Jaipur Travel Guide | Skyscanner

Walk through Jaipur’s Old City and you’ll feel like you’re seeing the world through rose-coloured glasses. Gorgeously carved sandstone buildings and pink walls make the Rajasthani capital glow against the green Aravalli hills. Catch sunrise over the city from a hill fort, then watch the sunset over a palace floating on a still lake. From regal architecture to rainbow-hued bazaars, trips to Jaipur are all about picture-perfect moments. Our Jaipur travel guide will help you make the most of your visit.

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Jaipur highlights

Where to stay

A classic trip to Jaipur begins with a stay in a ‘haveli’. Many of these historic townhomes have been transformed into hotels full of heritage and history. You’ll find loads of havelis, both luxe and more modest, in the Old City. Prefer something more modern? The C-Scheme neighbourhood is packed with options for a range of budgets.

Pink palaces

When you stroll through the colourful streets of Jaipur’s Old City, you’ll soon see how the Pink City got its name. Hawa Mahal’s honeycomb lattices aren’t just decorative — they keep the palace cool and breezy, earning it the nickname ‘The Palace of Winds’. Jal Mahal almost looks like it’s floating on the surface of Man Sagar Lake. At night, it’s beautifully illuminated.

Hill forts

Head for the hills surrounding Jaipur to discover forts that have kept watch over the city for centuries. Nahargarh Fort is closest to the city centre, with can’t-miss views. The sprawling Amer Fort is full of hidden passages and courtyards to explore. Look for the Sheesh Mahal or the ‘Palace of Mirrors’, with its glittering mosaic walls.

Jaipur: Know before you go

Language	Hindi
Currency	Indian rupee (₹)
Time zone	UTC+5:30 (IST)
High season	October - March
Low season	April - October

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Things to do in Jaipur

Take in the culture

The museums in Jaipur are elegant and loaded with fascinating objects. Once the home of a maharaja, the City Palace Museum houses royal garments and armour. Next door, Jantar Mantar looks like a modern art installation, but it’s actually an 18th-century observatory. The Albert Hall Museum displays artefacts of daily life from India and around the world.

Places to eat

Rajasthani cuisine is all about bold flavours. At restaurants in Jaipur, sample an assortment of regional tastes served together on a ‘thali’, a large metal plate. Keep an eye out for ‘dal baati churma’, a combination of spicy lentil curry, semisweet porridge and fried dough. Don’t miss Masala Chowk, a popular open-air market bursting with street food.

Shopping

Snag unique souvenirs — or pick up a treasure for yourself — in Jaipur’s famous bazaars. In the Old City, artisans set up shop along specialised ‘rastas’, or lanes. You’ll find brightly coloured lac bangles along Maniharon ka Rasta, and marble on Khajane Walon Ka Rasta. Shop for fine jewellery along Mirza Ismail Road, or look for Jaipur’s famous blue pottery.

FAQs about visiting Jaipur

Is it safe to visit Jaipur?

Jaipur is one of the safest cities in India, even for solo and female travellers. But it’s always good to take common-sense precautions, especially if you’re out after dark or exploring the busy bazaars.

When is the best time to visit Jaipur?

For the best weather, head to Jaipur between October and March. Cooler temperatures are perfect for exploring forts and temples. And during the autumn Diwali festival, the whole city is decorated with lights. Visiting during the monsoon season? Don’t miss Teej, a festival honouring the Hindu goddess Parvati.

How expensive is a trip to Jaipur?

From fine jewellery to heritage resorts, Jaipur doesn’t lack for luxury. But you’ll also find plenty of mid-range and budget options here. Travel during the shoulder or monsoon seasons for fewer crowds and the best prices on stays.

How many days do you need for a trip to Jaipur?

Three or four days is a perfect amount of time to experience Jaipur’s highlights. You could easily spend a whole day exploring Amer and Jaigarh Forts alone. Or make Jaipur a stop on a tour of India’s ‘Golden Triangle’, including Agra and New Delhi.

Is Jaipur a good place to visit?

With its stunning architecture and picture-perfect landmarks, it’s easy to see why Jaipur is one of India’s most popular destinations. Havelis and bazaars full of local artisans let you experience the city’s heritage and history firsthand.

What currency is used in Jaipur?

The Indian rupee (₹) is the official currency in Jaipur. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants and shops, though carrying some cash is useful for markets, taxis and smaller vendors.

What language is spoken in Jaipur?

Hindi is the primary language spoken in Jaipur. You may also hear Rajasthani dialects in everyday conversation. English is commonly used in hotels, shops and other tourist settings.

What is the hottest month in Jaipur?

May is usually the hottest month in Jaipur, with average highs around 43°C. The heat peaks just before the arrival of the monsoon season.

What is the coldest month in Jaipur?

January is typically the coolest month, with average lows around 8°C. Days are generally mild, while mornings and evenings can feel noticeably cooler.

What is the rainiest month in Jaipur?

August is generally the wettest month in Jaipur, with average rainfall of about 23 centimetres. Expect short but sometimes intense bursts of rain.

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