If I were to choose one city that truly captures and distills the essence of India, it would be Jaipur. It's got all the hallmarks of an Indian city - hustle and bustle, jostling shoulders with cows and elephants, and life rambunctiously lived on every corner. But it's also steeped in rich history and heritage, thanks to its regal legacy. In fact it's one of the few cities still with a royal family, though the title is largely ceremonial these days.
Sweepingly painted salmon pink in 1876 to herald the arrival of the Prince of Wales, India's "Pink City" is one of its most beautiful. Regal architecture abounds, with a staggering number of palaces and forts, and countless examples of Rajput era design to explore. In fact the city is a paradise for design lovers, hosting a plethora of beautiful dining spaces, character-filled boutique hotels, and palatial luxury resorts.
I've visited Jaipur a number of times now, discovering and capturing more of the city with every visit. As such, I've put together my own little black book of favourite experiences. From the can't-miss sights, to hidden cocktail bars, read on for my ultimate list of the best things to do in Jaipur.
JAIPUR 101
When to visit Jaipur: Winter is generally considered the best time to visit Jaipur, due to the cooler temperatures. October to March is therefore peak season in Jaipur. However with plenty of hotel availability and sights to explore, even the busiest months don't feel too rammed. I've visited in November and February, and though both were busy, it wasn't unbearably so. Summer can be too hot for exploring, and brings with it the monsoon months.
How to get to Jaipur: Jaipur has an international airport, connecting with countries like Thailand, UAE, and Vietnam. There are also plenty of direct domestic flights to other major Indian cities. At time of writing you can't fly direct from the UK to Jaipur, so you'll most likely have to connect via Delhi or Mumbai. Trains are largely the best way to get around the country, and you can take a train from Delhi to Jaipur (or Agra, if you're heading to the Taj Mahal first). Read my blog post on tips for travelling in India for the full low down on train travel in India.
Getting around Jaipur: Travelling around Indian cities used to involve a lot of haggling with Tuk Tuk drivers, however the introduction of ride hailing apps has made the process a whole lot smoother for tourists. You can use Uber or Ola to get around most cities in India. With fixed rates, and being able to set your destination, it's been a game changer. A lot of the main sights in Jaipur are also fairly walkable - just bring sensible walking shoes!
What to wear in Jaipur: Generally for hot destinations like India you're best off with loose, floaty clothing in breathable fabrics like linen. Women in India dress fairly modestly, so to avoid unwanted attention I recommend higher cut necklines, and dresses/skirts below the knee. A shawl or pashmina is a great packing staple too, to pop over your shoulders for temples and anywhere else with a dress code. For the men, pack a shirt and trousers for any religious sites and you should be fine. And comfortable flat sandals are a must!
The Best Things to do in Jaipur
01. The City Palace
If you see one sight in Jaipur, it should probably be this. Jaipur's City Palace Museum is one of the most awe-inspiring places to discover traditional Indian interiors and immerse yourself in the city's regal heritage. The 18th century complex hosts a number of gallery rooms displaying royal artefacts, however I personally think the biggest draw is the interiors themselves.
Highlights include the Pritam Niwas courtyard, with four elaborately painted doorways reflecting the four seasons, Chhavi Niwas (pictured), a hall with dramatically painted ceiling and walls in intricate blue and white floral motifs, and Sri Niwas, with floor to ceiling mirror detailing.
A general ticket gives you access to the grounds, however I'd recommend booking a tour ticket, complete with a personal guide, to access the more spectacular interior rooms. At 5000 rupees for foreign visitors for the full Royal Tour (£42 at time of writing), it's a fairly hefty fee, but they're easily the best bits.
02. Amber Fort and Palace
Of all the things to do in Jaipur, the Amer Fort and Palace (also known as Amber Fort) is possibly my very favourite. Technically, it's just outside Jaipur in the neighbouring town of Amer, but it's still a key sight on any Jaipur itinerary. The 16th century complex sits commandingly atop a hilltop, a dramatic sandstone fortress towering over the relatively humble town below. Inside is a maze of rooms and gardens, boasting intricately carved alcoves, dazzling mirrored rooms, and plenty of photo opps throughout. Regarding the latter, you may find yourself jostling for space with countless wedding photo shoots - but gawping at their elaborate outfits is all part of the experience!
