Things to Do in Jaipur, India

by

Sightseeing

Jaipur, the Pink City, is full of culture, history, and beautiful sights. So whether you are looking for a peaceful walk through old buildings or an exciting adventure in Jaipur’s bazaars, there is something for everyone.

Sightseeing in Jaipur is an activity on most people’s must-do lists in the city. Here are some of the amazing sights to explore in Jaipur:

Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds, is a famous landmark in Jaipur, India. It was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh of the Kachwaha Rajput dynasty, and itLal Chand Usta designed it. The Palace was created as a platform for women of the royal family to observe everyday life outside while remaining unseen from the street. The five-story Palace is made of pink sandstone and has delicately carved latticework that resembles a honeycomb pattern.

At the top of Hawa Mahal is an impressive airy pinnacle, which acts like a wind catcher to cool down the area below. Its top three stories are just one room thick, so air flows freely through the structure. Visitors can still experience these cooling breezes at certain times of the year – making Hawa Mahal ideal for sightseeing during the hot summer months.

At night, Hawa Mahal lit up with thousands of tiny lights, creating an unbelievable spectacle that attracts many local and international tourists! It’s no wonder why this majestic landmark is one of Jaipur’s most iconic sights and must-sees!

Amber Fort

Amber Fort (or Amer Fort) is a must-see for Jaipur. Located just a few kilometers from the center of Jaipur, India, the fort is situated on a hill and was built in 1592. The structure comprises ancient red sandstone and marble and has an opulent palace inside.

The Palace includes four levels with a sequence of courtyards, connecting balconies, and ornate halls. It also houses some stunning Hindu-style artwork.

Amber Fort is one of the most iconic landmarks in India and provides visitors with fantastic views over the surrounding areas. A sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kali has situated within the complex, and a range of ruins offer insight into Jaipur’s past.

The interior offers stunning architecture, such as exquisitely crafted pillars, colorful paintings (known as ‘Rang Mahal’), and magnificently decorated elephant rides – perfect for those looking to explore more historically inclined sites!

City Palace

City Palace is one of the most iconic landmarks in Jaipur and a must-visit on any sightseeing trip. The Maharajas of Jaipur built it over several generations and had a unique blend of Rajput, Mughal, and European architectural styles.

The Palace was built in 1727 and used to be the royal family’s official residence. Today, much of City Palace is open to visitors as a museum dedicated to Rajasthani art and culture. Visitors can explore palaces, courtyards, gardens, and pavilions adorned with exquisite carvings and vibrant wall paintings from different eras. In addition, an extensive collection of artifacts, including weapons, coins, and manuscripts, is housed inside the museum.

One highlight of City Palace is Diwan-e-Khas – Hall Dedicated to Private Audiences – which features beautiful sculptures along with four silver vessels that were gifted by Queen Victoria when she visited Jaipur in 1876 as emblems signifying her status as Empress of India. The Palace also houses Chandra Mahal – a Pavilion with Seven Storeys – which offers breathtaking views of the city below. At the same time, Saraswati Bhawan, or ‘House Dedicated To Saraswati, ‘ features intricate marble carvings on its wall surfaces.

Visitors can also enjoy guided tours around City Palace, where knowledgeable guides will explain more about its history, architecture, and other interesting facts about the royal family’s life within these walls centuries ago.

Shopping

Jaipur, the former capital of the Rajput kingdom of Rajasthan, is a paradise for shoppers. From its affluent exotic markets to its large shopping malls, Jaipur presents a wide variety of options for shopping. Whether it’s traditional clothing, jewelry, handicrafts, electronics, or textiles, there is something for every budget.

Let’s explore some of the top shopping places in Jaipur:

Johri Bazaar

Johri Bazaar, near Badi Chaupar in Jaipur, is a must-visit shopping destination for any traveler. It has been around since the days of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh and is still one of the most renowned markets in the city.

A paradise for jewelry and silk lovers, hundreds of stalls and shops sell various items, from heaps of colorful artificial jewelry to exquisite traditional kundan jewelry and stylish Kanjeevaram sarees. Johri Bazaar is also home to many hairdressers who can give you a trendy haircut or a new look for just a fraction of what you would pay in salons elsewhere.

Several shops specialize in selling ethnic Rajasthani clothes like jodhpuri, angrakha, bandhgala, and exquisite lehengas that make perfect accessories for weddings.

This market is open from 11 am onwards, but it’s best to visit early or late evening as that’s when most vendors begin to set up with their best wares on display. Bargaining is expected here, so don’t hesitate to haggle before making a purchase – all vendors are more than willing to reduce prices if they sense you’re interested!

