3-Day Jaipur Itinerary: How to Spend Your Time

There are many great places to visit in Jaipur, so crafting an ideal Jaipur itinerary may seem overwhelming at first. If you only have a short time in the city, what spots must you try to fit in to make the most of your visit?

Making up one corner of India’s famed Golden Triangle, Jaipur is an amazing city deemed worthy of the UNESCO World Heritage Site title. Many well-known spots in the capital city of Rajasthan, like the Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort, and City Palace, make for an exciting Jaipur sightseeing adventure.

Often referred to as India’s pink city, Jaipur boasts a rich cultural heritage with many a tourist attraction to please any visitor, regardless of how fleeting your visit might be.

But a three-day Jaipur itinerary is ideal to make the most of your time in Jaipur. This gives you plenty of time to take in many significant sights in the city and devour delicious local dishes without feeling like your time is too chaotic and rushed.

So, with this in mind, we’ve devised the below three-day Jaipur itinerary to help you plan your vacation to the city. Of course, feel free to jiggle around the order to suit personal preferences and interests, but it’s a great starting point to use as a guide to make the most of your short time in Jaipur.

How to Get to Jaipur

Before we dive into the Jaipur itinerary, how do you actually get to Jaipur? There are three entries into the Pink City:

• By air: Jaipur International Airport, in the suburb of Sanganer, is only 13km away from the city. Major airlines like Air India and IndiGo fly here.
• By train: Jaipur is a popular tourist destination, so, naturally, it is well connected with other major cities in India. You can easily book yourself onto regularly scheduled trips with major train companies like Shatabdi Express or Intercity Express. Use Omio to compare train prices and get the best deal to get to Jaipur.
• By road: If traveling via road, Jaipur is well connected with major highways; for example, if driving from Delhi, take the NH8, and you’ll be in Jaipur in about five hours. You could also travel via bus with numerous bus transport companies operating in the country, with prices starting at a mere $1.20 per ticket, depending on your route and comfort preference.

See Related: Easy Ways to Book Cheap Round Trip Flights to Anywhere

How to Get Around Jaipur

As you’ll see in this 3-day Jaipur itinerary, the city is quite spread out. But don’t fret! You have abundant local transport options should any places to visit require something a bit faster than traveling by foot.

Firstly, rickshaws are everywhere and very easy to get. Just ensure you don’t get short-changed and agree on a price before you hop on.

If you think the price is too high, say no; the next rickshaw is probably seconds away. For this reason, it’s worth having some idea of the cost of traveling to some spots by checking with your hotel before you head out to get a fair price.

There are also taxis, local bus services, and the metro for exploring the city. Moreover, you could always rent a car yourself for some of the places to visit located a little further out of the city. There’s also the option to hire a driver for the day to take you around to the city’s highlights.

Must-Visit Spots for Your Jaipur Itinerary

Three-Day Itinerary for Jaipur

Day 1

City Palace of Jaipur

Address: Gangori Bazaar, J.D.A. Market, Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002, India

After breakfast at your nearby hotel, The Umaid Vilas Royal Heritage Haveli, take your five-minute stroll to start your first day in Jaipur at the City Palace.

Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II built the City Palace complex in 1797 in the middle of the Old City. The palace contains gardens, temples, courtyards, and buildings befitting a King’s home.

The entrance to the palace is through the Mubarak Mahal, designated for greeting dignitaries from other states. Now part of the clothing museum, it contains royal costumes and shawls.

Next comes the Maharani’s Palace or the Queen’s Palace, which houses the armory. Fighting was a great source of honor in Rajput society, so weaponry was intricately carved and gilded with precious stones.

After the Maharani’s Palace is the Diwan-i-Khas, where the King held court with his ministers and discussed matters of the state. At the end of the complex is the most beautiful courtyard in the royal palace itself, the Pitam Niwas Chowk. 

The chowk has four exquisite gates representing the four seasons: the Peacock Gate, the Lotus Gate, the Green Gate, and the Rose Gate.

