Jaipur Travel Guide

Have you ever visited a city where you felt like exploring a magical landscape? Well, consider traveling to Jaipur this time. Jaipur is more than the capital and largest city of Rajasthan. It is a prominent tourist destination attracting travelers from all around the world.

Whether you want to see ancient forts, marvel at the architectural brilliance of elegant palaces, explore beautiful gardens, and experience the royal charm of ancient times, Jaipur won’t disappoint you.

The moment you set foot on Jaipur’s vibrant streets, surrounded by grand historical buildings, all painted in that warm-pinkish-red shade, you will feel like traveling back in time. It’s not just beautiful; it’s magical.

Many people think Jaipur is all about its looks. Sure, it’s incredibly photogenic. But the real charm of the Pink City lies in how the city feels. As you wander through its historical landmarks and colorful bazaars, you will feel mesmerized.

Visit the iconic Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds. This beautiful structure resembles a giant honeycomb, featuring numerous small windows known as Jharokhas. These tiny windows were designed to allow the royal ladies to see the daily activities below in the streets without being seen from the outside. It’s intricate, thoughtful, and completely mesmerizing.

And then there is the City Palace, a masterpiece of Mughal and Rajasthan architecture. The grandeur of this elegant palace complex is impossible to ignore. Just walk through its gates, and you will feel like royalty.

Jaipur is a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern life. An elephant ride to ascend the ancient Amer Fort perched atop a hill is simply unforgettable. Jal Mahal, Rambagh Palace, Govind Devji Temple, Laxmi Narayan Temple, and local bazaars are other highlights of Jaipur tours that you should not miss.

Jaipur is calling you. It’s not just a place you visit. It’s a place you feel.

Prominent Tourist Attractions in Jaipur

Here is the list of top tourist attractions in Jaipur that you should include in your itinerary.

Hawa Mahal: The Palace of Winds

The Haw Mahal, the Palace of Winds, is an iconic structure in the city of Jaipur, Rajasthan. Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and designed by Lal Chand Ustad, it’s a perfect balance of beauty and privacy. It’s a five-storey building, and its exterior resembles a honeycomb, featuring 953 small windows, also known as Jharokhas. Decorated with intricate latticework, these tiny windows were originally built for a special purpose. The intent was to allow royal ladies to see everyday life and festival celebrations below in the street without being seen from the outside. You will be totally stunned the moment you stand in front of this unique structure.

City Palace: Royal Residence

The City Palace is not just a landmark in Jaipur. It’s the heart of the Pink City. Built in the early 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, it still stands as the royal residence of Jaipur’s former rulers. The palace complex is stunning, featuring a fine blend of elements of Mughal and Rajputana architectural styles.

Step through the gates of City Palace, and you will find an immediate contrast. Massive courtyards, intricate archways, marble, and sandstone structures—every corner of this palace will fascinate and make you feel the royalty.

The prominent structures and palaces within the City Palace complex are:

Sabha Niwas (Diwan-e-Aam)
Sarvato Bhadra (Diwan-e-Khas)
Pritam Niwas Chowk (inner courtyard)
Chandra Mahal
Sukh Niwas
Shobha Niwas
Mubarak Mahal (courtyard)
Govind Devji Temple
Clock Tower
Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum

Amer Fort

Your Jaipur trip is incomplete if you don’t visit Amer Fort, situated atop a hill at the outskirts of the city. It is the principal tourist attraction in the city and is known for its stunning architecture, featuring a perfect blend of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles. Constructed in red sandstone and marble, this ancient fort consists of four floors, each with a beautiful courtyard. The prominent structures within the fort complex include Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khas, Sheesh Mahal, and Sukh Niwas.

A notable attraction at Amer Fort is the Magic Flower. It’s carved into a marble panel at the base of a pillar near the mirror palace, showing two hovering butterflies. The flower features seven distinct designs, including a fishtail, lotus, hooded cobra, elephant trunk, lion’s tail, cob of corn, and scorpion. Each one is visible in a unique way by partially covering the panel with the hands. Garden, Tripolia Gate, Lion Gate, and Palace of Man Singh I are other attractions you will visit at Amer Fort.

If you want to experience the Amer Fort visit, take an elephant ride at the base to ascend the complex. Explore the architectural brilliance of the complex and then enjoy the spectacular views of the Maota Lake from the rampart. Amer Fort is also a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of the group of Hill Forts of Rajasthan.

Jaigarh Fort

Jaigarh Fort is also a prominent fort and a principal tourist attraction to visit on Jaipur tours. It’s located on the promontory called the Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles) of the Aravali range in Jaipur. When in Jaigarh Fort, you will see the spectacular views of the Amer Fort and the Maota Lake below. Similar in structural design to the Amer Fort, the Jaigarh Fort is also called the Victory Fort.

