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India's 'Pink City' Is a Stunning Mix of Palaces, Bazaars, and Luxury Hotels

Here are eight reasons to add Jaipur to your India itinerary.

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.

Jaipur is a city of ancient forts and royal palaces, a place where visitors will find sweeping views of lush green hills and some of the finest hotels in the world.

Nicknamed the Pink City, Jaipur forms a point on the Golden Triangle, the tourism trail that connects the Indian capital New Delhi with Jaipur and Agra, home of the iconic Taj Mahal . It is the gateway to Rajasthan, the aptly named land of kings and a city steeped in history and early architectural innovation.

Here are eight reasons why you should add the Pink City to your India itinerary.

There's a palace for every day of the week.

Jaipur is a city with enough palaces to visit a new one every day of the week. Its most famous palace is Hawa Mahal , a five-story pink sandstone structure in the heart of the city. Hawa Mahal's exterior looks a bit like a honeycomb at first glance. Look a little closer and you'll notice the exquisite curves of 953 small windows.

Luxury hotels will make you feel like royalty.

Jaipur is a city with no shortage of luxury hotels boasting over-the-top dining and spa experiences. Several historic palaces have been reimagined as five-star hotels, giving visitors a window into what royal life may have been like in the era of Maharajas.

It's a shopper's paradise.

Jaipur is home to a collection of markets selling everything from jewelry, clothing, and textiles to marble statues. Johari Bazaar is one of the city's best-known markets and the place to shop for jewelry. Head to Tripolia Bazaar if you're in the market for a rug. Look for local shoes and clothing at Nehru Bazaar.

It's surrounded by historic forts.

Jaipur is a city surrounded by epic forts. Nahargarh Fort, Amer Fort, and Jaigarh Fort are open to tourists and offer epic views of the city and a unique window into the city's early defenses.

It really is a pink city.

Jaipur is nicknamed the Pink City, a nod to the color of the sandstone buildings at its core. These buildings have been a dusty shade of pink since 1876, when they were painted for a visit by Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's husband.

It's a shining example of early urban planning.

Cities in India can feel chaotic, their streets a labyrinth that can take a lifetime to learn. Jaipur is different. It was the first planned city in India and has been recognized as an early example of urban planning. There's still traffic, but the streets are built on a grid and that makes them a little easier to navigate than their counterparts in New Delhi and Mumbai.

You can make your dream of riding an elephant come true.

If ever you've dreamed of riding an elephant, you can have your chance in Jaipur. Elephant rides are available at Amber Fort and offer a comfortable ride up what would otherwise be a very steep climb to its entrance.

10 Waterside Hotels Around the World Where You Can Arrive by Boat

It's a city filled with art..

Jaipur's luxury hotels aren't the only place to sample Indian art in the Pink City. Visit one of the city's art galleries to see more, and maybe bring home your own piece of the pink city.

Jaipur is a gem, but it isn't the only gem in Rajasthan's crown. From Jaipur, it's easy to visit other famous Rajasthani cities including Udaipur, a picturesque city set around a collection of lakes, and Jodhpur, a Rajasthani city with its own iconic shade — blue.

Meena Thiruvengadam loves wandering new streets and discovering the world's stories. Subscribe to her newsletter , and look for her on Facebook and Instagram .

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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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A New Yorker’s Guide to Jaipur

In a city that never stops moving, it always helps to have a place to start. Here’s our guide to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan in northern India.

Panna Meena ka Kund stepwell is located between the temples at the base of the valley—if you’re lucky, you can descend the steps when the guards are off duty.

Jantar Mantar

In accordance with the astrology that rules insights in India, the Jantar Mantar monument offers a collection of 19 sand-colored stone instruments that allow astrologists to observe celestial positions with the naked eye. Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage site to discover how the sun hits your zodiac sign, and view Vrihat Samrat Yantra, the world’s largest sundial, from above and below.

Galtaji Temple

Mingle with rhesus monkeys in the Aravalli Hills, just 10 kilometers east of Jaipur’s city center. A towering stone edifice once used as a Hindu temple still holds traces of the blue and orange paint the ascetics applied when the temple was erected. On every rocky outcrop and climbable ledge, the monkeys who call Galtaji home defend their turf, but you can lure them out with a ₹10 bag of food purchased at the top of the temple.

Janta Bazar

In a city dominated by the five senses, the vegetable and flower market is at the center of it all. There, you’ll find burlap sacks sliced open and overflowing with blooms in a kaleidoscope of colors, and vegetables towered on carts and packed expertly in plastic bins. To find your way here, just take a left through the last gate on Hawa Mahal Road, just before the street bends east. Then follow the vegetable carts and the flowers in bicycle baskets until the market opens up in front of you. Once you’re there, spend a while weaving between people and produce, and be sure to bury your nose in a handful of flowers.

Where to Eat

Laxmi mishthan bhandar.

Inside what resembles a poorly lit conference venue cafeteria, Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar, usually referred to as LMB, isn’t where you’d expect to find a quintessential Rajasthani meal. But its Royal Rajasthani Thaal in this restaurant just off of Johari Bazar presents a platter of curries, grains, sauces, and breads that capture the tastes of the region. The dining room attracts locals and tourists alike, and while they don’t encourage splitting orders, you’d be wise to order one thaal for the table and supplement with other main dishes.

The Kitchen at Jaipur Modern

Once a vintage bungalow, the Kitchen at Jaipur Modern brings the rich heritage of the city into the present. Its menu features dishes that harness global flavors, from pizza and pasta to Phuket satay and Moroccan tagine, and are prepared using traditional methods and ingredients from local farms. The cafe also offers a quinoa-based menu—they grow the seeds themselves—plus fresh juices to stave off the heavy heat. If you’re interested in a different type of beverage, note that the venue is BYOB.

Bar Palladio

For a more refined menu, make a reservation at Bar Palladio’s outdoor tables, where sofas are nestled in the sandy patio. Dishes bring a savory Italian sensibility to Jaipur, with fresh pastas and simply prepared vegetables, served in a lavish and inviting setting. Besides the menu, the cocktails and wine list at Bar Palladio are among the best in the city. Plus, the stunning hand-painted blue interior, designed by Marie-Anne Oudejans, a Dutch designer who runs the fashion label Tocca, reflects the visuals and artistry of Jaipur.

Where to Drink

Rajmahal palace raas jaipur.

The Rajmahal Palace serves up more than splendor, between the primped landscaping, the ornate décor, and the spirits at the Colonnade restaurant and bar (the cocktails here are highly recommended, just be sure to make a reservation if you’re not staying at the hotel). The Good Earth shop on the palace grounds is also worth a visit. There, you can snag your own wallpaper designed to match the walls of the Rajmahal.

The people of Jaipur love their tea, so caffeine of any consequential dose—at least by Western standards—is tricky to find. If you’re craving your morning hit, C’est Bon will do the trick, with an espresso and some sweet French(ish) pastries on the menu.

