Jaipur is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and delicious food. Some of the top attractions in Jaipur include:
- Hawa Mahal: This stunning palace was built in 1799 and is known for its unique honeycomb structure and intricate carvings.
- City Palace: This magnificent palace complex is a blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture and is home to several museums and galleries.
- Jantar Mantar: This UNESCO World Heritage site is an astronomical observatory built in the early 18th century and features several instruments used for measuring time, predicting eclipses, and more.
- Amber Fort: This majestic fort is located on a hill overlooking the city and is known for its beautiful architecture, intricate carvings, and stunning views.
- Nahargarh Fort: This 18th-century fort is located on the Aravalli Hills and offers stunning panoramic views of the city.
- Jal Mahal: This beautiful palace is located in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake and is a popular spot for photography and sightseeing.
- Bapu Bazaar and Johari Bazaar: These are the popular shopping areas in Jaipur where you can find everything from colorful textiles, jewelry, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
These are just a few of the top attractions in Jaipur, but the city has much more to offer in terms of sightseeing, food, and culture.
Best Time To Visit Jaipur
The best time to visit Jaipur is between October and March, which is the winter season in Rajasthan. During this time, the weather is pleasant and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius. The days are sunny and warm, while the nights are cool and comfortable.
This time of the year is ideal for exploring the city’s attractions, including the historic forts, palaces, and markets. The pleasant weather makes it perfect for outdoor activities, such as sightseeing, shopping, and exploring the city’s cuisine.
However, it’s important to note that the winter months are also the peak tourist season in Jaipur, which means that the city can be crowded and prices for accommodations and tours can be higher. If you prefer to avoid the crowds and the higher prices, you may want to consider visiting in the shoulder season (September and April) or in the summer season (May to June), but be prepared for the hot and dry weather.
Things to Do in Jaipur
Jaipur, the Pink City, is a popular tourist destination in India known for its rich history, vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and delicious food. Here are some of the top things to do in Jaipur:
- Visit Amber Fort: This majestic fort is located on a hill overlooking the city and is known for its beautiful architecture, intricate carvings, and stunning views.
- Explore the City Palace: This magnificent palace complex is a blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture and is home to several museums and galleries.
- Admire the Hawa Mahal: This stunning palace was built in 1799 and is known for its unique honeycomb structure and intricate carvings.
- Wander through Jantar Mantar: This UNESCO World Heritage site is an astronomical observatory built in the early 18th century and features several instruments used for measuring time, predicting eclipses, and more.
- Discover the Albert Hall Museum: This is the oldest museum in Rajasthan, and it showcases an extensive collection of artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, and arms and armor.
- Shop at the Bapu Bazaar and Johari Bazaar: These are the popular shopping areas in Jaipur where you can find everything from colorful textiles, jewelry, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
- Enjoy a traditional Rajasthani meal: Jaipur is known for its delicious food, including dal bati churma, laal maas, ghevar, and more. You can try these dishes at local restaurants or join a food tour to sample a variety of dishes.
These are just a few of the many things to do in Jaipur. The city has much more to offer, including cultural events, temples, gardens, and more.
How to Get Around in Jaipur
There are several ways to get around in Jaipur:
- Taxis: Taxis are widely available in Jaipur, and you can hire them for a few hours or for the entire day. You can either book a taxi through your hotel or use popular ride-hailing apps such as Uber or Ola.
- Auto-rickshaws: Auto-rickshaws are a popular and inexpensive mode of transportation in Jaipur. They are best for short distances and can be hailed from the street or through ride-hailing apps.
- Buses: Jaipur has a good network of public buses that connect major areas of the city. However, they can be crowded and not always punctual.
- Private cars and bikes: You can also rent a private car or bike to explore the city on your own. Many rental companies offer self-drive or chauffeur-driven cars.
- Walking: If you’re staying in the city center, walking is a great way to explore Jaipur. Most of the top attractions are located close to each other, and walking can be a great way to experience the city’s vibrant culture and architecture.
It’s important to negotiate the fare before hiring a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to avoid any confusion or overcharging. Also, be prepared for traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.
Where to eat in Jaipur
Jaipur is famous for its delicious Rajasthani cuisine, as well as for offering a variety of international cuisines. Here are some places to eat in Jaipur:
- LMB – Laxmi Misthan Bhandar: This is a famous restaurant in the city, known for its Rajasthani vegetarian thali, sweets, and snacks.
- Rawat Mishtan Bhandar: This is another popular eatery in Jaipur that serves traditional Rajasthani snacks such as kachoris, samosas, and sweets.
- Suvarna Mahal: This is a fine-dining restaurant located in the Rambagh Palace, which serves Indian and international cuisine.
- Barbeque Nation: This is a popular chain of restaurants in India, known for its unlimited vegetarian and non-vegetarian barbeque dishes.
- Chokhi Dhani: This is a popular restaurant in Jaipur that offers a Rajasthani village-like ambiance, cultural performances, and authentic Rajasthani food.
- Spice Court: This restaurant is located in a restored haveli and offers a range of Indian and international dishes, including Rajasthani thali.
- Tapri Central: This is a trendy cafe in Jaipur that offers a variety of snacks, tea, coffee, and other drinks.
These are just a few of the many places to eat in Jaipur. The city has a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and street food stalls, serving a variety of cuisines to suit every taste and budget.