There's little information available once inside the complex, so if you're looking for a more in-depth understanding you can hire one of the official guides at the entrance.
There are a couple of dining options on site - Indian cafe chain Cafe Coffee Day for a post-visit cold drink, or opulent restaurant 1135AD for a dining experience worthy of royalty. Note: Elephant rides are offered to tourists to get to the top of the fort, however I urge you to avoid encouraging this ethically dubious practice.
03. Stay in a Heritage Property
Jaipur's rich regal heritage isn't limited to its sightseeing. The city boasts a vast number of beautiful historic properties in which to immerse yourself in Rajasthani culture. In particular, look out for Havelis, which are beautiful traditional houses and palaces with a focus on craftsmanship and design.
For lovers of boutique stays with character, you're truly spoilt for choice. Bathed in swathes of red, Villa Palladio is a stay that should be on every aesthetes bucket list. For a traditional Haveli experience, Alsisar Haveli (pictured) is one of my favourite Jaipur stays. And for luxury worthy of a Maharaja, you're spoilt for choice. There's Leela Palace, an Indian institution with one of their most spectacular properties in Jaipur. The imposing Art Deco Fairmont Jaipur is another hotel I've got my eye on, which some seriously photogenic interiors.
I've included my full shortlist of Jaipur hotels for all price points below:
Budget Jaipur Hotels
- Anuraag Villa: A budget-friendly stay in a quiet yet convenient part of town. Space is ample, and there's a lovely downstairs cafe that does excellent cold coffees.
- Raghunath Haveli: A lovely boutique stay providing an authentic Haveli (an Indian traditional mansion) experience at budget prices.
- Pearl Palace: This maximalist stay gives the opulent City Palace a serious run for it's money, without breaking the bank.
- Shree Nikunj: A cosy homestay experience for those who would prefer a peaceful retreat away from central Jaipur.
Mid Range Jaipur Hotels
- Alsisar Haveli: A mid-range option set in a beautiful heritage Haveli , with ornate interiors and a tranquil pool.
- Hotel Narain Niwas Palace: Rajasthan's rich design legacy is on full show at this elegantly decorated property with plenty of old world charm.
Luxury Jaipur Hotels
- Leela Palace Jaipur: Experience Indian hospitality like a Maharaja at this regal palace hotel just outside town.
- Rambagh Palace: In case you hadn't yet gotten the memo, palace living is Jaipur's thing, and Rambagh Palace is one of the city's most iconic addresses.
- The Oberoi Rajvilas: Oberoi are a bit of a bucket list stay for me, and their Jaipur property is no exception. The fort style building sits in vast grounds on the outskirts of Jaipur, a remote respite from the city.
- Rajmahal Palace RAAS: Bathed in swathes of pastels, Rajmahal is one of the city's prettiest luxury stays.
- Fairmont Jaipur: Art Deco opulence on the edge of town inspired by the architecture of the grand Mughal palaces.
Read More: My Jaipur Travel Guide
04. Sunset at Nahargarh Fort
The more you travel around Rajasthan, the more you realise the Maharajas of old really loved a fortress. Built in 1734 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Nahargarh Fort, alongside Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort, once provided an impenetrable defensive ring around the city of Jaipur. Nowadays, its prime position along the Aravalli Hills make it the place for sunset, with sweeping views out over the city.
Entrance is ticketed (200 rupees for foreigners and 50 for Indians at time of writing). There were long queues when we arrived, so factor this into your planning. Expect it to get pretty packed with locals and tourists alike come sunset, so arrive early for a decent spot. Or avoid the crowds and visit during the day - just remember your SPF! The fort is a bit of a way out of town, so I'd recommend arranging with a Tuk Tuk driver to wait and take you back afterwards.
05. Dine in a beautiful Jaipur Restaurant
As a photographer and a bit of an interiors obsessive, I'm always looking for interesting spaces to capture during my travels, and Jaipur did not disappoint. Here, even the restaurants are seriously beautiful. The city's rich heritage of design and craft can be discovered on proud display in a number of the city's best dining spots, where the interiors are as worth visiting for as the food.
