Jaipur Sightseeing

Jaipur's main sights are spread across two areas: the Amer hills to the north, and the walled old city in the centre. With a car and driver for the day you can cover both without worrying about autos, parking or directions. Below is a route that works well for most visitors, and the places it covers.

A simple one-day Jaipur route

1. Amber Fort (morning): start early, ideally when the fort opens, before the crowds and the heat. Allow two to three hours.
2. Panna Meena ka Kund: a short stop at this geometric stepwell, a few minutes from Amber Fort.
3. Jal Mahal: a photo stop on the way back towards the city. The palace sits in Man Sagar Lake and is viewed from the road; visitors cannot go inside.
4. Hawa Mahal: the famous pink facade in the old city. The view from the street is the classic photo; you can also go inside.
5. City Palace and Jantar Mantar: these are next to each other, so they are easy to do together after lunch.
6. Albert Hall Museum: Rajasthan's oldest museum, in a striking Indo-Saracenic building. It is lit up in the evening.
7. Nahargarh Fort or Birla Mandir (evening): Nahargarh for the sunset view over the city, or the white marble Birla Mandir if you prefer something closer.

This is a full day of about 8 to 10 hours. If you would rather go slower, split it over two days: Amer area on day one, old city on day two.

The main places in more detail

Amber Fort

Built from the late 16th century by Raja Man Singh I, Amber Fort is the most visited sight in Jaipur. The Sheesh Mahal, a hall covered in tiny mirrors, is the highlight. Jaigarh Fort, on the hill above, has the huge Jaivana cannon and is connected to Amber by a wall. In the evening, Amber hosts a light and sound show.

Hawa Mahal

Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, the "Palace of Winds" has 953 small windows. It was designed so that women of the royal household could watch festivals and street life without being seen. Early morning light on the facade is the best time for photos.

City Palace

A large complex of courtyards, gardens and buildings in the heart of the old city. Part of it is a museum with royal costumes, weapons and the two giant silver urns in the Diwan-e-Khas. The former royal family still lives in the Chandra Mahal section.

Jantar Mantar

An astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in the early 18th century. Its Samrat Yantra is one of the largest sundials in the world. Jantar Mantar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A guide makes this place much more interesting, as the instruments are hard to understand on your own.

Nahargarh Fort

On the ridge above the city, Nahargarh is where many locals go for the sunset. The drive up is narrow and winding, and the view over Jaipur at dusk is worth it.

Shopping and food

The old city bazaars are part of the experience. Johari Bazaar is known for jewellery and gemstones, Bapu Bazaar for textiles, block prints and mojari shoes, and Tripolia Bazaar for lac bangles. For food, try pyaaz kachori, dal baati churma and, in season, ghewar. For a traditional Rajasthani evening with dinner and folk performances, see Jaipur sightseeing with Chokhi Dhani.

Useful tips

• Rajasthan's composite ticket covers several state-run monuments, including Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Albert Hall and Nahargarh. City Palace is run privately and needs a separate ticket. Check current prices and which sites are included before you buy.
• Monument timings change with the season, so check them a day before.
• Wear comfortable shoes. Amber Fort and Nahargarh involve a lot of walking and slopes.
• In summer, keep the outdoor sights for the morning and evening, and do museums in the afternoon.
• Parking near Hawa Mahal and the old city is limited. Your driver will drop you close and wait nearby.

Book a car for Jaipur sightseeing

Choose a sedan for up to four people, an SUV such as an Ertiga or Innova for families, or a tempo traveller for groups. You can also see our ready packages: Jaipur sightseeing by taxi, Jaipur sightseeing package by car and one-day car sightseeing in Jaipur. Contact us with your date, pickup point and number of people for a quote.