Rajasthan
The land of forts and palaces, rich culture, and vibrant traditions.
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5 Days in Jaipur
Jaipur is my favorite city in Rajasthan, full of color, history, and life. I've spent months wandering its streets, sipping chai at tiny stalls, and discovering hidden corners. This 5-day plan covers the must-sees but also leaves room for getting lost in the magic of the Pink City.
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Day 1
Day 1 in Jaipur
Start your Jaipur trip with its iconic landmarks and vibrant markets, soaking in the city’s royal history and lively street culture.
Activities
Amber Fort & Jaigarh Fort
Begin your day at the stunning Amber Fort, a hilltop palace with intricate carvings and mirror work. Take an elephant ride up the ramparts if you’re feeling traditional, or opt for a jeep. Just a short drive away is Jaigarh Fort, home to the world’s largest cannon-great for panoramic views of the city.
- Wear comfortable shoes-there’s a lot of walking uphill.
- Hire a local guide near the entrance for fun historical tidbits.
City Palace & Jantar Mantar
Head back to the old city to explore the City Palace, where the royal family still lives. The museum here has fascinating artifacts, from weapons to royal outfits. Right next door is Jantar Mantar, an open-air observatory with massive astronomical instruments that still work today.
- Don’t miss the Peacock Gate in City Palace-it’s Insta-famous.
- Guides at Jantar Mantar explain how the instruments track stars-worth it!
Evening at Hawa Mahal & Bapu Bazaar
Wrap up the day at Hawa Mahal, the ‘Palace of Winds.’ You don’t need to go inside-the best view is from the street across (try the Wind View Café for a lassi with a view). Then, dive into Bapu Bazaar for souvenirs, from colorful juttis (shoes) to block-printed fabrics. Bargain hard-it’s expected!
- Try the kachoris at Rawat Mishthan Bhandar nearby.
- Shopkeepers quote high prices-start bargaining at 40% of their ask.
Must Try Foods
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Day 2
Day 2 in Jaipur
A mix of history, local crafts, and delicious food, taking you deeper into Jaipur's vibrant culture.
Activities
Amber Fort & Panna Meena Ka Kund
Start your day early at Amber Fort, a stunning hilltop palace with mirror work and sweeping views. Skip the elephant ride and walk up-it’s more ethical and lets you soak in the scenery. After exploring, head to the hidden Panna Meena Ka Kund, a 16th-century stepwell with geometric staircases. It’s quiet, photogenic, and often missed by tourists.
- Wear comfy shoes-the fort has uneven paths
- Bargain hard if buying souvenirs near the fort entrance
Block Printing Workshop in Sanganer
Jaipur is famous for its hand-block printing, and Sanganer village is the best place to see it firsthand. Join a workshop where local artisans teach you to carve wooden blocks and print on fabric. You’ll leave with a small handmade piece-great for souvenirs. The village itself is charming, with tiny shops selling textiles directly from weavers.
- Cash works better than cards here
- Ask artisans about natural dyes-they love sharing stories
Evening at Nahargarh Fort & Padao Restaurant
Head to Nahargarh Fort by late afternoon for golden-hour views over Jaipur. The fort’s walls glow in the sunset, and you can walk along the ramparts. Afterward, grab a table at Padao Restaurant, right on the fort’s edge. Their spicy laal maas (mutton curry) and cold beers taste even better with the city lights twinkling below.
- Shared cabs from the fort gate save money
- Carry a light jacket-it gets breezy up there
Must Try Foods
Transportation
Day 3
Jaipur's Hidden Gems
A day exploring Jaipur's lesser-known spots, from a royal observatory to a vibrant market, with plenty of local flavors along the way.
Activities
Jantar Mantar & City Palace
Start your morning at Jantar Mantar, the fascinating 18th-century astronomical observatory with massive instruments still accurate today. Then, wander through the City Palace complex, where you can peek into royal courtyards, museums, and the stunning Peacock Gate. The mix of science and royalty here is unique to Jaipur.
- Hire a guide at Jantar Mantar-they make the instruments come alive
- Look for the hidden café in City Palace's Mubarak Mahal for a quiet chai break
Bapu Bazaar & Johari Bazaar
After lunch, dive into Jaipur's most colorful shopping experience. Bapu Bazaar is all about textiles, mojris (traditional shoes), and spices, while Johari Bazaar dazzles with its gemstones and jewelry. Even if you're not buying, the people-watching and bargaining banter are entertainment enough.
- Try 'gota patti' embroidery pieces-they're lighter than block prints for packing
- Start bargaining at 1/3rd of the quoted price
Must Try Foods
Transportation
Day 4
Day 4 in Jaipur
A mix of royal history, local crafts, and some of the best food Jaipur has to offer.
Activities
Morning at City Palace
Start your day at the stunning City Palace, where you can wander through courtyards, museums, and galleries filled with royal artifacts. Don't miss the Peacock Gate-it's one of the most photographed spots in Jaipur. The palace still houses the royal family, so you might catch a glimpse of their private quarters.
- Wear comfortable shoes-there’s a lot of walking.
- Hire a guide near the entrance for stories you won’t find in guidebooks.
Block Printing Workshop in Sanganer
Head to Sanganer, a short drive from the city, to see how Jaipur’s famous block-printed textiles are made. Many workshops let you try your hand at printing your own scarf or fabric. It’s a great way to appreciate the skill behind those colorful patterns you see everywhere.
- Carry cash-some smaller workshops don’t accept cards.
- Ask about natural dyes-they’ll show you how colors are made from plants.
Evening at Nahargarh Fort
Wrap up the day with sunset views from Nahargarh Fort. The panorama of Jaipur glowing under the evening light is worth the trip. There’s a café inside the fort where you can grab a chai or a cold drink while taking it all in.
- Shared taxis are cheaper than cabs for the uphill ride.
- Stay till dusk-the city lights coming on are magical.
Must Try Foods
Transportation
Day 5
Day 5 in Jaipur
A relaxed final day soaking in Jaipur's royal vibes, from a serene morning at a lesser-known palace to a lively evening in the old city.
Activities
Morning at Panna Meena Ka Kund
Start your day at this stunning 16th-century stepwell, a hidden gem away from the crowds. The symmetrical staircases make for incredible photos, and the peaceful atmosphere is perfect for a quiet morning. Locals believe the steps were designed to confuse visitors-try counting them and see for yourself!
- Wear comfortable shoes-the steps can be slippery
- Combine this with a quick revisit to Amber Fort if you missed details earlier
Jawahar Circle Garden & Patrika Gate
Head to this colorful photo spot that most tourists miss. Patrika Gate is a massive, Instagram-famous archway covered in intricate hand-painted motifs depicting Rajasthan's culture. The surrounding gardens are perfect for a stroll, with musical fountains that operate in the evenings.
- Come back after sunset if you want to see the fountain light show
- The nearby Gyan Museum of Miniatures is worth a quick peek if time allows
Evening at Chokhi Dhani
End your trip with this immersive Rajasthani village experience just outside the city. Think puppet shows, camel rides, traditional dances, and unlimited authentic food served on leaf plates. It's touristy but fun-like a Rajasthani theme park with heart.
- Book tickets online to skip queues
- Try the ghevar (honeycomb dessert) at the sweet stalls