Explore Jaipur: India’s Enchanting Pink City of Palaces and Luxury Stay

Fact checked by Elizabeth MacLennan

Jaipur is a city of ancient forts and royal palaces, a place where visitors will find sweeping views of lush green hills and some of the finest hotels in the world.

Nicknamed the Pink City, Jaipur forms a point on the Golden Triangle, the tourism trail that connects the Indian capital New Delhi with Jaipur and Agra, home of the iconic Taj Mahal. It is the gateway to Rajasthan, the aptly named land of kings and a city steeped in history and early architectural innovation.

Here are eight reasons why you should add the Pink City to your India itinerary.

There’s a palace for every day of the week.

Jaipur is a city with enough palaces to visit a new one every day of the week. Its most famous palace is Hawa Mahal, a five-story pink sandstone structure in the heart of the city. Hawa Mahal’s exterior resembles a honeycomb at first glance. However, a closer look reveals the exquisite curves of 953 small windows.

Luxury hotels will make you feel like royalty.

Furthermore, Jaipur is known for its luxury hotels that offer exceptional dining and spa experiences. Several historic palaces have been transformed into five-star hotels, providing guests with a glimpse of royal life during the era of Maharajas.

It’s a shopper’s paradise.

Moreover, Jaipur boasts a wide array of markets selling everything from jewelry and clothing to textiles and marble statues. Johari Bazaar is one of the city’s most famous markets, while Tripolia Bazaar is ideal for those looking for rugs. For local shoes and clothing, Nehru Bazaar is a must-visit destination.

It’s surrounded by historic forts.

Additionally, Jaipur is encircled by magnificent forts. Nahargarh Fort, Amer Fort, and Jaigarh Fort are open to tourists, offering breathtaking views of the city and fascinating insights into its early defenses.

It really is a pink city.

Consequently, Jaipur is indeed nicknamed the Pink City, which reflects the color of the sandstone buildings that form its core. These structures have maintained their dusty pink hue since 1876, when they were painted in preparation for a visit from Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria.

It’s a shining example of early urban planning.

In contrast to the chaotic streets found in many Indian cities, Jaipur presents a more organized layout. It was the first planned city in India and continues to exemplify early urban planning methods. Although traffic still exists, the grid layout of the streets enhances navigation, making it easier than in populous cities like New Delhi and Mumbai.

You can make your dream of riding an elephant come true.

If you’ve ever dreamed of riding an elephant, your opportunity awaits in Jaipur. Elephant rides are offered at Amber Fort, providing a unique and comfortable way to ascend to its entrance, which might otherwise pose a steep challenge.

It’s a city filled with art.

Jaipur’s luxury hotels are not the only places to experience Indian art; the city boasts several art galleries worth visiting, where you can explore the vibrancy of Jaipur’s artistic heritage and perhaps take home a piece of the Pink City’s charm.

Jaipur is indeed a gem within Rajasthan’s crown. From Jaipur, easily venture to other renowned Rajasthani cities, including Udaipur, known for its picturesque lakes, and Jodhpur, famous for its distinctive blue architecture.