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Lunch at Laxmi Misthan Bhandar

Address: No. 98, 99, Johari Bazar Rd LMB Hotel, Bapu Bazar, Jaipur 302003 India

After spending a few hours at the City Palace walking on foot, you are bound to be tired and need food. Head over to Lakshmi Misthan Bhandar, a mere two miles away, for lunch.

The restaurant is in the middle of the famous Johari Bazaar of Jaipur. LMB boasts 290 years of being a traditional sweets craftsman.

The sheer quality and taste of the food at this restaurant will blow your mind away. You should expect to wait at least 15 minutes for a table, even on weekdays.

Having visited LMB for many years, I recommend not going for one of the bigger plates but trying out the smaller chaats instead. Order one plate each of Raj Kachori, Pyaaz Kachori, Chola Bhatura, Aloo Papri Chaat, and the Burger (not an actual burger; they change the stuffing to a Rajasthani one, which is amazing).

Johari Bazar shopping

Address: Gangori Bazar, Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302007, India

Next, we will venture out into Johari Bazar. It is one of the most famous streets in Jaipur and a shopping paradise.

The bazaar is divided into sections by different products so you can find all the jewelers in one place, spices and food in another, and clothing or jootis in a third. It’s wise to shop around and get a feel for the prices before buying anything.

The best way to enjoy the market is to start strolling in any direction and head whichever you like. The market spreads around in all directions, and the fun lies in seeing what you can find around the next corner.

You may even spot a procession of elephants through the market or an early Indian wedding group going down the street.

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Hawa Mahal for sunset

Address: Hawa Mahal Rd, Badi Choupad, J.D.A. Market, Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002, India

Next comes one of my favorite views in Jaipur—the famous Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds. Built from red and pink sandstone, which gives the city its name, this was the window to the world of the ladies of the court.

The ladies used to sit behind windows and gaze upon the processions passing through the marketplace below. It extends to the Zenana or the royal women’s quarters of the City Palace behind it.

The best view of this structure is from a cafe on the third floor on the opposite side of the road accessible by a small hidden staircase. You can ask any of the vendors on this side of the road to point out the entrance to you.

Here, you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of Johari Bazaar and Hawa Mahal right in front. At dusk, the golden sky and the mahal shining soft red before being lit up by a thousand light bulbs is truly a unique sight.

See Related: Ultimate Golden Triangle Itinerary: Visit India’s Top Cities

Bar Palladio for dinner

Address: Kanota Bagh, Narayan Singh Rd, Rambagh, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302004, India

Head over to Bar Palladio, 10 minutes away to end the day. Bar Palladio is a restaurant and lounge located within Narain Niwas Palace Hotel. It has the air of Mughal luxury while being inspired by the Italian heritage of its owner, Barbara Miolini.

You will find dancing peacocks, ripe mangoes hanging off giant trees, an open-air canopied bar through a narrow gate in an unassuming building. Bar Palladio has one of the most stunning interiors designed by Dutch designer Marie-Ann Oudejans.

The canopies of blue and white instill a sense of cool and calm in the middle of a hot, sweaty, and bustling city. As soon as you step inside, you will feel the exhaustion and grime of the day melt away in the sips of your martini.

Some of the must-haves are the Crisp Martini, Venetian Pritz, and Arancini. The bartenders are marvelous at their jobs, so don’t be surprised at the exquisite drinks they pour.

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Day 2

Amer Fort

Address: Devisinghpura, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302001, India

Amer Fort (or Amber Fort, Amber Palace) is a top attraction in Jaipur. About 11km from the city, it’s an extensive palace complex built with pink and yellow sandstone and white marble.

The fort is divided into several distinct areas, like the King’s quarters, the Zenana, the palace gardens, and the main courtyard. Visitors can enjoy a few attractions within the complex, such as the Diwan-e-aam or the Sheesh Mahal.

It is ideal to visit early in the morning as it is one of India’s most well-known and visited forts. So, with its reputation among the most popular tourist destinations in the country, you can expect crowds. It’s worth carving out at least 2-3 hours of your morning to visit the fort.

