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Bucket list destination:

Jaipur

  • Agra, Rajasthan, India

Last updated: 22 September, 2024
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.

Tours, tickets & transfers

13

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

  • 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 [721 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Jaipur

Explore Jaipur Private Tour 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. - Hawa Mahal (wind palace) - Jaipur Amber Rajput Fort and Palace - Panna Meena Stepwell - Elephant village - Jal Mahal (water palace) - Royal Gaitor - City Palace - Jantar Mantar Observatory

Price $9

Min age 6

Rating 4.96 / 5 [278 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Jaipur

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 4.98 / 5 [252 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Jaipur

Discover the enchanting city of Jaipur on a personalized 8-hour private tour. Get ready to immerse yourself in the rich cultural and heritage sites of Jaipur. From majestic palaces to ancient temples, this city has a lot to offer those seeking an authentic experience. We will take you on a journey through some of the must-see places that showcase the vibrant history and traditions of Jaipur. You will be picked up at 8:30 a.m. from your hotel by your driver and guide to experience an 8-hour private tour of Jaipur. The tour takes you to the outskirts of Jaipur where you can visit Jaipur Fort, the Jal Mahal (Water Palace), the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), the Jantar Mantar (Astronomical Observatory), the Old and New Parts of Jaipur. Afterwards, spend an afternoon shopping in Jaipur where you'll find some of the most precious gemstones, silver jewelry, bangles, clothing, Blu pottery, and textiles.

Price $30

Min age 0

Rating 4.97 / 5 [249 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Jaipur

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 $120

Min age 0

Rating 4.82 / 5 [213 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Travel advice

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.