The enchanting Pink City of Jaipur, with its numerous ornate palaces, forts & vibrant bazaars, ideally deserves weeks of exploration. But, you’ll find that even 48 hours’ worth of exploring Jaipur, when choreographed perfectly, is enough to soak in the essence of this royal city. Here’s our complete guide to making the most out of a short stay in Rajasthan’s capital.
How do I get to Jaipur?
Jaipur is part of India’s most visited bunch of cities, famously called the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra & Jaipur). Also the capital of Rajasthan, it is easily accessible via road, flights & trains. If you are starting from the national capital, Delhi, like most travelers, the best way to get to Jaipur is by a private vehicle. We recommend using a well-trusted travel agency’s services for this, such as TRAVELOSEI. However, if you are coming in from another city, such as Mumbai or Kolkata, a direct flight is the best option.
Day One
Your first day can begin at a leisurely pace by driving into the old walled city, which has remained the same since the 1700s when it was planned & built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. The pink-hued walls & endless vibrant shops lined are utterly captivating to watch. Your first stop should be at the resplendent City Palace. Still home to descendants of the royal family, this palace is where a good chunk of Jaipur’s royal heritage lies. The complex is a stunning example of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture and deserves several hours of exploration. The famous Lotus & Peacock Gates, featured on the cover of the “Palace of Illusions” book, are also located within the palace walls.
Just steps away, Jantar Mantar presents astronomy as you’ve never seen it before. Built in 1734 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site recently in 2010. Standing beside the world’s largest sundial, one can’t help but marvel at the sophistication of 18th-century scientific thought. Surrounding the main attraction are eighteen other instruments, designed to map the movement of celestial bodies. It is remarkable how even today, most of them provide accurate readings.
After exploring these two sites, it is time to savor a delectable Rajasthani lunch, at one of Jaipur’s best Indian fine-dining restaurants. Opt for the luxurious Suvarna Mahal in the gorgeous grounds of the Taj Rambagh Palace, or Peshawri at the ITC Rajputana for Indian delights.
Your next stop should be at the iconic Hawa Mahal, easily India’s most popular monument after the breathtaking Taj Mahal. This ‘Palace of Winds’ is perhaps the city’s most photographed monument, and for a good reason. Featuring 953 windows, its delicate honeycomb facade was designed for royal ladies to enjoy the sights of bustling streets & markets without being seen. While most visitors content themselves with photographs from the outside, I urge you to step inside. The interiors will reveal fascinating insights into royal life & spectacular views of the Amber Fort & the city.
Before dusk sets in, make your way towards the breathtaking Albert Hall Museum. This oldest museum in Rajasthan showcases a fascinating collection of traditional Rajasthani artifacts. The building itself, a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, is more an attraction than its interior museum.
Day Two
For your second day, begin your sojourn with the magnificent Amber Fort, the crown jewel of Jaipur and Rajasthan. An expansive, golden fortress on the city outskirts, it is one of the most royal places to be seen in Jaipur. Visiting early in the morning will help you beat the heat, as well as the crowds. While most prefer making their way up via elephant or jeep, the ancient cobblestone path is worth a short walk too. The fort’s Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) is perhaps the most captivating. Its walls are adorned in traditional Rajasthani mirrorwork & miniature paintings– so elaborate that every time you pass a corridor new details will capture your wonder.
As the clock strikes closer to noon, you can begin to return to the city center, with a brief stop at the serene Jal Mahal, which literally translates to “water palace”. Although its palatial area is not open to visitors, its enchanting presence in the middle of Man Sagar Lake is perfect for photographs. The palace appears to float on the lake’s surface– a magical illusion that captures the romantic essence of Rajasthan. Before moving ahead, relax and have a delightful Rajasthani lunch at a charming Indian restaurant.
When dusk starts to set in, head to the ancient Nahargarh Fort. While Amber Fort might own the morning glory, Nahargarh & Jaigarh forts own the sunset. Although less ornate than Amber, Nahargarh’s unparalleled views of Jaipur are worth the visit. In the fort’s Madhavendra Palace, you will discover apartments especially designed for the queens, each with their own kitchen, courtyard, and lobby. A contemporary art gallery, housed by parts of the fort, is a must-see too.
Beyond the Monuments
Rajasthan’s exquisite craftsmanship is popular among travelers. The Pink City is especially known for its gem cutting, block printing & blue pottery. Artisans are happy to welcome tourists to observe their craft & interact with them. In the narrow lanes of Jaipur’s Johari Bazaar, you’ll find people still practicing the ancient, exquisite art of Meenakari (enamel setting) & Kundan (pure gold). With TRAVELOSEI, you can make this experience even more special with hands-on workshops to create your own souvenir.
FAQs
October to March is the most ideal time to visit Jaipur, with pleasant weather and clear skies. This is also the best time to visit the rest of the state, including Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer & Pushkar. Another way to extend your trip is to complete the Indian Golden Triangle with Delhi & Agra.
Owing to its location in the Land of Royalty, Jaipur has a plethora of luxury heritage hotels & palaces to stay in. The best ones are: Taj Rambagh Palace, ITC Rajputana, The Oberoi Rajvilas, The Leela Palace & Taj Amer.
The best way to book a luxury trip to Jaipur is via a prestigious travel agency, such as TRAVELOSEI.
Jaipur has an endless array of sites to discover. From those, the must visit are: Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Albert Hall Museum & Jantar Mantar.
