Destination guide
Jaipur Travel Guide
The Pink City and Rajasthan's natural starting point
Jaipur was laid out in 1727 by Sawai Jai Singh II on a grid plan, which is why the old city is far easier to navigate than most historic Indian cities. The walled city, painted terracotta pink since 1876, holds the City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal within walking distance of one another, while the hill forts sit on the northern ridge about 20 minutes away.
Because Jaipur has an airport with direct domestic connections and sits on the Delhi–Ahmedabad highway corridor, most travellers begin and end their Rajasthan journey here. We are based in Jaipur, which means our drivers know the parking realities at Amber, the one-way systems inside the walled city and the timings that let you avoid the worst crowds.
- Ideal stay
- 2 days (3 with day trips)
- Airport
- Jaipur International Airport (JAI), Sanganer
- UNESCO status
- Walled city inscribed in 2019
- Typical sightseeing day
- 8–10 hours with driver
From Jaipur
Jaipur is our home base.
Things to do in Jaipur
Amber Fort
Hilltop palace complex 11 km from the city; allow 2–3 hours including Sheesh Mahal.
City Palace
Still partly a royal residence; Mubarak Mahal and Chandra Mahal courtyards.
Hawa Mahal
The five-storey screen façade; best photographed early morning from across the road.
Jantar Mantar
18th-century astronomical instruments, UNESCO listed; a guide helps here.
Nahargarh Fort
Ridge fort with the best sunset view over the city.
Jaigarh Fort
Above Amber; home to the Jaivana cannon and connected by a fortified road.
Jal Mahal
Palace in Man Sagar lake; a photo stop rather than a visit.
Albert Hall Museum
Indo-Saracenic museum in Ram Niwas Garden, lit beautifully after dark.
Birla Mandir
White marble temple below Moti Dungri, calm and quick to visit.
Johari & Bapu Bazaar
Jewellery, textiles and mojari footwear inside the walled city.
Ideal duration
- 2 days for the classic circuit, 3 days if you add Chokhi Dhani, a cooking session or a day trip.
Best time to visit
- October to March is the comfortable season, with December and January coolest. April to June is very hot; July to September brings occasional rain and green Aravalli hillsides.
How to reach
- By air: Jaipur airport has direct domestic flights and limited international connections; the airport is about 30–45 minutes from most city hotels.
- By road from Delhi: roughly 280 km via NH-48, usually 5–6 hours including a break.
- By train: Jaipur Junction is well connected to Delhi, Ahmedabad and Mumbai.
Sample Jaipur itinerary
- Day 1
Jaipur — forts and the hill road
- Morning
- Early start for Amber Fort before the crowds, then Jaigarh Fort by the connecting road.
- Afternoon
- Panna Meena ka Kund and a photo stop at Jal Mahal on the way back; lunch in the city.
- Evening
- Nahargarh Fort for sunset over Jaipur.
Transport: Chauffeur-driven car, driver waits at each site. — Amber parking is below the fort; the drive up is by shared jeep or on foot.
- Day 2
Jaipur — walled city
- Morning
- City Palace and Jantar Mantar, with Hawa Mahal photographed from the opposite terrace.
- Afternoon
- Albert Hall Museum and Birla Mandir.
- Evening
- Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar for textiles and jewellery.
Transport: Car with driver; the walled-city sites are close enough to walk between.
Contact us for the latest quotation based on date, route, duration and vehicle.
Recommended vehicles
Jaipur travel FAQs
- How many days are enough for Jaipur?
- Two full days cover the forts, the palace complex and the bazaars without rushing. Add a third day if you want a day trip, a cooking class or a slower pace with children.
- Is a car with driver necessary in Jaipur?
- It is the practical option. Sites are spread from the walled city to the hill forts, parking is restricted at Amber and City Palace, and a driver who waits saves the repeated negotiation of local transport.
- What is the best time of day to visit Amber Fort?
- Arrive when it opens, around 8 am. By mid-morning tour groups fill the courtyards and the climb becomes hot.
Plan your Jaipur journey with a Jaipur-based team
Tell us your dates and group size and we will send a Jaipur itinerary with the right vehicle for your route. Contact us for the latest quotation based on date, route, duration and vehicle.