The 9 things to do in Jaipur

Soon you're going to discover Rajasthan and his wonderful capital? Discover the best things to do in Jaipur!

Known under his charming nickname “pink city”, Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan, a state of northwest India. The city is a few 260 kilometres southwest of the Indian capital, New Delhi . Unlike other cities in the country, the story of Jaipur is very recent: the city was founded in 1727 under the order of Maharaja Jai Singh II. Originally, it was not uniformly pink, it was only during the visit of Prince Albert in 1876 that it was entirely painted in pink: this colour was traditionally that of welcome. Since then, it has retained this use and has taken the pretty nickname of pink city.

Visiting Jaipur will plunge you into an incredible heritage, an unforgettable adventure, liveliness and vibrant scents. World renowned for its local craftsmanship, your walks will lead you to the middle of vibrant and colourful markets and streets, in the midst of superb historic buildings. So what do you do in Jaipur during your stay? What to discover and what to see in priority?

To help you experience a memorable journey, discover the 9 things you need and more to visit in Jaipur, the stunning capital of Rajasthan!

1. The City Palace

Composed of two palaces, Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal, City Palace is a complex of sublime buildings, interior courtyards and flowery gardens. Built under the impetus of the maharaja Jai Singh II, founder of the city, the palace complex is superbly ornamented, with elaborate pillars, walls covered with complex and colourful motifs and carved doors. It is located northeast of the city and is a must to visit in Jaipur!

2. Fort d’Amber

The city’s main attraction is a perfect and beautiful example of Hindu architecture. Originally built in beautiful white and red stones, the Fort d’Amber dominates the city from the Aigle hill, in the Aravalli chain. At the Fort d’Amber, after passing the beautiful Ganesh Gate, you will discover beautifully decorated rooms, where the members of the royal family lived, as well as the striking Mirror Palace or Jai Mandir: the ceilings and walls of this building are encrusted with glass panels and mirrors to reflect the lights of the candles – a wonderful show!

3. The forts of Jaigarh and Nahargarh

Birds of the Amber Fort, the forts of Jaigarh (North) and Nahargarh (in the South) form a superb defensive complex: we recommend you to visit these two Palestinian fortresses as well! Each will give you a wonderful view of the region from their ramparts. In Jargarh, a former cannon production centre, you can also admire a huge 50-ton gun, Jaivana.

4. The Palais des Vents

The Hawa Mahal is one of the most emblematic monuments of the beautiful pink city! Built in red and pink sandstone, the palace is located near the City Palace, on the edge of the royal harem. Its initial aim was to allow the ladies of it to observe the life and festivities of the street without being seen: they thus respected the practice of “purdah” – a practice preventing men from seeing women. The palace thus derives its name from the walls and windows that allowed streams of air, perfect to refresh the building during the torrid summers of the region.

5. Panna Meena Ka Kund

Located in the nearby town of Amer, close to the Forts, the Panna Meena Ka Kund produces a hypnotic effect on the traveler! Like a painting by Escher, the stairs are built in a symmetrical form, which forms almost a trumpet-eye. If you are not allowed to go down the stairs to the pool below, you will still be able to take advantage of your visit to capture perfect shots with your camera!

6. Local markets

It's impossible to visit Jaipur without getting lost in his streets and bouillons of life! It is only there that you can take the measure of local crafts. Your walks will allow you to acquire great memories: jewellery, sculptures or handmade clothing! Among the bazaars to be discovered are Johari Bazaar Tripolia Bazaar or Chandpol. The gourmets will be able to enjoy a gourmet city tour where, at the option of Jaipur’s best addresses and on the advice of a culinary guide, they will discover the typical dishes of the city: a walk rich in flavors and discoveries!

7. Jal Mahal or the Palace on the water

Built on Lake Mansagar, this beautiful palace combines moghol and rajput architectures. At sunset, you can admire wonderful scenes with the palace that detaches on the water, as if it emerges, almost swallowed. The lake as the palace then dyed with gold, purple and ochre: this is the best time of the day to take beautiful pictures.

8. Discover the temples of Jaipur and its region

Jaipur and its region are full of wonderful temples to discover during your adventures. We especially invite you to visit Galtaji an ancient place of sacred pilgrimage, especially in the temple of monkeys. You can also visit Jaipur temples Garh Ganesh Lakshmi Narayan Mandir and Birla Mandir – local wonders!

9. See also in Jaipur and around

If you are still wondering what to do in Jaipur, here are more attractions to visit and activities to enjoy in and around town: • Visit the Albert Hall Museum : a white marble palace built for the coming of Prince Albert, it houses collections of local arts and crafts. • Discover the Jantar Mantar , an astronomical and astrological observatory of the 18th century! • Taste the delicious rajasthani cuisine, with iconic dishes such as Dal-baati-churma Mawa Kachori or Mirchi Bada.

How do I get to Jaipur?

To visit Jaipur, there are three options available: to fly, train or bus.

• By plane

From France you will find regular flights to Jaipur. Attention, however, these are not direct: you will have to count a dozen hours of flight time including 1 to 2 stops depending on your flight to Jaipur Airport (mainly in Delhi or Mumbai). If the prices vary according to your starting period, do not hesitate to take you in advance, especially by taking a look at our partner’s website Ulysses : Whatever the company, this flight comparison is definitely the best way to find yours at the best price.

• By train

If you are staying in New Delhi or Agra for example, know that it is possible to reach Jaipur by train. The most curved and especially the most economical (640 rupees go from New Delhi), it allows you to reach the city without too much costs. Good to know: Indian trains are known for their regular delays (sometimes more than two hours), it is one of the typical charms of this type of trip! If you opt for this means of transport, then plan large, because in addition to this possible delay, you will have to rely on an average of 5 hours to arrive in Jaipur. For more information, visit the Virail website, train travel comparisons around the world.

• By bus

Also in the case of a figure where you are planning a departure from another Indian city, the bus is a good alternative to reach Jaipur. A little longer than the train (between 4 hours and 6 hours of travel from New Delhi for example), this means of transport will also save you on your journeys. From New Delhi Railway Station, departures take place every hour from 6am to 11pm.

How to move to Jaipur?

Pousse, bus, taxi or even car rental , many are the ways to move in Jaipur. As the bus is cheap, there is still the most used transport on site. The push-over when at it, allows you for a less price, to move in all authenticity! You can book it at day or hour, everything depends on your program. Good to know: unless you opt for a shopping session, make sure to refuse when the driver insists on placing you in front of shops (very frequent).

Where to stay in Jaipur?

If you want to visit Jaipur, you should know that there are plenty of accommodation options. There are many neighborhoods to stay in Jaipur. We especially recommend Old Town or the new modern centre. You will find all accommodation information in our article “ In which quarter house in Jaipur? » .

Now you know what to do in Jaipur and around during your stay in Rajasthan!