Jaipur is one of those cities that hits you like a colour explosion. The moment you approach the old walled city, the terracotta-pink walls rise around you and the chaos of the bazaars pulls you in. It’s loud, beautiful, overwhelming, and completely addictive.
Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur was one of India’s first planned cities – designed on the ancient Hindu principles of town planning laid out in the Shilpa Shastra. Today it is the capital of Rajasthan, a UNESCO World Heritage City (since 2019), and one of the most visited cities in India.
This guide covers everything you need to see, eat, and do in Jaipur. And some Best Delhi To Jaipur Tour Package offered by some Tour Operators in Delhi.
Top Attractions in Jaipur
1. Amber Fort: Jaipur’s greatest treasure. Built over nearly 100 years from the late 16th century, this hilltop fort-palace complex is a masterpiece of Mughal-Rajput architecture. The Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) inside is extraordinary – thousands of tiny mirrors embedded in the ceiling and walls reflect a single candle flame to create the appearance of a starlit sky.
2. Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds): The five-storey honeycomb facade of 953 small windows is Jaipur’s most photographed building. Built in 1799 for the royal ladies of the zenana (women’s quarters) to observe street processions without being seen.
3. City Palace: Still partially home to the royal family of Jaipur, the City Palace complex includes museums, courtyards, and pavilions. The two enormous silver urns in the Diwan-i-Khas are the largest silver objects in the world, used by Maharaja Madho Singh II to carry Ganges water to London in 1901.
4. Jantar Mantar: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest stone astronomical observatory in the world, built by Jai Singh II in 1734. The Samrat Yantra sundial here is accurate to 2 seconds.
5. Nahargarh Fort: Perched on the Aravalli Hills above Jaipur, Nahargarh offers the best panoramic view over the city. Visit at sunset – the golden light over the Pink City is spectacular.
Food: What to Eat in Jaipur
Dal Baati Churma: Rajasthan’s signature dish – hard-baked wheat balls (baati) served with lentil curry (dal) and sweet crumbled bread (churma). Rich, filling, and utterly delicious. Try it at Chokhi Dhani or at one of the traditional Rajasthani thali restaurants.
Laal Maas: Rajasthan’s famous fiery mutton curry, cooked with red chillies and ghee. Genuinely spicy – a memorable experience.
Pyaaz Kachori: Jaipur’s beloved street snack – a deep-fried pastry stuffed with a spiced onion filling. The best pyaaz kachori in the city is debated endlessly between locals.
Masala Chai: Jaipur’s tea culture is serious. Find a corner chai stall in the bazaars and drink it in small earthen cups (kullhad) – the way it’s been done for centuries.
Ghevars and Mawa Kachori: Jaipur’s sweets are famous across Rajasthan. Ghevar is a disc-shaped sweet soaked in sugar syrup; mawa kachori is a rich, sweet pastry filled with reduced milk and nuts.
Shopping in Jaipur
Jaipur is one of India’s great shopping cities. The old bazaars in the walled city are concentrated around the main markets:
1. Johari Bazaar: Jaipur’s jewellery market, famous for Kundan, Meenakari, and Jadau jewellery. Jaipur is one of the world’s leading centres for precious and semi-precious stone cutting.
2. Bapu Bazaar: Textiles, hand-block-printed fabrics, and Rajasthani mojri (traditional embroidered shoes).
3. Nehru Bazaar: Cotton and synthetic fabrics at wholesale prices.
5. Tripolia Bazaar: Lac bangles, brassware, and traditional Rajasthani artefacts.
Bargaining is expected in all bazaars. Start at 50–60% of the asking price and work from there. Fixed-price government emporiums like the Rajasthali on M.I. Road are a good reference point for fair prices.
Day Trips from Jaipur
Jaipur makes an excellent base for day trips into Rajasthan:
Samode (45 km): A beautiful 17th-century palace village, famous for its painted havelis.Bhangarh Fort (85 km): India’s most famously ‘haunted’ fort, a ruined Mughal-era fortification in the Aravalli Hills.Pushkar (145 km): One of India’s holiest cities, built around a sacred lake. The annual Pushkar Camel Fair is one of the world’s most spectacular festivals.
How to Get to Jaipur
Jaipur is 280 kilometres from Delhi and 240 kilometres from Agra, making it the natural third point of the Golden Triangle circuit.
By road from Delhi, the journey takes around 5–6 hours on the well-maintained NH-48.
For a comfortable, flexible journey between Agra and Jaipur (or Delhi and Jaipur) with a private car and experienced driver, Travel Agency in Delhi like Luxigo Tours offers a comprehensive Jaipur Sightseeing Tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many days do you need in Jaipur?
A: Two full days is the minimum to cover the major highlights. Three days allows a more relaxed pace and time for shopping.
Q: Is Jaipur safe for solo female travellers?
A: Jaipur is considered one of India’s more traveller-friendly cities, though standard urban precautions apply, especially at night.
Q: What is the best way to get around Jaipur?
A: Auto-rickshaws are the most common option. Negotiate a fixed price before getting in, or use Ola/Uber for metered fares.
