December 2021

The Pink City of India, this is Jaipur is also the largest capital city of Rajasthan. It is part of the Golden Triangle of India along with Delhi and Agra. In our itinerary for Jaipur, we explore the highlights that are must-visit and answer your questions on the best areas to stay.

In our itinerary for Jaipur, our highlights are:-

• Jantar Mantar
• Hawa Mahal
• Amber Fort
• Jaigarh Fort
• Panna Meena Ka Kund
• Birla Mandir

In our itinerary for Jaipur, we answer the following questions, how to spend 3 days in Jaipur, the best areas to stay in, and if Jaipur is worth visiting. 

1. Where is Jaipur?
2. How can I spend 3 days in Jaipur?
3. When is the best time to visit Jaipur?
4. Which are the best areas to stay in Jaipur?
5. Is Jaipur worth visiting?

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Where is Jaipur?

Before we begin our itinerary for Jaipur, let’s start with some basics. Jaipur is located about 167 miles northwest of Delhi and was given the title of the “Pink City of India” by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in 2019.

Jaipur has a hot semi-arid climate with extremely hot summers and cold winters. In 2020, Jaipur was ranked number 8th in the Top 15 Cities in Asia. 

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Why is everything pink in Jaipur?

It was Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh was instrumental in turning Jaipur into the pink city we know today. In 1876, he instructed that all buildings in Jaipur be painted pink as pink was considered a color of hospitality when he welcomed Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s son.

To ensure that Prince Albert visited the city, the Maharaja built a lavish concert hall and named it The Albert Hall, which is now a museum. The museum has artifacts and paintings, jewelry, ivory stone, metal sculptures, and an Egyptian mummy from the Ptolemaic Kingdom.

History

Jaipur was founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1727 as he planned to shift his capital from Amber to meet the city’s growing population and increasing scarcity of water. The old city was built based on the principles of Vasthu Shastra and Shilpa Shastra.

Interestingly, Jaipur city was divided into nine blocks with two blocks being allocated for state and palaces. The remaining seven blocks were for the public. The city was fortified with rampart walls with seven gates.

The city was painted pink to welcome HRH Prince Albert Edward, the Prince of Wales who later became King Edward VII in 1876. It was after he visited Jaipur that the city earned its nickname as the “Pink city”.

Jaipur is located along National Highway 8 which connects Delhi to Mumbai while National Highway 12 links Jaipur to Kota. National Highway 11 links Bikaner to Agra and passes through Jaipur. The travel time from Agra to Jaipur is about 4 hours.

Visa Requirements

India requires all visitors must obtain a visa before arrival in India. India gives freedom of movement to citizens of Nepal and Bhutan while Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) are exempted from visa requirements.

The map above shows the latest visa policy of India. Citizens from the United States, Singapore, Canada, and United Kingdom have access to e-visa facilities. You can apply for an e-visa through the official website in three steps.

Alternatively, you can apply for your online Indian e-visa through iVisa.com which can assist in processing and delivering your documents as well as provide excellent customer support by answering any questions you may have about the visa, the application process, and delivery.

How can I spend 3 days in Jaipur?

So, how can you spend 3 days in Jaipur?

With our itinerary for Jaipur, we will show you how you can cover the essential must-visit sites and some optional places you can visit which are off the beaten track. 

Day 1: Within the city

We start day 1 of our itinerary for Jaipur with a free walkable tour within the city center. Let’s dive in!

Jantar Mantar

The first in our itinerary for Jaipur is Jantar Mantar. Jantar Mantar is a collection of 19 astronomical instruments to measure time, predict eclipses, track the locations of major stars, and calculate the sunrise and sunset forecasts.

The name Jantar Mantar is derived from the Sanskrit words “Jantar” which means “an instrument or machine” and “mantar” which means “to consult or calculate”.

Jantar Mantar was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II who also built 5 other observatories across India. These observatories are in Delhi, Ujjain, Varanasi, Jaipur, and Mathura.

How much is the entrance fee to Jantar Mantar?

The entry fee for foreigners is ₹200 ($2.66) for foreigners and ₹50 ($0.66¢) for locals. There is a student rate of ₹25 ($0.33¢) for international students and ₹15 ($0.20¢) for local students. Students would have to show a valid student ID for the rates to apply.

When is the best time to visit Jantar Mantar?

The best time to visit Jantar Mantar is just before noon when the sun is vertically above. At this time, you can have a clear understanding of each of these astronomical instruments.

How long does it take to see all of Jantar Mantar?

You can expect to spend about 45 minutes to an hour at Jantar Mantar. 

