Want history, adventure, party, nature all in one place? Jaipur is the answer to your wishes. Jaipur city is a historical and cultural marvel. It is the capital and the largest city of Royal Rajasthan. Due to its hallmark pink and red sandstone buildings, known as the Pink city. Culture and traditions are deep-rooted here but they in no way lag behind when it comes to the happening nightlife. Jaipur is also known for its lip-smacking delicacies. This gorgeous city with a rich history has something to offer for everyone. Our handpicked list of things to do in Jaipur will help you explore the city like a pro.
Jaipur: Hotels, Connectivity & Transportation
This city is close to the Thar desert and has fairly extreme weather with sunny mornings and chilly nights. Summers are burning hot, but winters are equally pleasant. The best time to visit Jaipur is from the beginning of November through February. Its also during this time that most of the festivals and seasonal activities take place. It is the peak tourist season and bookings need to be done in advance. How to get to Jaipur? The city has excellent connectivity via all modes of transport.
Flights from and to metropolitan cities are available at high frequencies. Jaipur has rail connectivity too from various places across the country. Bus travel is possible, and it is the cheapest way to get there. A road trip though not the fastest is a good option too. Within the city, there are public transport options available, and they offer great connectivity. Jaipur Metro is a quick and comfortable way to get around the city. Rickshaws, taxis and buses and also convenient. For stay, Jaipur has hotels and resorts available for all budgets across the city. It is, however, known for its exquisite heritage hotels which are an experience in its own.
Places To Visit & Things to Do in Jaipur
Most of the monuments have entry fees, and some activities like safaris need to be pre-booked. Guided tours are also available for sight-seeing, shopping, and even food. These tours are a worthy expenditure for the ones interested in gaining in-depth knowledge. With its breath-taking palaces, lush green gardens, vibrant markets, fascinating museums, and unforgettable experiences, Jaipur is present on every traveller’s bucket list waiting to be ticked off. Check out our curated list of best things to do in Jaipur.
- Also Read: Best Places to Visit in Jaipur
Amer Fort
Amer Fort or Amber Fort was built in the 16th century by Raja Shri Maan Singh Ji Saheb, one of the Navratnas of Emperor Akbar. Made of red sandstone and marble, it is a splendid blend of Indian and Mughal architecture. Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khas, Sheesh Mahal and Sukh Niwas are some of the highlights of the fort. One can take an elephant ride here too. A worth-watching light and sound show is held here every evening at 7.30 pm and 8 pm. It is one of the best palaces not only in Jaipur but the whole of Rajasthan.
- Location: Devisinghpura, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302001
- Timing: Monday – Sunday 9:30 am to 5 pm
- Entry fee:
- INR 100 for Indians
- INR 500 for foreigners
- Light show: 7:30 pm (English) – INR 200 and 8 pm (Hindi) – INR 100
- Elephant rides: INR 1200 for 2
Nahargarh Fort
Nahargarh Fort, built by Maharaj Sawai Jai Singh II, has a combination of European and Indian architecture. It’s known for its strong defence structure with its walls stretching up till Jaigarh fort. A hike or cycling expedition to the fort would make for an off-beat and scenic experience. Madhavendra Bhawan, a highlight of the fort, has 12 identical suites for the queens built in such a way that the King could visit a queen without the other queens knowing. There are also numerous temples dedicated to the kings and princes of that time. One can also enjoy the scenic views of the city while at Padao, an open bar and restaurant on the fort’s terrace. One can just not miss this majestic fort while in Jaipur.
- Location: Krishna Nagar, Brahampuri, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002
- Entry fee:
- INR 50 for Indians
- INR 200 for foreigners
City Palace
An amalgamation of Rajput, Mughal and European architecture, this pink and red sandstone palace built of Maharaj Sawai Jai Singh II is where the royal family of Jaipur resides. Mubarak Mahal and Chandra Mahal are the two main palaces in here. Maharaja Sawai Museum in Mubarak Mahal showcases collections of handicrafts and royal artefacts including the dresses worn by the royals then. The royal family resides in a part of Chandra Mahal, and the rest is open to tourists. The palace has several gardens and courtyards adding to its grandeur. This palace in the heart of the city is a must-visit for every history and Rajasthani culture lover.
- Location: Jalebi Chowk, Opposite Jantar Mantar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002
- Timing: Monday – Sunday 9:30 am to 5 pm
- Entry fee:
- INR 75 for Indians
- INR 300 for foreigners
Jantar Mantar
Built by the scholar Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, Jantar Mantar is a UNESCO world heritage site which brilliantly reflects social, cultural and political beliefs of the 18th century. It holds the record for having the largest sundial in the world. Jantar Mantar has a total of 14 astronomical instruments that reflect a brilliant combination of science and architecture. These instruments were used to know not only the precise time but also to predict eclipses, location of the stars and Earth’s orbiting movement around the sun. These observatories were built long back in the 18th century when technology was not so advanced, yet the observations made using them were flawless. This clearly shows how unconventionally forward this architectural wonder is.