You can read my blog post on beautiful Jaipur restaurants for my full list, however a couple of my favourites are Peacock restaurant, a tucked-away bohemian rooftop, and Bar Palladio, for seriously elevated Italian dining in intricately decorated interiors.
06. See (and snap!) Hawa Mahal
Known as the "Palace of the Winds" (I know, how poetic?), the Hawa Mahal is undeniably the icon of Jaipur. Bathed in the city's signature salmon hue, the unusual structure features 953 windows, carved in such a way as to allow breezes to blow through the building. The design, conceived in 1799, allowed royal Rajput women (who at the time could not be seen in public) to view the street scenes below without being spotted. You can enter the palace through the neighbouring City Palace from 09:00-16:30. Entry costs 50 rupees for foreigners and 10 rupees for Indians at time of writing.
Alternatively, head across the road to one of the cafes opposite for the best views out over the Hawa Mahal. Of the two, Tattoo Cafe is my pick. The cafe has several floors, however the best vantage point is the roof terrace. You have to purchase something if you'd like to take photos - so settle in with a cold coffee and enjoy the views.
07. Visit colourful Patrika Gate
Patrika Gate is a bit of a random one. Unlike the city's many ancient monuments, this landmark is relatively modern, having been constructed in 2016. An elaborate medley of pink and gold arches, pagodas and windows stand tall, a striking sight in the middle of a roundabout near the airport. Below the structure lies a corridor of colourful murals, which have become popular as the sight of many an Instagram snap. It's free to visit and open 24 hours, making it an extremely busy photography spot. As such I'd recommend visiting in the early hours, and avoiding the weekend crowds.
08. Explore the Gaitor Cenotaphs
Gaitor Ki Chhatriyan, or the Gaitor Cenotaphs, is a royal crematorium hosting the tombs of the royal lineage of the Kachwaha Rajput clan that ruled the Kingdom of Amber and later Jaipur. It's worth visiting to marvel at the striking "chhatris", intricately carved pavilions that stand as memorials over the tombs. One of Jaipur's more peaceful spots in the foothills of the Aravalli range, it's a beautiful place to soak up the city's architecture and royal past. At time of writing it's open from 09:30-16:30. Entrance is ticketed, but I haven't been since 2019 so don't want to presume at current pricing!
09. Cocktail O'Clock at a Jaipur Bar
India is realistically not somewhere you travel to for a thriving bar scene, at least, not outside the more cosmopolitan neighbourhoods of cities like Mumbai and Delhi. However Jaipur has a few secret cards up its sleeve. Pictured is Native Cocktail Room, a sexy, moody spot in the same hotel as the aforementioned Peacock Restaurant. Grab a rooftop dinner at Peacock, then head inside for a sultry tipple. Similarly, previously mentioned Bar Palladio serves up a mean cocktail. There's a number of other beautiful hotel bars too - the Writer's Bar at Raffles, Johri & Sons, and The Polo Bar at Rambagh Palace amongst them. Lastly, The fantastical interiors of The Swinton House are on my shortlist for my next Jaipur escapades.
10. Shop for Souvenirs in the City Bazaars
Because if you don't go home with copious souvenirs, did you really even go? My partner Adam would passionately refute this statement, however Jaipur's excellent shopping scene should not be overlooked. Textiles are one of the region's main exports - look out for batik block prints, tie dye, intricately woven carpets and fine silk pashminas. Rajasthan also has a rich history of art, and intricately detailed miniature paintings are a great keepsake to remind you of your travels (I have one from Udaipur hanging up at my desk as I type this!). Other classic Indian souvenirs to pick up include jewellery, spices, and tea. There are a number of bazaars to explore around the city - some of the main ones are Johari for jewellery, Bapu for textiles, and Chandpol for handicrafts.
I hope this guide to the best things to do in Jaipur has been helpful - please do reach out in the comments if you have any questions or other suggestions for this wonderful city. And for more India guides, do check out my India hub, full of plenty more practical tips and travel inspiration.
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