The Unique City Guide to Jaipur, India.

India and I have had a complicated relationship so far. That was never India’s fault. When I left Jaipur a little head over heels I really had to say “Sorry, it’s not you, it’s me!” and mean it for the first time in the history of this sentence.

When I started my somewhat confused trip planning for India, I knew I wanted to visit the Golden Triangle: Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. As I have mentioned before I was feeling quite nervous and overwhelmed with the prospect of taking trains and buses in India, and so I decided not to face this daunting task and hire a private driver to take me to the Taj Mahal and then to Jaipur. That turned out to be a great choice and I arrived in Jaipur in high spirits.

After a couple of nights, I decided to stay a little longer, sort myself out, and take my time to explore the city. There are plenty of things to do in Jaipur and I realized I liked taking my time with those as cities in India can be quite overwhelming.

Mind you, I have been back a couple of times since and wanted to share some highlights of the pink city, things to do in Jaipur, where to stay and of course, where to eat. As per usual not objective at all!

3 WEEK RAJASTHAN ITINERARY FOR INDIA FIRST-TIMERS.

My favorite Things to do in Jaipur

If you want to see the best places, then one of the things to do in Jaipur is a city walk with Hasseb. I have done his tour twice and he is just incredible. This is not your average city tour but so fun and informative, I actually won’t recommend any other. 

Book a Magical Walk in Jaipur with Hasseb.

He may take you to a secret house (check out this post if you are a design lover for more beautiful architecture in Jaipur), a little temple where we were blessed with sweet coconut water (bad for the hair, good for the karma), the old library as well as where to find the best bargains at the bazaar. And you will even go to the famous Krishna temple in Jaipur.

Jaipur through the female gaze

India is one of these countries where I am extra interested in the lives of the local women. Too little seems to be known and is accessible, especially to curious foreigners, so I was delighted to find Shristi through my friend Mariellen. Shristi is Indian and one of the few female guides in Jaipur. She runs wonderful, personalized tours showing you Jaipur through the female lens. 

While you will still see all the major sights, she will tell you about the history and lives of Rajasthani women – a truly unique city tour in Jaipur. And yes, before you ask, of course, men can (and should) attend a tour with Shristi too! 

Book a tour with Shristi

City Palace

For a deep dive into Jaipur’s history, there is probably no better place than the City Palace. Courtyards, museums, and actual living spaces of the royal family are under one roof, all showcasing an interesting mix of Rajasthani, Mughal, and European design and architecture. 

Tickets start at ₹1010 for international adult visitors for the courtyards and galleries, or you can go at night (₹610) for an additional light show and see the palace beautifully illuminated. 

You can buy tickets in advance here or with a guided tour of the palace and the Hawa Mahal from GetYourGuide. 

Galta Ji – Monkey Temple

One of my favorite things to do in Jaipur was a visit to the monkey temple. Technically the temple is 10 km outside of the city but easy enough to reach. I had my driver take me there when we came from Agra but you can also get there with a taxi or tuk-tuk.

The complex was dedicated to the Sun God but also has a temple inside for Hanuman, the Monkey God.
If you are a fan of the Jungle Book, this is your place to be because it looks just like that. Monkeys are roaming freely here, using the ponds to swim, play in and conduct monkey business.

I had the honor to have a little, wet baby monkey jump on my shoulder (I was apparently in his way) before he jumped off a rooftop into a pool – I take that as a blessing. Other than that, they seemed friendly enough though as per usual I held on tightly to my sunglasses and camera and didn’t get too close to the alpha males.

Chand Baori – Jaipur Stepwell

The Jaipur Stepwell, Chand Baori, is technically not in Jaipur but rather 95km away in the village of Abhanari. However, if you are coming from Agra with a driver it is the perfect stopover sight. It was built in 800 AD and with over 3,500 steps going over 30 m down it is the deepest and largest stepwell in India.
It is also dedicated to Hashat Mata, Goddess of Joy and Happiness, something I like – I got a little blessing there because who doesn’t need joy and happiness?!

In case you want to get up to mischief this is what my friend Jackson did in Jodhpur’s stepwell:

Jodhpur Stepwell: Urban Cliff Jumping

According to him, women are not allowed to swim in the stepwell (not that I would have tried, I am not much of a ‘jumping off high things as soon as I get the chance’-type!) and I don’t think you could get away with that at Chand Baori. It is more of a well-known sight than a communal pool but either way, it is well worth a little detour on your way to Jaipur.

Jal Mahal & Amber Fort

Get up early (or too early in my case) and catch an Uber to take you to Jal Mahal, the Water Palace. This palace is set in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake and visitor can’t go. However, it is the perfect location for a beautiful sunrise shot from the shore. You will find many locals hanging out, also waiting for sunrise, feeding the pigeons and posing in all sorts of funny ways. Worth getting up early for as this is one of the most instagrammable places in Jaipur and a definite sunrise location.

