Away With The Steiners

16 Must-See Things to do in Jaipur: The Famously Pink City of Rajasthan.

Sarah Steiner

Planning a trip to Jaipur and the Golden Triangle in India?  Use our detailed guide to plan your 1-, 2- or 3-day itinerary in the fabulously Pink City and don’t miss any of the best things to do in Jaipur! 

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. 

It is in the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent.  And by road or rail, Jaipur is just under 300km from the Indian capital city of New Delhi. 

Jaipur day tour.
Welcome to Jaipur and the colourful capital city of Rajasthan.

Is it worth visiting Jaipur? 

Yes. Definitely!  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. 

Get your pink on. Even arriving from the train station into the city is pink-hued.

When is the best time to visit Jaipur? 

The best time to visit Jaipur is during the winter months, from October  through to February or March. 

As the capital of India’s desert state of Rajasthan, Jaipur does get seriously hot during the summer months of May and June.  And 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.  

If this is your only time to visit Jaipur, then do go.  Don’t miss out.  However, it is a tricky time for a lot of people without adequate shelter.  And there are many small businesses and homes that can’t withstand the monsoon downpours.  

The weather is warm and dry during the winter months and it is pleasant to explore all the things to do in Jaipur.  

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

How long do you need? 

We find our sweet-spot number of nights in most places on the road is three.  Three nights allows us to explore unrushed.  

For Jaipur, 2-3 days is a great amount of time.  If you have two full days to explore, it is enough to see the best things to do in Jaipur.  

And even if you have two nights and a day and half in between trains and transport it is enough to get a good feel for the Pink City. 

Is it safe to visit Jaipur? 

Jaipur is safe for tourists and travelers 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 travelers 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.

Getting around Jaipur / Is it best to do a day tour of Jaipur? 

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.  And so, if you are lucky enough to have stumbled upon this blog of things to do in Jaipur 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: 

And 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. And 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 all the best things to do in Jaipur! 

The best tour of Jaipur with Raja!

What are the best things to do in Jaipur? 

There are loads of incredible things to do in Jaipur. I’m going to list all of them below!  

But the most popular and/or most famous things to do in Jaipur are: 

If you have one day in Jaipur these six sights above are visitable in one day on a rickshaw tour.  And these are what we would recommend as the things to do in Jaipur that you don’t want to miss. 

Read on for a complete list of all the things to do in Jaipur with tips for details, costs and timing so you can plan an epic itinerary in the Pink City! 

1. Hawa Mahal / Things to do in Jaipur

This is the most iconic of things to do in Jaipur.  The beautifully pink Hawa Mahal translates to ‘Wind Palace’.  And 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. 

The palace is an extension of the larger City Palace. 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. 

Line up for a photo outside the famous front facade of Hawa Mahal.

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) for things to do in Jaipur 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.  

These are elaborately designed canopies and decorative memorials above the tombs of the Jaipur Maharaja’s. 

The white marble and intricate carvings of each of the Chhatri’s is incredible to see.

3. Amer Fort / Amber Fort / Things to do in Jaipur 

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.  Parking and entry start at the bottom of the fort walls.  You can decide here 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.
Visiting Sheesh Mahal (the Mirror Palace) inside Amber Fort.

4. Amer Stepwell / Panna Meena Ka Kund

There are historic stepwells over much of India.  And one of the most famous stepwells of all time is in an ancient city between Jaipur and Agra.    

But the good news is there is a smaller but equally iconic-in-style stepwell just in the Amer Village below the huge fort. 

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. 

Amer Stepwell not far from the huge Amber Fort.

5. Jama Masjid / Akbari Mosque 

In the heart of Amer Village too is the historic Amer Jama Masjid.  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.

It is a small mosque and not often on the main tourist list of things to do in Jaipur.  But the connection with Akbar and the Taj Mahal is worth making sense of…

Essentially all the main Mughal sites of the country are connected in some way to the more-famous love story of the Taj Mahal.

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.  

Admiring the historic Akbari Mosque in Amer.
It is possible to visit and see inside the mosque.

6. Shri 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. 

The temple is considered an important part of the local history and contains a state of Lord Krishna which is particularly significant to the Hindu faith. 

According to historic religious doctrines the state of Krishna is the same statue that was worshipped by Meera Bai in the Indian state of Mewar.  The statue was removed from Mewar during the Mughal war and brought to safety in Amer. 

Shri Jagat Shiomani Ji Temple is also known as the Elephant Temple.
Inside Shri Jagat Shiomani Ji Temple.

7. 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 neighboring Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort is more popular for the sunset views from the fort walls. 

The best time to visit Nahargarh Fort is first thing in the morning when the gates open.  Or in time for the golden sunset over the Pink City from the fort. 

