Jaipur Sightseeing Tour: A Journey to Rajasthan’s Heart
- Rajasthan holidays
- Oct 3, 2023
- 6 min read
Ever dreamed of riding an elephant through ancient palace gates or watching the sunrise over sandstone forts that have stood for centuries? A journey to Jaipur, Rajasthan’s picturesque capital city, brings you face-to-face with the living history of the Rajput kings and queens who once ruled this region. As you explore the Pink City, with its rose-coloured architecture and bustling bazaars, you’ll discover why Jaipur sightseeing ranks at the top of any Rajasthan tour itinerary. From the hilltop Amber Fort to the sprawling City Palace complex in the old city, a trip to Jaipur immerses you in a world of royal grandeur and Rajasthani heritage. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure into India’s golden age under the desert sun. The magic of Rajasthan awaits you in Jaipur!
Planning Your Jaipur Sightseeing Tour

Planning your sightseeing tour of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, in advance will make the experience much more enjoyable.
First, decide how long you want to spend exploring the city. At a minimum, you’ll want 2-3 days to visit the major highlights at a relaxed pace without feeling rushed. For a more comprehensive tour, budget 4-5 days.
Once you know your time frame, book your accommodation in advance. There are many hotel options located within the walled city, called the Pink City, putting you in a prime spot to explore on foot. Or you may prefer a quieter area just outside the city centre.
Next, determine your must-see destinations. Topping the list should be the Amber Fort, a magnificent Rajput-era fort; the City Palace, still home to Jaipur’s royal family; and the Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site housing the world’s largest stone sundial. Other popular spots include Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal Lake Palace, and Albert Hall Museum.
Decide if you want to hire a guide to provide historical context at each site or go at your own pace using an informative guidebook. Many visitors opt for a combination, booking guided tours for the Amber Fort and City Palace, then exploring other places on their own.
Finally, leave time for shopping in the bustling bazaars, dining at a rooftop restaurant with fort views, taking a sunset stroll through the central park, and catching a Bollywood film at the opulent Raj Mandir cinema.
With some planning, you’ll be set for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Rajasthan. Your Jaipur sightseeing adventure awaits!
Top Attractions to See in Jaipur on a Rajasthan Tour Package
Once in Jaipur, there are some must-see attractions you simply can’t miss on your Rajasthan tour.
Amber Fort
This magnificent hilltop fort complex overlooking Maota Lake is a highlight of any Jaipur sightseeing tour. Explore the palace rooms, ramparts, and fortified walls of the Kachwaha clan’s former capital. The fort is especially stunning at night when it’s all lit up.
City Palace
Right in the heart of Jaipur city, this palace complex houses museums, courtyards, and the former royal residence. You’ll see a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture with vibrant colours and intricate carvings around every corner. The palace’s museum has rare manuscripts, costumes, carpets, and other artefacts providing insight into royal life.
Hawa Mahal
The “Palace of Winds” is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Jaipur with 953 windows. This five-story facade was built so royal women could observe street life without being seen. The view of the city from the top is panoramic.
Jantar Mantar
One of the largest sundials in the world, Jantar Mantar consists of the world's largest stone sundial and other astronomical instruments. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see on any Jaipur tour. The instruments are striking in their size and accuracy, even today.
With stunning forts, lavish palaces, and ancient astronomical wonders, Jaipur has something for everyone. A Rajasthan tour is not complete without visiting the Pink City and discovering its many hidden gems. When you go, make sure to experience all the culture, colours, and flavours this royal city has to offer!
Experiencing Jaipur's Vibrant Markets and Bazaars
Jaipur is a shopper’s paradise, with vibrant markets and bazaars offering everything from colourful textiles to precious gemstones. As you explore the Pink City, make sure to experience some of these lively shopping areas.
Johari Bazaar
One of the oldest and largest markets, Johari Bazaar is named for the jewellers who first set up shop here. Even today, it’s the place to go for gold, silver, and precious gems. You’ll find jewellery, gemstones, handicrafts, and textiles from all over Rajasthan. Bargain hard and you can get good deals on anklets, bracelets, necklaces, and rings.
Bapu Bazaar
Bapu Bazaar is a popular spot for buying traditional Rajasthani handicrafts, textiles and accessories. You’ll see vendors selling vibrant bandhani tie-dye fabrics, mirror work garments, lac bangles, and mojari jootis (traditional leather shoes). Stock up on colourful quilts, wall hangings, cushion covers, and more to bring the flavour of Rajasthan back home. Prices are fixed but you can try negotiating for a lower price if buying in bulk.
