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Jaipur in 48 hrs – The capital and the largest city of India’s desert state of Rajasthan. The city has retained its flair for royalty and is one of the visited cities of India when it comes to Tourism.
Things to know about Jaipur
The City of Jaipur was designed in the 18th-century by Maharaja Jai Singh and named after him. The old city reflects royalty with numerous royal palaces, gardens and pavilions and street designed for parade routes flanked by bazaars.
The entire old city was painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales in 1876 and as a result is affectionately known as the Pink City.
When it comes to tourism Jaipur is one of the most popular destinations in India and forms part of the Golden Triangle.
I finally managed to get to the Pink City at its peak tourist season. It was more than what I had expected. So here is my quick guide to the best this city has to offer – Jaipur in 48 hrs.
Best Time to Go to Jaipur
Jaipur’s climate is in sync with the vast Thar Desert that covers most of Rajasthan with scorching heat from April to July.
The best time to visit Jaipur is during the winter months when the temperatures are mild but it also sees an influx of tourists and the prices reflect it.
How to get to Jaipur.
By Air – Jaipur International Airport serves the city as both a domestic and international airport and is located in the suburb of Sanganer, roughly 13 km from the city centre.
It is considered as one of the best airports in India and has good connection with all the major cities in India and a few International destinations.
Depending on the time of the day your journey from the airport to the city could take anything between 30 to 60 minutes.
There are plenty of taxis available. Always use a pre-paid one or make sure to agree a price before you start your journey.
Best option is to use UBER.
By Train – The Indian Railways connects Jaipur from all over the country and is one of the cheapest options. The most popular option from the capital Delhi is the Shatabdi express which transports you to Jaipur in roughly 4 hrs.
By Road – Jaipur is well connected to the capital and other cities around it by a modern network of highways and there is an excellent bus service between Jaipur and Delhi run by the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) with buses approximately every half an hour in both directions. The journey by car from Delhi takes less than 4 hrs via the National Highway No 8.
Getting Around Jaipur in 48 hrs.
Taxi / Car – A very convenient and comfortable and affordable option. As you can’t hail one call and pre book. Negotiate prices if they are not metered. My personal favourite Uber or Ola which are certainly becoming increasingly popular, so finding a car at a reasonable fare is quite easy.
RTD Bus – One of the cheapest way to visit the Jaipur Local Sights is by using the RTDC (Rajasthan Tourism Dept. Corp.) There will be one guide with each bus to give you brief info about all sights.
Metro / Underground – Started operation in 2015, Jaipur Metro provides a fast and inexpensive way to get around the city. Chandpole station, which is around 1 km from the old city is a great way to avoid the traffic.
Fun way to get around Jaipur – Auto-rickshaw / Tuk Tuk – An exciting way to travel around the city and hiring one for whole day would cost you under £10. Always agree on price before you start and all that in may include (time, petrol and parking fees). It is a fun way to experience the city.
Foot – One you are in the old city the best way would be to walk around. A great way to soak in the atmosphere and the Pink City’s architecture and colourful bazaars.
Where to Stay in Jaipur
Choosing the right accommodation in Jaipur can be enjoyable. Depending on your budget and what you prefer Jaipur offers a wide choice. The city has some incredible palaces that have been converted into hotels and give you a feel of how the royalty lived.
Jaipur has some of the largest global chains and for the budget traveller an array of guest houses. Lastly if you are a fan of Airbnb then it is surely making its mark within the subcontinent and you can book some affordable accommodations in Jaipur though it.
You can either choose to stay in the old city or the more new and developed part. We went with one of our favourites the Hilton which was not too far from the old city and a relatively new property.
Hilton Jaipur –
The Hilton Jaipur has a great location in the city centre. It is minutes away from most of the famous attractions and offers an ideal base for both leisure and business travellers.
The hotel offers impeccable service extended by an experienced and skilled team and honestly I could not have asked for more.
Find out all the the details in our review – Hilton Jaipur.
Jaipur in 48 hrs – Day 1.
Trip to Amer Fort
How to get to Amer Fort? Doing some research we planned an early start for 2 main reasons. First to avoid the traffic jams that are common in high tourist seasons and second to avoid the long ques to get inside the fort.