However, if you are debating whether to choose between Amber Fort or Nahargarh Fort, I would recommend Amber Fort.  It’s the more popular tourist site but for good reason.  

Amber is a bit more user-friendly in terms of wandering as a self-guided tour of the grounds.  And in our opinion the palaces and size of Amber Fort is more impressive. (Sorry. Nahargarh).

8. Jaipur City Palace / Things to do in Jaipur

The City Palace is located right in the heart of old Jaipur.  This is renowned as one of the most impressive sites of history and architecture in the city and certainly one of the popular things to do in Jaipur. 

The palace 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). 

Do note that tickets for the City Palace aren’t included in the composite ticket for Jaipur. So, if you are trying to decide what to prioritise with one day in Jaipur this might sway your itinerary.  Tickets for foreigners to the City Palace cost 1000 INR each.

It’s magnificent of course. But in our opinion, the palace ranks further down the list of best things to do in Jaipur.  

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.

9. Jantar Mantar / Jaipur Astronomical Observatory 

Also in the heart of the old city and just across from the main entrance to the City Palace is Jantar Mantar.  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.

10. Jaipur Flower Market / Jaipur Phool Mandi 

This is one of the awesome free things to do in Jaipur.  And at risk of admitting to a bias for colour and bustling markets anywhere in world.  I think this is one of my favourite things to do in Jaipur! 

Every morning in the centre of the old city is Jaipur Phool Mandi.  This is a flower market where retail flower sellers pick up their stocks for selling.  And with an expansion to the location in recent years, the market has been operating just as colourfully for generations. 

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. 

Pinks and yellows and marigolds at Jaipur’s famous flower market.
More colours spilling literally out of Phool Mandi.

11. Albert Hall and Museum 

In 1876, Prince Albert Edward (later Edward VII) laid the foundation stone of the Albert Hall Museum during his grand tour of India.  (This was the same time that Jaipur was decorated and dedicated as the Pink City of Rajasthan). 

The museum building itself is magnificent.  It is designed in Indo-Saracenic architectural style and is palatial inside.  Huge corridors and murals reflect civilizations from around the world. 

Today 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.  If not for the artefacts, it is included in the Composite Ticket and is impressive for the style and grandeur of classic royal Indian architecture. 

Inside the beautifully grand Albert Hall Museum.

12. Isarlat Minaret / Tower of Heaven 

It’s easy to spot the towering Isarlat Minaret from Chandpol Bazar in the old city of Jaipur.  It is also known as Sargasuli Tower or the Tower of Heaven.  And 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.

Today – 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!

13. Jal Mahal / Water Palace

Jal Mahal translates to ‘Water Palace’.  It is a palace in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake on the outskirts of Jaipur City. 

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.  And the viewpoints on the lake shore are disgusting.  

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.  It’s easy to pull over by rickshaw on your way back to town from Amer Fort and admire the Water Palace (from afar). 

Time for a coconut and some essential (obviously) posing by the Jan Mahal lakefront market.

14. Galta Ji / Monkey Temple

Ok. The Moneky Temple – Galta Ji – is another of the iconic things to do in Jaipur.  But.  (Sorry).  This is not necessarily one I would recommend up close and personal unless you have a fondness for menacing macaques.

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.

14. 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 and are on the road towards the Monkey Temple (if that’s your thing).  Otherwise, they are easily visited together on the one trip and are approximately 6km from Jaipur city. (Doable by rickshaw).  

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

15. Raj Mandir Cinema and Bollywood Movie Theatre

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! 

For visitors it is an important part of the tourist trail in Rajasthan offering the chance to experience a truly Bollywood film in all its dramatic glory. 

Movies are screened daily.  And 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.

16. Lassi Wala 312 M.I. Road in Jaipur 

I reckon we’ve saved the best for last! 

Seriously; if you are ever in Jaipur you MUST head to Shop 312 on MI Road…

It is always the elephant in the room to find somewhere trustworthy to try delicious Indian street food or snacks.  But be sure to add trying a famous lassi to your list of things to do in Jaipur!  

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.

Buying a Composite Ticket / Things to do in Jaipur 

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.

Things to do in Jaipur with kids

Despite being hot on the main tourist trail for India the Pink City definitely has some attractions for children too.  We have visited Jaipur with kids more than six times.  It is one of the main stops on our family Group Trips across Rajasthan and with a little creativity there are some cool things to do in Jaipur with kids. 

Buying grass to feed the cows for good karma. It’s not on the usual lists but when in Jaipur with kids right?

Getting there / How to get to Jaipur from New Delhi, Agra or Jaisalmer

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. 

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.

Where to stay in Jaipur

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! Currently three generations 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 beautifully historic Jaipur Haveli.

More about travel planning for India and beyond…

These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel. 

Read more from travel in South Asia

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