Jaipur

How many days: 3

Three days covers the main forts and palaces, the old city bazaars and a craft workshop. Two is enough if you are short of time.

Visit the hilltop forts early in the morning, before the heat and the crowds arrive.

What to do in Jaipur

Visit Amber Fort

A hilltop fortress with courtyards, mirrored halls and wide views over the valley. Go early, and walk up the ramp if you can.

See the City Palace

Part royal residence and part museum, with courtyards, costumes and weapons. A good way to understand the city's history.

Look at the Hawa Mahal

The famous honeycomb facade, built so royal women could watch street life unseen. Best photographed from a cafe opposite in the morning light.

Explore the Jantar Mantar

An observatory of huge stone instruments, still able to tell the time and track the stars. Hire a guide to understand how they work.

Walk through the old city bazaars

Pink-washed streets sell textiles, jewellery, shoes and spices. Bargaining is expected, and a polite smile helps.

Watch block printing

Villages near the city print cloth by hand with carved wooden blocks. A workshop visit is a good way to see the process.

See Nahargarh Fort at sunset

A fort on the ridge above the city, with a view across the rooftops. A quiet place to end the day.

Take a cooking class

Local hosts teach classic Rajasthani dishes, and a class is a good way to learn about the spices.

Visit a gem and jewellery workshop

Jaipur is a centre for cutting and setting gemstones. Choose a reputable workshop, and never feel pressured to buy.

Take a sunrise walk to a viewpoint

The hills around the city give quiet morning views, with monkeys and temples along the way.

See the Albert Hall Museum

A grand building with a varied collection of crafts and art. Pretty at night, when it is lit.

What to eat and drink

Dal baati churma

Baked wheat balls with lentils and a sweet crumbled dessert. The classic Rajasthani meal.

Laal maas

A fiery mutton curry coloured by local chillies. Ask for the heat level you can handle.

Pyaaz kachori

A crisp pastry filled with spiced onion, a popular morning snack.

Lassi

A thick, cooling yoghurt drink served in clay cups.

Ghewar

A honeycomb-shaped sweet, popular at festivals.

Vegetarian thali

A plate of small dishes, with several vegetables, breads and sweets.

Rajasthani sweets

Sweets such as mawa kachori and malpua are sold in old-city shops.

Masala chai

Spiced milk tea, sold at roadside stalls.

Getting around

Ride-hailing apps and auto-rickshaws are the easiest way around, and many visitors hire a driver for the day. Agree the price before you set off.

The old city is best seen on foot, but traffic is busy, so stay alert.

Trains and road links run to Delhi and Agra, and the trip takes several hours.

Good to know

• Summers are very hot, so plan outdoor sights for the early morning. The cooler months are the most comfortable.
• Dress modestly, and cover shoulders and knees at temples and in the old city.
• Be wary of touts, and use official ticket counters at the forts.
• Drink bottled or filtered water, and eat where the food is busy.
• Check visa rules and the current official travel advice before you go.
• Combine Jaipur with Delhi and Agra as a loop. Allow time for the long road journeys between them.
• Fixed-price government emporiums are a safer way to learn what crafts should cost.