Famous street stalls in Jaipur
Jaipur is a paradise for food lovers, and the city’s street food scene is particularly famous. Here are some of the popular street stalls in Jaipur:
- Samrat ke Samose: This is a popular stall in the old city that serves crispy, spicy samosas filled with aloo or pyaaz.
- Lala Ji Chole Kulche Wala: This stall is known for its spicy chole and soft kulchas, a popular North Indian snack.
- Sahu Chat Bhandar: This is a popular street food stall in Jaipur that serves a variety of chaats, including papdi chaat, aloo tikki, and dahi bhalla.
- Pandit Pav Bhaji: This is a famous street food stall in Jaipur that serves delicious buttery pav bhaji, a popular Mumbai street food.
- Bapu Bazaar: This is a popular shopping area in the old city that also offers a variety of street food stalls serving snacks such as kachoris, samosas, and jalebis.
- Sanjay Omelette: This stall is famous for its variety of omelettes, including cheese omelettes, masala omelettes, and butter omelettes.
- Rawat Kachori: This is a popular eatery in Jaipur that is famous for its spicy and crispy kachoris filled with lentils and served with chutney.
These are just a few of the many street food stalls in Jaipur. When trying street food, make sure to choose stalls that have a high turnover of customers and are using fresh ingredients to avoid any health issues.
Where to stay in Jaipur
Luxury accommodation
Jaipur offers a variety of luxury accommodations for travelers who want to experience the city in style. Here are some of the best luxury hotels in Jaipur:
- Taj Rambagh Palace: This is one of the most iconic and luxurious hotels in Jaipur, located in a grand palace setting with elegant rooms, an outdoor pool, and a spa.
- The Oberoi Rajvilas: This is a luxury resort located on 32 acres of lush gardens, with elegant villas, a pool, a spa, and a fine dining restaurant.
- Jai Mahal Palace: This is a luxurious heritage hotel located in the heart of the city, with elegant rooms, an outdoor pool, a spa, and multiple fine dining restaurants.
- SUJÁN Rajmahal Palace: This is a luxurious palace hotel located in the heart of the city, with elegant rooms, an outdoor pool, and multiple fine dining restaurants.
- Fairmont Jaipur: This is a luxurious hotel located on a hill, with elegant rooms, an outdoor pool, a spa, and multiple fine dining restaurants.
- ITC Rajputana: This is a luxury hotel located in the heart of the city, with elegant rooms, an outdoor pool, a spa, and multiple fine dining restaurants.
These are just a few of the many luxury accommodations available in Jaipur. The city has many options that offer traditional Rajasthani architecture and décor, as well as modern amenities for a comfortable stay.
Budget accommodation
Jaipur has a range of budget accommodations for travelers who want to explore the city without spending too much on accommodation. Here are some of the best budget hotels and hostels in Jaipur:
- Zostel Jaipur: This is a popular backpacker hostel located in the heart of the city, with clean and comfortable dormitories and private rooms.
- Moustache Hostel: This is another popular backpacker hostel in Jaipur, with clean and comfortable dormitories and private rooms, a rooftop terrace, and a café.
- Umaid Mahal: This is a budget heritage hotel located in the heart of the city, with comfortable rooms and traditional Rajasthani architecture.
- Hotel Kalyan: This is a budget hotel located in the heart of the city, with clean and comfortable rooms and a rooftop restaurant.
- Hotel Pearl Palace: This is a budget hotel located in the heart of the city, with comfortable rooms and a rooftop restaurant that offers views of the city.
- The Mellow: This is a budget hostel located in a peaceful residential area, with clean and comfortable dormitories and private rooms, a garden, and a café.
These are just a few of the many budget accommodations available in Jaipur. The city has many options that offer clean and comfortable rooms, as well as easy access to the city’s many attractions.
Travel tips Jaipur
Here are some travel tips for visiting Jaipur:
- Best time to visit: The best time to visit Jaipur is from November to February, when the weather is cool and dry.
- Dress code: Jaipur is a conservative city, so it’s a good idea to dress modestly, especially if you plan on visiting temples or other religious sites.
- Getting around: Jaipur is a fairly large city, but many of the major sights are located in the old part of the city, which is easily walkable. Auto-rickshaws, taxis, and app-based cabs are also widely available.
- Currency: The currency used in Jaipur is the Indian rupee (INR). You can exchange foreign currency at banks and exchange offices.
- Safety: Jaipur is generally a safe city, but it’s always a good idea to take basic precautions like not walking alone at night and not carrying large amounts of cash or valuables.
- Local customs: Jaipur has a rich cultural heritage, and it’s important to respect local customs and traditions. For example, it’s customary to remove your shoes before entering temples and other religious sites.
- Food: Jaipur is known for its delicious cuisine, but it’s important to be cautious when trying street food. Stick to vendors that are popular with locals, and avoid anything that looks undercooked or unhygienic.
- Shopping: Jaipur is famous for its handicrafts, textiles, and jewelry. Be prepared to bargain when shopping at markets and bazaars, but also be aware of scams and fake goods.
- Language: Hindi is the main language spoken in Jaipur, but many people also speak English, especially in tourist areas.
- Sights: Jaipur has many amazing sights to explore, so plan your itinerary carefully and give yourself plenty of time to see everything. Some must-visit sights include the Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and the Albert Hall Museum.