The Ultimate 3 Day Jaipur Itinerary

Last Updated on: 25th January 2025

India – Incredible India! With its diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and 28 unique states, there is an endless array of experiences to discover. While it’s impossible to see and do it all, you can get a taste of this incredible country in one of its oldest cities – Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Jaipur, the vibrant Pink City, has been on my travel list for quite some time. While flipping through an old family album, I stumbled upon the most royal and vibrant photos from our childhood trip to Rajasthan: camels, vast stretches of desert, colorful Rajasthani outfits, and majestic forts and palaces. However, my memories of that trip were faint since I was just a kid, so I wanted to experience it all over again and booked a short four-day trip to rediscover and savor the best that Jaipur has to offer.

Here is my Ultimate Guide to Jaipur, where I’ll share all the details you need about where to stay, what to eat and places to visit and more.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

WHERE TO STAY

If you are seeking a place to experience true royal hospitality infused with luxury and heritage, consider staying at The Oberoi Rajvilas. Nestled amidst 32 acres of landscaped gardens, this five-star resort offers a serene oasis away from the bustling city. Each room and villa is meticulously designed to reflect traditional Rajasthani architecture fused with modern comforts, ensuring a lavish and comfortable stay.

We stayed in the luxury tent, and it was truly the best experience ever. The tent featured a massive canopy with embroidered details, luxurious amenities (the tub was my favorite), and a sprawling courtyard around the tent where peacocks would visit throughout the day. It was undoubtedly the dreamiest stay we’ve ever had, and I highly recommend this place for an unforgettable experience in the Pink City.

Book your stay here!

WHAT TO EAT

3 DAY JAIPUR ITINERARY

Jaipur is a captivating city to explore over three days, brimming with rich history and opulent palaces. As India’s first planned city, it was meticulously designed in the shape of a mandala by Jai Singh II, the then ruler of the Amer state. This architectural marvel offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and regal splendor, making it an ideal destination for an immersive historical journey.

So let’s get straight to the itinerary of all the fun things you can do, while you are here.

DAY 1

We began our day with an elaborate breakfast spread fit for royalty: croissants, lassi, parathas, kachori, dosa with chutney, and a selection of exotic fruits—everything you could imagine. Some dishes were prepared to order, adding to the delightful experience of sampling a wide array of flavors. It truly felt like a Maharaja’s feast! Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, I highly recommend visiting their restaurant, Surya Mahal, for lunch or dinner to savor the same exquisite culinary delights.

JAL MAHAL

Jal Mahal, or the Water Palace, is an architectural marvel situated amidst the Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur. This stunning palace appears to float serenely on the shimmering waters, showcasing a unique blend of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles.

Surrounded by the picturesque Aravalli hills, Jal Mahal offers a mesmerizing sight, particularly during sunrise and sunset, making it a favorite spot for visitors seeking tranquility amidst the bustling city.

While you’re there, you can also rent traditional Rajasthani outfits and immerse yourself in a playful dress-up session, capturing the essence of Rajasthan in stunning photographs.

AMER FORT

Amber Palace, also known as Amer Fort, stands as a majestic testament to the grandeur of Rajasthan’s royal heritage. Situated atop a hill in Amer, just outside Jaipur, this fortress-palace is built with red sandstone and marble, boasting intricate architecture that seamlessly blends Rajput and Mughal styles.

You can enter through the Suraj Pol entrance. Most buses and cars stop there, and from there, it’s about a 20-minute hike to reach the fort. There are various guide and ride options available to take you to the top of the hill, but the climb is relatively straightforward and can easily be done on foot. Exploring on foot allows you to fully appreciate the scenic surroundings and the gradual reveal of the palace’s grandeur as you ascend. Alternatively, you can drive your car up to the Chand Pol entrance and walk through the gates directly into the Jaleb Chowk, which is the main courtyard.

Inside, you can explore labyrinthine corridors, grand courtyards, and opulent rooms, including the stunning Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) where walls and ceilings are adorned with thousands of tiny mirrors, creating a dazzling display of reflected light. The palace also offers panoramic views of Maota Lake and the surrounding Aravalli hills, further enhancing its allure.

Amer Fort is open from 8AM to 7PM, entry is 200INR for Indian citizens and 550INR for foreigners.

PANNA MEENA KA KUND

If you have some time, head to Panna Meena Ka Kund from Amer Fort. Known for its geometric patterns of steps, this spot would make for exciting photos for the ‘gram. However, due to preservation efforts, visitors are no longer allowed to descend into the stepwell; you can only take photos from above. Unfortunately, the top angle doesn’t fully capture the beauty of this place, so we decided to skip it. The stepwell served not only as a source of water but also as a community gathering place and a serene retreat from the desert heat..

TRADITIONAL EVENING AT THE OBEROI RAJVILAS

As the sun began to set, we spent a delightful evening chasing peacocks across the sprawling gardens of the resort. Their vibrant plumage and graceful movements added a beautiful touch to the already stunning resort.

We then settled down in the serene courtyard for an enchanting puppet show. The intricately designed marionettes danced and narrated stories of Rajasthan’s rich folklore. The courtyard’s ambiance, coupled with the traditional storytelling, made for a magical prelude to the evening’s festivities.

Later, as we dined at the luxurious Surya Mahal restaurant, we were treated to a mesmerizing traditional dance performance. The dancers, adorned in colorful Rajasthani attire, moved with grace and precision, their rhythmic movements synchronized with the soulful music. The dance show added an authentic cultural dimension to our dining experience, complementing the exquisite flavors of the gourmet meal. You can make a reservation at their restaurant here and please note that the dance performance is only available on the weekends from Friday through Sunday after 7pm.

