The capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur, offers an insight into India's royal heritage. The bustling and bumbling city brings together a unique mix of the old and the new that attracts thousands of visitors each year. In recent years, attempts have been made by the state government to boost Jaipur tourism and one visit to the city will be enough to show you that these efforts have worked. Jaipur’s handicrafts, jewellery, and designs will turn you into a shopaholic on the spot and its interesting mix of savouries and sweets, from Kachoris to Ghewar, will transform you into a foodie. Amidst all of this, stand the eye-catching sandstone monuments that promise a trip into history, the Amber Fort being the fairest of them all.
We've put together the perfect Jaipur itinerary for you, which will take you through the city's iconic monuments, after you've had your fill of the markets and eateries.
Getting to Jaipur and Around
Jaipur is well connected to all the major cities via air and rail route. Jaipur International Airport is located about 7-10 kms away from the main city. Jaipur is easily accessible by Rajasthan tourism's inter-city buses as well. Taxis are available on hire from Jaipur and hiring them on a daily basis is a viable option to move to and fro with ease when in the city.
Start the first day of your Jaipur itinerary with a classic pyaz kachori and lassi breakfast. Then check off some of the city's most iconic landmarks off your list. The city is a delightful extravaganza of forts and palaces that speak about the massive opulence and grandeur of the rulers that once established this place. Hawa Mahal, Jaipur City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and Jal Mahal are a few attractions of Jaipur that can be covered on your first day. End your day with indulging in some retail therapy.
Constructed out of red and pink sandstone, Hawa Mahal is a unique example of Rajputana architecture that sits on the edge of the City Palace. Constructed by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799, the palace has been built akin to the honeycomb of a beehive. It uses jharokhas or windows that let air circulate throughout the palace all through the day, keeping it cool and airy even during peak summers. One of Jaipur's main attractions, it is situated close to the City Palace and visiting this marvel is one of the most sought-after things to do in Jaipur.
Entry fee: ₹50 per person
Timings: 9am to 5pm
Tip: The prime entry for Hawa Mahal has been closed and it is now only accessible from a small alleyway around the back. There are no official signboards to guide you, so you will have to rely on help from locals in the marketplace.
The City Palace in Jaipur was once the seat of royals, who ruled the region from here. It is a vast complex that includes several buildings, courtyards, and gardens. The architecture is a fusion of Indian, Mughal, Rajput and even European styles and you can see the grandeur in every nook and corner of the palace. This is also built in red and pink sandstone. The decorated gateways add elegance and magnificence to the structure. The palace is one of the most important on the list of things to do in Jaipur.
Entry fee: There are separate entry fees for visiting the courtyards, museums, and the queen's chambers, which are ₹100, ₹130, and around ₹1,000 respectively
Timings: 9.30am to 5pm
Tip: Do not miss the Mubarak Mahal, which is a museum within the complex, dedicated to royal textiles.
The Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is a collection of 19 architectural astronomical instruments built in 1734 by the Rajputana king Sawai Jai Singh II. It features the world's largest stone sundial and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monument is a work of art and science. The instruments here allow the observation of astronomical positions with the naked eye. It is truly a wonder to experience
Entry fee: ₹50 per person
Timings: 9am to 4.30pm
Tip: Visit the place in the evening just before it closes to avoid getting a heatstroke in the afternoon. It takes about 35-40 minutes to view the whole place.
In the evening head to Bapu Bazar for your fix of shopping. You will find handicrafts, accessories, clothes, and even jewellery here for very reasonable prices. Make sure to bargain, however, because since Jaipur has become a popular tourist place, shopkeepers will quote a higher price for their items.
Entry fee: Free
Timings: 11am to 9pm
Tip: Look out for camel leather handbags and juttis. You will get them here for dirt cheap prices.
One of the only monuments in Jaipur that remains open after sunset, Jal Mahal is a sight to behold. Come here post your dinner and spend some time admiring the night lights. Built in the middle of Man Sagar Lake by Sawai Jai Singh II, Jal Mahal showcases Rajputana architecture on a grand scale. It is a five-storied building with four stories beneath the water! It is lit up beautifully at night that makes the lake come alive as well.
Entry fee: Free
Timings: 12 noon to 10.30pm
Tip: Do try the street food available outside the mahal to invigorate your senses.