Kishanpole Bazaar
Kishanpole Bazaar is Jaipur’s wholesale market, crammed with shops selling spices, dry fruits, lentils, and kitchenware. Buy ingredients for classic Rajasthani dishes like dal bati churma, laal maas, and gatte ki sabzi. You’ll also find an array of copper pots and pans, marble mortar and pestles, and colorful pottery. The shops are open from 10 am to 8 pm—go early as many start closing up in the evening.
A few other shopping areas to check out are Nehru Bazaar for jootis and textiles, and Tripolia Bazaar in the old city for lac bangles, puppets, and brassware. With such a variety of wares, you’re sure to find the perfect memento of magical Jaipur!
Tasting Authentic Rajasthani Cuisine in Jaipur
While in Jaipur, you absolutely must try some authentic Rajasthani cuisine. The royal city is a food lover’s paradise, with delicious dishes that reflect the region’s arid climate and colorful culture.
Dal Baati Choorma
This traditional dish consists of lentil curry, baati (round balls made of flour), and chroma (crushed baati mixed with ghee and spices). It is usually served with green chutney, pickles, and buttermilk. The blend of flavors and textures makes it a quintessential Rajasthani experience.
Laal Maas
Laal maas is a classic Rajasthani lamb curry. Meat is braised for hours in a sauce made with garlic, chillies, and spices until it becomes fall-apart tender. The red colour comes from an abundance of red chillies used in the dish. Laal maas is usually accompanied by missi roti, a type of bread.
Ghevar
A sweet delight you must try in Jaipur is ghevar, a disk-shaped fried dessert soaked in sugar syrup. Ghevar is especially popular during the monsoon festival of Teej. The crispy, honeycomb texture, and syrupy sweetness make this treat incredibly addictive.
Masala Chai
While sightseeing under the hot sun, refresh yourself with a cup of masala chai - a spiced milk tea flavoured with cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper. The blend of spices gives Indian chai a bold, aromatic flavour, unlike any other tea.
Jaipur’s vibrant dining scene has something for every taste. Whether you prefer sweet or savoury, mild or spicy, you’ll find culinary gems around every corner of the Pink City. A Jaipur sightseeing tour isn’t complete without enjoying an authentic taste of Rajasthan.
Booking the Best Rajasthan Tour Packages for Your Jaipur Sightseeing Adventure
Booking a tour package is the easiest way to explore the highlights of Jaipur without hassle. Many reputable tour companies offer packages tailored to different needs.
Group or Private
First, decide if you prefer to travel in a group or privately. Group tours are more budget-friendly but private tours offer a customizable itinerary. For a balance, look for semi-private tours limited to 6-10 people.
Duration
Jaipur sightseeing tours typically last 1 to 3 days. A shorter tour hits the major highlights like Amber Fort, City Palace, and Jantar Mantar. Multi-day tours explore at a more leisurely pace and may include additions like Chokhi Dhani village or Bhangarh Fort.
Inclusions
Look for a tour that includes:
-Hotel pick up and drop off
-An air-conditioned vehicle
-Entrance fees to all major attractions
-An English-speaking guide
-Bottled water
-Meals (for multi-day tours)
Some tours provide extras like a rickshaw or elephant ride at Amber Fort.
Top Attractions
No Jaipur tour is complete without:
-Amber Fort Palace Complex - The iconic Amber Fort overlooking Maota Lake.
-City Palace - The royal residence in the heart of the city exhibiting Rajasthani and Mughal architecture.
-Jantar Mantar - The largest stone sundial in the world, an architectural and astronomical wonder.
-Hawa Mahal - The ‘Palace of Winds’ with 953 windows for royal women to observe street life.
Cost
Group tours start around USD 30 per person for a day. Private tours are $50-USD 100 or more per person depending on inclusions. Shop around at different tour companies and check reviews to find a high-quality tour at a good price.
With some research, you can find an amazing Jaipur sightseeing tour package to experience the royal Rajasthani heritage in an enjoyable, stress-free way. The pink city awaits you!
Conclusion
So there you have it, a whirlwind tour of Jaipur’s most iconic attractions. From massive forts and palaces that transport you to a bygone era of royal splendour to bustling bazaars filled with colourful textiles, handicrafts, and trinkets, this Pink City has something for everyone. A trip to Jaipur is a feast for the senses - the vivid colours, the heady aromas of exotic spices, and the evocative sounds of traditional music. Whether you’re a history buff, a culture vulture or just looking to immerse yourself in the vibrant pageantry of Rajasthan, a sightseeing tour of Jaipur will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. So go ahead, lose yourself in the wonder and wanderlust, and discover the heart of Rajasthan in India’s very own City of Victory.
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