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Jaipur – A Practical Travel Guide to the Pink City

Jaipur – A Practical Travel Guide to the Pink City
Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is known as the "Pink City" for its distinctive rose-colored buildings. It’s a mix of historic forts, vibrant bazaars, cultural events, and royal palaces. Whether you're a solo traveler, a history enthusiast, or a foodie, Jaipur has something for you. This guide will help you plan your visit — where to go, what to eat, and how to make the most of your trip.

About Jaipur

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.

 

History of Jaipur

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.

 

Top Places to Visit in Jaipur

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. Nahargarh Fort

    • Offers a stunning sunset view over Jaipur

    • Less crowded than Amber Fort

    • Entry Fee: INR 50

    • Location: Aravalli Hills, 30-minute drive

  6. Jaigarh Fort

    • Known for housing the world’s largest cannon on wheels (Jaivana)

    • Good for understanding Jaipur’s military history

    • Location: Near Amber Fort

  7. Albert Hall Museum

    • Oldest museum in Rajasthan, with weapons, coins, art, and more

    • Good for history lovers

    • Location: Ram Niwas Garden

 

Things to Do in Jaipur

  1. Watch a Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema – A royal cinema experience, not just a movie

  2. Take a Heritage Walking Tour – Explore temples, stepwells, and old havelis

  3. Shop in Local Bazaars – Buy block prints, bangles, and blue pottery

  4. Try a Hot Air Balloon Ride – Operates around Amer Fort during season

  5. Visit Chokhi Dhani – A themed Rajasthani village with food, dances, and camel rides

  6. Attend a Cultural Show – Check for puppet shows and Rajasthani folk performances

  7. Photography at Patrika Gate – Instagram-famous colorful gate near Jawahar Circle

 

What to Eat in Jaipur

Jaipur’s cuisine is a mix of rich flavors, often spicy, ghee-laden, and perfect for foodies.

Must-Try Dishes:

  1. Dal Baati Churma – Hard wheat balls served with lentils and sweet crushed wheat

  2. Laal Maas – Spicy red mutton curry, very popular in Rajasthan

  3. Gatte ki Sabzi – Besan (gram flour) dumplings in curd gravy

  4. Ker Sangri – Desert beans and berries with Rajasthani spices

  5. Pyaz Kachori – Onion-stuffed fried snack

  6. Ghewar – Sweet disc-shaped dessert, common during Teej festival

  7. 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

 

Where to Stay in Jaipur

Whether you're on a budget or looking for royalty-style stays, Jaipur has options.

Budget:

  1. Zostel Jaipur – Clean, social, and backpacker-friendly

  2. Hathroi Palace Guest House – Family-run and affordable

  3. Moustache Hostel – Modern and centrally located

Mid-range:

  1. Arya Niwas – Eco-conscious and peaceful

  2. Umaid Mahal – Heritage-style hotel with modern amenities

  3. Hotel Pearl Palace – Stylish rooms and a great rooftop restaurant

Luxury:

  1. Rambagh Palace (Taj) – Former royal palace, now a 5-star hotel

  2. Raj Palace – One of the oldest heritage hotels in the world

  3. ITC Rajputana – Grand ambiance, pool, and fine dining

Tip: Many heritage hotels offer stays in restored havelis with vintage décor.

 

Travel Tips for Jaipur

  • 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

 

Hidden Gems

  1. Panna Meena ka Kund – Ancient stepwell with symmetrical stairs

  2. Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing – Dedicated to block printing arts

  3. Galta Ji Temple (Monkey Temple) – Set in a rocky gorge with lots of monkeys

  4. Tarkashi Workshops – Watch craftsmen make inlay designs on wood and brass

  5. Jawahar Kala Kendra – Cultural center with art shows and Rajasthani exhibits

  6. Chandpole Bazaar – Great for marble statues and local art

  7. Isarlat (Sargasuli Tower) – Historical tower with panoramic city views

 

Useful Local Phrases

  • 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.

 

How to Reach Jaipur

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

 

Final Thoughts

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.

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