Jaipur in 2 Days: Forts, Bazaars and Food in the Pink City
A 2-day Jaipur itinerary covering Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Nahargarh sunsets, the best markets and what to eat, plus tickets and tips.
A Jaipur trip is the easiest introduction to Rajasthan. Jaipur was painted pink in 1876 to welcome the Prince of Wales, and it's been charming visitors ever since. Founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727, it was one of India's first planned cities, with wide streets laid out in a grid. Today, it's the easiest introduction to Rajasthan: forts, palaces, bazaars and some of the best food in North India, all within a few kilometres.
Best time to visit
October to March is ideal, with pleasant days and cool nights. Summers (April–June) are very hot, often above 40°C. The monsoon brings some relief and green hills, but humidity.
Getting there
Jaipur International Airport has flights from most Indian cities. By rail, the Shatabdi and Vande Bharat trains from Delhi take about 4–4.5 hours. The drive from Delhi is about 5 hours on the expressway.
Day 1: Amber and the old city
Amber Fort (early morning). Arrive at opening time to beat the heat and crowds. The Sheesh Mahal, a hall of mirrors that glitters with the light of a single candle, is the highlight. Walk up or take a jeep; skipping the elephant rides is the kinder choice.
Panna Meena ka Kund. A short walk from Amber, this geometric stepwell is a photographer's favourite.
Jal Mahal. Stop at the lake for a view of the water palace on the way back to town.
Hawa Mahal. The famous honeycomb façade with 953 small windows was built so royal women could watch street life unseen. For the best photo, view it from a rooftop café across the road.
Evening: walk the bazaars of Johari and Bapu Bazaar, then dinner in the old city.
Day 2: palaces, stars and sunset
City Palace. Still partly home to the royal family. See the four ornate gates in the Pritam Niwas Chowk courtyard.
Jantar Mantar. A UNESCO World Heritage astronomical observatory with the world's largest stone sundial. Hire a guide; the instruments make much more sense with an explanation.
Albert Hall Museum. Beautiful Indo-Saracenic building, lit up at night.
Nahargarh Fort at sunset. Overlooking the whole city; head to the Padao terrace café. Jaigarh Fort, next door, houses Jaivana, one of the world's largest cannons on wheels.
Shopping: what to buy
| Item | Where |
|---|---|
| Block-print textiles and quilts | Bapu Bazaar, Sanganer, Bagru |
| Gemstones and silver jewellery | Johari Bazaar |
| Blue pottery | Kripal Kumbh, and workshops on the Amber road |
| Mojaris (leather shoes) | Bapu Bazaar |
| Lac bangles | Maniharon ka Rasta near Tripolia Bazaar |
Bargaining is normal in bazaars. Be wary of "government emporium" detours suggested by auto drivers.
What to eat in Jaipur
- Pyaaz kachori for breakfast near the old city.
- Dal baati churma and gatte ki sabzi for a Rajasthani lunch thali.
- Laal maas for meat eaters; fiery and slow-cooked.
- Lassi in a kulhad on MI Road.
- Ghewar (a honeycomb-like sweet) in the monsoon and around Teej.
Budget per person per day
| Style | Approx. |
|---|---|
| Budget (hostel, autos, street food) | ₹1,500–2,500 |
| Mid-range (heritage haveli, cab, restaurants) | ₹4,000–7,000 |
Tips
- The composite ticket pays off when visiting four or more monuments.
- Cover shoulders and knees for temples.
- Ola, Uber and Rapido work well; agree fares upfront with autos.
- Pair Jaipur with Udaipur for a week in Rajasthan.
Frequently asked questions
Is 2 days enough for Jaipur?
Two full days covers the main forts, palaces and markets. Add a third day for a slower pace or a day trip to Abhaneri stepwell.
What is the Jaipur composite ticket?
A combined ticket from Rajasthan Tourism that covers several monuments such as Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar and Nahargarh, valid for two days. It is good value for visiting most of them.
