Things to do in Jaipur

Jaipur is the capital city of the state of Rajasthan and is the most populous city of Rajasthan and the tenth most populous city of India.

Jaipur is also known as the pink city, due to pink being the dominant colour of its buildings. It is said that in the year 1876, then ruler of Jaipur, Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II had the whole city painted in pink terracotta to honour the welcome of the Prince of Wales and Queen Victoria.

Jaipur is a popular tourist destination in India and is a part of the Golden Triangle tourist circuit along with Delhi and Agra. Jaipur has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Amer Fort and Jantar Mantar.

UPDATE: Jaipur city is declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2019. Jaipur is the second city of India to be added on the World Heritage Site list after the city of Ahmedabad.

Use this Jaipur travel guide to plan your trip to the royal city of Rajasthan.

Table of Contents
1 Best time to travel
2 How to reach Jaipur
3 Must 5 Things to Do in Jaipur
3.1 1) Amer Fort
3.2 2) Hawa Mahal
3.3 3) Choki Dhani Village
3.4 4) Jantar Mantar
3.5 5) Patrika Gate
4 Other Things to Do in Jaipur
4.1 1) Rajmandir Cinema
4.2 2) City Palace
4.3 3) Jal Mahal
4.4 4) Jaigarh Fort
4.5 5) Nahargarh Fort
4.6 6) Eat at Hawk View Restaurant
4.7 7) Galtaji Temple
4.8 8) Albert Hall Museum
4.9 9) Birla Mandir
4.10 10) Dolls Museum
5 Get Around in Jaipur
6 Stay in Jaipur

Best time to travel

Winter (November to mid-March) is the best time to travel to Jaipur when the climate is cool and ideal for sightseeing.
Like every other place in Rajasthan, summers (April – June) are long, hot, and dry. The average temperature during this period is around 45 degree Celsius.
Monsoon season (July – September) is met with the lower temperatures but high humidity and frequent downpours.

How to reach Jaipur

Jaipur is around 280 kilometres away from the country capital, Delhi.

• Flight – Jaipur International Airport (JAI) is the primary airport serving Jaipur. The airport operates regular flights to major Indian cities including Delhi Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. It also serves some South Asian and Middle Eastern destinations.
• Train – Jaipur Junction Railway Station (JP) is the primary railway station in Jaipur. It is well connected to all the major cities of India. Other railway stations include Gandhinagar and Durgapur.
• Bus – Buses runs frequently between Jaipur and major cities in Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
• Car – Roads connecting to Jaipur from Delhi and Mumbai are in very good condition; drivers would enjoy driving on them.

Must 5 Things to Do in Jaipur

1) Amer Fort

Amer Fort is the most popular tourist attraction of Jaipur. It is the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort is constructed of red sandstone and marble. It has 4 levels, each with its own courtyard. It consists of the Diwan-i-Aam, the Diwan-i-Khas, the Sheesh Mahal, and the Sukh Niwas. Amer Fort along with Jaigarh Fort is considered as single complex and is connected through a subterranean passage. They are located on Cheel ka Teela(Hills of Eagles) on the Aravalli Hills. The 50 minute Light and Sound show, in English and Hindi, is also conducted every evening except Friday which narrates the story of the history of Jaipur.

Address – Devisinghpura, Amer, Jaipur
Phone – +91 141 253 0293
Opening Hours – 8 AM to 5:30 PM, 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Suggested Duration – 3 hours
Entry Fee – Rs 100 (Indian), Rs 500 (Foreigners), Rs 295 (Light and Sound show), Rs 300 (Guide)

ALSO READ: The Ultimate Guide to Amer Fort

2) Hawa Mahal

Built of red and pink sandstone, Hawa Mahal is a palace in Jaipur. Palace comprises of 5 stories with 953 small windows decorated with intricate latticework. This architecture feature helps in keeping the palace cool in high summer season as it allows the cool air to pass through these small windows. It is very beautiful and provides many photographic opportunities.

