Nestled in the Aravalli Hills, Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and one of the most visited places in the state. It is also part of the Golden Triangle Tour, India’s most popular tourist route. Jaipur, the Pink City of India, has so many places to visit that it will take at least three days to cover them comfortably. I had been to Jaipur twice. But I could manage only a day to explore this beautiful city both times. In this post, I am sharing my one-day itinerary in Jaipur that might help travellers like me who has only a day to explore Jaipur.
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Table of Contents
Places to See in One Day in Jaipur
- Hawa Mahal
- Jantar Mantar
- City Palace
- Jal Mahal
- Amer Fort
- Jaigarh Fort
- Nahargarh Fort
- Light and Sound Show in Amer Fort
This list is made in the same order in which I visited those places. You can change the sequence as per your comfort and requirements.
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Plan your movement before you start
You can start your trip either from Hawa Mahal or Amer Fort. If you begin with Hawa Mahal, complete your visit to City Palace and Jantar Mantar before lunch. All of them are within walking distance of each other. Or you can go to Amer Fort in the morning, followed by the other two forts (Jaigarh and Nahargarh Fort) and return to the city for lunch. Then proceed to the places inside the main town.
I preferred to start with Hawa Mahal. As you go through the detail of this itinerary, you will understand why I made the sequence like this. Now let’s begin our one-day trip to the Pink City of India – Jaipur.
Get your entry pass
Every place mentioned in the above list (apart from Jal Mahal) has an entry fee. You can also buy a composite ticket to avoid the queue everywhere.
There is one composite ticket (Indian / Foreigner – ₹300 / 1000; two days) that will cover eight places. Four are on our list: Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Amer Fort, and Nahargarh Fort. The other four places covered in the composite ticket are Isarlat (Swargasuli Tower), Albert Museum, Sisodia Garden and Vidyadhar Garden. This ticket is valid for two days from the day of purchase.
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Another composite ticket (Indian / Foreigner ₹190 / 500; two days) includes entry to the City Palace, Royal Gaitor, Cenotaphs of the Maharanis and Jaigarh; for foreigners, this ticket is included with entrance to the City Palace.
You must get a separate ticket for the Light and Sound Show in Amer Fort.
You can pre-book your entry tickets online.
How to move around in Jaipur
You can hire a cab for your full-day tour or an auto-rickshaw (tuk-tuk) to move in between destinations.
You can use Uber Moto to move around if you are a solo traveller. You can also rent a bike or a bicycle and explore yourself with the help of the map I shared above.
Book a full-day Jaipur trip with a local guide!!
Start your one-day trip in Jaipur
Hawa Mahal
Your first destination will be the iconic landmark of Jaipur – Hawa Mahal. It was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, the grandson of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of the city of Jaipur. The five-storied palace is constructed like Krishna’s crown with red and pink sandstone sitting at the eastern edge of City Palace.
This palace was built for royal ladies to watch parades and processions without being noticed by the public. There are 953 small casements in the facade of Hawa Mahal, each with a small lattice-worked pink window, balconies and arched roofs with hanging cornices. Those windows allow the cool breeze to blow through the palace and keep it refreshing and airy in summer.
This honeycomb-like building has five floors; the upper three floors are single rooms thick. The first and second floors have patios in front of the rooms.
Entry Time: 9:30 am – 5 pm
Entry Fee: Indian – ₹50; Foreigner – ₹200
Average time to visit: 30 minutes
Why should you start your day with a visit to Hawa Mahal?
The facade of the “Palace of Wind” is east-facing. That means you will get your best shot when light falls directly over Hawa Mahal in the morning.
If you want to explore Hawa Mahal inside, morning is the best time as light peeps through the windows and illuminates the room inside.
It is situated beside one of the busiest streets in Jaipur, so nothing is better than going there early and avoiding heavy traffic in late hours.
Wind View Cafe – this rooftop cafe opposite Hawa Mahal is a perfect place to click the best frame of the palace while enjoying your breakfast.
Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar will be your next stop. It is the largest of the five observatories Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II made and has nineteen architectural astronomical instruments. In addition, it features the world’s largest sundial.
The monument features instruments operating in the three principal classical celestial coordinate systems. These instruments are designed to observe astronomical positions with the naked eye. They are an outstanding testimony of medieval India’s rich scientific and technical knowledge.
A guide is essential if you want to understand how those instruments function. Believe me, and you will be amazed to know how precise and accurate these instruments are.
Jantar Mantar is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the state of Rajasthan.
I recommend visiting there after Hawa Mahal while your shadow is still long and getting out of there before the sun is above your head.
Entry Time: 9 am – 5 pm
Entry Fee: Indian – ₹50; Foreigner – ₹200
Average time to visit: 45 minutes – 1 hour
City Palace
By now, you are already impressed with the science and technology of eighteenth-century India. Now cross the road in front of Jantar Mantar and enter into the galore of royalty, heritage and grandeur of the Kachhawahas – The City Palace of Jaipur. City Palace was built simultaneously when Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh moved his court from Amber to Jaipur in 1727. From then till 1949, City Palace was the administrative seat of the Maharaja of Jaipur.
Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh shifted his capital from Amber to Jaipur because of the increasing population and shortage of water. He planned Jaipur city in six blocks separated by broad avenues under the architectural guidance of Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, a Bengali architect from present-day West Bengal.
The buildings inside the Palace complex are a blend of Rajput, Mughal and European architecture. Present-day City Palace is a unique and large complex with several courtyards, towers, pavilions, gardens, temples, museums and restaurants.
The most prominent and most visited structures inside the Palace complex are Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Ji Temple, Pritam Niwas Chowk and galleries like Sabha Niwas (Hall of Audience), Textile Gallery, Arms and Armour Gallery, Painting and Photography Gallery, Transport Gallery.
Entry Time: 9:30 am – 5 pm (Day) / 7 pm – 10 pm (Night)
Entry Fee:
- Indian – ₹200(Day)/₹500 (Night) ;
- Foreigner – ₹700(Day)/₹1000 (Night)
- Child (5-12 yrs) – half of the adult entry fee
- Royal Grandeur (Chandra Mahal Tour) – Indian ₹1500/ Foreigner ₹2000
Average time to visit: 2 hours
Once you complete your visit to City Palace, you should have your lunch before proceeding to the second half of the day. You can go to Bardari, inside City Palace, for an al fresco dining experience, or you can head to Laxmi Mishtan Bhandar in Bapu Bazaar for an authentic Rajasthani Thali.
Jal Mahal
Jal Mahal will come on your way to Amber Fort. It’s a palace in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. This is another wonder made by Maharaja Madho Sing in the year 1799.
This palace is a five-storied building made of red sandstone, of which four floors remain underwater, and you can see only the top one or two floors above depending on the level of water.
Visitors are not allowed inside this palace, but you can go boating in Man Sagar Lake.
Average time to visit: 15 minutes
Amer Fort (Amber Fort)
Amber Fort, or Amer Fort, is located 11 km away from Jaipur town. Located on Aravalli Hill, this is one of the prime attractions of Jaipur. It was originally built by Meenas (a tribe found mainly in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh) and later ruled by Maharaja Man Singh I, the trusted general of Mughal Emperor Akbar and also part of the Navaratnas of the royal court of Akbar.
Mughal architecture greatly influenced many buildings inside the fort. Constructed in red stone and marble, this fort was the residence of Rajput kings till the early eighteenth century when Maharaja Jai Singh II shifted the court to Jaipur.
This palace was constructed on four levels, each with a courtyard. It consists of Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khas, Sheesh Mahal, Jai Mandir and Sukh Niwas Palace. With its large ramparts and series of gates and cobbled paths, this fort overlooks Maota Lake, which was the source of water for Amer Palace.
Amer Fort was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a part of the group Hill Forts of Rajasthan in the year 2013.
Entry Time: 8 am – 5:30 pm
Entry Fee: Indian – ₹25; Foreigner – ₹550
Average time to visit: 2 hours
Jaigarh Fort
Jaigarh Fort overlooks Amer Fort and Maota Lake and is situated over an adjacent hill. Maharaja Jai Singh built the fort to protect Amer Palace, and it was named after him. A hidden passage connects Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort, which was used as a hideout for the royal family in case of an emergency.
The main attraction of Jaigarh Fort is the “Jaivana” Cannon, which was the world’s most giant cannon on wheels of that time. Being 400 metres above Amer Fort, Jaigarh Fort provides an excellent view of Aravalli hills and Amer Fort down below.
A museum inside Jaigarh Fort exhibits royal photographs, stamps and many artefacts. The armoury chamber has a vast display of swords, shields, guns, muskets and a 50 kg cannonball.
Entry Time: 9 am – 4:30 pm
Entry Fee: Indian – ₹35 ; Foreigner – ₹85
Average time to visit: 30 minutes
Nahargarh Fort
Nahargarh Fort will be your last destination before the day ends. This fort stands on the edge of Aravalli hills overlooking the city of Jaipur. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh also built this as a place of retreat on the summit of the ridge above the city.
There are suites for the queens of Jaipur and the king himself inside Madhavendra Bhawan. The rooms are linked by corridors and still have some delicate frescoes. Nahargarh was also the hunting residence of Maharajas of Jaipur.
Jaipur wax museum is another attraction inside Nahargarh Fort. It has wax statues of Maharajas and Maharani of Jaipur with statues of freedom fighters, sports and Bollywood personalities.
Entry Time: 10 am – 5:30 pm
Entry Fee: Indian – ₹50 ; Foreigner – ₹200
Average time to visit: 45 minutes – 1 hour
Light and Sound Show in Amer Fort
The Light and Sound show in Amer Fort is a visual delight for tourists. The breathtaking play of light over the walls of Amer Fort with a dramatic background score and a baritone-voice narrative of Amer’s rich history, myths and folklores will ride you back in a time machine to the glorious era of Amer Kingdom.
