JAIPUR

1 Jaipur City Palace

Built in 1727 when Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II moved his capital from Amber to Jaipur, the City Palace is full of luxury and opulence, and along with being opened as a museum is still home to the Jaipur royal family today. With its dreamy, terracotta-pink walls laced with fine ivory-white, its delicate hanging chandeliers, and iconic the striking brass doors, Chandra Mahal is both striking and alluring.

2 Hawa Mahal, “Palace of the Winds”

Like a beautiful royal woman draped in pink and laced in white, Hawa Mahal has stood against a dazzling blue sky dotted with ivory clouds, watching the scenes of Jaipur unfold for centuries. Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, its intricate façade, adorned with 953 windows and latticed screens resembling a honeycomb, whispers tales of the royal ladies who once watched the world go by from behind its ornate screens. You can almost hear them, as the wind whispers through the Palace of the Winds, telling stories of a time of royal splendor in Rajasthan’s most regal city.

3 Patrika Gate

Built in 2016, Patrika Gate, “the most colorful door in India,” is a stunning monument that celebrates Jaipur’s rich cultural heritage. Adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant murals depicting scenes from Rajasthan’s history and mythology, this architectural masterpiece is a dream in soft, pastel colors. The best time to visit is in the morning, before the flocks of tourists and arrive to this breathtaking gate.

4 Sunset at Nahargarh Fort, “Abode of Tigers”

Experience the magic of a Jaipur sunset from the historic Nahargarh Fort, perched high atop the Aravalli Hills. As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, soak in panoramic views of the city below. Explore the fort’s ancient ramparts and hidden passages, and imagine the tales of valor and intrigue that echo through its walls. And you didn’t think Jaipur could get more pink!

5 Amber Palace

Perched majestically atop a rugged hilltop, the Amber Fort exudes grandeur and opulence at every turn. Its imposing walls, adorned with intricate carvings and majestic gateways, tell tales of Rajasthan’s glorious past. Within its fortified walls lie a labyrinth of palaces, courtyards, and gardens, each more striking than the last. From the shimmering Mirror Palace to the tranquil Zenana Courtyard, every corner of the Amber Fort is steeped in history and architectural brilliance.

6 DON’T ride elephants at Amber Palace or a Jaipur elephant “sanctuary”

At Amber Palace, elephants carry tourists up steep paths in the scorching heat for hours without water, sometimes reaching their trunks into their own mouths to try to quench their thirsts. Mahouts keep control over the elephants by not allowing a wound on their neck to heal and then poking that wound with a stick. It is animal torture. Jaipur Elephant Village is advertised as a “sanctuary” for retired elephants, but it’s really where elephants from Amber Palace go at midday to continue being abused. Say no to riding an elephant at Amber Palace. Choose to walk up instead, and refuse any tuk-tuk or taxi driver who asks to bring you to an elephant “sanctuary”.

7 Early morning bike tour of Jaipur

Wake up with the locals on this early morning bike tour through the terracotta-pink streets of Jaipur. Each morning, a new spectacle unfolds—sleepy men gather for their first sip of chai, stray cows line up to be fed chaara, and old men stretch and laugh with their morning yoga in the park. Be the first ones to see it on this early morning tour of Jaipur.

8 Learn how to make Blue Pottery at Kripal Kumbh

Brought to India by the Mongol, early examples of blue pottery can still be seen in the tiles of Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi built in 1570. In the 17th century, blue pottery reached the artisans of Jaipur, but by 1963 it had vanished until Maharani (Queen) Gayatri Devi asked Kripal Singh Shekhawat to revive the dying art. Kripal’s daughter continues the legacy of blue pottery at Kripal Kumbh, named after her father. Even though it looks like clay, blue pottery is actually made of quartz powder, powdered glass, borax, gum, and fuller’s earth. It gets its name from the Persian blue dye. For just 1,000 INR, you can learn under her how to shape and paint your own blue pottery! It’s the most unique thing to do in Jaipur.

9 Amer Stepwell

Step back in time and marvel at the architectural splendor of the Amer Stepwell, an ancient water reservoir dating back to the 16th century. Carved out of sandstone by skilled artisans, this intricately designed stepwell served as a vital source of water for the surrounding community during the hottest months of Rajasthan. Admire the dazzling beauty of its mesmerizing steps, descending to the cool water below, and take in the beauty of the Amber Palace above.

