If you are planning your first visit to India this 2-day Jaipur itinerary is perfect for you. With two days in Jaipur you have enough time to see the iconic Hawa Mahal and explore the largest forts of the Pink City. Visit the Royal Gaitors and the famous stepwell and wander the colourful Jaipur Flower Market.
In this guide, learn how to plan a perfect two day visit to Jaipur. We cover the top sites, how to get around in Jaipur, where to stay, and of course how to plan your time.
So far, we’ve visited Jaipur more than six times during many months of travel in India. It is vibrant – and pink – as well as historic, friendly and iconically colourful and chaotic.
Here is everything you need to know for the ultimate 2 day Jaipur itinerary.
- About Jaipur
- The Pink City
- Things to do with 2 days in Jaipur
- How long do you need?
- Best time to visit?
- Summary – 2-Day Jaipur Itinerary
- Details – 2-Day Jaipur Itinerary
– Day 1 – in Jaipur
– Day 2 – in Jaipur - Have longer than 2 days in Jaipur?
- Getting there
- Getting around in Jaipur
- Do you recommend a guide?
- Where to eat
- Where to stay in Jaipur
A little bit about Jaipur first
Jaipur is one of the three cities on the popular ‘Golden Triangle’ itinerary for India and one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of India. It is the capital city of the Indian state of Rajasthan.
It’s accessible and easy (relatively) to reach within a day from Delhi and Agra where the rather more-famous Taj Mahal is.
There is much rich history, vibrant markets, palaces, forts and other unique things to do in Jaipur that it is absolutely worth a spot on your India itinerary.
I tried to count and I’m sure we have visited Jaipur more than six times in the last three years. It is a big city and there is no shortage of wow-factor whether it’s your first or sixth visit to India!
- Read our complete travel guide to India.
Why is Jaipur called the Pink City of Rajasthan?
Jaipur became known as the ‘Pink City’ when in 1876, the King of Jaipur, Maharaja Ram Singh, ordered for the city to be painted entirely pink to welcome the royal visit of Britain’s Queen Victoria and her son, Prince Albert.
The colour pink was traditionally held as a colour of welcome in India and so the city was redecorated in pink as a symbol of hospitality.
It was historically a rather grand gesture of welcome for the then royal visit, and it has remained the iconic colour of Jaipur since.
- Read about things to do in Jaipur.
Best things to do with 2 days in Jaipur?
Below is a list of the places to visit if you have 2 days in Jaipur
- Hawa Mahal (Pink Palace)
- Amer Fort (Amber Palace)
- Amer Stepwell
- The Royal Tombs
- Jal Mahal (Water Palace)
- Jagat Shiromani Temple
- Jaipur Flower Market
- Akbar’s Mosque
- Isarlat Minaret
- Albert Hall Museum
- Jantar Mantar (Observatory)
- Narhagarh Fort
All of these are included on this 2-day Jaipur itinerary.
How many days do you need in Jaipur? Is a 2-day Jaipur itinerary enough?
Jaipur is a large city that is filled with historical sites, cultural activities and fabulous architecture that really gives insight to the subcontinent. Add in the chai stalls and must-try Lassi plus lunch in a palace or two and you could easily spend a week here and not run out of things to see.
Ideally, plan on spending at least two days in Jaipur. While for Agra it is possible to see the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort with just one night and one afternoon or morning in the city. For Jaipur there is much more to see and it is spread out.
- Tip: If you have three days take a look at our 3-day Jaipur itinerary.
With 2 days in Jaipur you can see all of the main highlights and make the most of the Jaipur Composite Ticket.
In this Jaipur itinerary we want to help you experience the best of Jaipur in the most efficient and enjoyable way possible.
What is the best time of year for this Jaipur itinerary?
The best time of year to visit Jaipur is during the winter months from October to March. The temperature at this time of year is between 10°c to 27°c with a pleasant arid climate.
As the capital of India’s desert state of Rajasthan, Jaipur does get seriously hot during the summer months of May and June.
July and August can be wet during the Indian monsoon season. Although it does sound unlikely for a city located in what is termed the desert state, I can confirm it absolutely buckets down at times during the wet season.
