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Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II as a planned city with broad, grid-like avenues, an unusual idea in India at the time. The old walled quarter is painted in a dusty terracotta pink, which gave rise to its familiar nickname, the Pink City. Rocky hills ring the city, crowned with forts that once guarded the Kachwaha rulers and their treasures.
Most days start at Amber Fort, a hilltop palace of mirrored halls and courtyards above Maota Lake, often paired with the stepwell at Panna Meena ka Kund just below it. Jaigarh and Nahargarh forts stand along the ridge, and Nahargarh is a favorite spot to watch the evening light fall over the city. Back in the old town, the honeycombed facade of the Hawa Mahal faces a busy bazaar street, the City Palace remains partly a royal residence, and the giant astronomical instruments at Jantar Mantar are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Albert Hall Museum and the Jal Mahal, a palace sitting in a lake, are easy additions.
Jaipur is a natural part of the Golden Triangle with Delhi and Agra, and it suits travelers drawn to architecture, textiles and block printing. The bazaars around Johari and Bapu reward slow browsing. Galtaji, the temple complex known for its monkeys, makes a short trip east of the center.
WiserMap travel guideJaipur India Pink City Amber Fort and Hawa MahalExplore Jaipur, the Pink City: Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Nahargarh sunsets, Rajasthani food, festivals and a three-day plan.Read the guide
A hilltop fort and palace built from the late 1500s in pale yellow and pink sandstone above Maota Lake, about 11 kilometers from the city. Highlights include the Sheesh Mahal mirror hall, the Ganesh Pol gate and courtyards with views. It is busiest midday. Go early, and walk up rather than ride an elephant.
A fort above Amber built in the 18th century to protect it, home to the Jaivana, one of the largest wheeled cannons in the world. It has long walls, watchtowers, water tanks and views over the Aravalli hills. A tunnel connects it to Amber Fort. Combine them in one trip, but bring water for the walking.
A fort on the ridge north of the city built in 1734, with views over Jaipur. Inside is Madhavendra Bhawan, a palace with matching suites for the king's queens, and a contemporary sculpture park. It is one of the best sunset spots in Jaipur. Cafes and restaurants on the walls stay open after dark.
The Palace of Winds is a pink sandstone facade with 953 small windows built in 1799 so royal women could watch street life unseen. The best view of its honeycomb front is from cafes across the road in the morning. Inside, ramps lead up to narrow terraces. It is small, so allow around 45 minutes.
The royal residence in the heart of the old city, mixing Rajput and Mughal styles. It includes the Mubarak Mahal textile museum, an armory, and the Pritam Niwas Chowk courtyard with four painted gates for the seasons. Part of the palace is still home to the royal family. Extra tickets cover private tours.
A five-storey palace in the middle of Man Sagar Lake on the road to Amber, with most floors under water when the lake is full. Visitors cannot go inside, but the promenade along the shore gives classic views, with camel rides and stalls. Visit at sunset, when the palace glows golden against the hills.
A UNESCO-listed astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in the 1730s, with large stone instruments that measure time and track stars. The Samrat Yantra sundial is accurate to about two seconds. A guide or audio guide helps explain how the instruments work. Shade is limited, so avoid midday.
A 16th century stepwell near Amber Fort, with criss-crossing staircases forming a geometric pattern around a square pool. It was used for collecting water and as a cool gathering place. It is free to visit and popular for photos. Climbing the steps is no longer permitted, so view from the edges.
The oldest museum in Rajasthan, set in an Indo-Saracenic building in Ram Niwas Garden. Its collection includes miniature paintings, carpets, armor, pottery and an Egyptian mummy. It is beautifully lit at night, and evening hours make it a good after-dark visit. A composite ticket covers several Jaipur monuments.
A temple complex in a narrow gorge east of Jaipur, with pink sandstone temples and natural spring-fed tanks where pilgrims bathe. Hundreds of macaques live here, giving it the nickname Monkey Temple. Walk up to the Sun Temple on the ridge for sunset. Keep food out of sight and dress modestly.
Birla Mandir is a white marble Hindu temple dedicated to Lakshmi and Narayan, with carvings and stained glass, set below Moti Dungri hill. Patrika Gate at Jawahar Circle is a colorful painted gateway covered in Rajasthani motifs. Go to the temple in the evening for aarti and the gate in morning light.
A busy market street in the pink walled city known for jewelry, gemstones, silver and colorful textiles like bandhani and lehariya. Lassiwala on MI Road and sweet shops such as LMB are nearby. Bargain firmly, buy gems only from trusted shops, and be wary of touts pushing gem export schemes.
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