With the dryness in the air, the painted pink walls, the huge gates in the middle of the city, colourful turbans, or women in “ghoonghat” (head covering), Jaipur is now so much more than these!
The eye-candy cafes, a happening nightlife, the mouthwatering food, and of course the Havelis. Visiting Jaipur is pure bliss for anyone looking for a cultural experience and a drop of nostalgia.
Whether you are a historian, an architecture student, or just someone hunting for the perfect place in the holiday season, Jaipur will surely tick all the boxes for you.
The city of Rajasthan has everything one is looking for: from forts and palaces to manicured gardens and lawns, endless deserts, and manmade lakes. If you are a foodie, jackpot! Their flavorful, spicy dishes taste heavenly.
The markets of Jaipur will definitely quench your thirst. The shops are filled with unique artwork, jewellery, handicrafts, gems, and furniture.
The city is blessed with breathtakingly beautiful spots and other major attractions that every tourist longs for. When the holiday season is near, make sure you include Jaipur in your travel itinerary.
1. Literature Festival in Jaipur
No matter whether you are a literature enthusiast or not, the annual ZEE Literature Festival can change perspectives. The citywide festival takes place every year in January. JLF gained its reputation as the single largest free literary fest worldwide. Prominent literary stars from South Asia are warmly invited to JLF each year.
The festival gets a footfall of more than 400,000 and is referred to as the ‘Maha Kumbh of Literature’. So, when you are visiting Jaipur, make sure you devote a day or two to this huge literary fest that is a diverse mix of the world’s finest thinkers, writers, politicians, business leaders, humanitarians, and sports players.
Other entertainment and festivals include the kite festival, elephant festival, Teej, Gangaur, etc., where hundreds of people gather to witness the beauty and culture of Jaipur.
2. Forts of Jaipur
- Amer or Amber Fort
The majestic, jaw-dropping Amber or Amer Fort in Jaipur overlooks Maota Lake. Amer is no doubt an absolute architectural masterpiece. It was placed on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The fort shows the perfect amalgamation of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Revealing the grandeur and mirror work, it is one of the places you simply cannot miss out on when visiting Jaipur.
In the evening, tourists can enjoy the enthralling sound and light show. The best time to visit is between October to February.
- Nahargarh Fort
Also called the Tiger Fort, Nahargarh Fort was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II for providing defence to the city. It is the best place to get a picture of the pink city, as the fort sits elegantly on the Aravalli Hills. Established in 1734, the stonework and carvings of the fort attract numerous tourists every year.
Jaigarh Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Ishwar Lat are some other interesting and must-visit places in Jaipur you cannot afford to miss out on.
3. Galtaji Temple
Witness the tribes of monkeys and immerse yourself in the natural spring to wash away your sins only at Galtaji Temple. Situated 10 km from the city, the impressive architects and elegance make the establishment stand out.
4. Meet the Locals in Jaipur
The best way to interact with the locals when visiting Jaipur with family is to see the handicraft centres. Witness the fascinating hand-block printed textiles and crafts at the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing.
With kids around, visit the elephant sanctuary named Elefantastic and get a close-up look.
These elephants were used by the kings during occasions and wartime. The sanctuary works with marginalised caretaker families, offering welfare services and helping people understand the difficulty of these Asian giants.
Kids would love to visit the Doll Museum and Alice Garg National Seashell Museum. These vibrant museums are a huge attraction to tourists and locals.
5. Bazaars of Jaipur
Let’s list down the heart and soul of Jaipur, it’s bazaars:
- Bapu Bazaar – For all Jaipuri products
- Johari Bazaar – For jewellery
- Chandpole Bazaar – For handicrafts
- Kishanpole Bazaar – For textiles
- Aravali Bazaar – For home decors
- Nehru Bazaar – For traditional jootis
- Mirza Ismail Road – For pottery
- Tibbati Market – For local souvenirs
- Anokhi – For colourful garments
- The Gem Palace – For antique charms
6. Things to Do in Jaipur at Night
Let’s list down the things to do in Jaipur at night:
- Watch the magnificent sunset in Jal Mahal
- Light and sound show in Amer Fort
- Everlasting flame of Amar Jawan Jyoti
- Night tour of City Palace
- The glowing Albert Hall Museum
- Experience the ‘desi’ lifestyle in Chokhi Dhani
- Dance your heart out in Jaipur’s nightclubs
- Dine at rooftop restaurants
In Conclusion
When planning to visit Jaipur, the weather is something you must base your decision on. The city is situated in a semi-desert region, where the temperature can reach above 45℃, making the tour intense.
The best time to visit the Pink City is between October to February.
Banner Image by Sagar Soneji
About Author
Nitya Jain is an enthusiastic content writer and a life-long learner with an undying curiosity to explore new things. She loves fresh humour, just like her tea! When not writing, you'll find her raiding book stores or hopping cafes in town.