Explore Jaipur: India’s Renowned Pink City Voted Among the Best in the World

An Overview of Jaipur

Jaipur, often referred to as the Pink City, is a significant destination on the Golden Triangle tourist route connecting New Delhi, Agra, and Rajasthan. The city’s nickname references its distinctive pink-hued architecture, most notably represented by the Hawa Mahal.

Jaipur consistently ranks among the best cities in the world according to readers. This vibrant city is adorned with grand palaces, stunning architectural wonders, and picturesque views of lush hills and serene lakes. Recognized as the first planned city in India, Jaipur has attained UNESCO World Heritage status for its exceptional indigenous city planning. The streets here are less congested than New Delhi or Mumbai, making it especially accessible for first-time visitors.

Famous for inspiring Paul McCartney’s “Riding into Jaipur” and serving as the backdrop for the The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel movies, this city offers a rich blend of performing arts, delectable dining in royal banquet halls, and a nostalgic ambiance recalling the era of the Maharajas. Visitors can ride elephants, explore Mughal architecture, and experience luxurious accommodations in this enchanting destination.

Moreover, Jaipur is a shopper’s haven, featuring everything from exquisite jewelry and handcrafted art to a diverse range of textiles.

Visitors can easily access Jaipur via direct flights or by taking a train, bus, or private car from New Delhi. The high-speed train offers the quickest transit, taking just under four hours.

Time Zone

Jaipur operates in the Indian Standard Time Zone, which is 10 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Eastern Time. Additionally, India does not observe Daylight Saving Time.

Best Time to Go

While Jaipur enjoys warm temperatures throughout the year, the optimal time to visit is between October and February, when the weather is clear and breezy, offering the most pleasant conditions. Conversely, months from March to July can be sweltering, often exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, which can make exploring the city’s historic sites challenging.

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Things to Know

As the largest city in Rajasthan and the tenth most populated in India, Jaipur’s defining color of pink is evident throughout the city. Jaipur forms one point of the famous Golden Triangle, linking New Delhi, the Taj Mahal, and the enchanting region of Rajasthan. The city, founded in 1727, is unique for its grid-like road structure, making navigation simpler than in the often-chaotic streets of Delhi or Mumbai. Jaipur invites visitors to delve into the rich history of pre-colonial India while enjoying world-class accommodation.

Currency: Rupee (Check the current exchange rate)

Language: Hindi, English, Dhundari

• I don’t speak Hindi: main hindi nahin jaanta hoon
• I’m lost: main haar gaya hoon
• I would like: main chaahoonga

Calling code: +91 0141

How To Get Around

Public transit options in Jaipur are evolving. The city metro currently operates an eight-mile stretch with one active line, but for more reliable public transit, buses are the better option.

Buses operate throughout the city, including several air-conditioned options, and numerous tour companies offer guided bus tours.

A variety of taxi services are available, many of which can be prearranged online. Auto rickshaws, known for their iconic yellow and green colors, are also plentiful.

Additionally, ride-sharing services like Uber and Ola operate in Jaipur, along with traditional taxi and private car services.

Best Hotels in Jaipur

The Leela Palace Jaipur

Address: Jaipur-Delhi Highway, NH 11, Kukas, Rajasthan 302028, India
Phone: +91 1426 350 000
Website

This incredible five-star hotel offers a sensory experience against the magnificent backdrop of the Aravalli mountain range, sprawling over eight acres, and features some of the city’s finest dining establishments.

Rambagh Palace

Address: Bhawani Singh Rd, Rambagh, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302005, India
Phone: +91 141 238 5700
Website

This luxurious hotel features just 78 rooms and suites encircling a stunning Mughal garden. Once a palace of the Maharajas, it is home to some of Jaipur’s exquisite dining options and has hosted notable guests like Prince Charles and Jackie Kennedy.

The Oberoi Rajvilas

Address: Babaji Ka Modh, Goner Rd, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302031, India
Phone: +91 141 268 0101
Website

This lavish property highlights the essence of the Pink City, showcasing its famed hues throughout. With an abundance of privacy, a stunning pool, and an experience fit for royalty, you’ll find everything you desire here.

The Raj Palace

Address: Jorawar Singh Gate, Amer Rd, Chokdi Gangapol, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002, India
Phone: +91 141 263 4077
Website

This heritage hotel transports guests back in time with its intricate design and luxurious lounging areas, including a striking hotel pool. Afternoon tea here is a must-try.

Jai Mahal Palace

Address: Jacob Rd, Civil Lines, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302006, India
Phone: +91 141 222 3636
Website

Nestled in 18 acres of stunning Mughal gardens, this five-star establishment features 100 rooms and suites amid the historic heart of the Pink City. Its offerings include a spa, cigar bar, and unparalleled private dining experiences.

Best Restaurants

Mohan Mahal

Address: Jaipur-Delhi Highway, NH 11, Kukas, Rajasthan 302028, India (Inside the Leela Palace)
Phone: +91 1426 350 000
Website

This stunning restaurant elevates authentic Rajasthani cuisine to new heights. Guests can choose between vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, embarking on a flavorful journey through local specialties crafted by the chef.

Preet Mahal

Address: Jaipur-Delhi Highway, NH 11, Kukas, Rajasthan 302028, India (Inside the Leela Palace)
Phone: +91 1426 350 000
Website

Inspired by traditional Italian trattorias, Preet Mahal serves comfort favorites including pizzas, pastas, and risottos in a beautiful setting complete with an alfresco dining area.

