Jaipur, often known as the Pink City, is a major stop on the Golden Triangle, a popular travel route that links Rajasthan, Agra, and New Delhi. The name Jaipur is a reference to the pink structures in its old city center, including the well-known Hawa Mahal.
Readers of Travel + Leisure frequently rank Jaipur as one of the world's greatest cities. With its expansive palaces, elaborate architectural marvels, and expansive vistas of verdant hills and picturesque lakes, this city is known for its splendor. Being the earliest planned city in India, it is recognized as a remarkable example of indigenous city planning and has been inducted into the UNESCO World Heritage list. Additionally, especially for first-timers, its streets feel a little more manageable than the clogged mazes of New Delhi and Mumbai.
The setting for the films The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and "Riding into Jaipur" by Paul McCartney both come from this place. It's a venue to take in the performing arts, eat delectable meals in the regal dining halls, and remember the good old days when Maharajas reigned. Explore the Mughal architecture and ride elephants during the day, and at night, take advantage of some of the best hotels on the planet.
Jaipur is a shopping haven, with a wide selection of textiles, exquisite jewelry, and complex handcrafted artwork.
Travelers arriving in New Delhi have three options for getting to the city: by train, bus, or private vehicle. By high-speed train, the fastest route takes little less than four hours.
Time Zone
The Indian Standard Time Zone applies to Jaipur. India does not observe Daylight Saving Time, hence Indian Standard Time is 10 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Eastern Time.
Best Time to Go
Although it's warm in Jaipur throughout the year, October through February is the most comfortable time to visit the Pink City. The clearest, windiest days occur at this time, and tourists may anticipate the warmest temperatures. If you go between March and July, you could have to endure oppressive heat while touring expansive castles that existed before air conditioning. In Jaipur, the temperature can get above 100 degrees Fahrenheit during these months.
Things to Know
The most populous city in Rajasthan and the tenth most populous in all of India is Jaipur. The term "Pink City" was given to it because of the sophisticated use of the color across the city. The Golden Triangle, a popular tourist route connecting New Delhi, Rajasthan, and the Taj Mahal, includes Jaipur as one of its points. Despite being just 167 miles away from New Delhi, Jaipur is a whole different planet. Jaipur was India's first planned city, having been established in 1727. The city is easier to navigate than Delhi or Mumbai since it is laid out on a street grid rather than a convoluted network of roadways. Experience the pre-colonial Indian palaces, learn about Indian history, and unwind in first-rate hotels.
How To Get Around
Trains: Jaipur still has a ways to go before achieving its lofty goals for municipal transit. The metro system in Jaipur covers an eight-mile radius and includes a single-running train line. The bus is a better option if you want to use public transportation to move around.
Buses: City buses are run in Jaipur; some have air conditioning. Additionally, many tour firms provide sightseeing bus tours.
Taxis: A number of the town's taxi firms are available for online reservations. There are also plenty of famous yellow and green auto-rickshaws in India.
Ride service: In Jaipur, Ola and Uber both offer ride-sharing options. Private vehicle and taxi services are also offered.
Best Hotels
The Leela Palace Jaipur
A visual feast for the senses, the Aravalli mountain range serves as the backdrop for this stunning five-star hotel. Across eight acres, this opulent retreat is home to some of the best restaurants in the city.
Rambagh Palace
Surrounded by a gorgeous Mughal garden, this expansive luxury hotel provides just 78 deluxe rooms and suites. Some of Jaipur's best restaurants may be found in the former Maharajas' palace, which has played host to celebrities like Jackie Kennedy and Prince Charles.
The Oberoi Rajvilas
This opulent hotel honors the Pink City's center by using the hue throughout the building. You may find plenty of seclusion, a gorgeous pool to lounge by, and an intimate experience that will make you feel like royalty.
The Raj Palace
Entering this historic hotel is like stepping back in time. This is the spot to enjoy the exquisite architecture of Jaipur and to unwind in luxury, or by the stunning hotel pool. Make sure not to skip afternoon tea.
