you’re always in the heart of the city’s rich heritage!

Jaipur’s beautiful monuments mostly remain just as they were when they were built, allowing visitors an intimate glimpse of its illustrious past. Coupled with a handful of intimate museums and tried-and-tested traditional techniques in the bazaars and workshops, this means that Jaipur’s past is as alive as its bustling present.

If tasty Indian sweets, lofty architecture and vibrant colors sound good to you, then Jaipur is definitely for you! The pink city offers a warm welcome to visitors and our Jaipur itinerary lets you dive right into this charming Indian city! Once you’ve decided where to stay in Jaipur, pack your bags using our suggested India packing list !

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Suzanne Borders

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16 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Jaipur

Written by Joni Sweet Updated Mar 24, 2023

No trip to India is complete without spending time in Jaipur. Affectionately nicknamed "The Pink City" for the blushing color of its historic buildings, Jaipur is a princely wonderland of culture and heritage.

The best places to visit in Jaipur showcase the royalty of Rajasthan — and you don't have to walk far to see many of the top attractions. Start by touring City Palace , a nearly 300-year-old palace with special courtyards, structures, gardens, and temples.

Just next door is Jantar Mantar, a centuries-old attraction with giant astronomical instruments commissioned by the founder of the city. A 10-minute walk from here brings you to Hawa Mahal , a red-and-pink sandstone structure. Its distinctive lattice design allowed royal women to get a peek at public life while remaining unseen in the 19th century.

Ready to make your trip to "The Paris of India" a memorable experience? Map out your itinerary with our guide to the top attractions and places to visit in Jaipur.

1. City Palace

2. jantar mantar, 3. hawa mahal, 4. amber fort, 5. albert hall museum, 6. birla mandir, 7. nahargarh fort, 8. galta ji, 9. amrapali museum, 10. museum of legacies, 11. jal mahal, 12. markets, 13. jaigarh fort, 14. panna meena ka kund, 15. akshardham temple, 16. festivals, map of attractions & places to visit in jaipur, jaipur, india - climate chart.

City Palace has stood at the heart of the Old City of Jaipur for nearly three centuries, shortly after Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II decided to relocate his court from the city of Amber. Protected by huge guard walls, the fairy-tale-like structure is still the home of the city's modern-day royal family and endures as one of the top places to visit in Jaipur.

City Palace is more than a sand-colored regal abode — it's a sprawling complex of buildings built around a series of landscaped garden courtyards overlooking Jaipur and Lake Palace. The entire property is a stunning display of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture.

The current occupants reside in the most eye-catching building, the Chandra Mahal , an elegant structure with curved eaves and domed rooftops. Each of its seven stories features an entirely different style. The ground floor is included in the price of admission, but you'll need to book a private tour to go upstairs.

Other noteworthy places for sightseeing at City Palace include the Mubarak Mahal (Welcome Palace), which contains displays of dazzling costumes and textiles; the Armoury, a museum-like space dedicated to preserving finely crafted daggers and swords; Pritam Niwas Chowk (Peacock Courtyard), which has mesmerizing doorways painted to look like the feathers of its namesake bird; and Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience), which showcases the palace's exquisite collection of miniature paintings.

After exploring the palace, check out the Friends of the Museum Bazaar . It has some of Jaipur's highest quality souvenirs (with equally high prices).

Address: Tulsi Marg, Gangori Bazaar, J.D.A. Market, Pink City, Jaipur

At first glance, Jantar Mantar may look to be nothing more than a bunch of larger-than-life abstract sculptures. But this is not an art gallery — this attraction contains a special collection of astronomical tools started by Rajput ruler Jai Singh II to measure the heavens nearly 300 years ago.

Each of the 20 or so structures at this UNESCO World Heritage Site serves a distinctive purpose. The observatory's massive sundial, known as Samrat Yantra , is particularly striking. At 27 meters tall, it casts a huge shadow that accurately measures time down to two seconds.

The elaborate Jai Prakash also tracks the passing of time, using the shadow of a metal plate suspended above a sunken bowl-like structure. The ingenious Rama Yantra, a circular walled structure, can locate the precise positions of celestial objects. Other tools at the observatory can track stars and even predict eclipses.

Hot tip: It's worth hiring a private guide at Jantar Mantar if you want to learn how each of the structures works.

Address: Gangori Bazaar, J.D.A. Market, Pink City, Jaipur

If you had any preconceived notions about how the buildings in Jaipur look, they probably came from Hawa Mahal (Palace of Breeze). A top place to visit in Jaipur, this structure has all of the distinctive architectural features that appear in postcards of the city, from the salmon-pink, honeycombed facade, built to resemble the crown of the Hindu god Krishna, to the geometric accents and rows of tiny windows.

The landmark was built in 1799 to allow royal ladies to watch festivals on the street without being seen by the public. Its 953 windows allow plenty of breezes to pass through, making it an ideal summer palace (and the perfect spot to get relief from Rajasthan's oppressive heat today).

Tourists can learn about the history of the sandstone structure at the palace's small museum — the ceremonial armor collection is particularly interesting. You can also wander the narrow hallways that run throughout the palace. Don't miss the colorful glasswork in windows and doorways, which cast an otherworldly glow on chambers throughout Hawal Mahal.

Address: Hawa Mahal Rd., Badi Choupad, J.D.A. Market, Pink City, Jaipur

Jaipur is home to one of India's most-visited forts: Amber Fort. Built in the year 1592, the sandstone and marble monolith stands atop a small hill roughly 20 minute's driving distance northeast of the center of Jaipur. This attraction is best known for being a pristine example of Rajasthani architecture.

Getting to Amber Fort typically involves a short uphill hike that's well worth the effort. It's decked out with intricate patterns of inlaid marble in nearly every color of the rainbow. The fort is laid out into four separate sections, each of which has a spectacular garden courtyard outside. While you'd never know it from above, you can actually explore the fort's underground tunnels , some of which have been restored.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site has a fascinating history of legends, betrayals, and romance — but the best way for tourists to hear these stories is to hire a private guide at the Amber Fort.

Address: Devisinghpura, Amer, Jaipur

When English writer Rudyard Kipling visited the Albert Hall Museum in Jaipur, he wrote that it was a "rebuke to all other museums in India from Calcutta downwards." That's high praise coming from the son of a curator, and fitting for this renowned institution.

The oldest museum in Rajasthan, the Albert Hall Museum boasts an extensive collection of art and historically significant artifacts. Come for the Egyptian mummy ; stay to see antique coins from different periods in India's history, charming permanent exhibits of miniature paintings, 18th-century costumes worn by members of different castes, and a peculiar collection of 19th-century clay figures demonstrating all the yoga poses.

Hot tip: Visit the museum at night, when multicolored lights brighten the exterior of the alluring building.

Address: Museum Road, Ram Niwas Garden, Kailash Puri, Adarsh Nagar, Jaipur

In a city that seems to be dipped from top to bottom in pink, the stark white marble Birla Mandir stands out — big time. The Hindu temple pays tribute to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and purity, and Vishnu, one of the religion's main deities. It's one of the best places to visit in Jaipur for tourists and Hindu devotees alike.

The marvelous structure exudes a quiet, peaceful vibe, offering just the right atmosphere to appreciate fine marble carvings, shrines to gods, and gorgeous sunset views. While you don't need more than 30 minutes to get a sense of the space, the experience will prove to be a restorative break from a day of sightseeing.

Address: Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg, Tilak Nagar, Jaipur

When it comes to sightseeing around Jaipur, the views don't get better than what you'll find at Nahargarh Fort. Also known as Tiger Fort , this nearly 300-year-old attraction overlooks the entire city from atop the Aravalli Hills — a prime location for the structure to defend the city against enemies many years ago.

More than just a formidable barrier though, this fort also contains Madhavendra Bhawan , a summer destination for royalty. The sumptuous Rajasthani building features a dozen identical boudoirs for the queens, which all connect to the king's suite through mural-filled corridors.

Tourists can also explore the fort's wax museum and sculpture park. And if you're feeling hungry, swing by one of the fort's many restaurants to tuck into traditional Indian cuisine.

Address: Krishna Nagar, Brahampuri, Jaipur

Sources of water can be few and far between in the desert state of Rajasthan. So it's no wonder that when people discovered a natural spring in a mountain pass in the Aravalli Hills , they honored it by building the Hindu temple Galta Ji.

Nestled between cliffs, the temple features a few sacred water tanks, some with modest fountains, as well as frescoes that tell tales about the Hindu god Krishna.

Galta Ji is also one of the best places to visit in Jaipur if you want to see monkeys . It's home to hundreds of macaques and langurs (hence its nickname, "The Monkey Temple"). Daring tourists might opt to buy a handful of peanuts at the gate to tempt the monkeys, but you're better off just watching the rambunctious creatures from a distance.

When the founders of the beloved Indian jewelry brand Amrapali Jewels started collecting antique jewelry in the late 1970s, they realized that some of these one-of-a-kind treasures deserved to be preserved and displayed. And so the Amrapali Museum was born, instantly becoming one of the top places to visit in Jaipur.

The jewelry museum in Jaipur features two full floors of glistening jewels and objects from its 4,000-piece collection, showcasing the vast range of Indian craftsmanship.

The displays show just how seriously Rajasthani people take their gold, silver, and precious gems. Among the jewels, you'll see silver bands for horses' legs, a chariot fully covered in silver, embellished shoe covers, and a glorious crown for a groom from Himachal Pradesh.

While these pieces are for display only, there's an extensive range of necklaces, bracelets, and other wearables available for purchase at the Museum Shop.

Address: Ground Floor, K, 14/B, Ashok Marg, Panch Batti, C Scheme, Ashok Nagar, Jaipur

For much of history, Rajasthan's most important handicrafts and works of art lived in private collections that were unavailable for viewing by the majority of the public. That all changed when the Government of Rajasthan opened the Museum of Legacies in 2017.

Housed in a two-centuries-old mansion, this tourist attraction showcases an assortment of Indian embroidery, giant Rajasthani puppets, Pichwai paintings, and much more.

Don't miss the magnificent marble latticework. The amount of swirling detail the artisans were able to carve from such a strong, hard stone is hypnotic.

Address: Kishanpole Bazar Road, Modikhana, Jaipur

One look at the Jal Mahal, and you might think you're seeing a mirage. The graceful palace seems to float atop the twinkling Man Sagar Lake — a calm sight compared to the rest of the frenzied city.

While it appears to have just one story, the Water Palace has four other levels submerged beneath a reservoir. The government no longer allows tourists to visit the site, but you can stroll a pathway around the lake to catch gorgeous views of the attraction. At night, it's lit up in all its glory, casting a golden, glowing reflection on the water.

Jaipur is a mecca for souvenirs. Markets in the Pink City brim with everything from costume jewelry and precious gemstones to embroidered textiles, cobalt blue pottery, and Rajasthani puppets.

For a no-hassle shopping experience, head to the Rajasthali Handicrafts Emporium across from Ajmeri Gate. The government-run shop sells high-quality traditional handicrafts, like blue pottery decorated with yellow flowers, sets of wooden carvings depicting Rajasthani characters, and hand-printed saris. The prices you see on these items are fixed, so while you won't be able to negotiate a discount, you can also avoid the headache of bargaining.

Johari Bazar is a jewelry lover's paradise. The market glitters from top to bottom with dozens of shops selling everything from costume jewelry to fine silver and gold. No matter your budget, you'll find something beautiful to take home from here.

Finally, don't leave Jaipur without a quick shopping trip to Bapu Bazar. Located just a few blocks southwest of Johari Bazaar, the tourist-favorite market is chock full of handcrafted trinkets, locally made textiles, bedazzled slippers, and souvenirs galore.

Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort is one of the best places to visit in Jaipur if you want a remarkable view and up-close access to historical artifacts. It's best known for housing the Jaivana Cannon, which was considered to be the world's largest cannon on wheels when it was built in the early 18th century.

Visiting the attraction gives tourists an appreciation for the fort's role in keeping Jaipur and the surrounding area safe from invaders. Spread over a range of three kilometers, the fort features thick sandstone walls and a series of subterranean passages. It's thought to be the strongest of Jaipur's forts.

Beyond fortified, though, the fort was also an opulent place when it was in use. You can still see its majestic palace complex and intricate architecture on tours today.

Another one of the popular things to do in Amer after visiting the Amber Fort is taking a 10-minute walk south to visit Panna Meena ka Kund, a stepwell that dates back to the 16th century.

Locals used to come to this spot to fill their pots with water for rituals and household chores. It was also the go-to place to cool off from the intense desert heat.

Today, the attraction's primary purpose is as a backdrop for tourist photos — and for good reason. Its golden yellow hue and labyrinthine steps, which look like they were plucked from one of M.C. Escher's artworks, make for postcard-worthy images . But as tempting as it might be to enter the beautiful attraction for a selfie, Panna Meena ka Kund does not allow visitors to go inside, so keep your photo shoot to the exterior only.

Akshardham Temple might look like an ancient site, but don't be fooled — this attraction was built in the 21st century as part of a series of 10 temples dedicated to the Hindu god Narayana (a form of Lord Vishnu).

Still, the 23-acre religious complex is an impressive place to spend the afternoon. The white marble and pink sandstone temple showcases the intricacy of Hindu architecture with its stone carvings of Hindu deities, animals, and scenery. Step inside to see massive pure-gold statues and pristine paintings. There's also a peaceful garden courtyard brimming with lush plants and a musical fountain just outside.

Address: Vidyut Nagar, Vaishali Nagar, Chitrakoot, Jaipur

Attending an annual festival is one of the top things to do in Jaipur, and the city's calendar is chock full of events.

In January, you can watch colorful creations fly through the sky during the International Kite Festival and get books signed by famous authors at the Jaipur Literature Festival.

The city hosts its Elephant Festival, during which the tusked animals are painted with Indian motifs and dressed in extravagant costumes, in February or March (depending on the moon cycle). And the two-day Teej Festival, a celebration that honors the union of Shiva and the goddess Parvati, occurs in July or August.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

India Highlights: For more ideas on what to see in India and to help plan your trip, have a read through our article on the Top Attractions in India . If your travels take you through some of India's largest cities, don't miss our guides to the top attractions in Mumbai and Delhi .

More on India

Jaipur, India: Ultimate Guide to India’s Pink City

Jaipur is among the most beloved cities in India for first-time travelers and even more seasoned India travel veterans, and it’s easy to see why. Home to impressive palaces, historic homes, colorful temples, multiple forts with impressive views, and even some of India’s best bazaars, Jaipur is a unique and beautiful city that has to be experienced to be believed.

This ultimate travel guide to Jaipur, India covers everything you’ll need for your trip to the Pink City. With recommendations for the best things to do in Jaipur, where to stay and where to eat (street food and formal restaurants alike!), and even the best bazaars to explore, this guide will help you plan your ultimate trip to this unforgettable capital.

This post contains affiliate links that may reward me monetarily or otherwise when you use them to make qualifying purchases – at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please read our  disclosure policy .

Jaipur, India

The capital of the state of Rajasthan, Jaipur is a bustling city packed to the brim with things to do, sights to see, and foods to taste. If you’re headed to Jaipur from Delhi, you’ll notice the difference immediately. Jaipur’s beautiful and historic architecture is enchanting; despite it being a large city, the city’s historic architecture gives it a refined quality.

Jaipur is a part of India’s Golden Triangle – New Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur – a popular travelers’ circuit for visitors looking to explore some of India’s most well-known destinations. While there is still so much beyond the Golden Triangle to explore in Rajasthan, its top-three status is well deserved.

Highlights of a trip to Jaipur include shopping in the city’s markets, exploring ornate palaces, staying overnight in a historic haveli, and exploring fortresses clinging perilously to the side of mountains. Get ready to taste India’s history in Jaipur, with as much adventure and spice as you’d like.

What is Jaipur Known For?

Known as the Pink City, Jaipur is famous for its beautiful and historic architecture, much of it painted the light-pink terracotta hue the city is known for. With impressive palaces like City Palace and Hawa Mahal, forts like Amer Fort and Nahargarh Fort, and countless temples, markets, and ornate city gates, the city is packed with beautiful attractions to fill your itinerary.

Jaipur is also known for its incredible shopping. With countless markets bursting at the seams with every kind of textile, trinket, and handicraft imaginable, you’ll need to buy an additional suitcase to take all of these beautiful treasures home with you.

Is Jaipur Worth Visiting?

Jaipur is definitely worth visiting! In fact, it should be a central part of your northern India itinerary. For many travelers, Jaipur is a favorite destination in India. With its beautiful architecture, an abundance of historical monuments, great food, and incredible shopping, it’s easy to see why Jaipur is such a hit with travelers.

When we traveled throughout Rajasthan for a month on our honeymoon, Jaipur was certainly a highlight for us. Though we enjoyed visiting so many different spots on our trip, we would have extended our stay in Jaipur if we could have, as we loved our stay at the historic Alsisar Haveli and its proximity to the best of the city.

Read More: Where to Stay in Jaipur + Best Jaipur Hotels

Things To Do in Jaipur

Explore city palace.

One of India’s most impressive palaces, Jaipur’s City Palace is a beautiful labyrinth of gardens, courtyards, museums, staterooms, and more. Its impressive architecture, engaging exhibits, and historical importance make it one of the must-see attractions in Jaipur.

Admission to City Palace is divided into two tiers, so make sure you understand pricing before purchasing your ticket. Paying for the higher-priced ticket (4000 rupees, about 48 USD) allows you to access both the public and museum sections of the palace and the areas still occupied by Jaipur’s royal family.

The ticket price is steep, especially compared to the standard entrance (700 rupees, about 8.50 USD), but the royal residences are by far the most impressive of the palace, featuring brilliantly colored blue, white and red rooms dripping with ornate gold, gems, mirrored mosaics, and more .

Marvel at Hawa Mahal

Easily one of the most recognizable attractions in India, the impressive Hawa Mahal is a sight to be seen and one of the highlights of visiting the Pink City. Built in 1799 just on the edge of Jaipur’s City Palace, Hawa Mahal features nearly 1000 windows in its facade. More than just for beauty, these windows were used by the women of the palace to peak out towards the city while abiding by the strict modesty codes of the time.

Visitors can enjoy exploring the entire palace, though many simply marvel at the facade from the street below (or from the terrace of Wind View Cafe, directly facing the facade). If you’re “palaced out” after visiting the interior of City Palace, taking in the facade facing the street is fine ; it’s by far the most impressive part of the palace.

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Visit Jaipur’s Forts

Rajasthan is littered with imposing fortresses, and Jaipur is no different. Home to three unique fortresses around the city, Jaipur offers visitors their pick of fortresses to visit , each offering unique vistas and experiences.

The impressive Amer Fort (also known as Amber Fort or Amber Palace), with walls hugging the hillside and countless palace rooms, courtyards, and chambers to explore is by far Jaipur’s most impressive fort. In fact, after the Taj Mahal, Amer Fort is the second most visited destination in India.

It’s with good reason. While you could lose yourself in the palace’s countless chambers and halls, highlights include Diwan-e-Aam (or, the Hall of Public Audience) with its impressive columns and the mosaic Ganesh Pol leading to the Sheesh Mahal mirrored palace , the King’s private residences.

You’ll find elephants donned in colorful fabrics and body paint waiting to carry visitors from the entrance of the fortress walls to the palace entrance, making for an impressive site whether you take a ride or not. Don’t let the elephants fool you; the walk up the gently-sloping path to the palace gates is quite easy, even in the afternoon sun.

Nahargarh Fort

Built in 1734 as a summer retreat for the Maharaja it’s no wonder that Nahargarh Fort boasts some of the most spectacular architecture in Jaipur. Though the focus on Amer Fort left some spaces within Nahargarh Fort in disrepair, recent renovations have brought historic salons, courtyards, and incredible frescos back to life.

Nahargarh Fort also offers something Amer Fort lacks – impressive views over Jaipur, perhaps one of the most memorable features of the entire complex. Try to plan your visit for the late afternoon, as the western walls of the fort offer one of the most memorable spots for taking in the sunset anywhere in the city.

Jaigarh Fort

Though connected to Amer Fort via an underground passage, Jaigarh Fort is Jaipur’s least-visited fort though with plenty to offer for visitors that make it. While Jaigarh Fort lacks much of Amer Fort’s splendor – it’s much more a true fort than a palace – its impressive fortifications make for a memorable visit , with great views of Amer Fort and the lake below.

Shop in Jaipur’s Markets

Jaipur is a shopper’s paradise for Indians and foreign visitors alike. With dozens of unique markets selling everything from home goods and shoes to textiles and trinkets , it’s hard to spend a day exploring Jaipur without coming home with a few special keepsakes.

Most of Jaipur’s best markets are within close walking distance of Old City attractions like Hawa Mahal and the City Palace , making it quite easy to spend an afternoon shopping and exploring after taking in the city’s sites. These are some of the markets you can’t miss.

Bapu Bazaar

With its beautiful pink facades and amazing array of shops offering everything under the sun, Bapu Bazaar is our top recommendation for markets in Jaipur , especially if you have time to visit just one.

While you’ll find a mix of products in Bapu Bazaar, it’s most famous for its textiles like sarees, an array of unique prints and patterns, quilts, and even traditional wedding clothes. Brides come from near and far to purchase their wedding attire here – you’ll see entire families crammed into shops in preparation for the big day.

Johari Bazaar

Opposite Hawa Mahal Road from Bapu Bazaar, Johari Bazaar is another must-visit, with similar beautiful architecture and impressive options you’ll find across the street. Johari Bazaar is best known for its incredible jewelry shops, offering everything from costume jewelry to fine gold, silver, and gems.