After you have taken enough 50 shades of pink shots get yourself a cup of chai before traveling on to the Amber Fort.

Note that Uber drivers will charge an extra fee for going up there which makes it more expensive than you would think – worth sharing the trip if you can.

You can get to the fort by taking an elephant ride something I am obviously not a fan of though I was quite enthralled by them. – they can get super close and are usually painted in bright colors. The hike is neither long nor steep and there are enough viewpoints to stop and take a picture if you actually need to catch your breath.

An uncomfortable Truth – Elephants in India.

I didn’t pay to go inside but rather stayed with the monkeys and also went into one of the temples. I must say, I loved the Hindu temples in India as it always felt so festive and fun inside and I, obviously an outsider, always felt very welcome. Welcome enough for strangers to hand me their babies and demand a picture.

Hawa Mahal

Inside the walls of the old city, you will find the Hawa Mahal, the most iconic building of Jaipur also called the Palace of Winds. The beehive structure was built in order to allow royal ladies to observe life without being seen and to ventilate the inside – Jaipur can get really hot!

The beautiful facade that you see from the street is actually the back of the building, you will find the entrance on the front side. On your way, you can also find a tiny altar with an awesome blue elephant in case you are keen.

For the perfect shot of the Hawa Mahal head to the opposite street side and up to Wind View Cafe. Great for a chai and a photo op!

Jantar Mantar

The Jantar Mantar is a historic observatory with 19 astronomical instruments that show and explain the sky to you. It is one of the biggest in the world and also home to the largest stone sundial. All instruments are made for observation with the naked eye. 

You can just visit on your own, the entrance is a few dollars, but if you are interested in science, astronomy, or history, I highly recommend you book a tour with a knowledgeable guide. 

Shopping in Jaipur

There is no shortage of great shopping opportunities in Jaipur, I couldn’t resist either (and even had to pay excess luggage fees afterward). Jaipur is known for its textiles, jewelry, and pottery so you can shop until you drop.

For great bazar finds make your way to the Ghat Gate and into the old pink city. Here you will find beautiful textiles, leather shoes and for those who are just keen to take pictures, you will find the fruit and vegetable market close by. Ghat Darwaza Bazar Road is also great to buy gems as well as spices.
If you are not a fan of bazars and the overall thrill of haggling don’t worry because there are some great shops in Jaipur that come with set prices.

Anokhi is famous and I have loved this brand ever since I bought my first caftan in a boutique in South Africa. Honestly, their cotton prints are just so beautiful, summery and most of all comfortable. I had to set myself a firm spending limit at their Jaipur store which I only went over for the perfect gift – a quilted cotton blanket for my friend’s baby boy.

Come hungry because the adjacent cafe is lovely and has great salads.

Jaipur Modern is a beautiful concept store offering anything from tea to caftans, soaps, and jewelry – beautifully displayed and curated of course! Again a spending limit was set and ignored, this time I had no one to blame but myself.

And then there is Nila House. Nila’s philosophy is showcasing and preserving craft traditions from India. In the Nila House in Jaipur, you can learn more about dies and weaving, access a small textile library, and of course, shop. Increase your credit card limit before you go because their clothing and home textiles are absolutely incredible, and you will definitely not want to leave without a few presents. 

What & Where to eat in Jaipur

If you are new to food in India, I recommend you read the post below first. I hope it will ease your fears and get you to explore the cuisine.

Exploring India one bite at a time & How to avoid getting sick.

Having said this, I will be very honest – while I never get really sick I am not the biggest fan of Indian food (until I got to Mumbai..). However, I will admit that this is just my own taste buds’ opinion, I know so many people who absolutely adore Indian food so you should go ahead and eat everything!

Here are some restaurants in Jaipur that I liked and enjoyed:

Jaipur Modern Kitchen / If you are craving a pizza Jaipur Kitchen is the place to go. The little restaurant is also a great option for healthy options like green smoothies and quinoa salads.

Dagla – The Rooftop Jaipur / A beloved rooftop restaurant where many tour groups go. However, don’t let that deter you – the food is great, especially the Laal maas, a Rajasthani lamb dish, and the Peshawari naan, which is stuffed with pistachios and all sorts of yumminess. They also serve beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages.

Bar Palladio Jaipur / A fancy, Instagram-worthy place for a great cocktail. 

Lassi Walla / When in Jaipur you MUST have a lassi. Lassi is a yogurt-based drink that I know to be overly sweet and fruit-flavored from a yogurt-like cup. At least that’s how you get lassi in Germany, not my favorite to be honest.

In Jaipur, you will find the original Lassi Walla (look out for the date above the store, 1944, to make sure it is not the knock-off store). Here you will get the freshest lassi that tastes like nothing I have ever tasted – pure heaven! They serve it in the cutest disposable clay pots and it comes in small and large (get a large!). You can pay extra to have it without sugar or ice but I recommend you go for the true experience – I promise you, you won’t regret it.

