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There was a faint chill in the air, yet the sun was blazing brightly, when we landed in Jaipur on a December morning. As our taxi made its way into the heart of the pink city, our minds were filled with anticipation of the regal magic and historical trails that awaited us on this 3-day trip.
We passed through chunks of modern residential areas, with the pink buildings nowhere in sight. Our taxi driver clarified that we’ll get to witness the real splendor of Jaipur only in the older parts of the city.
Quickly after checking into the hotel, we freshened up and set out to explore the royal tapestry of this world-famous capital city of Rajasthan. Now, allow me to take you through our entire Jaipur itinerary, including the best places to visit, shopping hotspots, foods to try, and a lot more. Let’s begin with the best parts?
Contents
Top 3 Highlights Of Our Jaipur Trip
# Light & sound show at Amer Fort
One of the most mesmerizing parts about Jaipur is the awe-inspiring light & sound show at Amer Fort. I remember getting goosebumps when the magnanimous fort got lit up in golden lights, as a compelling audio narrated its intriguing history. Soulful music playing in the background added to the surreal experience.
# Rooftop view of Hawa Mahal & Jaipur
We had decided to have breakfast at Tattoo Cafe to get a good glimpse and picture of the Hawa Mahal. But when we went up to their rooftop cafe area, I gasped looking at the stunning view of the city, strategically guarded by the Aravalli mountains. The sight of the exquisite pink palace standing against the rugged hills, which are further embellished with massive forts, will remain etched in my memory forever.
# Finding traditional Rajasthani souvenirs
While shopping in Jaipur, we came across such stunning pieces of jewelry and ethnic outfits that we ended up buying more than what we had planned. While the Johari Bazar offers tons of affordable souvenirs, it was the City Palace’s crafts store that turned out to be a shopper’s paradise. Here, we purchased meenakari jhumkas created by an award-winning artist, fragrant itar (made of natural essential oils), and a lovely kurta featuring hand block prints of elephants.
15 Best Places To Visit In Jaipur
1. City Palace
From an exquisite blue room, to a golden room, and a room filled with mirror-studded walls, the opulence and grandeur of Jaipur’s City Palace can make your jaws drop! A part of it still serves as a residence for the last ruling royal family of Jaipur, while the rest of the palace is open for guests.
Opt for the insightful 3-hour guided tour to understand the history of the palace, which ends with a puppet show and refreshments at one of the terraces of the palace.
Timings: 9:30 am to 5 pm & 7 pm to 10 pm
Entry fee: INR 3000 for Indians & INR 4000 for foreigners for complete tour of the palace (includes guide)
Time needed to explore: 3 hours
Location: Google Maps
Did You Know?
City Palace is also home to the revered Govind Dev Ji Temple that is believed to have been constructed by Lord Krishna’s great grandson.
2. Amber Palace/Amer Fort
Amer Fort is among the most spectacular places to visit in Jaipur. Featured in multiple Bollywood movies including Jodha Akbar and Hum Saath Saath Hain, this fort makes for a visual treat. Its ornamental gates, palaces and golden yellow facade shine bright against the Kalikho Hills. The evening light & sound show manifolds the beauty of Amer Fort amidst the darkness of the night.
Timings: 8 AM – 8 PM (Entry closes at 5:30 PM); Light & Sound Show: 7:30 PM (for english) & 8 PM (for hindi)
Entry fee: INR 100 for Indians, INR 500 for foreigners; INR 20 for Indian student & INR 150 for foreign students
Time needed to explore: 2-3 hours
Location: Google Maps
TWT Tip: While exploring the fort, stop at Diwan-e-Khaas for a while to check out the gorgeous views from the jharokhas (windows). You will be able to see the scenic Maota Lake & the bottom overlooking the Kalikho Hills.
3. Jal Mahal
With four levels submerged in the center of Mann Sagar Lake, Jal Mahal is an architectural marvel in Jaipur that can’t be missed. Also known as the Water Palace, it is surrounded by hilly landscapes and ducks flowing in the water, making for a picturesque stop on your way to Amer Fort. However, you can only watch it from the banks, as entry inside Jal Mahal is restricted for the public.
Timings: All day
Time needed to explore: 20 minutes
Location: Google Maps
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Did You Know?
The lime mortar and stone walls of the palace have been designed in such a way that it has been blocking numerous amounts of water for centuries.
