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
- 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
– Day 2 - 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!
Why is Jaipur Known as the “Pink City”?
Jaipur earned its famous nickname in 1876 thanks to a massive architectural makeover. Maharaja Ram Singh, the King of Jaipur, ordered the entire city to be painted pink to prepare for the royal visit of Britain’s Queen Victoria and her son, Prince Albert (the Prince of Wales).
A Symbol of Hospitality
In Indian culture, the colour pink has long been associated with hospitality and welcome. By redecorating the city in this uniform hue, the Maharaja created a grand, visual gesture of friendship toward his royal guests.
The transformation was so striking that it became Jaipur’s defining characteristic. To this day, the city maintains this iconic colour scheme, preserving its heritage as a vibrant symbol of Rajasthani welcome.
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 Long Do You Need in Jaipur?
Wondering how many days you need in Jaipur? Or if a 2-Day Jaipur Itinerary is time 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.
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.
- Tip: If you have three days take a look at our 3-Day Jaipur Itinerary.
Best Time Of Year?
To get the most out of your Jaipur itinerary, timing is everything. Because it serves as the gateway to the arid desert state of Rajasthan, the weather can swing from perfect to punishing depending on the month.
- The Golden Window (October to March): This is widely considered the best time to visit. With temperatures ranging from 10°C to 27°C, the climate is pleasantly dry and cool—ideal for long days spent exploring forts and markets.
- Summer Season (April to June): Summer in the desert is no joke. Temperatures frequently soar above 40°C, making midday sightseeing nearly impossible and quite draining.
- Monsoon Season (July to August): Don’t let the ‘desert state’ label fool you—the monsoon season brings heavy, dramatic downpours. It doesn’t just drizzle; it absolutely buckets down, often in the afternoons, which can disrupt travel plans and flood the narrow streets of the Pink City.
The Trade-Off
While the winter months offer postcard-perfect weather, keep in mind that this is peak tourist season. You’ll enjoy the best conditions, but you should expect larger crowds at iconic landmarks like the Hawa Mahal and Amer Fort. If you don’t mind a little rain and want fewer crowds, the shoulder months of September or March can be a savvy compromise. 🙂
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.
Day 1: 2-Day Jaipur Itinerary
Stop 1 – Hawa Mahal
There is no better way to kick off a 2-day Jaipur itinerary than with its most legendary landmark. The Hawa Mahal, or “Palace of Winds,” is a stunning five-story structure crafted from the region’s signature red and pink sandstone—the very stone that earned Jaipur its nickname, the Pink City.
Built in 1799, the palace is world-renowned for its intricate, honeycomb-like exterior. This unique facade features 953 small windows, known as jharokhas, designed with a clever dual purpose:
- The Royal View: It allowed the women of the royal household to observe daily life and festive processions in the streets below without being seen themselves.
- Wind Palace: The design utilises the Venturi effect, funnelling cool breezes through the structure and making it a literal “Wind Palace.”
Visiting Tips
- The Entrance: Unlike most buildings, the entrance isn’t through the famous facade; you must enter from the back of the complex.
- Ticketing: You can purchase a single entry ticket here, but if you plan on seeing multiple landmarks, it is much more cost-effective to buy a Composite Ticket.
- The Best Angles: There is a photo spot outside the famous front façade that gets very busy. But 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 (Amer Fort)
Continue your journey by auto-rickshaw to the historic village of Amer. The Amber Fort is a staggering piece of Rajasthani history; its sheer scale, perched atop the rugged Aravalli Hills, creates one of the most breathtaking vistas in all of Jaipur.
Now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the fort’s origins date back to 967 AD, when it was established by Raja Alan Singh of the Chanda clan. Over the centuries, successive rulers added their own layers of opulence, resulting in the sprawling complex of palaces, ornate courtyards, and royal living quarters you see today.
Planning Your Visit
- Time Needed: Allow at least 1 to 1.5 hours to truly explore the grounds and soak in the architecture.
- Ticketing: Amber Fort is included in the Jaipur Composite Ticket, which is a great way to save money if you plan on visiting multiple landmarks.
- Guides: Upon arrival, you’ll likely be met by a swarm of guides offering 40-minute tours. Whether you accept is entirely up to you—the fort is impressive enough to explore solo, but a guide can help navigate the more hidden corners.
Stop 4 – Jama Masjid: Akbari Mosque
Right in the heart of Amer Village, just a short distance from the Amber Fort, is the quaint and historically significant Akbari Mosque.