- Location: Malviya Nagar, J.D.A. Market, Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302007
- Timing: Monday – Sunday 9 am to 5 pm
- Entry fees:
- INR 50 for Indians
- INR 200 for foreigners
[Also Read: Popular Places to Visit in Rajasthan]
Jal Mahal
Situated in the middle of Man Sagar Lake, this monument is a fusion of Mughal and Rajput architectural styles. Maharaja Madho Singh built the palace for a royal retreat and duck hunting parties. This palace glows wonderfully under the night sky and makes for a spectacular view. Most of the palace, however, is now underwater. Therefore, visitors cannot go inside but can witness its beauty by taking a boat ride in the lake. It’s an ideal place to go at for sunsets. It’s a must-visit place for couples and families.
- Location: Amer Rd, Jal Mahal, Amer, Jaipur 302002
- Timing: Monday – Sunday 6 am to 6 pm
Hawa Mahal
This honeycomb hived Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh built architectural wonder made of pink and red sandstone in 1799. This five-storeyed building is believed to made been made in the shape of the Hindu deity, Lord Krishna’s crown. Irrespective of the season or the time of the day, every room in this palace has a cool breeze blowing that too in the hot city of Jaipur. The highlight here is the 953 ‘Jharokhas’ or small windows. These intricately designed Jharokhas are for the royal women to watch the busy streets and bazaars. Being one of the most touristic attraction in the city, Hawa Mahal or the palace of winds cannot be on your itinerary.
- Location: Hawa Mahal Rd, J.D.A. Market, Jaipur- 302002
- Timing: Monday – Sunday 9:30 am to 5 pm
- Entry fee:
- INR 50 for Indians
- INR 200 for foreigners
Jaigarh Fort
Holding great appeal to military lovers, this fort with its rugged structure resembles an actual fortress. It houses the world’s then biggest cannon on the wheel, Jaivana. With its walls stretching as long as 3 kilometres, Jaigarh fort served as a defence fort and a warehouse for all the war utilities. The fort is connected to Amer fort through hidden routes, and both were counted as one structure back then. An armoury, a museum, Laxmi Vilas, Lalit Mandir, Aram Mandir, Vilas Mandir, and a garden are the highlights of this fort. The fort also offers amazing views of the city.
- Location: Devisinghpura, Amer- 302028
- Timing: Monday – Sunday 9:30 am to 5 pm
- Entry fee:
- INR 70 for Indians
- INR 150 for foreigners
Sisodia Rani Garden
This garden, with its architecture and grandeur, is probably the best in Jaipur. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh built it for his second wife, Sisodia Rani. The garden’s architecture is a stunning blend of Indian and Mughal styles. The lush green gardens, colourful flowers, and the beautiful fountains make this place a picturesque location. It is an ideal spot for taking a stroll or having a quiet evening and taking a break from city life.
- Location: Ghat Ki Guni, Agra Road, Jaipur- 302023
- Timing: Monday – Sunday 9 am to 6 pm
- Entry fee:
- INR 50 for Indians
- INR 200 for foreigners
Birla Mandir
Build by the Birla Group of Industries; this Hindu temple is a beautiful white marble structure. It has idols of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi. On the inside, it has carvings depicting the Hindu religion. The unique feature, however, is the carvings on the outside represent various other faiths. The accepting approach is shown towards different cultures and faiths truly make this temple worth visiting. The white marble glows under the night sky and is a sight to behold.
- Location: Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg, Tilak Nagar, Jaipur- 302004
- Timing: Monday – Sunday 6 am to 12noon and 3 pm to 9 pm
- Entry fee: Free
Albert Hall Museum
Built in 1868, Albert Hall Museum is one the oldest and most visited museums in Jaipur. The exotic Indo-Saracenic architecture and stone ornamentation on the monument make its display eye-catching. The museum features an astounding collection of paintings, sculptures, woodwork, pottery, and many more handicrafts. It also exhibits some of the finest and most intricately worked upon dresses worn by the royalty back then. The complex also includes the beautiful Ram Niwas Garden where the visitors can sit and enjoy.
- Location: Museum Road, Ram Niwas Garden, Jaipur- 302004
- Timing: Monday – Sunday 9 am to 5 pm
- Entry fee:
- INR 50 for Indians
- INR 300 for foreigners
Anokhi Museum
The Anokhi Museum of hand printing, a must-see, is dedicated to woodblock painting, an endangered form of art. At the museum, one can enjoy getting in-depth knowledge of this rare art. Watching the artisans block printing on fabrics with utmost perfection is a truly fascinating sight. The museum also houses a store from where the visitors can by the beautiful block printed products like bedsheets, blankets, napkins, apparels and much more. The museum also has a small café where the visitors can sit and enjoy a cup of tea and unwind from the sightseeing.
- Location: Near Badrinath Temple, Kheri Gate, Amber, Jaipur- 302028
- Timing: Tuesday – Saturday 10:30am to 5:00pm and Sunday 11:00am to 4:30pm. Closed on Mondays.
- Extra Information: The museum is closed each summer between May 15th and July 15th for gallery maintenance.