Address – Hawa Mahal Rd, Badi Choupad, J.D.A. Market, Pink City, Jaipur
Phone – +91 141 261 8033
Opening Hours – 9 AM to 5:30 PM
Suggested Duration – 1 hour
Ticket Cost – Rs 50 (Indian), Rs 200 (Foreigners)

3) Choki Dhani Village

Located outside the hustle bustle of the city, Choki Dhani village is a theme park which provides the traditional Rajasthani village experience. It takes you on the ride to the village through the paintings, wall decorations, artifacts, music, and dance show.
Entertainment events include folk dance, acrobatics on a bamboo, fire act, puppet show, and magic show. Fun Rides include camel ride, horse ride, elephant ride, bullock cart ride, and boat ride. You can also enjoy many skill games like dart game, shooting game, and aim the target games.
All the rides and skill games are not included in the ticket cost, and they are charged at a nominal fee ranging from Rs 10 – Rs 20 per each game/ride. Ticket Cost includes a dinner in Rajasthani style.

Address – 12 Miles, Tonk Rd, Chokhi Dhani, Jaipur
Phone – +91 141 516 5000, +91 141 516 5015, +91 9982322220
Official Website – http://www.chokhidhani.com
Opening Hours – 5 PM to 11 PM
Suggested Duration – 4-5 hours
Ticket Cost – Traditional Rajasthani Dining (Rs 900 for Adult, Rs 600 for Child), AC Royal Rajasthani Dining (Rs 1100 for Adult, Rs 800 for Child), Multi-cuisine Buffet – Choupal (Rs 1350 for Adult, Rs 900 for Child). The height of a child must be from 2.5 feet up to 3.5 feet.

4) Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features the largest stone sundial in the world. Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur constructed five Jantar Mantar in Jaipur, Delhi, Ujjain, Mathura, and Varanasi from the period of 1724 to 1735. Only Jaipur Jantar Mantar sundial measures the accurate local time. Instruments in Jantar Mantar can predict the local time, stars location, orbiting movement of the earth around the sun, and eclipses.

Travel Tip – Guide is must in Jantar Mantar. The guide can help you to understand different instruments and how they were operated. Although the guide’s fee is mentioned as fixed, you can book at a lower price if the guide is willing to include other tourist groups.

Address – Malve Nagar, J.D.A. Market, Pink City, Jaipur
Opening Hours – 9 AM to 4:30 PM
Suggested Duration – 1 hour
Ticket Cost – Rs 50 (Indians), Rs 200 (Foreigners)

5) Patrika Gate

Jawahar circle is Asia’s biggest circular park on a traffic signal. Patrika Gate is the ninth gate of Jaipur and entrance of Jawahar Circle. The most striking feature of the Patrika Gate is hand-painting done on it. Each pillar of Patrika Gate is painted with forts, palaces, temples, portraits of Jaipur ruler, and other monuments. The paintings give the teaser of a vibrant tradition and culture of Jaipur. Patrika Gate is by far the most colourful and aesthetically beautiful attraction in Jaipur.

Address – Patrika Gate, JLN Road, Jawahar Circle, Jaipur
Opening Hours – Opens 24 hours
Suggested Duration – 30 minutes – 1 hour
Ticket Cost – Free

ALSO READ: 5 DAY KOTA & JAIPUR ITINERARY

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Other Things to Do in Jaipur

1) Rajmandir Cinema

Rajmandir cinema is popular all over the world for its super stylish architecture, royal structure, and design. Each day, hundreds of tourists which includes many foreigners flock to Rajmandir cinema to see its grand stylish architecture. The inner hall of the theatre is even more stunning. With all the lightning, and a rising staircase next to the lobby gives a stylish and royal look to the theatre. The viewing hall has a giant screen with velvet draped curtains, thereby replicating the aura of mid 60’s era.

Travel Tip – Evening shows generally get houseful around 1 hour before the show. If you are looking to go there, make sure to book the tickets in advance either at Box office or online through BookMyShow. If you are not interested in the movie, then you can buy the lowest priced ticket (Ruby class) to save money.

Address – C-16, Bhagwant Das Rd, Panch Batti, C Scheme, Ashok Nagar, Jaipur
Phone – +91 141 237 9372
Official Website – http://therajmandir.com
Opening Hours – 4 movie shows each day
Suggested Duration – 1 – 3 hours (depending upon if you are interested in the movie)
Ticket Cost – Rs 110 (Ruby), Rs 170 (Emerald), Rs 300 (Diamond), Rs 400 (Premium).