Tripolia Bazaar

While you’ll have no difficulty finding bangles anywhere you look in Jaipur, you’ll find the best selection of bangles in Tripolia Bazaar. One of the oldest markets in the city, you’ll love exploring its narrow alleys and endless shopfronts.

See Jaipur’s Stepwells

Stepwells – large, deep wells or ponds used for collecting drinking water – are important feats of in from India’s past and popular destinations for visitors today. These enchanting geometric spots with their terraces of steps can be found all around India, though Jaipur has a number of particularly beautiful and remarkable stepwells.

Just north of Amer Fort is the Amer Stepwell. Also known as Panna Meena Ka Kund, it is about a 10-minute walk from Amer Fort, and is perhaps the most visited of Jaipur’s stepwells. While not an extremely large or deep stepwell, it’s impressive nonetheless , with beautiful mountain vistas and ornate buildings surrounding it.

Alternatively, head about an hour and a half outside of Jaipur to visit Chand Baori. This incredible stepwell extends nearly 100 feet (30 meters) into the ground , making it one of the deepest stepwells in India, and certainly one of the most impressive.

Visit the Monkey Temple

Looking for a unique half-day excursion from Jaipur? How about a visit to a temple populated by hundreds of monkeys?

While you’ll see monkeys no matter where you visit in Rajasthan, Jaipur’s famous “Monkey Temple,” actually a Hindu temple known as Galta Ji, is home to a huge colony of monkeys, making it an easy place to spot them playing, eating, lounging – you name it. Just 10 km outside of Jaipur, a visit to the Monkey Temple is a fun, quick trip. The temples at the site are beautiful, as are the views of Jaipur in the distance.

Just make sure you don’t feed the monkeys and keep your distance. They’re used to visitors but might mob you if they think you have food!

Where To Stay in Jaipur

If you’re a seasoned traveler in India, you certainly know the importance of finding a calming, “retreat-like” place to stay after a long day of exploring busy, bustling streets. This is especially true in a busy, sprawling city like Jaipur. These are some recommendations for the best places to stay for your trip to Jaipur.

Looking for even more recommendations? Check out our guide to where to stay in Jaipur , where we cover the best neighborhoods in the city and the best hotels in Jaipur at every price point.

Zostel Jaipur ($)

One of the most beloved hostels in Jaipur, Zostel Jaipur is located in the middle of the Old City, less than a five-minute walk from attractions like City Palace and Hawa Mahal. For a backpacker looking to explore Jaipur on a budget, you can’t get any better than that. Steps away you’ll find some of the city’s biggest markets, a great place for delicious street food.

Zostel Jaipur ‘s rooms are basic but comfortable, including big lockers for personal belongings and clean bathrooms. You’ll love the shared kitchen access and common spaces filled with books, instruments, board games, and space to connect with fellow travelers.

Bloom Boutique – Chelon Haveli ($ – $$)

Less than a 5-minute walk from Jaipur’s favorite attractions like City Palace , Hawa Mahal, and Jantar Mantar,  Bloom Boutique – Chelon Haveli  offers the best of the Old City at your fingertips.

After a recent renovation, the historic Chelon Haveli building offers a mix of modern and historic, perfectly comfortable, and  one of the best options in the city for travelers looking for a budget-friendly and convenient stay in the heart of charming Jaipur .

Alsisar Haveli ($$)

One of the best historic haveli hotels in Jaipur is  Alsisar Haveli  a 19th-century historic palace with terraces and balconies for morning coffee, relaxing gardens, and ornate interiors ready to wow you.  The rooms are beautifully decorated and expansive – we stayed at Alsisar Haveli during our honeymoon for several days and had a wonderful time here!

Located just a bit outside the center of the Old City,  Alsisar Haveli  is just a short tuk-tuk ride away from the action, yet close to restaurants, shops, and plenty to see and do.  Highly recommended!

The Oberoi Rajvilas ($$$)

If you’re looking for a lush and luxurious oasis from the hustle and bustle of Jaipur, look no further than  The Oberoi Rajvilas Jaipur . The hotel is set on an impressive 32-acre estate just outside of Jaipur – just  exploring the grounds, tasting the gourmet food from the on-site restaurant, and enjoying treatments at the spa are enough to fill any itinerary!

The rooms at the  Oberoi Rajvilas  are cozy and comfortable while offering every amenity imaginable.  Choose from a room inside the main hotel or unique yet equally luxurious tented rooms among the estate’s beautiful gardens. Or, select a villa  complete in-ground marble bathtub with views of your own private gardens and swimming pool for a true escape.

Read More: The Oberoi Rajvilas Brings India Travel Dreams to Life

Where To Eat in Jaipur

You’ll have no trouble finding an abundance of places to enjoy both Indian and international cuisine while visiting Jaipur. Whether you’re looking for the city’s best street food or more refined dining, Jaipur is packed with incredible options to enjoy the best cuisines in India. These are just a few of our favorites.

Masala Chowk

Looking for the best street food in Jaipur without getting lost in the markets? Visit Masala Chowk in the heart of the Old City. This plaza features an array of street food vendors, surrounding a large area with tables with umbrellas where you can enjoy your food – it’s the best spot in Jaipur to enjoy some of India’s classic dishes.

The vendor Shankar Samosa is famous, though you can’t go wrong with any of the 25+ vendors you’ll find at Masala Chowk.

The Rajput Room

If you’re looking for the royal treatment in Jaipur, look no further than The Rajput Room at the Rambagh Palace , one of Jaipur’s finest hotels and the former estate of the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II. Choose from delicious Indian cuisine or international dishes while enjoying the beautiful and historic dining room fit for a king.

While The Rajput Room is open from breakfast through dinner, a highlight of a visit is enjoying a full afternoon tea service. Featuring an array of sweet and savory bites and an incredible selection of teas, it’s one to remember.

Wind View Cafe

Looking to get up close and personal with Hawa Mahal? Climb the steps to Wind View Cafe , directly facing the famous monument, and enjoy a coffee and pastry or a lassi on the cafe’s spacious patio for a jaw-dropping view.

While the food at Wind View Cafe isn’t overwhelmingly special, it’s tasty and affordable. After all, the real draw here is the spectacular view of Hawa Mahal.

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Getting To Jaipur

As the capital and the largest city in the state of Rajasthan, Jaipur is well connected to the rest of the region – and country – by various forms of transportation. Jaipur has an airport (Jaipur International Airport) about 12 km outside of the city , which is well-served by frequent domestic and international flights.

You’ll also find frequent bus and train services to Jaipur from across the country. While nicer trains can be a bit more expensive than buses, both are popular and inexpensive options, and you’ll find plenty of times convenient to you if you’re traveling to any other Rajasthan destinations like New Delhi, Agra, Jodhpur, Jaiselmer, or Udaipur.

Time spent traveling on trains can vary by train route and company, though r eaching Jaipur from either New Delhi or Agra by car or bus takes around 5 or 5 ½ hours.

Of course, you can always hire a car or arrange a private driver ahead of time with your hotel. From Jaipur to New Delhi or Agra, expect to pay around $35 for a private driver , which is not too bad, especially if you’re traveling with friends or family.

Carley Rojas Avila

Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual New York-based travel writer, editor, content marketer, and the founder of the digital travel publications Explorers Away and Home to Havana. Carley is an expert on all things Latin America, the Caribbean, and Cuba, having lived and worked in four different countries in the region. Her writing has appeared on the Associated Press wires and in Travel + Leisure, Yahoo, MSN, Euronews, The Weather Channel, and more. When she's not writing about her travels, find her front row at a Bad Bunny concert, befriending street cats, and taste-testing every pizza in Havana.

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How to Plan a Jaipur Itinerary 2023

Known as the pink city, the buildings in Jaipur, from roof to walls, are all pink, emanating a lively and romantic feel.

Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan. Together with Delhi and Agra, it is part of the golden triangle of India travel.

See how to plan a Jaipur itinerary with things to do, itinerary suggestions, best times, and more below...

What to Do in Jaipur

How long to spend in jaipur, how to get to jaipur from delhi/agra, best times to visit jaipur, where to stay in jaipur.

There is more to explore in Jaipur. The magnificent architectural creations are Jaipur's biggest highlights :

The eye-catching Palace of the Wind is a masterpiece of Indian architecture. Its pink walls and numerous windows are a Jaipur landmark.

There are also the City Palace that the current king of Jaipur is still living in and the historic Jantar Mantar (giant stone instruments of astronomy).

Meanwhile, the grand Amber Fort overlooks Jaipur. If you are thinking of a couple's trip, you can add a romantic dinner experience at Amber Fort to your itinerary. This could make a treasured memory for your anniversary or honeymoon.

If you're interested in history, you could also visit Nahargarh Fort , a former military defense base. There you could enjoy an unrivaled bird's-eye view of the city at dusk.

Jaipur is also the center of gem processing and distribution in India. If you want to go shopping for souvenirs, we recommend Johari Bazaar. There you can find all kinds of gems, textiles, Indian essential oils, incense, and tea.

It takes 1–3 days to visit all the highlights of Jaipur.

If you want to have a golden triangle trip with Delhi and Agra too, you would need at least 7 days.

If you are thinking of a desert culture trip exploring Rajasthan, 8–10 days are needed, covering its major cities of Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer.

See more details on these itinerary ideas below:

Jaipur Itinerary: 1–3 Days

A 3-day itinerary in Jaipur offers many top attractions and a relaxed pace: one day for arrival and rest and two days for classic city sightseeing and some cultural experiences like an Indian cooking class.

Day 1 : Arrival day. You could rest from your journey in (usually 5 hours by road from Delhi; international flights in usually transfer at Delhi). At night, enjoy a romantic dinner in Amber Fort.

Day 2 : Explore the Palace of Wind, Amber Fort, and take a cooking class in the home of a Jaipuri local.

Day 3 : Go to the City Palace and Nahargarh Fort. Explore some local markets and bazaars.

If you want a shorter stay, you could visit the City Palace and Nahargarh Fort on the first day, when you arrive in Jaipur, just in time to see the beautiful sunset.

A Classic Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur Itinerary: 7 Days

These three cities encompass the most iconic experiences in India — history and culture in the capital, the Taj Mahal in Agra, and charming pink architecture in Jaipur.

Days 1–2 : Delhi exploration. Learn about India's culture and history from its famous sights: Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Jama Masjid, and Humayun's Tomb. Then take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk market for some local culture.

Days 3–4 : Agra discovery. Visit 'Moonlight Garden', where you can get a stunning sunset view of the Taj Mahal. Explore the famous Taj and Agra Fort up close the next day.

Days 5–6 : Jaipur experience. Go to City Palace, where the king of Jaipur now lives. Visit Hawa Mahal ('Palace of Winds') and Amber Fort. Take an Indian cooking class.

Day 7 : Return to Delhi from Jaipur for your departure.

Check out more on our 7-Day Golden Triangle India Tour if you are interested in this itinerary.

You can also get more tips on India itinerary planning from How Long to Spend in India (for First Timers): from 5 Days to 1 Month .

A Cultural Rajasthan with Jaipur Itinerary: 14 Days

If you are interested in a dreamy Indian landscape (desert and lakes), impressive forts, and some romantic experiences like Indian-style dating and a candlelit dinner by the lakeside, you should consider this itinerary.

The journey through Rajasthan mainly features its capital Jaipur, the desert city — Jaisalmer, the city of lakes — Udaipur, and the blue city — Jodhpur.

• Days 1–2: Delhi sightseeing
• Days 3–4: Agra highlights
• Day 5: Jaipur sightseeing (experience Indian dating, a cooking class, and dinner in a fort)
• Days 6–7: Bikaner sightseeing (visit Rajasthan's most ornately decorated fort; have a heritage hotel experience)
• Days 8–9: Jaisalmer exploration (go on a camel safari; enjoy sunset over the royal family cenotaphs; visit a fort complex)
• Days 10–11: Jodhpur sightseeing (walk among its characteristic blue houses; visit magnificent Mehrangarh Fort)
• Days 12–13: Udaipur tour with a boat ride experience
• Day 14: Back to Delhi

Check out more details on our 14-Day Romantic Honeymoon Trip in India .

Jaipur is not far away from both Delhi and Agra. Jaipur is about 280 kilometers (175 miles) southwest of Delhi and about 238 km (148 miles) west of Agra.

It is very convenient to travel to Jaipur from Delhi and Agra. The most worry-free and efficient way to get to Jaipur is by private vehicle, taking you right from hotel to hotel. It will take about 5½ hours from Delhi to Jaipur and 4½ hours from Agra to Jaipur.

Flights to Jaipur from Agra are not available. You could choose to take a direct flight from Delhi to Jaipur of about 50 minutes to 1 hour, but flights are not daily. With the waiting time and the travel time from hotel to airport to hotel, it will take about 5 hours in total as well.

Other ways, like taking a train or bus, are also doable. We have compiled more detailed transportation information on Delhi to Jaipur and Agra to Jaipur .

December to February sees Jaipur's coolest and driest weather, which could be one of the best times to visit Jaipur.

March, October, and November are considered the shoulder season months in Jaipur. You can expect to enjoy attractions with fewer crowds and sunny days while paying lower prices than during peak season. With Asia Highlights , you enjoy 100% refund of any payments made to China Highlights prior to 3 weeks before departure ( detail⇒ ).

July to September is the rainy season in Jaipur, but you can find good discounts if you want the lowest prices. And April to June is the hot season, which regularly sees temperatures over 40°C (104°F); it has low prices too.

Check out more on our article: Best and Worst Times to Visit Jaipur .

Jaipur has many heritage palaces. Some of these palaces have been converted into hotels and have become a feature of Jaipur — its heritage hotels .

Jaipur's main attractions, like the City Palace, the Wind of Palace, and Jantar Mantar, are located in its 'old city'. So, if you want to stay in an area that is convenient for sightseeing and shopping, you should choose to stay in the old city area.

If you prefer a quiet vibe, you could stay around Man Sagar Lake, about halfway between the Old City and Amber Fort, or even around the fort itself.

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We had a good time exploring the city with Selinda!

Our guide lele is a wealth of information, Lele is very professional and very attentive to our needs. Lele is amazing. Lele got everything spot on. It probably helps that Guilin is a brilliant place to visit so Lele has great material to work with but that doesn't take anything away from how much Lele helped make it a great trip.

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Our tour guide Helen, was excellent, she was very kind, professional and passionate for her work and she also loves Pandas! She will take you to take the best panda photos and to know more about Chengdu city. Our tour was great, she took us to all our destinations always with the best spots: Temples, pagodas, famous streets, theaters, pandas...you name it! Everything was great.

He picked up our pre-booked boat/other excursions tickets so we were able to avoid all the long lines and chaos. He is knowledgeable of the places we visited, courteous, fun to travel with and well-versed in Chinese classics.

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8 Best Things To Do in Jaipur, The ‘Pink City’ Of India

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Sitting on the edge of the Thar Desert and fringed by the Aravalli Hills, the city of Jaipur is an architectural wonder and home to some of India’s most ornate royal buildings. Honeycombed palaces, towering forts, and elaborate structures designed hundreds of years ago still captivate visitors today.

Pretty In Pink

Jaipur is the biggest city and capital of Rajasthan, and the pink jewel in its crown. The city is one of India’s architectural marvels, but it’s not just the buildings’ size and splendor that make it a special destination, it’s the color scheme too. Buildings everywhere in Jaipur are painted romantic shades of dusty pink. But why? 

In 1876, Queen Victoria’s son, Albert Edward Prince of Wales (who’d later become King Edward VII), visited India. At the time, pink was the symbolic color of hospitality, so the whole city was painted pink to welcome the royals. It’s said Prince Albert nicknamed Jaipur the ‘Pink City’ and the name stuck. In 1877, Maharaja Ram Singh took the pink obsession even further when his queen declared herself a fan of the color, passing a law that any new buildings in the city must be painted the same color. The law has remained and almost all buildings, from bazaars to temples, are painted shades from pastel pink to dusty rose, reddish brown, ochre, and terracotta.

To help you make the most of your time, here’s my suggestions for things to do on your Jaipur visit.

1. Jal Mahal

In the middle of Man Sagar Lake, the Jal Mahal, or Winter Palace, is an archaeological wonder. When the lake is full, four of its five stories are submerged underwater, while the top one seems to be floating on the lake’s surface. Constructed in 1745, the palace combines Rajput and Mughal architectural traditions. Entry to the palace is restricted, so you’ll have to content yourself with views from the lake’s edge. I’d recommend visiting towards sunset for views of both the palace and the picturesque Aravalli Mountains, whose hills are dotted with forts and old temples. The Jal Mahal is located on the outskirts of Jaipur enroute to the Amber Fort.

2. The Amber Fort

Amber Fort (also known as Amer Fort) is on the outskirts of Jaipur in the rugged Aravalli Hills just 8 miles from the city center. Built on a hilltop, the complex is spectacular. Construction began in 1592 and the fort has seen numerous modifications over time, with successive rulers adding their personal touches to it over the years. Intricate murals, frescoes, and paintings give an ageless beauty to the place. Don’t miss the dazzling Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors), where the walls and ceiling are covered in mirrors, mosaics, and ornate flower carvings. The king at the time had it built so his Maharani (“queen”) could “stargaze” whenever she desired. Maharanis weren’t permitted to sleep outdoors, so the light from a single candle reflected in the mirrors gave the illusion of thousands of stars.

Pro Tip: A 20-minute elephant ride uphill from the car park to the Amber Fort is a popular activity. Although, I personally found it underwhelming and, with hindsight, ethically questionable.

3. Nahargarh Fort

Nahargarh Fort is one of the three major forts that once formed a defensive ring around Jaipur, the others being Amber (see above) and Jaigarh (which we’ll cover next). Constructed in 1734, Nahargarh’s fortifying walls connected it to Jaigarh Fort with the best views over Jaipur. Originally named Sudarshangarh, its name was later changed to Nahargarh , meaning “Abode of Tigers.”

Nahargarh never actually came under attack and its famed guns were only ever fired to mark the passing of hours. This isn’t only a military building, there’s also a zenana (part of a Hindu or Muslim household reserved for women) for the royal women, which is one of the most beautiful buildings in the complex. A dozen identical suites with frescoed hallways connecting them, the zenana was constructed in such a way that the king could visit any of his queens without the others knowing!

Pro Tip: You can cycle or hike up to the fort, and you should aim to coincide your visit with sunset, when the city below is bathed in hues of orange and the pink buildings seem to glow like embers.

4. Jaigarh Fort

Jaigarh Fort is the third imposing fort overlooking the city. Stacking 1,300 feet above Amber Fort, Jaigarh was constructed in 1726 with its primary aim being to protect the lower fort. A hidden subterranean tunnel connects the two forts, and despite the distance between them, they are generally considered part of one fort complex (there’s no access to the tunnel nowadays).

Pro Tip: Jaigarh houses the world’s largest cannon on wheels, the “Jaivana Cannon,” mounted on roller-pin bearings on four wheels, helping it turn 360 degrees and fire in any direction. Jaigarh was never invaded and Jaivana was only used once to test its firing capabilities.

5. Hawa Mahal

The most famous and iconic landmark in Jaipur, Hawa Mahal was designed for the royal ladies to watch everyday life and festivals outside on the streets without being seen by the public. They viewed through a lattice of 953 small windows ( jharokhas ) adorned with elaborate latticework. The latticework also served to allow the breeze to pass through, working like a natural air-conditioner. This five-story, crown-shaped building, also known as the Palace of the Winds, was built in 1798.

6. City Palace

Right next to Hawa Mahal is the City Palace protected by enormous walls. Construction was completed in 1732 and the palace served as the seat of power for the Maharaja of Jaipur. To this day, parts of the City Palace are home to the royal family of Jaipur and are out of bounds. The palace has four entrances: Udai Pol, Jaleb Chowk, Tripolia Gate, and Virendra Pol. With its decorated courtyards, gardens, temples, and halls, the City Palace is a treasure to explore.

Pro Tip: The City Palace houses a museum that displays an array of royal costumes and weaponry.

7. Jantar Mantar

If astronomy interests you, Jantar Mantar — a UNESCO World Heritage site just a stone’s throw from City Palace and Hawa Mahal — should be on your list to visit in Jaipur. Jantar Mantar is one of five observatories constructed by Jai Singh II (the other remaining ones are in Ujjain, Delhi, and Varanasi). Among the many instruments here is the world’s biggest sundial, as well as various instruments made of stone and brass; 19 astronomical instruments in total.

8. Albert Hall Museum

Palaces and forts aren’t the only historical places to visit in Jaipur. The Albert Hall Museum is the oldest museum in Rajasthan and houses treasures that include paintings, crystal sculptures, jewelry, and even an Egyptian mummy. The museum is located amongst the sprawling Ram Niwas Gardens on the outskirts of the traditional market area of Jaipur.

Pro Tip: A composite ticket will cover your entrance fees for seven of Jaipur’s major monuments, including Jantar Mantar, Albert Hall, Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, and Nahargarh Fort.

Rajasthani Cuisine

Thanks to its rich culinary tradition, Jaipur is a foodie’s delight. Dishes cover the entire spectrum, from very sweet to very spicy, and everything in between.

For great local cuisine at affordable prices, try Thali House . Khandelwal Dhaba Purana Wala has great vegetarian Rajasthani cuisine (try the Khandelwal Special Thali). Lassiwala , which opens at 7:30 a.m., serves delicious lassis (a yogurt-based beverage with a smoothie-like consistency). There are several “imitations” along Mirza Ismail Road, so look for the sign that says Shop 312 and reads “Since 1944.” 