Bapu Bazaar

Shopping for traditional souvenirs or items for yourself or your home? Bapu Bazaar is one of the best places in Jaipur, India. Located in the bustling Old City, this market is known for its colorful and intricate handicrafts, apparel, and more.

At Bapu Bazaar, you will find plenty of local specialties, including wooden articles, leather-bound folders and trays, lacquerware boxes, and other decorative items. You can also find handmade jewelry, such as uncut Gemstone sets and saris of many different colors and styles. There is also a large selection of ready-made garments ranging from casual to ethnic.

Other items available at this famous bazaar include stationery items such as paperweights, diaries, and envelopes, along with potpourri items like incense burners and sandalwood fans. If you are looking for unique home décor pieces or festive decorations for a special event, you will find many options here, including colorful carpets and traditional Rajasthani puppets.

You will find something memorable for any occasion when shopping at Bapu Bazaar, so make sure to stop in on your next trip to Jaipur!

Tripolia Bazaar

The Tripolia Bazaar is a retail market located between the Chhoti Chaupar and Badi Chaupar areas northwest of the City Palace in Jaipur. It has existed for centuries and is renowned for its wide selection of products, ranging from traditional Rajasthani garments, accessories, and jewelry to decorative items and art pieces. In addition, the bazaar also offers a variety of handicrafts, artifacts, paintings, carpets, and furniture.

Tripolia Bazaar attracts locals and international travelers due to its wide range of wares, including handicrafts like pottery, metalwork, lacquerware, hand-block printed traditional fabrics, and items made by local artisans. Wooden carvings, such as figures of Hindu gods, can also be found here at competitive prices. On top of this, you will encounter an enticing selection of colorful sarees; bangles made out of glass, metal, or horn; silver jewelry studded with precious stones; hand-crafted leather goods such as purses and wallets; and brass figurines depicting mythological scenes from Hindu epics like Ramayana or Mahabharata. In addition, there are endless stalls selling musical instruments such as tablas (drums) and sitars – perfect souvenir options for returning home!

Visiting Tripolia Bazaar can genuinely become an experience you’ll never forget with its crowdy atmosphere, which could provide an opportunity to practice your bargaining skills with vendors – make sure you purchase your desired item at a price that suits both the vendor’s needs (lack thereof!). Furthermore, you will feel immersed within the hustling environment around you with everyone displaying their wares for sale – it could be pretty loud, so if this isn’t what you’re looking for, make sure that your trip is situated earlier or later in the day when it won’t be so busy!

Adventure Activities

Jaipur, India, is a city full of adventure activities and things to do, from hot air ballooning to camping in the deserts around the city. Adventure seekers will find plenty of things to do to get their adrenaline rush.

In this article, we will discuss the top adventure activities and things to do in Jaipur, India:

Hot Air Ballooning

Hot air ballooning is an exhilarating experience that allows you to witness Jaipur’s charms from a unique and different perspective. Enjoy magnificent views of the city, and its skyline as the hot air balloon drifts through the sky for up to an hour.

The experience generally begins before sunrise, when guests board a hot air balloon before it is inflated and made ready for flight. Then, drifting above the city, taking in all its beauty, feed your sense of adventure with this once-in-a-lifetime experience as you float high into the sky against a backdrop of rolling hills, bright lakes, majestic forts, and palaces.

An experienced pilot will accompany you throughout your ride, providing interesting facts about Jaipur and its history mid-air. Once you disembark from the flight after an unforgettable journey, some hot snacks await you upon landing to refuel.

Ziplining

Take the opportunity to soar through picturesque valleys and forests while you zip line in Jaipur. Ziplining gives you a unique view of the city and its surroundings, accompanied by your trusted safety harness. The best part of the experience is that it is tailor-made for experienced adventurers and beginners, ensuring a safe yet memorable experience for all!

Ziplining usually consists of three to five lines, with various incredibly thrilling activities in between. You may climb a steep ladder, traverse obstacles, or even rappel midway. Depending on your package, you could enjoy breakfast or lunch during the activity. Most operators also provide transportation from Jaipur to their location (some 30-40 km away.) Upon arrival, safety briefings are conducted before starting the ziplining activity. Operators usually provide protective gear, including helmets and gloves, that make the entire experience much safer and enjoyable.

Depending on tour packages and activities chosen, ziplining could last anywhere from two hours to an entire day! Also, inquire about additional services like ATV rides or sand tobogganing offered while ziplining in Jaipur!

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is a great and unique way to explore the beauty of India. Jaipur and its neighboring regions offer a plethora of opportunities for horseback riding. You can explore the vast deserts, experience the grandeur of ancient forts, or take a leisurely ride through the beautiful countryside. Whatever your choice, nothing beats riding on comfortable horses with experienced guides who will help make your adventure even more memorable.

