Jaipur or the Pink City of India is by far my favorite city on the planet. The entire damn world hasn’t compared to this gem where my dad was raised. Maybe it’s the history I have with this place or just the general feeling of belonging, I cannot recommend people enough to travel to Jaipur. Jaipur is an urban adventure filled with loud people, sneaky monkeys, an occasional camel and the best food you have ever tasted. In this guide I have put together the top 25 things to do in Jaipur in 2020.
I also have a post about the perfect 3 day itinerary to make sure you get to see the best gems in Jaipur but if you want to mix and match your trip then this post will cover all the best places to visit in Jaipur. For the best places to be treated like royalty in the land of kings check out my Guide for where to stay in Jaipur.
List of top 25 things to do in Jaipur in 2020
- Amer Fort
- Nahargarh Fort
- Jaigarh Fort
- Albert Museum
- City Palace
- Hawa Mahal
- Johari Bazar
- Bar Palladio
- Jal Mahal
- Chokhi Dhani
- Lakshmi Misthan Bhandar
- Samode Palace
- Food Tour
- Ranthambore safari
- Panna Meena ka Kund
- Birla Mandir
- Jawahar Circle
- FabIndia
- Anokhi Cafe
- Monkey Temple
- Gaitore ki Chatriyan
- Raj Mandir Cinema
- Lassiwala
- Samode Haveli
- 51 Shades of Pink
1. Amer fort
Amer fort is an architecture wonder that will stun you with its size and beauty. It comes in first place for things to do in Jaipur. Set above the Maota Lake, it has an impressive pathway leading up to the high wooden doors at the front of the palace. The palace has four sets of courtyards. The entrance courtyard has the Suraj Pol and Chand Pol where the elephants are paraded. The Diwan-e-Aam with its many pillars was used to greet the public. The Diwan-e-Khas includes the Sheesh Mahal covered with a thousand mirrors which served as the King’s private residence. You can easily spend the entire morning here, taking a tour of the grounds and clicking pictures.
2. Nahargarh fort
This is one of the best things to do in Jaipur at sunset. It has a beautiful drive through the forest up the Aravali hills. The winding fort walls which overlook the city are known for being THE BEST photography spot at sunset. The walls are expansive and you can find places to see the sunset without seeing a single other soul. Most of the photos on Instagram of the large red wall are taken here.
3. Jaigarh fort
If the royal family was attacked at Amer fort they would use a secret tunnel that led to this highly fortified fort that sits a few kilometres above it. Yes you can totally use that tunnel to go from fort to fort and this is probably one of the coolest things to do in Jaipur. Jaigarh fort was made for hard war. You can see that in its huge doors and the wall silos that overlook Amer Fort with a birds eye view of the surrounding rolling hills. This was also the reason the largest canon in the country is now on display here.
4. Albert museum
This is the largest museum in Rajasthan and hosts some amazing artifacts inside. If you are into history or want to be wowed by some art then this is one of the best things to do in Jaipur in 2020. Albert Museum was constructed in 1876 and the architecture is a prime example of Indo-Saracenic stonework in all of India. The building is especially famous for the hundreds of pigeons that make for a great backdrop for gorgeous sunrise pictures.
5. City Palace
The City Palace built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1797 is the most beautiful complex in the city and recommended by all the locals as one of the top things to do in Jaipur. The palace includes the Mubarak Mahal to greet dignitaries, the Maharani’s Palace which used to serve as the queen’s quarters, the opulent red Diwas-e-Khas and the demure Diwan-e-Aam. At the end of the complex is the most beautiful courtyard in the palace, the Pitam Niwas Chowk. The chowk is endowed with four exquisite gates representing the four seasons that were hand painted with painstaking precision and colors of such quality they still shine today. Beyond these areas lies the Chandra Mahal where the current royal family of Jaipur resides and you can take a private tour if you wish so for an extra charge to see the gorgeous Blue Room or Chhavi Niwas.