The Juice Shop

Just between the Ganda Nala river and a New York pizza slice impersonator, the Juice Shop offers freshly blended smoothies and pressed juices. Local fruits and vegetables mingled with the first (and last) appearance of kale during a visit to Jaipur. The combinations are so delicious you may want to order extras for the road.

Where to Stay

Hotel narain niwas palace.

Just southeast of Jaipur’s Central Park, this hotel offers a central experience that’s true to the city’s history and aesthetic: a beautiful collection of rooms, a brilliant culinary program at Bar Palladio, and a highly-curated collection of global fashion at the Hot Pink boutique. The location, décor, and hospitality are hard to beat.

Castle Kanota

About 30 minutes outside of Jaipur, Castle Kanota offers a hushed reprieve from the bustle of the city. The owner, Manh Singh, is as personable as he is regal. Don’t fail to ask the chef about his cameo on The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (which was filmed at Kanota, and he’s got the selfies with Dame Maggie Smith to prove it). If you’re staying here, it would be wise to book a driver to take you into the Pink City, as taxis and Uber drivers aren’t readily available. The huge courtyard, filled with chickens, peacocks, and other exotic fowl, makes the drive into town worth it.

Royal Heritage Haveli

Once the residence of one the city’s royal rulers, Madho Singh, the Royal Heritage Haveli has been transformed into a luxury hotel that is a serene oasis. You’ll find hand-painted ceilings in each room, a pool with plenty of shade, and an inviting patio dining area. Don’t pass on a sweet lime soda (or try the salty, if you’re feeling more adventurous) and the tandoori chicken.

Where to Shop

Tripolia bazar.

At Tripolia Bazar, in the center of the Pink City, small shops spill over with a variety of goods, from spices to kitchen accoutrements, fabrics to storage trunks. Hit the main drag of the market, but also duck into the alleyways, or Ka Rastas—ask directions to Thatero Ka Rasta for brasswork, Lal Ji Sama Ka Rasta for saris, and Maniharon Ka Rasta for bangles. It’s never certain when (or even if) the stall you’re searching for might open, but you definitely won’t leave empty-handed.

Teatro Dhora

Like the famed French boutique Colette, Teatro Dhora brings together some of the best local designers into a sleek shop in the shadow of the Ajmer Road overpass. The unassuming locale is a trove of handcrafted jewelry, handbags, and earthenware, with a stellar selection of modern apparel. Plus, the boutique features local labels on a rotating basis, so you’ll have to pop in to see just what’s in stock.

A product of the Rajasthani government, the proceeds from everything purchased here (from hand-woven scarves and dresses to locally harvested honey and religious relics) go directly to the rural communities where the goods are produced. This means the prices are fixed, but fair, and you’ll leave with a true piece of the local culture.

Shopping in Jaipur doesn’t get more Manhattan than Hot Pink. Expect the highest price tags and the trendiest silhouettes—proof that modern fashion thrives in what most presume is an antiquated culture.

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Jaipur Travel Guide 2024 – The Magical Pink City of Rajasthan

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).

Table of Contents

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.

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!

Related Post: top tips for travelling around India by train !

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 want 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!

Related Post: how to use Uber in India.

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 but 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 are 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.

Related Post: 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.

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 tunes of traditional Rajasthani 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.

Caffé 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!

Related Post: Why you must visit Café Palladio in Jaipur !

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 for 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.

Recommended Travel Resources

Hotels: Booking.com

Transport: RentalCars.com

Trips & Tours: GetYourGuide

Travel Insurance: World Nomads

eSIM: Holafly

Download it on your phone

You can get this itinerary on your phone with GPSmyCity.

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

Discover India

Save this Jaipur travel guide for later!

Sophie Pearce is the founder of Third Eye Traveller. Always having a restless soul seeking adventure, she has now travelled to over 30+ countries, many of them solo. Leaving her heart in India, which gifted her a "Third Eye", she felt inspired to share her travel stories in the hope of encouraging others to find their inner magic and explore this beautiful world of ours. Even if it's on their own!

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40 comments.

Ok, so reading your posts is really making me want to visit India, not a country that is high on my list mainly because I can’t stand being hot! British summers are often too warm for me, lol… however i have always loved the temple architecture and the buildings in Jaipur looks gorgeous! Hawa Mahal is stunning! Am enjoying reading your blogs! ????

India does get so hot in the summer months (between April – June) and reaches almost 46 degrees in Delhi!! So, if you were going to pick any month, I’d pick around now in January as it’s actually pretty cold, especially at night time!

Hawa Mahal and the city palaces are so stunning – you have to put it on your list! India will totally surprise you.

Thanks so much hun, glad you’re enjoying them :) Sophie x

jaipur is a big city. jaipur is a pink city. like Amer Fort, Jal Mahal, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Nahargarh Fort, Galta Ji Temple, Jai grah, Hanuman temple , Moti Dugari

Thanks for sharing this much intel about my city. I am also residing in Jaipur

OK,really this is nice blog ,Am enjoying reading this blog. Rajasthan is one of the most desi and traditionally rich India states. Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan . It is pink city. It has more calture but also provides some of the 21st century comforts like shopping malls, bar, clubs etc.

Hi Monika, thanks for reading and your feedback! I also love Jaipur and there is so much to do there! Sophie x

Hey lady! As a solo traveler in India, how are you taking all these pictures? So you use a Tripod or ask other tourists?

Hi Laxmi, it’s a mixture of both. Usually, I use a tripod to take my own photos and you can see some of my top tips on how to do that and what equipment I use in this helpful guide here. But, at some of the attractions in Jaipur, tripods are not permitted (like in the City Palace and Amer Fort), so I either get crafty and balance the camera on my bag or ask a friendly tourist and show them how I want it to be taken first. I also have friends in Jaipur as I used to live there and they help out sometimes. Hope this helps :) have an awesome time! Sophie x

Great blog!! Thanks for providing us this informative blog about Jaipur.Pictures are great and the blog is very easy to read.

Hi Bharat, I’m glad you liked the post and photos! Thanks for reading. Sophie x

Wow. Excellent write-up. Such an exhaustive article. Few other aspects of Jaipur can be mentioned though

Hi Optima, thanks for your feedback on the post! I’m always open for feedback, so please let me know what else I could mention? Thanks, Sophie x

Thanks for sharing this article and you will describe the jaipur information for all palace and hotels. You will also book a taxi for Jaipur sightseeing tour

Hi Alura, thanks for reading. I’m glad you liked the post! Sophie x

Jaipur is indeed a wonderful place to visit. I have been there several times and love to visit again and again.

Hi Rajat, I agree. I absolutely love Jaipur! I have lived there and am sooo tempted to go back once the pandemic is over! Sophie x

How to invite visitors form USA to India? Any assistance in getting a tourist visa?

