Jaipur

Exploring the Pink City: A Comprehensive Guide to Jaipur

Welcome to Jaipur, the vibrant and colourful capital of Rajasthan, popularly known as the “Pink City” of India. Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and painted terracotta pink in 1876 to welcome the Prince of Wales, Jaipur forms (with Delhi and Agra) the crown of every first-timer’s Golden Triangle itinerary. Expect UNESCO-listed forts and observatories, vibrant bazaars, richly spiced Rajasthani cuisine, and palace hotels that are destinations in their own right.

A Quick Orientation

The walled Pink City (Old City) holds the palaces and great bazaars in a grid of terracotta streets. Outside the walls, the districts of C-Scheme, Civil Lines and Bani Park hold most hotels and restaurants. The crown of three forts — Amber, Jaigarh and Nahargarh — rises on the Aravalli ridges to the north-west, with the floating Jal Mahal on Man Sagar Lake in between.

Where to Stay

  1. Rambagh Palace. Experience royal luxury at one of India’s most iconic heritage hotels, once the residence of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II. The Taj-run grand palace is home to peacocks, polo memorabilia and the glittering Polo Bar.

  2. The Leela Palace Jaipur. Contemporary palatial luxury set on extensive gardens and courtyards — a tranquil escape from the city bustle.

  3. Oberoi Rajvilas. A stunning 32-acre resort that combines Rajasthani architecture with contemporary comforts, surrounded by gardens and a superb spa.

  4. Samode Haveli. A beautifully restored 18th-century haveli in the old city, with painted frescoes, a romantic courtyard pool and real character.

  5. Narain Niwas Palace and Bar Palladio. Mid-heritage-price stay with one of Jaipur’s prettiest bars attached.

  6. Hotel Pearl Palace and Pearl Palace Heritage. Friendly, charming budget and mid-range hotels near Hathroi Fort with excellent rooftop dining.

  7. Zostel Jaipur. Design-led hostel with dorms and private rooms for backpackers and solo travellers.

What to See & Do

  1. Hawa Mahal. Marvel at this five-storey “Palace of Winds,” honeycombed with 953 small windows so royal ladies could watch street processions unseen. Photograph it from the Tattoo Café opposite, and then climb inside for views over the bazaars.

  2. City Palace. Explore the still-inhabited royal complex, which houses the Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, and several museums of Rajasthani textiles, costumes and armoury. The painted Peacock Gate is a photographer’s favourite.

  3. Jantar Mantar. Discover the world’s largest stone sundial, the Samrat Yantra (accurate to the second), and 18 other astronomical instruments at this UNESCO World Heritage observatory, built 1728–1734.

  4. Amber Fort. Take a jeep ride or walk up to this hilltop fortress 11 km north of the city, with its mirrored Sheesh Mahal, carved Ganesh Pol gate and sweeping views over Maota Lake. Arrive at 8 am opening. Avoid elephant rides on welfare grounds.

  5. Nahargarh and Jaigarh Forts. The “Tiger Fort” above the city for sunset views, and the military Jaigarh Fort for the world’s largest cannon on wheels.

  6. Jal Mahal. The floating red Water Palace on restored Man Sagar Lake, lovely at dusk.

  7. Jaipur Hot-Air Balloon Festival. Witness the magical sight of dawn balloons rising over the city and Aravalli foothills during the January–March season.

  8. Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries. At the several sanctuaries outside the city, visitors can feed, bathe and paint rescued elephants — a far better alternative to the Amber Fort rides.

  9. Chokhi Dhani. An out-of-town recreated Rajasthani village with traditional dance performances, camel rides, folk music, puppetry and an enormous family-style thali dinner.

  10. Bollywood at Raj Mandir Cinema. The 1976 Asiatic-Moderne movie palace on M.I. Road — book the balcony seats and cheer along with 1,300 locals.

Where to Eat

  1. LMB (Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar). The beloved Johari Bazaar institution since 1727, for a classic vegetarian thali and sweets like ghewar, mawa kachori and pyaaz kachori.

  2. Suvarna Mahal at Rambagh Palace. Savour royal-recipe thalis in a chandelier-lit ballroom with live shehnai.

  3. 1135 AD. Fine Rajasthani dining inside Amber Fort, in a series of carved-plaster rooms with a silver-service ritual.

  4. Spice Court. Indo-Rajasthani cooking on Jacob Road — a local favourite for laal maas and safed maas.

  5. Handi. An M.I. Road institution for fiery Rajasthani non-vegetarian classics, especially the tandoori and laal maas.

  6. Tapri and Anokhi Café. Charming contemporary spots for chai with a view, north-Indian small plates and organic wellness food.

  7. Bar Palladio Jaipur. Inside Narain Niwas Palace — one of the world’s most photogenic bars, in signature cobalt-and-gold Moghul-chinoiserie.

Tips & Tricks

  1. Dress modestly when visiting temples or mosques — cover legs and shoulders.
  2. Bargain when shopping in local markets to get the best deals on textiles, jewellery and handicrafts. Start around one-third of the asking price and meet in the middle. Anokhi and FabIndia are fixed-price alternatives.
  3. Carry cash for small bazaar shops; most hotels, restaurants and modern stores take cards.
  4. Respect local customs and traditions while interacting with locals. Remove shoes when required.
  5. Plan your visit during winter (November–March) for a pleasant climate suitable for sightseeing. April–June is extremely hot.
  6. Drink bottled water only and avoid ice in roadside stalls.
  7. Explore off-the-beaten-path locations like Sanganer (block-printing), Pushkar (pilgrimage lake town, 3 hours south-west) and Ranthambore National Park (tiger reserve, a long day trip or better an overnight).
  8. Time your visit around the Jaipur Literature Festival (late January, free) or the Elephant Festival (eve of Holi, March) for extra magic.

Jaipur awaits you with its warm hospitality, vibrant culture and timeless beauty. Embark on this journey through history and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of India’s heritage city.