Jaipur, the Pink City of Rajasthan, was founded in 1727 by the astronomer-king Sawai Jai Singh II and meticulously planned on a grid—centuries before urban planners made that fashionable. Its rosy facades date to 1876, when the city was painted terracotta to welcome the Prince of Wales. Today, Jaipur is a UNESCO World Heritage city where royal palaces, astronomical observatories, and bustling bazaars sit side-by-side.

Come for the heavy hitters—Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal—and stay for the details: mirrored halls that shimmer like stardust, spice-laden thalis, and craftsmen block-printing fabrics the way their great-grandparents did. Between sights, sip cutting-chai, bite into a flaky pyaz kachori, and browse lanes laden with gemstones, lac bangles, and hand-printed cotton.

Practical notes: Winters (Oct–Mar) are ideal; summers are hot, so start early and hydrate. Monuments typically open around 9:00–9:30 a.m.; Amber Fort opens at 8:00 a.m. Dress modestly for temples, carry small cash for markets, and use metered cabs or ride-hailing apps. Short e-rickshaw hops usually cost ₹50–150; cross-town car rides ₹200–400 depending on traffic.

Jaipur

The capital of Rajasthan is India’s color-splashed gateway to Rajput history—think hilltop forts, frescoed havelis, and royal cuisine. Highlights include the honeycombed Hawa Mahal, the royal and museum-filled City Palace, UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar, and the lakeside Jal Mahal. North of town, Amber Fort glows like sandstone honey at sunrise.

Getting there: Fly into Jaipur International Airport (JAI); nonstop flights from Delhi (~1 hr), Mumbai (~1.5 hrs), and Bengaluru (~2.5 hrs) are frequent. Search fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. From Delhi, trains take ~4–5 hours (Shatabdi/Double Decker, ₹500–1,200 / ~$6–15)—check schedules on Trip.com Trains.

Where to stay: Browse citywide stays on VRBO or Hotels.com, or book these tried-and-true properties:

• Rambagh Palace — a former royal residence with manicured lawns and old-world grandeur. Book on Hotels.com.
• Trident Jaipur — serene lakeside setting with Jal Mahal views; great for families. Book on Hotels.com.
• ITC Rajputana, a Luxury Collection Hotel — resort-style pool and Rajasthani design motifs. Book on Hotels.com.
• Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre — modern comfort near MI Road and C-Scheme dining. Book on Hotels.com.
• Zostel Jaipur — social, budget-friendly hostel vibes in the Pink City. Book via Zostel Jaipur.

Eat & sip short list: For breakfast, try Tapri Central (chai and masala bun), Rawat Mishthan Bhandar (pyaz kachori), or Indian Coffee House (classic omelets, dosa). For lunch, Anokhi Café (salads, quiche, carrot cake), Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar/LMB (thali, ghewar), or Peacock Rooftop (North Indian, city views). For dinner, Spice Court (laal maas), Bar Palladio (aperitivo in a frescoed salon), Steam at Rambagh (wood-fired pizzas in a restored train car), or Suvarna Mahal (royal Rajasthani set menus).

Day 1: Arrival, City Palace Quarter & Old City Sunset

Morning: Travel to Jaipur. If flying, most domestic routes arrive before noon; taxis to the city center take ~30–45 minutes. Typical fares: ₹300–600 by app-based cabs. If coming by train from Delhi, expect ~4–5 hours and arrive at Jaipur Junction; e-rickshaws to C-Scheme or the walled city cost ₹80–200.

Afternoon: Check in and refuel with a quick lunch—pick LMB for a hearty Rajasthani thali and syrupy ghewar, or Anokhi Café for lighter, veg-forward bites and espresso. Walk to the City Palace for royal courtyards and museums (don’t miss the Pritam Niwas Chowk peacock gates), then step next door to the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century observatory where giant stone instruments measure time and celestial positions. Coffee or chai break at Tapri Central with skyline views.

