Jaipur (Hindi: जयपुर Jaypur), also known as the Pink City, is the capital of Indian state of Rajasthan, and its largest city. The city was built in the 18th century by Sawai Jai Singh as India's first planned city, and today it's a major tourist attraction for Indians and for international visitors. It is a very picturesque city with splendid palaces, forts and historical monuments and belongs to the tourist Golden Triangle along with Delhi and Agra.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Jaipur (JIGH-pur) gets its name from its founder Maharaja Jai Singh II (1693-1744), a great warrior and astronomer. He came to power at the age of 11 on the death of his father Maharaja Bishan Singh. Jai Singh's lineage can be traced back to the Kucchwaha Rajput, clan who came to power in the 12th century. They were long-term rivals to the Sisodia Rajputs who ruled from Mewar. This rivalry led them to ally with the Mughals, and this alliance resulted in them eventually gaining a pre-eminent position in Rajasthan. Ruling from the magnificent Amber Fort which they built, the might of the Kucchwahas encompassed the kingdoms of Mewar and Marwar.
It is the best and cheaper way to visit the Jaipur Local Sights by RTDC (Rajasthan Tourism Dept. Corp.) There will be one guide with each bus to give you brief info about all sights. The full day tour, as of 2019, costs ₹600. The Jaipur Metro provides a fast, reliable and inexpensive way to get around the city. The Pink Line Metro runs from Mansarovar to Badi Chaupar station, which is in the centre of the walled town (a.k.a the Pink City). Fares range between ₹5 and ₹25. Autorickshaws (tuk-tuks) are probably the best way to reach places in the outskirts of Jaipur such as Amber Fort or Galtaji, where getting a taxi or Uber/Ola to go back to the city may be tricky.
1 Amber Fort (अंबेर क़िला Amber Qilā) (11 km North of central Jaipur, local bus #5 from Hawa Mahal or New Gate), ☏ +91 14 1253 0293. 8AM-6PM. This massive fort-palace complex built in hybrid Hindu-Muslim style dates back to Raja Man Singh and was the royal palace of the Kachwahas from c. 1600-1727. It's one of six UNESCO World Heritage forts in Rajasthan. The name has nothing to do with the rather pretty pastel yellow colour; instead, the fort is named after the area of Amber, in turn named after the goddess Amba. ₹100/20 for Indian adult/student and ₹500/100 for foreign adult/student. Included in the Composite Ticket.
1 Amber Fort Sound and Light Show, Lower Amber Fort, ☏ +91 14 1270 9162, sel.amber@ids.co.in. 7-8PM. Experience the history, culture and life of Amber through this spectacular show. Amitabh Bachhan narrates the story of Rajasthani kings with a script written by Gulzar. Don't forget the mosquito repellent. The light show can be watched from outside the fort, but the sound won't be audible from there. There is also a sound and light show at Jantar Mantar for ₹100. ₹200. Cricket: 2 Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Lalkothi. With a capacity of 30,000, this hosts the Rajasthan team and Rajathan Royals in IPL. (updated Mar 2026) 3 B.M.
1 Gangaur Sweets, J-32, Subash Marg, C-Scheme, ☏ +91-141-382-835. Sweets for chamcham, also baked sweets and crispy samosas. ₹180-580 per order. 2 Jal Mahal, 85, MI Road (Near Panch Batti), ☏ +91-141-2373520, info@jalmahalicecreamparlour.com. A popular ice-cream parlor on MI Rd. An assortment of ice cream shakes, and some indigenous ice cream flavours. Excellent after a hearty meal at one of the MI Rd restaurants. (updated Mar 2015) Zolocrust, Hotel Clarks Amer, Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Near Malviya Nagar. The gourmet bakery and Italian restaurant is operated by chefs of Hotel Clarks Amer and serves exquisite bakery items, it also serves vegan and vegetarian food.
Step Out Cafe, P 14, Sahdev Marg, Near Secretariat, C Scheme, Ashok Nagar, ☏ +91 86192 46464. 7:30AM-10PM. Bright and airy. Secluded garden seating. Excellent coffee. Mouth-watering desserts. Lebanese, Mexican, Italian Cuisine. Wide-rage of vegan and gluten-free options. 1 Amigos Bar & Discoteque, Church Road, MI Road (at Hotel OM Tower), ☏ +91 141 404 6666. noon to 4:30PM, 7PM to midnight. Mexico-themed bar at the 9th floor of the OM Tower hotel, in the adjoining room there's a dance floor. Apparently a wider range of beverages and cocktails than at restaurants.
Beyond the standard dangers of travelling in India (thieves, hustlers, touts, questionable drinking water), Jaipur has developed its own set of unique scams. You may be approached by a local, sometimes youths on motorbikes, who claim that Westerners are unwilling to engage with the Indian people. "Why don't tourists want to talk to me?" or "I am a student, I want to learn about your culture" is a common opener. They may also try to make you feel guilty by claiming "It is Indian culture to be help." If you engage them, the scam artist will invite the visitor to drink tea. Frequently, the tourist will only be told of the gem stones the next day or after dinner.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
Top-rated tours and tickets from €4 — book ahead for the popular ones.
Tours and tickets provided by Viator (a Tripadvisor company). Some links earn Stayonomy a commission.
In Jul, Jaipur typically sees ~31°C daytime highs and 25 rainy days.
Cheapest destinations travellers searched recently — refreshed daily.
Flight prices are real fares travellers found in the last 48 hours, refreshed daily — the booking site confirms the final price. Train, bus and ferry fares are shown on the operators' booking sites. Weather data by Open-Meteo; exchange rates: ECB reference. Data updated 2026-07-30. Some links earn Stayonomy a commission at no cost to you.
stayonomy