Before galloping through the fields, you must ensure your horse has been provided with proper care and training by an experienced guide. Many local Equestrian Clubs in Jaipur provide quality training sessions to help you better enjoy your horseback ride experience. In addition, sites like Amer Fort and Jal Mahal are popular for horseback rides due to their historical heritage and beautiful backdrop of pink sandstone walls, hills, and lakes.

If you love adventure activities, Jaipur offers much beyond horseback riding! You can:

  • Trek around Ranthambore National Park in search of tigers.
  • Explore the many ancient sites like Nahargarh fort, where you can climb steep hills while admiring stunning views of the city below.
  • Go on a hot air balloon ride over the pink city skyline.
  • Take a camel safari through the dunes.

There is no shortage of thrilling activities around Jaipur that will satisfy any adrenaline junky!

Cultural Experiences

Jaipur, India, is a vibrant city full of culture and history. There are plenty of things to do and experience if you want an enriching cultural experience. From visiting forts to visiting markets and temples, Jaipur has something for everyone.

Let’s explore some of the best cultural experiences in Jaipur:

Rajasthani Folk Music and Dance

There is no better place for those wishing to experience India’s diverse, vibrant culture than Jaipur, Rajasthan. The city has unique and traditional cultural experiences that cannot be found anywhere else. A prominent feature of the cultural scene in Jaipur is Rajasthani folk music and dance, known for its liveliness and colorfulness.

Rajasthani folk music adds a lively beat to the streets of Jaipur at any hour, with merry kawalis and heartbreaking ballads joining together beautifully. But it doesn’t just mean hearing – experiencing it means dancing! Along with live entertainment featuring traditional instruments such as dholak and sarangi, several talented groups perform energetic folk dances like Ghoomar and Rasa Lila, passed down through generations.

If you want to immerse yourself in local culture in the ‘pink city,’ you should catch one (or more!) of these performances! Whether you learn some moves or sit back to enjoy the sounds and sights around you, Rajasthani folk music will imprint your time spent here.

Local Cuisine

One of the best things you can do in Jaipur, India, is to experience the local cuisine. This vibrant city has many flavors that will tantalize your senses. From the traditional dishes of Rajasthan, such as Dal-baati-churma and Ghewar, to regional favorites like Sheekh Kebab, Papad ki sabzi, and Lababdar Pulao, the deliciousness of Jaipur has something for everyone.

Most Rajasthani dishes have been prepared with little spices and without strong herbs. This cooking style allows for lighter flavorings that add an exciting twist to the traditional flavors. Some lesser-known dishes worth trying include:

  • Ker Sangri (desert beans with wild berries)
  • Rabri (a dessert made with thickened milk)
  • Boondi raita (yogurt dish)

Vegetarian options throughout Jaipur include lasuni gobi (cauliflower in garlic sauce) and bhindi masala (okra cooked in spicy tomato-onion gravy).

In addition to its great Indian food, Jaipur also offers a variety of international cuisines ranging from Mexican burritos and Korean barbeque to Nepalese Thukpa soup. So no matter what type you prefer, you will find something suited to your tastes when visiting this vibrant city!

Festivals and Fairs

Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan and is known for its cultural vibes and fiestas. Tourists worldwide come to experience and immerse in the local customs, traditions, and celebrations. The vibrant amalgamation of Hindu, Jain, Sikh, and Muslim cultures lends Jaipur an undeniable charm.

Throughout the year, Jaipur hosts many fairs, festivals, competitions, and parades that give tourists a glimpse into its rich history. Festivals such as Maha Shivaratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Teej Festival of Gangaur are celebrated enthusiastically. Various cultural programs, such as performances by traditional artists like puppeteers, traditional band dancers, etc., competitions like turban tying, camel races, etc., and stalls of traditional mithais (sweets), are organized across the city during these festive days. Special pujo (ritual worship) is also held at temples dedicated to various deities.

Shekhawati region, nearby Jaipur, has some popular fairs such as Pushkar Fair, Desert Festival, and Kaila Devi Fair, which offer unique glimpses into the culture and lives of local people through exciting activities such as puppet shows, elephant polo matches, kite flying competitions, etc.

Fairs like Khandela Haat offer organic products from rural areas. Food festivals such as Rajasthani Food Mela invite locals to relish traditional cuisine from colorful stalls or have teams cook dishes on open firewood-fueled stoves.

These events attract thousands of tourists annually who travel far to be part of them, thus adding to Jaipur’s popularity, which is famous for its traditional fancies even today!

Accommodation

Jaipur, India, is a popular tourist destination with plenty of options for accommodation. There are many hotels, resorts, guesthouses, and homestays. So whether you are looking for a luxurious stay or a budget option, Jaipur has something to suit everyone.

