Known as the ‘Pink City’ from the distinctive colour of its buildings, Jaipur was named after its founder Maharaja JaiSingh II who was a warrior and astronomer in the 17th century.
The capital and largest city in Rajasthan, Jaipur is also known as one of the jewel capitals of the world. Making up the Golden Triangle with Delhi and Agra, Jaipur is a vibrant city with incredible shopping and many things to see and do.
TIME FRAME?
Three days in Jaipur will allow you to spend ample time at the Amber fort and a day seeing the sights in town.
On the third day, those who love to shop will be in heaven if you can cope with the jam-packed bazaars or are seeking their Jaipur gem-studded jewellery piece.
WHERE TO STAY?
Most travellers stay around M.I Road (Mirza Ismail Road) or in Bani Park.
Both areas are dotted with restaurants and decent hotels and is close to the main tourist sights.
ESSENTIAL SIGHTSEEING?
Click here to see the full list of sights in Jaipur.
MY TOP FIVE SIGHTS WHILE IN JAIPUR
The Amber Fort is the main attraction in Jaipur, it standing proudly in the surrounding mountains watching over the sweeping valley below.
The palace and fort is built from sandstone and marble and the paint was mixed with the jewel dust shavings from the town’s gem factories keeping the colour vibrant and untouched for 350 years!
Riding on the back of a painted elephant along the winding road to the fort’s entrance is an enticing idea but several welfare groups have criticised the housing conditions of the elephants.
After a recent government inspection and elephants now have a maximum amount of trips they are able to do per day in the beating sun. It’s not a business endeavour I personally want to support but you will have to make your own conscientious decision when you arrive at the fort.
Don’t miss the Sheesh Mahal, Mirror Palace, in the Amber Fort. An ancient style disco, this sweeping room is covered in countless mirrored squares on the walls and roof. When two candles are lit at either end of the room it is said the entire room is a glow with thousands of stars.
The interior is open to visitors, inside there is a small museum and most importantly, sweeping views across the city from the top floor.
This palace originally stood in the centre of the old walled city, today it has been lovingly restored and offers detailed audio guides.
A visit to this palace gives tourists an insight into the lives of the Maharajas.
MY BEST ADVICE…
I’m not saying eat in unsanitary places but Jaipur is one of the cities in the ‘golden triangle of India’ and the town is inundated with bus tour groups.
There are many restaurants that cater solely to these large group tours. Personally I seek a more authentic setting to enjoy the delicious Indian cuisine.
Stand by your price, shop around at a few places, find the best deal. Many sellers linger around the fort, I found the prices in the town below for the same items were much more satisfactory!
WHERE TO SHOP IN JAIPUR?
M.I Road or Mirza Ismail Road is lined with shops selling a plethora of goods from bejewelled bangles to a new stove for your house.
Johri Bazzar is constantly buzzing with tourist looking to buy gems and gold or silver jewellery. There’s a huge array of clothing and sari to choose from.
Bapu Bazzar has trinkets and textiles lining every spare space in each room. Be ready to choose from thousands of materials, textures and styles, you won’t get bored in this labyrinth.
WHERE ELSE SHOULD I EXPLORE IN INDIA?
WHERE ELSE SHOULD I EXPLORE IN INDIA?
NEED MORE ADVICE? KEEP READING…
So who am I…? Hi! My name is India.
I am a nomadic Australian who has wandered the world full time exploring over 60 countries and 5/7 continents.
After ten years on the road, I have launched my own website – Travelling Notebook – to share the knowledge I have gained on the road and the images I have collected over the years with fellow adventurers. Keep reading…
I am a freelance travel writer, photography and videographer, based in London. If you need specific travel advice or would like to collaborate please send an email my way!
Always say yes to adventure!
x India
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