Best things to do in Jaipur
Sightseeing in Jaipur
1. Enjoy the scenic sights at Jal Mahal

Admire the exotic architectural styles that combine both Mughal and Rajput characteristics at Jal Mahal or Water Palace in Jaipur. This fort is like a jewel nestled among the Nahargarh hills and situated on the Mansagar Lake. It was built as a summer resort for the royal family and was used to host duck-hunting parties. However, it is not possible to stay at the palace as it is undergoing renovation work.

Explore Rajasthan, the land of Maharajas. Experience its royal cultural heritage, luxurious hotels, camel safaris, pristine lakes, and magnificent forts and palaces. Cover the best of Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Pushkar and Ranthambhore at best prices with India travel Way

2. Go on a cycling expedition at Nahargarh Fort

Go on a cycling in jaipur expedition and witness the unique combination of Indian and European architectural styles at the grand Nahargarh fort. According to local legend, Nahar Singh Bhomia was a Rathore prince who was not happy with the construction of this fort on his land and haunted the place. Jai Singh who was building the fort then pacified his spirit by dedicating the fort in his name.

A stunning feature of this palace is the Madhavendra Bhawan that has 12 identical suites for the queens. The suites were constructed in such a way that the Maharaja could visit any of the queen's rooms without the others finding out. One of the best things to do in Jaipur is to explore this fort and then enjoy a quick bite at the Padao Open Bar/Restaurant on the terrace of this palace whilst enjoying the views of the city.

Timings: 10 am - 5 pm, daily

Entry Tickets: Foreigner: INR 50 | Indian: INR 20

Besides these, you should also pay a visit to the majestic Jaigarh Fort, the peacock gates at the City Palace, the honeycomb-like Hawa Mahal and the grand Rambagh palace.

3. Ride on an elephant at Amer Fort!
Amer Fort (Amber Fort) the elephant riding team on the road to take tourist for riding

One of the most fun things to do in Jaipur is to go on an elephant ride exploring the cobbled paths and large gateways of the Amer Fort. Blending Rajput and Hindu artistic elements, Amer Fort was built in the 16th century by Raja Shri Maan Singh Ji Saheb.

Some of the key highlights of this fort are the Diwaan-e-Aam and Diwaan-e-Khaas, the Sheesh Mahal and the Sukh Niwaas (Sukh Mandir). There is also a light show held here every evening in English at 7: 30 pm and in Hindi at 8 pm.

Timings: 8 am - 6 pm

Entry Fee: Indian : INR 25 | Indian Student : INR 10 | Foreigner : INR 200 | Foreign Student : INR 100

Elephant ride: INR 900

4. Get a taste of the vibrant Rajasthani culture at Chokhi Dhani

If you are looking for an entire Rajasthani cultural experience, head on over to the Chokhi Dhani. Enjoy the electrifying ambiance of this village resort where you can enjoy puppet shows, magic shows, Rajasthani folk performances, acrobatics, camel rides, elephant rides, boating and much more.

One of the best things to do in Jaipur is to enjoy the mouthwatering Rajasthani cuisines at the open-air restaurants here. This provides a perfect break from the city life where you enjoy the natural surroundings and rustic rural life.
 

5. Shop till you drop at the famous bazaars in Jaipur
Colorful joothis available at Nehru Bazaar-Here you can get a glimpse into street shopping in Jaipur

Go crazy shopping at Jaipur where you will be able to find the most authentic and traditional Rajasthani jewellery and clothes. Buy precious gemstones at Johari Bazaar, pick up lac jewelry at Tripolia Bazaar, shop for marble sculptures at Chandpol Bazaar and get some amazing deals on wooden souvenirs and colorful handicrafts at Mirza Ismail Road (MI. Road).

You can also pick up Rajasthani jootis and blue pottery at Nehru Bazaar and mojari shoes and leather products at Bapu Bazaar.

Must Read: Get The Rajasthani Bohemia On! 8 Amazing Shopping Places In Jaipur

6. Gorge on delicious Rajasthani cuisine

Jaipur is a foodie's paradise where you will find delicious Rajasthani exotic dishes like Dal-batti-churma, Mawa Kachori, Mirchi Bada, Ghewar, and more. For some lip smacking Lal Maas try Niros or Handi at MI Road, enjoy some Murli ke paan, dine like a Maharaja at 1135 AD, and enjoy traditional mithai at Laxmi Mishtan Bhandar.

You can also go the healthy way and enjoy locally produced organic food at Anokhi Cafe. This is one of the best things to do in Jaipur where you can just curl up with a book on the mooda seats. For sumptuous French delicacies like creme brulees and croissants, try the Dzurt Patisserie and Caf�. The lassi at Lassiwala is definitely droolworthy and a must try on your trip to Jaipur.

7. Experience the sparkling nightlife in Jaipur

Jaipur is a very vibrant city that has an eccentric nightlife and you can party all night here. One of the best things to do in Jaipur at night is to flock to the popular nightclubs here like the 100% Rock Bar & Restaurant, Dragon Bar & Terrace Lounge, Grunge, Cocoa House, and Restro Foresto.

Sway to the tunes of groovy music, enjoy mouthwatering snacks and sip on a variety of cocktails at these nightclubs.
 