DAY 2

SUNRISE AT PATRIKA GATE

Your trip to Jaipur would be incomplete without a visit to the instafamous Patrika Gate. Adorned with vibrant colors and intricate carvings, the gate is a visual celebration of Rajasthan’s rich heritage and culture and serves as a grand entrance to Jawahar Circle Garden. Early morning, right after sunrise is the best time to visit to avoid crowds and also get the perfect lighting for photos.

TORAN DWAR

When you visit Patrika Gate, walk across the Jawahar Circle Garden to one of the newest installations of Jaipur – Toran Dwar. Designed with intricate carvings and ornate detailing, the gate serves as a symbolic entrance to significant events and celebrations. 

LUNCH AT BAR PALLADIO

Another one for the gram’ – Bar Palladio. This chic lounge and restaurant, designed by Dutch designer Marie-Anne Oudejans, features striking blue and white decor, ornate furnishings, and intricate Mughal-inspired patterns. The ambiance exudes sophistication and has both indoor and outdoor seating with garden views. It’s the perfect setting to enjoy some handcrafted cocktails and delectable Italian cuisine.

SUNSET AT NAHARGARH FORT

Sunsets at Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur are truly magical. Perched atop the Aravalli hills, the fort offers panoramic views of the Pink City below. And as the sun begins to set, the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant hues, casting a golden glow over the historic cityscape. The fort’s ancient walls and intricate architecture are bathed in the warm light, creating a picturesque and serene atmosphere.

Before the sunset you can explore the Madhavendra Bhawan, a palace within the fort complex featuring a series of interconnected rooms and courtyards that once served as the royal residence. The fort also has an open-air restaurant, Padao, where you can enjoy some Chai while taking in the stunning panoramic views of Jaipur. 

Nahargarh Fort is open every day from 10:00AM to 5:30PM, and the ticket price is 50INR for Indians and 200INR for foreigners.

DINNER AT RAMBAGH PALACE

Prepare to step into the world of royal Maharajas at Rambagh Palace. Once the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur, this magnificent palace is now part of the prestigious Taj Hotels chain, offering a peerless experience of regal hospitality. The architecture seamlessly blends Mughal and Rajput styles, adorned with intricately carved marble latticework, majestic domes, and sprawling courtyards. From the moment you enter the palace, you are whisked away to an era of opulent grandeur, where lavishly decorated rooms, expansive hallways, and verdant gardens set a captivating backdrop of royal splendor.

The dining experience at Rambagh Palace is equally exquisite, with several renowned restaurants that cater to diverse culinary preferences. Suvarna Mahal – known for its authentic Rajasthani and Indian cuisine, served in a regal setting with high ceilings, gilded mirrors, and crystal chandeliers. Rajput Room – casual dining experience with an array of international dishes. The Verandah Café – perfect for late night cocktails while soaking in serene garden views. Steam – you get to dine in a railway carriage with both Indian and international cuisines. Each dining venue at Rambagh Palace exudes it’s unique charm, ensuring a memorable gastronomic journey in a majestic ambiance.

DAY 3

JAIPUR CITY PALACE

Located in the heart of the Old City, the Jaipur City Palace is a sprawling ensemble of courtyards, gardens, and buildings, each showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and intricate detailing.

The palace’s famous seasonal gates, mirrored ceilings, and beautifully landscaped Mubarak Mahal courtyard are particularly noteworthy, offering glimpses into the royal lifestyle and artistic achievements of the era. If you want to explore further, you can get the Royal Splendor ticket and step into the various themed private rooms of Chandra Mahal (current residence of the royal family of Jaipur)

A visit to Jaipur’s City Palace is not only a journey through history but also an immersion into the regal splendor that defines the Pink City’s allure. For the complete tour checkout out my Guide to the City Palace of Jaipur.

Hours are 9:30 to 5:00PM and open in the night from 7:00PM to 10:00PM. The adult ticket for Indians is 200INR and for foreigners is 700INR for the regular admission and 3000INR for the Royal Tour (that includes the infamous blue room).

HAWA MAHAL

Hawa Mahal, also known as the “Palace of Winds,” is an iconic landmark in Jaipur, Rajasthan, celebrated for its distinctive architecture and rich history. This five-story pink sandstone palace is adorned with intricately designed jharokhas (small windows) that resembles the crown of Lord Krishna. It was built to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life and festivals in the street below without being seen, ensuring their privacy.

You can tour the mahal and its interiors but in my opinion, the best view of Hawa Mahal is from the cafe across – Tattoo Cafe. You can savor a variety of dishes ranging from local Rajasthani delicacies to international cuisine, all while enjoying stunning views of the Hawa Mahal’s intricate facade and the lively streets below. 

SHOPPING AT JOHARI BAZAAR

You need these vibrant souvenirs in your bags before heading home : colorful juttis, kurtis, oxidized jhumkas, traditional kaleras, block-printed bed sheets and bandhani-printed dupattas. The prime shopping spots in Jaipur are Johari Bazaar and Nehru Bazaar, but we recommend Johari Bazaar for its proximity to Hawa Mahal and its extensive selection. While exploring, don’t miss the chance to indulge in local street-side chaat for a delightful break during your shopping spree.

DINNER AT TOWNSEND – BAR & KITCHEN

After shopping head to Townsend – Bar & Kitchen for an unforgettable evening. Located in the heart of the city, this upscale restaurant blends modern sophistication with a touch of heritage charm. The menu features a tantalizing array of dishes ranging from succulent grills and seafood to creative vegetarian options, showcasing a fusion of global flavors and regional influences.

The restaurant’s stylish decor, complemented by warm lighting and the most creative cocktails, creates a perfect spot for intimate dinners or gatherings with friends.

And that’s the complete 3 Day Travel Itinerary to Jaipur! I hope you’ve enjoyed this post!! If you have any more questions, comment below!

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