Hi Umer, as far as I’m aware, US tourists follow the same e-visa tourist process as UK citizens! So, follow this link and then they have to pay for a tourist e-visa! Hope this helps. Sophie x

Hey, Great blog! Absolutely loved it.

Thanks for reading! Glad you enjoyed the post :) Sophie x

I completely agree

I’m glad!

The info you have given is really good and right, I can tell as I am from Jaipur and have visited most of the places myself and doing the tour activity as well. the info about how to choose a place to eat is really helpful for the people who are planning to be in Jaipur. The Hindi word Hello: Namaste

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

How much?: Kit na?

Thank you: Dhanyavad is really helpful full as well. how to choose a place to have experience with elephants, all this info is great. keep it up and keep supporting tourism. I am as well in tourism, you might like my work

Thank you for this! Appreciate it. Sophie x

Great post. From travel tips to journey tips. Amazing Article. Taxi services in Jaipur makes the trip more comfortable.

Thanks, Sophie x

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

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

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

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

Thank you ! Sophie x

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

Thanks so much! Sophie x

@Sophie Pearce,

@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!

Hi Jenny, of course I’ve never said that Jaipur wasn’t safe or easy to travel around. In fact, I’d say Jaipur is one of the safest cities in Rajasthan. But, I think it’s sad if people don’t have travel guides and support the local economy. Unemployment in India is a big threat and it helps the economy and people’s livelihoods. Why does having a guide mean you can’t be in the moment? I’ve always found having a guide is helpful but also unlocks many experiences you may not have as a tourist. As they speak the language and know the area they can unlock doors for you. So, the experience far outweighs the cost. But, you do you! Thanks, Sophie x

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

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

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Where to Stay, Eat, and Play in Jaipur

Bursting with ornate palaces and imposing forts, the city of Jaipur has been a commercial and cultural hub in northern India for centuries. The capital of the noble state of Rajasthan, it is one of the world’s most important craft centers, renowned for its block-printed cottons, metalwork, hand-painted clay pottery, and, most spectacularly, fine jewelry. Known as the Pink City thanks to its profusion of salmon-hued façades (painted for a visit from the Prince of Wales, the future Edward VII, in 1876), Jaipur is a true feast for the senses. As fashion designer Matthew Williamson says, “For any creative person, the colors, aromas, and artisanal work here are a must.”

It’s a magnet for Indians seeking opportunity, too. Between 2000 and 2011, Jaipur’s population shot up more than 25 percent to over three million. “It’s become a big city really quickly,” says Oscar de la Renta Home creative director (and AD contributing style editor) Carolina Irving, who sources embroidery and researches prints there several times a year. “But even with the traffic and madness, it’s still incredibly charming.” And the congestion is being somewhat relieved by a new mass-transit system, unveiled last June. But for all that, “Jaipur has held on to the feeling of old India,” says Raghavendra Rathore, a local fashion and accessories designer. “The hauntingly beautiful sound of the peacocks is one of my most vivid memories as a child, and Jaipur is one of the places where they still roam.”

Peacocks are not the only animals on the loose. Weaving amid the honking traffic of the city center are elephants, monkeys, goats, cows, and camels. It’s dusty and unruly, but there is much beauty in the chaos. “I remember my first visit,” recalls interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard. “It was all so overwhelming until I saw a group of ladies looking pristine and resplendent in pink, green, and gold saris. The intensity of the colors was riveting.”

Historic citadels like the massive Amber Palace , seven miles northeast of Jaipur, and, closer in, the colonnaded Nahargarh Fort are a good reason to venture outside the capital, but royal residences are plentiful in Jaipur’s old town, too—don’t miss the never-ending pink City Palace and the Palace of the Winds , whose latticelike exterior of sandstone and stained glass is one of the area’s most eye-catching icons.

As the city has grown, contem­porary spaces have also made an impact. Most prominent is Charles Correa’s 1993 Jawahar Kala Kendra center, a dynamic arts complex. “The coffeehouse there is a real draw,” says Rachel Bracken-Singh, who with her husband, Pritam Singh, runs the block-print clothing and linens company Anokhi , which has a shop in town. “The staff wear uniforms with sashes and hats, and it’s buzzing with locals.” (Bracken-Singh was instrumental in setting up the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing in a gorgeously refurbished estate a 35-minute drive out of town.)

While there is a lot to be said for the charms of heritage hotels such as the drop-dead luxurious Rambagh Palace and the ornate Samode Haveli , an increasing number of places offer a compelling balance of old and new, notably the recently opened Suján Rajmahal Palace . In the renovated 1729 structure, designer Adil Ahmad contrasts maximalist ornamentation—a riot of bright wall coverings, antique chandeliers—with elegant, clean-lined furniture. A highlight is its in-house restaurant, 51 Shades of Pink, “a most extraordinary concoction of wildly colored pink wallpaper and giant peonies,” Bullard says.

Unlike in many historic cities, the coexistence of old and new in Jaipur is supported by residents, who benefit from both preservation and modernization. Contemporary jewelry is sold alongside jaw-dropping maharaja pieces at the famous Gem Palace , visited by everyone from Jacqueline Onassis to Mick Jagger. At Ridhi Sidhi Textiles , the rainbow of fabrics is transformed into both homespun tents and stylish clothes, while Ayush Kasliwal of AKFD Studio offers his sleek, handcrafted furniture along with other high-design artisanal pieces at Anantaya Decor . Traditional and current also meet in the handsome luggage at Trunks Co. and the updated Nehru styles at Rohit & Abhishek tailors.

The clothes are utterly chic at the multilabeled boutique Hot Pink , established in 2005 by jewelers Marie-Hélène de Taillac and late Gem Palace co-owner Munnu Kasliwal in the gardens of the high-camp 1928 Hotel Narain Niwas Palace. Featured are names like Idli and the eponymous minimalist line of Rajasthan native Rajesh Pratap Singh. Taillac has since stepped down from the shop, but, she says, “I still love spending time at Bar Palladio in the Narain Niwas gardens, which are full of birds and monkeys.” The restaurant—recently smartened up by Marie-Anne Oudejans, the designer behind the fashion brand Tocca— balances bright murals with crisp upholstery and engraved crystalware. “It reinterprets Indian style in a fresh way,” says Carolina Irving, another fan.

India on the whole is a foodie paradise, and Jaipur is no exception. For traditional palace cuisine, head to the Amber Palace’s rooftop restaurant, 1135 AD , which Siddharth Kasliwal, who became co-owner of the Gem Palace after his father’s death, loves for its “stunning views, rooms full of mirrors, and amazing assort­ment of breads.” Even some delectable (and hy-­gienic) street food spots are now must-dos. “ Lassiwala , the kefir stand on M. I. Road, is the best you will ever have,” says designer John Robshaw, who works with Jaipur block printers to create his textiles. Leafy salads made with lettuces from a nearby organic farm are safe and delicious at Anokhi’s in-house Anokhi Cafe . And the restaurant at LMB Hotel is one of the top places to dive into a vegetarian thaal , or sampler plate, of lentils, curried vegetables, and fried dumplings.

