01Hawa Mahal
The Palace of Winds - a five-storey screen of pink sandstone lattice, built so royal women could watch the street unseen. Best photographed in morning light from a rooftop cafe opposite.
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Pink palaces, hilltop forts and bazaars full of colour
Jaipur
Jaipur wakes up terracotta-pink. You climb to Amber Fort as the light hits the Aravalli ridge, spend the afternoon lost in Johari Bazaar among gemstones and block-printed cotton, then watch the sun drop behind Nahargarh's ramparts with the whole city glittering below. Add a Rajasthani thali and three days disappear fast.
Best timeOctober to March, when the days are warm and dry and the forts are comfortable to climb
Ideal duration3-4 days
Great forFirst-time India travellers, families, couples and photographers
Trip highlights
Sunrise at Amber FortHawa Mahal from a rooftop cafeSunset over Jaipur from NahargarhBargaining in Johari BazaarA proper Rajasthani thali
Top places in Jaipur
01
02Nahargarh Fort
Jai Singh's 18th-century hill fort, ringed by ramparts running along the Aravalli ridge. Come late afternoon for the finest view there is of Jaipur spread out below.
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03City Palace
Still the royal family's home, and the most lavish rooms in the city - cobalt-and-white halls, crystal chandeliers, and the painted seasonal doorways of Pritam Niwas Chowk.
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04Jal Mahal
A five-storey palace sitting in Man Sagar Lake, four floors submerged. You can't go inside, but at sunrise the reflection alone is worth the stop.
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05Amber Fort
Jaipur's great hilltop palace, eleven kilometres out of town: honey sandstone ramparts, the mirror-tiled Sheesh Mahal, and Ganesh Pol's frescoed gate. Go at opening time to beat the crowds.
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