The winter months of the year has perfect weather for exploring all the best things to do in Jaipur during the longer, sunny days.
Although it is worth noting this time of year is renowned for being the best time to visit and thus it can be more crowded at the main sites with tourists.
The trickiest time of year to visit Jaipur is during the months of the monsoon season in July and August when there is often heavy downpours of rain in the afternoons.
Summary – 2-Day Jaipur Itinerary
First up here is a summary of what to see with two days in Jaipur.
DAY 1 – Jaipur
- Hawa Mahal
- Royal Tombs
- Amber Fort
- Akbar’s Mosque
- Amer Stepwell
- Jagat Shiromani Temple
- Jal Mahal
DAY 2 – Jaipur
- Jaipur Flower Market
- Isarlat Minaret
- Albert Hall Museum
- Jantar Mantar
- City Palace
- Narhagarh Fort
Detailed 2-Day Jaipur Itinerary
Here is the complete Jaipur itinerary for two days with details for each day, sites and stops to see.
- Read more about things to do in Jaipur.
Day 1 – 2-Day Jaipur Itinerary
Stop 1 – Hawa Mahal
This is the most iconic of things to do in Jaipur and so it makes sense to be up first on your 2-day Jaipur itinerary.
The beautifully pink Hawa Mahal translates to ‘Wind Palace’. This famously pink palace is made from Rajasthan red and pink sandstone.
The honeycombed like exterior made of many stories of small windows and balconies is one of Rajasthan’s most famous architecture designs.
It was designed in the 1790’s to enable the ladies of the royal household to watch the life and processions of the city outside without being seen themselves.
Entrance is from the back of the complex. You can buy an entry ticket here or a Composite Ticket for multiple sites in Jaipur.
- Tip: There is a photo spot outside the famous front façade. Or take the narrow stairs to the top storey for a great view over Jantar Mantar and the City Palace.
Stop 2 – The Royal Tombs / Gaitor Ki Chhatriyan
The Royal Gaitors are totally worth adding to your Jaipur itinerary.
It is one of the quieter things to do in Jaipur. (You’ll thank me later!).
Although it isn’t part of the Composite Ticket (see below) it is one of the most historic sites.
You might see it written as the Royal Tombs or Gaitor Ki Chhatriyan. But what made the most sense to us visiting was that these are the historic royal cremation grounds and cenotaphs of Jaipur’s former rulers.
The site is peaceful to wander through and you can see the typical Indo-Islamic and Indian architecture style of Chhatri’s or cenotaphs.
Stop 3 – Amber Fort
Continue by auto rickshaw to the historic village of Amer.
The Amer Fort (also known as Amber Fort) is an incredible part of Rajasthan’s history. And certainly, the sheer size of the fort atop of the rugged hills of Aravalli is a breathtaking part of Jaipur.
The fort is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is believed to have been first established in 967AD when ruler Raja Alan Singh, of the Chanda clan of Meenas, settled in Amer.
Since then, more of Rajasthan’s royalty and rulers have added to the incredible palaces, courtyards and living quarters.
Allow at least 1 – 1.5 hours to wander around the grounds.
Amer Fort is part of the Composite Ticket for things to do in Jaipur. You can decide on entry if you want to accept one of the swarm of guides offering their services for a 40-minute guided tour or not!
Stop 4 – Jama Masjid / Akbari Mosque
The quaint Akbari Mosque is in the heart of Amer Village not far from Amer Fort.
The mosque was built by Raja Bharmal, the Rajpur ruler of Amer, in 1569 AD as a gift to Emperor Akbar who was married to his daughter. Raja Bharmal was a Hindu ruler and Emperor Akbar, Islamic and so, the mosque was built for Emperor Akbar to pray when he visited Amer.
Akbar I was the third Mughal Emperor and grandfather of Emperor Shah Jahan who commissioned the Taj Mahal. If you have visited Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi, Humayun was the father of Akbar I.
The mosque is still in use today.
- Read about things to do in Delhi and how to visit Jama Masjid.
Stop 5 – Amer Stepwell / Panna Meena Ka Kund
Continue to Amer Stepwell which is also located in the Amer Village.