For all there is to see and do, a random magical factor exists in Jaipur; sometimes happenstance brings the most remarkable experiences. “The last time I was there, my guide got me into a local wedding,” recounts interior designer Vicente Wolf. “They were touched that I was interested in their customs, so they invited me in. The music, the lights, the clanging gongs, the bride carried in on a litter—it was an unforgettable thrill.”

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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.

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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!

Want to save money on accommodation?

We got you. For reals.

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”.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

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 !

Buy Us a Coffee !

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You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee . If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂

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A Local’s Guide to Jaipur’s Royal Past and Glittering Future

Jaipur, the centuries-old home of rajasthan’s royal family, is beginning to embrace the cutting edge. samir andrea kasliwal, an heir to the 166-year-old gem palace, explains..

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As a ninth-generation heir to Jaipur’s Gem Palace, Samir Andrea Kasliwal is responsible for maintaining ties with the royal family—and with a more contemporary clientele (hi, Oprah).

Photo by Sara Hylton

People are a little confused when they meet me, because I have an Indian name but my accent is Italian. My father is from Jaipur, but I was born in Bologna, where my mother is from. In 2010, I moved to Jaipur. There aren’t many half-Italian half-Indians in India; I think I know all of them by now.

My family’s business, the Gem Palace , is located on Mirza Ismail Road (people here call it M.I. Road), in central Jaipur. Our family has owned the jewelry store for nine generations—and the decor hasn’t changed since it opened in 1852. People are amazed when I show them Jackie Kennedy’s signature in our guest book. But that’s nothing compared to the jewelry we make. Much of it features different motifs that are characteristic of Indian designs: elephants, peacocks, lotus flowers. The gems are the real standouts—everything from 20-carat Colombian emeralds and strands of natural pearls to diamonds from the legendary Golconda mines near Hyderabad.

I spent a lot of my childhood in the store, though I really started adapting to the local culture when I moved here to be more involved in the business. Jaipur is more conservative than Delhi or Mumbai, mainly because of the city’s history as the seat of Rajasthan’s royal family. People here are very attached to traditions and heritage.

But over the past decade, the capital has become much more cosmopolitan. Jaipur International Airport is being renovated and will have direct flights to and from London . Already we have nonstop flights to Dubai and Bangkok . People who visited Jaipur just 10 years ago are shocked to see how rapidly it has transformed into a metropolis with an interesting skyline. There are more cool places now, run by a young creative crowd that’s able to look beyond the borders of India. They’ve had a huge influence on the shopping scene as well as on the food scene, which is improving every day.

Jaipur has always needed more places where people can spend recreational time. This is what restaurants like Baradari and boutiques like Parampara Jaipur are aiming to provide—the restaurant is located on the premises of the City Palace, while the boutique is a gallery-shop that showcases art, fashion, and photography. These are places where, yes, you can shop and eat, but where you’ll also find good music and green space.

The royal family of Jaipur is the most prominent custodian of the cultural, artistic, and architectural heritage of the city, but we’re all—old residents and new—working together to promote the city. I have friends who, whenever they come to Jaipur, change their return ticket once, then twice, because they want to stay longer. And it’s because of the vibe we’ve created. The city is the capital of fun right now.

Where to explore in Jaipur

1. Baradari

“In Hindi, baradari means a pavilion with 12 doors. It’s a fitting name for this restaurant located inside City Palace, which has a series of alcoves with access to a pavilion. The restaurant serves a combination of Indian and Italian food. My absolute favorite starter is the onion and mozzarella kachori , a popular Indian snack with an Italian twist.” Jaleb Chowk, near Gate No. 2, City Palace

A waiter holds a plate of vegetarian fare at Meraaki Kitchen.

2. Meraaki Kitchen

“One of the co-owners was a finalist on India’s MasterChef television show. They serve all vegetarian food. I’m non-veg, but I love this place. The building is unlike anything else you’ll see in India; it looks like a chalet with a pastel color palette and extravagant lighting. Besides the vegetarian sushi, I love the reinterpretations of Indian street food such as the chaki phulka [a type of roti] tacos, and sliders of pani puri [a doughy shell stuffed with potatoes and spices].”

“This beautiful restaurant on top of Amer Fort—a UNESCO World Heritage site —is ideal for a candlelit dinner with friends. There is also a private terrace upstairs with a table for two; from there, you can enjoy a view of Jaigarh Fort, one of the three forts of Jaipur. They specialize in traditional Rajasthani food, and the must-try is the thali , which consists of eight different specialties such as laal maas , a lamb curry, presented in small bowls on a huge silver platter.” Jaleb Chowk, Level 2, near Sheela Mata Temple, Amer Fort

High-end clientele frequent The Gem Palace for its beautiful wares.

4. The Gem Palace

“Our store is a shop, but it’s also a meeting place for friends to come together for our famous espresso, which I bring back from my trips to Italy . On a typical day, I’m either creating designs based on the gemstones I have available or I’m entertaining clients. You never know who’s going to walk in. It could be Kendall Jenner or Oprah or Hillary Clinton.”

5. Parampara Jaipur

“My friend Virginia Borrero de Castro recently opened this clothing and accessories boutique. She’s a Colombian designer who mainly works with handloomed fabrics and embroidered textiles, with the aim of supporting local artisans from India. She stocks the store with her De Castro Moda brand as well as pieces from designers around the world.” Mani Mahal, Panch Batti, M.I. Road

The Jantar Mantar observatory serves as inspiration for Kasliwal’s designs.

6. Jantar Mantar

“I love going to this 18th-century observatory to study the way the light hits the buildings. It’s an extraordinary source of inspiration when I’m working on the cut of a stone and want to maximize light reflection. The geometric shapes of Jantar Mantar find their way into my designs, especially in the jaali filigree work—intricate gold and silver designs—on the back of our jewelry.”

Live like a royal at the Sujan Rajmahal Palace, now a boutique hotel.

7. Suján Rajmahal Palace

“This was a guesthouse belonging to the royal family of Jaipur before it was converted a few years ago into a boutique hotel with just 14 guest rooms. The family still owns the hotel, but now it’s now run by the Suján hospitality group. The terrace is the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon tea in a Wes Anderson–type atmosphere. The use of boiserie—ornate wood paneling—and wallpapers tailor made for the property is extraordinary. And the service is outstanding.” 8. Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum

“The museum, which is part of the City Palace, was founded by the royal family of Jaipur. It has textiles, weapons, ceremonial areas, and private gardens, which are part of the royal residence at City Palace and require a separate ticket. The gardens occupy many acres, with lawns, trees, and long, narrow fountains. Last year, the museum opened a new wing that features paintings by royal court artists as well as photographs, mostly by Maharaja Ram Singh II [nicknamed ‘the photographer prince’], and it’s a true highlight.”

