Rajasthan
Jaipur Travel Guide
The Pink City of forts, palaces and bustling bazaars.
- Best months Oct–Mar
- Ideal trip length 2–3 days
Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is the Pink City, a planned walled city of palaces, bazaars and hilltop forts. It is the corner of the Delhi-Agra-Jaipur Golden Triangle and a base for exploring Rajasthan. The walled city and the nearby Amer Fort and Jantar Mantar are UNESCO World Heritage listings. Plan two to three days.
Best time to visit
Recommended
October to March is the best season, with sunny days and cool evenings. January brings the Jaipur Literature Festival, which fills hotels. April to June is extremely hot, and the monsoon from July to September is humid but turns the surrounding hills green.
How to reach
Jaipur International Airport (JAI) has flights from Delhi, Mumbai and many other Indian cities, plus some international routes. It is a short drive from the city centre.
Jaipur Junction is on the main line from Delhi, with frequent day and overnight trains, and also links Jaipur to Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Udaipur and Jodhpur.
A national highway connects Jaipur to Delhi in roughly five to six hours, and Agra, Ajmer and Pushkar are reachable by road. Buses and taxis run throughout the day.
Where to stay
The Old City and the area near MI Road put you close to the bazaars and the main sights. C-Scheme and Bani Park have many mid-range hotels and heritage guesthouses, and the outskirts and the road to Amer have palace-style resorts for a longer stay.
Top things to see and do
- 1
Amer Fort
A hilltop fort-palace of red sandstone and marble above Maota Lake, part of the Hill Forts of Rajasthan UNESCO listing.
- 2
City Palace
The royal complex in the heart of the old city, with courtyards, museums and a working royal residence.
- 3
Hawa Mahal
The honeycomb façade of the Palace of Winds, best photographed from across the street in the morning.
- 4
Jantar Mantar
An 18th-century astronomical observatory with large stone instruments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- 5
Nahargarh Fort
A fort on the Aravalli ridge with sunset views across the city.
- 6
Johari and Bapu Bazaars
Markets for jewellery, block-printed textiles, mojari shoes and handicrafts.
Food to try
Try dal baati churma, pyaaz kachori, ghewar during festival seasons, laal maas for meat-eaters, and lassi served in clay cups.
Travel tips
- Start with Amer Fort early in the morning to beat the heat and the crowds.
- Bargain politely in the bazaars, and compare prices before buying gems or jewellery.
- A combined ticket may be available for several monuments; check at the first one you visit.
- Auto-rickshaws and cabs are easy to find; use metered or app-based options to avoid disputes.
Frequently asked questions
How many days are enough for Jaipur?
Two days cover Amer Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar. Add a third day for Nahargarh, shopping or a day trip to Pushkar or Ranthambore.
Why is Jaipur called the Pink City?
The old city's buildings are painted in a terracotta pink, a colour traditionally associated with hospitality, and the practice dates back to the 19th century.
Is Jaipur good for shopping?
Yes. It is known for jewellery, block prints, leather mojari and handicrafts. Visit established shops, and agree prices before you buy.
Official sources
- Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism)
- Rajasthan Tourism
- UNESCO World Heritage List
- Archaeological Survey of India
- Indian Railways
Timings, fees, permits, closures and transport change often. Please confirm current details with the official sources above before you travel.