City Palace 

The second in our itinerary for Jaipur is the City Palace. The City Palace is a one-minute walk from Jantar Mantar. Jaipur’s City Palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II when he moved the capital from Amber to Jaipur in 1727.

The palace is in the heart of Jaipur and continues to be the home of the Jaipur royal family. There are three main entrance gates which are Udai Pol from Jaleb Chowk, Virendra Pol near Jantar Mantar, and Tripolia which is reserved as the entrance for the royal family.

The oldest building within the City Palace is Chandra Mahal which is also the present residence of the royal family. There are seven floors with each floor having its significance. 

For example, the first two floors are Sukh Niwas or “Hall of Rest”. Sukh Niwas is an open blue hall with white lines and is one of the instagrammable areas in the palace. The third and fourth floors are Rang Mandir and Shobha Niwas.

Rang Mandir is a room with amazing mirror work, from ceilings to the floor. It is a sight to behold and you can imagine the room lit by candles at night, a beautiful sight, indeed! 

Shobha Niwas or “Hall of Beauty” is a gold-plated room filled with ornaments and marble carvings while Mukut Mandir is the crowning glory of the palace. 

How do you know if the Maharaja is in residence?

Look out for the quarter state flag flying above the Jaipur state flag. The title “Sawai” was an honor given by Emperor Aurangzeb to the Maharaja of Jaipur, the Maharaja Jai Singh II, and the term means “one and a quarter”.

What are the entry fees for City Palace Jaipur?

There are several types of entry fees for foreigners. The basic Composite ticket includes all Palace Courts, Galleries, and the Jaigarh Royal Cenotaphs is ₹700 ($9.33¢) while children between the ages of 5 till 12 are ₹400 ($5.33¢) and disabled adult tickets are ₹430 ($5.73¢) per person.

For an exclusive access with a guide to Chandra Mahal, Mukut Mandir, Shobha Niwas, Chavi Niwas, Rang Niwas, and Pritam Niwas is ₹2,500 ($33.32¢) for adults and ₹1,500 ($20.00) for children.

Hawa Mahal

The third in our itinerary for Jaipur is Hawa Mahal or the “Palace of Breeze”. Hawa Mahal is a ten-minute walk from City Palace. This palace is built from red and pink sandstone and sits at the edge of City Palace.

What is the story of Hawa Mahal?

Hawa Mahal was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. The design of Hawa Mahal was inspired by Khetri Mahal which was built by Maharaja Bhopal Singh in the town of Jhunjunu. 

In those days, the purdah system was strictly enforced. This meant that the court ladies and Rajputana royal ladies could not be seen in public. Hawa Mahal was built so that these ladies could watch and enjoy the outside view, without being seen by anyone.

How many windows are in Hawa Mahal?

The five-story Hawa Mahal was built to resemble Lord Krishna’s crown as Maharaja Pratap Singh was a devotee of Lord Krishna. There are 953 intricate jharokhas, which combine Rajputana and Mughal architectural styles.

How much does it cost to go to Hawa Mahal?

The entrance fee is ₹200 ($2.66¢) for foreigners. 

These three tourist sites end our walking tour. For our next stop at Patrika Gate, a private vehicle is necessary to get there.

Patrika Gate

The fourth in our itinerary for Jaipur is Patrika Gate. This gate is a 30-minute drive from Hawa Mahal. This gate is new and the idea for this gate came from the gates of the walled old city of Jaipur.

Patrika Gate was built by the Rajasthan Patrika Group of Publications which is a media conglomerate in Rajasthan through joint development with the Jaipur Development Authority. The gate was built in 2016 and was officially virtually inaugurated in 2020 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

How old is Patrika Gate?

The gate is 5 years old and is at the entrance of the Jawahar Park Circle which is Asia’s largest circular park. Patrika Gate is regarded as the ninth gate of Jaipur.

How much is the entrance fee to Patrika Gate?

Entry is FREE for Patrika Gate and Jawahar Circle Garden. It is best to arrive early as this gate is a popular tourist stop.

OPTIONAL: Galtaji Temple

The fifth and optional item in our itinerary for Jaipur is Galtaji Temple. This temple is an ancient Hindu pilgrimage site about 6.2 miles from Jaipur. Galtaji is a 35-minute drive from Patrika Gate.

Legends of Galtaji

There are several legends as to how this temple became a sacred pilgrimage site. The site is a holy site for the Vaishnava Ramanuja sect since the 15th century. The story goes that during the Satyayug, Saint Galav spent years meditating and doing penance at this site.