6. Hawa Mahal
The famous Palace of the Winds stands in the middle of the bazaar and looks even most gorgeous than you could possibly imagine. This is one of the things to do in Jaipur that you cannot miss. Hawa Mahal was built using the red sandstone the region is famous for. It was built for the ladies of the palace to watch the marketplace below without being seen. The best place to view this building is in a cafe on the third floor on the opposite side of the road. There is a narrow staircase that leads up to the roof where you are eye level with the top of the building and can see the entire structure.
7. Johari Bazaar
The famous centuries old bazaar is located in the old city and filled with magic and wonder. It’s in the top things to do in Jaipur to experience the culture and local life. The bazaar is divided into sections by different products so you can find all the jewelers in one place, spices and food at another and clothing or jootis at a third. It’s easy to shop around and get a feel for the prices before buying anything. The most famous form of jewellery sold here is the glazed enamel or meenakari jewellery near the Sanganeri gate entrance. You can easily flag a rickshaw and get a ride to the gate. The best way to enjoy this bazaar is to just start walking in any direction and explore as you go.
8. Bar Palladio
Bar Palladio is a restaurant and lounge located within Narain Niwas Palace Hotel. It has the air of Mughal luxury while being inspired by the Italian heritage of its owner Barbara Miolini. Through a narrow gate in an unassuming building you will find dancing peacocks, ripe mangoes hanging off giant trees and an open air canopied bar. Bar Palladio has one of the most stunning interiors designed by Dutch designer Marie-Ann Oudejans. The canopies of blue and white instill a sense of cool and calm in the middle of a hot, sweaty and bustling city. As soon as you step inside you will begin to feel the exhaustion and grime of the day melt away in the sips of your martini. It is included in the best things to do in Jaipur because of its unique character and tasty cocktails.
9. Jal Mahal
The palace that floats on water. One of the things to do in Jaipur that you have to see to appreciate its beauty. This palace was built in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake at the edge of the city. It used to serve as the hunting lodge for the kings of Jaipur. The lake shore now serves as a meeting point for people with ice cream vendors and families coming here at night once the Jal Mahal has been lit. During night time the palace gives the illusion of floating on top of the water.
10. Chokhi Dhani
Disneyland of Indian villages. It has everything you could expect to see in a Rajasthani villages including mud huts decorated with traditional art, dance performances everys, a snake show, henna tattoo artists, palm and tarot card readers and a traditional Rajasthani dinner experience. The dinner is one of the best experiences in Jaipur and you should sign up for it at the entrance. You sit down on the mud ground and are served over 15 different dishes and drinks that barely barelyyyyy fit in your stomach. The dinner experience alone makes it one of the top things to do in Jaipur.
11. Lakshmi Misthan Bhandar
The most famous restaurant in Jaipur. This is one of the best places to visit in Jaipur for its food. These guys have been traditional sweetsmen for almost 300 years and have passed down the recipes from generation to generation. Having visited LMB for many years I recommend not going for one of the bigger plates but trying out the smaller chaats instead. Order one plate each of Raj Kachori, Pyaaz Kachori, Chola Bhatura, Aloo Papri Chaat and the Burger (not an actual burger, they change the stuffing to a Rajasthani one which is amazing).
12. Samode Palace
This palace turned luxury heritage hotel has one of the most beautiful interiors you could ever expect to see. The palace is nestled between the Aravali hills 30 miles away from the city of Jaipur. The walls inside the palace were once hand painted with painstaking precision and continue to be preserved. The 500 year old palace is a splendid mixture of Indian and Mughal architecture. The best way to experience this property would be to schedule a dinner reservation here and ask for a tour of the property. I recommend staying here to get the proper experience for one of the most luxurious and unique places to see in Jaipur.
13. Food Tour
Jaipur is my favorite city for food. As soon as I step foot back here I make a point to visit a few places that have been my go to favorites for 20 years. It is impossible for me to pick and choose just a few. The best way for you to experience all these foods, the Raj Kachori, Pyaaz Kachori, Daal Bhati, Gol Guppe, Malpua and other street food would be to take a food tour. The guys leading the tour make sure you get a taste of the delicious food in Jaipur and at the same time avoid an upset tummy.