Show Time: English – 7 pm; Hindi – 8 pm
Entry Fee: English – ₹200; Hindi – ₹100
This is where your one-day itinerary in Jaipur ends. You will be exhausted for sure but happily occupied with the rich history, culture, architecture and stories of the Rajput Kingdom. You can stop at Handi on MI Road for dinner before returning to your hotel. Or you can go to Chokhi Dhani for a memorable Rajasthani evening cum dining experience.
How to Reach Jaipur
Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan. It has excellent rail, road and air connectivity with the rest of India.
Sanganer International Airport has direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Bengaluru. It is 10 km away from the centre of the city.
The railway junction in Jaipur connects with various cities. You can enjoy the royal experience in Palace on Wheels, which runs between Delhi and different cities of Rajasthan.
Delhi is 270 km by road, and Agra is 240 km from Jaipur. Other important cities like Ajmer is 130 km, Jodhpur is 350 km, Udaipur is 390 km, Mathura is 220 km, and Gwalior is 330 km from Jaipur. Road conditions from Delhi and other cities are excellent for the most part.
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When to visit Jaipur
Summer
Jaipur experiences a sweltering and dry summer (April – June). The temperature often crosses 40 degrees Celsius in summer. You can visit Jaipur throughout the year except for summer.
Monsoon
The monsoon is from July to September. At times there is heavy rain during the monsoon. High humidity with a temperature above 30 degrees may cause slight discomfort. September and October are the months when you can get a discount on everything, yet the weather usually does not cause any problems during your trip.
Winter
The best time to visit Rajasthan would be from November to March. This is also the peak season in Rajasthan. The temperature during this time is enjoyable. Nights can be chilly in December and January, when temperatures may drop below 10 degrees.
Where to Stay in Jaipur
I will recommend staying around the centre of the city. Hotels around MI road or in the calm locality of Bani Park will be the best options.
Zostel has accommodation near Hawa Mahal, which will be the best place to stay if you are a solo traveller.
Find more hostel stays in Jaipur!!
Arya Niwas and Hotel Pearl Palace are some other budget hotels inside Jaipur city where you can stay during your trip to Jaipur.
Shahpura House and Samode Haveli are two centuries-old mansion-turned-hotels where you can stay to experience traditional Rajasthani hospitality.
Where to eat in Jaipur
Breakfast: Wind View Cafe
Lunch: Bardari / Laxmi Mishtan Bhandar
Dinner: Handi / Chokhi Dhani
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Shopping in Jaipur
Well, this one-day itinerary will be so occupied that you will hardly have time for shopping. If you are still interested in shopping, you may go for it after you visit Nahargarh Fort in case you are not interested in the Light and Sound Show.
The best marketplaces for shopping in Jaipur are –
Tripolia Bazaar – Bangles and Jewellery, Brassware, Textiles, Carpet
Johari Bazaar – Gem, Jewellery, Handicraft Items
Bapu Bazaar – Footwear, Home Decor Items, Fabric material, Dress Items
Enjoy a day shopping in the streets of Jaipur!!
Tips to Remember
- Expect a lot of walking, especially inside forts. So, dress accordingly and wear comfortable shoes.
- Hire a guide if you want to know more about the history and stories of Rajput rulers. An audio guide is available in all places.
- Some places need an extra charge to be paid for still or video camera use. Tripod could not be used without prior permission.
- If you are a student, carry your student ID. Entry fee in all places is half of the usual for students.
- This tour will be in a hurry, no doubt. But it’s quite doable. You may skip stopping at Jal Mahal as it will be on your way to Amer Fort, and you can go there after you visit Nahargarh Fort.
- You can add Galtaji Temple to this itinerary if you are a tireless ball of energy. But you have to start the trip at 6 in the morning.
- Chokhi Dhani village is 45 minute drive from Nahargarh Fort. If you are not interested in the Light and Sound Show in Amer Fort, you can go to Chokhi Dhani Village for a unique dining experience.
- If you want to experience an elephant ride in Amer Fort, you must go there in the morning.
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Book your trip: Resources
- Flight
Use Skyscanner or Google Flights to book your flight.
- Accommodation
Tripadvisor and Agoda are perfect for booking your hotel. If you want to stay in a hostel, then Hostelworld would greatly help you find one at your convenience.
- Travel Insurance
World Nomads is perfect for travel insurance. You can get comprehensive protection from them. Let them take care of unexpected situations while you concentrate on your trip.
- Package Tour and Activities
You can book a package tour from G-Adventures and Viator. They are a reputed company arranging small group tours and customising them per your requirements. You can also use Get Your Guide to book your private transport, city tours, heritage walks, food walks and other experiences like a cooking lesson or a Yoga session.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. You will be directed to another third-party website when you click those links. If you purchase anything via those links, I will earn a referral bonus without any extra cost to you.
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I dont understand that if you end at Nahargarh you can still see the light show? It seems like you would have to travel back up for that.
Yes. One has to come back to Amer for the light and show after the sunset.
Thanks a lot for the detailed explanation.
Thanks a lot for your comments. This will help me a lot when I travel
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