Jaipur packs more UNESCO World Heritage sites, royal palaces, and atmospheric bazaars into its old walled city than almost any destination in India. Built in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the Pink City was one of India’s first planned cities, laid out on a grid system with wide avenues and rose-coloured buildings. Today its mix of Rajput and Mughal architecture, hilltop forts, and artisan markets makes it the anchor of the Golden Triangle circuit alongside Delhi and Agra. This guide covers every major attraction in Jaipur with opening hours, ticket prices, and practical tips. For weather advice on the best months to visit these outdoor sites, see our Jaipur weather by month guide; for where to stay near each area, check where to stay in Jaipur.
Things to Do in Jaipur: Forts and Palaces
Amber Fort (Amer Fort)
Amber Fort sits on a hilltop 11km north of central Jaipur and is the city’s most impressive monument. Built from pale yellow and pink sandstone with white marble inlay, the fort complex sprawls across four courtyards, each more ornate than the last. The Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) is the highlight: a hall covered in thousands of tiny convex mirrors that shimmer like stars when a single match is lit. The Ganesh Pol gateway, painted with natural vegetable dyes, is one of the most photographed facades in Rajasthan. Opening hours are 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily. Entry costs INR 550 (US$6.60) for foreigners and INR 100 (US$1.20) for Indians. The evening sound and light show runs at 7:00 PM (English) and 8:00 PM (Hindi), tickets INR 295 (US$3.55). Arrive by 8:00 AM to beat the tour buses and the midday heat. You can walk up the ramp (10 minutes) or take a jeep (INR 500 return). Avoid the elephant rides: animal welfare concerns have led many travellers to skip them.
Jaigarh Fort
Jaigarh Fort sits on the ridge above Amber Fort and was built to protect the Amber palace complex. Its main draw is the Jaivana Cannon, cast in 1720 and claimed to be the world’s largest cannon on wheels at 50 tonnes. The fort walls stretch for 3km along the hilltop, offering panoramic views of Amber town and the Aravalli hills. Entry costs INR 150 (US$1.80) for foreigners, INR 50 (US$0.60) for Indians. Hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You can walk between Amber and Jaigarh forts via a connecting path (20 minutes uphill) or drive to the Jaigarh entrance separately. The fort has an on-site restaurant serving Rajasthani thalis (INR 400 to 600 / US$5 to US$7).
Nahargarh Fort
Nahargarh Fort crowns the northern ridge of the Aravalli hills directly above Jaipur city. Built in 1734 as a retreat for the maharajas, it offers the best sunset views of the Pink City skyline. The Madhavendra Bhawan, a nine-apartment complex for the king’s nine queens, is the architectural highlight with its candy-coloured corridors and ornate frescoes. The Padao open-air restaurant serves beer and snacks at sunset. Entry is INR 200 (US$2.40) for foreigners, INR 50 (US$0.60) for Indians. Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, though the restaurant stays open until 10:00 PM. Take an auto-rickshaw from the Old City for INR 200 to 300 (US$2.40 to US$3.60) or drive up in 20 minutes. Go after 3:00 PM for the golden hour views.
Things to Do in Jaipur: Royal Landmarks
City Palace
The City Palace complex in the heart of the Old City is still the official residence of Jaipur’s royal family. The part open to visitors includes the Mubarak Mahal (now a textile museum), the Diwan-i-Khas with its two massive silver urns (listed in Guinness World Records as the largest sterling silver objects), and the four exquisitely painted gates representing the four seasons. The Peacock Gate in the Pritam Niwas Chowk courtyard is the most photographed spot. Entry costs INR 700 (US$8.40) for foreigners for the main palace, with an additional INR 500 (US$6) for the Royal Grandeur sections including the inner chambers. Indians pay INR 200 (US$2.40). Open daily 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours. The on-site Baradari cafe serves good coffee and Rajasthani snacks.
Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds)
The Hawa Mahal is Jaipur’s most iconic facade: a five-storey pink sandstone honeycomb of 953 small jharokha windows built in 1799 so royal women could observe street life without being seen. The best time for photography is early morning (7:00 AM to 9:00 AM) when the rising sun hits the eastern-facing facade directly. For the classic shot, cross the street to the rooftop cafes opposite (Wind View Cafe and The Tattoo Cafe open from 7:30 AM). Entry into the Hawa Mahal itself costs INR 200 (US$2.40) for foreigners, INR 50 (US$0.60) for Indians. Open 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The interior is relatively plain compared to the facade; the view looking back through the latticed windows at the street below is the interior highlight.
Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest of five astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Jai Singh II across India. The collection of 19 architectural astronomical instruments includes the Samrat Yantra, the world’s largest sundial at 27 metres tall, which can measure time to an accuracy of 2 seconds. Built between 1728 and 1734, the instruments are functional to this day. Entry costs INR 200 (US$2.40) for foreigners, INR 50 (US$0.60) for Indians. Composite ticket covering Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Albert Hall, and Vidhyadhar Garden costs INR 1,000 (US$12) for foreigners and is valid for 2 days. Open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Hire one of the official guides at the entrance (INR 200 to 300 / US$2.40 to US$3.60) because the instruments make little sense without explanation. Allow 45 to 60 minutes.