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Panna Meena Ka Kund

Address: XVR2+CFX, Amer, Rajasthan 302028, India

Around a ten-minute walk from Amer Fort (quicker by rickshaw) is the Panna Meena Ka Kund Stepwell. The stepwell was originally built so the local people could collect water in desert soil. It was also frequented by passing travelers requiring rest-bite from the sweltering heat.

While the Panna Meena Ka Kund Stepwell is not the largest in the area, it’s well worth a visit as the local authority keeps it well-maintained. Because of the attention it receives, it makes for a great backdrop to your travel snaps.

Taj Amer, Jaipur, is a wonderfully highly-rated hotel not too far from Panna Meena Ka Kund or the Amber Fort.

If you want to stay somewhere nearby for easy and convenient access to these highly popular places to visit in Jaipur, Taj Amer is a great shout. It can mean getting to these top spots as soon as they open to avoid the crowds but without sacrificing too much sleep for travel time.

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Jaigarh Fort

Address: Devisinghpura, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302028, India

There are actually underground tunnels connecting Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort, although only a specific section has been restored for access by the public.

The fort features an Indo-Persian style with thick walls of red sandstone. Consisting of narrow and dark walkways, the fort features three entry points: the Doongar, Sagari, and Awani Gates. Make your way to the Awani Gate for stunning views of the Sagar Lake, or go to the Sagari Gate for views of the Maota Lake.

Dating back to 1726, Jaigarh Fort is particularly interesting to history buffs, featuring an armory brimming with old weaponry with cannons and a museum showcasing items of interest from the royal family.

The cannons are actually a major attraction at the fort, with the world’s largest cannon on wheels, the Jaivana, being housed at the fort.

Lunch at 1135 AD

Address: Level 2.And 3, Amer Palace, Jaleb Chowk, Jaipur 302002 India

Less than a ten-minute drive from Jaigarh Fort (or about a 20-minute walk) is 1135AD, a perfect spot for lunch. Book ahead to avoid missing out due to a last-minute rush, as this restaurant is popular.

Many past customers review 1135AD as a luxurious dining experience served in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant has a classic design with modern class, and each dish is prepared with the freshest ingredients to ensure perfection for every customer.

1135AD serves elaborately royal dishes from the recipes of the Amer Royal family themselves. Dine on Amer Gosht (slow-cooked meat stew), Shahi Tukda (a popular royal dessert of bread, ghee, sugar, milk, and nuts), or Laal Maans (mutton curry).

Jal Mahal

Address: Jal Mahal, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002, India

Hop on a rickshaw for a 20-minute drive to the majestic water palace of Jal Mahal. Quite a unique palace, Jal Mahal almost seems to float effortlessly atop Man Sagar Lake. Once finding purpose as the shooting lodging for the Japipur Maharaja, Jal Mahal is now a most notable landmark in the area and worthy of a spot on any Jaipur itinerary.

While the palace only seems to be one story high, it’s actually got four more floors submerged underneath the lake. During a drought in the 16th Century, a dam was constructed, eventually forming the lake that claimed most of the palace.

At one time, tourists could access the palace via Gondola, but today it is inaccessible. But even without being able to get up close and personal, witnessing the lake palace from the banks of the lake is enough to inspire awe and intrigue.

Dinner at Govindam Retreat

Address: First Floor, All Rajasthan Shilp Gram Udyog Rajamal Ka Talab Rd Near Govind Dev Ji Temple Kanwar Nagar, Brahampuri, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002, India

Once the day’s adventures are over, consider stopping by Govindam Retreat for dinner. Having received thousands of rave reviews on TripAdvisor, you can’t go wrong with ordering one of their Traditional Rajasthani dishes.

Deemed a vegetarian’s haven, the menu at Govinfam Retreat doesn’t play around with offering some incredible variety in the dishes. Many traditional dishes of lentils, chickpeas, paneer, and rich vegetable flavors dominate the cuisine.

