Jaipur is the biggest city of Rajasthan as well as the state capital. It is a modern city like any other big city in India. There are so many historical places and things to do in Jaipur. Considering that there is so much to see and do, a Jaipur itinerary depends upon how many days you have and at what pace you want to explore the city. There is something for every traveler and depending upon your interest you can plan which places to visit in Jaipur in one day or 2 days or 3 days time. A trip to Jaipur is incomplete without visiting Amber Palace, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Nahargarh Fort, and Jaigarh Fort. Other then these there are many other interesting places in Jaipur.
I think a 3 days Jaipur itinerary is best to explore and get the feel of this historical city.
I have traveled to Jaipur from Delhi on several occasions for leisure as well as work in the last few years. At one point in time when I was working in the garment fashion industry, I used to travel to Jaipur at least 4 to 5 times a year. Though during those trips I could not visit historical places of Jaipur as there was no time during the day. Still, I visited some good food joints for lunch or dinner meals.
Also read about First timer’s guide for Delhi and Offbeat places in Delhi
Must visit places during a trip to Jaipur
Amber Palace & Fort
This is one of the must-visit place in Jaipur. Though it is little outside the main city of Jaipur but on its one side a small colony exists. Like most of the forts in Rajasthan and Jaipur, it is situated on a small hillock.
There are many interesting points inside Amber palace & Fort. Suraj Pole, Jaleb Chowk, Ganesh Pole, Suhag Mahal, Central garden, and Sukh Mahal are important places inside the for Amber Fort. The main attraction of Amber fort is Sheesh Mahal or the Palace of Mirrors.
The view from the top of the Amber Palace is beautiful with the lake and manicured Kesar Kayari next to it. 
There is a restaurant inside the Amber Fort.
Tips – Visit Amber Fort in the morning.
Tickets for Amber Palace – Individual ticket for Indians is 100 INR & for foreign nationals, it’s 500 INR. Buy a composite ticket to save money if you are visiting other monuments in Jaipur. The camera ticket is 50 INR.
The timing for Amber Fort & Palace – 08.00 AM – 05.30 PM
How to visit Amber Palace & Fort
* Take a cab from your hotel in Jaipur to Amber Palace and it will cost between 200 to 250 INR.
** From the parking at the base to the main gate of the fort you can go 3 ways.
1. Go walking, which will take 20 to 30 minutes depending upon speed.
2. Take a shared jeep and it will go through the lanes of the house around the fort.
3. If you are going in the morning between 7.00 AM to 11.00 AM then you can take an elephant ride.
Read more about other cities in Rajasthan – Shekhawati, Bhangarh, Jodhpur, Ajmer & Pushkar, Udaipur, Kumbhalgarh & Ranakpur, Jaisalmer, Bundi, Garadiya Mahadev, Kota, and Bikaner
City Palace Jaipur
The palace is situated inside the busy city of Jaipur. A part of the palace still used by the royal family as residence and rest of the palace is opened for public. It was the seat of administration for kings of Jaipur before Independence of India.
The most important places to see inside the City Palace are Virender Pol, Mubarak Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Pritam Niwas Chowk, Diwan-e-aam, and Diwane-e-Khaas. 
The artifacts displayed in the museums of the city palace gives insight into the rich history of the Jaipur royal family. The paintings and photo gallery of the city palace is one of its own kind in Rajasthan.
Tips – It’s in close proximity to the Jantar Mantar & Hawa Mahal.
Tickets – Individual ticket for Indians is 75 INR and for foreign nationals, it is 300 INR. City Palace is also included in the composite ticket of Jaipur monuments. The camera ticket is 50 INR.
The timing for City Palace – 09.00 AM – 05.00 PM
How to visit City Palace Jaipur
* It is Tripolia Bazaar and you can easily reach here by autorickshaw, which will cost 50 to 100 INR depending upon where you are staying. 
Jantar Mantar Jaipur
This planetary observatory is a very detailed and interesting place. It is bigger and more detailed than the Jantar Mantar in Delhi. There are nineteen structures in this Jantar Mantar. All these work as instruments for measuring time, the location of major stars, ascertaining the location of the planets, predicting eclipses, and determining the celestial altitudes. There is only 2 seconds variation in time measured on these and electronic clock.
Tips – Hire a guide to show you around and explain the functioning of different instruments, otherwise, you will be lost. Everything is in open so avoid visiting during midday as it will be hot.
Tickets – Individual ticket for Indians is 50 INR and for foreign nationals, it is 200 INR. This is also included in the composite ticket of Jaipur monuments.
The timing for Jantar Mantar – 09.00 AM – 04.30 PM
Hawa Mahal
It is also known as the Palace of winds due to its unique construction and air flow. Hawa Mahal is not a palace as the name suggest, it was built as an observation area for royal women. The women folks of the royal family use to sit behind the latticework windows and see the procession as well as other activities of the market. This gave them the advantage to see others, while people on the road can’t see them.
