The Ultimate City Travel Guide for the Pink City
Jaipur is one of the popular tourist destinations in India. One of the first planned cities in India, Jaipur is now the capital of Rajasthan. This showcases a blend of cultural heritage and modern living. The glorious buildings that line Jaipur’s wide street, are painted in pink color. Therefore, Jaipur is also known as “The Pink City”.
Jaipur is a flamboyant state known for its grandeur. It is also called the City of Palaces, Forts, and Vibrant Culture. This majestic land will take you back to the royal era of Rajputanas. From gigantic forts to magnificent palaces and colorful markets, there are many best places to explore in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
If you plan a trip to Jaipur, we have brought your Jaipur Travel Guide to explore the city in its true colors. While going through this guide, you will see there are plenty of things to explore and experience in the city. Jaipur is one of the most populous cities in India. It brims over the grandeur and beauty. It is a perfect holiday destination ideal for a week or weekend trip.
Let’s look at the major attractions you can explore during your Jaipur tour.
Best Places to See in Jaipur
Our Jaipur tour guide highlights the best attractions of Jaipur. Most popular Jaipur tour packages include these famous tourist places:
Amer Fort
Amer Fort is one of the prime tourist destinations in Jaipur which is situated up on the hills in Amer Town approx. 11 km away from Jaipur city. This is famous for its intricate architecture. Amer Fort is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built with red and yellow sandstones and marble, this gigantic fort gives a panoramic view of the Amer city and Maota Lake.
You can enjoy an elephant ride to the fort. However, while walking up the Amer Fort, you will experience awesome views and get to see hawkers selling jewelry and art pieces. You can binge on street delicacies on the way like Chana Chat, Papad, and Soda drinks.
The ticket costs INR 250 for foreign travelers and INR 50 for Indian tourists. However, a composite ticket is also available that includes various sightseeing attractions at Rs. 150. The fort has four courtyards, gardens, halls, and palaces. The main entrance courtyard is known as Jaleb Chowk. The fort has main attractions like Sheesh Mahal, Siladevi Temple, Diwan-e-Aam, and Diwan-e-Khas. In the evening, sound and light show to showcase the history with special effects. Either spend 3-4 hours exploring the fort or wait till evening to watch the light and sound show.
Jaigarh Fort
Another top tourist place to visit in Jaipur is Jaigarh Fort. It is located in the “Hils of Eagles” built by Sawan Jai Singh II. This fort is situated 500 feet above sea level from where you get to see the panoramic view of the Amer Fort and Lush Surroundings. Jaigarh Fort was built to protect the Amer Fort hence, it is known as the strongest monument in Jaipur. Therefore, it worked as a storehouse for war armor, cannons, weapons, and ammunition.
One of the major attractions of the fort is the “Jaivana Cannon”—the world’s largest cannon on wheels. Other attractions in the fort are museums, temples, etc. Walk around the red sandstone fort and imagine the life of the era of Rajput Kings.
Nahargarh Fort
It is one of the must-visit forts in Jaipur. The breathtaking panoramic view of the city from this fort will spellbind you. A lot of movies like Rang De Basanti were shot in Nahargarh Fort. Like the Jaigarh fort, this was also built for the protection of the royal residence of Rajput warriors, Amer Palace.
When you are on a family tour to Jaipur, this is the place you must visit. In 1734, Maharaja Sawai Singh II constructed this fort as a recreation and retreat palace for kings and queens. The fort attracts tourists around the world for its fascinating Indo-European architecture and glorious history.
One thing that you should never miss after visiting Nahargarh Fort is witnessing the sunset. By far Nahargarh Fort is the best Sunset View Point in Jaipur. While having a panoramic view of the city, pointing the west, where exactly the sun sets. You will see a mesmerizing sunset experience from this fort.
Jal Mahal
One of the enthralling places in Jaipur that seems unreal is Jal Mahal. With its picture-perfect view, it enthralls tourists from all over the world. Jal Mahal lies right in the middle of the “Man Sagar Lake”. Like many other monuments, the Jal Mahal is also built using red sandstone. It is a five-storied building and the best part is that 4 out of 5 floors are submerged and only one floor is visible.
The terrace of Jal Mahal is full of flowers making it look like it is still inhabited. However, the Jal Mahal in Jaipur is not inhabited. Also, the gondola ride to the palace is stopped a few years ago. The beautiful pathways encircling the area provide a breathtaking view of the palace. Besides, you get the opportunity to indulge in street shopping there. Local photographers help you capture your moments there wearing traditional attires of Rajasthan. Stay a little late and experience nature’s charm.
Hawa Mahal
Built in 1799 by Maharaj Sawai Pratap Singh, Hawa Mahal is one of the popular monuments in Jaipur. It is famous for its unique facade adorned with 953 small windows, called Jharokhas. The design of the monument resembles the crown of the lord Krishna. The windows are intricately designed with latticework. This was designed for the royal ladies to see and enjoy the royal processions and the market activities without being visible to others from the street.