The chef-recommended traditional Rajasthani option of Special Ker Sangari is a standout dish to try. It’s a meal of dried ker berry with sangri beans, yogurt, onion, and tomatoes.

Day 3

Maharani Ki Chhatri

Address: WRVR+W82, Shankar Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002, India

For your final day visiting the pink city, visit Maharani Ki Chhatri. Built in 1815 in memory of Maharaja Bakhtawar Singh, this double-storeyed cenotaph is special. An elegant monument featuring floral design features a nice mix of red/brown sandstone and white marble.

Within the cenotaph, you will find the tombs of the Maharaja and his Queen, Rani Moosi. The Queen actually committed ‘sati,’ the act of a Hindu widow burning herself to death on her husband’s funeral pyre.

Walking through the cenotaph, you’ll see mythological carvings adorning the walls, and as you walk up to the higher level, you will be most impressed with the beautiful marbling design.

Consider staying at Lemon Tree Hotel Alwar for quick and easy access to the cenotaph for an easier start to your day, requiring less of an early start! It’s a four-star option with proximity to other local attractions like the Naldeshwar Shrine and Garhaji Falls.

See Related: Best Hotel Booking Sites to Save on Stays

Albert Hall Museum

Address: Ram Niwas Garden, Ashok Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302007, India

The Albert Hall Museum, also known as the Government Central Museum, began construction in 1876, with King Edward VII laying the foundation stone. If you pay a visit to the museum, you’ll enjoy a collection of artifacts that unravel the rich history of Jaipur. Moreover, you’ll enjoy learning the local area’s history in a beautifully designed museum.

Within the Albert Hall Museum are 16 different galleries to explore that house artifacts and antiquities of local and international origin. Gifted to the royal family, items on display include an Egyptian mummy, numerous pieces of pottery, and intricate garments once worn by the royals.

It will probably only take around one to two hours out of your day to visit the museum. This makes it a great activity to slot in before the drive to Samode Palace for lunch.

See Related: An Expert Traveler’s Complete International Travel Checklist

Lunch at Samode Palace

Address: Village Samode, Tehsil Chomu, 303806 Sāmod, India

The one-hour drive from the Albert Hall Museum to Samode Palace for lunch is 100% worth it. Now serving as a hotel, Samode Palace serves up some incredible food with incredible views; make sure to call and book a seat ahead of time.

Having lunch at such a regally designed 16th-century palace is a great treat for your final day in Jaipur. The dining options at the hotel include traditional Indian meals and other offerings of Asian and European cuisine. Of course, the palace enjoys an extensive wine cellar, so you will find the perfect wine pairing for any meal you choose.

The multi-cuisine restaurant has an all-day dining buffet on site, with extensive vegetarian options and other delightful tastes to suit any palate. Some of the more notable dishes you could enjoy include tasty banana flower croquettes, sprouted salad, and even pizza if you want something simple.

Sunset at Nahargarh Fort

Address: Krishna Nagar, Brahampuri, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302007, India

Pop back in the car for another hour and drive back to the city center to catch the sunset at Nahargarh Fort. The fort offers some of the best views of the pink city, so it’s the perfect spot to end your time in Jaipur to see the sunset.

Built back in 1734, the fort actually began life as Sudarshangarh, a defense for Jaipur city. Its name was later changed, but two potential reasons are circulating for this.

First, it was named Nahargarh, or ‘abode of tigers’ because of the tigers that roamed its hills. The second is that it was named after Prince Nahar Singh Bhomia.

There are many structures to enjoy walking around within the fort complex, including a temple dedicated to Prince Nahar, an open enclosure once used for the meetings of Kings and the common public, and another temple dedicated to Jaipur monarchs.

It’s worth noting here that it is possible to hire a car and drive to the places to visit in Jaipur mentioned in this 3-day Jaipur itinerary. Snooping on TravelInsurance.com before your trip to ensure you’re fully covered for car rentals is key to a stress-free trip! Otherwise, you could hire a driver for each day and play Passenger Princess.

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