Rajasthan and Gujarat are two of India’s great storytelling states: one famed for its rose-hued forts and palaces, the other for its stepwells, textiles, and a riverfront city that shaped Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals. This 6-day Jaipur and Ahmedabad itinerary blends history with hands-on craft, markets with museums, and street snacks with refined thalis.

Jaipur, the “Pink City,” was planned in the 18th century with astronomy at its heart; its honeycombed Hawa Mahal and hilltop Amber Fort are among India’s most photogenic sights. Ahmedabad, India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City, pairs Indo-Islamic architecture and Jain artistry with the tranquil Sabarmati Ashram and nearby masterpieces like Modhera’s Sun Temple and Patan’s Rani ki Vav.

Expect busy bazaars, sunrise forts, stepwell geometry, and fabric traditions you can try yourself. The best weather is October–March; summers are very hot. Dress modestly at religious sites, carry small cash for markets, and book popular museums and tours ahead of time—this guide links you straight to trusted options.

Jaipur

Jaipur dazzles with sandstone forts, mirrored halls, and boulevards laid out for royal processions. Beyond the postcard views, the city hums with artisans—block printers in Bagru and Sanganer, jewelers in Johari Bazaar, and spice merchants perfuming the lanes.

• Don’t miss: Amber Fort’s Sheesh Mahal, Hawa Mahal’s breeze-cooled lattice, City Palace’s museums, Jantar Mantar’s giant instruments, Jal Mahal’s lake views, Patrika Gate’s photo-friendly arcades, and Nahargarh’s sunset ramparts.
• Eat & drink: Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar (kachori, ghewar), Rawat Mishthan Bhandar (pyaaz kachori), Spice Court (laal maas), Suvarna Mahal at Rambagh (regal setting), Tapri Central (tea & city views), Bar Palladio (aperitivo, blue interiors).
• Shopping: Bapu Bazaar for textiles and mojari, Johari Bazaar for gems, Tripolia for lac bangles; bargain politely.

Where to stay (Jaipur): For options across budgets, browse Hotels.com Jaipur or VRBO Jaipur. Top picks: Rambagh Palace (heritage icon), Zostel Jaipur (social and central), Chokhi Dhani Resort (folk village vibe).

Getting to Jaipur: Fly into JAI (typical domestic fares ~$35–$110). Compare options on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. From Delhi, fast trains take ~4.5–5.5 hours (AC Chair/2A ~$6–$20) via Trip.com Trains.

Day 1 – Jaipur arrival, bazaar wander, and rooftop views

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. For a light, local first bite, try Tapri Central (masala chai, vada pav, view of central Jaipur) or the legendary Lassiwala (MI Road) for thick, earthen-cup lassi.

Evening: Walk the pink facades of Bapu Bazaar and Johari Bazaar. Photograph Hawa Mahal from across the street around golden hour. Dinner at Spice Court—order smoky laal maas with missi roti—or go sweet-and-savory at LMB (paneer gatta curry, kachori, classic ghewar).

Night: Optional film at Raj Mandir Cinema for a vintage movie palace experience; grab a cone at their in-house parlor after the show.

Day 2 – Jaipur in a day (guided highlights)

For a comprehensive first look, book this guide-led city experience that covers the Pink City’s marquee sights without the logistics headache:

Full-Day Jaipur City Tour - Private

Expect Amber Fort (with time in the mirror palace), Jal Mahal photo stop, City Palace galleries, Jantar Mantar’s stone observatory, and Hawa Mahal. Ask your guide to include the Panna Meena ka Kund stepwell if you love geometry and symmetry.

Food tips today: Breakfast at Anokhi Café (excellent coffee, cardamom cake). Lunch near the City Palace at Samode Haveli (Rajasthani classics in a courtyard). Dinner and drinks at Bar Palladio for a transportive, indigo-hued evening.

Day 3 – Amber sunrise, craft workshop, and palace nights

Morning: Beat the heat and tour Amber Fort early, then detour to Panna Meena ka Kund for photos. Coffee stop at Wind View Café if you missed last night’s Hawa Mahal view.

Afternoon: Get hands-on with Jaipur’s famed textiles in this small-group class:

Hands-on Block Printing Workshop

Break for lunch at Rawat Mishthan Bhandar (pyaaz kachori, mirchi vada). Later, see Jantar Mantar up close and dip into the City Palace textile and arms galleries.

Evening: Time your ride to Nahargarh Fort for a sweeping sunset across Jaipur. Cap the night with dinner at Suvarna Mahal (royal recipes under chandeliers) or a folk-dance-and-thali experience at Chokhi Dhani.

Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad is where history and craft meet quiet riverfronts. The old city’s pol (neighborhood) gates open onto havelis, carved jharokhas, and shrines; modern Ahmedabad carries that artistry into design schools, cafés, and museums.

• Essentials: Sabarmati Ashram, Sidi Saiyyed Mosque (stone “Tree of Life” lattice), Jama Masjid, Hutheesing Jain Temple, Adalaj Stepwell (nearby), and evening snacks at Manek Chowk.
• Day trips: Modhera Sun Temple and Rani ki Vav stepwell in Patan—two of Western India’s best-preserved masterpieces.
• Eat & drink: Agashiye (heritage rooftop Gujarati thali), Swati Snacks (panki, handvo), Vishalla (village-style meal), Chandravilas (jalebi–fafda breakfast), Zen Café (coffee at CEPT).

Where to stay (Ahmedabad): Browse Hotels.com Ahmedabad or VRBO Ahmedabad. Standouts: The House of MG (heritage rooms, rooftop thali), Hotel Accolade (great value near Ellis Bridge), Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad (river views, modern comfort).

Travel Jaipur → Ahmedabad (Day 4 morning): Nonstop flights ~1h25 (typical fares ~$35–$100). Compare on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Overnight/day trains take ~8–10 hours (AC 2/3 Tier ~$8–$25) via Trip.com Trains.

Day 4 – Fly to Ahmedabad, Gandhi’s ashram, and riverfront snacks

Morning: Fly Jaipur → Ahmedabad. Grab a prepaid taxi or rideshare to your hotel (30–45 minutes from AMD).

Afternoon: Visit Sabarmati Ashram for a quiet, powerful look at Gandhi’s life and letters. Coffee break at Zen Café (CEPT campus) or Unlocked (board games, cold brew) if you prefer a café vibe.

Evening: Walk the Sabarmati Riverfront promenade at sunset. Dinner is a feast: choose Agashiye for a refined Gujarati thali (rotating seasonal dishes, silver service) or Swati Snacks for panki (steamed rice crêpes in banana leaves), handvo, and sugarcane juice. Nightcap stroll through Law Garden market for embroidery and mirror-work.

Day 5 – Modhera Sun Temple and Patan’s Rani ki Vav (day trip)

Two bucket-list sites in one day: the solar geometry of Modhera and the subterranean marvels of Rani ki Vav, often called India’s most beautiful stepwell.

Day Trip to Modhera & Patan City (Guided Sightseeing Tour from Ahmedabad)

Expect a full-day excursion with hotel pickup. Many tours add a stop for Patola (double-ikat) weaving—watch masters tie, dye, and align threads with mesmerizing precision.

Dinner back in town: Try Vishalla for a rustic village set-up, bajra rotla with ghee, and folk music; or keep it central with Swati Snacks if you missed it yesterday.

Day 6 – UNESCO old city, pols and mosques, then departure

Morning: Start with a classic local breakfast at Chandravilas (since 1894—fafda, jalebi, gathiya). Then dive into the walled city’s lanes on a guided tour:

World heritage Ahmedabad city tour in private car with guide and lunch

Highlights include the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque (the famed stone lattice), Jama Masjid, havelis tucked into pols, and possibly Adalaj Stepwell if time allows.

Afternoon: Early lunch at The House of MG – Agashiye if you didn’t go earlier, or a fast, flavorful plate at Gordhan Thal. Depart for the airport (allow 60–90 minutes for traffic and security). Check fares on Trip.com Flights.

Optional extras if you have more time

• Elephants done right (Jaipur): Private Elephant Sanctuary for ethical interaction and care education.

  

• Kutch extension (from Ahmedabad): Multi-day to the white salt desert if traveling Nov–Feb peak season—see Rann of Kutch.

  

Local eating hit list (save for the map):

• Jaipur: LMB, Rawat Mishthan Bhandar, Tapri Central, Bar Palladio, Spice Court, Suvarna Mahal, Handi Vaishali Nagar, Wind View Café, Lassiwala (MI Road).
• Ahmedabad: Agashiye, Swati Snacks (Ambawadi), Vishalla, Chandravilas, Zen Café, Manek Chowk (night market), Gordhan Thal, Lucky Tea Stall (quirky interiors).

For trains and flights within India, compare times and fares on Trip.com Trains and Trip.com Flights, or check deals via Kiwi.com. For stays, browse Hotels.com Jaipur, VRBO Jaipur, Hotels.com Ahmedabad, and VRBO Ahmedabad.

In six days, you’ll climb through mirrored halls, trace starlight on ancient observatories, sip chai along a modern riverfront, and descend the cool stairs of stepwells built like poetry. Jaipur and Ahmedabad are a vivid pairing—regal Rajasthan and design-driven Gujarat—sure to leave you with stories stitched in silk and sandstone.