4. Johari Bazaar
Johari Bazaar is one of the main markets of Jaipur that’s on every tourist’s itinerary. This is where you’ll find tons of traditional pink sandstone buildings. The busy streets of Johari Bazaar are lined by a variety of stores that sell silver jewelry, pottery, Rajasthani handicrafts, textiles and juttis. So, it’s not just recommended for shopping, but also for its unique vibe and colorful lanes.
Time needed to explore: 1 hour
Location: Google Maps
TWT Tip: Visit Johari Bazaar in the morning or around sunset when the weather gets pleasant. Exploring the market in the midday can get quite difficult, owing to the hot weather of Jaipur.
5. Hawa Mahal
Right in the centre of Johari Bazaar is Hawa Mahal, an intricately-carved palace that features an array of Rajasthani-style domed jharokhas (windows) with distinct lattices. These make the facade appear like a honeycomb and enable amazing ventilation for the residents.
Did You Know?
Interestingly, Hawa Mahal was built for the royal women so that they could watch the Johari Bazaar from behind the windows. The 5-storey structure leans at an angle of 87 degrees!
Timings: 9 am to 6:30 pm
Entry fee: INR 50 for Indians & INR 200 for foreigners
Time needed to explore: 20 minutes
Location: Google Maps
6. Albert Hall Museum
Albert Hall Museum is worth a visit for not just its interesting exhibits, but also for its splendid Indo-Saracenic architecture. Also called Government Central Museum, it was designed by British architect Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob and its foundation stone was laid by then Prince of Wales Albert Edward in 1876.
You will find a huge variety of historical artefacts that were used in Jaipur once upon a time. These include coins, jewelry, sculptures, lacquer works, and an Egyptian mummy.
Timings: 9 am to 8 pm
Entry fee: INR 50 for Indians & INR 300 for foreigners
Time needed to explore: 1 hour
Location: Google Maps
Planning a Jaipur trip? Book your stay at one of the top hotels in Jaipur!
7. Nahargarh Fort
Constructed to protect Jaipur from invaders, Nahargarh Fort offers a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the city. One of the highlights of the fort is the Madhavendra Bhavan, which was used as a summer residence by the royal family of Jaipur.
The two-storey palace features intricate fresco paintings and arish work, which add to its charm.
Don’t miss the sculpture park inside the fort during your visit. For the locals, it has become a picnic spot & quick getaway destination in recent years.
Timings: 10 am to 9:30 pm
Entry fee: INR 50 for Indians & INR 200 for foreigners; INR 5 for Indian students & INR 25 for foreign students
Time needed to explore: 1-2 hours
Location: Google Maps
8. Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the world’s largest and oldest observatories. It houses 19 astronomical instruments through which you can witness astronomical positions with your naked eyes. It can be quite fascinating to visit this monument and see how the Rajputs built such innovative instruments back in the 18th century.
Timings: 9 am to 6:30 pm
Entry fee: INR 50 for Indians & INR 200 for foreigners
Time needed to explore: 1 hour
Location: Google Maps
9. Anokhi Museum Of Hand Printing
If you’re a design and craft enthusiast, Anokhi Museum Of Hand Printing is a must-visit. Set up in a beautifully-restored heritage haveli, the museum displays various collections featuring the traditional technique of hand block printing.
However, the best part is the live demonstrations in which their skilled artisans display how hand block printing is done using blocks dipped in natural colors. You can also try your hand at the art if you’re interested.
Timings: 10:30 am to 5 pm (Tuesday to Saturday); 11 am to 4:30 pm (Sunday); Closed on Mondays
Entry fee: Free
Time needed to explore: 1-2 hours
Location: Google Maps
10. Panna Meena Ka Kund
This is a gorgeous hidden gem situated behind Amer Fort that once served as the primary source of water for the people living here. If you enter the fort from the back gate after passing through the villages, you will stumble upon this ancient step well on the way. With symmetrical staircases that form a beautiful juxtaposition of carvings, it’s a place perfect for photography as well as some quiet time.
Timings: Sunrise to sunset
Entry fee: Free
Time needed to explore: 15-20 minutes
Location: Google Maps
11. Jaigarh Fort
Jaigarh Fort is actually visible from Amer Fort and interestingly, it was constructed to protect the latter. There are underground passages that connect the two forts. Its massive watchtowers and walls are worth witnessing to understand how their defence system worked back then. Don’t miss the surreal views of Amer’s hill-laden vistas when you visit.