8. Attend the folk festivals of Rajasthan
Join in the festivities at the Pink City where Gangaur and Teej are celebrated with as much fervor as the Kite festival and Dhulandi Festival. Smear dry gulal (color) on each other well dancing to the tunes of traditional Hindi folk songs. The festival takes place in March every year at the Khasa Kothi. There is also a city tour bus later on that takes you all around the city to see the colorful celebrations.

One of the fun things to do in Jaipur is to fly kites at the Man Sagar lake during the Kite festival and savor cuisines like Til-Ke-ladu' and 'Dal-Ke-Pakoras'. Another popular festival you can partake in is the Gangaur festival that is held in the month of chaitra (March-April). This festival celebrates the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Women decorate their palm and fingers with henna on this auspicious day and pray for a happy married life.

Major festivals: Kite Festival (January), Dhulandi Festival (March), Gangaur Fair (March-April), Teej Festival (July-August)
Planning your holiday in Rajasthan but confused about what to do? These Rajasthan travel stories help you find your best trip ever!

9. Expand your literary landscapes at Jaipur Literature Fest!
Jaipur is not just known for its forts and bazaars, this historic city is also the land where literary giants meet every year. The Jaipur Literature Festival is one of the country's biggest literary festivals that has played host to names like Amish Tripathi, Hanif Kureishi, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Oprah Winfrey, Orhan Pamuk, Salman Rushdie, Margaret Atwood, Stephen Fry, and many more.

Stay at: Arya Niwas, Tara Niwas, and Megh Niwas

10. Stay at a heritage hotel
Witness the resplendent heritage of Jaipur when you stay at the heritage hotels in Jaipur. This is one of the best things to do in Jaipur as you get to experience the history and royalty of the Pink City by viewing the grand architecture, the rambling courtyards, the lush greenery and the serene alcoves of these royal structures. Live like a king at these heritage hotels and enjoy puppet shows, cultural shows, horse safaris and camel rides.

Best heritage hotels: Diggi Palace, Lal Mahal Palace, Raj Mahal Palace, Ramgarh Lodge, Samode Haveli, Sirsi Haveli, Alsisar Haveli, Narain Niwas Palace

Average tariff: INR 6000
Adventurous things to do in Jaipur

11. Go glamping at the Tree House Resort

Glamping has now become one of the most popular adventure activities in Jaipur. It is possible to go glamping at the Tree House Resort where the state-of-the-art amenities, iron wrought beds, leathered chairs are what greet you. You will get to stay in 'nests' on the keekar tree that are named after birds in the area. This is a true luxury at its best with ATV rides, jungle safaris, camel rides, tennis courts, bird watching, and outdoor movies.

Restaurants: Machan and Peacock

Cost: INR 12,000

Key highlights: Jungle safari, bird watching, archery, nature gym, camel ride, golf, outdoor movies

Must Read: 12 Destinations To Go Glamping In India

12. Explore the wildlife at the Ranthambhore National Park

Ranthambore National Park is an adventure lover's delight where there is a myriad range of greenery and fauna. This was a former hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur. Go on a tiger trail at Bakula, hike up to the Ranthambore Fort, spot sloth bears at Kachida Valley, buy handicrafts at Dastkar Craft Centre and go on bird watching tours here.

Where to stay: Tree House Anuraga, Taj Sawai, Tiger Den resort, Tiger moon resort, Sanctuary resort, The Tiger Villa, Ankur resort

Species: Leopards, Tigers, Hyenas, Jungle cats, Jackals, Indian Foxes and a wide range of birds like Pelicans, Ibis, Flamingos, Egrets, Parakeets

Tip: Soar high in the sky in a hot air balloon for some spectacular views of the National Park

Timings for tiger safari:

October - February: 07:00 am - 10:30 am | 02:30 pm - 06:00 pm
February - March: 06:30 am - 10:00 am | 02:30 pm - 06:00 pm
April - June: 06:00 am - 09:30 am | 03:00 pm - 07:00 pm


13. Go on a Camel Safari
Explore the wilderness of Jaipur on the back of a camel on your fun trip to Jaipur. Camel safaris are popular things to do in Jaipur for kids as well as the camels are tamed and completely harmless.

You can explore the rustic areas of this city and then spend the night at a camp. The duration of the camel safaris varies from single-day trips to 3-4 days trip. There are opulent camel safaris that start from INR 1900 as well as budget friendly ones that are around INR 600.

14. Travel across the city on a jeep safari

Go on a jeep safari throughout the city and explore the various forts and jungles here. If you only have a day to explore the city, these jeep safaris are one of the best adventure activities in Jaipur.

You will get to ride on a military jeep and see peacocks, panthers, deers, and cobras while crossing the jungles, farms and villages here. This is a good way to experience the rich history of Rajasthan. Most of these safaris start from the major forts and gateways of the city.

15. Get a bird's eye view of Jaipur on a hot air balloon ride
Drift over the Pink City in a hot air balloon and experience the mesmerizing views of the forts and palaces nestled among the Aravalli ranges. Enjoy the plethora of colors and sounds of this city from up above.

These rides are popular things to do in Jaipur in one day and are mostly held two hours before sunrise and two hours before sunset. Most of the hot air balloon rides accommodate up to 8 people and start from Amber Fort.