Jaipur is known as the 'Pink City' due to the dominant color scheme of its buildings. It is famous for its rich cultural heritage, historic palaces, forts, architecture, and is part of India’s Golden Triangle tourist circuit alongside Delhi and Agra. Jaipur is also renowned for its jewelry, fabrics, and handicrafts.
The best time to visit Jaipur is during the winter months from early November to February when the weather is pleasant and conducive for sightseeing. The temperatures during this period range from 8°C to 32°C. Summers can be extremely hot with temperatures soaring to 45°C.
Top attractions in Jaipur include the Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar Observatory, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Jal Mahal, and the Royal Gaitor. Additionally, the colorful bazaars like Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar offer a variety of local handicrafts and souvenirs.
Day 1: Start with exploring the historic Amber Fort, followed by a visit to the Jaigarh Fort. Return to the city to visit the City Palace and Jantar Mantar. In the evening, enjoy a stroll through the local markets. Day 2: Begin with the Hawa Mahal for a classic photo opportunity, then head over to Nahargarh Fort for panoramic views of the city. In the afternoon, visit Albert Hall Museum and end your day with a relaxing boat ride at Jal Mahal.
Some authentic dishes to try in Jaipur include Dal Baati Churma (a traditional Rajasthani dish), Laal Maas (spicy mutton curry), Ghewar (a disc-shaped sweet delicacy), Pyaaz Kachori (a type of spicy deep-fried snack), and Mirchi Bada (a spicy chili fritter). Street food in Jaipur is also very popular, especially at spots like Masala Chowk.
Jaipur hosts a number of cultural festivals and experiences throughout the year. The Jaipur Literature Festival is a global literary phenomenon attracting authors and readers. The Elephant Festival and Kite Festival around Makar Sankranti are vibrant and unique to the region. Navaratri and Diwali are celebrated with grandeur, with traditional performances and decorations all across the city.
Jaipur is a shopper’s paradise known for gemstones, silver jewelry, bangles, textiles, blue pottery, tie-dye fabrics, leheriya (a traditional tie-dye technique), mojari (traditional Rajasthani footwear), and miniature paintings. You can find these items in the local bazaars like Johari Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, and Tripolia Bazaar.
Jaipur is generally considered safe for tourists. However, as in any tourist destination, visitors should take basic precautions to secure their belongings, avoid isolated areas at night, and be aware of common travel scams. Female travelers should also exercise caution and dress conservatively to respect local customs.
Jaipur offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from luxury heritage hotels and 5-star properties to mid-range hotels, guesthouses, hostels, and budget stays. Some of the heritage hotels provide a unique experience, allowing guests to stay in properties that were once palaces or mansions of the Rajput rulers.
Yes, transportation is easily accessible in Jaipur. Options include taxis, auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, and app-based services like Uber and Ola. For a more local experience, one can also use the public buses. Renting a car with a driver for a day is a convenient way to see the city’s sights, especially for tourists.