Prefer a guide to decode the history and optimize time? Book a half-day tour:

• Private Guided Half Day Tour Jaipur — Ideal if you’re arriving mid-day and want context on City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and Hawa Mahal viewpoints.

  

Evening: Time your stroll for Hawa Mahal at golden hour; the honeycomb façade glows at sunset. For the best perspective, grab a lassi at Lassiwala (since 1944, MI Road) and then head to a rooftop café opposite the Hawa Mahal for that postcard-perfect view. Dinner options: Spice Court (order laal maas and junglee maas with bajra roti), or Peacock Rooftop for tandoori platters. Nightcap at Bar Palladio—think Venetian-blue walls, candlelight, and negronis in a heritage garden.

Day 2: Amber Fort, Jal Mahal, Artisans & A Royal Farewell

Morning: Quick breakfast: Rawat Mishthan Bhandar for pyaz kachori and mirchi vada, or Indian Coffee House for filter coffee and dosa. Leave by 7:30–8:00 a.m. for Amber Fort (25–40 minutes by car). Enter via Suraj Pol to reach the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), Ganesh Pol, and the zenana courtyards before crowds build. Pop down to the photogenic Panna Meena Ka Kund stepwell and pause for a lakeside photo at Jal Mahal on the return.

Afternoon: Dive into Jaipur’s living craft at a hands-on block-printing class in Sanganer/Bagru—learn carving basics, mixing pigments, and printing repeat patterns you’ll take home.

• Hands-on Block Printing Workshop — A memorable, creative way to connect with Jaipur’s textile heritage (typically ~3–4 hours).

  

Hungry? Try a simple Rajasthani vegetarian thali near the studios, or head back to town for Anokhi Café (zucchini–goat cheese quiche, hummus plate, carrot cake). If you’re traveling with kids or animal lovers, an ethical, no-riding elephant experience is another popular afternoon choice:

• Private Elephant Sanctuary — Feed and walk alongside rescued elephants and learn about conservation (allow ~3–4 hours including transfers).

  

Evening: Swing by Bapu Bazaar for cotton bedsheets, mojari shoes, and souvenirs; visit Tripolia Bazaar for lac bangles; and Johari Bazaar for gemstones (buy from reputable, certified shops, and request receipts). For a celebratory finale, book dinner at Suvarna Mahal (multi-course Rajasthani) or enjoy wood-fired pizzas and craft cocktails at Steam in Rambagh’s vintage train carriage. If you’re in the mood for street-food variety, Masala Chowk in Ram Niwas Garden gathers beloved local vendors—think pao bhaji, dal bati churma, and kulfi—under one roof.

Prefer a full guided day instead of DIY?

• Full-Day Jaipur Private Sightseeing Tour by Car with Guide — Covers Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal viewpoints, and Jal Mahal in one efficient loop with hotel pickup.

  

Departure: Plan a relaxed morning coffee or a final bazaar browse before your afternoon flight/train. Airport rides take ~30–45 minutes depending on traffic; trains can get busy—arrive at Jaipur Junction at least 30 minutes early.

Insider Tips:

• Amber Fort Sound & Light Show runs in the evening (timings vary seasonally); ask your hotel concierge for the day’s schedule.
• Carry small notes for market purchases; card acceptance is growing, but cash is king in smaller shops.
• Sunrise photos at Hawa Mahal are beautiful, but the façade faces east; sunset is prime for golden light on the pink arches.

Book & Plan:

• Flights: Trip.com Flights, Kiwi.com
• Trains in India: Trip.com Trains
• Hotels: Hotels.com – Jaipur, VRBO – Jaipur

This 2-day Jaipur itinerary balances iconic highlights with hands-on culture and great food. With early starts, smart transport, and a few strategic reservations, you’ll cover the Pink City’s essentials—and still have time for a chai-fueled wander through its storied bazaars.