Art, culture, history, and architecture converge in Jaipur. Also known as the Pink City, Jaipur is part of the state of Rajasthan, located in north India. Instantly recognisable by its salmon-toned buildings, Jaipur is India’s first planned city, designed using the principles of Vastu Shastra—the ‘science of architecture’—which aims to integrate architecture with nature and takes into account symmetry, ancient patterns, and astronomy. Founded in 1727, it’s built on a street grid that makes it far easier to navigate than the complex maze that is Delhi.
Home to the Jaipur Literature Festival which takes place every January, the Pink City is the ideal balance between old and new; heritage architecture, well-preserved monuments, and local craftsmanship are in harmony with the contemporary attitudes of the new generation, defined by an entrepreneurial spirit and global outlook.
Here’s what to do and see in Jaipur, as well as the best places to stay, eat, and shop.
Where to stay in Jaipur
The Leela Palace
Worth staying in for the architecture alone, The Leela Palace is an opulent five-star hotel situated a short drive away from the Pink City, flanked by the Aravalli mountain range. Complementing the resplendent interior architecture—expect an abundance of the archways, symmetrical design details, and thikri (glass mosaic) work Jaipur is known for—are the sprawling grounds, with a lush verdant courtyard overlooking the mountains. Three restaurants and a bar ensure gustatory needs are well catered for, with the resplendent Mohan Mahal in particular being a must-visit location. Intertwined with the city’s cultural scene, The Leela Palace often partners with the Jaipur Literature Festival, making it the ideal place to stay for festival-goers.
Price: from approx. $310AUD/night
Explore and book via Leela Palace.
Khandwa Haveli
For an authentic, intimate experience of Jaipur, stay in Khandwa Haveli. Located in a quiet leafy neighbourhood close to the main attractions of the city, the hotel is built in the traditional Hindu Rajput style, with whitewashed walls, ornate carved balconies, and archways aplenty. Acting as a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city, rooms and suites at Khandwa Haveli boast generous balconies and terraces on which to while away an afternoon partaking in north India’s infamous chai culture (whether solo or with other guests). A family-owned business, the owner is often around to chat about the history of the hotel, while staff are invariably helpful. Despite its mansion-style architecture, rooms and suites at Khandwa Haveli are available at eminently affordable price points.
Price: from approx. $55AUD/night
Explore and book via Khandwa Haveli
What to do in Jaipur
Jaipur is in no shortage of unique things to do. If you find yourself in the Pink City on the 14th of January, you’ll be treated to a dazzling sight; with the annual Jaipur Kite Festival seeing hundreds of kites take to the sky in celebration of the sun moving into Capricorn. If your dates don’t align with the festival, worry not — you’re still likely to see kids flying kites on the other 364 days of the year. Jaipur has an abundance of rooftops on which to observe not only the kites but the vibrancy of the city as a whole.
If you’re lucky, you’ll befriend locals who’ll take you to the ones with the best views—often located above shops or houses—in exchange for a chat over chai (otherwise, there are several rooftop cafes and restaurants to pay a visit to — try the Wind View Cafe which is located right opposite the Hawa Mahal; average food, amazing view). While simply wandering the streets is a viable—and enjoyable—way to spend a day, there are several must-see attractions in Jaipur.
Phool Mandi
Dive into the deep end with a veritable sensory overload courtesy of the Phool Mandi, Jaipur’s early morning flower market. Open from 6am to noon, it’s advisable to get in early. Prepare for shoving, shouting, and bartering all before your morning coffee — it’s worth it, as it’s accompanied by the intoxicating scent of jasmine tumbling out of oversized hessian sacks, as well as sweet marigold and rose. The flowers are strung together to form garlands and proffered to Hindu deities.
Address: D-22, Chandi Ki Taksal, Tripolia Bazar, Kanwar Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds)
This is likely the building you picture when hearing the word ‘Jaipur’. Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, the Hawa Mahal is known for its intricate pink sandstone facade, with its latticework designed to allow the ladies of the royal household to watch the day-to-day life of the city unfurl below, without being seen themselves.
Address: Hawa Mahal Rd, Badi Choupad, J.D.A. Market, Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
City Palace
Located next to the Hawa Mahal, the City Palace was the ceremonial and administrative seat of the Maharaja of Jaipur until 1949, playing host to religious and cultural events. The Jaipur City Palace comprises several buildings, gardens, and internal courtyards, with the latter holding several intricate (and Instagram-worthy) doorways and archways. Note that if you want to see the private internal rooms (including the infamous blue room), you’ll need to purchase the Royal Grandeur ticket prior to entry (priced at 2000INR compared to the standard 700INR ticket). If you want to live like a royal (and can spare an extra £6000-a-night), you can stay in the Gudliya Suite owned by Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh; bookable through AirBnb.
Address: Gangori Bazaar, J.D.A. Market, Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Panna Meena ka Kund (Stepwell)
An oft-overlooked attraction, the Panna Meena ka Kund is a stepwell, or water temple, that sees a series of steps leading down to a well. This particular stepwell is located on the way to Amer Fort and was a place for locals to wash their clothes, bathe, and catch up with each other. While it’s no longer in use, it’s an architectural marvel worth visiting. Note that—despite influencer photos to the contrary—it’s no longer possible to go down the stairs, with security guards in place to stop tourists walking inside.
Address: XVR2+FGV, Amer, Rajasthan, India
Patrika Gate
Visiting the Patrika Gate is akin to stepping onto the set of a Wes Anderson movie. Despite resembling the heritage gates historically used to provide access to the walled city of Jaipur, the Patrika Gate is a relatively new addition to the Pink City. Constructed and opened to the public in 2016, it’s named after a local news company. Located just outside the main city, its ornate archways are adorned with colourful artwork designed with Rajasthani culture in mind, depicting attractions like the Jal Mahal as well as intricately painted landscapes. Since its opening, it’s swiftly become one of the most photographed locations in India.
