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Last updated: 20 June, 2023
Expert travel writer: Amar Grover

Rajasthan – the ‘land of princes’ and more colloquially called the ‘Desert State’ –  was the Rajput heartland, a warrior caste whose clans were led by maharajas who favoured and built impressive forts and opulent palaces. Jaipur – Rajasthan’s capital – was founded in the early 1700s by Maharaja Jai Singh II, for whom it is named after.

Modern-day Jaipur is a compelling blend of huge hillside forts, extravagant palaces, bustling bazaars, memorable heritage hotels and almost comically thronged streets. Often called the ‘Pink City’, as its historic core’s buildings and their arcaded facades are still painted in terracotta pink, it’s a great place to mix sightseeing and leisure. It also boasts some of India’s most eclectic handicrafts and interesting shopping.

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this vibrant city ticks every cultural, architectural and shopping box. It’s also home to some magnificent hotels that beautifully screen the urban hubbub.

Orientation

Although generally referred to as the ‘Pink City’ (after the predominant colour of its buildings), within Jaipur itself this epithet simply covers the original walled and gated capital erected by Maharaja Jai Singh in the 1720s. Its imposing cupola-topped gateways remain useful landmarks because today’s city stretches well beyond those walls.

Key sights such as the City Palace and Hawa Mahal lie in and around the original Pink City, its grid layout veined with smaller streets, lanes and alleys.

To its north alongside Man Sagar Lake rise rugged hills topped by the ramparts of Nahargarh Fort; further along this ridge but out of view from the city stand Jaigarh Fort and the landmark Amber Fort-Palace.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers

Private Full Day Jaipur Sightseeing Tour By Tuk Tuk

Jaipur

Private Full Day Jaipur Sightseeing Tour By Tuk Tuk
Explore Jaipur by TUK-TUK ( a three-wheeled taxi ). Also known as 'The Pink City', Jaipur is a charming destination filled with beautiful architectural landmarks, monuments, palaces, museums, and colorful bazaars. Enjoy your wonderful discovery of the unique beauty of Jaipur.

Price: $8

Min age: 0

Rating 4.97 / 5 [209 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Jaipur Sightseeing By Car, Driver and Guide

Jaipur

Jaipur Sightseeing By Car, Driver and Guide
Explore the enchanting city of Jaipur, In 9 Hour tour of Jaipur! In the morning, there will be a 8 - 10 AM pickup from your hotel by your Driver and Guide. Visit the highlights of the Amber Fort, Sheesh Mahal, Jal Mahal (Water Palace), Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, City Palace and the Albert Hall.

Price: $15

Min age: 0

Rating 4.95 / 5 [23 ratings]

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3-Hour Morning Bike Tour of Jaipur

Jaipur

3-Hour Morning Bike Tour of Jaipur
This tour is handcrafted to give you a traditional perspective of how the morning time develops in the beautiful and historical city of Jaipur. Experience street food of Jaipur like a local, riding your bike to some of the most sought after and highly acclaimed food joints. Maneuver the streets like a local meeting and interacting people from different walks of life while riding through the Havelis (Private Mansions) and Temples within the streets of the walled city. Participate in the morning prayers with the devotees in the palace temples. Leisurely Cycling In Jaipur against calm, pink buildings, where you discover what one might miss out while in the car. With Our proficient lead explorer who will introduce you to the various delicacies and wonders of the walled city, and try to resolve your queries on Culture, Heritage, Architecture, religion, Cuisine and daily lifestyle of “Jaipurites” during this 3 hours of Jaipur Cycle Tour.

Price: $32

Min age: 5

Rating 4.98 / 5 [417 ratings]

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One Day Tour In Pink City With Guide

Jaipur

One Day Tour In Pink City With Guide
Explore the enchanting city of Jaipur, In 8 Hour tour of Jaipur! In the morning, there will be a 9 AM pick up from your hotel by your Drive Guide will meet you at City Center (Starting point Hawamahal).. Visit the highlights of the Amber Fort ( 2 Hours) Sheesh Mahal Jal Mahal ( Water Palace ) ( 20 Minutes ) Hawa Mahal ( The Palace of Winds ) (20 Minutes) Jantar Mantar ( The Observatory ) (40 Minutes) City Palace. ( 2 Hours) Later in the day, enjoy an afternoon of shopping in Jaipur where you will find an enticing variety of goods. Some of the most precious Gemstones, Silver Jewelry, Bangles, Clothes, Blu Pottery and Textiles etc. ( 2 Hours)