The fort is highly fortified with thick walls of red sandstone and is spread over a layout plan with a length of 3 kms. You will feel totally mesmerized by exploring its impressive square garden (Charbagh garden), ramparts, courtrooms, halls, screen windows, Aram Mandir, and other attractions.

There are many other things that you can do at Jaigarh Fort. You can visit the armory chamber that showcases a wide range of things like swords, shields, guns, muskets, and old photographs of Jaipur’s Maharajas. One special attraction to visit at Jaigarh Fort is the historical Jaivana Cannon.

Nahargarh Fort

Nahargarh Fort is another fort in Jaipur. It stands tall on the edge of the Aravalli hills and offers spectacular views of Jaipur city. This historical fort was built in 1734 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. The intent of building this fort was to guard the city and a retreat for the royal family. The name “Nahargarh” means “abode of tigers.’ Legends say it is linked to the spirit of a prince named Nahar Singh.

When at Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur, see the beautiful view of the entire Pink City from the fort ramparts. Explore the beautiful courtyards and different palace sections. Marvel at the fusion of Indian and European architectural styles. Exploring Nahargarh Fort on a Jaipur trip will give you an experience of going through a perfect mist of culture, history, architecture, and natural beauty.

Jal Mahal (Water Palace)

You can see this elegant palace when returning to the main city after visiting the Amer Fort, Jaigarh Fort, or Nahargarh Fort. Situated in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake, it is definitely a not-to-be-missed attraction. You will be truly amazed by the stunning display of Rajputana-style architecture on a grand scale.

Rambagh Palace

The Rambagh Palace is the former residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. It is located in Rambagh Gardens on Bhawani Singh Road. Constructed in 1835, the modest palace was built as a garden retreat for a queen’s female servant. Later, the palace served as a royal guesthouse and hunting lodge.

After the independence of India, the Rambagh Palace was converted into the Rambagh Palace hotel, India’s first luxury palace hotel. Later in 1972, the management of the hotel was handed over to Taj Hotels.

The Rambagh Palace is celebrated for its beautiful Indo-Saracenic architecture, lovely ornate gardens, and its deep-rooted connections to Jaipur’s royal history.

The Rambagh Palace is known for its unique Indo-Saracenic architecture, ornate gardens, and rich connections to Jaipur’s royal history.

When you step into Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, you will feel as though you have entered a royal world. Often called the “Jewel of Jaipur”, the palace will mesmerize you with its marble arches, beautiful gardens, and rooms decorated with chandeliers and royal furniture. If you stay at this luxury palace hotel, you will experience royal hospitality, with traditional Rajasthani food, cultural performances, and warm service. Even if you do not stay overnight, a visit for high tea or dinner is an experience you will remember.

Other Attractions in Jaipur

Apart from the aforementioned principal tourist attractions, there are many other attractions you can visit and explore on your Jaipur tours. Here is the list of some other attractions you can include in your Jaipur travel itinerary.

Birla Mandir, also called Laxmi Narayan Temple
Goven Devji Temple, located within the City Palace Complex
Kanak Vrindavan Garden, located at the bottom of Nahargarh Fort
Shila Devi Temple—a historic Hindu Temple—located within Amer Fort
Jantar Mantar Royal Observatory (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Garh Ganesh Temple
Jaipur Central Park
Ram Niwas Garden
Ram Mandir Cinema
Albert Hall Museum
Jaipur Zoo
Rajasthan Assembly Building

Must-Try Rajasthani Dishes & Food in Jaipur

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is a paradise for food lovers! Whether you are exploring street food in the old city or dining at a heritage haveli, you will find diverse options. Here’s a list of must-try dishes on Jaipur tours.

Dal Baati Churma: It’s an iconic dish of Rajasthan that includes baked wheat balls (baati), lentils (dal), and sweet crushed wheat (churma). You can try this special dish at Chokhi Dhani (a traditional village-style restaurant) and Laxmi Misthan Bhandar (LMB), Johari Bazaar.
Gatte Ki Sabzi: It’s gram flour dumplings in tangy yogurt curry. Laxmi Misthan Bhandar and Rawat Mishthan Bhandar are pouplar places in Jaipur to try this unique dish.
Ker Sangri: It’s a dry stir-fry made from desert beans and berries, very local and earthy. You can enjoy this dish at Thali restaurants like 1135 AD (Amber Fort) or Surya Mahal.
Rajasthani Thali: It is for a complete meal experience with dal baati, gatte, ker sangri, bajra roti, and churma.

Popular Street Foods in Jaipur

Pyaaz Kachori: Rawat Mishthan Bhandar, Sodhani Sweets
Golgappa (Pani Puri): Chawla’s or Nand’s at Raja Park
Kulfi Faluda: Bapu Bazaar street vendors, Lassiwala, MI Road (also famous for lassi)

Non-Veg Delicacies to Try in Jaipur

Laal Maas: It’s a fiery red mutton curry made with Mathania red chilis. If you want to try this special non-vegetarian food, you can consider places like Spice Court in Civil Lines and Handi Restaurant in MI Road.
Jungli Maas: It’s a simpler version of Laal Maas. It is traditionally made with only meat, garlic, and red chilis. You can enjoy it at 1135 AD, Amber Fort.
Chicken or Mutton Tikka: You can try this at Mughal Rasoi or The Forresta Kitchen & Bar.