2) City Palace

City Palace was once the seat of the Maharaja of Jaipur, is now converted to a museum which also includes Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal palaces. The royal family still lives in the Chandra Mahal. The private rooms of Chandra Mahal are accessible at an additional cost. Mubarak Mahal, meaning the ‘Auspicious Palace’ is a fine example of the fusion of Islamic, Rajput and European architectural styles. It is now converted to the textile museum which includes royal costumes. City complex comprises different museums displaying different ruler’s portrait paintings, art gallery, old weapons, and royal costumes. City Palace is opened at night as well with light and sound show.

Address – Jaleb Chowk, Opp Jantar Mantar, Gangori Bazaar, J.D.A. Market, Kanwar Nagar, Jaipur
Phone – +91 141 408 8888
Official Website – https://royaljaipur.in
Opening Hours – 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, 7 PM to 10 PM
Suggested Duration – 2 – 3 hours
Ticket Cost – Museum (Rs 130 for Indians, Rs 500 for foreigners), Museum@Night (Rs 450 for Indians, Rs 900 for foreigners), Private access to Chandra Mahal (Rs 2500 for Indians, Rs 3000 for foreigners)

3) Jal Mahal

Jal Mahal is the palace situated in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake. It is not opened for visitors and can only be enjoyed from outside only. We spent half an hour there clicking photographs. There is also a roadside market where people all day sit on the mats and sell fashion accessories.

Address – Amer Rd, Jal Mahal, Amer, Jaipur
Suggested Duration – 30 minutes

4) Jaigarh Fort

Jaigarh Fort is located on Cheel ka Teela. It was built to protect the Amer Fort from invasion. Jaigarh Fort and Amer Fort are a single complex and connected through a subterranean passage. Jaigarh Fort is known for a cannon named “Jaivana” which was once the world’s largest cannon on wheels. Although the cannon was never used in the battle, it was fired for the testing purpose and when fired covered the distance of about 35 kilometres.

Address – Devisinghpura, Amer, Jaipur
Phone – +91 141 267 1848
Official Website – https://royaljaipur.in
Opening Hours – 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Suggested Duration – 2 hours
Ticket Cost – Rs 50 (Indian Adult), Rs 30 (Indian child, 5-12 years), Rs 100 (Foreign Adult), Rs 60 (Foreign child, 5-12 years)

5) Nahargarh Fort

Nahargarh Fort is situated on Aravalli Hills. The fort was built in the 18th century to defend the Jaipur city. Jaipur wax museum and sculpture are recently opened in Nahargarh Fort. Exploring Nahargarh Fort requires lots of walking, so ensure to carry your water bottles.

Address – Krishna Nagar, Brahampuri, Jaipur
Phone – +91 141 513 4038
Opening Hours – 10 AM to 5:30 PM
Suggested Duration – 2 – 3 hours
Ticket Cost – Rs 50 (Indian), Rs 200 (Foreigner)

6) Eat at Hawk View Restaurant

Hawk View Restaurant is the roof-top restaurant located near to the Hawa Mahal. Enjoy your meal amidst the incredible view of Jaipur in the background. And it is not even costly, meal will cost you around Rs 250 – Rs 300.

Address – 76 Raja Mal Ka Talab , Chandi Ki Taksal , Behind Kale Hanuman Ji Temple, J.D.A. Market, Pink City, Jaipur
Phone – +91 94140 22447
Opening Hours – 10 AM to 11 PM

7) Galtaji Temple

Galtaji Temple is the ancient pilgrimage site and is located 10km away from Jaipur. The temple is known for its natural springs and 7 holy kunds (water tanks). The area around the temple is also the abode of many monkeys, thus also known as ‘Monkey Temple’. The temple also has the backdrop of an enthralling landscape featuring Aravalli Hills and offers a great view to the visitors.

Address – Galta Ji, Jaipur
Suggested Duration – 1 hour
Ticket Cost – Free

8) Albert Hall Museum

Albert Hall, also known as State Museum of Rajasthan, is named after King Edward VII (Albert Edward). The museum has a huge collection of artifacts including paintings, marble sculptures, porcelain, jewellery, ancient coins. The main attraction of the museum is the Egyptian mummy placed in the basement of the building.

Address – Museum Road, Ram Niwas Garden, Kailash Puri, Adarsh Nagar, Ram Niwas Garden, Ashok Nagar, Jaipur
Phone – +91 141 257 0099
Official Website – http://alberthalljaipur.gov.in
Opening Hours – 9 AM to 5 PM, 7 PM to 10 PM
Suggested Duration – 1 hour
Ticket Cost – Rs 40 (Indian), Rs 300 (Foreigner), Rs 100 (Night visit)

9) Birla Mandir

There are several Birla Mandir located all over the country. Birla Mandir of Jaipur is a very famous temple and is dedicated to Lakshmi-Narayan. Birla Mandir is built in a modern style using white marbles, mesmerizes the visitor with its gorgeous beauty.