While he was meditating, the Gods were pleased and blessed the place with water from the Ganges that was brought from Gaumukh (Cow’s mouth). Hence, taking a dip in the springs here is believed to bring blessings.

Why is Galtaji famous?

Galtaji is famous because the Shri Galta Peeth is the first Ramanuja Peeth in North India. The temple is unique as it is centered around a natural spring that fills seven pools. 

How much is the entrance fee to Galtaji Temple?

There is no entrance fee to Galtaji. However, you can expect to pay a donation of ₹20 ($0.26¢) to ₹50 ($0.66¢) and those with cameras can expect to pay a donation of ₹100 ($1.33¢).

Day 2: Forts and Stepwells

On day 2 of our itinerary for Jaipur, we explored its forts and stepwells. We began with Jal Mahal and ended with Jaigarh Fort. If you have extra time, you can explore Chand Boari which is one of India’s largest and oldest stepwells located in the village of Abhaneri.

Jal Mahal

The sixth in our itinerary for Jaipur is Jal Mahal. Jal Mahal or “Water Palace” was constructed by Maharaja Madho Singh I in 1570 as a lodge for himself and royal guests after his duck-hunting parties.

The palace is a five-story structure with the first four floors underwater. The palace is made from red sandstone and is an architectural marvel as the solid stone structure and lime mortar prevented water from seeping into the structure for almost 250 years. This palace is not accessible to tourists and can only be viewed from land. 

Amber Fort

The seventh in our itinerary for Jaipur is Amber Fort. Amer or Amber Fort was built by Raja Alan Singh Chanda in 967 AD who was from the Meena clan. The name for the fort is derived from Amba Mata as Raja Alan Singh was a devotee of Goddess Durga.

The fort was taken over by the Kachwaha rulers, who were the Rajput Maharajaas when Raja Kakil Dev made Amber his capital in 1036. Amber Fort was further expanded by Raja Man Singh I and Raja Jai Singh I who elaborately painted the Ganesh Pol entrance. 

How much is the entry fee to Amber Fort?

The entry fee for foreigners is ₹550 ($7.34¢) for adults and ₹100 ($1.33¢) for foreign students with valid student identification. The fort is open from 8 am to 7 pm with the main entry point being Suraj Pol or the Sun Gate.

What is the best time to visit Amber Fort?

The best time to visit the fort is during the winter months of November to February.

Panna Meena Ka Kund

The eighth in our itinerary for Jaipur is Panna Meena Ka Kund. This ancient stepwell was built in the 16th century during the reign of Maharaja Jai Singh. This stepwell is the only functional and well-restored one in Jaipur.

Its unique feature is that you can’t use the same stairs which you came down with. The staircases are symmetrical in their designs and the beautiful geometrical shape makes it a photographer’s delight.

How much is the entrance fee to Panna Meena Ka Kund?

Entry to Panna Meena Ka Kund is FREE and you can visit it from sunrise to sunset.

Jaigarh Fort

The ninth in our itinerary for Jaipur is Jaigarh Fort. Jaigarh Fort was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1726 to protect Amber Palace Complex. The fort is built on Cheel ka Teela or Hills of Eagles on the Aravalli range, literally above Amber Fort.

The fort is home to the Jaivana Cannon which was manufactured in 1720 and was the world’s largest cannon on wheels during the Early Modern Era. There is a secret tunnel that links Jaigarh Fort to Amber Fort. The tunnel was used as a means for royalty to escape in the event Amber Fort was attacked.

How much is the entry fee to Jaigarh Fort?

The entry fee for foreign adults is ₹85 ($1.13¢) while the rate for locals is ₹35 ($0.46¢) per person. The fort is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily.

What is the best time to visit Jaigarh Fort?

The best time to visit the fort is during the winter months of November to February.

OPTIONAL: Chand Boari in Abhaneri

The tenth and optional item in our itinerary for Jaipur is Chand Boari in Abhaneri. The stepwell was built by Raja Chanda in the 8th century. This stepwell is one of the deepest and largest in India.

Chand Boari is a 2-hour drive from Jaipur. At the moment, there is no entry fee to visit this site, although the Archaeological Society of India plans to charge an entry fee of ₹200 ($2.66¢) for foreigners and ₹40 ($0.60¢).

There are some palace buildings located on the upper floors and has column arcade that was built during the Mughal rule. Access to these rooms is closed for tourists. The well is used as a community gathering place as the temperature drops by 5-6°C at the bottom of the well.

How many steps are there in Chand Boari?