The Hawa Mahal looks beautiful from across the road. You can also climb to Hawa Mahal from the city palace complex. There are ramps for climbing to the top floors.
Tips – It is situated in the busy Zohri bazaar market and next to Jantar Mantar and City Palace. So combine a visit to all these monuments with shopping to save travel time.
Tickets – Individual ticket for Indians is 50 INR and for foreign nationals, it is 200 INR. Hawa Mahal is also included in the composite ticket of Jaipur monuments. The ticket is required only if you plan to climb it from the backside.
The timing for Hawa Mahal – 09.00 AM – 04.30 PM 
Albert Hall Museum Jaipur
This is one of the best museums in Jaipur. Here you can see rare artifacts including paintings, carpets, ivory, stone, coins, metal sculptures, and crystal work.
The Albert Hall Museum has a well-maintained garden is around it and it is fenced from all sides. There is an open area outside the fenced compound, where people feed thousand of pigeons every day. The flying pigeons with Albert hall museum are one the most photographed picture of Jaipur.
Tips – Visit the museum in the afternoon to beat the heat of Jaipur.
Tickets – Individual ticket for Indians is 40 INR and for foreign nationals, it is 200 INR. This is also included in the composite ticket of Jaipur monuments.
The timing for Albert Hall Museum – 09.00 AM – 05.00 PM 
Jal Mahal
This one of the famous monuments in Jaipur, which can be seen from a distance because it is not opened for visitors. This small Mahal was built in the middle of the lake as a leisure palace.
There is a mini flea market on the shore of the lake. Other then this you may find women or men selling small wheat balls to feed the fishes in the lake. People feed the fishes though there is a board with instructions against feeding.
Tips – Visit it in the late afternoon and also at night.
No ticket is required and it can be seen from the road at any time of the day. 
Nahargarh Fort
This fort is situated on Aravalli hill and can be reached by car. You have to pass through Nahargarh biological park and an entry ticket for the car is 300 INR.
Nahargarh Fort was built as a hunting palace and fortified retreat for kings of Jaipur.
Inside the palace is a Diwan-e-aam and several rooms with beautiful frescoes paintings on walls. These rooms were built for queens and now they are the main attraction of this palace fort. The view of Jaipur from the top of the Nahargarh fort is beautiful.
There are two restaurants inside the Nahargarh fort complex.
Tips – Visit it before the afternoon. Also, visit Nahargarh fort at night to see the illuminated overview of Jaipur.
Tickets – For Indians, it is 40 INR and for foreign nationals, it is 200 INR.
The timing for Nahargarh Fort – 10.00 AM – 05.30 PM 
Jaigarh Fort
This is the biggest fort in Jaipur. There is a lot of open area inside the fort with high ramps to walk around. The museum, armory galley, and watchtower are some of the interesting places in the fort. The main attraction of the fort is Jaivana canon, it is the largest canon on the wheels from the Modern era. It is a marvel in itself to mount such a heavy cannon at the top of the fort.
There is a tunnel from Jaigarh fort to Amber Palace. I have not gone through the tunnel. The view of the surrounding areas from the top of the fort is beautiful.
Tips – Wear comfortable footwear as you have to walk a lot inside the fort.
Tickets – For Indians, it is 35 INR and for foreign nationals, it is 85 INR.
The timing for Jaigarh Fort – 09.00 AM – 04.30 PM 
Also check Travel tips for India
Chokhi Dhani
This is a resort cum restaurant where they have created an environment of traditional Rajasthani village with activities. Inside the Chowki Dhani, you can see live performances of traditional dancers, puppet show, and Magic show. Other then these they have elephant rides, camel rides and bull cart rides on payment basis. There are models of traditional style huts and a small Bhool Bhulaiya (Place where you lose your way).
Chokhi Dhani has 3 different dining areas named Chaupal, Bindola, and Aragosta Restaurant.
Tips – You need a taxi to visit Chokhi Dhani because it is outside the Jaipur city. Everywhere inside the Chokhi Dhani performers expect tips, infect servers in restaurants also ask for a tip. Some of them are persistent about tips and it is irritating.
Tickets – There is an entry ticket or you can say cover charge which includes entry ticket and food inside Chokhi Dhani. This varies from 750 INR to 1200 INR for adults and 450 INR to 800 INR for children depending upon meal or dining experience you choose.
The timing for Chokhi Dhani – 05.00 PM to 11.00 PM 
Birla Temple
This Birla temple is one of the several Birla temples across India. The other two Birla temples I have been to are in Delhi and Hyderabad. This temple is dedicated to Lord Narayan and Goddess Laxmi.
Birla temple in Jaipur is made of white marble on elevated ground. This beautiful temple has intricate carving on its wall and is a spectacular sight during the day and also at night when it is illuminated.
The garden around the temple is well maintained and creates a beautiful contrast, which is pleasing for the eyes.
Tips – It is open for Indian and foreign nationals. Attend an evening aarti as the atmosphere is quite electric at that time and it is an experience in itself.