Hawa Mahal is one of the prominent landmarks and major tourist attractions in Jaipur, located in the heart of the city. It is a five-storied building. The first floor is named Sharad Mandir and the second floor is named Ratan Mandir. The three other floors above are named Vichitra Mandir, Hawa Mandir, and Prakash Mandir respectively.
This is also known as the “Palace of Winds” which is located amidst the vibrant market of the Jaipur city. You will see a wide street market where small shops for Rajasthani clothes, jewelry, handicrafts, and shoes are located. After exploring Hawa Mahal, indulge yourself in street shopping and relish Rajasthani cuisine.
Jantar Mantar
Built in the 18th Century by Maharaja Jai Singh II, Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory. It is one of the top tourist attractions of Jaipur. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest among the five others of its kind in Northern India. With large stone calculating instruments, the Jantar Mantar was built to study time and space. These instruments combine with striking geometrical forms to view celestial bodies with the naked eye.
This fascinating observatory has been attracting architects, mathematicians, and historians since the beginning because of its accuracy. If you too want to experience planetary observations, visit Jantar Mantar at noon, the readings of the instruments are accurate when the Sun is overhead.
City Palace of Jaipur
During your Jaipur tour, you must visit the City Palace of Jaipur. This is located in the heart of the old city. It is spread over a series of courtyards that also comprises royal buildings, gardens, and cenotaphs. It was the residence of the royal family built by Maharaj Sawai Jai Singh II. You will be amazed to know that the family of the last ruling king still resides in the private section of the palace.
Mubarak Mahal, Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum, Maharani’s Palace, Chandra Mahal, and Bhaggi Khana are the major attractions of the palace. Here you will also witness the unique collection of royal costumes, the preserved paintings of rulers, and Rajputana weapons dated back to the 15th century. The ticket price for Indian nationals for City Palace of Jaipur starts at Rs. 300.
These are the best places to explore during your Jaipur tour with family or friends. When you roam in the lanes of Jaipur city, you experience the opulent lives of royal Rajput kings by exploring Forts, Havelis, and Gardens.
Beyond the top tourist attractions of Jaipur, you can indulge in street shopping and relish Rajasthani cuisine. Apart from that there are plenty of recreational activities and amazing things to do in the city of Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Let’s see the best things to do during your holiday trip to Jaipur.
Best Activities and Top Things to Do in Jaipur
Our Jaipur travel guide takes you through the amazing activities to experience during your trip. Here is a list of the best things to do in Jaipur for the most exhilarating trip ever.
Chokhi Dhani
Witness the Rajputana’s culture in its most traditional way at Chokhi Dhani. It is the best restaurant on the village-theme based located on the outskirts of Jaipur. This is designed to bring forth the rural culture of Rajasthan. It is a must-visit when you are on a Jaipur trip with family or a friend group. You will get a distinct experience of Rajasthani rural culture.
The hut-shaped infrastructure with mud walls painted with mandala art and Lanterns illuminated in the evening, gives a complete village vibe. You will have meals in the most traditional style like sitting on a mat on the ground. Experiencing this will take you to a different era of the 15th century of Rajputana emperors.
You will get to watch cultural programs and folk shows in Chokhi Dhani while relishing traditional Rajasthani cuisine. There are many shops too to help you pick the best souvenir. Besides, you get some outdoor activities to enjoy like Camel safaris and boat rides in the beautiful village lake—Tal Taliya.
Street Shopping at Johri Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar
Your trip to Jaipur is incomplete without indulging yourself in shopping in the bustling market of Jaipur City. Jaipur is world-famous for its vibrant markets. You will see shops in a line in the wide streets of the city. All the shops are painted in pink color, giving the town its name—The Pink City.
While exploring the famous Johri Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar, you see the shops showcasing beautiful traditional attires, handicrafts, royal jewelry, expensive & inexpensive gems, and traditional shoes. Where Johri Bazaar is a paradise for jewelry lovers, Bapu Bazaar is famous for buying anything Rajasthani. This attracts tourists from all over the world. From Bandhani Dupatta to mosari (traditional footwear), lehariya sarees, puppets, and artificial jewelry, everything is available in Bapu Bazaar.
Both markets are famous for their street delicacies as well. So, don’t forget to binge on traditional snacks and sweets of Rajasthan.
Raj Mandir Cinema
When in Jaipur, you should not miss to experience watching a film in Raj Mandir Cinema. Not only in India, but it is the largest single-screen cinema hall in Asia. It is renowned for its architectural grandeur with a capacity of 1500 people sitting at a time. With its intricate craftsmanship, stunning designs, and state-of-the-art facilities, Raj Mandir attracts both cinephiles and people who admire architectural excellence. This largest theatre will give a lifetime experience for sure.