“Andraab specializes in excellent Kashmiri shawls. Every piece is completely handwoven and hand-embroidered by artisans in Kashmir . There’s a story behind every design—the Mughal Love pattern, for example, includes birds in a nod to a 17th-century emperor and naturalist.”

A customizable piece from Trunks Company

10. Trunks Company

“The first time I saw one of their leather trunks, I wanted one. The company makes every sort of trunk you can think of, and they can customize them according to your needs. I ordered a midsize trunk, in black leather with burgundy suede lining, for my watches.” 11. Central Park

“The park borders Rambagh Palace, the former residence of the maharajah. At 5 a.m. each day, the atmosphere is already vibrant: The locals are out doing various physical and recreational activities or meditating. During polo season [beginning in January], teams from all over the world come here to play.” Prithviraj Road and Sawai Mansingh Road

Guests at Dera Amer can walk with elephants, accompanied by a naturalist.

12. Dera Amer

“This camp on the outskirts of Jaipur was founded to support organic farming and forest and elephant conservation. There are also luxury tents on the premises—you could definitely call it glamping. When I stay there, I love joining the bird-watching sessions at 6 a.m., which are personally guided by the owner, Udaijit. There are many bird species in this part of Rajasthan, and he is a true expert. I also enjoy the barbecue they set up in front of the tents, as well as the bonfire in winter.”

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.

City Palace

Jantar mantar, albert hall museum, birla mandir, nahargarh fort, amrapali museum, museum of legacies, jaigarh fort, panna meena ka kund, akshardham temple, 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 .

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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…

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

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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

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Travel Guide to Jaipur, Rajasthan (what is there to see in the Pink City)

One guidebook I glanced at was rather disparaging of Jaipur. Its sights were poorly maintained, it said. The Golden Triangle city’s popularity was due to its accessibility for those wanting to “do” India in a week or 10 days by train or chauffeured car.

However my accommodation was already booked. “Bugger,” I thought to myself, as we touched down at Jaipur International Airport after dark. Somehow, I wanted to prove the writer of that guidebook wrong.

As the cabin crew disarmed doors and cross-checked, I peered out of the windows of the Airbus 320 hoping to see the ships of the desert – camels – passing in the night. I was expecting intense heat, the moist air heavy with exotic spices and wild flowers of the desert.

But what I got after my e-visa was stamped and the officer gave me a head wobble was not the welcome I expected. It was cold. My driver, sporting a dark stripped woolly jumper, just shrugged his shoulders as I noted the low temperature. Even at the antiquated family mansion (haveli) I had to raid other unoccupied rooms for blankets.

The prospect of ten more days in one place seemed like a bad idea.

My mood lifted the following morning, as the sun burned off the gloom and a pot of cinnamon-spiced masala tea was served to my marble-tiled room. With local guide Dilip – whose name means protector – we set off to explore the old city, an even older settlement, and some less-visited outlying quirks of Rajasthan. Talking at speed, without pause, and with mispronunciations and wrongly stressed syllables, I sometimes had trouble keeping up with Dilip’s accented information bursts.

Selected Jaipur tours

Why is Jaipur pink?

As our white Suzuki squeezed through Jaipur’s city gates, he gave me an opportunity to show just how well-prepared I was. “So do you know why it’s called the ‘Pink City’?”

“It’s because of the locally quarried pink stone,” I knew this would impress him.

“No sir,” he corrected me. “Not stone. The buildings in the old city are painted pink. Every four years it is repainted.”

Pink walls of the City Palace

As we parked illegally outside the five-story façade of the picture-perfect Hawa Mahal, I got up close to pyramid-like structure to see if this were true. It seemed to be made from sandstone, but on closer inspection, it was painted with layers of pink paint, the colour of a rare-medium salmon steak.

Over the coming days I encounter varied reasons of why the old city was painted pink. One travel brochure claimed it was to replicate the Mughal red sandstone found throughout the region. Because pink is a welcoming colour and the maharaja wanted to welcome guests, a server at a coffee-house tells me.

A less flattering explanation reckons terracotta paint was used to cover up the poor quality exteriors. It was for the royal visit of the Prince of Wales and Queen Victoria in 1876, confides a host at the Rambagh hotel. ‘Then Lord Albert proclaimed us a ‘Pink’ city,’ she says. Whatever the reason, later I see a work crew painting the walls with calcium oxide paint, making decorative patterns in white lime.

Palace of the Winds

The Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds, is the landmark of Jaipur, an elaborate screen wall of niches with windows. It seems somewhat ironic that the icon of Jaipur that everyone comes to see was designed to allow women of the royal household to observe the bustling market street and festivals in anonymity and without the need to cover their face.

More insight into Jaipur’s regal past is found behind ornamental doorways at the adjoining city palace museum, which features ceremonial halls, a gold thread embroidered skirt, and a frightening display of daggers and blunderbusses.

Jantar Mantar

Beside the palace is a 300-year-old astronomical observatory, the UNESCO World Heritage Jantar Mantar, where 19 huge instruments measure celestial bodies and provide remarkably accurate readings. The ruler behind the observatory and Jaipur itself was Jai Singh, who built the city using Hindu town planning principles of a grid of nine squares.

That sacred geography and geometric orderliness is less evident in the narrow lanes of the old city, a labyrinth of bazaars selling saris, sherbet, resin bangles, marble carvings, rugs, silver jewelry, precious gemstones and spices. Much of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel was shot in and around Jaipur.

 Amer Fortified Citadel

While you could easily spend days exploring the sights and street-life of Jaipur, a majestic wonder awaits on a hillside north of the city, past the Jal Mahal water palace which floats like a mirage on a reservoir of water.

Pre-dating Jaipur, Amer was once the fortified citadel of the princely kingdom up until 1727. Accessible on the back of a decorated elephant, by jeep or an easy 10 minute walk, each successive courtyard contains another fascinating feature, from ornate gateways to water-cooled pleasure palaces to a mirror mosaic chamber which can be lit with a single candle.

Secret Jaipur

Chand Baori (c) Chetan

North of Jaipur is the old artist town of Samode, while south, near the airport at Sanganer, craft villages produce blue-dye pottery, block-printed cotton, and handmade paper. Hidden away a few hour’s east, towards Agra, is the world’s largest stepwell, Chand Baori, with 3,500 symmetrical steps tapering down 13 stories like an Escher drawing – it featured in a Batman movie.

Elephant Festival

Decorated elephant (c) Faraz Usmani

An elephant festival each March is one of Jaipur’s draw cards, with a kite-flying event followed by the Jaipur Literary Festival attracting tens of thousands of domestic and foreign visitors.