If you’re not on a budget, Cinnamon is one of the most sought-after restaurants in Jaipur. Located inside the Rambagh Palace Hotel is the Polo Bar, adorned with polo memorabilia from the kings and princes of Jaipur; martinis at the Polo Bar are particularly recommended.

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Africa at the age of 21, Sarah Kingdom is a mountain climber and guide, traveler, yoga teacher, trail runner, and mother of two. When she is not climbing or traveling she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia. She guides and runs trips regularly in India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, and Ethiopia, taking climbers up Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro numerous times a year.

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36 Hours in Jaipur

In India’s Pink City, the streets are filled with palaces, temples and, sometimes, cows. Eat like royalty, shop for jewelry and find a weekend’s worth of bliss amid the commotion.

By Patrick Scott

Nearly 300 years ago, an enlightened maharajah with a penchant for jewels and an eye for architecture built a planned city amid the arid hills of northwest India. Called Jaipur after the city’s founder , Jai Singh II, it arose on a grid of urban sectors not just for royal palaces, but for the workshops of artisans recruited to establish a new commercial hub. These days, gem cutters, jewelry designers and garment-makers are still flourishing in one of India’s most popular tourist and shopping destinations, part of the Delhi-Agra-Jaipur Golden Triangle. This is a city where the royals, to this day, occupy a wing of the City Palace, and where mid-rise towers and a new subway system are muscling in on a proud past. Street markets are awash in color and handicrafts, and Hindu temples can be found nearly every 100 yards. Though the streets seethe with beeping and belching traffic, tourists and dung-dropping cows, you can find bliss amid the commotion.

1) 3 p.m. Divinity tour

Hinduism, with its colorful gods and goddesses, permeates everyday life, so dive in with a visit to Birla Temple , a domed, white-marble building with an airy main hall, stained-glass windows and a shrine to the uber god Vishnu, and Lakshmi, goddess of wealth. Speaking of Uber, the ride-hailing service is a good way get around this spread-out city. From Birla, it’s a 20-minute ride to Govind Dev Ji Temple , built in view of the emperor’s City Palace windows. Get there for the 5:30 p.m. ceremony when priests in saffron robes pull back the curtains to the altar holding Lord Krishna, playing the flute under golden umbrellas. People pour into an open-walled hall by the hundreds, raising their hands in adulation, clapping and chanting while making circuits around the shrine, banging knockers on its wooden side doors to let Krishna know they have arrived. Free entry.

2) 8 p.m. Ramparts and lentils

You can dine like royalty at 1135 AD , a restaurant in a palace perched atop Amber Fort, a magnificent hybrid of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Walk through the main courtyard up to a terrace with candlelit tables and scattered rose petals. A thali, or meal, served on a silver platter lets you sample a variety of dishes, from goat in red sauce to black lentil dal and a spinach and corn purée (1,750 rupees, or about $24). Ask for a tour of the glittering private dining room upstairs, with silver-backed chairs under chandeliers and a ceiling embellished with mirror fragments. The fort is a popular location for filmmakers. If you’re lucky, it will be alive with turbaned extras, white horses and adorned camels re-enacting a scene from a historical drama in the floodlit courtyard.

3) 9 a.m. Buttery ballast

Ghee, a form of clarified butter, is essential to the fare at Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar, a landmark hotel, bakery and vegetarian restaurant where the menu front declares an adherence to Lord Krishna’s condemnation of food “which is half-cooked or halfripe …” The Rajasthani Special breakfast platters are anything but. Badvi Bhaji (potatoes, tomatoes, coriander and green hot chilies) and Poori Aloo Mattar (potatoes in tomato stew with peas), with fried wheat pockets, are served by efficient waiters in brown jackets with epaulets (breakfast for two, 750 rupees). The décor feels early 1980s — purple and teal wallpaper, and abstract Hindu wall hangings — but it’s been around since 1954, frequented by the jewelers and gem wholesalers taking a break from their workstations in the nearby back alleys.

4) 10 a.m. Mind the cattle

Step back into the history of clan-warring Rajasthan, long before Jaipur became its capital, on a tour of the Albert Hall Museum . Or, step into the frenetic present, exploring the boulevards and back lanes of the old city. Walk under the porticos of sidewalk bazaars festooned with everything from puppets to pajama pants; around the horned bulls wandering on the narrow roads; past the carts of fried chickpea cakes, and marble-lined shrines with statues of gods; through an arched doorway into a four-story courtyard with intricate floral railings; and into a crowd of men at a corner fountain polishing brass prayer cups.

5) 11 a.m. Pink City

Jaipur is known as the Pink City, built with sandstone and blushed with paint in 1876 to welcome the Prince of Wales. It is epitomized by the Hawa Mahal , or Palace of Winds. The five-story facade of protruding bays with lattice stonework and 365 windows is said to have been built as a screen for the women of the royal court so they could watch unobserved the parades of soldiers and elephants below. It’s a steep climb to the top, where it’s only one room deep, but the view and being ensconced in cupolas mimicking Krishna’s crown are worth it (entrance: 50 rupees for foreigners).

6) 12:30 Oasis of calm

The decibel levels from the horns on the cars, motorcycles, scooters and tuk tuks on a main drag called Mirza Ismail Road, is nonstop . Until you step into Niros , a garden of tranquillity with yellow tablecloths, plush booths and mirrored walls and ceilings made to look like arched windows. Opened in 1949, it advertises itself as the city’s first to serve Chinese food. There are indeed plenty of Chinese items on the menu, but go local, with the Tandoori mixed grill — the goat kafta with chili and cardamom is exceptional — a spinach-and-cottage cheese Palak Paneer and yellow Dal Tadka (lunch for two, about 2,500 rupees).

7) 2 p.m. Gems galore

Jaipur is a global center for cutting and polishing precious and semiprecious gems. Stop in Jewels Emporium’s stately white building and take a tour of the workshops, where cutters shape facets, and men at workbenches adorn gold settings with jewels, and rinse the gold dust from their hands in wash basins (the water is later sold to extraction companies). Upstairs is the finished jewelry (recently spotted: a pair of emerald earrings in a gold setting, about 45,000 rupees). Around the corner, at Gem Palace , an owner, Sanjay Kasliwal, and his son Samir might show you a frayed registry with signatures from customers like Jacqueline Kennedy and Bo Derek, and a diamond and enamel turban ornament made by the family’s ancestors 300 years ago, valued at $7 million. There is also a small shop called Rajasthan Gems, 41-A Shahpura Bagh, Amer Road, where the owner Satish Sharma will make you a cornflower-blue sapphire ring, and enlighten you with his philosophy of yoga.

8) 4 p.m. Garment hunting

Inside Saurashtra Impex, an explosion of colorful fabrics heaped in piles and stacked to the ceilings greets you, along with the owner, Kishor Maheshwari, and his staff. They’ll extricate antique cushion covers from Pakistan, tablecloths with block-printed blue elephants and vintage rugs from Afghanistan. For a more refined retail experience, RASA boutique makes its own mod-Mughal brand of exquisite silk, cotton and linen dresses, tops, scarves and bedding (silk scarves start at 4,400 rupees).

9) 8 p.m. Finger food

The city isn’t exactly a hotbed of celebrity chefs, but the culinary scene is still lively. Options range from Meraaki Kitchen for dal fondue, or Virasat for traditional thali. For superb northern Indian cuisine, head to Peshawri , downstairs at the ITC Rajputana hotel. With its stone walls and mushroom-like stools, it serves dishes you eat with your hands, and pair with a pleasant Sauvignon Blanc from India’s Fratelli Wines (dinner for two, about 7,000 rupees).

10) 10 p.m. Ice cream and cocktails

At the famous Pandit Kulfi, redshirted servers prepare a frozen treat of milk, crushed almonds and cashews, sugar and cinnamon. They freeze it in metal cylinders and tap out the sweet and dense, double-sticked little rockets (20 to 50 rupees). For the international party scene, head to Bar Palladio , set in a former palace’s garden house with a dramatic Wedgwood blue interior and canopied tables in the garden. It serves Italian cuisine and cocktails, like a Cosmopolitan (500 rupees).

11) 9:30 Heart of Jaipur

A 500-rupee ticket to the City Palace will get you into a museum with royal costumes and a courtyard displaying massive silver vessels that carried an emperor’s drinking water from the Ganges River to London in 1902 for Edward VII’s coronation. But splurge on the 2,500-rupee Royal Grandeur ticket to see where the monarchs lived. The sovereigns still entertain in an ornate dining room and parlor, where chairs have silver lions for armrests and walls are painted with gold dust and extracts of rubies and emeralds. Have brunch in the complex at Baradari , chic restaurant and bar in a stone courtyard with contemporary Rajasthani and continental dishes. Don’t miss the Smoked Baingan Bharta, a tower of spongy bread supporting roasted eggplant with chili powder, spinach greens and a fried egg (700 rupees), and the smoked tandoori pineapple (300 rupees).

12) 1 p.m. The Kaleidoscope is you

Return to the Amber Fort to soak up the daytime atmospherics — the soft wind blowing through the open, pillared audience hall, and the crisp vista of mountainsides sloping down to a green lake. In the Sheesh Mahal, a fairy-tale, open-air hall of mirrors, the walls and ceilings are covered in geometric and floral patterns inlaid with thousands of tiny foil panels, as well as marble relief panels and larger mirrors. The effect is kaleidoscopic as the constellation of convex pieces above reflects the movement of the visitors below. (entrance, 200 rupees)

Rent a villa or apartment in the core of the city near the Albert Hall Museum on Airbnb . The options are limited but you can find apartments within walking distance to the gem market starting at $34, and a room with a private bath or an entire floor in heritage-style homes near Central Park for $50 to $80.

As if floating in Man Sagar Lake, the Jal Mahal island palace isn’t open for visitors, but you can take in the view from an upstairs room at the Trident across the road (about 16,000 rupees). The handsome, 21-year-old hotel has 152 rooms, jade-green marble floors and a puppeteer and drummer who put on an evening show beside the pool.

Get a taste of royal living with a stay in the Taj Jai Mahal Palace , with stately columned porticos and 18 acres of gardens. Built for an 18th-century Rajput military commander, it is one of several royal residences converted to hotels, this one operated by the renowned Taj group. You are greeted in the grand lobby with a garland of flowers, pink lychee drink and a forehead dot of sandalwood paste. A handsome room with a patio leading to gardens and a short walk to the 95-foot long pool costs about 25,000 rupees.

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Jaipur Travel Guide 2024 – The Magical Pink City of Rajasthan

By: Author Sophie Pearce

Posted on Last updated: January 1, 2024

Categories JAIPUR , INDIA , RAJASTHAN

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

If you’re heading to Jaipur to start your Rajasthan adventure, you’re in for a real treat as this is where your journey into India will really begin!

My heart always gives a little flutter when I start to see the first glimpses of the pink city in Rajasthan from the train window heading out of Delhi.

Well, although it’s nicknamed the pink city, it isn’t really pink. The buildings are actually more of a peach or orange colour.

But, it’s beautiful all the same. Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and it’s a busy, bustling city that is spread out over the old and the new.

The old side definitely has more culture but the new also provides some of the 21st-century comforts like shopping malls, bars, and clubs etc.

It can be quite a maze finding your way around, so here is an essential first-timers Jaipur travel guide to the Pink city (which isn’t pink lol).

How to reach Jaipur in Rajasthan from Delhi or otherwise

Jaipur is easily accessible in India and it’s only 4 hours out of Delhi by train. The best train which I would personally recommend is the Shatabdi express which leaves early in the morning.

There are limited stops and you get fed breakfast which is great. I would personally recommend Cleartrip.com for booking train travel in India.

Read more of my Indian train travel tips here

I’m not sponsored, but I’ve struggled enough with the Indian rail company website to know it isn’t worth the stress! Jaipur also has an international airport, so you can fly in from Delhi in 45 minutes or so.

You can also get some really great deals on flights if you book far enough in advance. I would use flight apps like Skyscanner or Kiwi.com.

If you’re looking for your next destination out of Jaipur, you can head to Pushkar which is only 3 hours by bus. It’s one of the few peaceful towns of Rajasthan and one of my personal faves!

How to travel around Jaipur – the best ways to see the Pink City

As a lot of attractions are spread out in Jaipur it’s best to hire a Tuk-Tuk (petrol rickshaw), Tam-Tam (electric rickshaw), or Taxi for the day.

The going rate for a full day (8 hours in a Tuk or Tam) is 500 rupees. For a taxi, you’ll be paying 1600 rupees.

Uber also works in Jaipur so this could be an option if you’re wanting to only head to a few places.

You can load your card details and pay the metered price. This is most of the time cheaper than what Tuk-Tuks will charge!

Read my guide on how to use Uber in India here

Top Jaipur travel tips before you go

The rupee is king here and it’s recommended that you get cash. Although the ATM will probably give you 2000 rupee notes it’s best to change them into smaller change as soon as possible.

This will help when paying for attractions, shopping, transport etc.

Some helpful Hindi phrases

Quick Hindi 101

Hello: Namaste

How are you? Aap Kase Ho?

I’m fine: Main Thik Hun (pronounced mai-te khum)

How much? : Kit na?

Thank you: Dhanyavad

The best places to stay in Jaipur

There are hundreds of budget options to choose from in Jaipur.

Personally, I’m a fan of the little boutique Haveli’s (traditional Rajasthan hotels) as I feel it just adds to the adventure of where I am!

Nearby the railway station there are a lot of midrange Havelis which will cost you around £30-40 per night.

I stayed at Umaid Bhawan in Jaipur.

If you’re looking for high-end luxury, look no further than the Rambagh Palace .

It has a hefty price tag but it looks SO worth the money if you have it spare. If you’d like to just peak inside they have a good cocktail bar and restaurant to visit.

The best things to do in Jaipur

The Amer Fort sits around 15 kilometres away from the main city of Jaipur, so you’ll need to get a Tuk-Tuk, Tam-Tam, or Taxi here.

I would recommend starting your day off here in the morning to beat the heat and the crowds!

This fort is the most beautiful in Rajasthan and showcases some fantastic history of Maharajas of old and royal apartments.

You can also get some awesome views of Jaipur and the Nahargarh Fort as it stands so high.

A lot of people choose to ride the elephants up the hill to arrive in style and although shamefully, I have done this in the past, I would recommend that you don’t.

A lot of these elephants face long-standing abuse from their owners and I felt quite uncomfortable seeing the way they were treated with bullhooks.

If you were looking for an elephant experience that is safe and kind for elephants, I would recommend Elephantastic which I will go into below.

Related post – Why you must visit Panna Meena Ka Kund stepwell nearby!

Elephantastic

Elephantastic is truly a beautiful sanctuary for our wise old friends. Rahul, the owner, used to be a rider at the Amer fort.

But, when he saw how the elephants were treated for tourism he decided to rescue them from harm and make a safe haven for them in his sanctuary.

Rahul truly cares for his elephants and ensures they are kept safe from harm, that they’re well-fed, and have good medical treatment when needed.

When I booked my session, he wrote to me apologising for the fact that I wouldn’t be able to wash them as it was too cold for them in winter.

This is truly a testament to the fact that it’s not about making money, it’s about ensuring the elephants are happy and well.

In his human-elephant interaction programme, you will meet his friendly elephants which you can hug, feed sugar cane, paint (will natural safe paints of course), wash them, ride (if you want to) and have a chat with :).

Then, depending on your package, you will meet his family and be treated to a home-cooked meal which is delicious!

It was a really touching experience and one I have cherished as a highlight of my travels in India.

For more details and for travel packages, check out his awesome website . You will receive a reply almost instantly as the service is second to none.

Jaipur City Palace

The City Palace in Jaipur is quite a basic one. It’s not as grand as the one in Udaipur, but it does have some amazing architecture to marvel at.

The main thing which is quite iconic is the set of royal archway doors located in the centre.

This door is located on the cover of Lonely Planet for their Rajasthan and the north of India publication and I guess that’s why people want a click there!

They have a pretty café that serves up some amazing melt-in-the-middle chocolate muffins and you can see some traditional puppet shows in peak season.

I would recommend buying a tourist ticket which includes entrance into this palace, Jantar Mantar, Albert Hall Museum, Nahargarh/Jaigarh fort, and more. It’s around 1000 rupees but will save you money!

The palace of winds is the most iconic palace in Jaipur. But, as it’s on a busy road it’s quite easy to miss as you whizz by in the traffic!

When you get dropped off there is a little area to observe and take photos within the market street.

Unless you want a really bad angled photo that is almost vertical, I would head across the street to observe it in the many cafés there.

The wind café serves up some good food and a banging chai. When I first got to Hawa Mahal, there was a guy snake charming and offered for me to join!

Super-tourist in action here, but it was SO fun! At one point, the snake did get a little angry and so it was time I bolted haha.

Hanuman temple | Galta Ji Temple

This temple is also known as the monkey temple in Jaipur, but I got told off calling in that.

But, most tourists know it like this due to the massive tribe of monkeys which have made the place their home!

There are two parts to this place, on the one side there’s the part where you can meet the monkeys. There are so many making mischief around, so if you’re afraid of getting bitten, I would avoid it.

We hired a Bandar walla (monkey guy) to take us up to the top. We bought some monkey nuts and he will teach you how to feed and touch them. At first, I kept dropping the peanuts as soon as they got near.

But, after I became a little more comfortable I let them climb on my shoulder. I did also get an offer to be trained in the art of monkey calling. Two months is all he needed and I would be set. Nice offer, but I think I’ll give it a miss lol.

On the other side, is the part where there is a bathing area. One for women and one for men. I wouldn’t recommend it as it’s crawling with boys! The woman’s area was pretty much deserted.

Nahargarh fort

There are two forts in Jaipur, the Nahargarh fort and Jaigarh fort.

Nahargarh Fort has a far more impressive view and if you’re going to choose one let this be it.

There’s a cute restaurant at the end of the fort which provides the view in the below photo.

I think I paid like 50 rupees to get in but I got a drinks voucher to enjoy a coke with the view.

I was actually here to celebrate my first Diwali last year and so this fort provided a birds-eye view of all the colourful lights, fireworks, and fun!

The best places to eat in Jaipur

Chokhi dhani.

This tourist attraction some would deem tacky, but I absolutely LOVED it! It’s essentially a tourist cultural village, which gives you an insight into traditional Rajasthan culture.

You pay for your meal choice. You can have the traditional Indian tali non-Air Con, the Indian tali AC, and the International cuisine restaurant.

My friend and I chose the traditional A/C as we thought it would be more comfortable to eat.

A thali is essentially a tray that comes with little pots of traditional Indian foods. You’ll have curries, chutneys, rice, naan bread, dessert, and even buttermilk (YUK).

You’ll eat to the sound of traditional Rajasthan music which is really nice.

After, you can enjoy loads of entertainment which comes included in your ticket. Puppet shows, seeing how chapatis are made, camel rides, dancing, fortune-telling, and a cheap marketplace are all here.

You can even get some traditional henna done for free and dress up in traditional Rajasthan dress.

This photo kickstarted my trail of getting dressed up for photos on my trip to India. It’s just so fun.

I would highly recommend this if you’re stuck for somewhere to go in the evening, you won’t regret it! For more information see their website.

Café Palladio

When I first saw this café on Instagram, I couldn’t believe it was in Jaipur let alone India.

The design is flawless and the wallpaper is to die for! It looks like something out of a fairy tale. So, when I knew I was heading back to Jaipur I had to check it out.

The menu serves up international cuisine including my favourite pastry dessert Baklava!

Unfortunately, this was sold out when I got there (maybe it’s seasonal) and so I just went for coffee. It actually tasted like real coffee too, which was a welcome taste from Bru (cheap Indian coffee which tastes like water haha). It was only 110 rupees too which was a bargain for the setting.

Their food menu boasts fresh salads and Italian pasta dishes which actually have authentic ingredients.

A treat for the taste buds after so much curry! See my full review on Café Palladio here.

Save this complete Jaipur travel guide for later

I absolutely love Jaipur and it’s somewhere I come back to time and time again.

It’s the definition of Rajasthani culture in action and it will stay with you months or even years after you’ve left.

If you’re looking for a place to celebrate Diwali, I would recommend coming here as it’s a special time to find yourself in the city.

The whole place is lit up in all different colours and beautiful fireworks. Make sure you don’t miss it when you’re in India.

Read more on Jaipur

If you want to read even more on Jaipur, check out some of my articles on the Pink City of Rajasthan below;

The best way to travel around Jaipur 

Instagrammable places in Jaipur

The best bar in Jaipur

A complete guide for the Patrika Gate

Why you must visit Panna Meena Ka Kund

Heading around Rajasthan? Check out these posts!

The best Rajasthan Itinerary

My complete guide to the Pink City of Jaipur

A photography guide for Jaipur

Top things to do in Udaipur

My top travel tips for Jaisalmer

A camel safari in the Thar desert

Why Bundi has to be on your bucket list

Top places to visit in Bikaner

Visiting the rat temple in India

Why you need to visit Pushkar

Tiger safari in Rajasthan

Top places to visit in Alwar

Neemrana Fort Palace guide

Save this Jaipur travel guide for later!

Thursday 4th of January 2024

Your Jaipur blog was my travel compass, leading me to the vibrant markets and allowing me to savor the authentic flavors of the Pink City

Sophie Pearce

Thursday 11th of January 2024

Thanks for reading and I'm so happy it helped you! Sophie x

Saptarshi Bhattacharya

Tuesday 22nd of November 2022

Your post is so useful and nice author. Thank you for sharing.