Built in 1569 AD, the mosque has a fascinating origin story that highlights the cultural blending of the era. It was commissioned by Raja Bharmal, the Hindu Rajput ruler of Amer, as a gift for his son-in-law, the Mughal Emperor Akbar.
Because Akbar was Muslim, Raja Bharmal built this mosque specifically so the Emperor would have a dedicated place to pray whenever he visited Amer.
Tracing the history of this mosque connects you to some of India’s most famous monuments:
- The Father: Akbar was the son of Humayun (whose grand tomb is a must-see in Delhi).
- The Grandson: Akbar was the grandfather of Shah Jahan, the emperor who would eventually build the Taj Mahal.
The mosque remains an active place of worship today, serving as a peaceful reminder of the long-standing history and religious diversity of the region.
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).
Sorry 😬
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 their produce.
- Tip: The market is best visited first thing in the morning. 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
For your next stop, take a rickshaw to the Isarlat Minaret. This landmark is easy to spot as it stands high above the Old City and was the tallest historical building in Jaipur for many years. It was built in the 1740s by Iswari Singh to celebrate a military victory and originally served as a watchtower for the nearby palace.
If you are up for the climb, the minaret offers a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the entire city. It is included in the Jaipur Composite Ticket and doesn’t take much time to visit, making it a great addition to your morning itinerary.
- Tip: We suggest visiting Isarlat Minaret 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 back into the heart of the Old City to visit Jantar Mantar, a world-famous astronomical observatory.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site was commissioned by Maharaja Jai Singh II and features a collection of 19 massive stone astronomical instruments. It remains one of the oldest and best-preserved observatories in the world.
While the scale of the structures is impressive, the scientific details can feel a bit overwhelming if you aren’t an expert. Walking through to see the unique shapes is interesting on its own, but you may get much more out of the experience by hiring a guide at the entrance to explain how the instruments actually work.
- Tip: Fixed-price guides are available at the entrance for approximately 400 INR for a group of up to four people. While the price is sometimes negotiable, keep in mind that guides often expect a small tip at the end of the tour.
Stop 6 – Jaipur City Palace
Located directly opposite Jantar Mantar, the City Palace is one of the most impressive historical sites in Jaipur.
Built by the city’s founder, Maharaja Jai Singh II, this lavish complex showcases stunning heritage architecture. It even remains a functioning royal residence, with descendants of the former royal family still living in a private wing of the palace today.
It is important to note that the City Palace is not included in the Jaipur Composite Ticket. Entry for foreigners costs 1,000 INR each, which might be a factor if you are traveling on a strict budget. However, for those who appreciate intricate Indian design and great photo opportunities, the palace is often considered well worth the extra expense.
While exploring the area, keep an eye out for the majestic royal entrance gate. This specific gate is never open to the public and is reserved exclusively for the use of 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: 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.
Longer Than 2 Days in Jaipur?
If you have more than two day in Jaipur there is more to see and plenty more to taste!
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 exceptionally well-connected, making it an easy addition to any India itinerary whether you arrive by air, road, or rail.
By Air
Sanganer Airport serves as the city’s international hub with daily flights to destinations like Dubai and Bangkok, alongside frequent domestic connections to Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.
By Road
If you are traveling from Delhi, the city is roughly 260km away. Frequent bus services make this a convenient road trip, or you can easily arrange a private car and driver through your accommodation.
By Train
Our personal favourite way to reach Jaipur is by train. While the Indian Railway network is unfathomably large, it is a fantastic way to experience the country.
Even for those of us from places like New Zealand where train travel isn’t the norm, we found it to be an efficient and memorable way to move between cities! 🙂
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.
The Best 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!
About Commission Based Tours in Jaipur
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: 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 India
- Epic 10 Day Rajasthan Itinerary.
- Tips On Travelling To India For The First Time.
- 18 Unique Things To Do In Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
- What To See Inside Jaisalmer Fort.
- 24 Quintessential Souvenirs From India.
- Survive Your First Time In Delhi.
- Famous Indian Street Food To Try In India.
- 12 Things To Do In Mumbai, India.
- 10 Things To Do In Kolkata.
Useful Links Planning Travel in India & 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!
2 thoughts on “Best 2 Day Jaipur Itinerary: Perfect For First Time Visitors. ”
Thank you for this post! We went to Jaipur with our two kids and used this itinary as a guide doing many of these activities. It’s so useful to have your hints and tips and to have some direction. We find with the kids it’s really important to have a plan of where to eat etc to save too much aimless wondering in the heat of the day. For this we thank younso much for saving our skin many times! We particularly enjoyed Amer Fort and the tombs.
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