ALSO READ: 10 Indian Festivals from Diwali to Vishu

GET THERE:  Jaipur’s international airport (JAI) has flights from Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Singapore, as well as frequent flights from most Indian cities including the capital New Delhi and the other main gateway from Europe and the UK, Mumbai. Train is the good way to go around the Golden Triangle, with a chauffeur-driven car the best option to get to less visited places.

READ ALSO: India by Rail – Delhi, Shimla, Agra and Taj Mahal

VISA:  Getting a tourist visa for India is easy, with an online e-visa easily obtainable for US$50 up to 4 months in advance, giving an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for 30 days in return for answering a long questionnaire and providing a scanned photo.

STAY:  The former residence of the Maharaja, the  Rambagh Palace with its marble latticework, balustrades and manicured gardens is one of the finest heritage hotels in the world. Non-guests can enjoy the Polo Bar, garden lounge or steam train restaurant. Out of town, and spread out as a re-created fort with gardens, pools and fountains, the  Oberoi Rajvilas  is a magical resort with tented rooms and spacious villas.

GETTING AROUND:  A driver hired daily, or a taxi arranged through accommodation is the safest for venturing around Jaipur. Use Uber or Ola apps for shorter trips, or look for the auto-rickshaw drivers earnest for your custom.

TIP:  Try the street food. It is nothing like the Indian food you have had back home. In Jaipur, be sure to sample freshly made onion kachori, the baked wheat ball dal baati churma, or a Rajasthan thali featuring all the local specialties.

READ ALSO: Top 10 street foods of Northern India

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Jaipur vs Jodhpur: Which Rajasthan city should you visit?

Rajasthan’s famed for its maharajas, palaces and tigers, and boasts two of Northern India’s most vivid cities. But should you see Jaipur, the UNESCO-listed pink city, or dusty blue Jodhpur?

Population: 3.8 million

Total area: 484.6 sq km

Famous for: Being the ‘Pink City,’ a city of palaces and the capital of Rajasthan

Population: 1.87 million

Total area: 78.6 sq km

Famous for: Being the ‘Blue City’ and the majestic Mehrangarh Fort

Jal Mahal Palace in Jaipur (Shutterstock)

The capital of courtly drama, Jaipur’s packed with palaces. The pink sandstone façade of Hawa Mahal is a big draw, but Jal Mahal, deserted in Man Sagar Lake, cuts a haunting figure.

Try Amber Fort for city views, or go to City Palace, home to Jaipur’s royals, for its Mughal treasures. One suite is now on Airbnb for $8,000 (£6,208) a night.

Admire the city’s sea of blue-washed homes atop Mehrangarh Fort (pictured), where former royal apartments, such as the gilded ‘pearl palace’ of Moti Mahal, feature walls adorned with plaster and crushed seashells.

Or stay at the Umaid Bhawan palace hotel, styled with Art Deco interiors by a Polish war refugee at the maharaja’s whim.

Kulfi, or ice cream, from Jodhpur (Shutterstock)

Find Jaipur’s flavour within its markets, such as Chandpole, where local artisans sculpt marble live. Looking for Rajasthan’s signature jewellery?

Johari bazaar – near Hawa Mahal – is the obvious choice. Then follow the crowds to LMB sweet shop to try paneer ghewar (honeycomb cake) and the best mithai (sweets) in the state.

For authentic encounters with local vendors, ramble around the bustling Sardar market, located in the old city beneath the Ghanta Ghar, the clock tower of Rajasthan.

Spy exquisite handicrafts, clothes and spices lining the stalls, before quenching your thirst with lassi (yoghurt drink) or kulfi (ice cream).

Thar Desert in Jodhpur (Shutterstock)

Tiger thrills aren’t hard to come by in Jaipur. At the UNESCO-stamped Ranthambore NP, you may come across the striped predators roaming the former royal hunting ground of Jaipur’s maharajas.

In the early morning – and before sunset – you’ll get the chance to spot a host of wildlife along the edges of Padam Talao Lake, famed for its water lilies.

See the blue city transform into a dusty wilderness with a tour into the Thar Desert.

Hang out with Bishnoi tribes and observe their way of life – along with black bucks, blue bulls and desert foxes if you’re lucky. Or for an oasis in the city, go to Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park, and look out for native birds and butterflies.

A temple in Jaipur (Shutterstock)

Centuries-old temples and hundreds of monkeys go hand in hand at Galta. If you can get past the furry fiends (pictured), explore the shrines of Rama, Krishna and the monkey god, Hanuman.

Stop by the Garh Ganesh Temple, too – or view the elephant god’s statue with binoculars from City Palace’s Chandra Mahal.

Swing by Maha Mandir to spy the yoga murals on its 84 supporting pillars, or go to the Chamundaji temple in Mehrangarh Fort, where huge crowds seek goddess Durga’s divine blessing.

Legend has it she helped protect Jodhpur when hundreds of Pakistani bombs fell on the city during the conflict of 1965.

Jaipur and Jodhpur are both colourful gateways into Rajasthan, with fascinating histories and royal spectacles aplenty. Jaipur’s the clear winner if you’re seeking tigers and palaces, but if you want dusty encounters with desert tribes, Jodhpur might be the answer

Discover more of Rajasthan:

7 unbelievable palace hotels in rajasthan, the top things to do in rajasthan, rajasthan trip planner: 4 crowd-free routes.

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24-Hour Traveller Guide in Jaipur

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Jaipur, the city that was initially painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales has now become so closely associated with this colour that it is known as the Pink City. Jaipur’s rich history can be seen in every part of the city, from its distinct architecture to the unique food of Rajasthan. If you have only one day to travel around this magical city, here’s how you can make the most out of your trip.

12 am - Check into the royal Fairmont Jaipur

Check into Fairmont Jaipur  which is conveniently situated near iconic landmarks such as Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal and City Palace. The magnificent hotel will make you feel no less than a Maharaja, with rooms reflecting traditional Rajasthani decor while integrating state-of-the-art amenities that present guests with royal treatment.

5 am - Sky tour around India’s most flamboyant city

Start your day ahead of the sunrise with a hot air balloon tour at Amber Fort, one of the finest examples of a Mughal defensive palace. Experience the views of the forts and palaces nestled in the magnificent golden mountains of the Aravalli Range. If waking up at wee hours is not your style, catch a later tour as it is held again two hours before the sunset.

12 pm - Eat like royalty at Zoya

After that exhilarating experience up in the air, you’re going to want to recharge your batteries before your next adventure of the day. Head back to the hotel to satisfy your cravings at Zoya , an all day dining restaurant offering a large spread of authentic Rajasthani food amidst luxurious interiors. 

2 pm - Visit Chand Baori, the geometrical marvel of Jaipur

With so much to cover, there’s no time to waste. Get dressed in your explorer gear and back on the road. Just a 2-hour drive away lies Chand Baori. Built in the 10th century, this stepwell or baori, could very well be considered a hidden gem of India. It is a deep four-sided structure with 3,500 terraced steps arranged in exquisite symmetry, descending 20 metres from ground level to the bottom of the well.