Address: JLN Road, Jawahar Circle, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Amer Fort (Amber Palace)
Located around half an hour drive out of Jaipur, Amer Fort makes for a good day trip. Set atop a high hill, it has one of the best vantage points and is an ideal place to catch the sunrise (if you’re up for an early start). The palace itself houses the Sheesh Mahal—the hall of mirrors—and encompasses a vast sandstone fort and sprawling grounds. The sheer size of Amer Fort means it takes a while to explore, so it’s good to allocate a full day to it. To reach the fort, you’ll need to climb a pretty steep hill; decline the hawkers selling elephant rides and opt to get your steps in here.
Address: Devisinghpura, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Jantar Mantar
Un unmissable sight for the astrology girlies. Built in the early 18th century, Jantar Mantar is a collection of 19 astronomical instruments and houses the world’s largest stone sundial. The instruments allow for the observation of astronomical positions using the naked eye and include instruments operating in each of the three main classical celestial coordinate systems—the horizon-zenith local system, the equatorial system, and the ecliptic system.
Address: Gangori Bazaar, J.D.A. Market, Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Nahargarh Fort
Located atop the Aravalli Hills, Nahargarh Fort once played a key role in the city’s defence system. Today, it offers sweeping views of the city as well as of the Jal Malal, which is now inaccessible by tourists.
Address: Krishna Nagar, Brahampuri, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002, India
Jal Mahal
An almost mythical building sitting within the Man Sagar Lake, the Jal Mahal—meaning ‘water palace’—was constructed during the 18th century as a hunting lodge for the king. Its symmetrical pale pink sandstone building is an archetypal display of classic Rajput architecture. As it was declared a protected area by the government, tourists are not permitted to enter the JAl Mahal (or the lake around it). However, it can be viewed from the nearby bank.
Address: Jal Mahal, Man Sagar Lake, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India (also visible from Nahargarh Fort)
Where to shop in Jaipur
For the best places to shop in Jaipur, look beyond the modern shopping malls and turn your eyes to the streets. Herewith, some of our favourite shopping locations in Jaipur for clothing, jewellery, shoes, and curiosos.
Johari Bazar
A must-visit destination for jewellery lovers—Johari translates to ‘jeweller’—Johari Bazaar stretches across Johari Road and plays host to vendors selling Rajasthani jewellery with gold and precious stones, as well as loose gemstones, bangles, and handicrafts. It’s also possible to get jewellery custom designed here. You’ll also find traditional clothing, leather goods, and vast arrays of colourful fabrics on offer. Bargaining is common practice (and the initial asking price often takes this into account), so don’t be afraid to negotiate.
Address: Johari Bazar, Johari Bazaar Road, Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Gem Palace
Another one for jewellery lovers. Owned by the Kasliwal family, Gem Palace has been creating jewellery for royals and the upper class since the 18th century, with its clientele including Lord Mountbatten, Jackie Kennedy and King Charles III, as well as the Maharajas of the Mughal empire. With pieces from Gem Palace having been exhibited in New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, the shop is well worth a visit, with various contemporary, vintage-inspired, and traditional jewellery styles on display. Despite its distinguished heritage, pieces at Gem Palace span a broad spectrum when it comes to pricing, with something for every budget.
Address: Shop No. 348, MI Road, Jayanti Market, New Colony, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Carpet & Textile House
A purveyor of traditional carpets and homewares, Carpet & Textile House is laden with rugs and fabrics.
Address: Natwara House, Old Amer Rd, behind Reliance Fresh, J.D.A. Market, Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Chandpole Bazar
One for home renovators and the sartorially adventurous alike, Chandpole Bazaar is a veritable mecca of traditional good, with vendors selling everything from wooden and marble statues and mirror worked goods to fabrics, sarees, kurtas, and jewellery. You’ll also find plenty of Indian snacks and sweets along the way, so it’s a feast for all the senses.
Address: Chandpole Bazar, Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Tripolia Bazar
Stop here for the lac bangles, handcrafted by local artisans. You’ll also find colourful fabrics, carpets, and rugs on offer.
Address: Tripolia Bazar, Kanwar Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Where to eat in Jaipur
Much like the shopping, much of the best food you eat in Jaipur will be found wandering the streets. However, there are a few beautiful restaurants worth a visit for both their cuisine and interior decor prowess.
Mohan Mahal
Located within the Leela Palace, Mohan Mahal is perhaps the most majestic restaurant in the city, serving authentic Rajasthani cuisine.
Address: Address: Jaipur-Delhi Highway, NH 11, Kukas, Rajasthan, India
Once Upon a Time at The Bagh
Ensconced within the hills, Once Upon a Time at The Bagh uses its fairytale-like setting to its advantage, with the open-air venue decorated in shades of blue. We’d recommend coming during the day for drinks and nibbles.
Address: Vidyadhar ji ka Bagh, Ghat Ki Guni, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Kitchen with a Cause
A social enterprise working towards alleviating India’s street poverty, Kitchen with a Cause was founded by Govind Jha and Abhishek Chhetri in Delhi in 2018, but relocated to Jaipur post-pandemic. Offering internships to young people rescued from life on the street, Kitchen with a Cause provides its interns with accommodation and food and trains them in hospitality and catering, and helps them find jobs in the industry upon completion of their training. Finished in a tandoor oven, the Dal Makhani Dhungari is a must-try dish, as is the Kasoori Methi Malai.
Address: 100, Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg, Rambagh, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302007, India
Jaipur: fast facts
- Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
- Language: Hindi, English, Dhundari
Words by T. Angel