14. Ranthambore Safari
This is one full day adventure that I really loved. I have always been really appreciative of safaris and getting to spend the entire day in the jungle. The drive from Jaipur to Sawai Madhopur where your safari starts is 3-4 hours. Once you reach you are first served lunch and then go out on safari. Your safari of 4.5 hours will encounter the Bengal tiger, mugger crocodiles, Indian leopards, sloth bears and hundreds of species of bird. After the safari you will drive back the lonely roads to Jaipur and stop at a roadside dhaba for dinner. If you are coming from out of state this experience is a great thing to do in Jaipur.
15. Panna Meena ka Kund
This is a gorgeous ancient 16th century stepwell that sits next to the Amer Fort. This stepwell was built for the people of Amer to collect water and for travelers to cool off after their journeys. The stepwell is perfectly symmetrically constructed and provides an opportunity for very unique pictures. You can easily fit this into your trip to Amer fort since it’s just 5 minutes from there.
16. Birla Mandir
This is a huge temple made out of white marble that sits on the backdrop of the Moti Dungri Fort. The temple gleams in the harsh desert sun. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. You can see carvings of various gods and goddesses on the walls of the structure. Unlike the traditional hindu temple you can see influences of several other religions and scholars in the decorations of this place which makes a very unique Jaipur attraction.
17. Jawahar Circle
One of the best things to do in Jaipur to experience the local life. This is the nightime gathering spot and the day engagement shoot location for Jaipur. During the day you can see photographers vying to capture the vibrantly colorful Jawahar Circle Gate on their lenses. The best time to see this without any other people would be at sunrise when the first photographers are just arriving. At night time the gardens can be seen filled with families eating ice cream, buying balloons and kids running around blowing bubbles.
18. FabIndia
This is a famous Indian brand that manufacturers gorgeous Indian prints, dresses, jewelry, soaps, oils and other products that are uniquely Indian in nature. The company promotes conservation and revival of grassroots textile communities that make these products. Their location in Jaipur is known to be one of the best spots to buy Indian fabric and dresses. If you are spending some time in India you would do well to go here sooner than later and buy some cotton dresses to wear on your vacation. My personal favorite are their essential oils which I buy in bulk and get to the US. You cannot find such variety and range anywhere else.
19. Anokhi Cafe
If you are looking for a healthy and tasty fresh food European cuisine this is your best bet. I once tasted a piece of their Chocolate Caramel Slice they have and remember it being the most delicious piece of pie I have ever had. They now have fresh juice, coffee, tea, sandwiches and cakes to pretty much satisfy your every need. It isn’t crowded in the evenings and you can come here and chill with a book if you’re feeling a lazy afternoon.
20. Monkey Temple
This is an ancient Hindu site located 10 kilometres away from Jaipur. It consists of a series of temples built into the Aravali hillside. The steps lead you to the very top of the hill which has a birds view over Jaipur. What makes it unique are the hundred of monkeys swinging from trees, taking a dip in the water, stealing food from you or just scaring the shit out of some dumb people. In the evening when the priest steps outside and whistles to the monkeys you will see 500 monkeys descend from all the surrounding hillside for food. I have seen this spectacle myself and it is nothing short of a wonder. This is an amazing place to visit in Jaipur for its history and ambience.
21. Gaitore ki Chatriyan
This place was the sacred cremation grounds for the Kachhwaha community that ruled the land centuries ago. The grounds now have a cluster of royal tombs made out of stone that preserve the beauty of that time. The cenotaphs of the royals are present all around the garden and provide a peaceful place to meditate and escape the sun. The umbrellas on top of the cenotaphs had carved images of nature, battles and divinity which stand to this day. There are lots of photo opportunities you can find in the place. Definitely one of the quietest and serene places in Jaipur to spend an afternoon.
