If you are someone like me who finds it hard to get leaves in offices, then this is the travel guide for you. I consider myself lucky as I am based out of New Delhi. Most hill stations and other touristy cities are reachable within hours. But amongst the various options available, the one place I have been the most in my life is JAIPUR. I have always found the Pink City very fascinating.
Grand palaces and havelis, surrounded by mighty fortresses make Jaipur a welcome respite from high-rise malls and urban living. I can clearly say I have aced the perfect guide to exploring the best of Jaipur if you have a day “ONLY”.
How to reach Jaipur?
As Jaipur is only 5-6 hours away from Delhi, the best way to reach is to drive. You can either take your own car or hire a Zoom car. The biggest advantage of taking your own/hiring car is you can drive around easily. To avoid the traffic on NH 8, I would recommend starting early (5 or 6 am).
Jaipur is also well connected via flights and trains. If you are on a budget and have time constraints, the best way to Jaipur is by rail (Ajmer Shatabdi). The train starts at 6 am in the morning from New Delhi railway station and in 4 hours you reach this beautiful city. The same train operates from Jaipur to Delhi in the evening. The to and fro cost would be INR 1600 for AC chair car. Executive chair cars will cost more!
Best places to explore in a day
THE CITY PALACE
The city palace lies in the heart of the city. Representing a beautiful blend of Rajputana and Mughal architecture. The last ruling family still resides in the exclusive section of the palace that is private and not open for public.
Encompassing the Mubarak Mahal (the palace of reception) and Maharani’s palace (Queens palace), the city palace of Jaipur is truly commendable. The Mubarak Mahal showcases an exquisite collection of delicate Pashmina shawls, royal costumes, banaras silk sarees etc. Planed in ‘Grid Style’, this place is impressive with four gates to enter and exit!
Time required to explore the palace complex – 2 hours
Timings – Day visit : 9:30 am to 5:30 pm; Night visit: 7 pm to 10 pm, All days open
Entry fee – https://jaipurtourism.co.in/city-palace-jaipur
JANTAR MANTAR
The Jantar Mantar is a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments built by the Rajput King Sawai Man Singh II, the founder of Jaipur, Rajasthan. The monument features instruments operating in each of the three main classical celestial coordinate systems; the horizon – zenith local system, the equatorial system and the ecliptic system.
The Kanmala Yantraprakara is one that works in two systems and allows transformation of the coordinates directly from one system to the other. Its an architectural wonder and a must visit from my side.
Timings – 9 am to 5 pm, All days open
Entry fee – INR 50 (for Indian nationals) and INR 200 (for foreign tourists). There are also discounted prices for students.
LUNCH WITH A VIEW OF THE HAWA MAHAL
Located 10 mins away from the City palace, you can visit your next location i.e. the Hawa Mahal. The Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of Breeze, is built from red and pink sandstone. The mahal sits on the the edge of the city palace and extends to the “Zanana” or women’s chamber.
The detailed façade from the main road is a absolute spectacle to watch. Its one of the most photogenic spots in Jaipur. A perfect view of the façade can be enjoyed from two restaurants which are located right opposite to it. My pick would be the Tattoo Café and Lounge. The food is outstanding, and the view is amazing. Also, you can get some amazing shots from here and spend some lovely time.
Pro tip – for getting amazing pictures I recommend heading to the rooftop
Price for two – INR 600 for two people
SHOPPING AT LOCAL SHOPS ADJACENT TO HAWA MAHAL
If you have some time in your hands and a quick shopper, you can check out the nearby shops which sell some amazing leather goods, home décor and much more.
NAHARGARH FORT
The Nahargarh Fort stands on the edge of the Aravalli Hills and is one of the most iconic forts in Jaipur. Along with Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh once formed a strong defence ring for the city. One can get a spectacular view of the city. This place also has some of the most stunning sunsets. The fort also houses a wax museum and a sheesh mahal which is built on the entrance of the Nahargarh Fort.
You will approximately take 1.5 hours to explore the entire place.
Bonus – On your way to Nahargarh fort you can also see the Jal Mahal. If you got the time you can stop by and click some pictures.
Timings – 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
Entry fee – INR 50 (for Indian nationals) and INR 200 (for foreign tourists). There are also discounted prices for students.
Other recommendations
If you have more than a day in your hands, I would highly recommend checking out these other places –
- Amber Fort
- Jal Mahal
- Jaigarh Fort
- Panna Meena ka Kund (Stepwell)
- Patrika Gate
- Birla Temple
- Kanak Ghati Gardens
- Albert hall museum
Food recommendations
No trip is complete without some lip-smacking cuisine. Jaipur is famous for its Indian street food. Some of my recommendations are –
- For all the chai lovers out there, I would recommend the masala chai at Gulab ji Chawla. This place is located opposite Ganpati Plaza. The place closes at 6 pm.
- Pyaaz Kachori at Rawat Mishthan Bhandar. Apart from pyaaz-kachori they also have almost 50 other varieties of sweets.
Places to shop in Jaipur
There are undoubtedly some remarkable shopping places in Jaipur. You can shop from chappals to home décor, to some exquisite jewelry pieces to a lot more. Jaipur has a lot to offer. My go to markets –
- Bapu Bazaar – for Jaipuri items
- ChandPol market – famous for handicrafts
- Johri Bazaar – for Jewelry
- Anokhi – for amazing and colourful garments
Best time to visit Jaipur
The best time to Jaipur is during the winter months i.e. from November to March! But being at close proximity to Delhi you can take day trip at anytime of the year. The summer months are pretty harsh so I would suggest you all to stay hydrated at all times.
So thats my ultimate ONE DAY guide to Jaipur! Obviously if you have more time on your hands, I would recommend you to stay atleast 2 nights. That would be enough to cover the other attractions Jaipur has to offer.
If you hae any specific queries, put them in the comments sections below. Will get back to you soon.
Love,
Rituparna
One of my favorite places in India! Very well planned and written for a short trip to Jaipur.
Thank you so much 😁
Very informative and well written. Rawat Kachori is a must try!
Thank you for such kind words! Rawat kachori is an absolute favourite 😀
Very well articulated beta! Such a nice description of all the places!
Thank you so much 😊
That was really informative and crisp Ritu. Looking forward to visit Jaipur again and check out all the above places which I missed.
We’ll go together! I love the city 🤓
Wow! I could never imagine so much can be explored in just a one-day trip to Jaipur!
Would definitely plan a weekend getaway once this pandemic ends!
Thank you for such a detailed guide!
Looking forward to your next blog!! 🙂
I am glad you liked it! Its a beautiful city 😀