Begin Day 2 of your Jaipur with another sumptuous breakfast of aaloo puri and lassi at the oldest Lassi-wala on MI Road. Then proceed to visiting the iconic Amer and Nahargarh forts.
If you go through the official Jaipur Tourism website, you will find Amer fort listed as one of the top most attractions in Jaipur, despite the fact that the fort is situated about 11km outside the city borders. The 16th century fort was built by a trusted general of Akbar, and is carved out of red sandstone and marble. The architecture is a blend of Rajput, Hindu, and Mughal styles, giving this fort a unique look. Start off your morning by visiting this fort so that you avoid the afternoon rush and rising heat.
Entry fee: ₹50 per person; If you want to attend the light and sound show, the chargers are ₹200 per person
Timings: 8am to 5.30pm; 6.30pm to 9.15pm
Tip: Visit early in the morning or late at night to get the best views and avoid the scorching heat.
Located on the other end of the city from Amer, Nahargarh Fort is also perched on top of a hill. These two forts along with the Jaigarh fort formed a fortress that protected the city of Jaipur from outside attackers. Nahargarh overlooks a lake and offers some of the most beautiful views of the city. There's a wax museum and sheesh mahal situated the entrance of the fort and both are worth a visit.
Entry fee: ₹50 per person
Timings: 10am to 5.30pm
Tip: Visit Jaipur in the winter months and spend a full day picnicking at Nahargarh.
The oldest museum in the state, Albert Hall Museum functions as the state museum of Rajasthan. A good example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, the museum has a rich collection of artefacts, including paintings, carpets, ivory, stone, metal sculptures, and works in crystal. It provides a real insight into the history of Rajasthan.
Entry fees: ₹40 per person
Timings: 9am to 5pm; 7-10pm
Tip: Visit the museum at night when the crowd is relatively lesser and the lighting makes the surroundings apt for great photo ops.
Reserve the third day of your visit to Jaipur for an excursion out of the city. Head out to Bhangarh, one of the most haunted places in the country, in the morning. Fall back later in the day and spend your evening shopping at another famous market in Jaipur – Johari Bazaar.
Located at a distance of about 85km from Jaipur, Bhangarh is a deserted village that is famously known for the Fort located within its premises. It is believed that the 17th century fort is haunted and there are several legends going around as to who could be the spirit. According to a notice put up by the Archaeological Survey of India, no one is allowed inside the premises of the fort at night.
Entry fee: ₹25 per person
Timing: 6am to 6pm
Tip: Leave for Bhangarh early in the morning after breakfast so that you can make it back in time for spending a relaxed evening before catching your train/flight back home.
As the name suggests, Johari Bazar is a marketplace that showcases work from several craftsmen and artisans, especially those selling jewellery. On the main road itself you will find many silversmiths. If you plan on buying traditional Kundan and Polki jewellery, this is the place to be. Traditional tie and dye fabrics and textiles are also available here.
Entry fee: Free
Timings: 10am to 11pm
Tip: Bargaining is the key here. Although since its jewellery, there will be a certain cap on the prices, many sellers will quote an initial price much higher than the actual value of the item.
Best Places To Stay In Jaipur
Luxury: The Oberoi Rajvilas, Taj Rambagh Palace, ITC Rajputana
Mid-Range: Trident Jaipur, Royal Heritage Haveli, Umaid Bhawan
Budget: Pearl Palace Heritage, Nahargarh Haveli Hotel, Krishna Palace
Hostels: Zostel Jaipur, Moustache Jaipur, Joey's Hostel
Homestays: Bhola Bhawan Bed & Breakfast, Pratap Bhawan Homestay,
Best places to eat in Jaipur
1. Kota Kachori: For the onion kachoris
2. Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar: For authentic Rajasthani food
3. Handi Restaurant: For laal maas and Rajasthani thali (both veg and non-veg)
4. Peacock Rooftop Restaurant: For romantic dinners and dates
5. Original Lassiwala (Kishan Lal Govind Narian Agarwal, since 1944): For the best tasting sweet lassi you'll ever find.
6. Kanha Sweets: For the best mithais in all of Jaipur
Jaipur can cast a magic spell on you if you love to explore magnificent monuments and appreciate the grandeur of palaces! Bustling with commotion, the streets of the city are always full of energy. Jaipur offers an extravaganza of food that is a bliss just like the local people out here!
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