Jaipur! It was definitely one of our favourite cities in India. Being able to spend here five entire days gave us the opportunity to visit more hidden gems in this city. An Indian city that is both colourful as it is historic. It was one of our key stops on India’s famous Golden Triangle—alongside Delhi and Agra— and it is a destination packed with things to see and do. Jaipur is a must-go destination when you plan a visit to India.
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In this post, we’ll walk you through the best things to see and do in Jaipur, including some tips on how to get there. We’ll give you a detailed three-days planning for Jaipur and include a map so you can locate the different highlights in an eyeblink. We also reveal our top places to eat, and tips on where to stay to make the most of your visit. Are you ready to dive into the Pink City of India? Then let’s go!
Read more: Looking for other things to do in India? Discover Ladakh!
Jaipur Travel Guide
Want to see more about Jaipur? Watch our video with the highlights of Jaipur
What’s in a name – Why is Jaipur called the Pink City?
Let’s first get to the name: why is Jaipur called the Pink City? Well, back in 1876, the city was painted pink to welcome Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s husband. Pink is considered the colour of hospitality, and Jaipur embraced this so well that pink became part of its identity. Even today, much of the city’s old quarter is painted in this warm, welcoming colour, adding to its charm. You’ll see this typical Jaipur colour return in many famous buildings in Jaipur, like the famous Hawa Mahal, the City Palace and the Patrika Gate.
Is Jaipur a safe city?
Before we went to India, one of the main questions we had, wa sif the country is safe to travel in. Based on our experience, we can honestly say that Jaipur never felt like an unsafe city. We always felt comfortable during our stay here. Nevertheless, there are a few things to keep in mind to make your trip as smooth as possible.
One thing to be aware of is that the tuktuk drivers aren’t always honest. Like in many other countries around the world, tuktuk drivers may try to overcharge you or to take you to shops where they earn a commission. We’ll give you some tips about taking a tuktuk in Jaipur below.
Another thing to keep in mind is that Jaipur has a lot of stray dogs. We experienced that during the day they tend to be very lazy. But they can become more active and slightly aggressive in the early morning or late evening. We recommend avoiding walking alone during these times, especially in quieter areas, keep a safe distance if needed and to always have have a rock or something to throw at them.
When we left Jaipur, we had to take a train early in the morning. We had the plan to go to the train station by foot. However, we quickly took a tuktuk after we had some unpleasant encounters with the stray dogs on the way to the station.
And finally, pay attention to the traffic! Jaipur’s streets are chaotic, with vehicles, tuktuks, cows and pedestrians in abundance.
How to get to Jaipur?
During our travels in India, we noticed that many tourists opt for a pre-arranged Golden Triangle Tour starting from Delhi. These tours include private transfers to Jaipur and Agra, and are a convenient way to see the highlights of this famous route.
Only limited time? Consider booking a Golden Triangle Tour in India
While these tours might be more hassle-free, they often bypass local businesses. Pre-arranged packages mean tourists rarely interact with local guides, tuktuk drivers, or other small-scale tourism providers in Jaipur, which limits the benefits for the local economy.
If you have the time and want a more authentic experience, traveling independently is a great option. Know that getting from A to B in India is easy and affordable. And going at your own pace allows you to fully immerse yourself in the culture. And that’s why we are here, to show you how you can travel free and independently. Plus, by arranging transport and tours locally, you directly support the people who live and work in these communities.
Anyway, getting to Jaipur is easier than you might think, with plenty of options that suit different travel styles and budgets. Below you can find the most convenient options to make your way to the Pink City.
By air: A fast but a less sustainable option
The airport of Jaipur, the Sanganer International Airport (JAI) is well-connected to major cities in India and a few international destinations.
- Domestic Flights: There are frequent flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and other cities make flying one of the fastest ways to get to Jaipur.
- International Flights: While direct international connections are limited, travellers from abroad can easily transit via Delhi, which is just a short flight away.
From the airport, it is only a 30 minutes ride by taxi or ride-share to the city centre.