Timings: 9:30 am to 5 pm
Entry fee: INR 150 for Indians & INR 200 for foreigners
Time needed to explore: 1 hour
Location: Google Maps
12. Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh
Why should a garden be a must-visit spot for tourists, you ask? Well, Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh goes beyond being a mere garden. It houses an exquisite palace, murals and pavilions that boast Rajput craftsmanship. The water fountains placed between lush green lawns, lined by floral beds, further enhances the multi-layered garden’s beauty.
Timings: 8 am to 5 pm
Entry fee: INR 50 for Indians & INR 200 for foreigners
Time needed to explore: 30 minutes
Location: Google Maps
Did You Know?
Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh as a royal retreat for his second queen.
13. Amrapali Museum
Amrapali Museum is a stunning visual treat for jewelry connoisseurs, as it houses exquisitely-crafted silver & gold jewelry from many regions of India. Spread across two floors, the museum also displays heirloom textiles that are studded with silver and gold.
Timings: 11 am to 6 pm (Monday to Saturday)
Entry fee: INR 600
Time needed to explore: 1 hour
Location: Google Maps
14. Jagat Shiromani Temple
Featuring ornate carvings similar to ancient South Indian temples, Jagat Shiromani Temple is a must-visit for its architectural splendor. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple was built in the 16th century by maharaja Man Singh’s wife Queen Shringar Devi Kanakawat for her late son.
Made with white marble and black stone, the temple is adorned with grand carvings of elephants, horses and other mythological characters.
Timings: 6 am to 8 pm
Entry fee: Free
Time needed to explore: 30 minutes
Location: Google Maps
15. Museum Of Meenakari Heritage
A relatively new place in the rich canvas of Jaipur, Museum Of Meenakari Heritage offers a glimpse into how the painstaking art of meenakari (enameling in jewelry) evolved from the Renaissance period to 16th century India. Launched by heritage jeweler Sunita Shekhawat, the museum is a must-visit for anyone who takes interest in art and jewelry craftsmanship. However, you will need to reserve your tour in advance.
Timings: 11 am to 6 pm (Monday to Saturday)
Entry fee: Free
Time needed to explore: 1 hour
Location: Google Maps
Places to visit near Jaipur:
- Sambhar Lake
- Chittorgarh Fort
- Sanganer
- Bagru
- Udaipur
- Ajmer
- Jodhpur
- Alwar
- Pushkar
- Ranthambore National Park
- Sariska Tiger Reserve
Top 10 Things To Do In Jaipur
- Enjoy Rajasthani folk performances and puppet shows.
Folk dances, songs and puppet shows are an ingrained part of Rajasthan. They display a unique cultural side that is indigenous to the state. Visit places like Jawahar Kala Kendra Center and City Palace to watch some vibrant and soulful performances.
- Go on a tuk-tuk ride.
Besides the usual taxis, buses and autos, Jaipur offers a distinct mode of transport — electric tuk tuk. These are 3-wheeled battery-operated vehicles that are fully open from all sides, allowing a complete 360 degree view of the city during your ride. Just reach the Johari Bazar area, get on a Tuk tuk and chug your way through the bylanes of the pink city to soak in the real charm of the place.
- Indulge in Jaipur’s traditional cuisine.
From Kachori to Ghevar and Ker Sangri to Dal Baati Churma, Jaipur’s authentic flavors can’t be missed when you’re here. Try some street specialties, indulge in the sweet shops and have a grand Rajasthani thali at one of the popular restaurants.
- Shop for stunning silver jewelry, jootis and vibrant local textiles.
It’s no secret that Jaipur is one of the shopping capitals of India for its traditional textiles, jewelry and jootis. I have picked up some of my most stunning silver jhumkas from Johari Bazar and meenakari jhumkas from City Palace’s handicrafts store. You will also find juttis, beautiful leheriya dupattas and outfits with handblock prints at the boutiques. If you wish to take home some fine jewelry, visit Amrapali and The Gem Palace.
TWT Tip: I personally don’t recommend the juttis from the bazaar, even though they cost as low as INR 150. This is because whenever I tried wearing the pair I bought, my feet and legs hurt badly.
- Explore historical stories & Rajput architecture at the ancient forts and palaces.