Reach early if you want to enjoy the mush desired elephant ride which takes you to the top of the fort.
A nice breakfast at our hotel and we headed to Amer Fort. I must say starting early did help and the journey thought the old city was a breeze.
Amer Fort is a located in the town of Amer, roughly 11 kilometers from the capital with an area of 4 square kilometers. Located high on a hill, it is tone of the most popular tourist attraction in Jaipur.
Once the capital of Jaipur, the fort was the residence of its rulers. Built by the famous Maharajah Man Singh I, its construction started in 1592 on the remains of an 11th-century fort.
Successive rulers added to Fort before moving the capital to Jaipur in 1727. Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013 its architecture is a fusion of Mughal and Rajput art.
Amer Fort is open daily from 8 am to 5:30 p.m. and tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online. The ticket is valid for two days and includes entry to Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar and Albert Hall Museum.
It is a good idea to hire a guide which cost us INR 500 and he helped us get tickets and arrange for our ride to the top of the hill.
How to get to Aamer Fort? You can reach the fort which is on top of the hill by walking uphill, riding on elephant back, jeep or take your vehicle.
Elephant ride to Amer Fort
A popular way to get to the fort is by riding on an elephant. It starts from the car park and takes you up the hill to the main courtyard of the fort.
However, due to concerns over the welfare of the elephants there are limited rides each elephant can do from 8 in the mornings until 11 so arrive early to enjoy it and reach the fort like Royalty did.
The prices have been fixed by the government so you don’t need to negotiate and your guide can help you arrange this as well.
Things to know about Amer Fort
Primarily made out of sandstone and marble, Amer Fort internally has courtyards, palaces, halls, and gardens. The primary courtyard where you get off the elephant is Jaleb Chowk where the king’s soldiers assembled.
Moving on from the main square you’ll reach the second courtyard that houses the Diwan-e-Aam followed by the Diwan-e-Khas where the king’s private quarters were located.
One of the most fascinating aspect of the fort is the Sheesh Mahal covered in intricate mirror work, using glass imported from Belgium. The other building which includes a beautiful garden is Sukh Niwas or place of pleasure where the king relaxed with his ladies.
The fort also houses another small Palace of Mann Singh, one of the oldest parts of the fort and this was completed in 1599.
You can step back in time with the sound and light show every evening which tells you the history of Amer Fort and its rulers.
Where to eat in Jaipur –
Lunch at LMB.
Spending most of the morning at Amer Fort we headed to the old city and lunch at the famous Laxmi Misthan Bhandar or LMB as it is called by the locals. Established in 1954, it is located in Johari Bazar and consists of a sweetshop, restaurant and hotel which is said to be the first three star hotel in Rajasthan.
LMB is one of the most famous restaurant and sweetshop in Jaipur and serves pure vegetarian food including the Rajasthani thali and Dal bati churma a Rajasthani speciality. LMB is popular with both locals and tourists and you might have to wait for a table so get there early to avoid the lunch time rush.
After a delicious thali and the Kulfi it was time to hit the streets of the pink city. Visit Hawa Mahal the most iconic building in Jaipur.
Streets of Jaipur
It’s worth slipping into the side streets where you can find local artisans and traders who keep the city ticking and give you a feel of old Jaipur. A great place to get some bargains and shop for some authentic Rajasthani fabrics.
Visit the Hawa Mahal.
Just a short walk away is the Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds. This was built in 1799 to allow the women of the royal families to be able to watch any processions and activities on the street without being seen by the public.
It has 953 windows on the outside walls and is the shape of a honeycomb with beautifully carved windows that allow breeze to blow through the palace making it the perfect summer palace. It was built as an extension to the City Palace.
You can easily spend a few hours walking through the old city. If you fancy shopping some Jewelry then make sure to visit Gem Palace an attraction itself. Owned by a family of jewelers that once served the royal family it is a now down to the eight generation that runs this shop.
After a long day we headed back to the hotel for some well-deserved rest.
Evening at Steam – Taj Rambagh Palace
Jaipur offers a wide variety of Palace hotels and eateries but one I would highly recommend is Steam at the Taj Rambagh Palace Hotel.