By Train: Affordable and sustainable
For a more sustainable travel experience, consider taking the train to Jaipur. India’s rail network is extensive, trains are on schedule and comfortable. Jaipur is a key stop on many routes, so booking a train shouldn’t be a problem. Trains can be booked easily in advance online.
- From Delhi: There are several trains, like the Shatabdi Express or the Rajdhani Express, that connect Delhi to Jaipur. The train ride takes about 4-6 hours.
- From other cities: Jaipur is well-linked to cities like Agra and Mumbai. Trains vary in speed and comfort, but online you can check for express options for the quickest journey. We came from Agra to Jaipur and the train ride took around 5 hours. During our train ride, we could interact with many locals and learned a lot about the Indian culture.
Most trains arrive at Jaipur Junction Railway Station, located close to the city centre. Our hotel came to pick us up upon arrival but tuktuks and taxis are readily available from there.
Train tickets can be easily booked upfront by the official website of the Indian Railways.
By private car or taxi: Flexible and comfortable
If you prefer flexibility and comfort, a private transfer might be the way to go. Jaipur is part of the Golden Triangle, making it a popular road trip destination.
- From Delhi: The drive takes around 5-6 hours. You can book a private car with a driver or opt for an app-based taxi service.
- From Agra: It’s about 4 hours by road, passing through small towns and countryside.
Private transfers are a bit pricier than trains or buses but offer the convenience of stopping wherever you like along the way.
Tips and advice on how to take a tuktuk in Jaipur
Tuktuks are definitely the most convenient way to get around in Jaipur. But, as in many tourist destinations, drivers often try to overcharge you. We took a lot of tuktuks in Jaipur, so here are our tried-and-tested tips for taking a tuktuk in the Pink City.
First of all, if possible, we recommend using apps like Uber or Ola. These apps provide upfront pricing, so you don’t have to worry about haggling. However, these services often have limited availability outside the main areas, so using an app only works for central locations.
Another valid option is to book a tuktuk via your hotel. Many hotels work with trusted drivers. The disadvantage is that hotels often negotiate a fixed rate, leaving you little room for bargaining.
A third option is hailing a tuktuk. If you’re hailing a tuktuk on your own, always negotiate the fare upfront. Here are some of our tips we used all the time to make sure we wouldn’t be charged extra in the end:
- First of all, confirm the total price for everyone in your group. For example, if the driver says 200 INR, clarify by saying, “100 INR for me, 100 INR for my friend, right?” After a tuktuk drive, where we agreed 200 INR at the beginning, the driver tried to charge us 400 INR, because we were two persons. Explicitly confirming the price for everyone can help you to avoid this.
- Stick to the agreed price. If the driver tries to renegotiate mid-ride, politely but firmly remind them of the original agreement.
- Another advice is always carry exact change. It happened several times that our driver claimed not to have any change. At a certain point, we went to a bank to change all our money into smaller banknotes. This saves you from overpaying or having to search for change.
- Another tip is to ask your hotel staff the typical fare to your destination. This gives you a good benchmark. But don’t be surprised you don’t get the same good rate.
- If you have multiple places to visit, consider hiring a driver for the entire day. We did this on our third day in Jaipur and to be honest, we were happy we could have one day without negotiating the entire day with different tuktuk drivers. And for us, it was more cost-effective as well.
- Also be prepared that some drivers may insist on taking you to shops or restaurants where they earn a commission. It happened to us several times but we always firmly declined the offer and said we wouldn’t buy or eat anything if he brings us there.
How much time do you need in Jaipur?
Wondering how much time to spend in Jaipur? Although we stayed five days in Jaipur, we think this city can easily be visited in three days. Three days will allow you to visit the highlights but also a couple of the city’s hidden gems. If you want to include a couple daytrips to nearby spots, like Chand Baori or Pushkar, we recommend to extend your stay with one or two days.
In our description of the best things to see and do in Jaipur, we’ll break it down into three days. That way, you can make the most of your time in the Pink City!
