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PINK CITY · RAJASTHANJaipur
Rajasthan's grand Pink City of palaces, forts and bazaars — the dazzling gateway to the whole state.
The dazzling Pink City
Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is a magnificent planned city of the eighteenth century, painted in the warm terracotta pink that gives it its famous nickname.
A UNESCO World Heritage city, it brims with grand palaces, hilltop forts, an astronomical observatory and lively bazaars, all laid out on an elegant grid by its founder Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II.
As the anchor of Rajasthan’s Golden Triangle, Jaipur is the natural gateway to the state and a rewarding, colour-soaked trip for travellers heading up from Gujarat.
The honeycomb facade of Hawa Mahal glows pink in Jaipur.
Reasons to make the time
Grand forts
Amber Fort on its ridge and Nahargarh above the city are the two that matter most — Amber for its mirrored halls, Nahargarh for the view down over Jaipur at dusk.
The Pink City
The old walled city was painted terracotta pink in the nineteenth century and has been repainted ever since, which is where the nickname comes from.
Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar is a UNESCO-listed observatory of giant masonry instruments, built to measure time and track the sky — and they still work.
Bazaars & crafts
Jaipur is one of the world's major gem-cutting centres, and its bazaars also carry block-printed textiles and blue pottery.
Top sights in Jaipur
Photos via Wikimedia Commons
How to spend an hour or two
See Hawa Mahal
See the Hawa Mahal, the honeycomb facade of nearly a thousand windows built so the women of the court could watch the street unseen.
Explore Amber Fort
Tour Amber Fort properly, including the Sheesh Mahal, and go early before the coaches arrive.
Visit City Palace
Work through the City Palace and its museum, still partly the residence of the royal family.
Decode Jantar Mantar
Walk among the instruments at Jantar Mantar; understanding one of them makes the whole site come alive.
Shop the bazaars
Browse the bazaars for gems, block-printed cloth and blue pottery, and expect to bargain hard.
When to go
October to March is the season — cool clear days for the forts and the old city, and when the festivals fall.
The monsoon greens the hills and gives dramatic skies behind the forts, which photograph better than winter haze.
April to June is very hot and daytime sightseeing is genuinely tiring; start at dawn and rest through the afternoon.
🎉 Jaipur is busiest around winter festivals and the Literature Festival in January — book ahead then.
Timings & entry
- Forts and palaces keep daytime hours; bazaars run late.
- A composite ticket covers several monuments together.
Getting there
By Air
Jaipur airport has flights from major cities.
By Rail
Jaipur Junction is very well connected.
By Road
About 660 km from Ahmedabad; on the Golden Triangle route.
Know before you go
Jaipur FAQ
Why is Jaipur called the Pink City?
Because the old walled city was painted terracotta pink in the nineteenth century — reportedly to welcome a royal visit — and the colour has been maintained ever since, by law within the old city.
How many days do you need in Jaipur?
Two to three days to cover the forts, palaces, observatory and bazaars without rushing. Amber alone deserves half a day.
How far is Jaipur from Gujarat?
About 660 km from Ahmedabad, well connected by train, road and air. The overnight train is the easiest option for most travellers from Gujarat.
What are the must-see sights?
Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, the City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Nahargarh Fort — with Jal Mahal on the water and the Albert Hall Museum worth adding if you have the time.
Can I combine Jaipur with Pushkar?
Yes. Ajmer and Pushkar are about two to three hours away and pair naturally with Jaipur on a loop, particularly for travellers coming up from Gujarat.
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Published 8 July 2026