Away With The Steiners

3-Day Jaipur Itinerary: Everything you need to plan the perfect first visit. 

Sarah Steiner

So, you’re planning a trip to the Pink City? A 3-day Jaipur itinerary is perfect.  Welcome to one of India’s most fabulous and historic cities.  

With 3 days in Jaipur you have ideal time to see all the highlights, visit the famous Flower Market, see the pink Hawa Mahal and City Palace, take in the views from Amber and Nahargarh Fort and the Royal Tombs. 

Here is everything to help plan the perfect 3 day Jaipur itinerary.   

We cover the top sights to visit, how to get to Jaipur and how to get around, where to stay, where to eat and of course how to plan your time. 

Where is Jaipur? 

Jaipur is the capital city of the Indian state of Rajasthan.  

There are 28 states in India and Rajasthan is the largest state by geographical area. 

By road or rail, Jaipur is just under 300km from the Indian capital city of New Delhi. 

The colours of Jaipur Flower Market in the morning 2 week India itinerary.
The colours of Jaipur Flower Market in the morning. 

About Jaipur 

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’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 called the ‘Pink City’? 

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. 

Best things to do with 3 days in Jaipur

Below is a list of the places to visit if you have 3 days in Jaipur 

All of these are included on this 3-day Jaipur itinerary. 

The iconic pink Hawa Mahal Wind Palace in Jaipur.

How many days are enough for Jaipur? Is a 3-day Jaipur itinerary best? 

Three days in Jaipur is a great overall addition to your India itinerary. 

With two days in Jaipur you can see the highlights and make the most of the inner city sites to see. 

But with 3 days in Jaipur you can see all of the main highlights and sites plus some of the historic and lesser-visited sites outside of the city. 

What is the best time of year to visit Jaipur? 

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. 

Sunshine and definitely no rain in sight at Amber Fort during the warm winter months in Rajasthan.

Is it safe to visit Jaipur? 

Jaipur is safe for tourists and travellers and especially if you stick to the tourist areas.  

We have always felt safe visiting Jaipur.  It is a highlight of our Group Trips and somewhere that we recommend for families or travellers on their first visit to India. 

The biggest worries as far as safety in Jaipur would be the overpriced sales of pushy hawkers and touts at Amer Fort and the touristic areas like Jal Mahal and Hawa Mahal. And the overarching challenge of keeping healthy with hygiene and food in India. 

Touts outweighed by smiling vendors at the Jaipur Flower Market. 

Summary – 3-Day Jaipur Itinerary 

First up here is a summary of what to see with three days in Jaipur. 

DAY 1 – Jaipur 

DAY 2 – Jaipur 

DAY 3 – Jaipur 

Detailed 3- Day Jaipur Itinerary 

Here is the complete Jaipur itinerary for three days with details for each day, sites and stops to see. 

Day 1 – 3-Day Jaipur Itinerary 

Stop 1 – Hawa Mahal / Jaipur Wind Palace

This is the most iconic of things to do in Jaipur and so it makes sense to be up first on your 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. 

Stop 2 – The Royal Tombs / Gaitor Ki Chhatriyan 

This is one of the quieter things to do in Jaipur. (You’ll thank me later!). But the Royal Gaitors are totally worth a peek. 

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. 

We suggest allowing 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! 

A stunning day at Amber Fort overlooking one of the upper internal courtyards. 

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.  

A sunny day in October at Akbar Mosque in Amer, Jaipur.

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).  

It’s easy to get a rickshaw or ask your driver to take you to Amer Stepwell. 

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. 

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 the traditional Haveli in Jaipur you are in luck!  

Enjoy a well-deserved delicious Rajasthani homecooked dinner after a busy first day of this 3-day Jaipur itinerary. 

Day 2 – 3-Day Jaipur Itinerary 

Stop 1 – Jaipur Flower Market 

This is a colourful start to the second day of your 3 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. 

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.  

I was nervous going up the first time but the views are worth it and I’ve been up on every Group Trip since!

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.  

And even if you aren’t down for a lengthy museum visit it is worth a wander.  

Inside the beautifully grand Albert Hall Museum.

Stop 5 – Jantar Mantar / Jaipur Astronomical Observatory 

Head next back into the centre of the old city of Jaipur to the renowned Jantar Mantar Astronomical Observatory. 

The 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.  

Some of the star sign structures at Jantar Mantar. 
Books and brochures – if you want them; and even if you don’t – for sale outside Jantar Mantar. 

Stop 6 – Vidhyadhar Bagh and Sisodia Gardens

Vidhyadhar Garden and Sisodia Garden are two more of Jaipur’s famous sites on the Composite Ticket.   

The gardens are less than a kilometre apart so are easily visited together on the one trip and are approximately 6km from Jaipur city. (Doable by auto rickshaw).  

Both gardens consist of tiered multi-level planted gardens with fountains, watercourses and painted pavilions.

Stop 7 – Lunch

Wait! Don’t leave the gardens yet.  

Try the outdoor setting and Indian cuisine at Once Upon A Time At A Bagh for lunch today. 

Stop 8 – Nahargarh Fort 

Nahargarh is another of Jaipur’s seriously impressive forts.  

This is one that can be seen from many vantage points in the city.  And although it is not as big as neighbouring Amber Fort, 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. 

Day 3 – 3-Day Jaipur Itinerary 

Stop 1 – Galta Ji / Money Temple

For the third day of your 3 day Jaipur itinerary book an auto-rickshaw to get out of the city this morning to visit the Monkey Temple. 

The architecture of the temple is stunning.  I mean, of course it is.  All the history and architecture of these famous sites in Jaipur is breathtaking.  