22. Raj Mandir Cinema
This is an opulent and grandiose cinema hall constructed in 1976. It is the most famous cinema building in India and has hosted many movie premieres since its construction. This is not just a place to watch movies, people clap and cheer when the hero makes an entry and dance along with the movie music in the aisles. In the foyers you can find chandeliers set into the ceiling dome and a large ramp to take people into the balcony area. Inside the cinema there are huge fern leaf-like plaster structures and lights which change colors frequently. Bollywood is one of the largest industries in India and you can clearly see why after watching a movie in this theatre.
23. Lassiwala
Lassi is a traditional fermented drink that is a staple addition to lunches and breakfasts. Lassiwala is the most famous of these shops. Lassi can be combined with any combination of fruits and nuts to make it sweet or salty. They are so famous that they sell out by 4pm and close shop early. You can also take these mud kulhads filled with lassi and covered using butter paper home for a delicious drink in the evening. Expect to find the shop packed and both Indians and foreigners battling to give their order. This is one of the things to do in Jaipur that is uniquely Rajasthani.
24. Samode Haveli
This is an old haveli turned into boutique hotels that is considered one of the most beautiful hotels in India. It sits in a mango courtyard in the middle of the Old City of Jaipur. The perfectly handpainted Mughal and Indian architecture is a testament to the skills of the artisans that built this place. The most stunning room is the Sheesh Mahal, paved with a thousand mirrored glass pieces covering the walls and ceiling. Make it a point to book a night here and experience staying at this gorgeous hotel.
25. 50 Shades of Pink
Probably the most bizarre and cool place on this list. The Fifty Shades of Pink is a restaurant inside the Sujan Rajmahal Palace. It is one of the most expensive hotels in the world and where Queen Elizabeth herself stayed. The restaurant interior is decorated only in white and hot pink that you really don’t see anywhere. The abundant photo opportunities and dining in a real life palace is probably something you won’t forget soon.
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Good post to read and share more in future
Hello! This is a trip that definitely impressed me! The ancient architecture is amazing! I want to be there!
So many beautiful places to see in India! Will definitely save this for future plans to visit there. 🙂 Thanks for the very detailed post.
Kanu, your photos are seriously stunning! I have visited Jaipur (I loved it) but I never managed to capture it so beautifully. You kick-photo-ass lady! 😀
Thank you! I loved taking the pictures, everything was so pretty 😀
This is SUCH a comprehensive guide! I bookmarked you as one of my new regular blogs to come and visit 🙂 your pictures are absolutely stunning by the way! I’ve been dreaming of going to Jaipur (or India in general for such a long time now!)
I am so glad you liked it! Yes I am going to publish so many articles on India and you will get some pretty good insights on what to do and things to see in the country!
Jaipur is really one of the most instagrammable places ever 😀 Looks so pretty!
Wow what a thorough guide! I’ve only heard amazing things about Jaipur. I can’t wait to go someday and visit Amer- and Jaigarh fort. I’ll save this for later. Thanks Kanu!
Jaipur is amazing and it has so much to do from the forts to the temples. I hope the guide helps you!
The photos are as amazing as the architecture that’s in them. I definitely know that I’ll need a couple week in Jaipur to even touch the surface of what’s to see there.
Oh yeah I have been going to Jaipur for 18 years and still find new places, the city if full of them!
Such a detailed post! Also whoever is taking and editing your photos is doing an AMAZING job.
Glad you like my pictures!! :DDD
I’ve seen so many beautiful photos of Jaipur, it’s got me itching for a visit! It looks absolutely breath-taking! I’d especially love to see Panna Meena ka Kund as I love the striking geometric design. Hawa Mahal also looks so pretty. Thank you for the wonderful guide, I’m going to keep it handy as I’m hoping I’ll have an opportunity to visit eventually!
One of the things I love about Jaipur is literally the hundreds of photo opportunities it has. The palaces, forts and architecture like Panna Meena Ka Kund are spread all over and if you look hard enough you find such great shots.