Things to Do in Jaipur, Rajasthan
A short, practical guide to Jaipur in Rajasthan: what is worth your time, how long it takes, and when to go.
Why Jaipur is worth the stop
Jaipur is the easiest introduction to Rajasthan: a planned eighteenth-century city with its palaces, bazaars and forts inside a compact area you can cover on foot and by auto.
Things to do in Jaipur
- Amber Fort - go at opening time; the mirrored Sheesh Mahal is the highlight.
- City Palace - still partly a royal residence, with a strong textile and weapons collection.
- Hawa Mahal - best photographed from the cafe rooftops across the street.
- Jantar Mantar - astronomical instruments that still keep accurate local time.
- Johari and Bapu Bazaar - block-printed textiles, lac bangles and juttis.
A sensible one-day plan
- Sunrise at Amber Fort before the tour buses.
- Late morning at Panna Meena ka Kund stepwell nearby.
- Lunch in the old city, then City Palace and Jantar Mantar.
- Sunset from Nahargarh Fort over the whole pink grid.
Getting around
Autos are everywhere and app cabs work reliably. The walled city is best walked; agree auto fares in advance or use the meter on the app.
What to eat here
Dal baati churma, pyaaz kachori at the old city sweet shops, and laal maas if you eat meat and can handle Mathania chilli.
When to come
The comfortable window is November to February. Avoid May and June unless you handle heat or heavy rain well. Nearest airport: Jaipur International Airport (JAI). A mid-range day in Jaipur, covering a room, food and local transport, runs about 3,500 to 6,000 rupees.
One thing most visitors miss
The city was painted pink in 1876 to welcome the Prince of Wales, and a local ordinance still requires old-city facades to keep the colour.
Common questions
Is two days enough for Jaipur?
Two full days covers the forts, the palace and the bazaars without rushing. A third day lets you add Abhaneri stepwell or Bhangarh.
Is Jaipur walkable?
The walled city is, and that is the best way to see it. The forts need transport.