@Sophie Pearce, Hi Sophie, I’ve really enjoyed your posts but it’s been a while and things change rapidly. It would bd great if people would update . Same wTrip Advisor forum some posts are now so old that it is not easy to plan with current information. I am currently in Jaipur . It is just so safe and easy to self guide around old city. Walk and take some rickshaws. Many electric. Obviously need transport to forts and out of town. But again I’m surprised that travellers feel persuaded to have guides. I get it supports local economy but can be tedious when we can read z guide! It can interfere w being in the moment and just enjoying!

@Sophie Pearce,

Wednesday 23rd of November 2022

Thanks so much! Sophie x

Delightful India

Wednesday 7th of July 2021

Hey! Thank you for sharing Good post to read and share more in Future

Friday 9th of July 2021

Thank you ! Sophie x

Friday 2nd of July 2021

Nice travel but if you are talking about Jaipur visiting places then u forget about Jal Mahal

Tuesday 6th of July 2021

Hi Aryan, I loved Jal Mahal and I do mentioned it in other posts :) I'll be sure to add it onto my itinerary. Sophie x

Amit Kumar Parashar

Wednesday 30th of June 2021

Thanks for sharing the Jaipur article and i like for Jaipur city tour and book a taxi from Jaipur to outstation.

Hi Amit, thank you for reading :) Sophie x

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• Jaipur Travel Guide: Places To Visit And Things To Do

If you are planning to pay a visit to the Pink City Jaipur, this Jaipur travel guide is the best companion you could have as you map out your travels. This bustling Rajasthani capital is a beautiful place to spend a weekend in because it is simply brims over with grandeur and beauty. The pink tinged walls that stand tall all over the city are a breathtaking sight to experience while the magnificent palaces add a touch of majesty to the modern city. Wide open roads decorated with picturesque statues and tree-lined avenues add further charm to the Pink City. This beautiful city will find its way to your heart and make you eager to come back whenever you can.

As you make your way through this Jaipur travel guide, you will find that there is a wealth of things to be explored in Jaipur. The Jalmahal is one must-visit place in Jaipur and simply you cannot miss out on the forts around the city. Standing tall on the outskirts of Jaipur, these stern forts are a heritage from Jaipur’s militaristic past. The panoramic views of the sprawling city and its environs that these forts command are magnificent as is the history that lies buried within them. Taking a guide to the famous sites of Jaipur is a good way to understand the history, culture and traditions of the city. 

But while you explore the heritage sites of Jaipur, do not miss out on its markets. The riot of colours that greets tourists as they step inside the markets is irresistible, and you will soon find yourself loaded with bright clothes, dainty parasols, unique artefacts and heavy Rajasthani jewellery. Shopping in Jaipur is an enjoyable experience to say the least. Visiting Jaipur is fun at any time of the year, but if you really want to take your visit up a notch, visit it during one of the many festivals hosted here. The bustle and cheeriness of the city will make a perfect backdrop for a great Jaipur vacation. 

Make your way leisurely through this Jaipur travel guide in order to get great insights on the best Jaipur has to offer.

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Best Time to Visit Jaipur

Being a semi-desert area and filled with numerable places to visit, Jaipur attracts millions of visitors every year. However, the Pink City has certain favorable times to visit.

According to Jaipur travel guides, the best time to pay a visit to Jaipur is from October to March. During these months, the heat level remains moderate, followed by pleasant weather. Thus, moving around the city becomes easier and more convenient.

Winters in Jaipur are normally an affair of mist and magic. While pleasant climate and a bright sun are persistent during the daytime, the atmosphere starts to change during the evening. Nights are accompanied with mist and temperature can fall down to 5 degrees, which makes them quite chilly and the weather remains foggy till the morning.

City Palace

Among all the palaces included in Jaipur Travel Guide, the City Palace has served the most important role in Rajasthan’s history. Since Maharaja Sawai Man Singh moved into this palace, City Palace is serving as the residence to the royal families of Jaipur. Over the last few centuries, it has seen many majestic celebrations, which include royal marriages and festivals of the royal family.

Built during 1729-1732, City Palace is a remarkable example of the combination of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture. Remnants of European architecture can also be found.  Mubarak Mahal and the Chandra Mahal comprise the main palace complex. Mukut Mahal, Maharani’s Palace, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum also lie within the premises of this palace. Entry to city palace is quite affordable and remarkable as well. 

The Pitam Niwas Chowk, also known as ‘Peacock Gate’ is the gateway to Chandra Mahal. It is a finely decorated place with motifs of peacock, which represents autumn. Several other paintings and artefacts are engraved on this gate. Some of them depict the replicas of Hindu Gods and all the four seasons in India.

Diwan-i-Khas and Diwan-i-Aam, which served as the royal and public meeting venues for the kings are ornamented with crystal chandeliers. Marble floors and minutely painted designs and shapes on the ceiling of both these chambers offer the most captivating view. Diwan-i-Khas possesses two massive urns, crafted out of pure silver. These urns were used by the Maharaja to carry holy water of the Ganges, while he was on his trip to England.

Entrance of Diwan-i-Aam is fringed by two replicas of elephants, which were carved out of a single piece of marble.  This extremely decorated chamber has been converted to a museum, displaying miniature paintings of the Mughal and Rajput eras, and handwritten scriptures of Bhagavad Gita. ‘Takth-e-Rawal’ or the ‘Golden Throne’ has been installed in this gallery.

Jantar Mantar, the astronomical observatory is a part of the City Palace complex. City Palace is a not-to-be-missed palace in the Jaipur Travel Guide and a major landmark of Jaipur with a rich historical heritage.

Hawa Mahal is also one of the important palaces in the Jaipur Travel Guide. Built in 1798 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, it has a five-storey building, whose windows are decorated with intricate latticework.

Hawa Mahal has a total of 953 windows, designed in a unique honeycomb shape. These windows resembles to the shape of Lord Krishna’s crown. The latticework on the windows allows a passage to the royal ladies to observe life outside the palace, restricting outsiders to have a glimpse of them. Situated in the heart of the city, it is a part of the City Palace.

The palace is built in red and pink sandstone and it is a fine example of the lively fusion of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles. The overhanging covering and pillars in this palace are ornamented and carved with floral designs that symbolise Rajputana style. On the other hand, the arched stone works of this palace reflect Mughal art and culture.

Hawa Mahal served as one of the favourite palaces of Maharaja Jai Singh, who oftenly visited this palace to beat the scorching desert summers. The windows in this palace are designed in a unique way: they always allows cool breeze into the main courtyard and the rooms within the palace. Fountains in front of the palace were constructed to enhance this cooling effect.

Amber Fort and Palace

Located in Amer Village, amidst the scenic backdrop of a hilltop called 'Cheel ka Tila' on the Aravalli Hills, Amber Fort and Palace is one of the primary destinations in Jaipur Travel Guide. The entire palace is built with red sandstone and marbles. Maota Lake flowing at the foothills of Aravalli Hills always blesses the fort with cool and pleasant climate.

Also called as Amer Fort, Amber Fort is divided into four main sections. Each of these sections has its own entry gate followed by a courtyard. Jaleb Chowk is the first and the main among all the four courtyards. This East facing courtyard was meant for royal parades after carving victory in the battles.

Amber Fort can easily be reached from Jaipur. Jeep Safaris or Elephant Safaris are available for visiting this majestic fort. It opens its doors to the perfect blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture, which shows the grandeur of yesteryears with its elaborate art and mirror work. 

Some of the places to visit here are the Shila Mata Temple, Jas Mandir and the splendid Sheesh Mahal. With brilliant paintings, stone and mirror work are exceptional here.

Jal Mahal or the Water Palace is another astonishing palace in Jaipur and is surely a must-visit place in the Jaipur Travel Guide. Away from the bustling life of Jaipur, Jal Mahal is located in the middle of Man Sagar Lake, which offers a tranquil and serene ambience around the palace. Maharaja Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber, built Jal Mahal.

While the evergreen Aravali Hills provides an enticing background, the water body of 300 acres around the lake boosts up the grandeur of this palace. Out of five storeys of the palace, four storeys remain underwater when the lake is completely filled with water.

Due to water logging problems in the recent past, Jal Mahal had to undergo a series of severe threats. However, the government started renovation work to conserve and uplift the magnificence of this historical palace. Dams and water bodies around this palace have been significantly restored.

The lake, which was once a hotspot for various species of migratory birds, is regaining its old fame. Traditional boats, crafted in Rajputana style are available on the banks of the lake, which takes the visitors to the palace. Nights offer the most panoramic view of Jal Mahal, as the entire palace is illuminated and the lake water reflects the beauty of this glowing palace in an alluring way.

Jaigarh Fort

Built in the year 1726 by Jai Singh II, the Jaigarh Fort of Jaipur is also known as the ‘Fort of Victory’. It is located on a rocky plain of the Aravalli range. Huge impounding walls and watchtowers guards Jaigarh Fort. Walls of this fort were built with red sandstone and their thickness helped them to counter enemy attacks.

The architectural layout of this fort is quite similar to Amber Fort and it was constructed to tighten the security of the royal families. Granaries, water reservoirs and storage system of Jaigarh Fort are very remarkable. 

They were constructed in such a way that people living within the fort can have sufficient supply of food and fresh water for quite a longer period.  Due to this reason, architectural experts of modern times call this fort as one of the best and most self-sufficient forts in Jaipur.

This fort has also served as one of the major cannon foundries to the Rajput and the Mughal kings. Availability of iron ore around this fort made it a major destination to produce arms and ammunition.

This fort now houses a museum, which highlights some of the primary cannons and other weapons used by the kings. Jaivana Cannon, the world’s largest cannon on wheels was manufactured in the foundries of this fort. The cannon is now on display in the museum.

Nahargarh Fort

Jai Singh II built the Nahargarh Fort, which is also called the Tiger Fort, with the aim of providing strong defence to the city. Standing majestically on the edge of the Aravalli Hills, Nahargarh Fort is the best place to view the splendid beauty of the Pink City from. The walls of the fort are extended over the hills to form fortifications that connect it to Jaigarh Fort.Nahargarh fort is best  epitome of rich cultural heritage of jaipur .

This fort was used as a place of protection for the Europeans including the British wives of the region during the first war of Indian Independence in 1857. It was also the hunting residence of the Maharajas of Jaipur.

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Fairs & Festivals

Teej festival.

Teej is the most important and rejoiced festival in Jaipur. In fact, it is widely celebrated in entire Rajasthan. It is the festival of swings and it marks the advent of the monsoon. Teej is mainly a festival for the women.

During the month of Shravana or August, women dress themselves in their most attractive attire and adorn themselves with all their jewellery. They try their best in beautifying themselves during this festival by applying lovely mehndi designs on their hands and wearing colourful bangles.

Teej is celebrated to commemorate the union of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. Married women pray for the long life and safety of their husbands, while the unmarried girls pray for a desirable match for themselves. The celebration runs for two consecutive days, followed by processions and other activities.

Kite Festival

Ever since Jaipur was painted in pink, it never changed its colour and flamboyance. However, the open blue sky of Jaipur does change its colour once every year. This phenomenal change occurs on the eve of every Makar Sankranti celebration, the 14th day of January, when thousands of kites of different shapes, sizes and colour fill up the sky of Jaipur.

The Kite Festival marks the transitional journey of the sun. Celebrated for three consecutive days at the Rambagh Polo Ground, this festival has turned out as one of the most significant happenings in the list of Jaipur Travel Guide. Increasing popularity of this festival has been luring kite lovers from various corners of the world to display their artworks and skills of kite flying.

Devotees take a pilgrimage to the sacred Galtaji Temple and take a dip in its holy ponds. By offering pujas to the Sun God, devotees pray for their good health, wealth and harvest.

During the evenings, the Jaipur sky gets illuminated with flamboyant fireworks and kites carrying lamps. The beguiling beauty of the night sky lasts for three days and ends at the Umaid Bhavan Palace on the third day, where the Maharaja felicitates the winners with awards and trophies. The winners also get a chance to dine with the Maharaja.

Elephant Festival

Jaipur, the royal capital of India turns out as one of the imperial ramps during the month of March. These ramps are solely meant for a spectacular catwalk of elegantly decorated elephants.

On the eve of every full moon day of Phalgun Purnima, a day before Holi, entire Jaipur celebrates the Elephant Festival in a royal way. Since the elephant-headed god Ganesha is worshipped during this festival, great care is taken to decorate the elephants in the most joyful way.

Female elephants are the primary participants of this festival. The mahouts spend days in decorating these giant mammals by colouring their trunks, ornamenting their tusks and putting anklets on their feet. The mahouts also put on their traditional attires and colourful turbans while participating in this festival.

Anklets on the feet of the harmonically marching elephants produce sounds that fill the atmosphere with musical notes. After the spectacular march at the Chaugan Stadium, these elephants take part in Polo and perform several activities like tug-of-war and racing events. 

After all the events get over, the guests mount these elephants and engage in playing Holi from the backs of these gigantic animals. The entire festival is itself a mesmerizing show!

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Jaipur Literature Festival

Jaipur might be the imperial abode of forts and palaces, but over the last few years, this city has carved its name in the history of literature world. Since 2006, Jaipur has been hosting the largest literature festival in the country, the Jaipur Literature Festival.

The Jaipur Literature Festival has been called as the grandest of all literary festivals in India. Renowned writers from all over the world take part in this festival. Inaugrated in 2006, Hari Kunzru, Shobhaa De and William Dalrymple were among the eighteen popular writers, who attended this festival in 2006.

Immense success of this festival has drawn several best-selling writers and other dignitaries from different countries. The list of invitees to this festival also includes eminent writers like Salman Rushdie, Hanif Kureishi, Oprah Winfrey, Geoff Dyerr, and the list continues.

It is a five-day literature festival, which is held every January. The renowned Diggi Palace Hotel in Jaipur is the official venue of this literary fest. It is an open festival that also showcases local ethnicities of Jaipur and other parts of the world.

Gangaur Festival

With the befalling of Chaitra month (March-April), women in Jaipur and other parts of Rajasthan start preparing for one of the most important festival of their lives, the Gangaur Festival. Celebrated for ten days, this festival is one of the longest running festivals in India.

Celebration starts from the very first day of the Chaitra month in the honour of Gauri, the eternal consort of Lord Shiva. Women make beautiful clay effigies of Gauri and Lord Shiva and paint them with their own hand. 

While offering pujas, women eat only once and adorn themselves in the best possible way.  While married women pray for the well-being of their husbands and a blissful marital life, unmarried girls pray for a desirable match for their future.

On the seventh day of this festival, women carry ‘ghudials’ or earthen pots atop their heads and take part in a procession. These pots are illuminated with a lamp placed inside, and holes on the body of the lamp make them appear to be a source of light. 

This procession is headed by an elephant show and other amusing shows of folk artists. On the last day of the celebration, women break these pots and throw the pieces in nearby tanks and wells. They also immerse the effigies in water.

Pushkar Camel Festival

Moving around 150 km from Jaipur during the month of Karthik Poornima (October-November according to the Hindu calendar), you can attend the largest Camel Festival in the world.

Pushkar in Rajasthan, located close to Jaipur is home to the world famous Pushkar camel Fair or the Pushkar Mela. This fair is not only the pride of Pushkar, but it is also a proud affair for the entire Rajasthan. Attended by thousands of people, this fair takes place along the Pushkar Lake and is one of the best platforms to unfold the lively culture of Rajasthan and its everlasting bond with camels.

This fair is held on the full-moon day, or the 15th day of every Karthik month, and it mainly showcases buying and selling of camels and other livestock. Apart from the buying and selling of camels, this fair is also home to some very joyful events. Matka Phod, Longest Moustache and Bridal Competitions are some of the spectacular events.

Camels are the main attraction of this fair. During the fair, camels are decorated in the most graceful way with colourful bridles, sparkling anklets and more. Every owner of the camels tries his best in attiring his camels as brides as the fair also holds a competition for the most decorated camel.

During this fair, camels perform various aerobic stunts and display their skills in following their master’s commands. Competitions like tug-of-war and camel racing are the major attractions of this fair.

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Jaipur International Film Festival

While Jaipur has already proved itself as one of the happening names in terms of cultural, literary and heritage festivals, it has also attracted the tinsel-town stars of India and other corners of the world.

Jaipur International Film Festival, an annual film festival held on the last week of January is one of the best platforms for moviemakers, actors and other personas related to film making. This festival also uplifts the newbies by supporting them in various ways.

A jury of expert members, belonging to the national or regional film industries selects the best film, documentaries and short films to cast in this festival. Enthusiasts from different countries have been attending this festival since it was inaugurated in 2009. It is a five-day festival and a global platform to share and explore ideas on filmmaking.

Dal Baati Churma

Each and every corner of Jaipur is flavoured with the aroma of Dal Baati Churma. A combination of three different elements: dal, baati and spicy chutneys, this dish can be found all across Rajasthan and is also considered as one of the most popular and appetising foods.

Baatis are baked or grilled balls of wheat flour. These balls can either be plain or stuffed with onions, peas and sattu. The stuffed balls are then baked accordingly and are served with an extra coating of pure ghee on them. Baatis are served with spicy dals and an addition of sweet and spicy churmas makes them even more delectable.

Ghevar is one of the commonly found traditional sweets in Jaipur. It is a deep fried disc shaped sweet, made of flour and dipped in sugar syrup. Addition of dry fruit makes it more tantalising. Ghevar is extremely popular among the natives of Jaipur and other parts of Rajasthan.

It is one of the commonly found sweets during the festive seasons of Jaipur, especially Teej and Gangaur. Increasing popularity of Ghevar has made it an easily available dish in other parts of India.

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Laal Maas or Red Meat is the most popular dish of the non-vegetarians of Jaipur. Right from the ages of the kings and maharajas, this dish has been tranquilising the taste buds of Jaipur’s food lovers. Basic ingredients of Laal Maas consist of pieces of mutton, deep fried with a mixture of traditional and exotic spices of Rajasthan.

During the olden days, Laal Maas was considered to be a dish only for the royals. The royal cooks even kept the recipe of Laal Maas secret from the commoners as well as from the royal women. However, Laal Maas can now be found all across Jaipur and its surrounding places.

Mawa Kachori

Mirchi Bada

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Bapu Bazar is the best place to buy camel leather products in Jaipur. Located within the old city, this market is entirely dedicated to all types of leather goods. Bapu Bazar has an unmatched and its own standard for quality and design.

While wallets, belts, bags and lampshades are some of the best things to buy in Bapu Bazar, the legacy of this bazar lies in making 'Mojri' shoes. These shoes are the traditional footwear of Jaipur and are known for their elegant designs and durability. Beautiful embroidery work makes these shoes truly appealing. 

Johri Bazar

Built in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, Johri Bazar is the largest marketplace and precisely the largest shopping mall in Jaipur. It is oftenly known as ‘shopper’s delight’ due to its varied range of shops and emporiums.

Occupied with more than 400 shops, Johri Bazar offers a wide range of shopping under one roof. This mall was mainly set up for the trade of precious gems and jewellery. It is the home to some of the finest jewellers in India. Some of the gem stores in Johri Bazar deal with the rarest and costliest gems in the world.  

Boutiques in this mall offer an endless list of handmade sarees and lehangas. Some of the emporiums in Johri Bazar deal with sarees crafted with gold, silver, diamonds and other precious gems. Rooplaxmi, Rana Saree Emporium and Jaipur Saree Kendra are some of the glamorous shops for sarees.

Jaipur handicrafts are known all over the world. Whether the leather products, precious gems and jewels or textile products, Jaipur has an unmatched standard. Talking about the textile products, especially the handicrafts, not many places in the world have been able to match Jaipur, which is the reason Jaipur's products are much more desirable than any of the other places.

Anokhi is one of the highly visited textile boutiques in Jaipur. Its quality and block printing textiles are very unique in their own way and they are the sole reason for Anokhi’s fame across the world.

Most of Anokhi's products are handcrafted and are accomplished by very skilled craftspersons. Beadwork, patchwork, embroidery and appliqué are some of the specialised fields of Anokhi.

To keep the traditional trend of Jaipur alive amidst the modern trend of dressing, Anokhi has set up a museum near Amber Fort called 'Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing'. This museum displays a wide range of block printed clothes and demonstrates how to preserve the traditional art.

Best of Agra

Hot Air Balloon Rides

Not many places in India can bring in or match the experience of hot air ballooning in Jaipur. Though Jaipur favours ballooning in most of the seasons, ballooning over Jaipur during certain times, especially during the festive season will imprint a quintessence memory in the minds of the flyers.

Ballooning over the scenic landscapes of Jaipur during Kite Festival, Elephant Festival and Teej has its own charm. While Teej offers the flyers an opportunity to grab a bird’s view of the lively procession, the Elephant Festival is sure to fascinate the flyers with its enchanting beauty.

The experience of ballooning during Kite Festival is also one of its own kind. During this festival, the Jaipur sky is pleasantly trespassed with thousands of colourful kites. While flying during this festival, the colourfulness of Jaipur sky will overwhelm the flyers in the best possible way.

Other than the festive seasons, the duration from October to March is the ideal time to go for a hot air balloon ride over Jaipur .

Elephant Safari

Jaipur has as eternal bond with elephants and Elephant Safaris are one of the best ways to go back to the era of imperial reigns.

Amber Fort Safari is the most popular among all the Elephant Safaris in Jaipur. While on this safari, the visitors can ride across the colourful villages, vast greenery, rocky hills and the magnificent monuments of Jaipur. These safaris start from the glorious Amber Fort.

Though morning and evening is the best time to go for an Elephant Safari in Jaipur, night safaris are also gaining popularity among the visitors. While on a night safari, the visitors can also opt for camping in the desert areas and enjoy a royal night in the desert.

