Experience The Best Of Jaipur, India In 48 Hours
Whether you have two days or two weeks to travel, our Jaipur, India city guide covers the must see sites, local food recommendations, where to stay, how much the city will cost, an example itinerary, and how to get around the city - including how to get to and from the airport, bus and train stations.
Jaipur is the capital and the largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan. Founded in 1727, Jaipur is also known as the Pink City due to the dominant color scheme of its buildings. Jaipur is a popular tourist destination in India and forms a part of the Golden Triangle - a tourist circuit along with Delhi and Agra (where the Taj Mahal is located). With many, many sights to see (Including two amazing UNESCO sites), mouthwatering local food, friendly people, colorful streets, and extreme traditions and celebrations, this city is an SMP-Must-See if you are in the region!
Getting To & From The Airport, Bus & Train Stations
Regardless of your point-of-entry into this city, the fastest, cheapest, and most recommended way to get anywhere in the city is by Tuk-Tuk. You can either contact your hotel or hostel and pre-arrange a pick-up with them or simply exit the terminal and find a driver (very easy). The cost shouldn’t be more than 150INR one-way. Make sure to haggle and don’t get ripped off.
First Things First - What To Eat/Drink?
(INDIAN FOOD! So Good! All of it! Just try everything! Eat it all! AHHHHH!)
Jaipur is one of the most popular cities in India, specially known for its royalty, traditions and culture. Apart from these factors, the special food of Jaipur is also something, visitors cannot afford to miss.
Dal Baati Churma - A mouthwatering Rajasthani favorite - this dish is comprised of dal (lentils) and baati (hard wheat rolls). Dip, soak, or smother the baati and enjoy!
Chai - Even if you are only in India for 12 hours, if you somehow manage to miss drinking Chai, you are either a magician, blind, dumb or allergic. This stuff is drank all-day, everyday, literally on every street corner. It’s amazing!
Mutton Tikka - Most of the people believe Jaipur to be a vegetarian city but you will be surprised to know the variety and delicious flavors of the non-veg dishes present here. Mutton tikka is juicy, spicy and delicious mutton meat cooked with lemon and Indian spices.
Lassiwala - This (now) world famous yogurt based fruit drink originated in Jaipur and…well you know how good it is. Why not try it in a cool Rajasthani mug in the city where it was created. You can find this almost as regularly as Chai.
Must-See's Of Jaipur
Jaipur is a thriving ancient city, rich with color, history, and small side streets that act like a maze…But with the right plan, the city can be explored and mastered in 48 hours. Here are 6 must see sights in the city you can’t miss:
Hawa Mahal - Free - "Palace of Winds" is unique five-story “honeycomb” with 953 small windows called Jharokhas. The original intent of the design was to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life and festivals celebrated in the street below without being seen. Best facing/sunset view is from the “Tattoo Cafe” (where we took this picture).
Amer Fort - Cost $7 - Constructed of red sandstone and marble, the attractive, opulent palace is laid out on four levels, each with a courtyard. Amer Fort is known for its artistic style elements with its large ramparts, series of gates, cobbled paths, gardens and a lake at the rear, this ancient fort in massive and breathtaking.
Sita Ram Ji - Free to visit - Called Monkey Temple due to the large number of monkeys who live in the largely abandoned and only partially restored temples. The site consists of a series of temples built into a narrow crevice in the ring of hills that surrounds Jaipur. Visitors can ascend the crevasse, continuing past the highest water pool to a hilltop temple from there are views of Jaipur and its fortifications spreads out across the valley floor.
Jal Mahal - Free to visit - (meaning "Water Palace") is a palace in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur city. The Jal Mahal palace is an architectural showcase of the Rajput style of architecture (common in Rajasthan) on a grand scale. Fun fact: the first 4 stories of this palace are under water and to this day allow no water seepage.
Bazaar’s throughout the gated city - Free to visit - Jaipur is known around India as a great city for anything shopping related. Here you can get anything made; from shoes to hats to a 5 piece suit all made in 1 day. Spend a few hours strolling the shops and finding unique souvenirs. Don’t forget your camera!
City Palace - Cost $10 - KL Forest Eco Park is one of the oldest permanent forest reserves in Malaysia. It boasts one of Kuala Lumpur’s latest attractions, an impressive 200m canopy walk, providing visitors with a wonderful aerial view of the treetops and the city beyond. This park is the only remaining stretch of tropical rainforest within the city limits of Kuala Lumpur.
Exploring Jaipur Via Tuk Tuk
The best option for getting around the city, for sure. There are hundreds of Tuk Tuk drivers, so reaching your destination will never be a problem. However, it can be tiring haggling with drivers all day long over prices - especially since we don’t really know how far away things are or what the local prices are for rides of differing distances. Our recommendation is to find a driver you like (maybe through your hotel or hostel) and stick with him for the day. This will allow you to go wherever you want, whenever you want, for an all-inclusive day price.
Our tuk tuk driver was named Sunny, a gentle, funny and a knowledgeable local who is always willing to take you wherever in the city you wish to go. He is extremely punctual, only charges $10USD to book his services for the entire day. We met Sunny when he picked us up at the airport at 2am and did not leave his side for 3 days. He showed us parts of the city tourists will not normally find on their own. Our experience in Jaipur would have been lacking without him.
