Spend A Day In Jaipur India's Pink City

Jaipur, the pink and magnificent city of India, is home to royal palaces and historical forts, rich in tradition, famous for its Rajasthani food and host to one of the biggest literary festivals in the country. We bring you the best things to do and see in the city.

1. Jaipur City Palace

Jaipur City Palace

Present in the heart of the old city of Jaipur, the city palace proves the style and elegance of the Rajput royalties. To blend in the majestic city, the first place to stop by is this capital palace which is a sprawling complex with arresting buildings and collection of marvelous artifacts. Built by the Rajput king Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, a part of the structure has now been converted into a museum, and it also houses two huge sterling silver vessels that can store 4,000 liters of liquid, recorded as the largest in the Guinness Book of World Records. The Royal Family still inhabits the palace.

Jaipur City Palace, Jalebi Chowk, Near Jantar Mantar, Tripolia Bazar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002, India, +91 141 408 8888

Jaipur City Palace | © xiquinhosilva/Flickr

2. Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal

Just 700 meters from the palace is the ‘Palace of the Winds,’ Hawa Mahal. The five-story building is in the shape of a semi-octagonal structure, with 953 small windows (jharokhas), akin to the honeycomb of a beehive. It is believed that the structure was made for the royal ladies to observe the everyday bustling life in the streets without being seen under the obligation to ‘purdah’ (face cover).

Hawa Mahal, Hawa Mahal Rd, Badi Choupad, Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002, India

Hawa Mahal Jaipur | © Russ Bowling/Flickr

3. Amber Fort

Building

This fort is located on the outskirts of Jaipur. The lake in the front provides a beautiful reflection of the fort, which has four parts, including a temple, the meeting halls and the famous Sheesh Mahal. It is the same mahal where the song ‘Jab pyaar kiya to darna kya’ of Mughal-e-azam was shot. The mahal is beautiful with infinite mirrors used over the walls. And while you’re here, don’t forget to try an elephant ride.

Street Shopping

Rajasthan is famous for its traditional jootis, colorful ghagras and the beautiful jholas with small mirrors stitched to it. So to get the best of these, do shop in places like Johari Bazaar (Jewelry Market), Nehru Bazaar, and Bapu Bazaar. Johari Bazaar is famous for its fabulous collection of jewels, with gems and other semi-precious stones. The colorful textiles and jootis (sandals) can be bought in this area as well. While you’re shopping in Bapu Bazaar, you will also have the chance to witness the ‘pink’ in this pink city.

Street Shopping in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

5. Chokhi Dhani

Chokhi Dhani

A village-themed restaurant, Chokhi Dhani captures the spirit of Rajasthan. The décor is full of paintings, the famous Bani Thani art, a dedicated Deepak wall, evening performances and food served by people in traditional costumes. A perfect place to end the night and have sumptuous Rajasthani delights.

Chokhi Dhani, 12 Miles Tonk Road, via Vatika Jaipur, Jaipur, Rajasthan 303905, India, +91 96672 22203

Choki Dhani | © Ashwin Kumar/Flickr

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.