Entry ticket – No entry ticket.
The timing for Birla temple – 06.00 AM to 12.00 PM and 03.00 PM to 09.00 PM 
Also read about My spiritual experience in Himalayan ashram Satkhol
Galta Ji temple
This temple is popularly known as monkey temple of Jaipur. Situated 12 Km outside the main city of Jaipur in a narrow pass of Aravalli hills. A spring falls from the nearby hills and its water is collected in a pond in the temple complex. Bathing in the temple pond is considered auspicious. This temple is popular among locals as well as travelers from across the world.
Tips – There are lots of monkeys in the temple area, so be careful of your belongings and don’t eat. It is outside the city so you need a cab to and fro trip.
Entry ticket – No entry ticket.
The timing of Galta Ji temple – It remains open from 05.00 AM to 09.00 PM 
Also read about other temples in India – Kashi Vishwanath temple Varanasi and Somnath Temple Gujarat
Sisodia Rani Garden & Palace
It is an old leisure garden, which was built by Kings of Jaipur in the early 18th century. This garden is built on many levels and very well designed. The fountains and gardens are well maintained. Worth visiting this place if you have time.
Tips – It is a perfect picnic spot. Don’t go in the afternoon, it’s better to go in the late afternoon.
Entry ticket – For Indians 50 INR and for foreign nationals 200 INR
The timing for Sisodia Rani Garden & Palace – 08.00 AM to 05.00 PM
Kanak Vrindavan Garden
This garden is close to Amber Palace. It was built in the 18th century along with other monuments of Jaipur. It was an entertainment and recreation garden for the king and queens of Jaipur.
The garden is surrounded by Aravalli hills. There are Cenotaphs, a temple, and fountains in the garden. The intricate “Jalli” work on walls and mirror art is the main attraction of Kanak Vrindavan garden.
Tips – A perfect picnic and photography spot.
Entry ticket – No entry ticket
The timing for Kanak Vrindavan Garden – 09.00 AM to 07.00 PM 
Amar Jawan Jyoti
Also known as ‘flame of the immortal soldier’. This monument was constructed in memory of soldiers of the 1971 war. Amar Jawan Jyoti is illuminated in the evening in beautiful colors and looks amazing.
There is no entry ticket and timing as it is open space. 
Shopping in Jaipur
The most popular markets of Jaipur are Bapu Bazaar and Johri Bazaar. The Bapu Bazaar is the best place to buy fashion items and Johri Bazaar is to buy fashion, silver and Kundan jewelry.
If you want to buy good quality traditional products at fixed prices then visit the Anokhi store. They may be expensive in comparison to local market shops but their product is durable.
Traditional fashion fabrics, clothes, silver Kundan jewelry, Mojari, and handmade bags are the most popular items to buy in Jaipur. 
Also read more about Indian souvenirs & what to buy in India and What to wear in India
Places to visit in Jaipur in one day
If you have a time constraint and can spend only one day in Jaipur then visit these places.
Amber Palace in the morning, drive through Jal Mahal, Jantar Mantar, City Palace, and Hawa Mahal. After visiting these places do shopping in Johri bazaar which is close to Hawa Mahal and City Palace.
You can spend the evening watching the Light & sound show in Amber palace or at Chokhi Dhani for Dinner.
Places to visit in Jaipur in 2 days
Day 1 – Day for forts of Jaipur. When you have two days then on day one visit Amber Palace, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Kanak Vrindavan, and then drive through Jal Mahal.
Go for the light & sound show in Amber palace in the evening.
Day 2 – Day for other monuments of Jaipur. On the second day visit Jantar Mantar, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Albert Hall Museum and Birla temple. You can do shopping in Johri Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar.
Spend an evening by visiting Chowki Dhani for experience and dinner.
Places to visit in Jaipur in 3 days
A three days itinerary is most appropriate to explore the Jaipur.
Day 1 – Keep the day one schedule the same as in 2 days itinerary.
Day 2 – On 2nd day in Jaipur visit Jantar Mantar, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Albert Hall Museum and Birla temple. Also, attend aarti in Birla temple. Go to Chowki Dhani for dinner and activities.
Day 3 – On a 3rd day visit Galtaji temple, Sisodia Rani garden & palace and then go for shopping.
Later in the evening go for an evening tour of Jaipur and have dinner in Nahargarh fort.
Also read about Places to visit in Jaipur at night.
Important tips –
* Composite Ticket for Jaipur Monuments is available at all Archaeological Monuments. One ticket covers five monuments i.e. Albert Hall, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Nahargarh, Amber Palace. For Indians, it costs 300 INR and for foreign nationals, it’s 1000 INR.
* Photography ticket for each monument is separate. Also check tips for photography.
Also read about Train travel in India and How to plan & travel in India
Thanks for you amazing travel guide on Jaipur. I have been on this amazing city in 2016. I wish to go back again. The people are really friendly there.
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