Located within the premises of the hotel the restaurant is recreated inside a steam engine restored from the colonial period and a Victorian station. The interiors are very comfortable and set in a royal setting, while the outdoor seating is very relaxed and contemporary.
One of Jaipur’s finest and offers Mediterranean cuisines along with a selection of drinks from its bar. Steam offers some delicious variety of pizzas and make sure to book well in advance.
It was definitely a unique experience and a great way to end the day.
48 hrs in Jaipur – Day 2.
A more relaxed start today and after a nice breakfast we set out to visit the magnificent City Palace and Jantar Mantar followed by a trip in the evening to Chowki Dhani.
Visit Royal and the City Palace
The City Palace of Jaipur gives you a reflection of the royal family and what it would have been in all its glory. Jaipur still has a sovereign and parts of the City Palace consist of a fully operational palace with the flag of the royal family hoisted when the Maharajah is in residence.
A blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture and construction dating back to the early twentieth century. Just behind the main courtyard is the towering seven floor Chandra Mahal that houses the royal family.
It is worth every penny to buy an exclusive access to the Chandra Mahal with a personal guide that gives you an insight to the palace and its royalty. The tour costs INR 2,500 and lasts for an hour.
Chandra Mahal is the most commanding building in the City Palace complex. It is a seven-storeyed building and each floor has been given a specific name such as the Sukh-Niwas, Ranga-Mandir, Pitam-Niwas, Chabi-Niwas, Shri-Niwas and Mukut-Mandir or Mukut Mahal. It contains many unique paintings, mirror work on walls and floral decorations.
You end the tour in the main hall on the ground floor where the Sovereign still entertains his guests. The ornate dining room has chairs with silver lions and walls painted with gold dust and extracts of rubies and emeralds.
You also get access into the museum with royal costumes and the main courtyard which displays the much talked about silver earn that carried water from the Ganges for the Maharaja when he went to London in 1902 for Edward VII’s coronation.
One of the most stunning parts of the City Palace is the Peacock Gate located in a small courtyard known as Pritam Niwas Chowk.
The Chowk has four colorful painted doorways with each of them representing a different season. The magnificent Peacock Gate is dedicated to fall/autumn and Lord Vishnu.
There is a very informative website that gives you details of the Royalty of Jaipur and I really enjoyed it. Royal Jaipur.
Get lost in Jantar Mantar
A short walk from the City Palace and you reach Jantar Mantar a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments built by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh II.
This also houses the world’s largest stone sundial and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The instruments allow the observation of astronomical positions with the naked eye. The monument expresses architectural innovations, as well as the coming together of ideas from different religious and social beliefs in 18th-century India.
Evening in Chowki Dhani.
We planned to spend our last evening in Jaipur at Chokhi Dhani. Chwoki Dhani is synonymous with Rajasthani hospitality and offers a village themed restaurant experience and entertainment as well.
Roughly an hours drive from the city centre is Chokhi Dhani. It is is a concept capturing the vibrant spirit of a Rajasthan village and ensures a perfect Rajasthani experience.
Chowki Dhani is based on a Rajasthani village and consists of shops, street performers women in traditional costumes and also a few rides.
Their aim is to preserve the village art and culture and to give the new generation a closer look and feel of the Indian village life.
They have a great dining experience which includes a traditional sit down Rajasthani thali experience or the multi cuisines restaurant.
A great way to spend the evening and keep the kids occupied.
Have a drink at Bar Palladio Jaipur.
After 2 hectic days it was time to wind down and reminisce all the great time spent in this city and there could not have been a better place to do this than Bar Palladio.
Where is Bar Palladio Jaipur ? It is located within the grounds of the Palace Niwas Hotel and was quite easy to locate thanks to Uber. It is set in a garden house with a dramatic blue interiors, a reflection of the City Palace and and canopied tables in the garden and bonfires.
It is inspired by Italian Renaissance design mixed with Mughal architecture and the most beautiful setting for an evening combined with some great Italian food and fancy cocktails from its ornate bar.
The vibrant blue interiors, the sparkle of the chandeliers and the candle light garden set the tone for the perfect end to our trip to Jaipur.