7 pm - Immerse yourself into Rajasthani culture

Rajasthani folk music has, time and time again, been lauded around the globe for its distinctive style and beauty. At Fairmont Jaipur, guests have the opportunity to bask in Rajasthani music while learning tips on how to hit the perfect note from the maestros themselves. For those who’d like to experience the culture in more ways, you would be happy to know that Fairmont Jaipur offers a variety of workshops, such as bangle making, pottery, and pastry decor for their guests. 

9 pm - Dine like royalty at Zarin

Following a therapeutic session with the local maestros, it's time to go on a gastronomic journey tasting Rajasthan’s most exotic dishes such as dal batti churma, laal maas, mawa kachori, mirchi bada, and more at M.I. Road. If you prefer a dinner spot located within the vicinity, then we recommend you try the Indo-Persian cuisine at Zarin , where Executive Chef Prasad Metrani breathes life into two of oldest influences in India.

10 pm - Have a nightcap at the library bar, Aza

End your night with a good refreshing beverage at Aza , a library bar. Deep leather wing chairs that exude Rajput era royalty, complemented with a fine selection of aged and rare malt whiskies. Delight yourself in the ‘Private whisky collection of the Maharaja’ from a menu that features beverages hard to find elsewhere.

12 am - Call it a night

Breathtaking bird’s eye views at Amber Fort, soothing tones of Rajasthani folk music, and a sumptuous gastronomic journey like none other. Tuck yourself into your luxurious bed knowing that you have spent an unforgettable 24 hours in the dreamlike city of Jaipur.

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A First Timer’s Travel Guide to Visiting Jaipur, Rajasthan

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Headed to Jaipur? This guide will help you get around easily, find the best food, see the best places, and pick out great spots to sleep. Plus, we’ll tell you where to shop for neat stuff to take home. With this comprehensive travel guide to Jaipur, your trip will transform from plans to unforgettable stories.

Let’s know Jaipur firsthand – a city famously dubbed ‘pink,’ but let’s be real—it’s more of a warm, welcoming coral. It’s a hue that’s as unique as the city itself, wrapping around the historic buildings and giving off a glow that makes every corner feel a bit magical.

Jaipur’s got a lot of majestic old buildings that tell stories about kings and queens from way back. And if you’ve seen pictures of those forts and palaces online, they’re actually that amazing in person. The streets here are full of life, always busy with people shopping, bargaining, and hanging out.

The food’s great—it’s a mix of spicy, sweet, tangy, and everything in between. And shopping? You’ll find lots of unique jewelry, colorful textiles, and handcrafted wonders to bring back home.

Let’s get down to earth about Jaipur. Jaipur is a gem that’s not exactly hidden. It’s super popular among tourists (after all it’s a part of a world-class famous Golden Triangle ), and with popularity comes the hustle and bustle. Yes, it gets dusty; yes, it gets crowded. It’s just because everyone wants to see how great it is, just like you. It claims a top spot on any traveler’s must-visit list for India .

You’ll find lots of action on the streets, with rickshaws zooming by and market sellers shouting about their stuff. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll meet a sly fox or two—those con artists with a trick up their sleeve.

But that’s the deal when you visit a place that’s bursting with life. Navigating through the world’s most beloved cities often comes with its own set of challenges, doesn’t it?

Don’t let that deter you. It’s all part of the experience here. It’s what makes Jaipur, well, Jaipur. Keep your eyes open and your senses sharp. Your street smarts are your best companion, and with a sprinkle of caution, you’re golden.

Remember, every little encounter, even the ones that make you roll your eyes, is part of the authentic Jaipur tale. It’s the city’s heartbeat, sometimes skipping a beat with the unexpected, but always, always inviting you to dance along.

So yeah, Jaipur’s ready for you! Are you?

Jaipur Travel Guide: Things to Know Before Planning a Trip to Jaipur

Where is Jaipur

Jaipur is the vibrant capital of Rajasthan , located in the heart of northern India , not far from the national capital, Delhi , renowned for its rich history and majestic architecture.

How Many Days in Jaipur

As a first-timer, to really see Jaipur’s main spots and enjoy what the city has to offer, plan for at least two to three days .

That way, you can visit the forts, palaces, and museums without rushing and still have time to wander through the markets and try some tasty local food.

If you’ve got a few extra days, you can even check out the nearby villages and attractions.

Best Time to Visit Jaipur

The best time to visit Jaipur is the winter season which lasts from October to February .

December and January are my favorite months to travel to Jaipur or any other city in Rajasthan because that’s when the weather is near perfect which makes it easier to explore the city.

January is a particularly desirable month to visit Jaipur because the month witnesses the famous festivals – the Jaipur Literature Festival and the International Kite Festival .

However, it’s also a time when the royal city sees the highest number of tourists, and thus, hotel and tour prices skyrocket so you must plan well in advance.

How to Get to Jaipur

Jaipur is well-connected to all the major Indian cities by air, road, and rail. Jaipur International Airport (Sanganer Airport) operates flights to and from almost all the cities in India and a few in the world.

The majority of foreign travelers choose New Delhi as their starting point for a trip to India and take a road trip to Jaipur.

The pink city is about 300 km from the capital city of Delhi and the entire journey takes a little over 5 hours to complete via NH48.

Jaipur Bus Stand (Sindhi Camp Bus Station) is an interstate bus terminal that provides bus service to cities located in other states in India.

The popular bus routes are from Delhi, Ahmedabad, Pushkar, Ajmer, Bharatpur, Udaipur, Agra, Mathura, Lucknow, and Gwalior .

Jaipur Junction is the main railway station in Jaipur. It runs trains to and from a good number of cities within Rajasthan and all across India.

Palace on Wheels starts in Delhi and takes you through all the tourist destinations in Rajasthan (Bharatpur, Chittaurgarh, Jaipur, Udaipur , Jaisalmer , Jodhpur , and Sawai Madhopur) along with Agra.

It is by far the most luxurious and easiest way to see the major sites of the Golden Triangle in the least amount of time.

How to Get Around Jaipur

Traveling within the pink city is not as difficult as it seems. The traffic, of course, is chaotic but with a handy public transportation network.

Jaipur City Transport Services Limited runs Jaipur Low Floor Buses that include AC as well as non-AC buses. With over 30 routes, It’s an easy and one of the most widely used means of transport in Jaipur.

Hiring a taxi is super convenient but a bit expensive. There are many local service providers that offer affordable taxi services.

Rajputana Tour and Travels , Jaipur City Cab , and Dream Cab Jaipur are some of the best. Ola and Uber are also available in Jaipur.

Also, auto-rickshaws or tuk-tuks are available everywhere. They are ideal for short distances.

And for travelers who don’t have time to figure out how to get around, guided tours are the way to go.  Get Your Guide  and  Viator  offer a ton of amazing private and group tours .

