Jaipur is India's most photogenic city and one of the most organised for tourists. Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, the entire old city was painted pink (technically terracotta) in 1876 to welcome the Prince of Wales — and has remained pink ever since. Every wall, building, and lane in the walled city glows in the same warm colour, creating an effect unlike any other city in the world.
Top Attractions in Jaipur
- 1Amber Fort — The greatest fort in Rajasthan. Take the jeep up, walk down through the back entrance for the Panna Meena Kund stepwell. Arrive by 8am. ₹550 entry.
- 2Hawa Mahal — The Palace of Winds. Best photographed from the building across the road, not from inside. Go at 9am for golden light. ₹50 entry.
- 3City Palace Museum — Still home to the Maharaja. 11 palaces over 400 years. Extraordinary textile collection. ₹300–500.
- 4Jantar Mantar — UNESCO observatory with 19 stone astronomical instruments including the world's largest sundial. ₹200. Hire a guide.
- 5Nahargarh Fort at sunset — The best panoramic view over the Pink City. ₹50 entry. Sunset is around 6pm.
- 6Panna Meena Ka Kund — Hidden stepwell below Amber Fort. One of Rajasthan's most geometric and photogenic sites. Free.
- 7Johari Bazaar — India's gem capital. 40% of the world's coloured gems are traded here. Buy from registered dealers.
Jaipur Jaipur 2-Day Itinerary
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Amber Fort 8am, Panna Meena Kund | Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar | Chokhi Dhani ethnic village dinner |
| Day 2 | Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort | Johari Bazaar gem shopping, Albert Hall Museum | Nahargarh sunset, LMB restaurant thali |
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Jaipur gem shopping rule: Only buy from shops displaying the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) certificate. Never buy from touts or shops near major monuments. The reputable gem market is on Johari Bazaar and MI Road.
Where to Eat in Jaipur
- ›Laxmi Misthan Bhandar (LMB) — The most famous sweet shop and restaurant in Rajasthan. Thali is extraordinary. ₹300.
- ›Chokhi Dhani — Theme village with folk performances and unlimited Rajasthani thali. ₹900. Tourist but excellent.
- ›1135 AD at Amber Fort — Restaurant inside the fort. Mughal feast at a royal setting. ₹1,500–2,500.
- ›Masala Chowk food court — 30+ local food stalls in one place. Laal maas, dal baati churma, pyaaz ki kachori. ₹100–300.