Chand Boari has 3,500 steps over 13 stories and extends about 100 feet into the ground.

How many stepwells are there in India?

There are about 2,000 surviving stepwells in India. Most of these are not in use and remain as treasured pieces of history. Read Exploring India’s Most Beautiful Stepwells to know more.

Day 3: Temples and Shopping

On day 3 of our itinerary for Jaipur, we end our trip with a visit to two of the most popular temples in Jaipur. The temples are Birla Mandir and Jagat Shiromani Temple. We have included an optional visit to Gaitore ki Chhatriyan after shopping.

Birla Mandir

The eleventh in our itinerary for Jaipur is Birla Mandir. This temple was built by the B.M Birla Foundation in 1988 and is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu (Narayan), whose statues are placed alongside other Hindu Gods and Goddesses.

The unique feature of this temple is that it is built entirely from white marble. The land on which the temple was built was given by the Maharaja of Jaipur for a token sum of ₹1. The temple is near the Moti Doongri Fort which was renovated to resemble a Scottish castle.

Entry to the temple, museum, and gardens are FREE with the visiting hours being 6 am till 12 pm and 3 pm to 9 pm daily.

How old is Birla Temple Jaipur?

The temple is 33 years old as it was opened to the public on 22nd February 1988. Construction for the temple began in 1977 under the guidance of Ramanauj Das and Ghanshyam Birla. 

Jagat Shiromani Temple

The twelfth in our itinerary for Jaipur is the Jagat Shiromani Temple. This temple was built in 1599 by Queen Kanakwati, the wife of Maharaj Man Singh I in memory of their son, Jagat Singh.

This temple is dedicated to Radha-Krishna and religious doctrines mention that the Lord Krishna statue is the same statue that was worshipped by Meera Bai. A unique feature is the combination of South Indian, Mughal, Jain, and Hindu elements in its architectural style.

Shopping

The thirteenth and last in our itinerary for Jaipur is shopping. Jaipur is a shopaholic’s paradise. With at least 8 bazaars and several markets, you would need a Samsonite 2 Wheeled Rolling Duffel Bag to store your purchases. Let’s check out the best places to shop and what we can buy from Jaipur.

What are the best places for shopping in Jaipur?

The best places for shopping are:-

1. Johari Bazaar for jewelry. At this jewelry market, you can find a variety of ornament styles, imitation jewelry with precious and semi-precious stones, and wedding jewelry. You can also find leheriya sarees, Jaipuri quilts, and tie-and-dye fabrics here.
2. Chandpole Bazaar for handicrafts, marble sculptures, carpets, rugs. You can also find artificial mang tikas, jhumkas, and angklets here.
3. Tripolia Bazaar for bangles. This oldest market in Jaipur also sells brassware, rugs, and utensils.
4. Kishanpole Bazaar for textiles, souvenirs, and wooden carvings. You can also find mojri footwear here. 
5. Nehru Bazaar for traditional jootis or shoes. At this shoe lover’s paradise, you can find traditional shoes in beautiful colors and striking designs.
6. Sireh Deori Bazaar for street shopping and camel leather products. You can also find Jaipuri puppets, unique knick-knacks, and home furnishings in Jaipuri designs.
7. Bapu Bazaar is a one-stop destination for Rajasthani print textiles, mouth fresheners, and traditional shoes. 

What should be we buy from Jaipur?

Some of the unique items which you can buy from Jaipur are:-

Bandhani Printed Saree

The Jaanvi Red Chiffon Bandhani Printed Saree With Lace comes with an unstitched blouse that is lightweight and beautiful. Made with good quality fabric, the saree is comfortable to wear. 

AATM Round Sling Purse

This AATM Round Sling Purse is made with cotton and has traditional embroidery decoration on it. It is suitable for daily use or as a gift to loved ones and for formal occasions such as weddings or parties.

XTore Traditional Jaipuri Print Bed Sheet

The Xtore Traditional Jaipuri Print Bed Sheet comes with two pillow covers and is made with 100% cotton. This beautiful quilt can also be used as a wall tapestry, bedspread, or as a home decoration to give your home a Rajasthani vibe.

Step n Style Women’s Indian Traditional Phulkari Jhutti

This Step n Style Women’s Indian Traditional Phulkari Jhutti is traditional footwear with a beautiful design that has a leather sole and is made from fabric and foam. This flat footwear does not have any arch support which is not suitable for long walks.

Aheli Kundan Necklace

The Aheli Kundan Necklace is a complete set of necklaces with earrings and a mang tika. This set is suitable for any occasion such as weddings, prom nights, and parties. The stones are traditional Kundan stones that have their origins in the royal courts of Rajasthan.  