Best things to see and do in Jaipur
Day 1 – Exploring the heart of Jaipur
We recommend to start your first day in the heart of Jaipur, in the city’s vibrant city center. This area can easily be visited on foot or by tuktuk. We include some tips on how to take a tuktuk in Jaipur at the beginning of this post.
How to get to the city center?
You can easily get to the city center by taking a tuktuk from your hotel. Another great option is taking the metro. At the moment we wrote this post, only one line of the metro network in Jaipur is finished, but this line takes you to the heart of Jaipur. Our hotel was close by the railway station, where there is also a metro station. From here we could take the metro to the Badi Chaupar station.
Taking the metro in Jaipur is very safe, convenient and affordable. Tickets can easily be bought at the ticket offices and the fare we paid was 18 INR (~0,20 EUR/0.21 USD) per person. The metro and coaches were very clean and not busy at all.
Visit Hawa Mahal – The Palace of Winds
The Palace of Winds is one of Jaipur’s most recognizable landmarks and is an architectural masterwork. This palace was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. The building itself has five stories and is built in pink sandstone. From the 953 small windows (or jharokhas) royal women were able to observe the street life below without being seen.
In the 18th century, Jaipur followed purdah, where royal women had to follow strict rules of seclusion. These women were not allowed to be seen by men or mingle in public spaces. However, the small windows at the Palace of Winds allowed the women to discreetly observe life outside the palace walls while remaining hidden from view. The latticework ensured that they could see out without being seen by people on the streets below. But the windows had another function as well. The design allowed a flow of air, keeping the interiors breezy, even during the hot summer. It was a comfortable spot for the women to gather and enjoy the city’s sights from the shade of the palace.
Viewing the palace from the outside is free, but we recommend to visit the inside as well. We thought it was really cool to have the same view over Jaipur’s vibrant streets as the royal women once had. Entrance fee to Hawa Mahal is 200 INR (~ 2.24 EUR/ 2.35 USD) for foreign tourists. The entrance is at the back of the front façade.
Visit one of the viewpoints opposite Hawa Mahal
Although we appreciated the view from the street, we were really in awe when we saw Hawa Mahal from one of the viewpoints on the opposite side of the street. When standing in front of Hawa Mahal, you get close-up views from the many windows. However, when you can see it from across the street, you can take in the entire structure. There are several rooftop cafés that offer the opportunity to admire Hawa Mahal with a cup of delicious chai. The most famous viewpoints are at the Wind View Café and the Tattoo Cafe & Lounge.
When we arrived at these viewpoints, they initially asked us to pay a fee. We politely declined, assuring them that we would buy a drink instead. After that, they were happy to let us visit the viewpoint without any issues.
Feel like a royal in the City Palace
From Hawa Mahal, it is only a short walk to go to the entrance of the City Palace. This is an extensive complex that remains a royal residence to this day. The palace was built in the 18th century. Although it gets mixed reviews, we did like our visit to this palace a lot.
Highlights of the palace include the Chandra Mahal, where the royal family lives. Note that with a standard ticket you can only visit the first floor. With the somewhat expensive Royal Splendour ticket you can also visit the rooms where the royal family still lives at this moment. Other highlights are the Mubarak Mahal, which houses a textile and costume museum showcasing royal attire. But make sure that you also don’t miss the Diwan-E-Khas, a pink pavilion with stunning archways and beautiful chandeliers.
We also loved Pritam Niwas Chowk, also called the ‘courtyard of the beloved’. This place can be crowded by tourists who try to catch the perfect Instagram shot. This courtyard is the home of four gates that symbolise each of the four seasons and honour the Hindu Gods
The entrance fee for the City Palace is quite expensive.At the moment we wrote this post, the entrance fee for foreign tourists is 1000 INR (~11.21 EUR/ 11.81 USD). Access to the Chandra Mahal requires a higher ticket (~ 4000 INR).
Learn about the universe at the Jantar Mantar
Just next to the City Palace, you can find the Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest astronomical observatories in the world. This complex was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in the early 18th century. On the Jantar Mantar site, you can see enormous instruments designed to measure time, track space objects and predict eclipses. Do know that to really understand the science behind the instruments, a guide is recommended. Entrance fee to Jantar Mantar is 200 INR (~ 2.24 EUR/ 2.35 USD) for foreign tourists.
