Things to Visit in Jaipur: Palaces, Forts, and the Pink City
See the best of Jaipur from its rose-colored palaces and hilltop forts to colorful bazaars and Rajasthani cuisine. Covers the major forts, city palaces, markets, food experiences, and cultural highlights.
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Hilltop Forts
Explore Amber Fort above Maota Lake
This massive fort-palace complex blends Hindu and Mughal architecture with mirror-inlaid rooms, sprawling courtyards, and a maze of underground passages. The Sheesh Mahal mirror palace is the highlight. Entry is 200 INR for residents and 500 INR for foreign visitors. Arrive by 9 AM to beat the midday heat and tour groups.
Climb Nahargarh Fort for sunset views
Perched on the Aravalli Hills above the city, this fort offers the best panoramic views of Jaipur's pink skyline. The rooftop restaurant serves food and drinks with the city spread below. Entry is 50 INR for residents and 200 INR for foreign visitors. The drive up the winding road is scenic on its own.
Visit Jaigarh Fort and the world's largest cannon on wheels
Connected to Amber Fort by a fortified passage, Jaigarh houses the Jaivana cannon, which has a 50-meter barrel and was the largest wheeled cannon ever made. The fort also has water reservoirs, gardens, and a museum of weaponry. Entry is 100 INR for residents and 200 INR for foreign visitors.
Pink City Landmarks
Photograph the Hawa Mahal facade
The Palace of Winds is a five-story pink sandstone screen with 953 small windows, designed so royal women could observe street life without being seen. The exterior is best photographed from the roadside cafe across the street in early morning light. Interior entry is 50 INR for residents and 200 INR for foreign visitors.
Tour the City Palace complex
Still the residence of Jaipur's royal family, this palace mixes Mughal and Rajasthani architecture. The Chandra Mahal has seven stories, each decorated in a different style. The courtyard has two enormous silver urns that held Ganges water for a king's trip to London. Entry is 200 INR for residents and 700 INR for foreign visitors.
See the astronomical instruments at Jantar Mantar
This UNESCO-listed collection of 19 giant astronomical instruments was built in 1734 and remains functional. The largest sundial is 27 meters tall and accurate to within 2 seconds. A guide is helpful to explain how each instrument works. Entry is 50 INR for residents and 200 INR for foreign visitors.
Explore the Albert Hall Museum
Rajasthan's oldest museum is housed in a stunning Indo-Saracenic building in Ram Niwas Garden. The collection includes an Egyptian mummy, Persian carpets, ivory carvings, and miniature paintings. The building is particularly beautiful when illuminated at night. Entry is 40 INR for residents and 300 INR for foreign visitors.
Visit the Birla Mandir white marble temple
This modern Hindu temple built in 1988 from pure white Makrana marble glows beautifully against the evening sky. The interiors feature carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology alongside quotes from world philosophers. Free entry. Best visited at sunset when the marble catches the warm light.
Bazaars and Shopping
Shop for textiles and block prints at Johari Bazaar
Jaipur's main jewelers' market also has excellent textile shops selling traditional Rajasthani block-printed fabrics, bandhani tie-dye, and embroidered textiles. Prices here are lower than in tourist shops. A block-printed cotton bedsheet costs 400-1,000 INR depending on size and quality.
Browse Bapu Bazaar for leather goods and shoes
This bustling market street sells traditional Rajasthani juttis, camel leather bags, lacquerware bangles, and cotton textiles. Juttis cost 200-800 INR depending on embroidery detail. The market is closed on Sundays. Walk through during late morning when all shops are open.
Visit a blue pottery workshop in Sanganer
Jaipur is famous for its blue pottery technique using quartz stone, not clay, fired at low temperatures. Workshops in the suburb of Sanganer show the complete process from shaping to hand-painting. You can buy directly from the artisans at wholesale prices. Many workshops also offer hands-on sessions for 500-1,000 INR.
Explore the gem and jewelry market on MI Road
Jaipur is one of the world's largest gem cutting and polishing centers, especially for emeralds and rubies. The shops along MI Road range from small family operations to large showrooms. If buying gemstones, ask for a certificate of authenticity and compare prices across multiple shops.
