Visit the magnificent Amber Fort, one of the most famous landmarks in Jaipur, and explore its well-preserved royal halls, courtyards, and gardens, showcasing the Rajput and Mughal architectural styles. Take an elephant ride up to the fort and be amazed by the stunning views of the Maota Lake and the surrounding hills. Next, admire the intricate carvings and paintings of the Sheesh Mahal or Palace of Mirrors, where natural light reflects and illuminates the interiors. End the day with a visit to the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing to learn about the traditional block printing techniques of Rajasthan.
Discover the rich heritage of the Jaipur royalty at the City Palace, a complex of palaces, courtyards and buildings featuring a fusion of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. View the royal costumes, weapons, and paintings housed in the museum. Next, head to the nearby Jantar Mantar Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage site home to a collection of early astronomical instruments used for measuring time, predicting eclipses, and tracking stars. Learn the fascinating history and significance of these instruments from the knowledgeable guides. End the day with a sunset camel ride at the nearby Samode village.
Marvel at the unique honeycomb facade of the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds, a five-story palace constructed to allow royal ladies to watch the daily processions and street life without being seen from outside. Explore the various chambers, courtyards, and balconies of the palace, and imagine the past glory of the Rajputana era. Next, visit the Albert Hall Museum, the oldest museum in Rajasthan, showcasing a vast collection of artefacts, sculptures, paintings, and musical instruments from India and other countries. End the day with a dinner at the Chokhi Dhani ethnic village to taste the Rajasthani delicacies and enjoy the folk dances and music performances.
If you have more time, add a visit to the Nahargarh Fort, located at the edge of the Aravalli Hills, to enjoy the panoramic views of Jaipur and the sunset. If you are interested in textiles, visit the Jaipur fabric market or the Jaipur Handmade paper industry. For food lovers, try the famous Rajasthani thali, featuring a variety of vegetarian dishes, or the Pyaaz Kachori, a delicious sweet and spicy snack. If you have less time, skip the Anokhi Museum or the Albert Hall Museum. Plan your trip during the cooler months of October to March to avoid the hot and humid weather of the summers. Finally, always carry sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes for the day-long excursions.