Price: $35

Min age: 0

Rating 4.97 / 5 [190 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Jaipur Full-Day Private Guided Tour

Jaipur

Jaipur Full-Day Private Guided Tour
Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites — the Amber Fort and Jantar Mantar — in addition to other top attractions on a private full-day tour of Jaipur. Your guide shows you the Amber Fort's Jai Mandir Temple and Sheesh Mahal, Jal Mahal (Water Palace), Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), and more. Take breaks for shopping and great photo stops on a tour that includes lunch, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Price: $36

Min age: 0

Rating 4.91 / 5 [23 ratings]

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Jaipur Amer Fort, Jal Mahal & Stepwell Private Half-Day Tour

Jaipur

Jaipur Amer Fort, Jal Mahal & Stepwell Private Half-Day Tour
Enjoy a private heritage tour that captures the most important sites of Jaipur. Beat the tourists to get an aerial view of Jaipur from Jaigarh. Catch the most important highlights of Jaipur's history and royalty on a trip to Amer Fort and Jal Mahal.

Price: $39

Min age: 0

Rating 4.73 / 5 [15 ratings]

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Small-Group Half-Day Food and Walking Tour of Jaipur

Jaipur

Small-Group Half-Day Food and Walking Tour of Jaipur
A Jaipur food tour is a delightful culinary journey through the vibrant city of Jaipur, which is the capital of Rajasthan, India. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture, Jaipur is also a haven for food enthusiasts. A food tour in Jaipur offers you the chance to savor a variety of traditional Rajasthani dishes, as well as other Indian and international cuisines that have become part of the city's gastronomic landscape. Street Food Exploration: The heart of any food tour in Jaipur is its bustling street food scene. You'll embark on a flavorful adventure through the city's crowded bazaars and lanes, sampling dishes like kachori, aloo tikki, all bursting with spicy and tangy flavors. Sweets and Desserts: No food tour is complete without exploring the sweet side of Jaipur. Sample traditional Rajasthani sweets Local Markets and Spice Shops: Explore local markets and spice shops to get a glimpse of the diverse ingredients that go into Rajasthani cooking.

Price: $40

Min age: 12

Rating 4.75 / 5 [24 ratings]

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Full-Day Jaipur City Tour with Amber Fort and City Palace

Jaipur

Full-Day Jaipur City Tour with Amber Fort and City Palace
Enjoy a memorable day of sightseeing and shopping on this guided tour of the highlights of Jaipur. Visit a variety of well-known historical landmarks including the Amber Fort, the City Palace, the Hawa Mahal and more. This 9-hour tour includes transportation, admission to all listed monuments and an Indian buffet lunch.

Price: $44

Min age: 0

Rating 4.83 / 5 [80 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Day Tour Of Jaipur With Driver & Car

Jaipur

Day Tour Of Jaipur With Driver & Car
While dealing with our respective clients we believe in transparency because everyone likes it & also give the priority to service because they are paying for it.

Price: $45

Min age: 0

Rating 4.97 / 5 [168 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Full Day Guided Jaipur City Tour including Lunch & Entry

Jaipur

Full Day Guided Jaipur City Tour including Lunch & Entry
A private city tour of Jaipur with private vehicle and driver along with a local guide who can give you every little details about the amazing city of Jaipur and its historical attractions. Highlights are: A) Private Vehicle & Driver B) Professional Guide For personalised experience. C) Lunch & Monument Entry Fee (Option to Add) D) Visit to the major Monuments of Jaipur. E) Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off included.

Price: $47

Min age: 0

Rating 4.80 / 5 [21 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Full Day Tour of Jaipur with Guide

Jaipur

Private Full Day Tour of Jaipur with Guide
Experience a private 8 Hour Tour of Jaipur!!! In the morning, there will be a 8:30 AM pickup from your hotel by your Driver & Guide. You will be driven in a Private Air-Conditioned Vehicle to the outskirts of Jaipur to visit the Amber Fort - a World Heritage Site, the Rajput-style Jal Mahal (Water Palace), The Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), The Jantar Mantar (Astronomical Observatory) and The Old and New Part of Jaipur city. Later in the day, enjoy an afternoon of shopping in Jaipur where you will find an enticing variety of goods. Some of the most precious Gemstones, Silver Jewelry, Bangles, Clothes, Blu Pottery and Textiles etc.

Price: $48

Min age: 0

Rating 4.97 / 5 [225 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Experience Jaipur By Night

Jaipur

Experience Jaipur By Night
The tour offers unique opportunity to witness, experience and see the history of Jaipur and the rich rajput architecture with the comfort of sitting on a open Car like a Maharaja. The joy of cruising in a open air vehicle ride between the Aravalli mountain range is a experience in itself. The breathtaking view of the sunset from the highest point in Jaipur and the view of Jaipur from a mountain top is a memory to take and relish. You may also order food and drinks at the Hilltop restaurant.