OPTIONAL: Gaitore ki Chattriyan

The fourteenth and optional item in our itinerary for Jaipur is Gaitore ki Chattriyan. This off-the-beaten spot is often overlooked by tourists. “Chhattriyans” in Hindi means cenotaphs and Gaitore ki Chattriyan is a cluster of royal cenotaphs of Kachwaha rulers.

The chattri of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II who was the founder of Jaipur is at the center courtyard of the complex. His cenotaph is made from white makrana, the same marble that was used to build the Taj Mahal.

Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh’s chattri is behind Jai Singh’s mimics Jai Singh in terms of the depiction of regal games and army scenes. His chattri is made from Italian marble.

However, it is Sawai Madho Singh’s chattri that is the most beautiful as it has intricate designs. His chattri is almost identical to the Taj Mahal and has two stone lions guarding the entryway. 

The entry fee is ₹30 ($0.40¢) per person. Gaitore ki Chattriyan is part of the City Palace Composite Ticket which costs ₹300 ($4.00) which gives you access to City Palace, Jaigarh Fort, Gaitore ki Chattriyan, and Maharani ki Chattriyan.

When is the best time to visit Jaipur?

When considering the itinerary for Jaipur, there are three seasons to consider. The seasons are summer, monsoon, and winter.

The summer months are from April to June and temperatures are known to be hot. If you are visiting during these months, keep yourself hydrated with the Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle. 

The monsoon months are from July to September where the weather is much cooler than summer. A key festival during this time is Teej which marks the coming of the monsoon season. A Lanbrella Reverse Closing Umbrella is windproof, shorter, and is easier to carry which makes it convenient for any sudden rain.

The winter months from October to March are the best time to visit Jaipur. The temperatures range from 8°C and can drop to -5°C at night. Be prepared for large crowds and expensive accommodations during these months. 

Which are the best areas to stay in Jaipur?

As with any itinerary for Jaipur, the best areas to stay in were at the top of our minds. Location is everything and in Jaipur, let’s dive into some of the areas which we recommend for a memorable trip.

Old City For Shopping, Vibes, and Culture

This part of the city has been around since the 18th century, so you can find old traditions are very much alive. Some areas within the Old City still retain their specialty in certain goods. For example, lacquer bangles have always been at Maniharon ka Rasta at Tripolia Bazaar in the Old City.

In this part of the city, you can stay at Havelis which are mansions that have been converted into hotels. Our recommended hotels for Samode Haveli, Bissau Palace, The Raj Palace, and Jaipur Haveli.

Bani Park For Food and Restaurants

This upmarket area is one of the best places to stay as it has shady streets and its wide roads make it appealing for tourists looking for some greenery and relaxation. Bani Park is home to several residential areas and shopping malls.

Some of the best restaurants are Gulabi Nagari, Jaipur Adda, Rangreza, Revel, and Pakwaan. Our recommended hotels are Shahpura House, The Grand Majestic, Umaid Bhawan, and Madhuban – A Heritage Home.

Man Sagar Lake For First-Timers and Families

Man Sagar Lake is a man-made lake that is named after Raja Man Singh who constructed the lake by creating a dam at the Dharbawati River. Jal Mahal is at the center of the lake with the Aravalli mountain ranges surrounding the lake.

In recent years, the lake has been thoroughly cleaned and is now home to 180 bird species which makes this lake a bird watcher’s delight. Our recommended hotels are Club Mahindra, the Raas Mahal, Trident Jaipur, and Rajputana Haveli. 

Is Jaipur worth visiting?

Yes, Jaipur is worth visiting and here’s why:

1. UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Jaipur is certified as a World Heritage Site as one of the most well-planned and beautiful cities in the world. With Amber Fort, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, and Nahargarh Fort, the Pink City has evolved from its humble beginnings.
2. Shopping. With its many bazaars, you would be spoilt for choice when it comes to souvenirs. There is so much to see and buy along Jaipur’s street bazaars. Make sure to bargain before buying.
3. Vibrant and Colorful Festivals. There is hardly any month when Jaipur is not celebrating. From Teej Festival, Gangaur, Elephant Festival, the Sheetla Mata Fair, and the Kite Festival or Makar Sankranti, this city is more than pink.

As part of the Golden Triangle Circuit, Jaipur is a popular tourist stop after Delhi and Agra. In this city, there are vibrant colors everywhere. Its people are warm and hospitable and the food is delicious!