Elephant Safari through the countryside of Jaipur also offers an admirable experience. This safari is conducted amidst the lush forests of the Aravalli Hills. The trip starts from an estate near the Amber Fort and takes the visitors for a 30 to 40 minute Elephant Safari. Jackals and antelopes can be sited very easily in this safari; hyena and wolf have also been spotted at times.

Jeep Safari

Jeep Safaris are also one of the popular safaris to unfold the mesmerizing beauty of Jaipur's countryside. The real shades of village life and the roots of Jaipur are still alive in the villages of Jaipur. Through this Jeep Safari, visitors can get an insight into the immortal culture of Jaipur.

Jeep Safaris are available from the Amber Fort to Dera Amer Camp. Options are also available for a one-way trip of 1 hour or a round trip of 2 hours. Dera Amer Camp organises these Jeep Safaris .

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Jaipur top attractions.

The fort is a pearl on the crown of Jaipur. Over five thousand tourists visit the fort every day to bask in its royal splendour. The Amer fort has also been inducted into the UNESCO world heritage list along with five other forts of Rajasthan. Explore the royal heritage of Amer with our Jaipur packages, encompassing the majestic Amer Fort and a cultural journey through history.Amer Fort is a beautiful Rajput architecture on the top of Cheel Ka Teela in Jaipur. Built in the 16th century, it has splendid palaces, courtyards, and the famous Sheesh Mahal. This historical gem is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers spectacular views. It is a jewel in the crown of Jaipur that attracts over five thousand visitors daily. The entire structure of the Amer Fort is well-known for its Hindu-inspired architecture. They are made of pink and yellow sandstones, which reveal the royal elegance of Rajasthan. It has grand parapets and ornate gateways. You can take an elephant ride around the fort and enjoy sound and light shows within the fort.On your visit to the attraction, you can admire the colourful carvings and paintings of Ganesh Pol and Suraj Pol. You can also walk through the Jaleb Chowk, which is lined with horse stables on one side. After taking the staircase to the top, you will come across Sila Devi Temple and Diwan-e-Aam. If you want to see the private quarters of the king and his associates, you can enter the Sukh Niwas. Once you have explored the interiors of the fort, you can walk around the Sheesh Mahal and witness the setup of Royal Rooms through glass windows.

Resembling Krishna’s crown, Hawa Mahal is an elaborate monument in Jaipur. Standing right in the middle of the old market of Jaipur, the structure made of red and pink sandstone keeps the name of the Pink City very proudly. Explore Hawa Mahal on Jaipur travel packages for historical elegance.The palace was built for the ladies of the royal household to observe everyday life and festivals without being seen from the outside.Today, it stands as a timeless symbol of Jaipur's architectural, cultural, and historical splendour. It features a unique honeycomb design on its facade with 953 intricately carved windows called "Jharokhas". The delicate lattice design on the windows allows cool breezes to flow through and keep the palace cool, thereby giving the palace its name.The majestic facade of Hawa Mahal which is visible from the street is not its main front, it’s the back. The monument’s delicate stone-carved screens, small casements, and arched roofs make it a captivating tourist spot, preserving the rich heritage of Rajasthan. From its top floors, visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the bustling streets and grand all-pink architecture of Jaipur city. Hawa Mahal's exquisite craftsmanship and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and architecture lovers alike.History of Hawa Mahal Jaipur - Hawa Mahal was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh who was the grandson of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. The story of the birth of the palace started when Pratap visited Jhunjhunu and saw Khetri Mahal.Maharaj was impressed by the unique design of the Khetri Mahal, and that was when he decided to create a better version of it. Lal Chand Ustad designed this palace and ended up making one of the best monuments history has ever created.The primary purpose for creating this palace was to give royal women a separate place. From Hawa Mahal, they could enjoy the everyday lives and celebrations of the festival through the windows without being seen as they weren’t allowed to go out in public without a veil. The Hawa Mahal was a part of the main City Palace, and the royal family used to come here to escape the scorching heat as this palace was always cold and breezy due to the windows it has.From then on, it has been preserved to keep the glory and grace alive for the generations to come.Architecture of Hawa Mahal Jaipur - Hawa Mahal is an excellent example of Hindu Rajput architecture finely blended with Islamic Mughal architecture giving it the face it is famous for. It is made with red and pink sandstone along with white marble inside the palace. The look of the palace observed from the street looks extremely beautiful, and people mistake it with the entrance of the palace. Actually, it is the backside of the palace as it is an extended part of the main City Palace. It has five floors adorned with 953 jharokhas and latticework.The technology of Venturi effect is utilised well to make the air coming inside the palace cool. This effect always helped the Hawa Mahal stay serene and pleasant, so royal women never had a problem staying here in hot temperatures.At several times, the entire royal family used to get together here and escape the summers together.This honeycomb-like monument is a proud heritage left by the bygone era, which is an integral part of the history as well as architecture.

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Jaipur travel blog — the fullest jaipur travel guide blog for first-timers.

Jaipur is the largest vibrant and busiest city in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is also known as the Pink City, the Pink city of India is famous for its a wide variety of magnificent, stunning palaces, bustling in trading, and the busiest airport in the region. And especially, the central train station is always crowded to overcrowded. So, is Jaipur worth visiting and what to do in Jaipur for the first-time? Let’s check out our Jaipur travel blog (Jaipur blog) with the ultimate Jaipur travel guide blog (Jaipur city guide, Jaipur tourist guide, Jaipur guide) from how to get there, best time to travel Jaipur, where to stay, best places to visit, things to do in Jaipur to find out the answer!

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From Jodhpur, I took a night train and arrived at Jaipur at 4am but the flow of people coming and going in this early morning was still as crowded and bustling as during the day. Pulling my luggage off the platform with dozens of tuktuk drivers beckoning to bid to the hotel, the advice for you at this time is to never nod.

Just get off the platform, go out into the street and catch another tuktuk, you will be have a much cheaper deal.

I reiterate the previous cities a little bit on my India journey to give you an idea of ​​the itinerary. I’ve visited Jaisalmer (Golden City), Jodhpur (Blue City), Udaipur (White City) and Jaipur (Pink City) are all famous tourist cities not only in the state of Rajasthan but also of India, every year the number of tourists flocking here is huge, contributing to the city’s important budget revenue is tourism.

Jaipur travel blog: The Pink City of magnificent palaces

Jaipur has many spectacular, splendid palaces, all of which are magnificent and unique among the cities of Rajasthan. Why is Jaipur called the Pink City?

Jaipur was officially found in 1727. And to please Prince Albert during his tour of the cities of India, then a British colony, as well as create a close relationship with the British Royal Family. At that time, the Indian leaders then ordered to paint the city in pink color as well as build palaces and lavish meeting rooms to make Prince Albert when he arrive, he would be delighted and curious after a tiring journey through many Indian cities.

On the other hand, terracotta pink is also a color that means hospitality.

Today, in the old town area of ​​Jaipur, all buildings and houses are still required to be painted in this earthy pink color, it has become a local law, which also helps Jaipur to be known more for its unique and signature.

Jaipur blog: When to come?

The city of Jaipur straddles the boundary of two climate zones: hot desert climate and hot semi-desert climate. The average annual rainfall in Jaipur is about 650mm. April to July is the summer with quite hot weather. The average temperature is always above 30 degrees Celsius. Winter lasts from November to February next year, the weather is cooler. The average temperature is only about 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. You should come here in the period from September to March next year.

Jaipur travel guide blog: How to get to Jaipur?

By train: Jaipur is about 280km from New Delhi and tourists often choose the tourist triangle New Delhi – Agra (with Taj Mahal Mausoleum) – Jaipur. You can book train tickets at 12go.asia website from Jaisalmer, Jodhpur or Udaipur, Agra to get to Jaipur very easily.

By plane: Jaipur International Airport (JAI) is about 13km from the city center. From Vietnam you can fly to Jaipur with AirAsia, transit in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) or Don Mueang Airport (Thailand).

By car: If from nearby cities like Jodhpur, Udaipur, Agra… you can also rent a car to get to Jaipur very easily.

Jaipur blog: Where to stay?

Of course, you should find a hotel in the central area even though the attractions are located in the suburbs. It is not necessary to find a room near the airport/train station because traveling by tuktuk is quite cheap and convenient.

Because in the center, you will easily find restaurants with meat (pork, chicken) because most of them are meat-free.

I stayed in Times Flute Boutique Hotel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) which is quite beautiful, clean and modern design style.

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Trident, Jaipur ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• ibis Jaipur Civil Lines ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Clarks Amer ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Hilton Jaipur ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre, an IHG Hotel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• 5 By OYO Metropolitan Upscale & Luxury ( Booking.com )
• ITC Rajputana, Jaipur – a Luxury Collection Hotel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )

Check out more top and best hotels in Jaipur on Agoda.com or Booking.com .

Jaipur tourist guide: What to eat?

It’s quite a headache with eating because I’m used to eating meat, so it’s difficult to find a restaurant with meat that’s convenient on the way to places of interest. So, I almost have to eat vegetarian dishes with curry, pizza with roti or fried rice.

It is also difficult to find a minimart or supermarket.

Jaipur guide: Where to go and what to do in Jaipur?

Address: Hawa Mahal Rd, Badi Choupad, J.D.A. Market, Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002, India Hours: 9AM–5PM

This is the first place of my Jaipur journey. In the early morning, I took a tuktuk from the hotel to Hawa Mahal in the cold of 10 degrees Celsius in Indian winter, the fog was still lurking, the sun was rising and the heart was very excited because of the reputation of Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of winds castle, magnificent, beautiful and full of expectations.

I came at 7:00 am, choose the cafe opposite Hawa Mahal to admire all its beauty from afar, while waiting until 9 am to open to go inside.

There are 2 cafes with the best views of Hawa Mahal: Wind View Cafe and The Tattoo Cafe. Follow a small, old building, you will climb to the terrace of these two shops.

Order a cup of hot coffee, a pizza for about 200 Rupees for breakfast and watch the Hawa Mahal shining brightly in the morning, absolutely stunning.

At around 9 am, buy a ticket of 200 rupees/person to access inside to visit the palace of the empresses in the past. Hawa Mahal was built in 1799, with 5 floors, height of 15m, in Mughal, Rajput architectural styles, with many small windows to let the wind into the palace to cool off in the hot summer of Jaipur.

On the other hand, letting the Royal women see the bustling streets and markets below without fear of being seen by commoners, it was taboo.

City Palace

Address: WRGF+8F7, Tulsi Marg, Gangori Bazaar, J.D.A. Market, Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002, India Hours: 9:30AM–5PM Architect: Vidyadhar Bhattacharya Construction started: 1727 Architectural style: Mughal architecture Opened: 1727

City Palace is the Royal palace of the former rulers of Jaipur. It is a complex of large architectural works, including many different parts such as the palace of the empresses, the garden, the meeting room… and now are used as a luxury restaurant, the museum of fabric, pictures, weapons… for visitors to visit.

The entrance ticket price is 700 Rupees/person, which is quite expensive. With this ticket, you will be allowed to visit a complex of other structures, not far away. However, in my opinion, those places were not very beautiful, so I skipped them.

Notably when visiting City Palace, you will be introduced to a very beautiful isolated area called Chandra Mahal, and to enter here, you have to buy a ticket again of 3,500 Rupees to visit and a light drink. Too expensive!

In the City Palace there is a very beautiful area, called Pritam Niwas Chowk. This area has 4 gates painted with elaborate peacock motifs, each gate has its own color. This gate is called Peacock Gate, so don’t miss this place!

Jantar Mantar

Address: Gangori Bazaar, J.D.A. Market, Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002, India Hours: 9AM–4:30PM

Jantar Mantar is also one of the world heritage sites recognized by UNESCO. This is an ancient observatory built by King Maharaja Jai Singh II. In addition to the Jantar Mantar observatory, he also built all 5 observatories in New Delhi, Ujjain, Mathura and Varanasi. Here you will understand because after ancient times without computers, people could still calculate extremely high things.

Hanuman Temple

Traveling to Jaipur without visiting the Hanuman temple is a pity. This is a very special temple because in the past, the monkey “tribe” made this temple their home. Therefore, when visiting Hanuman temple, you will see there are many naughty monkeys.

Address: Devisinghpura, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302001, India Hours: 8AM–5:30PM, 6:30–9:15PM Opened: 1592

Amber Fort is located on a high hill, overlooking Lake Matao. This fortress includes many beautiful inner palaces for you to visit. From the city center to get here is about 15km.

You should spend a whole day from early morning to late evening just going to this group of attractions including Amber Fort, Sheesh Mahal, Palace Mahal, Nahargart Fort, these attractions are very beautiful and almost next to each other, you can walk or hire a electric car, very convenient.

One interesting thing is that you can go into Amber Fort by an elephant. The giant elephants stagger up the slope to bring visitors inside to visit and leave along the road full of stinking dung fields.

In front of Amber Fort, there is a very beautiful pigeon area, don’t forget to visit here!

Sheesh Mahal

Address: XVP2+77J, Devisinghpura, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302028, India

Sheesh Mahal is located inside Amber Fort, ask passersby, they will show you the way to this palace. Sheesh Mahal or the ‘Palace of Mirrors’ was built by Emperor Maharaja Narinder Singh (1845-1862). The palace was built in a forest with terrace, garden, fountain and an artificial lake.

The king drew great painters from Kangra and Rajasthan to paint the walls of Sheesh Mahal with many images related to literature, myths and legends that are very unique and impressive, especially the door leading to the inside with extremely beautiful sculptural motifs.

Nahargarh Fort

Address: WRP8+W6C, Krishna Nagar, Brahampuri, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002, India Hours: 10AM–10PM

Nahargarh Fort, perched on the high rugged Aravali hill overlooking the city of Jaipur. The fortress was built in 1734 to help defend the city. It became famous in 2006, after many scenes in the movie Rang De Basanti were filmed there.

From Nahargarh Fort, you look over the city in a beautiful sunset. I had to go here twice just to watch the sunset, so majestic.

From Amber Fort, follow the steep rocky path, you walk up to Nahargarh Fort, quite far. If you do not want to climb the slope, you can buy a round-trip electric car ticket of 350 Rupees / person, remember to keep the ticket for the return trip.

Albert Hall Museum

Address: WR69+PRF, Museum Rd, Ram Niwas Garden, Kailash Puri, Adarsh Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302004, India Hours: 9AM–5PM, 7–10PM Opened: 1887

It’s an old museum, looking old and especially with countless pigeons. They swooped down in swarms to eat and then hovered around the building like an abandoned palace.

You can buy tickets to go inside, however, taking pictures with pigeons outside seems more reasonable.

Maharaja Ki Chhatri

Address: 309B, Mangala Rd, Bada Akhada, Krishna Nagar, Brahampuri, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002, India Hours: 6AM–6:30PM

Is a unique architecture combining Hinduism and Islam, located about 7km from Amber Fort. This is the cremation site of the Royal Maharajas who once ruled Rajasthan. A beautiful architecture you should visit when visiting Jaipur.

The Great Wall of Jaipur

This is the structure that impressed me the most. Just imagine how the Great Wall of China is, in Jaipur, there is also a building similar to the Indian architectural version and is much smaller and shorter. Early in the morning, climb up here to watch the sunrise and the view of Amber Fort from here is very beautiful.

Address: XR3W+9CQ, Amer Rd, Jal Mahal, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002, India Hours: 12–10:30PM Architect: Pratap Singh of Jaipur Opened: 1799

Jal Mahal is a floating palace in the middle of Man Sagar lake in the city of Jaipur. On your way from the city center to Amber Fort, you will pass by the lake and see this palace.

You can request the tuktuk driver stop for 30-minute to take pictures and admire it from afar, especially in the early morning when the sun rises, Jal Mahal emerges as beautiful as a canvas.

Patrika gate

Address: RRR2+JGQ, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Patrika gate is a colorful gate with bold Hindu imprint, located in front of Jawahar Circle Garden.

This circular park includes a complex of gardens, fountains, walkways… but the most prominent is the Patrika gate.

There is no entrance fee, but to take pictures without bride and groom couples or other tourists, you should tip a little money to the gatekeeper, 100 Rupees for example.

Jaipur travel blog: Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Jaipur you can refer to

• Jaipur Wax Museum Ticket
• Jaipur Sightseeing Day Tour
• Jantar Mantar Ticket in Jaipur
• Hawa Mahal Fast-Track Ticket
• Amber Palace Fast-Track Ticket
• Private City Transfers between Jaipur and Agra, Delhi, Udaipur & More
• Private City Transfers between Delhi and Jaipur/Agra
• Jaipur Walking Tour
• Jaipur City Heritage Tour (Half Day/Full Day)
• Jaipur instagram Tour
• Jaipur Private Day Tour from Delhi
• 3D2N Golden Triangle Private Tour from Jaipur
• Cultural Walking Tour Of Jaipur

Read more India guide here .

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The Perfect 3 Days in Jaipur Itinerary

Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links to the products we earnestly love and recommend, meaning at no extra cost to you, we might make a teeny-weeny commission if you click on the link and decide to buy something. The money will be used to sustain this little cozy blog we call our virtual home.

This 3 days in Jaipur itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors to the capital city of Rajasthan . From when to visit, how to reach, how to get around to recommended restaurants, suggested shopping markets, and best places to visit in Jaipur – it includes all the information you need while planning a trip to Jaipur .

A trip to India is incomplete without a visit to Jaipur in Rajasthan. It remains one of the top travel destinations in India along with Delhi and Agra . These three Indian cities form a famous tourist circuit called the Golden Triangle .

Bathed in pretty pink (which gives it a sobriquet of Pink City), the Old City of Jaipur is a hustling and bustling city with its jam-packed streets as well as jam-packed attractions. From cultural extravaganza , historic forts, illustrious palaces, magical temples, and open-air astronomical observatories to ancient step-wells, vibrant bazaars, and lip-smacking food – Jaipur ticks all the boxes.

JAIPUR QUICK LINKS Airport Transfer:  Book arrival meet-and-greet plus airport transfer to your hotel in Jaipur at reasonable prices on  Viator . Where to Stay:   Sajjan Niwas  (budget);  Hotel Diggi Palace  (mid-range);  Pearl Palace Heritage Boutique Hotel  (boutique);  Alsisar Haveli  (heritage);  Rambagh Palace  (luxury) Top Rated City Tour:   Full Day City Tour with a Local Guide Top Rated Food Tour:   Jaipur Food & Heritage Walk Top Rated Day Tours:   Taj Mahal Tour ;  Pushkar Day Trip ;  Ranthambore National Park Tour ;  Chand Baori & Bhangarh Fort Ground Transport:  If you are heading to  Bikaner ,  Udaipur ,  Jodhpur , or  Jaisalmer  next, you can easily book train and bus tickets in advance on  12Go .

3 Day Jaipur Itinerary: Outline

Day 1: Amer Fort + Panna Meena ka Kund + Nahargarh Fort + Jaigarh Fort + Jal Mahal + Light and Sound Show (Amber Palace) Day 2: Hawa Mahal + City Palace + Jantar Mantar + Albert Hall Museum + Gaitore ki Chhatriyan + Shopping Day 3: Jawahar Circle and Patrika Gate + Galta ji Temple (Monkey Temple) + Sisodia Rani ka Bagh + Chokhi Dhani

Jaipur Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days in Jaipur

Our 3 day Jaipur itinerary covers almost all the best things to do in Jaipur. We designed this Jaipur trip itinerary after a lot of research and it made our first trip to Jaipur (Having traveled to Jaipur more times than I can count since that first visit—thanks to its proximity to Delhi—it’s become a familiar outing I cherish deeply) fun and easy. And hope that it helps you too to plan an exciting and unforgettable vacation.

Are 3 days in Jaipur enough? Not at all. However, we think three days in Jaipur are enough to give you a taste of the city.

Anyhow, onto our 3 days itinerary for Jaipur!

Read More: The Ultimate Bucket List for India

Note: On our first trip to Jaipur, we stayed at Pearl Palace Heritage Boutique Hotel right in the middle of everything. It was easy to get around and quick to pop back whenever we needed a break. Later visits let us check out Alsisar Haveli , Rambagh Palace , and Taj Amer (a bit far from the center) too – each one made our stays extra special in their own way. If it’s your first time in the city, staying central is key — think Bani Park, C Scheme, and MI Road!

Day 1 of 3 Days in Jaipur Itinerary

7 am: breakfast @ the stag rooftop restro, cafe & lounge.

Delicious breakfast served with love while you gasp at the stunning view of the iconic amber fort – what a headstart to your first day in the royal capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur!

You must try their refreshing Green Apple Mojito.

8 am: Amer Fort

Begin your 3 day itinerary for Jaipur with one of the best places to visit in Jaipur, Amer Fort.

Tip: You must get to the fort as early as possible (preferably, as soon as it opens) to beat the crowds and heat and avoid visiting on weekends, at all costs.

Located in the small town of Amer , perched atop a little hill, Amer Fort (aka Amber Palace) looks imposing. You can’t help but fall in love with the pièce de résistance! A UNESCO World Heritage Site for a reason, of course.

It’s a 10-minute hike to get to the entrance of the fort (Suraj Pol). There’s an option to ride an elephant to the fort but we are strongly against animal cruelty and urge you to walk up to the fort.

Let’s promote experiences that are ethical, sustainable, and meet high standards of animal welfare. Shall we?

The view of Maota Lake (located at the foot of the fort) and Mohan Bari , a terraced garden right in its center (popularly known as Kesar Kyari or Saffron Garden ) from Amer Fort is mesmerizing.

You can also check out the underground tunnels that connect Amer Fort to Jaigarh Fort.