Price: $91

Min age: 0

Rating 4.84 / 5 [208 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Taj Mahal Day Trip From Jaipur

Jaipur

Private Taj Mahal Day Trip From Jaipur
In the morning, at 6:30 AM pickup from your hotel by your driver in a private air-conditioned vehicle and drive to Agra. Visit two of India's most famous UNESCO World Heritage sites - the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort - on a same day tour from Jaipur. See the Taj Mahal, the world's greatest monument to love in the world. Your art historian guide provides informative commentary about these iconic sites, and tops it off with a visit to the Fatehpur Sikri, the biggest gate of the World.

Price: $100

Min age: 0

Rating 4.9 / 5 [10 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Jaipur sightseeing Tour by Car - All Inclusive

Jaipur

Private Jaipur sightseeing Tour by Car - All Inclusive
Discover the best of the Pink City includes entrance to the Amber Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Nahargarh Fort, Albert Hall with a guide service to your package, which makes for convenient for Independent travelers will enjoy exploring the Amber Fort and Palace on their own time.

Price: ₹1,500

Min age: 0

Rating 4.4 / 5 [25 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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When to go

The main ‘foreign tourist season’ runs from October to March – clear skies with warm to hot days. Peak season is Christmas and New Year as well as the Indian festival of Diwali in late autumn.

May and June bring extreme heat and are worth avoiding while the July and August monsoon cools things slightly but brings more humidity. Mid-December to early February can deliver surprisingly chilly nights.

Getting there and away

Jaipur is served by a small range of international and many domestic flights including to/from Delhi (one hour). There are no direct or practical flights between Jaipur and Agra.

To get from its airport to the city centre (about 8 miles) there are public buses and taxis (taxis are best booked using the pre-paid taxi counter inside the terminal).

For travel to/from other cities, Jaipur is well-connected on India’s vast train and bus network. Delhi, Agra and Jaipur are all connected by numerous trains and public buses, but the best public transport option is the express ‘Shatabdi’ or superfast-designated train services between New Delhi railway station and Jaipur which are safe and reliable. Numerous other regular (ie non-Shatabdi) express trains link Jaipur and Agra.

Auto-rickshaws are the cheapest option to get from train and bus stations to your hotel though (unless you grab the slightly larger ones that also have rear-facing seats) not comfortable or practical if carrying more than a small backpack or suitcase.

Getting around

Many visitors are likely to have a chauffeured car – easily the most comfortable and convenient option for getting around the city. Most upscale hotels can arrange this with little notice or, almost certainly cheaper, you can simply use local travel agencies.

Autorickshaws nip around everywhere in Jaipur – cheap and cheerful though some won’t enjoy the seemingly stunt-like death-defying road etiquette characterising Indian roads. The city’s metro is clean and efficient but not yet particularly comprehensive.

Where to stay

One of Jaipur’s main attractions is the breadth of high-end hotels, especially those in former royal palaces which have been tastefully if not opulently adapted to take guests. Less obvious are the almost-palatial havelis, or merchants’ mansions, also adapted for guests.

With a few exceptions these stand outside (but still reasonably close to) the core historic Pink City where there’s more space  for tranquil private lawns and gardens offering a welcome respite from the city’s bustle.

Where to eat or drink

Stretching across central Jaipur and on the southern edge of the old city, MI road has several good restaurants. Eateries and snack joints tend to dominate the old city. For ‘fine dining’ head to the upmarket hotels.

What to buy

Famed for handicrafts in general, Jaipur really excels in textiles and gems/jewellery. The central Pink City bazaars and markets abound in both but Johri (or Johari) bazaar is the apex of Jaipur’s jewellery trade.

Where to shop

Midway between Sanganeri Gate and the Hawa Mahal, the old city’s Bapu Bazaar is probably the single best place for shopping, especially decorative handicrafts, puppets, clothing and (camel) leather footwear, though you’ll need to sharpen your bargaining skills. Other places worth checking out are Nehru, Kishanpol and Tripolia bazaars.

A great fixed-price alternative is the state-run Rajasthali Handicraft Emporium (on MI Road opposite Ajmeri Gate) which focuses mainly on Rajasthani handicrafts.

The Narain Niwas Palace hotel near Central Park has a charming shopping courtyard with several well-known high-end boutiques.

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