Jaipur was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. It was India’s first planned city, designed with wide streets and a grid layout based on ancient Vastu Shastra principles. In 1876, the city was painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales, and the color stuck.
Today, Jaipur is part of the popular "Golden Triangle" tourist route, along with Delhi and Agra. Despite growing rapidly, it still retains its historic charm. You’ll find rickshaws and camels next to modern cafes and hotels. The city is also a major center for handicrafts, textiles, and gemstone cutting.
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Jaipur was established when the rulers of the Amer (Amber) region decided to move to a new capital that was better suited to a growing population and modern defense. The city quickly became a center of trade, science, and art.
Key moments in Jaipur’s history:
1727: Founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II
1728–1734: Major landmarks like City Palace and Jantar Mantar built
1876: City painted pink to honor British royalty
1947 onward: Jaipur merged into the Indian state of Rajasthan
Jaipur’s forts and palaces are living reminders of its royal past.
Amber Fort (Amer Fort)
A massive fort with courtyards, mirror halls, and gardens
Reachable by car or elephant ride (early morning recommended)
Entry Fee: INR 100 (Indian), INR 500 (foreigner)
Location: 11 km from city center
City Palace
Home to Jaipur’s royal family and a museum complex
View royal clothes, weapons, and artifacts
Entry Fee: INR 200–700
Location: In the old city near Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds)
Famous pink sandstone façade with 953 small windows
Designed for royal women to observe city life unseen
Best viewed from across the street for photos
Location: Badi Chaupar
Jantar Mantar
18th-century astronomical observatory with massive instruments
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Entry Fee: INR 50 (Indian), INR 200 (foreigner)
Location: Next to City Palace
Nahargarh Fort
Offers a stunning sunset view over Jaipur
Less crowded than Amber Fort
Entry Fee: INR 50
Location: Aravalli Hills, 30-minute drive
Jaigarh Fort
Known for housing the world’s largest cannon on wheels (Jaivana)
Good for understanding Jaipur’s military history
Location: Near Amber Fort
Albert Hall Museum
Oldest museum in Rajasthan, with weapons, coins, art, and more
Good for history lovers
Location: Ram Niwas Garden
Watch a Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema – A royal cinema experience, not just a movie
Take a Heritage Walking Tour – Explore temples, stepwells, and old havelis
Shop in Local Bazaars – Buy block prints, bangles, and blue pottery
Try a Hot Air Balloon Ride – Operates around Amer Fort during season
Visit Chokhi Dhani – A themed Rajasthani village with food, dances, and camel rides
Attend a Cultural Show – Check for puppet shows and Rajasthani folk performances
Photography at Patrika Gate – Instagram-famous colorful gate near Jawahar Circle
Jaipur’s cuisine is a mix of rich flavors, often spicy, ghee-laden, and perfect for foodies.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dal Baati Churma – Hard wheat balls served with lentils and sweet crushed wheat
Laal Maas – Spicy red mutton curry, very popular in Rajasthan
Gatte ki Sabzi – Besan (gram flour) dumplings in curd gravy
Ker Sangri – Desert beans and berries with Rajasthani spices
Pyaz Kachori – Onion-stuffed fried snack
Ghewar – Sweet disc-shaped dessert, common during Teej festival
Makhaniya Lassi – Thick yogurt drink with saffron and dry fruits
Famous Places to Eat:
Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar (LMB) – For sweets and Rajasthani thali
Rawat Mishtan Bhandar – Best known for kachori and snacks
Spice Court – Great for Laal Maas
Anokhi Café – Good for healthy or international dishes
Sanjay Omelette – Street food legend for egg-based snacks
Whether you're on a budget or looking for royalty-style stays, Jaipur has options.
Budget:
Zostel Jaipur – Clean, social, and backpacker-friendly
Hathroi Palace Guest House – Family-run and affordable
Moustache Hostel – Modern and centrally located
Mid-range:
Arya Niwas – Eco-conscious and peaceful
Umaid Mahal – Heritage-style hotel with modern amenities
Hotel Pearl Palace – Stylish rooms and a great rooftop restaurant
Luxury:
Rambagh Palace (Taj) – Former royal palace, now a 5-star hotel
Raj Palace – One of the oldest heritage hotels in the world
ITC Rajputana – Grand ambiance, pool, and fine dining
Tip: Many heritage hotels offer stays in restored havelis with vintage décor.
Best Time to Visit: October to March (cooler weather)
Avoid: May–June (very hot), July–August (humid)
Transportation: Use Uber, Ola, or prepaid autos. Avoid haggling with unregistered tuk-tuks
Clothing: Cotton in summer; carry a shawl or sweater for winter evenings
Footwear: Comfortable shoes are essential for forts and market walks
Tickets: Buy composite tickets for entry to major monuments (available at the first site)
Safety: Jaipur is relatively safe, but avoid empty streets after dark
Connectivity: Mobile networks and 4G data work well in most parts
Language: Hindi and Rajasthani are common; English understood in tourist zones
Panna Meena ka Kund – Ancient stepwell with symmetrical stairs
Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing – Dedicated to block printing arts
Galta Ji Temple (Monkey Temple) – Set in a rocky gorge with lots of monkeys
Tarkashi Workshops – Watch craftsmen make inlay designs on wood and brass
Jawahar Kala Kendra – Cultural center with art shows and Rajasthani exhibits
Chandpole Bazaar – Great for marble statues and local art
Isarlat (Sargasuli Tower) – Historical tower with panoramic city views
Namaste – Hello
Kitne ka hai? – How much is this?
Bhaiya, chhota kar do – Please reduce the price
Kya aap English bolte hain? – Do you speak English?
Mujhe yeh pasand hai – I like this
Dhanyavaad – Thank you
Yatra shubh ho – Have a good journey
Most people in Jaipur are friendly and accustomed to tourists. Still, politeness goes a long way.
By Air:
Jaipur International Airport (JAI) has direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, etc.
By Train:
Jaipur Railway Station is well connected to most major Indian cities
Trains like Shatabdi and Intercity Express run daily
By Road:
NH8 connects Jaipur to Delhi (approx. 5–6 hour drive)
Frequent buses available from Delhi, Agra, and Udaipur
Jaipur isn’t just about palaces and forts. It’s a city that balances the past with the present. From ancient stone observatories to stylish cafés, it manages to appeal to all kinds of travelers.
If you're curious about history, architecture, and colorful traditions — but also love good food and a bit of shopping — Jaipur is a complete package. Just plan a few extra days because the city has more layers than you might expect.