Address – Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg, Tilak Nagar, Jaipur
Opening Hours – 8 AM to 12 PM, 4 PM to 8 PM
Suggested Duration – 30 minutes
Ticket Cost – Free

10) Dolls Museum

The Dolls Museum was constructed in 1974 and was once a very popular attraction of Jaipur. But due to years of neglect, conditions of dolls deteriorated and museum soon disappeared in oblivion. In 2014, a group of dedicated citizen renovated the museum and brought it back on the map of Jaipur. The museum houses the collection of dolls adorning traditional attire from other countries and all the states of India.

Address – Jawahar Lal Nehru Road, Trimurty Circle, JLN Marg, Adarsh Nagar, Gangawal Park, Adarsh Nagar, Jaipur
Phone – +91 141 261 9359
Opening Hours – 9 AM to 4 PM
Suggested Duration – 30 minutes
Ticket Cost – Rs 10 (Indian), Rs 50 (Foreigner)

Travel Tip – There is an option of a composite ticket as well. It offers the ticket of 8 attractions including Amer Fort, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Nahargarh Fort, Albert Hall, Isarlat, Sisodia Rani Garden, and Vidhyadhar Garden. It costs Rs 300 for Indians and Rs 1000 for foreigners with the validity of 2 days. Among these attractions, visitors generally leave Isarlat, Sisodia Rani Garden, and Vidhyadhar Garden. If you go to the other 5 attractions in 2 days, it costs Rs 290 for Indians and Rs 1400 for foreigners. As you can clearly see, buying the composite ticket is NOT WORTH for Indians but it can save few hundred rupees for foreigners.

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Get Around in Jaipur

• Cab: Cab is the most convenient and economical way to roam around in Jaipur. Both major cab aggregators, Uber and Ola, operates in Jaipur and one won’t find any issues in booking the cab.
• Auto-Rickshaw (Tuk-Tuk): It comes second to cab in terms of convenience and availability. But be ready to haggle with drivers since more or less, everyone would try to overcharge you.
• Bus: There are frequent bus services to the major attractions and you won’t have any problems in getting one.
• Jaipur Darshan: Alternatively, one can use the Jaipur Darshan for the major sightseeing in a day. Jaipur Darshan is the full/half day sightseeing double-decker bus service recognized by the Rajasthan Tourism. It is not a Hop On and Hop Off bus service. One has to follow the given itinerary to cover all the attractions in the prescribed time.

Stay in Jaipur

Zostel: Zostel is the biggest chain of backpacker hostels. It has grown into popularity in recent years because of the amenities similar to the budget hotels but at a much lower price. Some of the amenities include free wifi, cable TV, locker, Game rooms, and kitchen. Sadly, free breakfast is not provided. It provides both private and dorm rooms.
Price Range: Rs 500 per person for dorms

Jaipur by Roadhouse Hostels: This hostel also provides both private and dorm rooms. It is also a very popular choice among backpackers. Facilities include free wifi, game rooms.
Price Range: Rs 300 – Rs 500 per person for dorms

Comfort Inn Sapphire: It is a 3-star hotel in the premium location. The rooms are equipped with all the modern amenities including free wifi and TV.
Price Range: Rs 2500 – Rs 3500

Days Hotel: This was my abode in Jaipur. This is a new hotel, opened in 2018. It is located near to the airport and a little far away from the city centre. It is a 3-star hotel surrounded by 5-star hotels like Radisson Blue, Hotel Marriot in its vicinity. Rooms are gorgeously clean and the service is fantastic. I had got the room for Rs 2300, but recently the price has shot up.
Price Range: Rs 3000 – Rs 4000

Fortune Select Metropolitan: Fortune Select Metropolitan is the hotel of ITC Hotel Group. It is a 5-star hotel with 90 rooms, all equipped with modern amenities such as a flat-screen TV, mini-bar, and high-speed internet connectivity. Most rooms offer a panoramic view of the Jaipur. Apart from this, the hotel also has a fitness centre and a rooftop swimming pool for rejuvenation after the day of exploration.
Price Range: Rs 6000 – Rs 7500