Jaipur, also known as the Pink City is a fine example of the royal grandiose that the state of Rajasthan, India, is known for. From opulent palaces to magnificent forts and temples, Jaipur is an architectural marvel. I landed in this city of glory and history on a tight schedule. So, here I am telling you what to do-see-eat if you’re making a short trip to the Pink City too.
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How to Spend One day in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Stay at a backpacker’s hostel
Make your way to one of the backpacker’s hostels. Choose from a range of hostels like Zostel Jaipur, right beside Hawa Mahal or Moustache or Jaipur Jantar, where I stayed – a heritage property, and not too far from the various tourist spots that I wanted to explore. The best way to enjoy a city like Jaipur is with fellow travel enthusiasts. Most hostels also organize walks, tours, and workshops for their guests. So, it is the ideal way of mingling with people.
If you are looking for more luxurious stay options while keeping within budget, opt for hotels like Holiday Inn Jaipur or Sarovar Premiere Jaipur. There are stay options for all kinds of travelers – from budget to 5-star properties.
–Search for the best accommodations in Jaipur—
When short on time, the best place to be in Jaipur is in the walled city. First things first, I made my way to Hawa Mahal. It’s a major tourist spot with various street markets for shopping and eating. Jaipur’s most iconic landmark – the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds is a fine example of the city’s architecture. Within its chambers, hidden from public view, the women of the royal house would secretly observe the activities on the street through the palace’s latticework openings. To get a glimpse of this monument and a peek
into its history is a moment I will forever remember.
After exploring Hawa Mahal and being overwhelmed by its sheer beauty, I made sure to try some street food around the local markets.
What to Eat in Jaipur
When in Jaipur, one can’t miss tasting the popular street food – Pyaaz Kachori. This savory delight is a quintessential Rajasthani street snack. So, I gulped that down with a glass of pure Malai Lassi. For those who have a sweet tooth, there’s no better place than Jaipur to try the delicious and decadent Ghewar. It’s rich, sweet, and oh-so-local. I tried all these delicacies at the famous Sharma’s near Hawa Mahal.
And how could I leave Jaipur without tasting the Rajasthani Thali? It is an amalgamation of flavors and one of the heaviest meals I have ever had. With daal bati choorma on the plate, be prepared to become a fan of this Rajasthani specialty forever!
Shop at the street bazaars
Jaipur is a haven for street shoppers. From local handicrafts and silver to block prints and kolhapuris, I found them all in the streets of Jaipur. I visited Johari Bazaar in the walled city of Jaipur and shopped my heart out. Taking in all the colors and fragrances of the bazaars of Jaipur, I also bought souvenirs to remember the Pink City, for all its chaos and colors.
Now that I had my fair share of indulgence in both food and shopping, I headed to City Palace. The palace is a fifteen-minute walk from Hawa Mahal. If you want to be wowed by rich history and architecture with ornate details, Jaipur’s City Palace is the place for you. The carved detailing on every wall, every door, and the magnificent structures lend an old-world charm to this palace. Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, the City Palace depicts typical Rajput style architecture complete with layers of chambers and halls. The most
intriguing part is that a portion of the palace remains the residence of the royal family of Jaipur even today. However, visitors have access to other parts of the palace complex including Mubarak Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, and Maharani Palace.
Next stop: Jantar Mantar. Besides being the biggest and the oldest astronomy laboratory in India, the Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is also a UNESCO World Heritage structure. Among the 20 instruments found here, it also houses the largest sundial in the world.
Even though I was short on time, I found a way to experience one day in Jaipur in all its regal glory – from its local cuisine to the rich architecture. And the hospitality of the people here is as warm as the blush pink hues of the city!
How to reach Jaipur
Sanganer Airport is the nearest airport to the city of Jaipur. It is located 10 km from the city center. The airport has flight connectivity with major Indian cities like Mumbai and Delhi. International tourists can take connecting flights to Jaipur from Mumbai or Delhi airport.
Rail is a greener and cheaper option, with Indian Railways connecting Jaipur from all corners of the country. A number of daily trains connect Jaipur to Delhi, Ahmedabad, Agra, Mumbai, Jodhpur, Kota, Alwar, and Ajmer as well as several other long-distance trains from cities further afield. Read our India Travel Guide for suggestions beyond Rajasthan.
