Jaipur walking tour & city guide

The Pink City

The Hawa Mahal, the 'Palace of Winds', has a honeycomb facade of 953 small windows, built so royal women could watch street life unseen. The City Palace and the Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century astronomical observatory, are nearby. The bazaars sell textiles, jewelry and puppets.

Amber Fort

Amber Fort, on a hill outside the city, is a vast palace of courtyards and mirrored halls overlooking a lake. Nahargarh Fort offers sunset views over Jaipur.

A day in Jaipur

Go to Amber Fort early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds. Then come back to the Pink City for the Hawa Mahal, whose honeycomb facade is best photographed from the cafés across the street.

Visit the City Palace and the Jantar Mantar observatory, with its giant stone instruments. In the afternoon, explore the bazaars around Johari and Bapu Bazaar for textiles, jewelry and block-printed fabrics. End at Nahargarh Fort for sunset over the city.

Good to know

Jaipur is part of the Golden Triangle with Delhi and Agra, and fast trains connect them. A composite ticket covers several monuments.

Bargaining is expected in the markets. October to March is the best time to visit; the Jaipur Literature Festival takes place in January.