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.

Click here to visit the official website of the Amber Fort.

A mysterious water palace without a definitive construction date, this palace in the centre of the man-made lake consists of a pavilion and terraced garden above the water and four underwater levels.
 Known as the ‘Palace of the winds’ this five story palace was built in 1799 and boast an iconic pink sandstone facade and 953 windows.

The interior is open to visitors, inside there is a small museum and most importantly, sweeping views across the city from the top floor.

Click here to visit the official Hawa Mahal website.

If you are a fan of the movie, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, you may recognise this beautiful Step Well.
Only a few hundred metres from the Amber Fort and often overlooked by the bigger step well in Abhaneri, the symmetry of this structure is stunningly beautiful and very photogenic.

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.

Click here to visit the official City Palace website.

MY BEST ADVICE…

It is the most popular tourist sight in the city so don’t get stuck lining up for hours.
Do take your time at the fort, there is much to explore and there are plenty of rickshaws waiting to give you a ride back into town.

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.

 Jaipur is an incredible place for shopping and there is no end to the shops, markets and bazaars you could spend your rupees in. Bartering is a natural way of life and the prices for tourists are extreme to begin with.

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!

 Although it seems there is only chaos to the observing traveller, India as a whole, runs efficiently with hidden but ordered way of life. Nothing makes sense and the challenge when visiting is to be swept up in the beauty of it with an open mind.

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…

See all posts about India
Return to the India page
See all tips & advice about Asia
Follow on Pinterest!

HEY ADVENTURER!

Get your weekly dose of travel stories directly into your inbox!

Yes please!
Follow on Pinterest!
Yes please!
Follow on Instagram!

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