Jaipur: The Pink City

Rajasthan’s biggest city, Jaipur, also known as the Pink City is one of the most popular places to visit. Here you will find forts and palaces, havelis and bazaars. Plus, it is a sightseers and shoppers delight!

It’s best to head out early to beat the crowds — and be ready to bargain! Or just call Basker over if you need help… he’s a tough negotiator.

I picked up quite a few things myself, including table runners and shawls.

Helen and Janet enjoying an elephant ride in Jaipur, surrounded by traditional architecture.

A memorable moment captured inside a beautifully decorated mirror frame at a palace in Jaipur.

A bustling street scene in Jaipur, showcasing the iconic Hawa Mahal in the background.

The stunning illuminated evening view of Jal Mahal, a palace located in the middle of Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Things to Do

Amer Fort (Amber Fort): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this fort is nearly 700 years old and built from red sandstone and white marble. You can walk up or ride an elephant to the top. Inside, you’ll see beautiful carvings, gemstones, and mirror work. The view over Maota Lake is just lovely.

Hawa Mahal: Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of Winds, was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. Made from pink sandstone, it’s one of Jaipur’s most recognisable landmarks. This five-storey building has small lattice windows (called jharokhas) that allowed royal ladies to watch the streets below. Today, there’s a small museum inside.

City Palace & Museum: Built in the 1700s by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the City Palace combines Indian, Mughal, and European styles. It’s still home to the royal family, and part of it is now a museum where you can see clothing, weapons, and old photographs.

Jantar Mantar: Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jantar Mantar is one of the oldest astronomical observatories in the world. The huge instruments were built for measuring time and tracking stars – and they’re still pretty accurate!

Johari Bazar, Jaipur: Right across from Hawa Mahal, Johari Bazar is a great place to shop for colourful things like mirror-work cushion covers, table runners, and souvenirs.

Jewelry Shopping: You’ll find jewellery shops everywhere in Jaipur, selling beautiful gems and handmade pieces. I always leave my jewellery at home and pick up a few fun pieces to wear while travelling. I like to visit Vimal Enterprises, a friendly family-run business in Lal Kothi. The shop is on the ground floor and the family lives upstairs. Good prices and a warm welcome.

Food Tour: Try a local food tour! I recommend the Jaipur Street Food Tour for a fun way to taste all the local favourites.

Explore by Bicycle: If you’re feeling active, give the Pink City Cycle Tour a go. It’s a great way to see the old city early in the morning before it gets too busy.

Anokhi Printing Museum: The Anokhi Museum is worth a visit to learn about traditional block printing. You can also join a hands-on block-printing workshop if you’re keen to try it yourself.

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride: For something special, book a Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride. You’ll get a beautiful view over the city as it wakes up.

Where to Stay

There are lots of hotels in Jaipur for every budget. Some of my picks and where we stayed are listed in this post:
👉 Where to Stay in India – My Best Hotels for a Comfortable Stay

Appreciate you travelling with us – still plenty of colour, chaos, and charm to come!♡ Janet