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Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, in Jaipur

The Pink City · Rajasthan city guide

Jaipur, the Pink City

Rajasthan's capital, founded in 1727, where hilltop forts, a living royal palace and lively bazaars sit within the old city walls.

Ideal stay2–3 nights
Best timeOctober – March
AirportJaipur International
From DelhiAbout 270 km

About Jaipur

Why visit.

Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II founded Jaipur in 1727 as one of India's first planned cities, with wide streets laid out in a grid. The old city was painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales in 1876, and the colour has stayed ever since.

Today Jaipur is the first stop for most visitors to Rajasthan, with Amber Fort, the City Palace, Hawa Mahal and the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar all within easy reach.

01 / Things to do

Top things to do in Jaipur.

  • Amber FortThe hilltop fort-palace of the Kachhwaha rulers.
  • City PalaceThe royal palace and museum at the heart of the old city.
  • Jaigarh FortThe military fort above Amber, with the Jaivana cannon.
  • Hawa MahalThe Palace of Winds, a honeycomb of 953 small windows.
  • Jantar MantarA UNESCO-listed observatory of giant stone instruments.
  • Nahargarh FortA ridge-top fort with the best sunset view over the city.
  • Albert Hall MuseumRajasthan's oldest museum, beautifully lit in the evenings.

Our tip: A composite ticket covers Amber Fort, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal and several other monuments over two days. Ask your guide to buy it at your first stop.

Festivals

Jaipur celebrates.

  • Kite FestivalRooftops full of kite flyers on Makar Sankranti, 14 January.
  • HoliThe festival of colours in the old city, usually in March.

Attraction guides

02 / Food & shopping

Eat, browse and take home.

  • Pyaaz kachoriFlaky onion-filled pastries, best hot for breakfast.
  • Dal baati churmaRajasthan's classic meal of baked wheat balls, lentils and sweet crumble.
  • Johari & Bapu BazaarsJewellery, textiles, mojari shoes and block prints.
  • Blue potteryJaipur's turquoise-glazed ceramics.
  • Laal maasA fiery red mutton curry for those who like heat.
  • GhewarA honeycomb sweet soaked in syrup, made especially around the monsoon festivals.
  • LassiThick, cool and served in clay cups on MI Road.
  • SanganerThe home of hand block printing, a short drive south of the city.
  • [Your favourite spot][Add the restaurant or street stall you always send guests to.]

03 / Getting there

How to reach Jaipur.

  • By airJaipur International Airport has flights from major Indian cities and some international routes.
  • By railJaipur Junction is well connected to Delhi, Agra and the rest of India.
  • By roadAbout 5 hours from Delhi and 4–5 hours from Agra by car.

04 / Good to know

A few friendly tips.

How many days do I need in Jaipur?

Two full days cover the main sights. Add a third for shopping, a cooking class or a day trip.

Why is Jaipur called the Pink City?

The old city was painted pink, a colour of hospitality, to welcome the Prince of Wales in 1876.

Is Jaipur part of the Golden Triangle?

Yes. With Delhi and Agra, it forms India's classic Golden Triangle route.

What should I wear in Jaipur?

Light, breathable clothes that cover shoulders and knees for temples. Bring a warm layer for winter evenings.

Is Jaipur good for families?

Yes. Children love the forts, the elephant-shaped gates and the giant instruments at Jantar Mantar. We keep sightseeing days short with plenty of breaks.

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