But at Galta Ji there are more than just a few monkeys to admire from afar amidst the striking architectural design.  

There are monkeys EVERYWHERE.   

There are many temples within this sacred site and one of the most revered attractions is a natural spring that flows down from the hilltop.  

The water from the spring fills up pools and tanks of water that is considered sacred for Hindu people.  The temples are a site of pilgrimage for many believing the water from the Galta Ji Kund is holy and worshippers come to bathe in the pious water. 

It is fascinating to watch.  And the temple design is spectacular.  

Just watch out for over-friendly monkeys (very, over-friendly) and the hygiene of the surrounding holy water.

Stop 2 – Jaipur City Palace 

The City Palace is just opposite the Jantar Mantar back in the old city.  

Head back into town by auto rickshaw to the Jaipur City Palace. 

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). 

If you are on a strict budget and trying to decide what to prioritise for your 3 day Jaipur itinerary this might sway your schedule and could be done on day 3 in Jaipur instead.  

Tickets for foreigners to the City Palace cost 1000 INR each. 

Entry tickets and composite tickets to the City Palace (confusing; but not the same as the Jaipur Composite Ticket). 
The Royal Gate to the City Palace in Jaipur.

Stop 3 – Lunch 

If you are keen for a bit of a luxury touch try Baradari in the Jaipur City Palace (and try the Lal Maas!) before you head onwards from the old city.  

Stop 4 – Lassi Wala 312 on M.I. Road Jaipur 

Before the last stop of the day and while you are in the area 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 hugely popular in South Asia and the Indian subcontinent. It’s a bit like a milkshake and deliciously refreshing (and even more so when served in these single use clay cups which keep it lovely and cool!).

These guys have been making lassi here since 1944 and they do it deliciously!

Fresh, creamy Lassi. 
Seriously. Make sure Lassi Wala 312 is on your list of things to do in Jaipur. 

Stop 5 – Raj Mandir Jaipur Cinema 

The Raj Mandir Cinema is debatably one of the most famous movie theatres in India.  

It is known for its size and opulently meringue coloured interior.  And it is hugely popular with locals and Bollywood fans from all around the world! 

This is the ultimate final stop for your 3 day Jaipur itinerary.  

For visitors it is a chance to experience a truly Bollywood film in all its dramatic glory. 

Movies are screened daily.  It kind of doesn’t matter which movie you see on the day…

Bollywood is an Indian experience unlike any other! 

Opulence and Bollywood together? 
See a Bollywood film at the famous Raj Mandir Cinema in Jaipur. 

Buying a Composite Ticket for your Jaipur itinerary

A Composite Ticket (package ticket) is available for some of the main things to see in Jaipur. 

The Composite Ticket includes: 

It is available for purchase in cash at a ticket office at each of the sites.  And the cost for a Composite Ticket is 1100 INR for foreigners. 

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. 

Some of our favourite things to do in Jaipur are free.  Like the Jaipur Flower Market and the Amer Stepwell.  And let’s not forget 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!). And a bit underrated but totally worth a peek.

Buying a composite ticket from the ticket booth at Jantar Mantar.
Composite Ticket for things to do in Jaipur. 

Have longer than 3 days in Jaipur on your India itinerary? 

If you have more than two or three days in Jaisalmer 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. 

What is the best way of getting to Jaipur? 

Jaipur is well connected by air, road and rail.  

Sanganer Airport is an international terminal and 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.  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 and even for non-train-riding New Zealanders like us it is a great way to move around in India. 

Arriving at the also-pink-hued Jaipur Junction Railway Station. 

How to get to Jaipur from Delhi

There are regular daily trains from Delhi to Jaipur.  The journey by rail takes around 4 – 6 hours.

Time: 4hrs 30mins 

There is a faster evening train Delhi to Jaipur on the Vande Bharat.  However the timing of this morning train arriving to Jaipur before midday means you have the afternoon to add to your 3-day Jaipur itinerary. 

How to get to Jaipur from Agra

The train from Jaipur to Agra takes around 4 – 5 hours. 

We recommend booking tickets for AC Chair Class (CC). 

How to get to Jaipur from Jaisalmer or Jodhpur 

We regularly travel between Jaipur and Jaisalmer by overnight train.  The journey takes around 12 – 14 hours by train. 

There is also one later daily departure for this route. 

Transport in and 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 al the things to do in Jaipur.  

Otherwise we recommend booking a rickshaw and driver for your 3 day Jaipur itinerary. 

Do you recommend a guide for this 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 3 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). 

And he can tailor make a suitable day tour or couple of days rickshaw tour to explore all that is fantastic in Jaipur! 

Just send him a message on WhatsApp: 

Or you can check out his small but worthy Instagram page @rajarabbani96.  I know it always makes me feel better to see other tourists (real live, actual 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 a ball of knowledge about his pink hometown city and can point out some of the fab, 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!

On a day trip with Raja in Jaipur.

Where to eat / Restaurants and cafes in Jaipur 

Here are some of our favourite places to eat in Jaipur. 

We really rate the delicious meals in the homely setting of Jaipur Haveli.  If you are staying here you won’t need to dine anywhere else in Jaipur!  

Another delicious dinner at Jaipur Haveli.

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. 

The Haveli is a friendly family run accommodation right in the centre of Jaipur (walking distance to Hawa Mahal) that 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.

The beautiful front of Jaipur Haveli in the heart of Jaipur; the Pink City of Rajasthan. 
Rooftop views and the perfect place to sit at the end of your busy Jaipur itinerary days!

Read more about travel in North India

More about planning for travel in India and beyond

These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel. 

Exit mobile version