There is a lot more you can see and do in this City but this was how we sampled the Best of Jaipur in 48hrs. I have added below some of the other attractions and trips you can take from Jaipur. Hope you enjoyed reading about Jaipur as much as we enjoyed experiencing it.
Another interesting aspect of Jaipur are the beautiful temples with their beautiful architecture. Find out more about some of the best temples you can visit in Jaipur – 6 famous temples to visit in Jaipur.
48hrs in Jaipur – Must see and do in Jaipur
- Treat yourself to the famous kulfi of Jaipur at Pandit Kulfi.
- Get lost in the streets of the old city on a self-guided walking tour.
- Drive down to the Shekhawati region the world’s largest open air art gallery.
- Go back in time and spend a night in one of the many hawelis that have been converted into hotels.
- Walk into the narrow lanes from Panch Batti circle.
- Shop for local art and clothing at Anokhi.
- Splash some cash at Juneja Art Gallery for contemporary art and jewellery.
- Walk through the Ajmeri and Sanganeri Gate in the old town and marvel at the pink architecture.
- Walk the streets of Jaipur’s Old Bazaars and crack a bargain at the Johari Bazaar.
- Ride on the back on an elephant to Amer Fort.
- Watch a Bollywood film at the old world Raj Mandir cinema.
- Sip a cocktail at Bar Palladio.
- Cook with a local family and learn how to make a Rajasthani meal.
- Learn all about block printing the ancient way printing on fabric.
- Catch a glimpse of Jal Mahal on your way to Amer Fort.
- Take a guided tour of Chandra Mahal and admire the royal family home and its treasures.
- Find your way out of Jantar Mantar.
- Treat yourself to an evening meal in the luxury of a vintage train carriage @ Steam.
- Spend an evening at Chowki Dhani
- Tour the Albert Hall Museum.
- Enjoy a thali at Laxmi Mishtan Bhandar.
- Strike a pose in front of the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds.
- Get some beautiful views from Nahargarh fort.
If you enjoyed reading Jaipur in 48 hrs, follow us to our next stop Udaipur
Jaipur is high on my bucket list as I have heard and read so much about this vibrant desert city. I think I would have to go in the winter though and pay the premium. Not sure I can handle the summer at that time. Not sure I could ride the elephant up to the fort either no matter how well they are said to be looked after. I’d feel too guilty. the intricate interiors of the fort is stunning and Hawa Mahal is a photo I have seen so many ties and would love to visit one day.
Hope you can make it soon. It’s a great city and a lot to see even if you don’t ride the elephants
Thank you for such a useful guide on what to do and how to get to Jaipur. I went there from Delhi and it was a long ride. THe hotel Hilton Jaipur looks just incredible, I love the designs and how they change it in each country a bit. I went to the fort and that was definitely the highlight. I love your photos from the fort. It looks so majestic.
Thanks. Yes a great city and the fort was my highlight as well
Jaipur is an amazing city! I visited two years ago and had an amazing time. I would say 48 hours is too less to experience everything this city has to offer but you sure made a great, well-planned itinerary that covers as much as one can cover in two days,
Yes a lot more you can see and do but I did the most and the best of Jaipur in the limited time I had.
I have never been in India, but you convinced me that is a must-visit on any India trip. The pink city looks so intriguing! I would love to visit. What was your favorite food of the city?
Thanks and hope you can make it. It’s mainly a vegetarian diet but the best laal mass a lamb preparation is a famous dish of this region
So many amazingly beautiful buildings! I have read about Jaipur quite a lot lately, and it seems like there is so much to see. I can´t believe you were able to see all that in just 48 hours. I must visit someday and see it myself. Especially the Indian Village seems like a place I would like to experience.
Hope you can make it there one day. You can spend days here but as I was limited to time made the most out of it.
This is a really informative article. I have not visited Jaipur as yet but I will bookmark this article for when I do. I had always wondered why the city was known as the Pink City – now I know. The Palace of the Winds is awesome. There is so much to see and do in Jaipur I will need to plan my trip carefully.
Thanks. Yes a lot to see and do in the pink city.
I’ve been bugging my boyfriend about my dream to visit Jaipur and he said maybe we can do it next year. Your story is making me dream more of this gorgeous city and I can’t wait to experience it. How lucky of this community to have this glorious sight!