Learn more about Rajasthan in the Albert Hall Museum
The final highlight of the day is the Albert Hall Museum. You have the option to go by foot or take a tuktuk to get there. Keep in mind that traffic in Jaipur can be hectic, so going by foot can sometimes be exhausting.
The Albert Hall Museum is one of the oldest musea in Rajasthan and is located in a wonderful building. It has a vast collection of artifacts, including ancient coins, textiles, and Rajasthani miniature paintings. It’s a great way to understand Rajasthan’s history and art and as a bonus the building itself is stunning. The entrance fee to the museum is 300 INR (~ 3.36 EUR/ 3.54 USD) for foreign tourists.
Day 2 – Exploring landmarks and more serene spots
Our suggestion for a second day in Jaipur will take you away from the city center to explore some of Jaipur’s most iconic landmarks and more quiet spots. To explore this region, you will need to book a tuktuk or taxi.
Picture perfect Panna Meena Ka Kund (stepwell)
The best way to start your second day in Jaipur is at one of the most photogenic places in Jaipur: Panna Meena Ka Kund, an ancient stepwell and an architectural gem. The easiest way to get to the stepwell is by tuktuk or taxi and the ride will take about 30 minutes from the city center. Most drivers are familiar with the site, especially since it’s next to Amer Fort.
The stepwell dates back to the 8th century and once was a water reservoir and a gathering place for locals. Today, it’s a great spot for photography, with its geometric designs and crisscrossing steps. Note that in theory, you are not allowed to walk on the steps and the guards at the stepwell might point that out to you. However, we heard that with a friendly word, they let you sometimes go on the first steps, just to take that perfect photo.
We visited Panna Meena Ka Kund during the monsoon season. Unfortunately, it had rained a lot so the water level in the stepwell was very high, allowing us only to see a couple of steps. In dry season, the water level is much lower, revealing many more steps.
Make sure to visit the small Lord Shiva temple next to the stepwell. This temple is often overlooked by visitors but we loved it! The temple adds to the historical charm of the area and it’s a lovely complement to your visit to the stepwell.
Step back in time at Amer Fort (Amber Fort)
The second suggested stop on the second day in Jaipur is Amer Fort, one of Jaipur’s most famous landmarks. The fort is only a 10-minute walk from the stepwell. We highly suggest to take the back entrance of the fort (via the Moon gate). That way, you’ll be able to avoid the many vendors and sometimes pushy guides at the main entrance. Note that at Amer fort, you will easily find a tuktuk or taxi to continue your journey. That’s why we recommend to start your day at the stepwell and make the fort your second stop.
The fort is perched on a hill and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort was built in the 16th century by Raja Man Singh and served as a royal residence for generations. The entrance fee in 2024 to Amer Fort is 550 INR (~ 6.17 EUR/ 6.49 USD). Note that a lot of people take a elephant ride up to the fort. We beg you not to be that tourist and please do not ride the elephants! The majestic animals undergo torturous mistreatment to tame them enough to allow passengers to hop on them.
During you visit to Amer Fort, make sure not to miss …
- Suraj Pol (Sun Gate) – This gate is the entry to the fort. The gate always served as the main entry point for royal visitors.
- Jaleb Chowk – Once you pass through Suraj Pol, you are on Jaleb Chowk, the main courtyard of the fort. Here, military parades and public gatherings took place.
- Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience) – This impressive hall was where the king would meet his subjects and address their concerns. It’s an open, pillared structure, allowing natural light and air to flow freely.
- Ganesh Pol (Ganesh Gate) – Ganesh Pol is one of the most beautifully decorated gates of the fort.
- Jai Mandir (Sheesh Mahal) – We loved Jai Mandir, also called the hall of mirrors! Known as the Sheesh Mahal, this room is adorned with thousands of small, carefully placed mirrors that reflect light. It is said that a single candle could illuminate the entire hall, thanks to the reflections in the mirrors.
