Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan and famously known as the “Pink City,” is celebrated for its stunning forts and grand palaces. The city’s architectural beauty, with buildings made from pink-painted sandstone, showcases the rich culture, heritage, and traditions that attract visitors from all over the world. The influence of Rajput architecture is evident in iconic landmarks such as Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, and Jal Mahal. Additionally, Jaipur is home to the largest Jantar Mantar in India, an impressive astronomical observatory.

Here are some must-visit places and experiences to include in your Jaipur itinerary:

Amber Fort

Your Jaipur trip wouldn’t be complete without visiting this iconic fort. The architecture is mesmerizing, and the views from the top are breathtaking. Amber Fort offers a glimpse into the origins of Jaipur and how Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh built this first planned city of India.

Nahargarh Fort

Painted in a beautiful yellow, Nahargarh Fort now houses scientific installations in many of its rooms. For the most stunning sunset views in the city, stay at Nahargarh until evening to watch the sun go down and the city light up.

City tour by a female Rickshaw driver

One of the coolest ways to explore Jaipur is with a female rickshaw driver. This unique experience allows you to visit major landmarks like Amber Fort, Nahargarh, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and Hawa Mahal while supporting local women’s empowerment initiatives.

Temples

Jaipur’s temples are not only architecturally unique but hold great significance for the locals. Must-visit temples include Akshardham Temple, Birla Mandir, Moti Dungri, and Galta Ji. The Akshardham Temple glows like gold at night, while Galta Ji offers one of the best sunset views in the city.

Jaipur Markets

Shopping in Jaipur is a must. Head to “Badi” and “Chhoti Chaupar” for clothes, shoes, and bags. Tripolia Market is great for brass ornaments and artificial jewelry, while Johari Market is the place for traditional gold and silver jewelry. Kishanpol Bazaar is perfect for textiles and wooden furniture. For a one-stop shopping experience, visit Jaipur Haat.

Rajasthani Cuisine

No trip to Rajasthan is complete without indulging in its authentic cuisine. Try dishes like dal-bati-churma, gatte masala, and Laal Maas (red meat) with naan or parantha. Don’t miss out on sweet dishes like Ghevar and ker sangri. The royal flavors of Rajasthan are sure to leave you satisfied.

Folk Festivals

Jaipur comes alive during its colorful festivals, especially Teej and Gangaur. Teej, celebrated between July and September, and Gangaur, in March, showcase the city’s vibrant culture. Other festivals include the Elephant Festival and Dusshera, while the International Kite Festival in January fills the sky with colorful kites.

Jaipur Literature Fest

This event is a must for book lovers. You may meet your favorite authors, poets, and social activists like Amish Tripathi, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Oprah Winfrey, and Salman Rushdie. The festival, held in January, also features historians, publishers, filmmakers, dancers, and more, along with book launches, readings, debates, music nights, and dance performances.

Cooking Classes

Learn the secrets of Rajasthani cuisine by taking a cooking class. In a 4-5 hour session, you’ll explore the spices, ingredients, and cooking techniques that make this region’s food so special. You’ll be able to recreate the royal flavors of Jaipur at home and relive your travel memories.

Raj Mandir

A visit to this movie theater is unlike any other experience. Opened on June 1, 1976, and designed by architect W.M. Namjoshi, Raj Mandir was built to make every visitor feel like a royal guest. The opulent chandeliers and grand staircase add to its charm, making it a must-see, whether or not you watch a movie.

Elephantastic Elephant Farm

Dedicated to protecting elephants, this farm allows you to spend an entire day interacting with these majestic creatures. You can play, feed, walk, and even bathe the elephants, making it an unforgettable experience.

Block printing Workshop

Jaipur is renowned for its traditional block printing. Participate in a workshop to learn about the process and create your own block-printed fabric to take home as a unique souvenir.

I hope you enjoyed reading about these experiences! Let me know which ones you’ve already tried and what’s on your bucket list for your next trip to Jaipur.