Brimming with history and radiating with architectural beauty, Amer Fort is a delight to explore. The must-see attractions within the fort are Suraj Pol , Chand Pol , Jaleb Chowk , Shila Devi Temple , Ganesh Pol , Diwan-e-Aam , Diwan-e-Khas , Sukh Niwas , Suhag Mandir , Sheesh Mahal , and Zenana Mahal .

Note: I strongly recommend hiring a guide who can easily walk you through the main attractions of the fort (it’s huge and with so many hidden alleys, maze-like passages, and secret rooms, it’s easy to get lost) and make you understand the architectural details and rich history (It has an interesting story hidden in every nook and cranny) associated with the fort.

And you can’t miss climbing The Great Wall Of Amer ! Located right opposite the fort, the wall with its beautiful watchtowers is one of the most picturesque places to visit in Jaipur.

A staircase (over 350 steep stairs) leads you all the way up to Amer Fort Viewpoint. It’s one of the best sunrise and sunset points in Jaipur. Once on the top, you’ll be rewarded with a bird’s eye view of Amer Fort, Amer Town, Jal Mahal, the Aravalli Mountains, and even the city of Jaipur.

Opening Hours: 8 am to 5:30 pm Entry Fee: INR 100 per Indian visitor and INR 500 per foreign visitor

Skip the often-long entrance lines at the Amber Fort and Palace with this prepaid admission ticket that includes a guide too!

10 am: Panna Meena Ka Kund

Just about 800 meters away from Amer Fort is a beautiful ancient stepwell, Panna Meena Ka Kund.

An architectural marvel in its own right, the stepwell is one of the most Instagrammable places in Jaipur. Instagrammers flock here to capture the picturesque perfectly symmetrical stairways.

Opening Hours: 7 am to 6 pm Entrance Fee: Free

11 am: Nahargarh Fort

Strategically perched high on the Aravali Hills, Nahargarh Fort offers one of the most magical views of the city of Jaipur.

The fort itself is utterly beautiful. I particularly loved the doors and windows and the gorgeous rooftop in Madhavendra Bhawan .

The golden light makes the views from the fort even more magical!

Nahargarh Step Well is another architectural beauty you must check out! It became an overnight sensation after being featured in a Bollywood movie called Rand De Basanti.

Located in the Shastragaar and Vishraamghar sections of the Nahargarh Fort, the Jaipur Wax Museum attracts quite many travelers for its unique concept.

The museum is divided into three sections namely the Hall of Icons, Royal Darbar, and Sheesh Mahal.

Sheesh Mahal is the most beautiful section of all. The wax museum has a separate entrance fee. It costs INR 500 per Indian citizen and INR 700 per foreign citizen.  The museum remains open on all days from 10 am to 6 pm.

Opening Hours: 10 am to 5:30 pm Entrance Fee: INR 50 per Indian citizen and INR 200 per foreign citizen

Nahargarh Fort Skip the Line E-Tickets with Guide (Hotel Transfer Included)

1 pm: Jaigarh Fort

Purely built for defensive purposes, Jaigarh Fort is architecturally simple and plain.

Ram Harihar Temple , Aram Mandir , Lalit Mandir , Laxmi Vilas , Vilas Mandir , Sagar Chatri , Shubhat Niwas , Khilbat Niwas , Kal Bhairav Temple , Puppet Theater , the museum , the armory , Char Bagh , and Diya Burj (the highest point of the fort) are the major attractions of the fort.

The two high points of the fort are the unobstructed view of Amer Fort, the Aravalli Hills, and Lake Maota, and Jaivana , the world’s largest cannon on the wheels.

Opening Hours: 9 am to 4:30 pm Entrance Fee: INR 70 per Indian citizen and INR 150 per foreign citizen Still Camera Charges: INR 50 Video Camera Charges: INR 200

2 pm: Lunch @ Govindam Retreat

Get a real taste of Rajasthani culture, heritage, and royalty at Govindam Retreat. Good Food. Nice Ambiance. Prompt Service. Reasonable Price. Live Traditional Music.

What to try? Rajasthani thali, beetroot halwa, anjeer sharbat, and rajwadi handi.

4 pm: Masala Chai @ Gulab Ji Chai Wale

Located opposite Ganpati Plaza on MI Road, Gulab Ji Chai Wale is an iconic tea stall in Jaipur. It’s a favorite amongst tourists and Jaipur locals.

The humble little tea stall was set up way back in 1946 by the Late Gulab Singh Ji Dheerawat.

Known for its unique masala chai that’s made with pure milk and a pinch of masala, a dash of sugar, and a heap of love, Gulab Ji Chai Wale is also noted for its kindness.

Gulab Ji used to serve free tea and food to around 250 beggars every day and his grandson continued the legacy.

A cup of masala chai that’s been celebrated by famous personalities and celebrities – you wouldn’t want to miss it for the world!

5 pm: Jal Mahal

Sitting right in the middle of Man Sagar Lake, Jal Mahal (literally means Water Palace) looks as pretty as a picture.

The palace was used as a hunting lodge for the royals. The palace originally had 5 floors but four of them got submerged in a lake created by the construction of a dam and the one you see from the shores of the lake is the last floor of the palace.

Unfortunately, you can’t witness its beauty up close (how I wish I could) as entry to the palace is prohibited by the state government but can admire it from afar. Boats used to take tourists across the lake, but they were stopped years ago.

6:30 pm: Light & Sound Show (Amber Palace)

Conceived by Gulzar and narrated by The Amitabh Bachchan and adorned by soulful music from legendary singers Late Ustad Sultan Khan and Shubha Mudgal, the show takes you back in time when Amer was a flourishing capital of Kachwaha Rajputs.

Show Timings: 6:30 p.m. (English) and 7:30 p.m. (Hindi) from October to February; 7 p.m. (English) and 8 p.m. (Hindi) from March to April; and 7:30 p.m. (English) and 8:30 p.m. (Hindi) from May to September Show Ticket Fee: INR 250

Book Sound & Light Show At Amber Fort Skip the Line Ticket with Hotel Transfer

8 pm: Dinner @ 1135 AD

1135 AD is an amazing place to dine at! We loved everything about it – be it the ambiance, hospitality, food, drinks, location, or the view.

Day 2 of 3 Days in Jaipur Itinerary

8 am: breakfast @ the tattoo cafe & lounge.

The Tattoo Cafe & Lounge is located across the street from Hawa Mahal and offers the best unobstructed view of the beautiful red and pink sandstone palace.

It gets busy (well, it’s famous among Instagrammers) so early morning is the best time to enjoy the views and click some cool Insta-worthy shots while gorging on a tasty breakfast.

PS: Wind View Cafe is another rooftop cafe that offers the perfect view of Hawa Mahal.

9 am: Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) with its impeccable honeycomb architecture is one of the most beautiful places in Jaipur and is a poster child for Jaipur Tourism.

Hawa Mahal was built by Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799 for the royal ladies to witness any celebrations and activities on the street without being seen by outsiders.

A fine blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture, the shape of the palace is inspired by the crown of Lord Krishna as Sawai Pratap Singh was devoted to Krishna.

The 953 latticed windows or jharokhas that allow a cool breeze to flow through the palace to keep it cool used by the royal women gave the palace its name.

Did you know? Hawa Mahal is the tallest building in the world without a foundation.

The photos of the Hawa Mahal that you see on the internet showcase the back facade of the palace. Most travelers witness and photograph the rear facade and leave.

You can discover the palace from the inside if you wish to. The entrance is through the City Palace.

The interiors of the palace are simple and plain as compared to the rich exteriors. However, it’s worth a visit.

Opening Hours: 9 am to 4:30 pm Entrance Fee: INR 10 per Indian citizen and INR 50 per foreign citizen

Book Hawa Mahal Skip the Line E-Tickets with Guide and Hotel Transfer

Note: You can spare some time to shop for souvenirs from Sireh Deori Bazaar after you are done exploring Hawa Mahal. Located opposite Hawa Mahal, it’s one of the best shopping streets in Jaipur. You can find a range of traditional handicrafts in Rajasthan.

10 am: City Palace

The City Palace of Jaipur is counted among the main attractions in Jaipur. You can’t miss it when crafting a Jaipur travel itinerary.

Commissioned by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II (founder of Jaipur), the palace (Chandra Mahal) is still home to the royal family of Jaipur.

There are three main gates to the palace – Tripolia Gate, Virendra Pol, and Udai Pol . The royal family uses Tripolia Gate.

The palace complex comprises several courtyards, buildings, pavilions, gardens, and temples.

The most visited attractions of the palace are Mubarak Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Pritam Niwas Chowk, Diwan-e-Aam or Sabha Niwas, Diwan-e-Khas, or Sarvato Bhadra, Maharani Palace, Baggi Khana, and Govind Dev Ji Temple.

Mubarak Mahal has been converted into a museum called Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum that showcases royal costumes. Maharani Palace houses an armory.

Two giant silver urns displayed at Diwan-e-Khas enjoy celebrity status. They are listed as the world’s largest silver objects in the Guinness Book of World Records. There’s an interesting story associated with these huge silver jars. You can read it here .

The Pritam Niwas Chowk is the most beautiful attraction in the palace. It’s an inner courtyard that provides access to the Chandra Mahal. It features 4 exquisitely carved gates – Peacock Gate, Lotus Gate, Green Gate or Leheriya Gate or Waves Gate, and Rose Gate.

Each gate represents a different season and is dedicated to different Hindu deities. The Lotus Gate indicates the summer season and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, the Leheriya Gate represents spring and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the Rose Gate symbolizes the winter season and is dedicated to Goddess Devi, and last but not least, Peacock Gate signifies the autumn season and is devoted to Lord Vishnu.

Chandra Mahal is one of the oldest structures in the palace. It’s not a part of the museum as the royal family resides here. You need to pay separately to visit the mahal.

The beauty, grandeur, and craftmanship of Chandra Mahal are unmatchable! The mahal also affords an incomparable view of the city of Jaipur.

The mahal consists of seven floors – Sukh Niwas aka Hall of Pleasures (first and second floor), Rang Mahal (third floor) Shobha Niwas aka Hall of Beauty (fourth floor), Chhavi Niwas aka Hall of Images aka Blue Room (fifth floor), Shri Niwas aka Hall of Mirrors (sixth floor), and Mukut Mandir aka Crown Temple (seventh floor). Each floor has its own charm and is beautiful and unique in its own way.

Sukh Niwas is a royal dining hall. Rang Mahal showcases mesmerizing mirrorwork while Shibha Niwas is lavishly adorned with emerald, cherry red, and gold-colored stones.

Chhavi Niwas with its vivid blue and white hues is sensationally attractive. Intricate paintings on the walls add to the charm. I’m sure you must have seen its pictures floating on Instagram. If not, here it is!

The five-colored flag of the royal family of Jaipur remains hoisted on the top of Mukut Mandir. If you see a quarter flag along with the regular flag, it means Maharaja Padmanabh Singh (King of Jaipur) is in residence.

A complete tour of the palace would require about two to three hours. The palace is so so beautiful that it’s a real treat for your eyes, soul, and camera.

Opening Timings: 9:30 am to 7 pm City Palace Entrance Fee: INR 300 per Indian adult; INR 150 per Indian child; INR 700 per foreign adult; and INR 400 per foreign child (for foreign visitors, the price also includes access to Jaigarh Fort and Gaitore Ki Chhatriyan) Museum at Night ticket (gives access to Sculpture Lumière Show, all palace courts, and selected galleries): INR 500 per Indian adult, INR 250 per Indian child, INR 1000 per foreign adult, and INR 500 per foreign child Exclusive access to Chandra Mahal: INR 2000 per Indian adult, INR 1000 per Indian child, INR 2500 per foreign adult, and INR 1500 per foreign child *child aged 5 to 12 years

Book a Guided Tour To the City Palace of Jaipur with E-tickets

PS: You can now stay in Jaipur City Palace. Yes! The Maharaja of Jaipur has become one of the first royal hosts on Airbnb. He has opened his royal suite (Gudliya Suite) for you to savor the taste of royalty. Book it here for INR 5,69,200 per night.

12 pm: Jantar Mantar

Just a few steps away from City Palace is Jantar Mantar, a unique open-air astronomical observatory (which happens to be one of the oldest and the largest astronomical observatories in the world) that has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II (the founder of Jaipur) in 1734 and it houses over 19 astronomical instruments used to observe the position of celestial bodies and calculate the local time of the most famous being Samrat Yantra , the world’s largest stone sundial. Opening Time: 9 am to 4:30 pm Entrance Fee: INR 50 per Indian visitor and INR 200 per foreign visitor

It makes sense to hire a guide to understand the history of the monument and the workings of different astronomical instruments. Alternatively, you can take an audio-guide tour.

Book Jantar Mantar Skip the Line E-Tickets with Guide

Note: Just about 500 m from Jantar Mantar is Tripolia Bazar . The market is famous for its lac bangles . Handcrafted with love by the local artisans, you’d love to wear these gorgeous bangles. The lac bangles are considered auspicious in India.

1 pm: Lunch @ Hawk View Restaurant & Bar

Hawk View Restaurant & Bar is a great choice to recharge yourself. The menu serves up a variety of Indian and international cuisine.

The food is amazing and the flavors are on point. And the prices are reasonable. Live Rajasthani folk dance and music set the perfect ambiance.

And that’s not all! The dining terrace bestows a stunning view of Nahargarh Fort and the city of Jaipur.

2:30 pm: Albert Hall Museum

Housed in Ram Niwas Garden, Albert Hall Museum (aka Government Central Museum) was commissioned to celebrate the visit of Albert Edward, the Prince of Wales in 1876 and thus, is named after him.

Built in Indo-Saracenic architecture, the building attracts immediate attention.

The museum holds 16 art galleries, each showcasing unique artifacts from different regions of the world. Opening Hours: 9 am to 8 pm Entrance Fee: INR 40 per Indian tourist and INR 300 per foreign tourist

Book Albert Hall Museum Skip the Line E-Tickets with Guide

3:30 pm: Gaitore Ki Chhatriyan

A royal crematorium ground for the Kachhwaha rulers, Gaitore Ki Chaatriyan is utterly beautiful. Not many travelers come here and that makes it all the more impressive. You can have the entire place to yourself. So peaceful, quiet, and surreal.

If you love photography and have a penchant for all things beautiful, I can’t recommend this place enough. You must add it to your Jaipur tour itinerary! Opening Hours: 9:30 am to 5 pm Entrance Fee: INR 30 per person

Read More:  Royal Cenotaphs of Bikaner

5 pm: Lassi at Lassiwala

Because you can’t leave Jaipur before you gulp down a traditional glass of lassi at Lassiwala!

6 pm: Shop at Colorful Markets of Jaipur

Jaipur is one of the best cities in India for shopping freaks. A visit to its many bazaars overwhelms travelers. Shopaholic or not, you can’t just stop shopping.

Shop till you drop should be your mantra. You’d love to go on a shopping spree especially if you love handicrafts and handlooms.

I instantly fell in love with vibrant and colorful leheriya and bandhani fabric. You must add these ethenic fabrics to your wardrobe.

The hand-embroidered and colorful Rajasthani umbrellas do more than protect you from the sun. Adding this little traditional piece to your home decor can do magic. They instantly brighten up the corners!

And you must pick a piece of the beautiful Indian handicraft of blue pottery for your home. It’s sure to add style to your living room.

Other must-buy handcrafted items in Jaipur include mojris (traditional Rajasthani footwear), lac bangles, handbags, bedsheets, silver jewelry, gemstones, and Meenakari items.

You can choose to do market hopping on your own or can join a shopping tour .

Even if you don’t want to buy anything (the ghost of a chance), wandering around the vibrant and fascinating markets lifts your mood.

Related Read:  Best Places to Visit in Bikaner

8 pm: Dinner @ Peacock Restaurant at Hotel Pearl Palace

I found Peacock Restaurant amazing. The beautiful open-air patio styled with plants and graced with dim outdoor lighting and live music set the perfect ambiance. The food is excellent and the staff is delightful.

Day 3 of 3 Days in Jaipur Itinerary

8:30 am: breakfast @ on the house.

OTH Cafe is one of the best places in Jaipur to grab a bite and enjoy a nice cup of coffee. From the Mediterranean to Italian to Indian to English – their menu boasts a huge variety of food. We particularly loved their salted caramel affogato and Nutella cheesecake.

9:30 am: Jawahar Circle and Patrika Gate

Located about 30 minutes outside of the city center, Patrika Gate serves as an entrance to the biggest circular park in Asia , Jawahar Circle Garden.

Built on the principles of Vastu Shastra, the walled city of Jaipur had seven gates viz. Dhruv Pol (Jorawar Singh Gate), Suraj Pol, Chand Pol, Kishan Pol (Ajmeri Gate), Shiv Pol (Sanganeri Gate), Ram Pol (Ghat Gate), and Samrat Gate. The Naya Pol (New Gate) is said to have been built in the 1940s by Maharajah Sawai Man Singh II which became the eighth gate.

Patrika Gate, the ninth gate of Jaipur is the newest addition to the gates of the pink city. Opened to the public in 2020, Patrika Gate was built by a local newspaper and media company, Rajasthan Patrika in collaboration with Jaipur Development Authority.

Number 9, an auspicious number as per Hindu astrology, is considered the soul of Patrika Gate. The architectural features of the structure bring together the importance of the number 9, for example, the gate has 9 pavilions each 9 feet wide.

A beautiful piece of architecture, Patrika Gate holds a spellbinding beauty. Intricate details and vibrant pastels make it a photographer’s delight. It’s simply beauty personified.

If you’ve time, you can come back at night for the musical fountain show in Jawahar Circle Park every evening at 7 pm. Opening Hours: The Patrika Gate is open to the public 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Entrance Fee: There is no entry fee! It’s free.

11:30 am: Galta Ji Temple (Monkey Temple)

Located a little less than 11 km from the center of Jaipur, Galta Ji Temple is a famous ancient Hindu sacred pilgrimage site.

It was built by Diwan Rao Kriparam way back in the 15th century and was named after Saint Galtav did penance here.

There is a string of temples carved into a narrow crevice of a mountain pass in the Aravalli hills – temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman, Lord Rama (Shri Sitaram Ji Temple), Lord Krishna (Shri Gyan Gopal Ji Temple), Lord Surya (Sun Temple), Lord Balaji, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma.

There are 7 holy kunds (ponds, water tanks, or reservoirs) filled by a natural freshwater spring in Galta Ji, out of which the holiest one is Galta Kund. Legend has it that this pond never runs dry.

As per Hindu belief, bathing in the sacred pond especially on Kartik Purnima (when it is believed that the holy trinity of Hinduism viz. Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, and Lord Shiva visit Galtaji) and Makar Sankranti absolves them of sin and speeds them to nirvana after death.

The location (enveloped by hills and lush greens) and the temple complex itself are mesmerizing. Carved out of pink sandstone, the walls and ceilings of the temple are magnificently adorned with carvings and murals depicting Hindu mythology and it looks no less than a royal palace.

Galta Ji Temple is not only famous for its architecture and history but also known for its troop of monkeys (the reason it’s also called the Monkey Temple.) They are pretty harmless unless you provoke them.

I seriously suggest you not offer any food items to the monkeys and don’t get too close to them just for the sake of a photograph. It can be risky.

You can reach Galtaji either by foot or by a rental car, cab, taxi, or autorickshaw. The hike up to Galta Ji Temple from Galta Gate takes around an hour or so but is packed with a lot of monkeys.

This route passes via Sun Temple or Surya Temple which sits atop a 200-meter hill and provides a stunning vantage point to breathe in the beauty of sunrise and sunset over the city.

I’d say it’s better to drive to the main entrance gate of the temple (Galwar Bagh Gate) and maybe climb up to the Surya Temple to enjoy the view over the city skyline. Opening Hours: 5 am to 9 pm Entrance Fee: Free

Join a Sunrise Trek in Galta Ji Temple

1:30 pm: Sisodia Rani ka Bagh

A heritage palace garden, Sisodia Rani ka Bagh or Sisodia Garden was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh as a peaceful retreat to break free from the mundane routine of his beloved second wife, the princess of Udaipur , Sisodia Rani. The garden celebrates his eternal love and affection for his queen.

Inspired by Mughal Gardens ( Charbagh ), Sisodia Garden features a queen’s palace, pavilions, shrines, fountains, and a natural spring. The murals on the walls and pillars depict the eternal love of Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha. Opening Timings: 8 am to 5 pm Entrance Fee: INR 50 per Indian visitor and INR 200 per foreign visitor

Read More: Best Hotels in Bikaner

2:30 pm: Lunch @ Suvarna Mahal

Dine at Suvarna Mahal (Golden Palace) for the most authentic and royal experience.

The restaurant sits on top when it comes to the best places to eat in Jaipur and of course for a reason.

The decor that narrates the history, the ambiance that exudes royalty, the service that charms visitors, the staff that wins hearts, and the food (served in gold-plated tableware) that wins tummy 😉 – Suvarna Mahal comes heavily recommended.

 Such a beautiful experience that you are sure to come back another time.

5:30 pm: Experience Rajasthani Culture at Chokhi Dhani

It makes sense to end your trip to Jaipur with a unique traditional Rajasthani experience. Isn’t it?

About 20 km from the city center lies a mock village called Chokhi Dhani. It’s a perfect place to get up close and personal with rural Rajasthani life. The name literally translates to Rajasthani Culture.

The place showcases historical plays, temples, camel and bullock cart rides, traditional folk music and dance performances, interesting games, puppet shows, magic shows, shopping stalls by local artisans, and serves authentic Rajasthani food (there are about 8 dining options to choose from.)

