Welcome to Jaipur

Founded in 1727, Jaipur is the gateway to the Golden Triangle. The city was painted pink in 1876 to welcome Prince Albert of Wales.

Top Places

1. Amber Fort

Hilltop fort 11 km from city. Built 1592. Rajput and Mughal architecture. Entry Rs 100 Indians. Timings 8 AM to 5:30 PM.

2. Hawa Mahal

Five-storey pink sandstone with 953 windows. Built 1799. Entry Rs 50. Timings 9 AM to 4:30 PM.

3. City Palace

Complex in old city heart. Mubarak Mahal textile museum is highlight. Entry Rs 200. Timings 9:30 AM to 5 PM.

4. Jantar Mantar

UNESCO site. World largest stone observatory built 1734. Samrat Yantra sundial accurate to 2 seconds. Entry Rs 50.

5. Nahargarh Fort

Best panoramic view of Jaipur from Aravalli ridge. Sunset view is magical. Entry Rs 50.

6. Jal Mahal

Palace that appears to float on Man Sagar Lake. Best viewed at sunset from lakeside road.

Best Street Food

  • Dal Baati Churma: Quintessential Rajasthani meal. Best at LMB Hotel.
  • Pyaaz Kachori: Spiced onion fritter. Famous at Rawat Mishtan Bhandar.
  • Laal Maas: Fiery mutton curry with Mathania chillies. At Niros Restaurant.
  • Mirchi Bada: Green chilli fritter stuffed with spiced potato.
  • Lassi at Lassiwala: World famous since 1944 on MI Road. Thick creamy in kulhad.

Shopping in Jaipur

  • Gemstones and Jewellery at Johari Bazaar: World largest gem-cutting centre. Kundan and meenakari jewellery.
  • Blue Pottery: Distinctive turquoise pottery made from quartz stone powder.
  • Block Print Textiles at Bapu Bazaar: Hand block-printed cotton from Sanganer village.
  • Rajasthani Mojaris: Embroidered leather footwear.

Always bargain at street markets. Start at 50 percent of quoted price.

Best Time to Visit

  • October to March: Best weather 10 to 25 degrees. Jaipur Literature Festival in January.
  • April to June: Very hot up to 45 degrees. Avoid.
  • July to September: Monsoon season.

How to Reach

  • By Train from Delhi: Shatabdi Express 4.5 hours.
  • By Road: 280 km via NH-48, about 5 hours.
  • By Air: Direct flights from Delhi 1 hour and Mumbai 1.5 hours.

Budget for 3 Nights

  • Budget: Rs 4000 to 7000 per person
  • Mid-range: Rs 12000 to 20000
  • Luxury heritage hotels: Rs 35000 and above

AskYatri Tips

  • Buy composite ticket Rs 300 covering 6 major monuments - great value.
  • Visit Amber Fort at 8 AM to beat crowds.
  • Old bazaars most lively from 4 PM to 7 PM.
  • Chokhi Dhani resort (20 km) for folk performances and Rajasthani thali dinner.