Begin your journey by exploring Jaipur's bustling Pink City. This area is famous for its vibrant markets, including the Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar, where you can find textiles, jewelry, and souvenirs. Take a walk around the Hawa Mahal, a stunning palace with a distinct honeycomb facade. Wind up the day by watching the sunset from Nahargarh Fort, which offers panoramic views of the city.
Today, visit the grand City Palace, which still serves as the residence of the royal family. The palace complex comprises of courtyards, gardens, and buildings showcasing a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Head to nearby Amer Fort, a masterpiece of symmetry with impressive courtyards, gateways and views of the lake. The fort also includes an extravagant Sheesh Mahal, a palace made entirely of mirrored glass.
Take a visit to Birla Mandir, also known as the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, a famous Hindu temple made of white marble. Then move onto the famous Monkey Temple which is widely known for its large population of monkeys that live in and around the temple. End the day with a visit to the Govind Devji Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, and one of the most popular temples among tourists and devotees alike.
Spend a day exploring the local markets and trying local food in Jaipur. Visit the colorful markets of Raja Park, where you can find traditional textiles, jewelry, and handicrafts. Try the famous Rajasthani dal baati churma, a local delicacy made with lentils, wheat bread, and ghee. Sip on some refreshing Jal Jeera or Lassi to cool off during warmer months.
Take a day trip to Pushkar, a historic town located on the edge of the Thar Desert. Walk around the stunning Pushkar Lake and the Brahma Temple, one of the few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma in the world. Be sure to take a dip in the holy waters of the Pushkar Sarovar. The town also attracts hippie travelers with its chilled-out vibe and street markets.
Spend your day visiting the Chand Baori Stepwell, located in Abhaneri. This architectural marvel dates back to the 9th century and has been featured in many Bollywood movies. Be amazed by its intricate design and its more than 3500 steps descending into the well. Take a stopover at the Harshat Mata Temple, consecrated to the goddess of happiness and joy.
Explore Jaipur's rich cultural history by visiting some of its renowned museums. Begin your day at the Albert Hall Museum, one of the oldest museums in Jaipur. Continue your journey to the City Palace Museum, showcasing the royal family's personal collections of art and artifacts, and the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, dedicated to the history of hand printing in India.
Travel to the town of Sanganer, famous for its textile printing industry. Watch local artisans print and dye textiles using traditional techniques. Be sure to visit the impressive Jaipur Handicrafts and Blue Pottery Showroom to buy souvenirs to take home. The town also has the temple complex of Shri Digamber Jain, a popular destination among pilgrims.
Take a detour from the city and go on an exciting safari at the Ranthambore National Park. This tiger sanctuary offers jeep and canter safaris for visitors to explore the wilderness and view wildlife in their natural habitat. Other animals that can be spotted include leopards, sloth bears, and deer.
End your trip by exploring Jaipur's street art scene. Begin with the Jawahar Kala Kendra, an art and exhibition center which exhibits works of renowned artists from all over the world. Move down to the Panna Meena ka Kund, a stepwell in Jaipur with impressive symmetrical stairs and archway making it perfect for a photo op. Conclude your trip with a visit to the Patrika Gate; a colorful, hand-painted entrance gate that depicts the culture and architecture of Rajasthan.
Total Estimated Costs: INR 4000
Jaipur being a major tourist location, has multiple public and private transport options available including buses, autorickshaws, and taxis. A popular option for tourists is doorstep pickup and drop in a shared or private cab which covers multiple tourist locations within the day. Expect to spend approximately INR 2000-3000 on local transportation during your trip.
If you have more time, you can visit the nearby Ajmer City and the Dargah of Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti. You can also plan a visit to the famous Neemrana Fort located on the Jaipur-Delhi highway which provides an ideal gap between the cities. If you have less time, you can skip some of the attractions that do not interest you.
Jaipur International Airport (JAI) is the primary airport serving Jaipur located approximately 13 km from the city center with IATA code JAI. The airport is well connected with major Indian cities and some international destinations in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.