Where We Stay
There are tons of accommodation options in Jaipur, from hostels, Airbnbs, bed & breakfasts, and many hotels.
We choose to stay at Blue Beds. “Blue Beds is Design-led serviced accommodation for the uncompromising traveler on a budget. At Blue Beds, we felt there was a need for a Premium Hostel which would help travellers recharge by stepping back from the sensory overload of everyday Indian experiences. So, we meticulously picked out all the good bits from our own travels and built an affordable luxury stay option for travellers which is Centrally located, Clean, Secure and fully equipped with modern amenities. We are located €1 away from the Jaipur Railway Station and Jaipur Bus Station.”
($8/night for a 6 bed mixed dorm or $29.50/night for a private twin room).
Travel Tips & Helpful Hints
Do I need a visa? Pretty much every country needs a visa for India. However, 140+ countries are eligible for an E-Visa. The application is long and the fee $100US (for Americans at least) but it makes arriving and getting into India a breeze. Apply and learn more here.
What is the power voltage? The voltage is 220v whereas the US is 110V - so your devices may get a little warm while charging.
What about smoking weed or drinking in the streets? Weed is illegal but is not a huge deal. We really recommend this travel bloggers post about weed in India. She breaks down the legality of it all, where you can buy it, when and who you can buy it from and what to do if you get caught.
As far as drinking goes, it is not permissible to drink in public and the police will fine you. So have a good time at the bars.
What is the currency and its value? The currency used in India is called the Indian Rupee (INR). The current value (at the time writing) is INR 70 = $1 USD.
What is the weather like? Always hot!? The weather in India substantially differs depending what part of the country you are in. The monsoon seasons are different for different regions of this massive country. Believe it or not, India can be brutally cold certain times of the year. Research the weather for every location you plan to visit before you leave.
Are cows really just roaming the streets? Yes, goats and pigs too! And it’s awesome! Don’t touch them though.
“You talk a lot about haggling with the locals - isn’t that rude”? Fair question, but no. As told to us by our local Indian friend, Raj, Indians like to haggle, its like a game, it lets them know you are interested. If you ask the price and say “too high” and walk away, they will say nothing back to you, assuming you are not interested at all. If you come back with a price (50% of what they offered) it lets them know you are interested in maybe buying something. They will be excited at this prospect and negotiate with you until you both find a happy price.
48 hours in Jaipur Example Itinerary:
Day One:
First things first, grab some Chai, have a quick bite to eat and call you tuk tuk driver.
Head to the Amer Fort. Great light and less crowded in the morning. Enjoy strolling the fort for a couple hours (its easy to get lost). Oh, and make sure to explore the underground tunnels!
After the Amer Fort, if you plan to visit the Elephant village, now is a good time as its just up the road from here. Otherwise we recommend heading to the Jal Mahal (the water palace) as this is on the way back into town.
By now you are for sure hungry. Head to a restaurant (any really) and get down on that Indian goodness!
Have your driver take you to the walled in part of the city and go explore! The streets are crazy, the people in the thousands, and the sights breathtaking. Grab your camera and go explore! Make sure to wander through some of the bazaar’s.
For a sunset dinner go the Tattoo Cafe for awesome food (a bit $$$$ but the view is worth it and the food really is good), and an amazing sunset view of the Wind Palace.
Day Two:
You know the drill. Chai and a bite to eat.
Call you driver and head to the Monkey Temple. Explore.
Once you have taken 3000 photo’s (just me? Seriously I have a problem) grab some lunch on your way back into town.
Once back in town, grab some lunch!
After lunch, visit the City Palace - this place will be beautiful in the bright light.
If you’re ready for some history we recommend going to the Albert Hall Museum, an elegant museum built in 1887 showcasing Indian art, arms, jewels, furniture, artifacts & more. 100INR.
As the day winds down, grab some dinner and take a tuk tuk tour of the city at night. Jaipur comes alive at night and is perfect for magical photos.
If you have an additional day Three:
You cannot miss the Panna Meena ka Kund.
So What's It Going To Cost?
Here is how much we spent, and what we spent it on, in 48 hours.
Food: Breakfast: We spent $0.50 USD each morning drinking Chai and eating local breakfast on the street.
Lunch: $4 USD at local restaurants; usually ordering curry.
Dinner: We spent an average of $4 USD each evening, too.
Total for Food = $8.50 USD each/per day.
Beer: So cheap! 100INR ($1.20) for a large bottle beer.
Total for Beer = $2.40-$4.80 USD each/per day.
Accommodation: Blue Beds Hostel is one of the best rated/cleanest hostels in town.
($8/night for a 6 bed mixed dorm or $29.50/night for a private twin room).
Transportation (Including getting to and from the airport): Get yourself a tuk tuk driver and all you will spend is $7/day. If you are traveling with someone else, now this cost is cut in half for you and your friend to split. Huzzah.
Total for Transportation = $14 for 2 days.
Activities: If you see all the sights mentioned on this post (including the Albert Hall Museum), you can expect to spend:
Total for Activities = $17 USD each.
So, What Did We Spend In 48 Hours?
That's $35 USD per person, per day.
Yeah you can live off 35 bucks a day. How awesome is that!