- Sukh Niwas (Hall of Pleasure) – Next to the Sheesh Mahal, you can find the Sukh Niwas, a hall designed to keep the royals cool during the summer. There is an ingenious air-conditioning system, with water flowing through channels, creating a cooling effect in the room.
When you leave Amer Fort, there are a lot of tuktuk drivers or taxi’s available to take you to your next stop of the day.
The floating Jal Mahal (Water Palace)
On your way back to Jaipur’s center, we suggest to make a quick stop by the Jal Mahal, a palace floating in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake. This palace was built in the 18th century as a royal retreat. At the time it was built, the surrounding area of the palace was a dry riverbed. The lake was artificially created later as part of an ambitious water management project. That is why the palace is now standing in the middle of the lake as if it is floating. It is not possible to bring a visit to the palace, but the views from the lakeshore are really worth it.
From the lakeshore, you can take a tuktuk or taxi to bring you to your next destination.
Relax at Gaitor Ki Chhatriyan (Gaitor Cenotaphs)
This place is one of our favorite places in Jaipur. The Gaitor Cenotaphs is a serene and lesser-known site that’s perfect to escape the hustle and bustle of the city center of Jaipur. We even came here multiple times during our time in Jaipur. This place is a royal cremation ground and features stunning marble and sandstone cenotaphs (chhatris) dedicated to Jaipur’s ancient rulers. Each cenotaph has so many details and it is said that these details reflect the personality of the ruler it honors. There is so much to see here but it lacks crowds and is still a hidden gem in Jaipur.
The entrance fee for the Gaitor Cenotaphs is 50 INR (~ 0.56 EUR/ 0.59 USD) for a foreign tourist.
Overlook Jaipur at Shri Garh Ganesh Ji Temple
To end your day, we suggest to visit the Shri Garh Ganesh Ji Temple, a historic temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, situated on a hill near Nahargarh Fort. From the Gaitor Cenotaphs, there is a stair leading to this temple. It’s not for the temple we climbed the many stairs, but mainly for the view. From the platform, you get some panoramic views of Jaipur. We heard that the sunset here can be spectacular. The climb to the temple is part of the experience, so be prepared for a steep, but short hike.
Day 3 – Discover the outskirts of Jaipur
On day 3 of our suggested Jaipur planning, you visit some highlights of Jaipur that are located a bit further from the city center. In order to do so, we booked a tuktuk (and driver) via our hotel, for the entire day. The tuktuk brought us to the different attractions and the driver gave us plenty of time to explore each site.
Of course, you can also look for a tuktuk or taxi at each location individually to take you to the next location. However, as these are located a bit further from the city center, we noticed that the price for each drive quickly add up. A tuktuk driver for the entire day seemed to be the cheapest option.
Marvel at the Patrika Gate
Our day started at the Patrika Gate, a colorful, Instagram-famous landmark. Located at the entrance to Jawahar Circle Garden, this gate is a recent addition to Jaipur’s architectural wonders. Although it is a recent building, it is still within the city’s artistic traditions. Each arch of the gate is painted with stories about the Rajasthan’s culture, history, and landmarks. The vibrant colors and detailed painting make it a perfect spot for some great Instagram photos. We do however suggest to arrive early in the morning so you can enjoy the gate without the crowds.
The Monkey Temple
Next, head to the Monkey Temple, or Galta Ji, a sacred site nestled in the hills surrounding Jaipur. This ancient temple complex is known for its natural springs, sacred water tanks (kunds), and, as the name suggests, the monkeys that inhabit the area. The temple offers some beautiful views of the surrounding hills. The temple’s water tanks are said to have holy water. No surprise you will see people taking a dip to cleanse their sins. If you visit the monkey temple, please be careful for the monkeys, they can be curious and bold.
Explore the Nahargarh Fort
Nahargarh Fort was a real surprise for us. The fort was perched on the hills overlooking the city. Built in 1734 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, this fort was one of the many Jaipur’s defensive forts, along with Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort. Inside the fort, you’ll find the Madhavendra Palace, a cluster of beautifully decorated royal suites arranged around a central courtyard. Each room is decorated with stunning frescoes. The entrance fee for the fort is 200 INR (~ 2.24 EUR/ 2.35 USD) for foreign tourists.