A Jaipur trip is incomplete without visiting the magnificent palaces and forts. Be it the City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort or the Nahargarh Fort, all the monuments provide a glimpse into the intricacies of Rajput architectural styles. Plus, if you can get a local guide to accompany you like we did, you will get to understand the rich history of the city, which is an important part of any Jaipur experience.
- Get regal photographs.
How can photography not be a part of your trip when you’re amidst such majestic architectural sights? Bring your cameras out and try some creative shots of the pink buildings, vibrant shopping lanes and palaces that embellish the city.
TWT Tip: Hawa Mahal is situated on a narrow lane that’s covered with buildings on both sides. Thus, getting satisfying pictures of the palace from the front angle becomes quite difficult. Go inside the Tattoo Cafe (located on the opposite side) for a quick breakfast or coffee and get yourself some beautiful shots with the palace in your background.
- Explore ancient artifacts at the museums.
Jaipur is home to spectacular museums such as Albert Hall Museum, Amrapali Museum, Sculpture Park, and Museum Of Gem & Jewellery. Here, you will find interesting ancient artifacts, jewelry, and artworks that are worth gaping at.
- Learn the art of hand-block printing.
Handblock printing is an ancient technique that uses design blocks dipped in natural dyes to print patterns on fabrics. It can be fascinating to learn or simply watch master craftsmen create these beautiful prints at the Anokhi Museum Of Hand Printing.
- Go for a hot air balloon ride.
Wish to get a bird’s eye view of Jaipur’s magnificent landscapes? Try a hot air balloon ride to sway in the skies of the pink city, as you pass by the palaces and Aravalli mountains beneath you.
- Watch leopards at Jhalana Leopard Reserve.
The Jhalana Leopard Reserve was assigned as recently as 2017. It is home to 40+ leopards that live amidst dense forests with a huge variety of flora and fauna, including hyenas, deers and foxes. Go on a safari and if you’re lucky, you will get to sight some of these wild animals. It costs INR 834 for Indians & INR 1239 for foreigners.
Must-Try Eateries In Jaipur
The pink city is home to a huge variety of eateries that serve a range of cuisine — from traditional Rajasthani delicacies to global dishes. Here are some of the most loved eateries of Jaipur:
For traditional Rajasthani & Indian cuisine
- Sri Moturam Prasadam
- The Rajput Room
- Raj Mahal
- Surya Mahal
- Chokhi Dhani
- Suvarna Mahal
- Handi
- 1135 AD
- Once Upon A Time
- Cinnamon
Top-rated for modern dining
- Zolocrust
- Quyu’s Taproom
- Stepout Jaipur
- Bar Palladio
- Jaipur Pavillion
Street Specialties & Sweet Shops
- Chawla’s And Nand’s
- Rawat Mishtan Bhandar
- Laxmi Mishtan Bhandar
- Masala Chowk
Where Can You Stay In Jaipur?
If you wish to experience the opulent lifestyle of Jaipur’s royals, then a stay at a heritage haveli or palace hotel is recommended. However, Jaipur also offers modern hotels and boutique stays to suit all kinds of budgets. We stayed at Sarovar Portico, which offered all the modern comforts and amenities at an affordable price.
Here are some of the top-rated accommodations in Jaipur:
Top Luxury Stays:
- ITC Rajputana
- Leela Palace
- Rambagh Palace
- Raffles
- Jai Mahal Palace
- The Oberoi Rajvilas
- Samode Haveli
- Rajmahal Palace RAAS Jaipur
- Devi Ratn
- Taj Amer
- Fairmont
Budget & mid-range stays:
Best Time To Visit Jaipur
August to February is the best time to visit Jaipur, just as the rainy season ends and the weather starts to become more pleasant. Owing to Jaipur’s sultry climate, summer is not the ideal time for tourists to explore Jaipur.
However, if you’re on a budget trip, you might want to choose Summer time over Winter. This is because prices of hotels drop drastically during the low tourist season and rise during the colder months.
How To Reach Jaipur & Commute Within The City?
Jaipur has an international airport as well as railway stations with good connectivity from most major cities of India. You can also consider traveling by bus and alight at any of the stops close to your stay.
For commuting within the city, you have the option of tuk-tuk, metro, auto, taxi (Uber & Ola) and buses. We highly recommend the tuk-tuk to soak in the vibe of the city fully.
Where Can You Exchange Foreign Currency In Jaipur?