The Johri / The Johri is a favorite hotel and restaurant in Jaipur. If you like the Wes Anderson aesthetic, this is your place! I only went for dinner during my last trip and couldn’t have loved the setting more. 

There are certain restaurants that seem to go the extra mile, especially when I am dining on my own, and the wonderful staff at the Johri was no exception. On the menu, you will find Indian fine dining and delicious cocktails. Different portion sizes allow for mixing, matching, or sharing. 

Whatever you order, try the Gucchi caviar, a fun vegetarian dish with caviar pearls made from Gucchi morel mushrooms from the Himalaya. Do remember: When one of the waiters warns you that something is very spicy, heed their advice – otherwise, go for an extra portion of curd, so you survive your meal. 

The Sarvato / For a truly unique dining experience in Jaipur, you should book a table at the Sarvato. The Sarvato is located inside the City Palace and, in fact, refers to the Sarvatobhadra, a building inside the palace once used for private audiences. From September to March, you can book a multi-course journey through Rajasthan here and enjoy it on the roof overlooking the palace and parts of Jaipur. 

The menu was created by Chef Sonu Kumar Singh from The Johri and Chef Vikram Arora, and is a six-course tasting menu. You can choose between a vegetarian and non-vegetarian menu, and add a cocktail experience or wine pairing. 

The food and the setting are stunning, especially since dinner only starts at 7.30 pm when the sun has set and the  palace is illuminated. Service is incredibly friendly and efficient, dishes are a feast for the senses (ask for an extra chili ice cream sandwich!), and offer a unique glimpse into Rajasthani heritage and cuisine – different from anything you will usually find in restaurants here. 

While the price is definitely steep – the menu alone is ₹8000++ – the unique setting makes it a worthy experience. 

Food tour in Jaipur 

If I feel a bit lost in a new country or city when it comes to food, I usually book a food tour. Mind you, for a budget traveler they can often be a bit too pricey but in India, they are extremely affordable. 

I have done a couple of food tours in Jaipur and you will usually get some of the best chai and explore some of the best places to eat in Jaipur. What is on the menu? Things like dahi puri, momos, kulfi, chole khulche, and so much more. 

And best of all – you won’t have to worry about getting sick as the food tour restaurants and stalls are all very well curated and chosen for their great food and hygenic standards. 

• Evening food tour in Jaipur
• Cultural walk and street food tour in Jaipur

Bloom Boutique

If you prefer a boutique hotel in Jaipur, I recommend Bloom Boutique. Bloom is a small chain of Indian boutique hotels, some more some less well rated. The Bloom Boutique – Chelon Haveli in Jaipur has excellent ratings and is such a nice little boutique guesthouse. It is set in an old haveli right next to the City Palace and the Hawa Mahal. 

The rooms are spacious and comfortable, the bathrooms are amazing (not always a given in a haveli), and they have a restaurant downstairs. In addition, they have a modern app service for ordering anything from roomservice to a hair dryer. The staff is also super kind and helpful. 

The only issue: it can be hard to find an Uber as the haveli is not on their map. However, once you get a driver just ask the reception to direct them to the entrance. 

Book Bloom Boutique: Booking / Agoda

How to get to Jaipur & Tips for your trip

You have a couple of options to get to Jaipur. First up, there are many Golden Triangle tours combining Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Perfect if you want to have the comfort of having a private driver when it is your first time in India or you are traveling with kids or older people. 

Alternatively you can take a flight or a train – Jaipur has its own airport or train station. I recommend you have a look for 12Go for the best connections, depending on where you come from. There are a few low cost carriers flying to Jaipur, both from within India like IndiGo but also internationally like AirAsia flying to Bangkok for example. 

Find out how to book a train in India

I found the easiest and most comfortable way to get around in Jaipur was by Uber or Ola, the Indian version. You can book both cars and tuk-tuk/rickshaws with those apps. Prices are set depending on the distance and the type of vehicle you want. Sometimes you have better chances to get one if your payment is set to ‘cash’, so keep that in mind come rush hour.

I always felt safe and it was easy to find my way. Alternatively, you can get a shared tuk-tuk/rickshaw but I recommend asking your hotel for advice and help you hail one if you want to consider that. 

Money

As with most places in India, payment apps are all the rage in Jaipur as well. However, as a foreigner you will need to make do with cash or your credit card. I recommend having both at hand. There are ATMs around the city where you can withdraw money. Just ask your hotel for help or simple put ‘ATM’ into your Google Maps when there. 

There is also a great app called ATM Fee Saver that I just found that shows you ATMs in your vicinity as well as the fees they charge. 

Wifi

Wifi in most Jaipur hotels and hostels is pretty solid, at least from my experience. That said, if you want to be mobile you will need a local SIM card which is a hassle to get. I say, save the hassle and rather get an Airalo eSIM for India. The installation is quick and easy and this way you can go online as soon as you arrive. 

Buy an Airalo eSIM and get 12% off with code MBE or by using this link 

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