Jai Mahal Palace
Beautiful Mughal gardens spanning eighteen acres surround this legendary hotel. In the center of Jaipur's famous Pink City, this five-star hotel offers 100 rooms and suites. It also has an unparalleled private dining experience, a cigar bar, and a spa.
Best Restaurants
Mohan Mahal
The meal of traditional Rajasthani food is elevated to a whole new level at this exquisite restaurant. Simply select vegetarian or non-vegetarian, then let the chef guide you through a variety of delectable regional specialties.
Preet Mahal
Italian trattorias, which serve classic Italian comfort cuisines like pizzas, pasta, and risottos with friendly service in a sophisticated setting with an outside patio, are the source of inspiration for Preet Mahal.
Suvarna Mahal
This elegant Indian eatery is located in a former royal banqueting hall. Feast on the preferred cuisine of pre-colonial Indian royals in this sumptuous area adorned with elaborate paintings and gilded mirrors. The chicken with mango and saffron or the fiery lamb dish from Rajasthan are not to be missed.
House of Han
The best spot to get Dim Sum in Jaipur is at this restaurant, which is housed inside the Crowne Plaza Hotel. There are several vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals from China, Singapore, and Hong Kong available in addition to dim sum. The famous olive fried rice is a must-try.
Things to Do
Hawa Mahal
The Pink City's center is located here. In Jaipur's historic center, the five-story architectural icon is situated at the edge of the City Palace and is constructed of red and pink sandstone. The outside of Hawa Mahal features a honeycomb-like appearance and 953 tiny windows with internationally renowned latticework.
Amber Palace
Located approximately thirty minutes by car outside of Jaipur, this palace has also been inducted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the highlights of this palace, which dates back to 1592, is Sheesh Mahal, or the hall of mirrors. Elephant rides are also a popular attraction at Amber Fort.
City Palace
This is one of Jaipur's most popular sights, just behind Hawa Mahal. This served as the official and ceremonial headquarters of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Its complex of structures encircled open courtyards and served as the venue for religious and cultural events.
Jal Mahal
Rising from the middle of Man Sagar Lake stands the magnificent palace known as Jal Mahal. Though a closer inspection reveals it is half buried, this palace appears to float on top of the sparkling sea. Right now, just one of its five stories is visible. Although you cannot inside the building, Nahargarh Fort offers a taste of its past splendor.
Jantar Mantar
This is yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site you won't want to miss, especially if you're captivated by astronomy. Nineteen astronomy instruments were assembled to form the Jantar Mahal in the early eighteenth century. The largest stone sundial in the world is located there.
Best Shopping
Johari Bazar
One of Jaipur's most well-known shopping locations is this one. Jewelers are known as joharis, and jewelry is a niche business. Along with a range of traditional Indian apparel, shoppers may anticipate finding traditional Rajasthani jewelry crafted from gold and precious stones.
Tripolia Bazar
One of Jaipur's busiest and oldest markets is Tripolia Bazar. This is the location to purchase vibrant fabrics and bangles. There will also likely be a wide selection of exquisite carpets and rugs.
Nehru Bazar
You'll discover a range of exquisite clothing items and textiles here, but the real appeal is the juttis, a classic North Indian kind of shoe. The best juttis, a specialty of Jaipur, may be found at Nehru Bazaar.
Weather
In Jaipur, the days are warm throughout the year, but the evenings can get chilly from December to February. Peak temperatures in April, May, and June can surpass 100° Fahrenheit, signaling the arrival of summer early. From July to September is monsoon season, which brings cooler weather and cheaper hotel rates to those who don't mind the rain. The best time of year to visit is from October to June when mild sunshine and cool breezes are present. However, you might want to bring a jacket. In January, the temperature might drop to the 40s.
Conclusion
Every visitor has an amazing time in Jaipur that they won't soon forget. The city's busy marketplaces and cultural events highlight the dynamic energy of the locals, while its amazing historical monuments, palaces, and forts illustrate the city's regal legacy. The city of Jaipur is rich in both culture and history. Jaipur has been an important hub for Indian art, architecture, and culture from its early days as a planned city to its current state as a thriving metropolis.
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