Suvarna Mahal

Address: Bhawani Singh Rd, Rambagh, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302005, India (Inside the Rambagh Palace)
Phone: +91-141-2385700
Website

This upscale Indian dining venue occupies what was once a palace banquet hall, offering an opulent ambiance adorned with gilded mirrors and elaborate frescoes. It features dishes favored by Indian royals — don’t skip the Rajasthani lamb curry.

House of Han

Address: Crowne Plaza, Sitapura Industrial Area, Tonk Road, Jaipur
Phone: +34 914 77 34 38
Website

Located within the Crowne Plaza Hotel, this restaurant specializes in Dim Sum while providing a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes from China, Singapore, and Hong Kong. The signature olive fried rice is a must-try.

Steam

Address: Bhawani Singh Rd, Rambagh, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302005, India (Inside the Rambagh Palace)
Phone: +91-141-2385700
Website

For train enthusiasts, this lounge-style restaurant set inside a restored steam engine offers an eclectic menu featuring Indian, Mediterranean, Asian, and Mexican cuisines along with a selection of pizzas.

Things to Do in Jaipur

Hawa Mahal

Address: Hawa Mahal Road

Considered the heart of the Pink City, this five-story architectural masterpiece, composed of red and pink sandstone, is adjacent to the City Palace. Its unique honeycomb-like exterior features 953 small windows, renowned worldwide for its intricate latticework.

Amber Palace, also known as Amer Fort

Address: Devisinghpura, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302001, India
Website

Located about thirty minutes from Jaipur, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has origins dating back to 1592. Visitors should not miss the Sheesh Mahal, also known as the hall of mirrors, as well as the opportunity for elephant rides.

City Palace

Address: Tulsi Marg, Gangori Bazaar, J.D.A. Market, Pink City

This historic site served as the ceremonial and administrative seat of the Maharaja of Jaipur until 1949 and is surrounded by a collection of buildings featuring open courtyards for various cultural and religious events.

Jal Mahal

Address: Man Sagar Lake, viewable from Nahargarh Fort

This stunning palace seemingly floats on Man Sagar Lake with only one of its five stories visible due to partial submersion. While not accessible to visitors, it can be admired from Nahargarh Fort.

Jantar Mantar

Address: Gangori Bazaar, J.D.A. Market, Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002, India

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit for astronomy enthusiasts. Jantar Mantar features a collection of 19 astronomical instruments, including the world’s largest stone sundial, built in the early 1700s.

Nahargarh Fort

Address: Krishna Nagar, Brahampuri, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002, India

This impressive fort served as a key element of the city’s defense network. Connected to Jaigarh Fort, it offers panoramic views over the city and the Jal Mahal, which is currently closed to tourists.

Jaigarh Fort

Address: Devisinghpura, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302028, India

Perched 500 feet above sea level, Jaigarh Fort offers stunning views of the Amer Fort palace complex and Maota Lake, serving as a crucial protective outpost at its construction in 1726.

Best Shopping in Jaipur

Johari Bazar

Address: Johari Bazaar Road

Renowned as one of the top shopping destinations in Jaipur, Johari Bazar specializes in jewelry, specifically traditional Rajasthani pieces crafted from gold and precious stones. Shoppers can also explore a range of traditional Indian garments.

Bapu Bazar

Address: Bapu Bazaar Road

Bapu Bazar is the go-to market for Mojari, local camel-skin shoes. Visitors can also find an extensive collection of Rajasthani textiles, crafts, and traditional clothing such as lehengas and sarees.

Tripolia Bazar

Address: Kanwar Nagar

A bustling market filled with vibrancy, Tripolia Bazar is well-known for its bangles and colorful fabrics, as well as fine carpets and rugs.

Chandpole Bazar

Address: Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302007

This historic market has stood for 300 years in the heart of Jaipur, housing hundreds of vendors specializing in intricately carved marble statues, perfect for those looking to furnish their dream home.

Nehru Bazar

Address: Film Colony, Modikhana

Nehru Bazar is known for its range of stunning clothing items and textiles, with juttis being the primary attraction — a traditional North Indian shoe style and a Jaipur specialty.

Neighborhoods to Know

Pink City: As the historic core of Jaipur, the Pink City features essential attractions including Hawa Mahal, City Palace, and various local markets.

Sindhi Camp: Located east of Pink City, this modest residential area acts as a transport hub and is notable for its authentic street food and affordable lodging.

Weather in Jaipur

Jaipur typically exhibits warm days throughout the year, though temperatures may drop significantly from December to February. Summer arrives early, with peak temperatures often exceeding 100°F during April, May, and June. The monsoon season from July to September brings cooler temperatures and lower hotel prices for visitors willing to brave the rain. The most favorable visiting time spans from October to June, offering cool breezes and moderate sunlight. However, packing a jacket for the colder nights in January is advisable, as temperatures can drop into the 40s.

The average temperature highs and lows by month in Fahrenheit are as follows:

• January: 46°F to 74°F
• February: 54°F to 81°F
• March: 63°F to 92°F
• April: 72°F to 101°F
• May: 80°F to 108°F
• June: 81°F to 105°F
• July: 78°F to 96°F
• August: 76°F to 92°F
• September: 75°F to 95°F
• October: 68°F to 95°F
• November: 58°F to 87°F
• December: 50°F to 78°F

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