Where to eat in Jaipur (and some tips to avoid Delhi belly)
When it comes to food in Jaipur, we have to confess that there is one restaurant that stole our hearts (and our taste buds). In fact, we loved it so much that we ended up eating there five times in a row. It was just that good! The restaurant we are talking about is the Peacock Rooftop Restaurant.
This gem of a restaurant offers everything you could wish for when dining in Jaipur: authentic Indian cuisine, a cosy rooftop terrace, friendly staff and the cherry on top: live music to set the mood. The menu is all about Indian flavors, featuring classics like chicken tikka or flavorful paneer tikka. We especially loved the garlic naan, it’s the perfect companion with a rich curry.
During our time in Jaipur, we couldn’t resist indulging in some local street food as well, like some delicious (and spicy!) samosas we found along Hawa Mahal Road. These crispy treats were fried in hot oil right in front of us, which gave us confidence in their freshness and safety. And they were absolutely worth it!
We’re happy to report that we didn’t experience Delhi belly during our trip. So let us share you our habits regarding the food in India, it might help you as well:
- “If it isn’t cooked or peeled, don’t eat it.”
This golden rule guided most of our food choices. We avoided raw salads, unpeeled fruits, or anything that hasn’t been thoroughly cooked. - Eat vegetarian.
India has some of the best vegetarian food in the world! So sticking to vegetarian options was not difficult. - Stick to Bottled Water.
Always opt for sealed bottled water. We even brushed our teeth with bottled water. - Be picky when it comes to street food.
Pick street food stalls that are busy and have a high turnover of customers. This means often fresh (and good) food.
Where to sleep in Jaipur
Finding a good place to stay in India wasn’t always easy. During our travels, we quickly realized that a lot of hotels have splendid reviews at first glance but as soon as you look a bit more thoroughly, you’ll often find a mix of extremely positive and really horrible reviews. All about the exact same place… We learned that many reviews on booking websites are bought and therefore not trustworthy. It made choosing our accommodations difficult and we changed our plans many times.
But luckily, in Jaipur, we hit the jackpot! If you plan to visit Jaipur, make sure to stay at the The Pearl Palace Heritage. This boutique hotel was everything we were looking for: clean, comfortable, and a beautiful Indian design. Also, it was well located, at a short distance from the metro. What is really unique about the hotel is that each room is themed and the rooms are simply stunning!
Check prices and availability on BOOKING.COM
By the way, the Peacock Rooftop Restaurant we were talking about before, is an affiliated restaurant of this hotel. The hotel offers free tuktuk drives from the hotel to the restaurant and back.
Best daytrips from Jaipur
Jaipur is also a great starting point for some daytrips. Below you can find our favorite daytrips from Jaipur.
Chand Baori Stepwell
A great daytrip from Jaipur is Chand Baori. This is one of India’s best preserved stepwells. The stepwell dates back to the 9th century. There are over 3500 steps descending into a deep well and the geometrical design is breathtaking. The stepwell also features some small pavilions and a temple dedicated to Harshat Mata, the goddess of happiness.
The stepwell is located at 95 kms from Jaipur and the drive by car takes about 2 hours. The best way to get there is by taking a private taxi or join a group tour.
Book a daytrip to Chand Baori Stepwell
Pushkar
Another great daytrip from Jaipur is a visit to Pushkar. It is one of India’s oldest towns and is considered a holy site in Hinduism. It’s best known for its sacred Pushkar Lake where pilgrims come to bathe. The town has a laid-back vibe and colorful markets.
Pushkar is located at 145 km from Jaipur and it takes about 3 hours by car. Again, taking a private taxi is the most convenient option.
That’s it, our in-depth travel guide for a visit to Jaipur. It was a city we really loved a lot and we hope we convinced you that Jaipur is worth a stop during your travels in India.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us via our social media channels.
Happy travels!
Matthias & Mieke
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