Welcome to Jaipur, the “Pink City” of Rajasthan—famed for its rose-hued Old City, hilltop forts, and royal palaces. Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur was one of India’s earliest planned cities, laid out in a precise grid that still frames its bustling bazaars and grand architecture. The city’s heritage is everywhere: from astronomical instruments at Jantar Mantar to mirrored halls at Amber Fort.

Beyond monuments, Jaipur hums with artisanship. Lac bangle makers, gem polishers, blue-pottery studios, and block printers keep centuries-old crafts alive. Food lovers come for thalis, laal maas (spicy mutton), pyaz kachori, and frothy lassi served in clay cups—dishes best savored between market strolls and sunset viewpoints.

Practical notes: Winters (Nov–Feb) are cool and ideal; summers get hot midday, so start early. Dress modestly for temples; carry small cash for street snacks and rickshaws. Ranthambore National Park is generally closed July–September (monsoon), so plan your safari accordingly. This 7-day Jaipur itinerary balances icons with local gems—and folds in a tiger safari and an optional Taj day trip for a full Rajasthan experience.

Jaipur

Jaipur dazzles with its trio of mighty forts—Amber, Jaigarh, and Nahargarh—and photogenic facades like the honeycombed Hawa Mahal. The City Palace still houses the royal family; nearby Jantar Mantar’s stone instruments track the cosmos with precision. Between sights, street food, artisanal workshops, and rooftop cafés keep the city lively from dawn to dusk.

• Top sights: Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Jal Mahal, Albert Hall Museum, Panna Meena ka Kund, Galta Ji (Monkey Temple), Nahargarh Fort.
• Markets & crafts: Johari Bazaar (jewelry), Bapu Bazaar (textiles), Tripolia (lac bangles), Sireh Deori (souvenirs); block-printing in Bagru/Sanganer; blue pottery studios.
• Dining highlights: Laal maas and thalis; pyaz kachori at Rawat; ghewar and sweets at LMB; chai at Sahu; lassi at Lassiwala; rooftop dinners at Peacock; cocktails at Steam or Bar Palladio.
• Fun facts: Jaipur’s “pink” makeover welcomed the Prince of Wales in 1876; Jantar Mantar is a UNESCO site; the city anchors India’s famed Golden Triangle with Delhi and Agra.

Where to stay (book with our partners):

• Rambagh Palace (heritage splendor) — former royal residence with marble corridors, peacock lawns, and fine dining (Suvarna Mahal; Steam bar).
• Trident Jaipur — serene lakefront address facing Jal Mahal; excellent pool and views.
• ITC Rajputana, a Luxury Collection Hotel — modern comfort with Rajasthani flair; consider Peshawri for robust North-West Frontier cuisine.
• Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre — central, great value, reliable amenities.
• Zostel Jaipur — social, wallet-friendly hostel in the heart of town.
• Compare more stays: Hotels.com – Jaipur | Apartments & villas: VRBO – Jaipur

How to get to Jaipur:

• Flights: Jaipur International Airport (JAI) has frequent nonstops from Delhi (~55 min, ~$25–60), Mumbai (~1h50, ~$40–100), and Bengaluru (~2h30, ~$55–120). Check fares on Trip.com (flights) or compare on Kiwi.com.
• Trains: Delhi–Jaipur on Shatabdi/Vande Bharat or other expresses: ~4–5 hours, ~$6–18 in AC Chair Car to Executive Class. Book via Trip.com (trains).
• Local transport: App cabs (Uber/Ola), auto-rickshaws (negotiate or ask to use meter), and prepaid taxis. Start sightseeing early to beat heat and crowds.

Day 1: Arrival, Old City Stroll, and a Sunset on the Ramparts

Afternoon: Arrive in Jaipur and check into your hotel. Shake off travel with a creamy lassi at Lassiwala on MI Road (look for the original shop with the clay cups) or a cardamom-rich chai at Sahu Chai in Bapu Bazaar. Wander the Old City grid—Ajmeri Gate to Bapu Bazaar—for textiles and mojari shoes; snack on pyaz kachori at Rawat Misthan Bhandar or sweets at LMB (Laxmi Misthan Bhandar).

Evening: Head up to Nahargarh Fort for golden-hour views over the pink-hued lanes. For dinner, choose the ever-popular Peacock Rooftop Restaurant (tandoori platters, twinkly murals) or Handi Restaurant for laal maas and handi chicken. Nightcap ideas: the vintage-train-themed Steam bar at Rambagh Palace or the blue-and-white elegance of Bar Palladio in Narain Niwas.

Day 2: Jaipur’s Crown Jewels (Guided, Full Day)

See Jaipur’s headline monuments with skip-the-line ease on this private tour (hotel pickup, AC car, and guide included): Jaipur Full-Day Private Tour By Car, Guide & Skip-the-Line Entry.

Typical flow: Amber Fort (Sheesh Mahal’s mirrored splendor), Panna Meena ka Kund (stepwell geometry), photo stop at Jal Mahal, then Hawa Mahal’s honeycomb façade, City Palace’s courtyards and museums, and Jantar Mantar’s monumental observatory. Lunch options en route include 1135 AD inside Amber (mughlai and Rajasthani fare) or The Stag rooftop opposite the fort. If time allows, add Jaigarh’s cannon ramparts or a textile stop in the Old City. Your guide will tailor the pace to your interests.

Day 3: Block Prints, Blue Pottery, and Bazaars

Morning: Snap pastel arches at Patrika Gate in Jawahar Circle before breakfast. Grab masala chai and bun maska at Tapri Central (city views and inventive tea menu) or specialty coffee at Curious Life Coffee Roasters (single-origin pours, fresh bakes). Then go hands-on with a block-printing workshop in Bagru or Sanganer (3–4 hours; expect ~₹1,500–3,000). You’ll carve/ink wooden blocks and print your own scarf or tote.