Unique Jaipur’s Treats and Sweet Dishes

Mawa Kachori: It’s deep-fried, sweet, stuffed with khoya and nuts. Laxmi Misthan Bhandar (LMB) is a good place to try this dish.
Ghevar: It is a honeycomb-like sweet made with flour and soaked in sugar syrup – often topped with rabri. Try this special treat at Laxmi Misthan Bhandar (LMB) and Rawat Mishtan Bhandar.
Lassi (Sweet Yogurt Drink): Try this at Lassiwala, MI Road – iconic clay cup lassi!

Best Food Experiences in Jaipur

Chokhi Dhani Village Resort – Cultural night with Rajasthani buffet.
1135 AD at Amber Fort – Royal dining with heritage ambiance.
Tapri Central – Modern rooftop café with great views and chai snacks.
Masala Chowk – A curated open-air street food court near Albert Hall.

Best Places for Shopping on Jaipur Tour

Any trip is not complete without shopping. So is your Jaipur trip. The Pink City is a fantastic place for shopping. From local markets to contemporary malls and shopping complexes, you will have many options for shopping in Jaipur. Here is a list of some of the best shopping places where you can shop for souvenirs.

Johari Bazaar: This is one of the oldest and busiest markets in Jaipur. It is famous for gold and silver jewelry, Kunda, Meenakari, and precious stones. Bargaining is a must here.

Bapu Bazaar: Located in the heart of the city, Bapu Bazaar is a colorful and lively shopping area. If you are looking for souvenirs and unique local items, this bazaar is the best choice. Here you can do shopping for Jaipuri quilts, leather goods, mojris, and textiles.

Nehru Bazaar: Located on MI Road, Nehru Bazaar is a busy street market with lots of shops. Here you can do shopping for traditional Rajasthani clothing and footwear, including mojris, Bandhani (tie-dye fabric), dress material, and accessories.

Tripolia Bazaar: This bazaar is famous for selling lac bangles, metalwork, fabrics, handicrafts, and traditional items.

Chandpole Bazaar: Here you can find lots of artisan shops in narrow lanes. It is less crowded as compared to other bazaars but perfect for picking up unique handicrafts. You can shop here for marble carvings, wooden sculptures, and decorative handicrafts.

Sireh Deori Bazaar: This market is right opposite to the iconic Hawa Mahal. So, it is great for a quick shopping stop while sightseeing. Here, you can shop for leather products, Rajasthani quilts, and wall hangings.

Aravali Bazaar: It’s a quieter market with a more boutique feel. It is ideal for finding beautiful home décor items, such as quilts, cushions, bedspreads, and carved furniture.

Gaurav Tower (GT Bazaar): If you are looking for a mix of traditional and modern shopping, visit Gaurav Tower (GT Bazaar). Here you will find modern shops with branded stores and a variety of goods.

World Trade Park (WTP Jaipur): It is a big, modern shopping mall with a more relaxed, comfortable vibe compared to the street bazaars. Here, you will find international and Indian brands, with lots of restaurants and entertainment zones.

Tips for Shopping in Jaipur

Bargaining is key: Most street markets expect you to haggle, so don’t be shy to negotiate a better price.
Quality check: Be sure to check the quality of fabrics and jewellery, especially in crowded markets.
Cash is king: While big malls accept cards, smaller shops often prefer cash, so keep some on hand.
Start early: If you want to avoid the heat and the crowds, it’s best to head out in the morning.
Fixed-price shops: If you’re not into bargaining, there are plenty of stores where the price is already set.

How to Reach Jaipur

Jaipur is well connected by all three modes of transportation: air, rail, and road.

Reaching Jaipur by Air

Jaipur is well-connected with flights by domestic and international airlines. So, you can conveniently reach Jaipur by air travel, saving your precious time. Jaipur International Airport is located about 13 kms from the city center. It connects the city with all major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, as well as select international destinations.

Reaching Jaipur by Train:

Want to travel to Jaipur by train? No issue. Jaipur Railway Station is well-connected to cities across India. Several express and superfast trains like the Shatabdi and Rajdhani Express Trains serve this route. This can be the right choice to travel to Jaipur if you are looking for comfortable and economical travel options.

Reaching Jaipur by Road:

Jaipur has excellent road connectivity via national highways like NH48 and NH21. Regular bus services, including government and private operators, connect Jaipur to Delhi, Agra, Udaipur, and other cities. Travelers can also drive or hire taxis, enjoying a scenic and flexible journey.