Hope you can visit it soon. It is s great city.
I’ve never been to India before but would love to visit Jaipur! Thanks for the great tips, will definitely keep your advice in mind when I do visit Jaipur
I’ve never been to India but it has been on my travel list for quite a while, especially Jaipur. It does seem there’s a lot of things to do and to also consider ( especially the time chosen to visit) so I’ll have to plan accordingly. I’ll definitely keep in mind some of the tips you shared such as the Shekhasati region as I love art. I’d probably opt in for a hostel as opposed to a hotel though, since I’d be travelling solo so it would be easier to meet fellow travellers.
Hope you can visit soon. There are loads of options to suit every budget in the city when it comes to accommodation
Wow…this is a destination that is both beautiful and fascinating. There is so much to see and do here and I am surprised you didn’t opt to stay longer to experience more. Nonetheless what you packed into 2 days is very impressive. Looking at the beauty of Amer Fort, it was no surprise to me that it would be the most popular tourist site although I was also blown away by interior shots you took of the City Palace. Indeed there was nothing in this post and the photos that you shared that I didn’t absolutely love. Jaipur for me would have to be on my itinerary when travelling to India, due in no small way to this fabulous and detailed post.
Thanks for stopping and comment. I wish you can make it there and enjoy this city.
Jaipur is one of my favorite cities in Rajasthan. I was so impressed with Hawa Mahal and the Amber Fort, they are absolutely stunning! It’s amazing that you also did the guided tour to Chandra Mahal in the City Palace! I was tempted to go but then we decided to skip it. But now I feel like I was there too thanks to your beautiful pictures and description 🙂
It’s a great city and Chandra mahal was really worth it and I would recommend it to everyone.
What a gorgeous city! It’s fascinating that they painted the entire city pink for the Prince of Wales…I hope he appreciated it 🙂 I was awed by all of your beautiful photos of the tile and mosaic work, as well as the stunning architecture. If I ever get to visit, I know I’ll be spending hours just looking at buildings and walls! Thanks also for your detailed tips on the best way to get around the city. Very helpful!
Thanks. It’s a great plane for just admiring architecture. Hope you can visit soon
Amer Fort looks stunning and what a great idea to start out early and beat the crowds. Though I’d never do an elephant ride regardless of whether they’re well taken care of or not – you can’t train an enormous animal like that without inflicting a whole lot of pain on it when it’s young and until it learns to comply.. Aside from that, old Jaipur sounds like a great place to get some authentic souvenirs.
The fort is beautiful and even if you decide not to ride the elephant there are plenty of other ways to reach the top.
I absolutely love Jaipur. The splash of colour and intricate designs of City Palace seriously make the visit so worth it. Loved your pictures of the place. Totally agree with you must do list. BTW you should add get lac jwellery from Johari Bazaar 😀
I’m sure there is much much more to see do and buy in Jaipur.
Jaipur is such an amazing city it never ceases to inspire me. I have been to all these places just once and your post makes me want to go there again. The colors, the people, and the flavors are all so awe-inspiring. I love your photographs. Seems like you did all that was to be done in the 48 hours.
Yes I would love to re visit.
I have been following your blog since sometime and I I love how you have been showing such amazing places in Rajasthan. I am totally in awe of Udaipur’s beauty. I used to sit in cafes around Lake Pichola all day long. Would be glad if I could visit Udaipur again. Thanks for bringing back all old memories. Great pics.
Thanks for following. Udaipur indeed is beautiful and so is Jaipur
Pretty cool to learn about the origin of the city name. I didn’t realize it was named after someone specific. I don’t like the fact that they still use elephants for people to ride. Even though they’re offering “limited” hours for the animals, it’s still not good for them. By foot would be just fine.
Great to find out things about a city and how it was named. Hope you can visit some day
Looks like a nice place to visit. I have to admit i have not been to this region, although I would very much like to.
Thanks. Hope you can visit soon.
I have visited Udaipur many times, but still have to go for Jaipur. Jaipur is amazing with its pink buildings and therefore it is also called the Pink City of India. The beauty of Amer Bhawan and Hawa Mahal is splendid. I loved the delicious Rajasthani thali of famous Laxmi Misthan Bhandar. As I am an avid art lover so definitely go for open art gallery at Shekhawati region.