It’s a great place for kids to have fun and for you to dive deep into Indian culture and heritage . Opening Hours: 5 pm to 11 pm Entrance Fee: INR 750 to INR 1200 per adult and INR 450 to INR 800 (depending upon the chosen dining option)

Book a Half-Day City Tour of Chokhi Dhani Ethnic Village from Jaipur

Note: If you’ve another day to spend in Jaipur, I’d strongly recommend taking a day trip to Chand Baori and Bhangarh Fort .

We hope our 3 days Jaipur itinerary helps you plan a great trip to Jaipur. You can cover all the main highlights of the pink city in 3 days but if you want to explore other beautiful places in Jaipur like Birla Mandir, Amrapali Museum, Anokhi Museum, Museum of Legacies, and around Jaipur like Chand Baori Stepwell and Bhangarh Fort, you need to include another day or two. If you have any questions about this itinerary for Jaipur, give us a shout!

INDIA TRAVEL ESSENTIALS Here are the essential resources I personally use and recommend for planning a trip to India. Visa for India:   iVisa  works great for applying for a fast e-visa online. Also,  OneWayFly  is great if you need to show proof of onward travel (flight itinerary) or hotel reservation. For travel insurance:   Heymondo . It’s the most affordable travel insurance with maximum coverage. You get 5% off if you use my link. For Connectivity:   Airalo . It’s the first-ever eSIM global website where you can buy an eSIM at affordable prices and stay connected while traveling. For booking flights:   Skyscanner  and  WayAway . They are the best search/comparison flight booking sites that help you find the best and cheapest flight deals. And with the  WayAway  membership plan, you’ll get cashback for every booking. Plus, with the special promo code “MELODIES” a 10% discount is activated. International money transfer & currency exchange:   Wise . With competitive exchange rates, fast transfers, and a 9.1/10 rating on TrustPilot, it’s the only service you should use every time you transfer and exchange internationally. For finding accommodations:   Booking.com  and  Agoda . They are the pioneers among hotel booking websites that give you a lot of choices with their huge selection of properties reviewed by travelers. For rental car:   Discover Cars . It’s the best international car rental platform for all your car rental needs. For ground transport:   Omio ,  RailEurope , and  Bookaway . Best sites for booking bus and train tickets in India. For tours & day trips:   Viator ,  Get Your Guide , and  Klook . They offer the best city tours and day excursions in India. For guidance on the go:  A  Lonely Planet Guidebook for India  comes in handy here.

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Anjali Chawla

2 thoughts on “The Perfect 3 Days in Jaipur Itinerary”

Thanks Anjali, it is really an awesome post. Helped me planning short trip for my friend who is visiting india for short days 🙂

Thanks for the words of appreciation, Kavita 🙂 Here’s hoping your friend enjoys the trip!

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• Unlocking Jaipurs Hidden Charms Must See Tourist Destinations Revealed

Unlocking Jaipur's Hidden Charms: 9 Must-See Tourist Destinations Revealed

Kumar Utkarsh Updated: Mar 21, 2024 9:00 AM IST

Top 9 Must-See Attractions for Visitors in Jaipur, India

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan state in India is a vibrant city that's got a historic background and mesmerizing architecture. It's known as the "Pink City" because of its buildings that are colored pink. Jaipur has many attractions for visitors to explore and enjoy. Here are 9 top sites you should not miss when traveling to Jaipur:

Amber (Amer) Fort

• Hilltop fortress with intricate stone carvings, mirrors, and courtyards
• Originally built in 1592, with Hindu and Mughal architectural influences
• Offers views of the scenic Maota Lake below

City Palace

• Grand palace complex in Jaipur's city center, once home to Jaipur's royal family
• Features a blend of Rajput, Mughal, and European architectural styles
• Houses a museum with royal costumes, art, and manuscripts

Hawa Mahal "Palace of the Winds"

• Iconic 5-story palace with nearly 1,000 windows crafted from red and pink sandstone
• Built in 1799 to allow royal women to view street festivals anonymously
• Unique beehive-like structure and intricate screens make it instantly recognizable

Jantar Mantar Astronomical Observatory

• Collection of 18th century architectural instruments for tracking stars and predicting eclipses
• Sundials, celestial globes, and other innovations demonstrate ancient Indian astronomy
• Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010

Jaigarh Fort

• 18th century hilltop fortress with impressive walls, bastions, and cannon foundries
• Once protected Jaipur city and Amber Fort
• Home to Jaivana, said to be world's largest cannon on wheels

Nahargarh "Tiger Fort"

• Formidable 18th century fort overlooking Jaipur on the rugged Aravalli Hills
• Originally built as a defensive fortification
• Notable for its frescoes, gardens, and interconnected palaces

Albert Hall Museum

• Jaipur's oldest museum, built in 1887 in Indo-Saracenic architectural style
• Houses a large collection of artifacts related to history, art, culture, and more
• Galleries showcase Rajasthani folk art, Mughal-era paintings, Egyptian mummies, and more

Galtaji Temple Complex

• Sacred Hindu pilgrimage spot located amid craggy hills and natural springs
• Main temple dedicated to monkey deity Hanuman with carved pavilions and pools
• Home to hundred of monkeys that wander freely around temple grounds

Jal Mahal "Water Palace"

• Beautiful red sandstone palace standing in the middle of serene Man Sagar Lake
• Signature of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles, with ornate balconies and towers
• Offers picturesque views and reflections from lakefront promenades and ferries

Jaipur is a city filled with ancient forts, palaces, and vibrant bazaars. Whether you're a history buff or simply enjoy beautiful scenery, this place has something to offer to everyone. If you want your trip to be one for the books then make sure you check off all of these attractions on your journey through the Pink City.

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A flamboyant showcase of Rajasthani architecture, Jaipur has long been established on tourist itineraries as the third corner of India’s “ Golden Triangle ”, along with Agra and Delhi. At the heart of Jaipur lies the Pink City, the old walled quarter, whose bazaars rank among the most vibrant in Asia, renowned for their textiles, jewellery and Rajasthani handicrafts.

The best travel tips for visiting Jaipur

Best things to do in jaipur, best areas to stay in jaipur, best restaurants and bars, how to get around, what is the best time to visit jaipur, how many days do you need in jaipur, how to get here, tailor-made travel itineraries for india, created by local experts.

13 days  / from 1800 USD

A Trek Through Ladakh's Markha Valley

Trek through the Markha Valley, taking in the jaw-dropping Himalayan landscape, camp in traditional mountain villages, and discover hilltop monasteries. This unique journey combines the culture of the Buddhist faith with the natural beauty of the mountains and the hustle and bustle of Delhi.

15 days  / from 2745 USD

Rajasthan: The Land of Kings

Experience the Land of Kings in luxury.This trip around Rajasthan takes you to Jaipur's palaces, sacred pilgrimage sites and deep into the desert hills. Breathe in the excitement of Delhi and visit the Taj Mahal. Then come nightfall, lay your head to rest in former royal palaces and magical forts.

6 days  / from 785 USD

The Holy City of Varanasi

The flat, sunburnt plains of the Ganges River are India's breadbasket: a densely populated area, it is home to many of the country's greatest sights. See Delhi and all its treasures, then fly to Varanasi, the most sacred stretch of the Ganges and one of India's most intense and atmospheric places.

Tailor-made trips for   India

Jaipur’s attractions fall into three distinct areas. At the heart of the urban sprawl, the historic Pink City is where you’ll find the fine City Palace and the Hawa Mahal.

The leafier and less hectic area south of the Pink City is home to the Ram Niwas Gardens and Central Museum, while the city’s outskirts are dotted with a string of intriguing relics of royal rule, most notably Nahargarh Fort, the cenotaphs at Royal Gaitor, and the temples (and monkeys) of Galta.

For all its colour, Jaipur’s heavy traffic, dense crowds and pushy traders make it a taxing place to explore, and many visitors stay just long enough to catch a train to more laidback destinations further west or south. However, if you can put up with the urban stress, the city’s modern outlook and commercial hustle and bustle offer a stimulating contrast to many other places in the state.

The superb palace at Amber provides the most obvious destination for a daytrip, easily combined with a visit to the impressive fort of Jaigarh. Additionally, forts, palaces, temples and assorted ruins from a thousand years of Kachchwaha history adorn the hills and valleys near Jaipur.

Rough Guides tip: Planning a trip to India ? Perhaps our local experts in India can help you!

Jaipur City Palace © Shutterstock

Jaipur, often referred to as the "Pink City," is a captivating blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and architectural marvels that offer an array of unforgettable experiences for travellers to indulge in.

#1 Wander The Pink City

At the heart of Jaipur lies Jai Singh’s original city, popularly known as the Pink City, enclosed by walls and imposing gateways. Though certainly not all pink, many buildings here are painted a distinctively rosy colour – one that was actually intended to camouflage the poor-quality materials from which they were originally constructed.

Chromatics aside, one of the Pink City’s most striking features is its regular grid plan, with wide, straight streets, broadening to spacious squares (choupads) at major intersections. Its design was created in accordance with the Vastu Shastra, a series of ancient Hindu architectural treatises.

#2 Seek out the magnificent City Palace

At the heart of the Pink City stands the magnificent City Palace, originally built by Jai Singh in the 1720s and having lost none of its original pomp and splendour. The royal family still occupies part of the palace, advancing in procession on formal occasions through the grand Tripolia Gate on its southern side.

Less exalted visitors enter through a modest gate on the eastern side of the palace that leads into the first of the two main courtyards, centred on the elegant Mubarak Mahal. Built as a reception hall in 1899, the building now holds the museum’s textile collection, housing some of the elaborately woven and brocaded fabrics that formerly graced the royal wardrobe.

On the north side of the courtyard, the Armoury is probably the finest such collection in Rajasthan , a vast array of blood-curdling but often beautifully decorated weapons.

#3 Gawp at Jantar Mantar’s huge astronomical instruments

Immediately south of the City Palace lies the remarkable Jantar Mantar, a large enclosure containing eighteen huge stone astronomical measuring devices. Constructed between 1728 and 1734 at the behest of Jai Singh, their strange, abstract shapes lend the whole place the look of a weird futuristic sculpture park.

It’s a perfect idea to pay for the services of a guide to explain the workings of the observatory, which was able to identify the position and movement of stars and planets, tell the time and even predict the intensity of the monsoon. The most impressive construction is the 27m-high sundial, the Samrat Yantra, which can calculate the time to within two seconds.

The Jantar Mantar is one of five identically named observatories created by the star-crazed Jai Singh across north India , including the well-known example in Delhi . However, his motivation was astrological rather than astronomical.

Jantar Mantar, Jaipur, India © Shutterstock

#4 Marvel at the spectacle of the Palace of Winds

Jaipur’s most instantly recognizable landmark, the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) stands east of the City Palace. It’s best appreciated from the outside or from the rooftop of Tattoo Cafe during the early morning, when it glows orange-pink in the rising sun.

Built in 1799 to enable the women of the court to watch street processions while remaining in purdah, its five-storey facade is decked out with hundreds of finely screened windows and balconies. These make the building seem far larger than it really is; in fact, it’s little more than a facade.

The palace still offers superb views over the mayhem of Jaipur below. Once inside, you can climb up the back of the facade to the screened niches from where the ladies of the court would once have looked down.

#5 See a sacred 5,000-year-old image of Govinda at Govind Devji

North of the City Palace is the Govind Devji, the family temple of the maharajas of Jaipur dedicated to Krishna in his character of Govinda, who is considered to be the guardian deity of the rulers of Jaipur. The principal shrine houses a sacred image of Govinda thought to be five thousand years old, which was brought from Vrindavan (near Agra ) in 1735.

Rough Guide tip: exit through the north gate and you’ll be in the very pleasant, monkey-filled Jai Niwas Gardens.

#6 Climb to the top of Iswari Minar Swarga Sal

Just west of the City Palace, the slender Iswari Minar Swarga Sal, or Ishwar Lat (HeavenPiercing Minaret), was built by Jai Singh II’s son and successor, Iswari Singh. It celebrates a minor victory over a combined Maratha–Rajput force in 1747 and its summit offers the definitive view of the Pink City.

#7 Take a breather at Ram Niwas Gardens

Immediately south of the Pink City, the wide road leading out from New Gate is flanked by the surprisingly lush Ram Niwas Gardens, named after their creator, Maharaja Ram Singh (1835–80).

Standing sentinel in among these gardens is the florid Albert Hall, while pressing on south again you’ll get to the Museum of Indology. The Pink City is bookended to its north by the looming Nahargarh, while some distance to its east, and over a little rise, is the hugely enjoyable “Monkey Palace”.

Albert Hall in Jaipur, India © Shutterstock

#8 See some fine Indian artefacts at the Albert Hall Central Museum

A prominent city landmark, the Albert Hall was built in 1867, exhibiting a whimsical mix of Venetian and Mughal styles (Italian below, Indian on top). Today it houses the city’s Central Museum, with the bulk of its collection focusing on regional and Indian themes.

The collection includes fine displays of Jaipur pottery, Hindu statuary and Mughal and Rajasthani miniature paintings. They are supported by an eclectic array of artefacts from around the globe – everything from Egyptian antiquities to decorative tiles from Stoke-on-Trent, with forays into Japan , Myanmar and Persia.

#9 See a map of India painted on a grain of rice at the Museum of Indology

The Museum of Indology is home to assorted curiosities collected by the late Acharya Vyakul, stuffed into a rambling suburban house. Exhibits include oddities such as a map of India painted on a grain of rice and letters written on a hair. You can also seek out a glass, alongside other artefacts and literary treasures, all enjoyably arranged without any real organisation.

#10 Watch the sunset from the Tiger Fort

Teetering on the edge of the hills north of Jaipur is the dramatic Nahargarh, or “Tiger Fort”, built by Jai Singh II in 1734 and offering superb views of Jaipur, best enjoyed at sunset.

The fort’s imposing walls sprawl for nearly 1 km along the ridgetop and envelop a step-well among other features. Views of the sunset are pretty spectacular, either from the palace rooftop, various ramparts, or the Padao Restaurant, which charges for entry.

The only significant surviving structures within are the palace apartments, built inside the old fort by Madho Singh II between 1883 and 1892 as a love nest. Here he kept his most treasured concubines away from the disapproving eyes of his courtiers and four official wives.

Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur © Shutterstock

#11 Visit the marble mausoleums of Royal Gaitor

On the northern edge of the city centre, the walled funerary complex of Royal Gaitor contains the stately marble mausoleums (chhatris) of Jaipur’s ruling family.

The compound consists of two main courtyards, each crammed full of imposing memorials:

• The first (and more modern) courtyard is dominated by the grandiose twentieth-century cenotaph of Madho Singh II (d. 1922), a ruler of famously gargantuan appetites. His four wives and fifty-odd concubines bore him “around 125” children;
• The second, older, courtyard is home to the elaborate tomb of Jai Singh II (d. 1743), the founder of Jaipur and the first ruler to be interred at Gaitor.

On the ridge top above Gaitor (reachable via a steep set of stairs) lies the Ganesh Mandir, the second of the city’s two major Ganesh temples. This huge building instantly recognizable from the huge swastika painted on its side.

#12 Watch the playful monkeys at Galta Ji

Nestling in a steep-sided valley, the “Monkey Palace” of Galta Ji comprises a picturesque collection of 250-year-old temples squeezed into a narrow rocky ravine.

Galta owes its sacred status in large part to a freshwater spring that seeps constantly through the rocks in the otherwise dry valley, keeping two tanks full. Surreally, these ponds are now the domain of more than five thousand macaque monkeys, which have earned Galta its nickname.

For many tourists, the sight of splashing locals – the tanks are gender-segregated, and you’ll always see fellas in the upper tank having a good gawp at the ladies down below – outstrips the attraction of the temples themselves. Though the assorted shrines, dedicated variously to Krishna, Rama and Hanuman, are attractively atmospheric.

A monkey inside Galtaji Hindu Temple or Monkey Temple near the city of Jaipur in Rajasthan, India © Shutterstock

#13 Chek out Sisodia Rani-ka-Bagh, a royal pleasure palace

On your way to Galta, if you’re going by road, it’s worth stopping off at the small royal pleasure palace and lush gardens of Sisodia Rani-ka-Bagh. They were built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in 1728 as a gift to his second queen, Sisodia, a princess from Udaipur. The walls of the garden are adorned with Radha-Krishna murals and its design exhibits both Mughal and Indian influences.

Jaipur has a wide range of accommodation , and it’s a good idea to book ahead, particularly around the Elephant Festival (first half of March).

Almost all the hotels in Jaipur offer free pick-up from the bus or train station. There are lots of midrange hotels and good quality guesthouses to the west of Jaipur city centre.

Mirza Ismail Rd, known locally as M.I. Rd has a high proportion of places to stay, including some great backpacking hostels. This upmarket suburb is a few km out of the centre itself but easy within easy distance of the main sights. The hotels here are quieter and higher-end.

Browse the best hotels in Jaipur.

If you’ve overloaded on curries and need a respite, the veggie-friendly Anokhi Café is the perfect tonic; it's attached to the Anokhi boutique, on KK Square Mall. There’s real coffee, fresh juices, terrific cakes and cookies, plus sandwiches, falafels, bean burgers, pizzas and amazing salads.

The city’s most appealing rooftop restaurant is the Peacock (in Pearl Palace hotel, Hari Kishan Somani Marg), with quirky original decor featuring cute metal chairs and a striking peacock canopy – particularly pretty after dark. There’s a big menu of veg and non-veg Indian options, all well prepared, with flavoursome sauces, crisp breads and cold beers, plus Chinese, pizzas and the usual Western snacks.

For a blowout try Suarna Mahal at the Rambagh Palace, Indian fine-dining in a superbly over-the-top Neoclassical-style dining room.

Hawa Mahal, Palace Winds, Jaipur, India © Shutterstock

Jaipur is very spread out, and although it’s possible to explore the Pink City on foot despite the crowds, you may need some form of transport to and from your hotel. It’s best to avoid travelling during the morning and evening rush hours.

By rickshaw

Auto-rickshaws are available all over the city. There are 24hr prepaid kiosks in front of the railway and bus stations, offering rates much cheaper than you’re likely to get on the street

Cars with driver can be rented through most hotels or through any RTDC office.

You’re unlikely to want to navigate Jaipur by bus, but the #AC1 route is quite useful for getting to Amber.

Jaipur’s metro system is quite modern, yet almost comically rubbish; trains on the single Pink Line are extraordinarily slow, and the primary use of most of the nine stations in use seems to be as public toilets for pigeons; in due course, two more stations will be added in the Pink City, which will make the system more useful (but probably still rubbish), and a second line has been proposed.

Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh Palace, built in 1710 A.D. by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh © Shutterstock

The best time to visit Jaipur is from October to March when the weather is favourable for exploring its rich history, culture, and architecture. With mild temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) during the day, it's ideal for outdoor activities.

Winter also avoids the scorching heat of summer and heavy rains of the monsoon season. You can fully enjoy attractions like the Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, and vibrant markets.

Additionally, festivals like Diwali and Makar Sankranti add colourful decorations and cultural festivities, offering a unique cultural experience.

Find out more about the best time to visit India .

To fully experience Jaipur, it is recommended to spend 2 to 3 days in the city. On day one you can visit the Amber Fort, known for its impressive architecture and panoramic views.

Next day explore the City Palace complex, a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal styles, which houses palaces and museums. End your day by admiring the intricate Hawa Mahal, a palace with unique windows.

Don't miss the bustling bazaars of the old city, where you can find a variety of textiles, handicrafts, jewellery, and traditional Rajasthani items. Take a leisurely stroll through the lanes, soak in the vibrant atmosphere, and savour the local street food.

Cityplace in Jaipur taken from Govind dev temple © Shutterstock

Jaipur is Rajasthan’s main transport hub, with frequent bus and train services to all major destinations around the state, as well as nationwide international air connections.

Short journeys to destinations like Bharatpur, Ajmer (for Pushkar) and towns in Shekhawati are usually best made by bus; one exception is Sawai Madhopur, which is most easily reached by train.

Jaipur’s Sanganer airport is 15 km south of the city centre and is served by a number of international airlines, as well as numerous local carriers. There are regular airport buses to and from town, alternatively, a rickshaw or a taxi

The city’s railway station, Jaipur Junction lies 1.5km west of the Pink City. Bookings for trains should be made at least a day in advance at the reservations hall just outside the main station

State buses from all over Rajasthan and further afield pull in at the Inter-state Bus Terminal (also known as “Sindhi Camp”) on Station Rd. For longer journeys, faster but less frequent deluxe Gold Line (“Volvo”) and Silver Line government services guarantee seats, best reserved through your accommodation.

Many prefer the private buses, many of which leave from roads just south of Sindhi Camp; you can book tickets at the string of agents on Station Rd.

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Translated from Hindi, Rajasthan means ‘the land of kings’, and its capital, Jaipur, is defined by royalty. The 18th-century Maharaja Jai Singh designed the city to meet his every whim, with royal palaces, gardens and pavilions taking up almost a quarter of its footprint. Streets were designed as parade routes and a busy craft bazaar flourished, selling wares almost exclusively to decorate royal buildings.

Jaipur has retained its flair for royal celebration: the entire city was painted pink in 1876 to welcome the Prince of Wales (it was refreshed to celebrate the visit of Queen Elizabeth II and, later, Diana, Princess of Wales.) Today, Jaipur’s prolific royal architecture is fiercely protected. It’s worth slipping into the side streets too: you’ll find the artisans, traders and shopkeepers who keep the city ticking.

For me, Jaipur is one of the most vibrant cities in Rajasthan. Not only can you explore the Pink City and the Amber Fort, but there’s the opportunity to stay in a traditional heritage haveli.

Things to see and do in Jaipur

Walk the streets of jaipur’s old bazaars.