Hot Air Balloon
Imagine watching the forts, palaces, and havelis from the sky. Isn’t it fascinating? Well, you can experience this in reality with a hot air balloon. Jaipur has now introduced many adventurous activities to offer an unparalleled experience to tourists. One of its kind is the Hot Air Balloon. This activity is conducted from various locations in the city like Amer Fort, Jal Mahal, Shiv Vilas, and Delhi-Jaipur Road. However, the location keeps changing depending on the weather conditions. On average, the Hot Air Balloon for an adult can cost Rs. 7500 and Rs. 6000 for a child. The travel time will take approx. 1 hour. However, the complete process from taking off to inflating the balloon can take up to 3 hours.
Jhalana Leopard Safari
Gear up on Jhalana Leopard Safari in Jaipur to make your Jaipur tour more exhilarating and adventurous. This is Indi’s first leopard reserve with currently having more than 40 leopards. This safari offers you a unique wildlife safari experience of witnessing leopards in their natural habitat. This safari provides a thrilling experience to the tourists because trained guides navigate through the routes which increases the chances of spotting leopards. If you are a wildlife enthusiast or just want to make your trip more adventurous, experience Jhalana Leopard Safari.
Powered Paragliding in Jaipur
Experience the paragliding in Jaipur from the height of 700 feet. This is one of the best ways to experience an unparalleled birds-eye view of the Forts, Palaces, Havelis, and Aravali ranges of Jaipur. The popular location where you can experience this adventurous activity is Bagru, Jaipur. This is a must-activity to do in Jaipur for a thrilling experience.
Fun Activities in Puno—Adventure and Trampoline
Puno in Jaipur is a trampoline park where adventure awaits you. This is the ultimate adventure destination for an adrenaline rush. The park features the perfect activities for kids and adults including Sky Rider, Human Gyro, Rope Course, Battle Beam, Donut slide, and many others. Gear up for the ultimate adventures and enjoy with your family, kids, and friends in Puno Jaipur.
Jaipur Wax Museum
Do you want to click pictures with celebrities? Head over to Jaipur Wax Museum. Within a short period, it has gained recognition for its international standards. Since the museum is located in Nahargarh Fort, it is also known as Nahargah Wax Museum. Here you will find the life-like statues of many celebrities and famous personalities including Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Sachin Tendulkar, and others.
From the buzzing streets of Jaipur to the royal palaces and forts, Jaipur is more than a travel destination. Our Jaipur travel guide takes you to all the major places that are must-visit and adventurous activities that make your trip memorable.
The Best Time to Plan a Trip to Jaipur
Each season is different and beautiful in its own way. Jaipur reveals its vibrant colors throughout the year. Hence, the best time to plan your trip to Jaipur is whenever you feel so.
However, the summer months from April to August are considered the hottest months of the year. Due to high temperatures, these are not the ideal months to explore Jaipur. Afternoons are not feasible for sightseeing during summer. However, budget travelers still plan their Jaipur tour to get maximum discounts on hotels and Jaipur tour packages.
During monsoon—July to September, Jaipur experiences peak rains with temperature ranges between 25-32°C. The days may be humid but the evenings are pleasant during the season.
The best time to visit Jaipur is during the winter season—October to March. The temperature usually ranges between 11 to 25°C. This makes your vacation pleasant.
How to Reach Jaipur, Rajasthan
Located in the heart of Rajasthan, Jaipur serves as the state capital and boasts excellent connectivity to major cities across India. Thanks to its strategic proximity to the National Capital Region, Jaipur is easily accessible by air, road, and rail, making it a convenient destination for travelers.
The city has its own Railway Station and Airport. Hence, getting here is not an issue. You can even drive your car or book a taxi to reach Jaipur.
Here are the different transportation modes you can prefer to reach to Jaipur—The Pink City:
By Air
Jaipur's nearest airport is Sanganer Airport. There is only one terminal—Terminal 2 that serves domestic and international flights. Domestic flights connect Jaipur to major Indian cities, while international airlines have flights for some major international locations. Jaipur International Airport is approx. 13 km away from the City Centre. Taxis and cabs are available for hire to reach the city.
By Road
One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to reach Jaipur is by bus. A range of roadways and buses is available from nearby cities like Ajmer, Kota, Agra, and Alwar. Even distant cities like Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Udaipur have direct buses linked to Jaipur. The Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation provides Volvo and deluxe buses between Jaipur and major Indian cities making traveling feasible for tourists.
By Train
Jaipur has its Railway Station, which is well-connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Patna, Jodhpur, Kolkata, Ludhiana, Lucknow, Hyderabad, and many others. The ticket price for sleeper coaches is also very reasonable.