Afternoon: Explore Jaipur’s crafts quarter. Seek out a blue pottery studio for a glazing demo, then dive into markets: Johari Bazaar for kundan and meenakari jewelry, Tripolia for lac bangles, and Bapu Bazaar for cotton kurtas and quilts. Bargaining is expected—start around 30–40% below the first quote and meet in the middle. Lunch at Anokhi Café (fresh salads, hummus, excellent carrot cake) or Niros on MI Road (a classic since the 1940s).

Evening: For a cultural feast, head to Chokhi Dhani (village-style complex with folk dances, puppet shows, camel rides) and dig into a Rajasthani thali with dal baati churma and ker sangri. Alternatively, dine at Spice Court (tender jungli maas and safed maas) with a kulhad phirni to finish.

Day 4: Dawn on Two Wheels, Museums, and Palace Dining

Morning: Join this highly rated sunrise ride to watch Jaipur wake up: 3-Hour Morning Bike Tour of Jaipur.

You’ll pedal quiet lanes past temples and markets, sip chai with locals, and sample breakfast bites with a guide who knows the best corners. It’s an energizing, story-rich overview of the Pink City.

Afternoon: Tour Albert Hall Museum (Jaipur’s oldest museum) for textiles, miniature paintings, and the famed Egyptian mummy; stroll Ram Niwas Garden’s shade trees. Lunch at Jaipur Modern (contemporary Indian plates) or back to Anokhi Café if you missed it yesterday. Shop for quality block prints at stores around C-Scheme.

Evening: Dress up for a regal dinner at Suvarna Mahal (Rambagh Palace)—think crystal chandeliers and royal recipes—or go casual-chic at The Forresta Kitchen & Bar (alfresco, lush greens). For cocktails, Steam’s wood-fired pizzas pair beautifully with its gin menu; Bar Palladio offers aperitivo vibes and a refined snack list.

Day 5: Ranthambore Tiger Safari (Full-Day Excursion)

Spot Bengal tigers and other wildlife on this all-inclusive safari from Jaipur: Ranthambore Tiger Safari Day trip from Jaipur - All Inclusive.

Expect an early start (drive ~3.5–4 hours each way). After hotel pickup, head to Sawai Madhopur for a guided game drive through Ranthambore’s scrub forests and lakes—prime habitat for tigers, leopards, sambar deer, and over 250 bird species. Lunch is arranged locally. Return to Jaipur after dusk; keep dinner light (room service or a quick kebab roll near MI Road). Note: The core park typically closes July–September due to monsoon; check availability for your dates.

Day 6: Taj Mahal and Agra Fort (Same-Day from Jaipur)

Make a once-in-a-lifetime sunrise pilgrimage to the Taj on this private round-trip: Same Day Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Baby Taj Tour from Jaipur by Car.

Depart very early (around 3:00–4:00 a.m.; drive ~4.5–5 hours). Greet the marble masterpiece at first light, then explore the red-sandstone Agra Fort and the delicate “Baby Taj” (Itmad-ud-Daulah). Your driver/guide coordinates timing and tickets; lunch in Agra (try Pinch of Spice or a classic thali house) before the return to Jaipur. If you prefer a later start, skip sunrise and arrive mid-morning, returning by late evening.

Day 7: Monkey Temples, Last Bites, and Farewell

Morning: Start at Galta Ji (Monkey Temple) tucked between craggy hills—early is best for soft light and cooler air. Walk a short trail up to the Sun Temple for panoramic views. On your way back, stop for breakfast: flaky kachori and jalebi near Sanganeri Gate, or a sit-down spread at Zolocrust (fresh bakes, eggs, seasonal fruit).

Afternoon: Squeeze in final shopping—blue pottery at reputable showrooms, carved stoneware near MI Road, or textile quilts in Bapu Bazaar. Quick lunch at LMB (Rajasthani thali) or a farewell rooftop meal at Peacock if time allows. Transfer to the airport or station for your afternoon departure with a camera roll full of pink façades and fort views.

Optional and Add-On Ideas

• Short on time? Swap Day 3’s workshop for a half-day fort focus: Jaipur: Half day tour of Amer Fort & Nahargarh Fort by Car.
• Staying longer? Consider an overnight Ranthambore run (two safaris) or a Golden Triangle combo from Delhi using these multi-day tours listed in our activity partners.

Food & drink cheat sheet (save this list):

• Breakfast/coffee: Tapri Central (teas, poha, maska), Curious Life Coffee Roasters (single-origin), Wind View Café (tiny balcony facing Hawa Mahal), Zolocrust (24/7 bakery-style menu).
• Street-side legends: Rawat Misthan Bhandar (pyaz kachori), LMB (ghewar, thali), Lassiwala (lassi in kulhad), Sahu Chai (spiced chai).
• Lunch/dinner: Peacock Rooftop (North Indian, grilled platters), Spice Court (laal maas), Handi (handi mutton), 1135 AD (heritage dining at Amber), Niros (old-school classics), The Forresta (green courtyard), Suvarna Mahal (royal recipes), Peshawri at ITC (smoky kebabs, dal bukhara).
• Drinks: Steam (craft cocktails, pizzas), Bar Palladio (aperitivo, elegant bites), Shikaar Bagh (garden bar vibes).

This 7-day Jaipur itinerary stitches together forts and frescoes, spice-laced meals, artisan studios, and wild safaris into a story you’ll want to reread. With thoughtful pacing, vetted guides, and stays that feel special, it captures the Pink City’s regal heart—and leaves room for your own discoveries along the way.