Jaipur
The pink city of forts, bazaars and royal hotels
Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II founded Jaipur in 1727 as a planned city, laid out in a grid of wide streets and squares that still organises the old town today. The walls and buildings were washed in pink in 1876 for a royal visit, and the colour stayed. In 2019 the walled city was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Jantar Mantar, Jai Singh's astronomical observatory, had been listed in 2010.
Most of what visitors come for lies within 15 km. Amber Fort stands on a ridge to the north, above Maota Lake. The City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal are within a short walk of each other in the old city. Around them run the bazaars: Johari for jewellers, Bapu for textiles and shoes, Tripolia for brass and lac bangles. Further out, Bagru and Sanganer keep the block printing tradition alive.
Jaipur is busy and loud, and the way to enjoy it is to be early. We start at Amber when the gates open, move to the old city before midday, rest in the afternoon and return for the bazaars in the evening light. Three nights gives you two full days without rushing, and Jaipur sits well with Ranthambore, 3.5 hours south, Samode, an hour north, and Delhi, five hours by road.
Highlights
What Jaipur does best
The palace-fortress of the Kachhwaha rulers stands above Maota Lake, 11 km north of the city. Arrive when the gates open to walk the Sheesh Mahal, the Diwan-i-Aam and the ramparts before tour buses arrive around 10 am.
The City Palace is still the home of the Jaipur royal family, with museum galleries of textiles, arms and paintings. Next door, Jantar Mantar's giant stone instruments, built in the 1720s and 1730s, measure time and track stars with surprising accuracy.
The five-storey screen of pink sandstone windows was built in 1799 so royal women could watch street life unseen. The best view is from a café rooftop opposite in the early morning, when sun lights the facade.
Johari Bazaar for gems and silver, Bapu Bazaar for printed cotton and mojari slippers, Tripolia for brass and lac bangles. With a guide who knows the families behind the shops, shopping becomes a walk through old trades.
In Bagru, about 30 km west, families of the Chhipa community still print cloth by hand with carved wooden blocks and natural dyes, including the mud-resist dabu technique. A morning here explains the textiles you will see in every Jaipur shop.
Nahargarh Fort sits on the ridge above the city, and its walls give the widest view over Jaipur as the lights come on. We go in the last hour before sunset, then drive down for dinner.
Experiences
Four hours to plan around
Getting there
How to reach Jaipur
Jaipur International Airport (JAI) is 12 km south of the old city, about 30 minutes by car. Daily direct flights connect it with Delhi (1 h), Mumbai, Bengaluru, Udaipur and other cities, plus a few international routes to the Gulf. Check current status before you travel.
Fast trains from New Delhi reach Jaipur Junction in around 4.5 hours, and the station is 15–20 minutes from most hotels. Trains also run to Sawai Madhopur for Ranthambore (about 2 h), Jodhpur and Udaipur. We book executive class and meet guests on the platform.
Delhi to Jaipur is about 280 km, 5 hours by private car, and Agra to Jaipur about 240 km, 4 hours, via Fatehpur Sikri and the Abhaneri stepwell. Ranthambore is 180 km, 3.5 hours south, and Samode 42 km, about an hour north.
Where to stay
Rooms we book
Rambagh Palace, the former royal residence run by Taj, is our first choice for a first visit: grand, close to the old city and set in large gardens. The Oberoi Rajvilas, east of the city, is quieter and more private, with tents and villas around courtyards. Other strong options include the Taj Jai Mahal Palace, The Leela Palace Jaipur and ITC Rajputana in town, and Alila Fort Bishangarh, a restored hill fort about an hour north. For one night in the hills, Samode Palace is 42 km away.
The former home of the Maharajas of Jaipur, run by Taj, set in large Mughal-style gardens about 15 minutes from the old city. It is the …
A low-rise resort on the eastern edge of Jaipur, built as a Rajasthani fort-village with courtyards, pools, luxury tents and private villas. Quieter and more private …
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Five things to know
- Be at Amber Fort when it opens; by 10.30 am the ramps and courtyards are crowded
- We do not book elephant rides at Amber, and we suggest you walk or take a jeep up the ramp instead
- Buy gems and silver only with a guide who knows the trader, and ask for a written certificate
- Keep afternoons free from April to October, when temperatures pass 35 °C
- Most monuments sell a composite ticket covering several sites, which saves time at each gate
Questions travellers ask
Questions about Jaipur
How many days do you need in Jaipur
Three nights, which gives two full days. Day one: Amber Fort at opening, Panna Meena ka Kund and the Jal Mahal viewpoint, then the bazaars in the evening. Day two: Jantar Mantar, the City Palace and Hawa Mahal, then Nahargarh for sunset. Add a morning in Bagru if you like textiles.
What is the best time to visit Jaipur
October to March, when days are 20–30 °C and nights cool. January is the coldest, with mornings around 8 °C, and brings the Jaipur Literature Festival. April to June is hot, often over 40 °C. July to September brings monsoon showers and the Teej festival.
Why is Jaipur called the pink city
In 1876 Maharaja Ram Singh had the old city painted in terracotta pink to welcome the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII. Pink was associated with hospitality. A law still requires buildings in the walled city to keep the colour.
What is the best hotel in Jaipur
Rambagh Palace for a royal setting close to the old city, and The Oberoi Rajvilas for privacy and calm. Both are excellent. For a restored hill fort an hour away, Alila Fort Bishangarh; for one night in the countryside, Samode Palace.
Is Jaipur worth visiting
Yes. It has more major sights within 15 km than any other city in Rajasthan: Amber Fort, the City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal, plus the best shopping in the state. It is also the easiest gateway, with fast trains and flights from Delhi.
How far is Jaipur from Delhi and Agra
Delhi is about 280 km, 5 hours by car or about 4.5 hours by fast train. Agra is about 240 km, 4 hours by car, with stops at Fatehpur Sikri and the Abhaneri stepwell on the way. Together they form the Golden Triangle.
Is Jaipur safe for women travellers
Jaipur is generally safe, and with a private car, driver and guide it is very comfortable. Touts can be persistent at the main sights, and the old city is crowded in the evening. Dress modestly in the bazaars and temples, and use hotel cars after dark.
What food is Jaipur known for
Dal baati churma, laal maas, ghewar, pyaaz kachori and mawa kachori, and sweets from old shops in the walled city. For a refined version of Rajasthani food, the palace hotels serve royal thalis. Your guide can lead you to the best street stalls in the evening.
Can you do Jaipur as a day trip from Delhi
It is possible by early train but not worth it: you would see Amber Fort and one or two sights in a rush. Jaipur needs at least two nights. If time is short, fly in for two nights and continue to Ranthambore or Udaipur.
Journeys
Routes that stop in Jaipur
Nearby
Pair it with
A painted palace in the hills an hour from Jaipur
Tigers among lakes, ruins and a thousand-year-old fort
A holy lake town of ghats, temples and roses
Painted merchant towns of the northern desert
Shape your own journey Tell us your dates and what you hope to feel. We draw the route around you. Begin Not sure where to start? We match the land to your month, your pace and the people travelling with you. Begin Talk to a planner A first route and an indicative price within one working day. No payment to start. Begin