Yes. There is a lot in Jaipur when you co pare with udaipur. Both have their own charm
The vibes of Jaipur are unique. Love the city and want to go there again and again, such is its mesmerizing quality. Apart from the sights and shopping, the food is something which is really irresistible. Our favourite place is Sheesh Mahal in Amer Fort.
Indeed a great place and one I want to return too as well
Your first image in this post just took my breath away! You have definitely succeeded in adding Jaipur to my travel list; it’s architecture and natural beauty is incredible. The City Palace of Jaipur has the most incredible ceilings I have ever seen. This spot will definitely be a highlight for me! Thanks for the detailed and practical tips!
Thanks. Yes the architecture and colours just are incredible. Hope you can visit soon
I’ve seen Jaipur in many Instagram stories and photos famous for many travel influencers, and now I know why. Its beauty is so unique that it stands out, and one of the most treasured of India. The architecture is breathtaking, that I believe how genius they are for building this.
It’s indeed a great travel destination with beautiful architecture
We visited India last year and Jaipur was one of our favourite cities, so much colour and culture! your post brought back some great memories! I especially loved Hawa Mahal and the City Palace.
Yes very colourful.
Jaipur is one of my favourite places. There are so many things to do there. the last time I visited there, i had only a day in hand and I was wanting for more. This is a very comprehensive guide for spending 48 hours in Jaipur. Thanks for the recommendations. I will keep them in mind the next time I visit in Jaipur.
Your post has refreshed my memories of Jaipur. It indeed is a place to visit for a royal experience. I’ve been to this colourful city multiple times. Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal as well as Chowki Dhani are my favourites. I’m still to experience the hospitality of Hilton Jaipur. We’ll consider staying there on our next trip. I didn’t know the city was painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales in 1876 – good to know information.
It’s a royal treat indeed and oneI would love to visit again for sure. Hilton Jaipur a great place to stay so give it a shot next time.
[…] Jaipur in 48 hrs. […]
[…] Jaipur in 48 hrs. […]
[…] Jaipur in 48hrs and visit all these beautiful […]
[…] Our favourite city in Rajasthan (and India) is Udaipur. We’ve got a comprehensive Udaipur travel guide for you on our blog but in brief, Udaipur is home to breath-taking lakes, gardens and palaces. It has great weather and greenery just after the monsoons, and there are many offbeat things to do, like visiting a handicrafts village and taking a cable car ride. From Udaipur, you can easily make a trip to the magnificent Chittorgarh Fort. We’ve also listed the main things to do in Jaipur on this blog. The Pink City, as it is fondly called, is famous for forts, palaces and colourful shopping bazaars. Also worth visiting in Jaipur is the quintessentially Rajasthani village of Chokhi Dhani, home to the Abhaneri step well. Check out The Trraveller’s post on what to do in Jaipur in 48 hours. […]
[…] Jaipur in 48 hrs. […]
[…] Jaipur in 48 hrs. […]
Jaipur looks like a great place to visit. I have not yet been able to visit India, but Jaipur is certainly high on my bucket list. Amer Fort looks like something I would like to do. The elephant ride sounds like fun and its great to see that the number of rides are limited for the safety of the elephants. I would love to spend some time walking the streets of Jaipur as well and find some unique souvenirs. Great photos!
Hope you can start your indian adventure soon. Jaipur is a great city and can’t be missed.
[…] Our favourite city in Rajasthan (and India) is Udaipur. We’ve got a comprehensive Udaipur travel guide for you on our blog but in brief, Udaipur is home to breath-taking lakes, gardens and palaces. It has great weather and greenery just after the monsoons, and there are many offbeat things to do, like visiting a handicrafts village and taking a cable car ride. From Udaipur, you can easily make a trip to the magnificent Chittorgarh Fort. We’ve also listed the main things to do in Jaipur on this blog. The Pink City, as it is fondly called, is famous for forts, palaces and colourful shopping bazaars. Also worth visiting in Jaipur is the quintessentially Rajasthani village of Chokhi Dhani, home to the Abhaneri step well. Check out The Trraveller’s post on what to do in Jaipur in 48 hours. […]