Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, was planned in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and painted pink in 1876 to welcome the Prince of Wales. Today its walled city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the gateway to Rajasthan.
Top Sights
Amber (Amer) Fort
Sandstone and marble palace on a hill above Maota Lake. Do not miss the Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace). Go early – by 8 a.m. – to beat crowds and heat. The evening light-and-sound show is worth staying for.
Jaigarh and Nahargarh Forts
Jaigarh houses the Jaivana cannon; Nahargarh offers the best sunset view over the city.
Hawa Mahal
The 953-window "Palace of Winds". Photograph it from the cafés opposite, then go inside for the view down the street.
City Palace and Jantar Mantar
The royal family still lives in part of the City Palace. Next door, Jantar Mantar – another UNESCO site – has the world's largest stone sundial.
Albert Hall Museum and Patrika Gate
The museum is beautifully lit at night; Patrika Gate is the city's most colourful photo stop.
Composite Ticket
A composite ticket from the Rajasthan tourism department covers several monuments (Amber, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Albert Hall, Nahargarh and more) for two days – usually cheaper if you visit three or more. Check current prices on Rajasthan Tourism.
Shopping
Johari Bazaar (jewellery), Bapu Bazaar (textiles, mojaris), Tripolia (lac bangles) and block-printed fabrics from Sanganer and Bagru.
Food
Dal baati churma, ghewar, pyaaz kachori at Rawat, lassi at Lassiwala on MI Road, and a Rajasthani thali at Chokhi Dhani's village-style complex.
2-Day Itinerary
- Day 1: Amber Fort, Panna Meena ka Kund, Jal Mahal; afternoon City Palace and Jantar Mantar; Hawa Mahal and bazaars at dusk.
- Day 2: Jaigarh and Nahargarh, Patrika Gate, Albert Hall; evening at Chokhi Dhani.
Best Time
October to March. Summers (April–June) are very hot.
Getting There
Jaipur has an international airport and is about 4.5 hours from Delhi by road or Shatabdi/Vande Bharat trains – which is why it is part of the Golden Triangle.
Jaipur Tours
See all Rajasthan tours:
- Jaipur & Udaipur – Pink City to City of Lakes, 4 Nights / 5 Days
- Rajasthan Heritage Circuit – Jaipur, Jodhpur & Udaipur, 5 Nights / 6 Days
- Royal Rajasthan – Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur & Jaisalmer, 7 Nights / 8 Days
- Jaipur Udaipur Tour Package With Ajmer
- Golden Triangle Tour India
Related reading: Rajasthan 7-day itinerary · Udaipur travel guide · Best time to visit Rajasthan
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days are enough for Jaipur?
Two full days covers the main sights; three lets you add Abhaneri or Sambhar.
What is the best time to visit Amber Fort?
Opening time in the morning, before tour buses and heat arrive.
Is the composite ticket worth it?
Yes, if you plan to visit three or more of the included monuments.
Is Jaipur safe for solo women?
Generally yes. Use registered cabs at night and dress modestly in old-city areas.
Make the journey your own.
Explore itineraries inspired by the places in this guide.
Explore tour packages