Things to Do in Jaipur: Museums and Gardens
Albert Hall Museum
The Albert Hall Museum is housed in a striking Indo-Saracenic building completed in 1887, modelled on the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Its collection includes an Egyptian mummy (one of only a handful in India), miniature paintings from the Mughal and Rajput schools, arms and armour, and a large display of Rajasthani textiles and pottery. At night, the building is illuminated in yellow light and the front courtyard fills with local families. Entry costs INR 300 (US$3.60) for foreigners, INR 40 (US$0.50) for Indians. Open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM for evening visits. Allow 1 to 1.5 hours.
Sisodia Rani Garden
Sisodia Rani Garden, 8km east of the city centre on the Agra road, was built in 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II for his queen from the Sisodia clan of Udaipur. The terraced garden features painted pavilions, tiered fountains, and murals depicting scenes from the life of Lord Krishna. It is quieter and less visited than the major forts, making it a good escape from Jaipur’s traffic. Entry costs INR 200 (US$2.40) for foreigners, INR 50 (US$0.60) for Indians. Open 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Combine with a visit to the nearby Galtaji Temple (Monkey Temple) for a half-day trip.
Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing
Housed in a restored haveli in the shadow of Amber Fort, this small museum documents the art of Rajasthani block printing. You can watch artisans carve wooden blocks and print fabric by hand. The on-site shop sells high-quality Anokhi brand textiles at better prices than in town. Entry costs INR 80 (US$0.95). Open Tuesday to Saturday 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Closed Mondays. Cafe on site serves good coffee and light meals.
Things to Do in Jaipur: Markets and Shopping
Johari Bazaar
Johari Bazaar is the jewellery hub of Jaipur, stretching for 1.5km through the heart of the Old City. The lanes are lined with shops selling silver, gold, and Jaipur’s famous gemstones (the city is one of the world’s largest cutting and polishing centres for emeralds and garnets). Even if you are not buying jewellery, the bazaar is worth visiting for the architecture: many shops occupy 18th-century havelis with painted ceilings and carved doorways. For silver, head to the government-approved Rajasthan Small Industries Corporation (RAJSICO) emporium on the main strip where prices are fixed. Nearby Bapu Bazaar is better for textiles, leather jootis (traditional shoes), and block-printed fabric. Most shops open 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM, closed Sundays.
Chandpole Bazaar
Chandpole Bazaar specialises in marble carvings, brassware, and traditional Rajasthani puppets (kathputli). The marble statues range from palm-sized Ganeshas to life-sized elephants. Bargaining is expected: aim for 30 to 40 percent below the initial asking price. The bazaar leads directly to the Chandpole Gate, one of the seven original gates of the walled city. Combine with a walk through Tripolia Bazaar for bangles and lac jewellery.
Things to Do in Jaipur: Day Trips and Experiences
Chand Baori Stepwell (Abhaneri)
Chand Baori, in the village of Abhaneri 95km east of Jaipur, is one of India’s most spectacular stepwells. Built in the 9th century, it descends 13 storeys with 3,500 narrow steps arranged in a perfect geometric pattern on three sides. It appeared in the films The Fall and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Entry costs INR 250 (US$3) for foreigners, INR 25 (US$0.30) for Indians. Hire a car and driver for the day (INR 2,500 to 3,500 / US$30 to US$42) to combine Chand Baori with the ruined Harshat Mata Temple next door and the Bhangarh Fort ruins (another 30km further). Leave by 7:00 AM to reach Chand Baori before the midday heat.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
SkyWaltz operates hot air balloon flights over Jaipur from September through April (monsoon and summer months are suspended). The one-hour flight launches near Amber Fort at sunrise and drifts over the Aravalli hills, Amber Palace, and rural villages. Cost is INR 13,000 to 16,000 (US$156 to US$192) per person depending on the season. Book at least 2 weeks ahead during peak season. Flights depart daily at 6:00 AM in winter, 5:30 AM in summer.
Elefantastic Elephant Sanctuary
Elefantastic, 15km from central Jaipur, is an ethical elephant sanctuary where you can feed, bathe, and walk with retired working elephants. No riding is offered. The experience lasts about 3 hours and costs INR 4,500 (US$54) per person including transport from your hotel. Book ahead through their website. Morning sessions (8:00 AM to 11:00 AM) are better than afternoon in hot months. The sanctuary has 8 elephants and limits visitors to small groups.
Jaipur rewards at least 3 full days of exploration, 4 if you want to include day trips. For a complete picture of the city’s layout and where to base yourself, read our Jaipur neighborhoods guide guide. The Jaipur events and festivals calendar lists what is on during your visit, and the Jaipur travel tips and FAQ FAQ answers practical questions from local transport to tipping. For the big-picture overview, see our main Jaipur travel guide.
