Top Things to do in Jaipur

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, offers tourists an opportunity to experience history, culture, and cuisine. Here are 10 things to do in Jaipur with complete details to assist you in planning your trip. Jaipur equips itself with forts, palaces, temples, museums, bazaars, and cultural performances that showcase Rajasthani culture. Relaxed breaks call for exploring modern retail is found in its major shopping malls in Jaipur. Visitors to Jaipur take the time to stroll through heritage sites, savour local cuisine, shop at crowded bazaars, and enjoy performances that showcase the region’s way of life. For a relaxed break, be sure to explore the top cafes in Jaipur.  For comfortable, home-like accommodation, consider booking service apartments in Jaipur.

Fun things to do in Jaipur

1. Visit Amber Fort

   

   Amber Fort in Jaipur

   Amber Fort sits 11 kilometres from the city centre of Jaipur. Raja Man Singh initiated the fort in 1592, and subsequent kings extended it further. The fort itself occupies a hill and overlooks the Maota Lake. The Suraj Pol (main gate) opens into the first courtyard, which they call Jaleb Chowk. The fort contains numerous divisions like Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), and Sukh Niwas.

   Sheesh Mahal stands out because mirrors set against walls and ceilings reflect tiny lights, making the area appear bright. Sukh Niwas employs a water channel, ensuring the region remains cool in summer. Tourists walk through narrow pathways, ascend staircases, and observe murals on the walls. The fort also connects to Jaigarh Fort via underground tunnels.

   The entry fee for Indian tourists costs approximately ₹100, and for international tourists, it costs about ₹500. The fort opens every day from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. An evening sound and light display gives the history of Amber and its regimes. Visitors access Amber Fort by car, taxi, or bus from the city of Jaipur. Elephant rides up the ramparts are an option for some tourists, but battery-powered vehicles and jeeps also transport individuals up the hill.

2. Visit City Palace

   

   City Palace in Jaipur

   City Palace is located in the heart of Jaipur, near Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II commissioned its construction in the 18th century. The palace presents a vast expanse of courtyards, gardens, gateways, and halls. It reflects an amalgamation of Rajput, Mughal, and European architectural designs.

   Within the complex, Mubarak Mahal houses a museum displaying textiles and costumes such as garments of former rulers. Chandra Mahal still serves as the royal family’s residence, although some floors welcome tourists with special tickets. Diwan-i-Khas houses two large silver containers that were used to transport holy water from India to England when Maharaja Madho Singh II went there for medical treatment. Diwan-i-Aam displays weapons and paintings.

   Tourists also notice four ornate gates in Pritam Niwas Chowk. Four gates exist, each symbolising a season and a Hindu god. The Peacock Gate stands as the most popular due to its paintings. Indians pay approximately ₹200 for City Palace tickets, while foreigners pay approximately ₹700. The complex opens from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM every day. Evening cultural events occasionally occur in the palace, providing an added experience.

3. Visit Hawa Mahal

   

   Hawa Mahal in Jaipur

   Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, lines the city road close to the City Palace. Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh constructed it in 1799, and Lal Chand Ustad designed it. The five-story building consists of pink sandstone and contains 953 small windows, which people call jharokhas. The jharokhas provided royal women with a view of street life and processions without contravening traditional seclusion customs.

   The structure allows air to pass through, thereby cooling the inside. Tourists access it from the backside and move through ramps that link various levels. Corridors and small rooms line the floors. At the uppermost level, tourists get a good view of the ancient city streets and surrounding monuments.

   Admission costs ₹50 for Indians and ₹200 for foreign visitors. Hawa Mahal opens every day from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Morning sightseeing provides sufficient light for photographs of the front facade. Local shops near Hawa Mahal sell clothing, footwear, and souvenirs, so most tourists blend sightseeing with shopping.

4. Visit Jantar Mantar

   

   Jantar Mantar in Jaipur

   Jantar Mantar at Jaipur represents one of the five observatories that Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II constructed. The Jaipur site, which workers finished in 1734, is the largest and most well-preserved. It contains 19 instruments to measure time, forecast eclipses, monitor stars, and compute planetary motion.

   The Samrat Yantra, the world’s largest sundial, is the most well-known instrument. It stands 27 meters tall and can indicate time within two seconds of precision. Other instruments include the Ram Yantra, which astronomers used to measure the altitude of celestial objects, and the Jai Prakash Yantra, which they used to determine the location of stars.

   UNESCO declared the place a World Heritage Site in 2010. Guides present at the site detail how each instrument works. Indians pay ₹50 for entry, and foreigners pay ₹200. The observatory opens from 9:00 AM until 4:30 PM every day. Jantar Mantar stands adjacent to the City Palace, so tourists typically visit both locations together.

5. Shop at Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar

   

   Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar in Jaipur

   Shopping forms an important part of a Jaipur trip. Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar remain two of the busiest markets. Johari Bazaar specialises in jewellery. Shops sell gold, silver, kundan, and meenakari ornaments. Jaipur has a reputation for gemstone cutting and polishing, and many shops display precious and semi-precious stones.