Food Experiences
Eat dal baati churma, Rajasthan's signature meal
Hard wheat bread balls baked in hot sand or charcoal, dunked in ghee, and served with lentil curry and a sweet wheat crumble. This is the definitive Rajasthani dish. Traditional restaurants serve it for 150-300 INR per thali. The baati should be crispy on the outside and soft inside.
Try laal maas, the fiery Rajasthani red meat curry
This intensely spiced mutton curry gets its red color and heat from Mathania chili peppers. It is traditionally a hunting dish served at special occasions. Not for the faint-hearted, but the complex layers of spice are extraordinary. Available at most Rajasthani restaurants for 300-500 INR.
Drink lassi at the famous lassi shop in the Old City
Jaipur has legendary lassi shops serving thick, creamy yogurt drinks in clay cups that are meant to be smashed after use. The traditional plain and saffron-pistachio versions cost 30-60 INR. The clay cup is said to enhance the flavor. Morning is the best time for the freshest batch.
Eat pyaaz kachori for breakfast
These deep-fried pastries stuffed with spiced onion filling are a Jaipur breakfast staple, served with tamarind and coriander chutneys. Street vendors and local sweet shops sell them for 15-30 INR each. They are best eaten hot and fresh in the morning before 10 AM.
Cultural Experiences
Watch a Rajasthani folk dance and puppet show
Many heritage hotels and cultural centers host evening performances of Kalbelia dance, fire dancing, and string puppet shows that tell stories from Rajasthani folklore. Shows typically last 60-90 minutes and cost 300-500 INR. The puppet-making tradition in Rajasthan dates back over 1,000 years.
Take a cooking class in a Jaipur home
Home-based cooking classes teach authentic Rajasthani recipes in a family kitchen setting. You typically learn 4-5 dishes over 3-4 hours including spice grinding, dough making, and tempering techniques. Classes cost 1,500-3,000 INR per person and include the meal.
Visit the Elephant Village at Amber
This rehabilitation center for retired working elephants allows visitors to interact with elephants, help with bathing and feeding, and learn about their history in Rajasthani culture. Ethical visits that do not involve riding are available for 1,000-2,000 INR. Check reviews to ensure the facility follows ethical guidelines.
Attend an evening puja ceremony at a temple
The aarti ceremony at the Govind Dev Ji Temple or Galtaji Monkey Temple features oil lamps, bells, and chanting as offerings are made to the deity. The ceremonies happen at sunset and are free to attend. Dress modestly and remove shoes before entering temple grounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Jaipur?
Three to five days covers the forts, palaces, markets, and food experiences well. Spend one day at Amber Fort and the hilltop forts, one day on the Pink City landmarks and bazaars, one day for deeper cultural experiences and cooking classes, and extra days for workshops, day trips, or repeat market visits. Two days covers the highlights if you start early and move quickly.
What is the best time to visit Jaipur?
October through March is the best season with comfortable temperatures around 15-25 degrees Celsius and clear skies. November through February is peak tourist season. April through June is brutally hot, regularly exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, making outdoor sightseeing very challenging. The monsoon from July to September brings relief from heat with dramatic rain showers.
How do you get to Jaipur from Delhi?
Jaipur is about 280 km southwest of Delhi. The fastest option is the Shatabdi Express train, which takes about 4.5 hours and costs 700-1,500 INR depending on class. Buses run frequently and take 5-6 hours for 500-900 INR. Private cars with drivers can be hired for the trip at 3,000-5,000 INR one way. Domestic flights take 1 hour and often cost 2,000-5,000 INR if booked in advance.
Should I combine Jaipur with Agra and Delhi?
Yes, the Golden Triangle circuit connecting Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur is India's most popular tourist route for good reason. Each city is 4-6 hours from the other by road or train. Allow 2-3 days per city for a comfortable 7-10 day trip. Adding Udaipur or Jodhpur from Jaipur extends the Rajasthan portion for those with more time.