Every surface of Jaipur’s 18th-century City Palace is adorned with carvings, silverwork or opulent textiles. The majority of the decoration was created in Jaipur’s Old Bazaars, and similar pieces of work are still made there today, the traditional techniques unchanged. Delve into some of the oldest streets of Jaipur with a local guide, and you can see the craftsmen at work. Zardozi embroidery, intricate designs created with gold and silver thread, is a particular speciality of the region.

There’s also the chance to sample some of the area’s culinary delights — popular with local shoppers and the artisans themselves. Your guide will introduce you to some of the most well regarded street food vendors, inviting you to try dishes such as freshly fried aloo tikki (potato cakes) and samosas. The desserts are as lavish as some of the craftwork, particularly the displays of barfi (a cashew nut and milk sweet) covered in edible silver leaf.

Cook with a local family

The Mandawa family have converted their ancestral home, DeraMandawa , into a welcoming heritage hotel where you can spend time in a traditional Rajasthan family setting. Most of the family still live here, inviting guests to attend their private temple for puja (prayers) each evening. Taking a cooking lesson with your hosts will help you to re-create some regional dishes back home.

Lessons begin with a visit to the nearby local market to learn how the spices, on display in towering pyramids, are prepared and blended in cooking to give a delicate balance of tastes. Back in the kitchen, you’ll help prepare a variety of dishes including Aamras ki Kadhi, a bright yellow Rajasthan speciality of blended mango and spices. You’ll dine together with the family, trying out your creations alongside a selection of homemade chutneys and pickles.

Learn block printing at Bagru

Traditionally, artisan villages in Rajasthan focus on one industry or skill, their inhabitants collectively sharing their expertise, materials and trade opportunities. The village of Bagru, a 40-minute drive from Jaipur, is no different, renowned for its intricately block-printed textiles. On a tour with a local guide, you’ll be taught the printing, washing and dyeing process.

Arriving in the village, you’ll notice immediately the great swathes of fabric drying in the sun. Logs of teak are finely carved into printing blocks while natural dyes are mixed in preparation — turmeric for yellow and madder root for red. The hand-printing process itself is a precise skill, the artists honing rhythmical movements to create the same pattern over long tables of fabric. Keen to share their skills, the printers will welcome you to try some of the printing techniques.

Take a guided tour of Jaipur’s Mughal treasures

The ruling family of Jaipur, led by Maharaja Jai Singh, carefully planned their 18th-century city, designing wide boulevards, a centrally positioned palace and temples.

A revolutionary addition was the Jantar Mantar, an observatory complex. You’ll need an experienced guide to talk you through the array of large-scale instruments, which includes the largest sundial ever built. Made from brick and smooth plaster, their crisp, sculptural geometric shapes look decidedly modern.

The Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds, was built alongside the main road into the city, allowing the royal women to observe parades entering Jaipur unseen behind latticed screens. While it’s possible to enter the palace, you’ll find it’s a one-room-deep façade.

The City Palace, to the east of the modern city, houses a textile museum that celebrates the region’s rich artisanal skills, as well as an armory and art gallery.

Visit Amber Fort

The best way to get to the palace is by walking up, zig-zagging past market stalls and street vendors, arriving into the main courtyard through the Suraju Pole (sun gate). Women of the royal court were banned from the courtyard, but allowed to watch the goings-on from veiled windows above. You may see decorated elephants carrying visitors to the top but, as many welfare aspects are unknown, we prefer not to recommend this method.

A labyrinth of corridors, galleries, temples and royal quarters surrounds three further courtyards. The Sheesh Mahal (meaning ‘mirror palace’) is the most ornate room, covered in thousands of mirrors and semi-precious stones; light a single candle and the entire room is illuminated. The fortified final courtyard, the zenana, was the private quarters of the Maharaja’s wives and concubines.

Best time to visit Jaipur

Generally, Jaipur enjoys warm, dry and sunny weather from October to March. The temperatures drop in December and January, with mist and fog gracing the early mornings. If you’re happy with a more humid climate, hotels offer good-value rates for April and May. From June, temperatures creep up to 113°F (45°C), making travel uncomfortable.

Festivals, events and seasonal reasons to visit

• The Hindu festival of Holi is celebrated enthusiastically in March. Marking the coming of spring, paint is thrown during vibrant street parties. If you’re unsure about taking part, it’s possible to watch the spectacle from one of Jaipur’s rooftop restaurants.
• Diwali, the Hindu festival of light, occurs in late October or early November. Thousands of oil lamps are lit across Jaipur as families meet to exchange gifts. Most sites are closed, but the evenings bring light shows of fireworks and bonfires.
• The Jaipur Literature Festival takes place toward the end of January each year. Attracting Nobel laureates as well as local writers, it offers a varied program of events including talks and readings.

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Jaipur by contacting one of our India specialists

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Suggested itineraries featuring Jaipur

Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Jaipur, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.

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Map of Jaipur

Places & hotels on the map, places near jaipur.

• Samode 20 miles away
• Ramathra 74 miles away
• Ranthambhore National Park 76 miles away
• Pushkar 84 miles away
• Barli 96 miles away
• Bundi 103 miles away
• Bharatpur and Keoladeo Ghana National Park 105 miles away
• Shahpura 106 miles away
• Fatehpur Sikri 114 miles away
• Nimaj 125 miles away
• Chhatra Sagar 125 miles away
• Nagaur 130 miles away
• Agra 136 miles away
• Bhainsrorgarh 136 miles away
• Delhi 147 miles away
• Deogarh 153 miles away
• Gwalior 153 miles away
• Chittorgarh 159 miles away
• Chambal Sanctuary 169 miles away
• Bikaner 172 miles away
• Jodhpur 178 miles away
• Rohet 179 miles away
• Narlai 181 miles away
• Kumbhalgarh 186 miles away
• Devigarh 190 miles away
• Chanoud 193 miles away
• Orchha 206 miles away
• Udaipur 210 miles away
• Pokaran 242 miles away
• Dungarpur 250 miles away
• Mount Abu 252 miles away
• Haridwar 253 miles away
• Corbett Tiger Reserve 261 miles away
• Rishikesh 268 miles away
• Nainital 281 miles away
• Mussoorie 281 miles away
• Khajuraho 293 miles away
• Almora 299 miles away

Photos of Jaipur

Our expert guides to exploring Jaipur

Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Jaipur, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Jaipur at its best.

What to do in India: our highlights guide

Our India specialists pick some of their best things to see and do, and where to stay from the Himalaya to Kerala. Include spotting tiger, staying in a palace in Rajasthan, taking a boat trip down the Ganges and experience one of the country’s many festivals in your trip to India.

Touring India’s Golden Triangle

The Taj Mahal is just one of many impressive sights on a tour of India’s Golden Triangle. For first-time visitors, the region offers a tempting taste of the vast range of cultures, historical sites, architecture, religion, food and landscapes that India boasts.

The best of Rajasthan: why stay in an Indian fort

Rajasthan is often defined by its range of towering stone fortresses. Here, India specialist Lydia leads you on a tour of the smaller forts that you can spend a night in, and picks out four of the best.

Palaces and regal stays in India

Private butlers, priceless chandeliers, and gilded furniture: life as an Indian royal was the epitome of opulence. With many royal residences now palatial hotels, you can taste life as a maharaja or maharani. We’ve chosen the best regal experiences from Rajasthan to Varanasi.

10 min read

Accommodation choices for Jaipur

We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Jaipur. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

Royal Heritage Haveli

Dera Rawatsar

Samode Haveli

DeraMandawa

The Oberoi Rajvilas

Rambagh Palace

Ideas for experiencing jaipur.

Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Jaipur, and which use the best local guides.

Half day excursion of the Amber Fort Palace

Within Jaipur there are a number of interesting sights, including Amber Fort on the rugged ridge of the Aravalli hills, overlooking a large lake.

Half day city tour of Jaipur

A half-day tour of the city of Jaipur, visiting some of its most popular sights.

Evening bazaar, crafts and cuisine in Jaipur

Jaipur is widely considered by many as the craft capital of India. You will see busy craftsman in their workshops on this guided walk, sample culinary delights and mingle with the locals.

The Old Bazaars of Jaipur

You will be able to see craftsman working on some fine forms of local art like Zardozi embroidery, Gota work, Kinari, silver ornament work, and precious and semi-precious stonework, all taking place in these old bazaars of Jaipur.

7 Best Places To Stay In Jaipur, India

W hether you’re coming to see the vibrant markets, the formidable forts, or the stunning architecture, Jaipur is a city like no other, and its accommodation offerings are just as special. India’s “Pink City” has places to stay that range from palatial palaces and heritage havelis to beautiful boutique hotels, charming guesthouses, and lots more in between. 

If you are on a romantic getaway, a cultural odyssey, a family getaway, or even a business trip with a side serving of culture, here’s my list of suggestions for some great places to stay in this fantastic destination.

1. Rambagh Palace

Often referred to as the “Jewel of Jaipur,” Rambagh Palace is one of the most beautiful hotels in India. It occupies a 47-acre plot just south of the city center, and from there, it’s a 20-minute taxi drive to most of the key attractions. Rambagh once served as the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur, and while the palace may have been converted into a stunning hotel, the family continues to own the property.

The palace has been decorated with intricately-crafted marble jalis (lattice screens), sandstone balustrades, and cupolas, all surrounded by stunning gardens. Its 78 rooms and suites — each with extraordinarily high ceilings — are packed with antiques, four-poster beds, walk-in wardrobes, and spacious bathrooms, all arranged around a beautiful courtyard. There’s a croquet lawn, strutting peacocks, and fountains.

As one might expect from a five-star Indian hotel, the welcome is elaborate and involves garlands of flowers and showers of rose petals. In the evening, guests are invited to take part in a candle-lighting ceremony and there are pre-dinner cocktails in the beautiful gardens. The hotel’s Polo Bar, with its display of trophies and memorabilia of the Jaipur polo team, is a great place to wind down at the end of the day.

The Rambagh Palace has hosted several dignitaries from India and around the world, including the late Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, Lord Louis Mountbatten (the last Viceroy of India), Jacqueline Kennedy, and King Charles of England. This is probably the most expensive hotel in Jaipur and definitely isn’t one for budget travelers, but it does offer a fantastic combination of history, heritage, flawless service, and fine dining.

Pro Tip: Rambagh Palace is not open for public viewing, so if you want to see inside, you’ll either need to stay here or book a table at one of the restaurants. If you do book a stay, you can ask the duty manager for a heritage tour of the palace, which will last around 45 minutes.

2. Hotel Narain Niwas Palace

The Hotel Narain Niwas Palace , with its stunning entrance façade, has been with the same family since it was built and is one of the top heritage hotels in Rajasthan. Centrally located in Jaipur, the palace was built in 1928 and designed in the Anglo-Indian style — popular in the Victorian era — for one of Rajasthan’s aristocratic families. 

The building still retains some of the quirky touches of a family home — the mango-yellow verandah is very photogenic, the stained-glass windows complement the peacocks strutting the grounds, the walls and ceilings are covered with frescoes and paintings, and the ornate chandeliers hang over purple-colored velvet sofas and carved wooden balustrades. There are acres of beautiful gardens and orchards, an outdoor swimming pool, period furniture throughout, and 52 suites with high-ceilinged bedrooms, exquisite chandeliers, four-poster beds, ornate tapestries, and rose petals in the bathtub.

Pro Tip: Traditionally, Niwas means a “home of royalty.”

3. Samode Haveli

The Samode Haveli is a real Jaipur gem. This 300-year-old haveli was one of Jaipur’s first to turn into a boutique hotel. Built 225 years ago, this is an urban oasis, a luxurious property hidden deep in old Jaipur. It’s a traditional Indian mansion with lush gardens and apartments arranged around a series of courtyards. The former royal apartments are now deluxe rooms and suites. A grand sitting room is decorated floor to ceiling with original 18th-century, hand-painted murals. The balconies of the rooms look out over charming pools, fountains, and the gardens of the old haveli. Schedule an afternoon on one of the daybeds by the prettiest pool in all of Jaipur.

Located in a quiet street inside the old town’s ramparts, the Hawa Mahal, City Palace, and Jantar Mantar are just a few minutes’ drive, or 20-minute walk, away. If you’re an early riser, the hotel offers guided morning walks where you can watch the city come alive, visit the flower market and the local temple, or sample some super sweet chai in the bazaar.

Pro Tip: With some of Jaipur’s most inviting pools, this is a popular place to stay. Make sure to book well ahead in the high season.

4. Shahpura House

The meticulously maintained, 64-room, 19th-century Shahpura House heritage hotel is located in a quiet residential area of Jaipur. It’s owned and operated by an old aristocratic family that lives on the top floor and takes enjoyment from sharing their traditions with their guests.

The building has a unique and distinctive old-world charm. Built across numerous levels, around a variety of traditional chowks (courtyards), the former Royal Rooms of the house are now deluxe rooms and suites, each with its own distinctive character. Every public space seems to be decorated with paintings of Hindu gods, flowers, birds, and creepers. The mirror work makes the ceilings shimmer like gold. Known as alankara , this notion of decorating every spot is typical of Rajasthan decorative style. The property shines during such Indian festivals as Holi and Diwali, and guests are invited to participate in these festivals alongside the family.

5. Rose Amer

Rose Amer sits in a quiet corner of Civil Lines, one of Jaipur’s exclusive neighborhoods, just steps away from the Governor’s residence. It was once a Colonial-era guesthouse for the Royals of Jaipur and British Officers but is now an elegant boutique hotel. Beautifully refurbished by the current owners, a four-generation family, there are eight lavish and uniquely furnished suites here with private living areas, gardens, and patios, all set on a sprawling 22-acre property behind high walls and hundreds of mature trees.

6. 28 Kothi

28 Kothi is a boutique guest house in a quiet, centrally located neighborhood in the heart of Jaipur with just five individually styled rooms. There’s a lush garden, terraces, reading corners, a library, and some very Instagramable interiors dotted with quirky design touches.

Built by a French architect for the late founder of Jaipur’s foremost jewelry store, Gem Palace, the feel is minimalist by Indian standards, but there are many amusing, decorative touches throughout the property — a hooded cobra candle stand, fish-holding napkins, and antique ladles on the bathroom walls. Each of the five rooms is named after a jewel and there’s even a soap menu; choose from lemongrass, musk, rose, ylang-ylang, and aqua. Indian elements are everywhere from the aluminum trunks to the cotton furnishings and colorful cushions.

The resident manager and tiny staff are very hands-on and happy to sit with guests to help plan sightseeing, dinner, and shopping options.

7. Dera Amer Wilderness Camp

For something different and a glamping experience you’ll never forget, head out of town to Dera Amer Wilderness Camp . A sharp turn off the Jaipur-Delhi highway, and a little way down the road, you’ll find the camp on the outskirts of the tiny rural village of Kukas. Jaipur’s old town is around 30 minutes away and the Amber Fort is a 20-minute drive.

After acquiring 180 acres of neglected scrubland in 1981, the owners made a commitment to return this stretch of land to a state of untouched natural beauty. Over 30 years later, Dera Amer is now something of a sanctuary for animals, both domestic and wild, and the perfect spot for visitors who wish to escape the city. Resident elephants and camels were adopted from the rigors of the city and rescued from a life of hard labor. There are two big things that make Dera Amer extra special — Laxmi and Rangmala. These two elephants were adopted from the Amber Fort, where they were rescued from a life of ferrying tourists up and down. The camp does not condone riding, and these days, the pair are fed, bathed, walked, and generally fawned over by camp guests.

There are six sumptuous safari-style tents here with deceptively comfortable beds. Dera Amer is a seasonal camp, closed during the summer months, and what it lacks in facilities (no pool, no spa, no minibar) it makes up for in wildlife. There are opportunities for early morning safaris in search of leopard, jackals, deer, and an extensive list of bird life. This is a very different place from any of the Jaipur City hotels.

And there you have it, my top picks for places to stay in magical Jaipur. This list is far from exhaustive. After all, there are so many great places to choose from, but I hope I’ve given you some ideas and inspiration to get you started on your holiday plans. 

Related Reading: 

• 8 Best Things To Do in Jaipur, The ‘Pink City’ Of India
• 7 Of The World’s Most Magnificent Palaces That You Can Tour
• 4 Things I Learned About Myself While Volunteering In India

Mystical India

Mystical and spiritual, chaotic and confounding, India overflows with riches.  Staying at excellent hotels, your small group, limited to 24 travelers, travels the classic Golden Triangle: bustling Delhi; Agra, home of the sublime Taj Mahal; and Jaipur, great city of the Rajput. Begin the 17-day exploration with a three-night stay in the Indian capital, touring the important sights of both Old and New Delhi and enjoying a rickshaw ride through colorful Chandni Chowk market.  Get acquainted next with the “pink city” of Jaipur, where highlights of a three-night visit include the stunning Hawa Mahal palace, Amber Fort, and a home-hosted dinner with a Rajasthan family.  A singular experience follows with the opportunity to search for the elusive Bengal tiger on game drives during a two-night stay near Ranthambore National Park, once a royal hunting ground, with its picturesque ruins.  Departing for Gadoli, embark on a village walk to meet Meena tribespeople.  En route to the ancient Mughal stronghold of Agra, visit the impressive 3,500-step Chand Baori step well.  Marvel at the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal, and take an Indian cuisine cooking lesson. The journey ends with three nights in Hinduism’s holiest city, Varanasi.  Cruising on the Ganges, experience life along the sacred river and witness a traditional aarti ceremony.  Visit nearby Sarnath, one of Buddhism’s holiest sites; and Sarnath Museum, housing a superb collection of Buddhist artifacts.  Absorb the beauty of the Himalayan kingdom of Nepal on an optional 6-day/4-night post-tour extension that includes extensive sightseeing.

Faculty Host

Trip itinerary.

Day 1.  Depart U.S. for Delhi, India Day 2. Arrive Delhi Day 3.  Delhi Day 4. Delhi Day 5.  Delhi/Jaipur Day 6.  Jaipur Day 7.  Jaipur/Sanganer Day 8.  Jaipur/Ranthambore Day 9.  Ranthambore Day 10. Ranthambore/Gadoli Day 11.  Gadoli/Agra Day 12.  Agra Day 13.  Agra/Delhi/Varanasi Day 14.  Varanasi/Sarnath Day 15.  Varanasi Day 16.  Varanasi/Delhi Day 17.  Return to U.S.

Trip Highlights

• Enjoy tours of Old and New Delhi
• Home-hosted dinner with Jaipur family
• Visit the Magnificent Taj Mahal
• Two-night stay at Ranthambore Tiger Preserve, including game drives
• Meena tribal home visit and enjoy a traditional folk dance 
• Travel to the “Pink City” of Jaipur with historic forts, palaces, and gardens
• Visit Varanasi, Hinduisim's holiest city
• Travel to the Pilgrimage site of the Sarnath temple, where the Buddha first taught after achieving enlightenment
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• 617-627-0633 617-627-5323

IPL 2024 in Jaipur: Here's how to make your trip memorable

Apr 10, 2024

About the match

The upcoming IPL match (April 10; 07:30 PM) will see Rajasthan Royals (RR) facing off against Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.

Explore the majestic Amber Fort

Visit the stunning Amber Fort, located just outside Jaipur. Take a guided tour to learn about its rich history and marvel at its intricate architecture and panoramic views.

Discover Jaipur's royal heritage

Explore the City Palace, home to the royal family of Jaipur, and immerse yourself in the opulent lifestyle of the past. Don't miss the Mubarak Mahal, Chandra Mahal, and the mesmerising Peacock Gate.

Wander through the colourful markets

Get lost in the bustling markets of Jaipur, such as Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar, where you can shop for vibrant textiles, handicrafts, jewellery, and local souvenirs.

Experience Jaipur's culinary delights

Indulge in the flavours of Rajasthan by trying local delicacies such as Dal Baati Churma, Ghewar, and Pyaaz Kachori. Don't forget to visit renowned eateries for an authentic culinary experience.

Marvel at the Hawa Mahal

Admire the iconic Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of Winds, with its intricate latticework and 953 windows. Capture breathtaking views of the city from its elevated vantage points.

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Visit the jantar mantar.

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II. Marvel at its intriguing instruments and learn about ancient Indian astronomy.

Take a royal elephant ride

Embark on a royal elephant ride at the Amer Fort for a memorable experience reminiscent of the bygone era of Rajput kings and queens.

Escape to nature at Nahargarh Biological Park

Spend a day amidst nature at Nahargarh Biological Park, home to a variety of flora and fauna. Enjoy a leisurely stroll or a wildlife safari for a memorable outdoor experience.

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Next: 10 most colourful folk dances of India

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• Leaders Speak
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• Hilton expands luxury portfolio in India, signs Conrad Hotels & Resorts property in Jaipur

The upcoming 246-key hotel is a collaboration with SunnyRaj Properties and is scheduled to open its doors in 2027. This announcement reflects Hilton's dedication to expanding its luxury offerings in India, following the success of Conrad properties in Pune and Bengaluru, and the signing of India's inaugural Waldorf Astoria in Jaipur last year.

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• Updated On Apr 3, 2024 at 09:09 AM IST

Indian hospitality sector sees USD 401 million investment in FY23, reports JLL

Hotel investments in India surged to USD 401 million in 2023, marking a four-fold increase compared to 2022. A significant portion, 25 per cent of the total transaction value, involved under-construction hotels across both business and leisure destinations. Additionally, 2023 saw a milestone of 22 hotel transactions, the largest in a decade, with three hotel companies debuting on the stock market through IPOs.

• By Online Bureau ,
• Published On Apr 3, 2024 at 09:09 AM IST

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