Begin your Jaipur tour by visiting Amer Fort, a majestic 16th-century fort that stands tall on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake. This splendid fort was built by Raja Man Singh and served as the primary residence of the Rajput Maharajas. Be sure to admire the intricate architecture of the Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace), Jaleb Chowk, and the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience).
After visiting Amer Fort, head to Hawa Mahal, a striking five-story palace popularly known as the Palace of Winds. Marvel at the beautiful facade of the palace, which is adorned with over 900 windows decorated with intricate latticework. The palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799 and served as a viewing gallery for the royal ladies.
Next, make your way to the City Palace, another splendid monument that manifests the fusion of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles. The palace complex comprises courtyards, gardens, and a series of palatial structures, including the Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, and the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience).
Wrap up your first day in Jaipur by indulging in some retail therapy at Johri Bazaar. This bustling marketplace is home to numerous shops selling an array of items, including jewelry, textiles, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Be sure to bargain hard and shop for some unique pieces to take back home with you.
Start your second day in Jaipur by visiting Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory designed by Maharaja Jai Singh II. The observatory consists of 19 geometric devices, each designed for a unique astronomical function. Be sure to take a guided tour to understand the intricate workings of these instruments.
After visiting the Jantar Mantar, head to Govind Dev Ji Temple, a popular Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is one of the most visited places of worship in Jaipur with a large number of devotees flocking here from all over the country. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and the daily aarti (prayers) performed here.
End your two-day tour of Jaipur by experiencing the vibrant culture of Rajasthan at Chokhi Dhani. This ethnic village resort offers a range of activities that provide a peek into Rajasthan's folk traditions, including camel rides, puppet shows, traditional dance and music performances, and delicious Rajasthani cuisine.
If you have more time in Jaipur, consider visiting other popular attractions such as Jal Mahal, Nahargarh Fort, and the Albert Hall Museum. You may also want to take a cooking class, go on a hot air balloon ride, or explore the local street food scene.
If you have less time in Jaipur, you can skip some of the lesser-known attractions and focus on the must-visit ones, such as Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, and the City Palace. You may also want to opt for a guided tour to make the most of your time in the Pink City.