A Guide to the Pink City: Jaipur, India
Curated By
Ashtin Robison
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India
Jaipur
Arts & Culture
City Travel
Couples Travel
Off-the-Beaten-Path Travel
Solo Travel
Elephants
Foodie
Sightseeing
Curator’s statement
Jaipur is a feast for the senses. Burn-your-face-off spicy food. Non-stop honking. A symphonic smell of smoke and curries fill the air. Trying to cross the street? Better hurry because tuktuks and motor bikes do not stop for pedestrians. But don't let the chaos of Jaipur deter you – The Pink City of India is an epicenter of arts, culture and heritage that will leave you wondering why it took you so long to visit.
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Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay Jaipur, India
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Things to do in Jaipur, India
Visit the Hawa Mahal
The "Palace of the Wind" is a must-see in Jaipur. Stand across the street or go up into a cafe across the street for the best view.
Jantar Mantar
Built in the 18th centrury, Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observation area and UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to 20 fixed instruments. Pro tip: make sure you have a guide or a guide on your phone to really understand the instruments.
Take a cooking class
I cannot recommend this enough. Get in touch with a local family or guide and take a traditional cooking class in someone's home. This is where you will learn real Indian cooking. You'll also likely make new connections with people around the world!
Nahargarh Fort
Start about two to three hours before sunset on your hike up the "back way" to visit the Fort to enjoy some exercise and fabulous views of Jaipur. Visit the fort and stay long enough to catch the brilliant sunset off of the west side of the fort.
Jal Mahal
Meaning "Water Palace", the Jal Mahal is a palace located in the middle of Man Sagar Lake, giving it the illusion of floating on the lake.
My Elephant Trip
Enjoy a few hours feeding, painting, washing, riding and emoting with beautiful Indian elephants. This is an experience you won't soon forget!
Enjoy a sunset on a rooftop
Jaipur becomes magical during golden hour. Kids of all ages head to their terraces to fly their kites as the sun goes down over the city. Find a rooftop bar (look below for recommendations!), have tea or a cocktail and watch the world go by.
Jaipur Stepwells
Stepwells are designed to store rain water, but their geometric composition makes for a striking visual experience.
A note from Ashtin
If you have an international flight directly out of JAI when you leave, note that the lounge is not accessible from the international departures portion of the airport and there are very few food/drink options when flying internationally. Connecting through Delhi or Mumbai before departing out of country will give you lounge access and access to the entirety of the airport.
The metro in Jaipur is very safe, clean, inexpensive and easy to use. It is elevated above the streets, making your rides scenic as and added perk. Using the metro when possible will save you time and headache as you avoid the crowded roads in Jaipur.
Places to eat & drink in Jaipur, India
Food
Thali & More: Quintessential Rajasthani thali lives here. Your tastebuds *will* be on fire, so plan accordingly!
Peacock Restaurant at Hotel Pearl Palace: Although you won't find a cocktail here as the hotel is alcohol-free, you will find amazing Indian and global dishes served in a chic bohemian terrace.
Suvarna Mahal: Be treated like the queen that you are at Suvarna Mahal, where you can enjoy Indian fine dining at the Rambagh Palace.
Steam: Looking for a reprieve from the heat of Indian food? Look no further than Steam, a bar with an international flare that serves everything from nachos to Swiss rostis.
Beverage
Skyloft: Right off the Vivek Vihar metro station lies a rooftop bar perfect for watching kites fly as the sun goes down that has an extensive selection of cocktails, beers, wine and spirits.
Tapri Central: Bring a deck of cards and have a pot of chai like a local - and don't sleep on the garlic bread!
Curious Life Coffee Roasters: Two locations in Jaipur, both serving legit coffee and espresso drinks using house-roasted beans.
Sheesh Mahal Bar: This stunning bar, located in the ITC Rajputana, is the perfect place to escape the chaos of Jaipur for a bit and enjoy a cocktail with fellow travelers.
Day trips from Jaipur, India
A day trip to Ranthambore National Park is a fantastic way to view wildlife in their natural habitat.
Get rare glimpses of sloth bears, leopards, Indian elephants, water buffalo and the incredible Bengal tiger.
A note from Ashtin
Make sure to book in advance as this will require a private car and driver.
Need to Know
Looking for more inspiration on traveling to Jaipur or India? Read this guide on Jaipur and 8 day itinerary on traveling Rajasthan.
Travel Advisor
Ashtin Robison
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Jaipur.