10 Take a block printing class at Creatis

As an art form, the tradition of block printing is over 4,000-years-old. To create the beautiful fabrics you see strewn all over Jaipur’s royal streets, artisans dip intricately-carved wooden blocks in dye before pressing them onto fabric. Each layer takes care and precision. You can try this ancient art form at Creatis, an artists’ hub, and take home your own scarves along with a whole new appreciate for the art of block printing. You can also learn more about the art of block printing at the Anokhi Museum near the Amer Stepwell.

11 Spot wild leopards and other wildlife in Jhalana Leopard Safari Park

Hidden in the south of Jaipur is a “Pink City” gem, Jhalana Leopard Safari Park, where leopards roam forested hills. These wild leopards can often be seen at watering holes along with spotted deer, sambar deer, peacocks, and monkeys. Since Jhalana Leopard Park is small at just 23sq km and with 40 leopards frequenting the park (6 to 7 in the area open to tourists), you have a good chance at a sighting. Head there for a morning or evening safari for a chance of spotting Jaipur’s leopards in the wild; it’s the best, secret thing to do in Jaipur.

12 Stay in Jaipur’s oldest heritage hotel, Hotel Bissau Palace

Built in 1874, Hotel Bissau Palace is Jaipur’s oldest heritage hotel. Step into Hotel Bissau Palace’s regally adorned lounge, library, and dining hall, and feel the grandeur of the past. With portraits of royalty on the walls and dangling, crystal chandeliers overhead, it’s a time-worn cliche but you’ll feel like you stepped back in time.

13 Jal Mahal

Set on Man Sagar Lake, Jal Mahal appears to float on the waters like a delicate white bird. Built in 1699 and renovated in the 18th century by Maharaja Madho Singh I, the “Water Palace,” rests peacefully on the lake amidst the backdrop of the Aravalli hills. On your way to the Amber Palace, stop off here by the lake for a walk admiring Jal Mahal’s sandstone walls and sentry-like chhatris or take a boat ride for a closer view from the water.

14 Albert Hall Museum

As a backdrop to the Nehru Garden, the Albert Hall Museum, named after King Edward VII, stands as a testament to the grandeur of Rajasthan’s architecture. If the 19th century architecture wasn’t enough to want to step inside, the Albert Hall Museum is the state museum of Rajasthan and the oldest museum of the state. From miniature paintings to dazzling gemstones and ornate sculptures, each exhibit offers a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of Rajasthan. It’s. great museum to visit in the evening after a day in the royal city.

15 Jantar Mantar

Step into the realm of ancient astronomy with a visit to the Jantar Mantar, Jaipur’s extraordinary astronomical observatory. Built in the 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features a collection of colossal astronomical instruments designed to observe the celestial skies above Jaipur with scientific precision. Wander among its giant sundials, celestial globes, and intricately calibrated instruments, and appreciate the true genius of Jaipur’s royal past.

16 Try traditional Rajasthani thali

Nearby Kripal Kumbh Blue Pottery is your next favorite thali spot, Rajasthani Thali Dal Bati Churma. Try traditional Rajasthani foods you can’t pronounce yet but will soon fall in love with from dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, to ker sangri. Their thalis range from 375 to 525 INR for unlimited servings! If you can’t get enough of thali, also try Shri Radha Govind Pavitra Bhojanalaya. Order their thali with veg pulao, two paneer curries, daal, papadam, and the best naan you might ever have for just 280 INR!

How to Plan Your Trip to Jaipur

Where to Stay in Jaipur

Staying near Kripal Kumbh Blue Pottery or Hawa Mahal will mean you’re a short tuk-tuk ride away from most of Jaipur’s best things to do. For budget stays, Hotel H R Palace was great with a rooftop restaurant and less than 4.5km away from the Stepwell. For an even more unique experience, you can live like nobility at the Hotel Bissau Palace!

How to Get to Jaipur

The best way to visit Jaipur is by train to Jaipur Junction, but you can also take a bus, hire a private taxi, or fly in to Jaipur International Airport. The last two options will be the most expensive. You can book trains directly from the IRCTC website, or from 12Go.

