Itineraries for Your Trip to Jaipur
3 Days in Jaipur for First Timers
The first time I visited Jaipur, I was on a 2-week tour of the whole of Rajasthan, and I didn’t get much time to delve into the Pink City’s unique attractions—beyond the big-name highlights like the City Palace and the Amber Fort, anyway. But over the years, I’ve visited many more times, mainly to attend the annual Jaipur Literature Festival, and have come to know the city better. With a population of more than 4 million, it’s big but not enormous by Indian standards, so it’s manageable from a sightseeing perspective. With three days, you can check out Jaipur’s highlights and even enjoy a day trip outside the city.
If you only have time for one thing, make it the ornate 18th-century City Palace, conveniently located in the central city.
In a desert climate, Jaipur swelters between April and August and is cool from November to February—visit then to avoid unpleasantly hot temperatures.
Spend your first morning exploring the central city attractions, including the Palace of the Winds, Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory, and City Palace. Join a guided tour to learn more about Jaipur’s royal Rajput history.
In the afternoon, take a taxi or tuk-tuk to Amber Fort, about a 20-minute drive north of the central city. Spend several hours touring the grand walled fortress and the palaces, temples, and courtyards. There are also good views of the rolling countryside from the hilltop fort. Hang around into the evening to catch the daily sound and light show.
Whether you’re on a tight budget or have money to burn, shopping for textiles, jewelry, and other local crafts is an absolute delight in Jaipur. Spend the morning browsing (and shopping in) the Johri Bazaar for jewelry and Chandpol Bazaar for handicrafts, among other spots. Go with a guide to reduce the chance of feeling overwhelmed and the risk of getting lost.
After an early afternoon siesta, head out to Chokhi Dhani, a cultural village that represents a rural Rajasthani village but is set up for tourists. It’s a great place to see local arts and entertainment and to grab an authentic Rajasthani dinner.
On your final day in Jaipur, venture beyond the city to visit some nearby attractions. Choose a day trip that suits your interests and makes sense according to the next stop on your itinerary. Culture enthusiasts will love visiting Pushkar, a holy lakeside town about a three-hour drive southwest of Jaipur. It’s home to the world’s only Brahma temple.
Alternatively, head about three hours southeast to Ranthambore National Park. Join a safari and look out for the king of the jungle himself, the Royal Bengal tiger.