There is no charge to enter the stepwell. (Don’t be fooled if someone looking like an official tells you there is).
Stop 6 – Jagat Shiromani Ji Hindu Temple
Not far from the stepwell is a very old Hindu temple. I’ll be the first to admit that it can get confusing first visiting Jaipur and making sense of historic Indo-Islamic architecture, Mughal emperors, and the Hindu and Jain temples.
But Shri Jagat Shiomani ji Temple is a typically styled Hindu temple situated in Amer near the Amer Fort. This temple is dedicated to the Hindu gods Meera Bai, Krishna and Vishnu.
It was constructed in 1608AD by Queen Kanakwati, the wife of King Man Singh I.
- Tip: Take a walk around the outside of the temple and see the intricate stone carvings of many elephants.
Stop 7 – Jal Mahal / Jaipur Water Palace
On the way back to the city from Amer Fort you can’t help but spot the iconic palace in the middle of Man Sagar Lake.
Jal Mahal translates to ‘Water Palace’.
To be brutally honest (blunt) this is a site best viewed from afar. It is always listed as one of the most iconic things to do in Jaipur. But the reality is the lakefront market is abuzz with hawkers and overpriced tourist magnets and trinkets.
Rubbish across India isn’t a strongpoint at the best of times but the spots to view Jal Mahal are cringeworthy just writing about it.
Hopefully you have a zoom lens or are happy to take our word for it and get a photo from the roadside. But it’s easy to pull over by rickshaw on your way back to town from Amer Fort and admire the Water Palace (from afar).
Stop 8 – Dinner
If you are staying at this traditional Haveli in Jaipur you are in luck!
Enjoy a well-deserved delicious Rajasthani homecooked dinner after a busy first day of this 2-day Jaipur itinerary.
- Stay in a traditional Haveli in Jaipur.
Day 2 – 2-Day Jaipur Itinerary
Stop 1 – Jaipur Flower Market
This is a colourful start to the second day of your 2 day Jaipur itinerary. Every morning in the centre of the old city is Jaipur Phool Mandi; a flower market where retail flower sellers pick up their stocks for selling.
Marigold and local rose variants are traded in huge numbers. It is as colourful and vibrant as you imagine India and marigolds to be!
There is a fruit and vegetable market to one side. And that is also well worth a wander. People are friendly and even if you don’t need to stock up on vegetables there are locals proud to show there produce.
- Tip: The market is best visited first thing in the morning. And if you are doing your Jaipur itinerary with Raja, he will walk you through and point out some of Jaipur’s specialties!
Stop 2 – Isarlat Minaret
Take the rickshaw next to Isarlat Minaret.
It’s easy to spot the towering minaret from the old city of Jaipur. For a long part of Jaipur’s history, it has been the tallest historical building in the city.
It was erected in the 1740’s by the son of Jai Singh II, Iswari Singh after his victory over Raja Madho Singh and served as a watchtower for the palace.
This morning – if you are up for the climb – this historic minaret offers a unique 360-degree panoramic view of Jaipur City. It is part of the Composite Ticket and without needing too much time at the site it is well worth a visit.
- Tip: We suggest visiting Isarlat early or after the Flower Market. It is only a small site and best visited without a crowd.
Stop 3 – Chai at Masala Chowk
Masala Chowk is a large outdoor food court just across the road from Albert Hall Museum.
You can’t get very far in India without it being time for chai. So first, take a quick chai stop at Masala Chowk.
Stop 4 – Albert Hall Museum
In 1876, Prince Albert Edward (later Edward VII) laid the foundation stone of the Albert Hall Museum during his grand tour of India.
The museum building itself is magnificent. It is designed in Indo-Saracenic architectural style and is palatial inside with huge corridors and murals that reflect civilizations from around the world.
The museum houses a range of historic crafts, arms and weapons, traditional Indian and local arts from around the continent.
- Tip: Albert Hall Museum is included in the Composite Ticket.
Stop 5 – Jantar Mantar / Jaipur Astronomical Observatory
Head next back into the centre of the old city of Jaipur. The next stop is the renowned Jantar Mantar Astronomical Observatory.
Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is a collection of 19 astronomical instruments and one of the oldest astronomical observatories in the world.
The observatory is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was commissioned by Maharajah Jai Singh II who founded Jaipur.
Admittedly it is impressive in scale on visiting. But without a guide it feels a little underwhelming unless you happen to be an astronomical expert.
It’s interesting to observe (ha!) with a walk through the site. Or it’s easy to get a fixed price guide on entry.
- Tip: Tour prices are listed at 400 INR ($4.80 USD) for up to four people. The price is negotiable (sometimes) but expect to be asked for a tip either before or after the guided tour…
Stop 6 – Jaipur City Palace
The City Palace is just opposite the Jantar Mantar in the centre of the old city.
It is renowned as one of the most impressive sites of history and architecture in the city and was commissioned by the founder of Jaipur, Maharaja Jai Singh II.
The lavish palace includes the living quarters of the former royal family, with some who still reside in the private wing. (Seriously).
- Note tickets for the City Palace aren’t included in the Composite Ticket for Jaipur.
If you are on a strict budget and trying to decide what to prioritise for your 2 day Jaipur itinerary this might sway your schedule. But it is absolutely stunning in the typical heritage Indian architecture and style that makes it worth it for the photos!
Tickets for foreigners to the City Palace cost 1000 INR each.
- Tip: Ask your rickshaw driver or guide to point out the royal entrance gate to the palace. This gate is never open to the public and is only for the royal family.
Stop 7 – Lunch
If you are keen for a bit of a luxury touch try Baradari Restaurant in the Jaipur City Palace. We recommend the Lal Maas!
Stop 8 – Lassi Wala 312 on M.I. Road Jaipur
Before the last stop of the day (and hopefully you have some room left after lunch). It is well worth adding the famous historic Lassi Wala 312 to your Jaipur itinerary today.
Lassi is a traditional yoghurt-based drink that is popular in South Asia. It’s a bit like a milkshake though not as sweet. It is deliciously refreshing (and even more so when served in these single use clay cups which keep it lovely and cool!).
This Lassi Wala has been making lassi here since 1944 and they do it deliciously!
- Tip: The Lassi Wala closes for the day around 4:00pm so this stop depends how the timing of today’s Jaipur itinerary is going.
Stop 9 – Nahargarh Fort
The last stop today is for sunset at the beautiful Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur.
This is one that can be seen from many vantage points in the city. It is not as big as the neighbouring Amber Fort. But Nahargarh Fort is more popular for the sunset views from the fort walls.
Take the time today to finish Day 2 of your Jaipur itinerary with the golden sunset over the Pink City from Nahargarh Fort.
- Stay in a traditional Haveli in Jaipur.
Buying a Composite Ticket for your 2-day Jaipur itinerary
A Composite Ticket (package ticket) is available for some of the main things to see in Jaipur. It is a great idea for this 2-day Jaipur itinerary as most of the sites are included in the Composite Ticket.
The Composite Ticket includes:
- Hawa Mahal
- Amber Fort
- Nahargarh Fort
- Albert Hall Museum
- Isarlat Minaret (Sargasuli)
- Jantar Mantar
- Sisodia Rani Bagh
- Vidhyadhar Garden
It is available for purchase in cash at a ticket office at each of the sites.
The cost for a Composite Ticket is 1100 INR for foreigners.
- Foreigner: 1100 INR
- Foreigner Student: 550 INR
The individual entry fee to these sites is around 200 – 550 INR. So, if you are planning on visiting more than two or three it makes the Composite Ticket for Jaipur worth it.
Our recommendation?
Purchase the Composite Ticket for Jaipur at the first stop.
It is a great idea for this 2-day Jaipur itinerary as most of the sites on the schedule are included in the Composite Ticket.
- Tip: The Composite Ticket is valid for two days from the date of purchase.
Some of our favourite things to do in Jaipur are free. Like the Jaipur Flower Market and the Amer Stepwell. The Jal Mahal (the Water Palace) is also free to see in Jaipur too. (But don’t forget to heed warning about the state of said free viewing platform!).