Camel Ride
Synonymous with Rajasthan is desert and camel, and any visit to Rajasthan is incomplete without a camel ride. Enjoy the views of the far-stretching desert and dunes while sitting on the camel-back. Camel rides are available at various locations across the city at different rates. Camel rides on regular paths are readily available in the city but going for one in the desert is a lot more fun, especially during sunset.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Enjoy the bird’s eye view of the pink city by taking an adventurous and exciting hot air balloon ride. It’s one of the best things to do in Jaipur for couples. One can get a panoramic view, the entire city, including the top views of the beautiful monuments, the colourful markets, and the busy streets. It’s a new and upcoming but trending thing to do in Jaipur. It is available at a few locations across the city, and the rates are pretty decent for such an exotic activity. It’s a must on every adventure seeker’s bucket list.
Vintage Car Rally
Held in February by the Rajputana Sports Car Club in association with the department of tourism, the Vintage car rally is on every car enthusiasts bucket list. Over 100 cars participate in this rally, and many of them date back to the days of Maharajas of Jaipur. Watching the classic, vintage vehicles going down the streets of the pink city is like watching royalty up close.
Elephant Farms
A relatively new concept, elephant farms are on the must-not-miss things to do in Jaipur. Elefanjoy, an elephant farm, is an elephant sanctuary and a community for protecting and nurturing the endangered elephants. One can take an elephant safari, feed the elephants and even paint of them with the provided colours. It is a paradise for all animal lovers. At Elefanjoy, they not only have various elephant activities but also arrange for Jaipur tours. Another unique experience one can have here is of elephant polo where elephants play the sport of Polo. Visiting an elephant farm is a must on every animal lover’s bucket list.
Location: 17, Kunda, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302028
Chokhi Dhani
A trip to Jaipur is incomplete without a visit to Chokhi Dhani. This cultural resort has you covered if you have missed out on anything Rajasthani. Chokhi Dhani is a heritage hotel where one can stay, and it also has a restaurant that all can visit. One can enjoy a traditional Rajasthani meal here while listening to folk music. Camel rides and puppet shows are available too. Women perform the Rajasthani folk dance on folk music wearing traditional clothes. The décor of this place too is very traditional. It is one of its kind experience that should not be missed.
- Location: Sukhdeopura Nohara, Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Timing: Monday – Sunday from 5 pm to 11 pm
- Entry fee: INR 450 for adults and INR 350 for children
Festivals & Celebrations in Jaipur
The city of Jaipur is a sight to behold during the festivities. Gangaur, Teej, Makara Sankranti and Holi are some of the most well-known festivals of Jaipur. Elephant festival and donkey festival are some of the lesser-known but equally amazing festivals of Jaipur. Diwali is a festival that demands special mention when talking about the celebrations in Jaipur for no city is as good as the pink city at celebrating this festival of lights. The city is a rich blend of colour, culture, and merriment during the festivities and a beautiful reflection of their deep-rooted culture, customs, and traditions. Folk festivals of Jaipur should be on every traveller’s and culture enthusiast’s bucket list.
- Must Read: Popular Fair and Festivals of Rajasthan
Nightlife in Jaipur
This historic city turns into a party place once the sun goes down. Party animals visiting Jaipur have plenty to choose from, such as Reds, 100% Rock, Geoffrey’s Pub and more. What’s better is some of these places have karaoke, live music and Sufi nights. These places not only have fantastic music but an equally amazing décor. The vibe that prevails will get everyone smiling and grooving. Jaipur’s nightlife surely will make up for an unforgettable experience.
Best Food Spots in Jaipur
A culture’s true essence lies in its cuisine, and Jaipur sure gets it right. Jaipur has to offer some of the most mouth-watering dishes. Street food here is a must-try. Jaipur also has some beautifully decorated cafes and fine dining restaurants which serve not only Rajasthani but cuisines across the globe.
While in Jaipur, one must not miss Pyaaz Kachori, Lassi, Laal MassDal Bati, Ghewar among other traditional Rajasthani dishes. A Rajasthani thali should not be missed either. Just a heads-up, Rajasthani cuisine is pretty spicy but absolutely delicious. Food tours are also available for food lovers.
Best Shopping Spots in Jaipur
Jaipur is known for its Handicrafts, Handlooms, Gemstones, Jewellery, Jootis, Textile and so much more. Shopping in the pink city from its vibrant bazaars can just not be missed. Johari Bazaar, Tripolia Bazaar, Chandpole Bazaar, Kishanpole bazaar and Nehru Bazaar are some of the famous markets in Jaipur where one can get great deals on quality products. There are numerous boutiques in the city too — one of the best things to do in Jaipur for youngsters.
Don’t you feel like packing your bags and booking your tickets to Jaipur already? This city, with its history, culture, and magnificence, will blow your mind away. One can never get enough of this sunny city or enough pictures to treasure its beauty.
With the new year approaching, make your bucket list for 2022 and make sure have Jaipur right at the top waiting to be ticked off the list.