How to Get Around Jaipur

The best way to get around is by Uber, but Uber won’t always be available from Amber Palace or Amer Stepwell. If you stay near to Kripal Kumbh Blue Pottery or Hawa Mahal, most attractions will always be a short tuk-tuk ride away. Hiring a tuk-tuk from here to attractions like the Jaipur City Palace and Hawa Mahal should cost 150 to 200 INR, but depends on your bargaining skills.

 Where to Eat in Jaipur

Shri Radha Govind Pavitra Bhojanalaya – It might not look like much from the outside, but this local favorite is the place to go for budget-friendly, vegetarian Rajasthani thali and lassi! Order their sweet, creamy lassi topped with sliced almonds and pistachios for 120 INR, and their thali with veg pulao, two paneer curries, daal, papadam, and the best naan you might ever have for just 280 INR! The veg thali wasn’t listed on the menu when I visited, so be sure to ask for it.
 
Masala Chowk – A popular food court with lots of great, budget options! Try everything in one place.
 
Lassiwala Kishan lal Govind Narain Agarwal – Daydreaming of sweet, creamy lassi served in a cool, terracotta cup? This local spot serves just that for only 40 INR (small) and 80 INR (large). There are many copycat shops, so make sure the sign says “Kishan lal Govind Narain Agarwal.”
 
Pandit Kulfi – Just down the road from Hawa Mahal is your sweet, sugary stop to cool down from the heat. Try their saffron, pistachio, or almond kulfi for only 40 INR!
 
Laxmi Misthan Bhandar – Jaipur’s favorite sweets shop.
 
Govindam Retreat – Indulge in their decadent Rose Laddu and tasty samosas!
 
Sahu Chai – Jaipur’s favorite chai; it’s so popular as to have been visited by Indian and international politicians.
 
Half Light Coffee Roasters – The perfect coffee shop for remote working or a hangout over great coffee.

Where to Shop in Jaipur

Kripal Kumbh Blue Pottery – If you don’t have time for a workshop here, shopping their authentic blue pottery is the next best thing!
 
Jaipur Blue Pottery Art Center – For a wider range of blue pottery that’s still authentic, wander around the endless rooms of Jaipur Blue Pottery Art Center on the way to Amber Palace.
 
Vimla Intermational – Woven cotton rugs with geometric designs all with unbeatable quality.
 
Hatke Creation – For Indian and Indo-Western clothes, Hatke Creation is a lesser known gem.
 
Anokhi – Traditional Indian block print clothes and homewares with unique, artsy designs.
 
Cityvibes – For traditional Indian menswear from simple shirts to wedding ready.

Safety in Jaipur

Like the rest of India, unfortunately it’s still not advisable for women to walk alone at night or in secluded areas. For added safety, connect with other female travelers in the Girls Love Travel and Host a Sister Facebook groups. Jaipur is a fairly safe city, but watch out for pickpockets in markets and crowded areas.

Health in Jaipur

Only drink filtered water, not tap. Avoid eating out at unpopular restaurants or street food stalls that are not vetted by other tourists. Avoid eating vegetables and fruits that are cut, not peeled. Brush your teeth with filtered water, not tap. If worse comes to worse, carry Imodium with you along with toilet paper and hand sanitizer, and enjoy India’s incredible food! To quote Anthony Bourdain, “Indian food won’t kill you.”
 
Malaria and dengue fever are still a risk in Rajasthan, so make sure to take anti-malaria tablets. In February 2019, Rajasthan had the highest number of dengue and malaria cases in all of India.

Travel Insurance for India

Whatever you do, don’t travel without travel insurance. Whether it’s sickness, theft, or lost luggage, something WILL go wrong, and travel insurance is your only way of lessening costs!

India Travel Essentials

Traveling comes with a unique set of challenges. To keep your journey happy, healthy, and safe, I recommend traveling with these:

Addalock (Don’t travel to India without this! It’s an added safety lock that works with any door).

Ear plugs and eye mask (For overnight train rides!)

Hand sanitiser and wet wipes (In India, these are a must.)

Reusable water bottle  (Save plastic by investing in a Grayl water purification bottle, which lets you fill up from any water source, anywhere in the world.)

Power bank (There’s not much worse than running out of phone battery and not being able to find your way home.)

International travel adapter (You’ll need at least one of these for all of your trips.)

For a full list of my travel recommendations, click here!