Jaipur, known as the 'Pink City', stands as a prominent cultural and heritage destination in India, offering a rich tapestry of history, grand architecture, and vibrant traditional markets. It attracts visitors keen on exploring its magnificent palaces, ancient forts, and intricate handicrafts.
For those seeking to socialize, Jaipur presents a lively nightlife with various nightclubs and rooftop lounges across the city. Areas like MI Road and C-Scheme host establishments with energetic atmospheres, while Civil Lines offers more relaxed rooftop venues. Popular spots include Amigos Bar & Discotheque, Blackout Club, Lounge 18, Bar Palladio, House of People, and Tablu, providing diverse options for food, drinks, and music. The city is also welcoming to backpackers, offering budget-friendly accommodations like hostels, particularly around MI Road and the peaceful Bani Park area.
Top 8 Things to do in Jaipur
Jaipur offers a diverse range of experiences, from exploring magnificent historical forts and palaces to immersing oneself in vibrant local markets and engaging with ethical wildlife initiatives.
1. Amber Fort (Amer Fort)
Explore this grand fort, a stunning example of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Walk through its intricately designed courtyards and palaces, such as the Diwaan-e-Aam and the Sheesh Mahal. It is recommended to spend 2 to 3 hours here. Consider visiting early in the morning to avoid crowds and the heat.
Cost: Indian Adults: ₹50. Indian Students: ₹10. Foreigners: ₹500. Foreign Students: ₹100. An evening Light and Sound Show is available (English: ₹200, Hindi: ₹100). Elephant rides are offered, though ethical elephant sanctuaries recommend against them due to animal welfare concerns.
Transport: Amber Fort is located approximately 11-13 km from Jaipur city. Public buses are available and offer an economical option. Taxis and auto-rickshaws can also be hired for a round trip.
2. City Palace
Discover the City Palace, a sprawling complex at the heart of Jaipur. This former royal residence showcases a beautiful blend of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles, featuring museums, courtyards, and gardens. Allow 2 to 3 hours to explore the palace's various sections and collections.
Cost: Indian Nationals: ₹130-₹200. Foreign Tourists: ₹500-₹700. Student discounts are available with a valid ID. Photography charges may apply in specific areas.
Transport: Situated in the city center, the City Palace is easily accessible from any part of Jaipur by auto-rickshaw, taxi, or public bus.
3. Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds)
Marvel at the Hawa Mahal, an iconic five-story palace built of red and pink sandstone. Its unique facade features 953 small windows, designed to allow royal women to observe daily life and festivities on the street below without being seen. While you cannot enter the main palace, the exterior is a popular photography spot.
Cost: Entry fee for Hawa Mahal is typically included in composite tickets for major monuments. Specific individual entry costs were not consistently available in recent reviews, but it's a prominent site on tours.
Transport: Located in the heart of Jaipur, near the City Palace and Jantar Mantar. It is within walking distance or a short auto-rickshaw ride from other central attractions.
4. Jantar Mantar
Visit Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an ancient astronomical observatory. Built in the early 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, it houses a collection of impressive architectural instruments used to measure time, predict eclipses, and track celestial bodies. A guided tour or audio guide is highly recommended to understand the instruments' functions.
Cost: Indian Adults: ₹50. Indian Students: ₹15. Foreign Tourists: ₹200. Foreign Students: ₹100/₹24. Audio guides are available for around ₹150-₹200.
Transport: Jantar Mantar is centrally located in Jaipur, adjacent to the City Palace, making it easily accessible by auto-rickshaw, taxi, or a short walk from nearby attractions.
5. Nahargarh Fort
Ascend to Nahargarh Fort, perched on the Aravalli Hills, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the entire Pink City. Originally a defense outpost and a royal retreat, the fort is also known for its intricate architecture and historical significance. Consider visiting in the late afternoon to witness a stunning sunset over Jaipur. Allow 2 to 3 hours for your visit.
Cost: Indian Adults: ₹50. Indian Students: ₹5. Foreign Tourists: ₹200. Foreign Students: ₹25.
Transport: Nahargarh Fort is accessible by road. It is recommended to hire a private cab or auto-rickshaw as it is on a hill overlooking the city.
6. Explore Traditional Markets
Immerse yourself in Jaipur's vibrant shopping scene by exploring its bustling traditional markets. These bazaars offer a sensory overload of colors, sounds, and unique goods. Key markets include Johari Bazaar for exquisite jewelry, Bapu Bazaar for textiles and traditional footwear (Mojaris), and Tripolia Bazaar for lac bangles and brassware. Bargaining is a common practice and part of the experience. Remember to carry small cash denominations.
Cost: Costs vary widely based on purchases. Items such as jewelry, textiles, handicrafts, and local footwear are available.
Transport: The main traditional markets are concentrated in the old city area and are best explored on foot. Auto-rickshaws or cycle-rickshaws can take you between market areas.
7. Ethical Elephant Interaction
Engage with elephants in a responsible and compassionate way at an ethical elephant sanctuary outside the city. Establishments like Elefantastic and EleJungle prioritize the well-being of rescued elephants, offering opportunities to feed, bathe, and interact with them in a natural, stress-free environment, without promoting rides or forced performances. This provides a meaningful and educational experience.
Cost: Costs vary depending on the sanctuary and the specific interactive programs offered. These fees typically contribute directly to the elephants' care, food, and the mahouts' salaries.
Transport: These sanctuaries are usually located a short drive outside Jaipur, often near Amber Fort. It is advisable to arrange transport via the sanctuary or a private taxi.
8. Jaipur Street Food Tour
Embark on a culinary journey through Jaipur's bustling streets to taste authentic local flavors. A street food tour allows you to sample a variety of beloved dishes, such as spicy samosas, crispy kachoris, sweet kulfi, and refreshing masala chai, at renowned local eateries. These tours often provide insights into Jaipur's culinary traditions and local customs.
Cost: Costs for street food tours vary. Private walking tours can start from approximately $5 (around ₹400 INR) for a 2-3 hour experience. More comprehensive tours with hotel pickup and wider selections may cost around $24-32 (around ₹2000-₹2600 INR).
Transport: Many street food tours are walking tours, navigating the city's food hubs. Some include hotel pick-up or begin from a central meeting point, accessible by local transport like auto-rickshaws.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