Where to Stay in Jaipur

Jaipur, being one of the most popular destinations in India among foreigners, is brimming with amazing accommodation options.

Given a lot of choices, it might be overwhelming for you to decide where to stay in Jaipur. Here are some of the finest hotels in Jaipur for you!

For an authentic experience, it’s recommended to stay in one of the best heritage hotels in Jaipur. Heritage hotels are the properties that originally were the kilas (forts), mahals (palaces), and Havelis (mansions) of the erstwhile royal families of India and thus, hold great historical and cultural significance.

They not only offer a glimpse into a bygone era but also let you experience royalty.

Bani Park is one of the best areas to stay in Jaipur owing to its proximity to all the sights and attractions.

MI Road (Mirza Ismail Road) and Amer Fort Road are also popular neighborhoods to stay in Jaipur.

Best Budget Hotels in Jaipur

Shahpura House Sajjan Niwas Dera Rawatsar Heritage Hotel Hotel Bissau Palace Umaid Bhawan Jaipur Haveli Pearl Palace Heritage Boutique Hotel Hotel Pearl Palace Hotel Rajasthan Palace

Best Mid-Range Hotels in Jaipur

Royal Heritage Haveli Hotel Diggi Palace Alsisar Haveli Chokhi Dhani Ethnic Village Resort Raj Rajeshwari Haveli The Umaid Vilas Royal Heritage Haveli The Jai Bagh Palace

Best Luxury Hotels in Jaipur

The Raj Palace ITC Rajputana Rambagh Palace Devi Ratn-IHCL SeleQtions The Oberoi Rajvilas Jaipur Rajmahal Palace RAAS  Jai Mahal Palace

What and Where to Eat in Jaipur

Jaipur is heaven when it comes to food. A foodie in you will thank you for bringing her here 🙂 Here’s our lowdown on what and where to eat in Jaipur!

Lassi (sweet or salty) at Lassiwala Pyaaz kachori , Mawa Kachori , and Ghewar at Rawat Mishthan Bhandar Aloo Kachori at Sampat Namkeen Bhandar Doodh Ke Laddu at Bhagat Mishthan Bhandar Aloo ki Tikki at Rahul Chat Bhandar Pakoras at Jagannath Pakoriwala Samosa at Shankar Samosa and Samrat Restaurant Golgappas at Gopal Patasi Wala (Mathura Wale Lala Ji) Masala Chai at Gulab Ji Chai Wale , Sahu Tea Stall , and Tapri Central Rajasthani Thali at Chokhi Dhani Village Resort Laal Maas at Handi Restaurant Omelet at Sanjay Omelette Doodh Jalebi at Bombay Mishthan Bhandar (BMB) Malai Kulfi at Pandit Kulfi Meetha Paan at Annu Mobile Paan Bhandar Pav Bhaji at Pandit Pav Bhaji Sabudana ki Khicdi and Sabudana Dahi Vada at Falahaar Fini at Sambhar Fini Wala Kulfi Faluda at Indian Ice Cream & Kulfi Faluda Daal Chila and Dahi Vada at Masala Chowk and Kalkatta Chaat Bhandar Bejad ki Roti with Aloo Pyaz Paneer ki Sabji at Mahaveer Rabadi Bhandar Kanji Vada at Shree Ram Chat Bhandar Old Shop Nutella Cheesecake at Ombré

Other Best Cafes and Restaurants in Jaipur are:

The Verandah Padao Restaurant Ta Blu Suvarna Mahal La Palma Sky Beach Surya Mahal Restaurant Peacock Restaurant Hawk View Restaurant & Bar Townsend Bar & Kitchen Shikaar Bagh Restaurant The Palace Cafe Restaurant Jaipur Baking Company Bar Palladio Nibs Cafe & Chocolataria Nothing Before Coffee The Tattoo Cafe & Lounge Wind View Cafe Tapri – The Tea House JaiPour Cafe & Bar Anokhi Cafe On the House Cafe LazyMojo Zolocrust Replay Gaming Lounge & Cafe

You can choose from one of the many food tours in Jaipur to enjoy the mouth-watering local food.

Read Later: Food Guide to Bikaner

What and Where to Shop in Jaipur

Jaipur is one of the best shopping destinations in India. With colorful bazaars brimming with fine textiles, unique jewelery, and handcrafted items, shopping here offers an authentic slice of Rajasthani and Indian culture .

Here’s where you can hunt for treasures and what you should keep an eye out for:

Traditional Jaipuri Jewellery from Johri Bazar Lacquer Bangles from Maniharon ka Rasta in Tripolia Bazaar Marble Artifacts from Chandpole Bazar Wooden Artifacts from Kishanpole Bazar Rajasthani Mojris from Bapu Bazar and Nehru Bazar Jaipuri Razai , Rajasthani Umbrellas , and Rajasthani Puppets from Sireh Deori Gate Traditional Handicrafts from Rajasthali and Jaipur Pink By Sunita Jain Block Printed Textiles from Anokhi Blue Pottery from Kripal Kumbh , Jaipur Blue Pottery Art Centre , and Neerja International Inc

What to See and Do in Jaipur

Jaipur is teeming with lively places to explore and unique experiences, much like it teems with bustling crowds and vibrant energy.

You’ve got to see the colossal Amer Fort with its grand walls on the hills. Nearby, the geometric beauty of Panna Meena ka Kund awaits, a stepwell that’s as beautiful and historic as it can be.

For the best city views, head up to Nahargarh Fort . Jaigarh Fort is also a must for its mighty vibe. Take a peaceful break by the water at Jal Mahal .

Gawk at the Hawa Mahal , and of course, take endless photographs of the iconic honey-combed facade, and then check out the royal City Palace . Jantar Mantar is full of giant astro tools that are really old and cool.

The Albert Hall Museum shows off all sorts of neat stuff from Jaipur’s history. Gaitore ki Chhatriyan is where you find tombs of kings with amazing carvings. Jawahar Circle is a fun park to chill, and Patrika Gate is a rainbow walkway you’ve got to see.

If you’ve got a thing for colorful doors and windows , like me, Jaipur is your kind of city—It’s like wandering through a rainbow where every door and window pops with bright and happy shades.

For a little quiet, visit the Galta Temple or the beautiful gardens at Sissodia Rani ka Bagh . And for a taste of local fun, Chokhi Dhani’s got it all—food, dances, and more.

In the evening, catch the light and sound show at Amber Palace —it’s pretty awesome.

For an alternative experience, check out the Anokhi Museum’s hand-printed textiles, play with elephants at Elefantastic , or feel winter at Snow Planet . Spot leopards on a Jhalana Safari Park drive.

And if you’ve got a day to spare, go to the stepwell at Chand Baori or the spooky ruins of Bhangarh Fort .

And truly, you can’t capture the essence of Jaipur without indulging in its delicious local cuisine, where every bite tells a story of tradition and flavor.

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