Photo: Aditya Siva / UnsplashJaipur
Rajasthan, India
The Pink City: hilltop forts, a palace still lived in by royalty, and some of India's best bazaars. An easy first taste of Rajasthan.
- Backpacker / day
- ₹1,500–2,500
- Mid-range / day
- ₹4,600–9,000
- Best time
- October to March
- Ideal length
- 2–4 days
- Gateway
- Jaipur airport (JAI) or Jaipur Junction
Jaipur was laid out in the 1720s as a planned city, and its old centre, painted a terracotta pink, is still a grid of bazaars around the City Palace. The walled city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as is the Jantar Mantar observatory.
It's about five hours from Delhi by road or train, which makes it part of the classic Golden Triangle with Delhi and Agra, but it deserves more than a day trip.
Day by day
3-day itinerary
₹4,500–7,500per person on a backpacker budget (estimate), excluding travel to get there
- 1
Day 1: Amber Fort and the hills
Amber (Amer) Fort in the morning before the crowds, Jaigarh Fort, and sunset from Nahargarh Fort over the city.
- 2
Day 2: The Pink City
Hawa Mahal, the City Palace, and Jantar Mantar, then the bazaars of Johari and Bapu Bazaar.
- 3
Day 3: Museums and markets
Albert Hall Museum, Patrika Gate, and a block-printing or gem workshop, with an evening of Rajasthani food.
When to go
- Jan★ Best
- Feb★ Best
- Mar★ Best
- Apr—
- May—
- Jun—
- Jul—
- Aug—
- Sep—
- Oct★ Best
- Nov★ Best
- Dec★ Best
- Oct–Mar: BestWarm, sunny days and cool nights. The Jaipur Literature Festival is usually in late January.
- Apr–Jun: AvoidExtreme heat, regularly above 40°C.
- Jul–Sep: MixedMonsoon brings some rain and humidity, fewer tourists, and lower prices.
Getting there
- By air
- Jaipur's airport has domestic flights from most major cities and some international routes.
- By train
- Jaipur Junction has frequent fast trains from Delhi (about 4–5 hours), plus direct trains from Mumbai, Agra, and elsewhere.
- By road
- The Delhi–Jaipur highway takes about 5 hours; buses run all day.
Budget per person per day
| Item | Backpacker | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| Stay (hostel or guesthouse) | ₹600–1,200 | ₹2,500–5,000 |
| Food | ₹400–700 | ₹900–1,500 |
| Local transport (auto, app cab) | ₹300–500 | ₹1,000–2,000 |
| Monument tickets | ₹200–500 | ₹200–500 |
| Typical day | ₹1,500–2,500 | ₹4,600–9,000 |
A composite ticket covers several monuments, including Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, and Nahargarh, over two days, which is cheaper than buying each separately. Foreign nationals pay higher rates. The City Palace is ticketed separately.
Highlights
Amber Fort
A hilltop palace-fort of courtyards, mirror work, and views over Maota Lake.
Hawa Mahal
The 'Palace of Winds', a honeycomb facade built so royal women could watch the street unseen.
Jantar Mantar
Giant 18th-century astronomical instruments, including one of the world's largest sundials.
Nahargarh sunset
The whole city spread below the fort walls at dusk.
Practical tips
- Shopping
- Gem and textile shops pay commissions to drivers and guides who bring customers. Buy only what you'd buy anyway, and never on a 'resale for profit' pitch.
- Start early
- Amber Fort gets very crowded and hot by late morning; arrive when it opens.
- Getting around
- App-based cabs and autos are easy to find; agree a fare or use the meter for autos.
Jaipur FAQs
How many days are enough for Jaipur?
Two full days covers the main forts and palaces; three lets you add museums, markets, and a slower pace.
Is the Jaipur composite ticket worth it?
Yes, if you'll visit several monuments. It covers the main government-run sites over two days; the City Palace is separate.
Can I do Jaipur as a day trip from Delhi?
It's possible by early train, but you'll only see the highlights in a rush. Staying at least one night is much better.
Guide reviewed September 2026. Costs are estimates, not live prices. Check current prices, permits, weather, safety advice and schedules before you travel.