   Bapu Bazaar specialises in textiles, handicrafts, and leather goods. Travellers purchase Bandhani and leheriya cloth, which workers prepare using the tie-dye methods of Rajasthan. Quilts, bed sheets, mojari shoes, and souvenirs are also available. Bargaining is prevalent, and shop owners anticipate it.

   Both markets stay open from approximately 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Nighttime is more active, with food stalls offering snacks such as samosas, kachoris, and sweets. Traversing through these markets provides a view of local commerce and lifestyle.

6. Taste Local Food

   

   Local Food of Jaipur

   Food gives you the key to experiencing Jaipur. Dal baati churma is a classic dish of baked wheat balls accompanied by lentils and sweetened flour. Visitors also have ghewar, a circular sweet made of flour, sugar syrup, and ghee, particularly during the Teej festival.

   You can have Pyaaz kachori, filled with spiced onions, at most sweet shops and snack stalls. Laal maas, a spicy mutton curry made using red chilli, is popular among non-vegetarian consumers. Ker sangri, a dish made of desert beans and berries, provides a distinctive local food item.

   Restaurants and dhabas in Jaipur offer these items together with thalis, which pack multiple dishes onto a single plate. Lassi in ceramic pots cools down tourists, particularly during summer. Popular food points are Rawat Mishthan Bhandar for kachoris, Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar for sweets, and Suvarna Mahal for Rajasthani thali. Savouring local cuisine adds flavour to the trip and helps you get to know Rajasthani culture.

7. Visit Nahargarh Fort

   

   Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur

   Nahargarh Fort sits on the Aravalli hills above Jaipur city. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II constructed it in 1734. The fort served as a retreat for the royal household and a defence outpost. Madhavendra Bhawan, which Sawai Madho Singh constructed inside, has suites for the king and the queens. The building contains interconnecting corridors, murals, and open terraces.

   Tourists can view courtyards and stepwells inside the fort. Nahargarh offers a panoramic view of Jaipur and is the favourite sunset point. The fort opens daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The entry charge costs ₹50 for Indians and ₹200 for foreigners. A few restaurants and cafes at the fort offer food and beverages.

   Tourists tend to cycle or trek their way up to Nahargarh. The trip from the fort goes through the Aravalli hills, and several groups arrange guided cycle tours. Seeing the city lights in the evening from the fort provides an unforgettable experience.

8. Visit Jaigarh Fort

   

   Jaigarh Fort in Jaipur

   Jaigarh Fort sits near Amber Fort on the Cheel ka Teela hill. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II constructed it in the 18th century as a defence fort. The fort has a reputation for the Jaivana Cannon, which was once the world’s largest cannon on wheels.

   The fort has granaries, water tanks, watchtowers, and palaces. It also served as a manufacturing centre for weapons and guns. Hidden passages link the fort with the Amber Fort, allowing people to travel while under attack.

   A museum within the fort exhibits artefacts, coins, and weapons. People can walk on the lengthy walls and have a panoramic view of the Aravalli hills. Entry tickets cost ₹35 for Indians and ₹85 for foreigners. The fort opens every day from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Most tourists visit Amber Fort and Jaigarh Fort together on a single day due to the sites’ proximity.

9. Visit a Cultural Show at Chokhi Dhani

   

   Chokhi Dhani in Jaipur

   Chokhi Dhani sits approximately 20 kilometres from Jaipur city on Tonk Road. It is a cultural village resort that provides tourists with an opportunity to see rural Rajasthan. The village arrangements feature folk dances, puppet performances, music, acrobatics, and fire shows. Camel rides, bullock cart rides, and horse rides are also provided.

   Food still dominates the tour. Visitors sit traditionally, and attendants present several Rajasthani dishes on large platters. Dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, bajra roti, and desserts are part of the menu. Handicrafts, painting, and souvenir stalls line the village streets.

   Entrance fees range from ₹750 to ₹1,200 per head, depending on the eating facility. Chokhi Dhani opens in the evening from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Families and groups tend to spend an evening here to experience entertainment along with food.

10. Visit Albert Hall Museum

    

    Albert Hall Museum in Jaipur

    Albert Hall Museum sits in Ram Niwas Garden. Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II laid its foundation in 1876, and officials opened it as a museum in 1887. Indo-Saracenic architecture guided the design.

    The museum showcases a vast array of objects like sculptures, carpets, paintings, ivory pieces, instruments, and coins. One section keeps an Egyptian mummy, which attracts numerous people. The other contains mini paintings of various Rajasthani schools. Metal art and arms collections contribute to the display.

    Indian entry tickets cost ₹40, and foreigners pay ₹300. The museum opens from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day and then from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM for evening viewing. Evening lighting and the building’s appearance make it a spectacle, so most people take photographs from outside.

Conclusion

These top things to do in Jaipur provides tourists with varied activities. Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort, and Jaigarh Fort exhibit defence architecture and royal life. City Palace and Hawa Mahal exhibit the art and traditions of previous rulers. Jantar Mantar exhibits the scientific know-how of the 18th century. The Albert Hall Museum accumulates artefacts that represent Rajasthani culture.

A visit to Jaipur is never complete unless tourists add forts, palaces, cuisine, shopping, and cultural performances to their visit. The following are 10 activities in Jaipur that encompass everything about the city and provide tourists with a well-balanced experience of Rajasthan’s past and way of life.