Let’s explore some of the accommodation options available in Jaipur:

Luxury Hotels

Jaipur, known as the “Pink City,” is a vibrant, bustling metropolis in western India. Visitors to Jaipur will find a unique cultural experience enriched by its incredible architecture and world-famous forts and palaces. From shopping to sightseeing, many activities in Jaipur should not be missed. Luxury hotels in the city allow visitors to stay in true Indian splendor while exploring the beauty of this special and vibrant city.

A wide range of luxury hotels in Jaipur offers discerning travelers great hospitality and world-class amenities. Many of these accommodation options feature indulgent services such as private chefs, chauffeurs, and butlers and facilities like spa treatments, swimming pools, fitness centers, rooftop terraces, and more. So whether you are looking for an elegant heritage property or a modern 5-star resort, Jaipur has it all.

Popular 5-star luxury hotels include:

  • The Raj Palace Hotel, with its grand interiors;
  • The Lebua Resort & Spa is located near Nahargarh Fort;
  • Jai Mahal Palace, located in Civil Lines;
  • Taj Rambagh Palace, with its beautifully landscaped gardens;
  • Trident Jaipur for its iconic views of Birla Temple;
  • ITC Rajputana with its cozy restaurant;
  • The Lalit Jaipur is set amidst royal gardens;
  • Fairmont Jaipur offers serenity & tranquillity;
  • KK Royal Hotel & Convention Centre is set amidst lavish garden space;
  • Park Plaza offers luxurious rooms & suites;
  • City Palace Hotel offers panoramic views of the city skyline and many more.

For travelers wanting to plan their trip to Jaipur on a budget, there are also affordable mid-range hotel options available within the city limits, including popular choices such as:

  • Udaivilas Oberoi Hotel & Resorts
  • Jhalamand House
  • Sunrise Health Resort
  • Club Mahindra
  • Shahpura Haveli
  • Country Inn by Radisson
  • Umaid Bhawan Palace
  • Marriot
  • Ramada

Whatever option you choose allows visitors to access the best this enchanting city offers during their stay in India’s Pink City.

Budget Hotels

Jaipur, the iconic “Pink City” of India, is known for its rich culture and incredible architecture, which extends to its accommodation options. The city offers a wide range of hotels for travelers of all budgets – from luxurious five-star properties to budget-friendly spots.

Suppose you’re visiting Jaipur on a budget or simply looking for an affordable place to stay in the city. In that case, plenty of budget hotels offer great value without compromising quality. Here’s a guide to some of the most popular and affordable budget hotels in Jaipur:

  1. Hotel Indraprastha: Offering air-conditioned rooms with modern comforts and amenities, Hotel Indraprastha provides guests with comfortable accommodations at pocket-friendly prices. It also has a multi-cuisine restaurant offering delicious meals in its state-of-the-art kitchen.
  2. Hotel Ramada Jaipur: Located near the city’s major attractions, this hotel is equipped with all the necessary facilities and services for a comfortable stay at an affordable rate. Guests can enjoy amenities like free Wi-Fi, multi-cuisine restaurants & various recreational facilities.
  3. Aura Residency: This no-frills hotel offers cozy rooms and basic amenities like free internet access and 24-hour room service. They also have an in-house restaurant serving lip-smacking delicacies from across India.
  4. Suncity Inn: This hotel provides weekly discounts that allow guests to save money on their stays. The building itself is pretty modern, giving off a contemporary vibe. Free Wi-Fi, laundry service, and complimentary shuttle service are a few nice touches of this property.
  5. Kanchan Villa: Located near the beautiful Birla Temple, this property offers bright interiors and clean, compact rooms with en suite bathrooms equipped with all the necessary facilities at pocket-friendly prices, making it the perfect choice for business travelers yet great value for money to leisure tourists.

Hostels

Hostels are among the most popular accommodation options for travelers exploring Jaipur, India. Hostels provide budget-friendly accommodations in vibrant and friendly settings.

Hostels in Jaipur offer a variety of amenities, depending on the specific hostel you choose. Some include private rooms and ensuite bathrooms, while others provide basic shared dormitory-style accommodations that accommodate large groups or individuals.

Standard amenities you’ll find include:

  • Air conditioning
  • Wi-Fi
  • Hot showers
  • Full kitchen facilities
  • Laundry rooms
  • Common areas for socializing and gathering with fellow guests

Compared to hotels or resorts in the area, hostels are usually the more economical choice for those on a tight budget who want to stay close to popular attractions. Many hostels also offer bicycle or motorbike hire services and local knowledge from friendly staff members who can help guide travelers around the city.