If you’re a foreign tourist planning to visit Jaipur, you can exchange your foreign currency at any money exchange store in major areas like Johari bazar, Vaishali Nagar or Malviya Nagar.
You can also do it online on platforms such as Thomas Cook for doorstep delivery as well as pick up from their designated offices.
3-Day Itinerary Of Jaipur
Day 1
- Have breakfast at Tattoo Cafe & from their terrace, get some stunning pictures with the Hawa Mahal’s backdrop.
- Next, begin your journey to Amer and stop at Jal Mahal on the way.
- Explore the Nahargarh Fort & Anokhi Museum after that.
- Then check out the Jaigarh Fort, Jagat Shiromani Temple & Panna Meena Ka Kund.
- Right before sunset, visit the magnificent Amer Fort, complete its tour and then head to the Maota Lake at the bottom for the spectacular light & sound show in the evening.
Day 2
- Start your day with a 3-hour guided tour of the City Palace.
- Next, visit Jantar Mantar.
- Post lunch, explore Albert Hall Museum, Amrapali Museum & Museum Of Meenakari Heritage.
- In the evening, go to Johari Bazaar and buy some local souvenirs from the famous market.
- Conclude your day with piping hot Kachori at Rawat Mishtan Bhandar.
Day 3
- Go for a thrilling wildlife safari at Jhalana Leopard Reserve.
- For lunch, have a lavish Rajasthani thali at any of the famous restaurants.
- Late in the afternoon, visit Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh to spend some quiet time.
- End your trip by watching Rajasthani folk performances at Jawahar Kala Kendra.
TWT Experience Summary Of Jaipur
Jaipur’s rich tapestry is filled with opulent palaces, imposing forts, heritage museums and stunning temples that capture the heart of a tourist forever.
Interestingly, nature blends in seamlessly with the regal spots, as the city is surrounded by the Aravalli mountains — making for a picturesque sight from rooftops. The distinct culinary experiences and vibrant shopping streets further adds to the memories of Jaipur.
Honestly, three days are not enough to explore the many gems this city is home to. But if you’re short of time, some of the absolute must-visit places are Amer Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Johari Bazar, Jagat Shiromani Temple, Jawahar Kala Kendra and Panna Meena Ka Kund.
For art and jewelry enthusiasts, Anokhi Museum, Albert Hall Museum, Amrapali Museum, Museum Of Gem & Jewellery, and Museum Of Meenakari Heritage can’t be skipped. Jhalana Leopard Reserve will turn out to be a haven for wildlife lovers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jaipur
- What is the best time to plan a budget trip to Jaipur?
March to June is the ideal time for an affordable Jaipur trip. The prices of hotel rooms drop significantly during the summer season, owing to the scorching heat of the region. Also, it’s advisable to book your stay 2-3 months in advance to get the best prices.
- What is Jaipur famous for?
Jaipur is famous for its royal forts, stunning palaces, vibrant shopping markets and its rich history that has been a witness to the valor of Rajput kings. Jaipur is also renowned as the pink city for its clusters of sandstone buildings that feature an earthy pink color.
- What could be the cost of a Jaipur trip?
A Jaipur trip can be both affordable and expensive, depending on where you choose to stay and dine, and how you prefer to commute. You can easily do a 2-3 day Jaipur trip within INR 15,000-20,000, if you choose budget stays like and have most of your meals in street joints and sweet shops. For commuting, metro, bus and tuk tuk are the most affordable transport options.
However, your Jaipur trip cost can go over INR 50,000-1,00,000, if you book your stay at mid-range/luxury hotels and dine at expensive restaurants.
- What are the top places to visit in Jaipur in one day?
If you have just one day in Jaipur, you must start with a visit to the Hawa Mahal and Johari Bazar, followed by a City Palace tour. Post lunch, go to Amer to explore Jaigarh Fort, Anokhi Museum and Panna Meena Ka Kund. In the evening, visit the magnificent Amer Fort and end your day by watching the magical light & sound show at the fort. Don’t forget to stop at Jal Mahal on your way to Amer.
- Are two days sufficient for a Jaipur trip?
Jaipur has over 15 important and interesting places to visit that would be hard to cover in two days. However, you can still make the most of a 2-day Jaipur trip by planning your itinerary strategically and visiting the places that you’re most interested to explore. You can follow our day 1 and day 2 itinerary, if you have just two days and skip the places mentioned in day 3.
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