Entry to the Royal Gaitors is separate and costs 100 INR per person. This is one of the quieter things to do in Jaipur. (You’ll thank me later!). It is a bit underrated but totally worth a peek.
Have longer than 2 days in Jaipur on your India itinerary?
If you have more than two day in Jaipur there is more to see and plenty more to taste!
- Read about the other things to do in Jaisalmer.
Planning where to go next?
For the last four trips to India, each time we have visited Jaipur we have arrived from or headed to a different destination!
Jaipur is a great central Rajasthan destination on your India itinerary and makes for easy connections to Agra, Udaipur, Pushkar, Ajmer, Bikaner and Jaisalmer.
Getting to Jaipur
Jaipur is well connected by air, road and rail.
Sanganer Airport is an international terminal in Jaipur. It operates daily flights to and from Dubai and Bangkok. Domestic flights connect Jaipur with Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and more.
By road, Delhi is 260km away and there are frequent buses between Jaipur and Delhi.
- Read about bus travel in India.
It is also easy to arrange a car in either direction. Just ask your accommodation about booking a car and driver.
But our favourite way of getting to and from Jaipur is by train.
The Indian Railway network is unfathomably large. But even for non-train-riding New Zealanders like us it is a great way to move around in India.
- Read our guide to train travel in India.
Getting around in Jaipur
Like the other large cities in North India it is relatively easy to get around in Jaipur by auto-rickshaw and taxi.
If you are travelling on a tour package with a driver and car this will be easy to get to all the things to do in Jaipur.
Otherwise we recommend booking a rickshaw and driver for your 2 day Jaipur itinerary.
Do you recommend a guide for a 2-day Jaipur itinerary?
We have an awesome rickshaw driver slash unofficial guide for Jaipur!
Meet Raja.
Ever since meeting Raja almost four years ago we have been doing day tours of Jaipur with Raja. If you are lucky enough to have stumbled upon this 2 Day Jaipur Itinerary you are in luck. Because you have also found a fantastic, friendly, energetic and honest driver for a great day tour of the Pink City.
Raja can meet you from the train station or pick you up from your accommodation. (See our favourite Haveli in Jaipur below). He can tailor make a suitable rickshaw tour to explore all that is fantastic in Jaipur!
Just send him a message on WhatsApp:
- Raja Rabbani
+91 9928130309
Or you can check out his small but worthy Instagram page @rajarabbani96. I know it always makes me feel better to see other people have used a recommend tour in India!
Raja isn’t an official registered tour guide in Jaipur. Which poignantly makes his rickshaw day tour even better.
He is passionate and knowledgeable about his pink hometown city. Raja will point out some of the unique sites of Jaipur without being sucked in to commission tourist shops like other tours.
If you want a tour guide for any of the sites on the Composite Ticket you can use the official price at each location.
Give Raja a message with a potential date and enjoy a great Jaipur itinerary!
Accommodation and where to stay in Jaipur
We always return to stay at the same accommodation in Jaipur.
It is a firm favourite of ours and the place we stay each time with our Group Trips.
- Jaipur (Mid-Range): Jaipur Haveli
The Haveli is a friendly family run accommodation right in the centre of Jaipur. It is in walking distance to Hawa Mahal. The home has been in the family for five generations!
There are currently three generations that live onsite in the 200 year old traditional Haveli.
It is a stunning place to stay with meals that can be highly recommended too.
Read more about travel in North India
- Epic 10 Day Rajasthan Itinerary
- Tips on travelling to India
- Things to do in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
- What to see in Jaisalmer Fort
- 24 Souvenirs from India
- Survive your first time in Delhi
- Famous Indian street food
- 12 Things to do in Mumbai
- 10 Things to do in Kolkata
More about planning for travel in India and beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in India.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions around the world. Find everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have insurance before embarking on your 2 day Jaipur itinerary!
1 thought on “Best 2 Day Jaipur Itinerary: Perfect for first time visitors. ”
hey
love it
Great guide for exploring Jaipur in just 2 days! This itinerary covers all the must-visit spots and provides helpful tips for a memorable experience.
Cheers!
Scott Dubois
Civic Edge Lifestyle
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