Jaipur is a city that feels like a living museum. As the capital of Rajasthan and a primary corner of India’s famous Golden Triangle, it is a place where royal history, vibrant culture, and chaotic modern life collide in a beautiful, bustling, pink-hued destination that is oh-so-iconically India.
Having visited Jaipur more than eight times in the last few years—both with our own two children and while leading our India Group Trips—we have refined what we believe to be the perfect 2-Day Itinerary of Jaipur.
This guide is designed to help you navigate the Pink City with ease, hitting the iconic landmarks while finding those quiet, corners that make Jaipur so special.
Read on for our ultimate and detailed 2-Day Itinerary of Jaipur.
- About Jaipur
- Getting To Jaipur
- Getting Around
- Tour Guide?
- 2-Day Itinerary of Jaipur
Day 1
Day 2 - Where To Stay in Jaipur
- More About India
About Jaipur: The Pink Heart of Rajasthan
Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan, India’s largest state. It was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, making it one of the earliest planned cities in modern India.
However, it wasn’t until 1876 that the city earned its famous moniker.
To welcome the royal visit of Prince Albert and Queen Victoria, the Maharaja ordered the entire city to be painted pink—a colour traditionally associated with hospitality and welcome.
Today, the “Pink City” refers specifically to the historic Old City, which remains enclosed by massive walls and majestic gates.
Beyond the history, Jaipur is a global hub for jewellery, textiles, and handicrafts.
It is a city of layers, where you’ll see camels and elephants sharing the road with sleek modern cars and colourful auto-rickshaws.
Getting to Jaipur
Jaipur is exceptionally well-connected to the rest of the Golden Triangle (Delhi and Agra) and the wider state of Rajasthan.
- By Train: This is our preferred way to travel. From New Delhi, the Shatabdi Express or the Ajmer Shatabdi are excellent, comfortable options that take about 4.5 hours. From Agra, the Agra-Jaipur SF Express is a reliable choice that takes roughly 4 hours.
- By Road: A private car from Delhi or Agra takes between 4 to 5 hours via the expressway. It is a flexible option if you want to stop at places like Abhaneri (a massive stepwell) along the way.
- By Air: Jaipur International Airport (JAI) has regular flights from all major Indian cities and some international connections like Dubai and Sharjah.
Getting Around Jaipur
Navigating Jaipur is an adventure in itself. While the Old City is best explored on foot to truly soak in the atmosphere, the distances between the forts and the city centre require wheels…
The Best Way: A Day Tour with Raja
If you want to bypass the stress of constant negotiating and navigating, we highly recommend booking a private rickshaw tour.
We have a personal recommendation for a driver who has become a legend in our travel circles: Raja Rabbani.
We first met Raja nearly four years ago, and he has been our go-to driver every time we return. He is energetic, honest, and an expert at weaving through Jaipur’s traffic. Raja can pick you up from the train station or your hotel and tailor a tour specifically to your interests.
- WhatsApp Raja: +91 9928130309
- Instagram: @rajarabbani96
Other Options:
- Auto-Rickshaws: Plentiful and great for short hops. Always agree on a price before getting in.
- Uber/Ola: Reliable and inexpensive for longer trips or air-conditioned comfort.
- Walking: Best reserved for the narrow lanes of the bazaars within the Pink City walls.
Where to Stay in Jaipur
For an authentic Rajasthani experience, we always stay at Jaipur Haveli.
This 200-year-old traditional home has been in the same family for five generations. It is located right in the heart of the Old City, within easy walking distance of the Hawa Mahal.
The architecture is stunning—think intricate carvings and peaceful courtyards—but it’s the hospitality that keeps us coming back.
With three generations currently living on-site, it feels less like a hotel and more like a warm, welcoming home. Plus, their home-cooked meals are some of the best in the city! 🙂
Day 1: 2-Day Itinerary of Jaipur
Your first day on this Itinerary of Jaipur is all about immersing yourself in the historic centre of the Pink City and the vibrant chaos of the bazaars.
1. Morning at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds)
Start your day at the most iconic landmark in Jaipur – Hawa Mahal.
Built in 1799, this five-story pink sandstone structure features 953 small windows (jharokhas) decorated with intricate latticework. It was designed to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life in the street below without being seen themselves.
- Tip: For the best photos, head across the street to the Tattoo Cafe or Wind View Cafe. These rooftop spots offer a perfect head-on view of the facade while you enjoy your morning coffee.
2. City Palace and Jantar Mantar
A short walk from the Hawa Mahal brings you to the City Palace.
This is a massive complex of courtyards, gardens, and buildings. While a portion remains a royal residence, much of it is open to the public as a museum.
Don’t miss the Pritam Niwas Chowk, a courtyard with four stunning gates representing the four seasons. Next door is Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring 19 astronomical instruments built by Maharaja Jai Singh II.
It houses the world’s largest stone sundial, which is still accurate to within two seconds!
3. Climb the Isarlat Minaret
Next, and to get your bearings, climb the Isarlat Sargasuli Minaret. Instead of traditional stairs, the interior features a winding ramp.
The climb is relatively easy, and the reward is a 360-degree view of the Pink City, the City Palace, and the surrounding hills.
4. Lunch and a Lassi
By now, you’ll be hungry. (Plus, this is our favourite part of this itinerary of Jaipur!).
Head to Lassi Wala 312 on MI Road. This is the original lassi shop (look for the one started in 1944). They serve thick, creamy lassis in traditional clay cups.
Then, for a more substantial meal, try a traditional Rajasthani Thali at a local spot like LMB (Laxmi Misthan Bhandar) in the Old City.
5. Afternoon Bazaar Exploration
Spend the late afternoon getting lost in the bazaars.
Jaipur famously has many different markets and bazaars that are fabulous for shopping.
- Johari Bazaar: The place for jewellery and gemstones.
- Bapu Bazaar: Best for textiles, leather mojari shoes, and colourful linens.
- Kinari Bazaar: A whirlwind of laces, borders, and wedding finery. Even if you aren’t a shopper, the energy here is infectious.
6. Sunset at the Jaipur Flower Market (Phool Mandi)
If you missed the early morning rush, the flower market area is still a hub of activity. If you are here for ‘good karma’, buy a bundle of grass for 20 INR and feed the local cows—it’s a beautiful local tradition that is particularly fun if you are traveling with kids.
Day 2: 2-Day Itinerary of Jaipur
On Day 2 of this 2-Day Itinerary of Jaipur, you’ll head out of the city centre to explore the rugged hills and the grand military architecture of the Rajputs.
1. Early Morning at Amer Fort (Amber Fort)
Get an early start to beat the heat and the crowds at Amer Fort.
This massive sandstone and marble complex is perched on a hill overlooking Maota Lake. The blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture is breathtaking.
- Highlights: The Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) is a must-see. When a single candle is lit, the thousands of tiny mirrors on the walls and ceiling sparkle like a starry sky.
- The Elephant Stairs: Walk up the wide, shallow stairs once used by the royal elephants to reach the main courtyard.
2. Panna Meena ka Kund (Amer Stepwell)
Located just a few minutes from the fort is this stunning 16th-century stepwell. The symmetrical criss-cross yellow steps are a marvel of ancient engineering and geometry.
While you aren’t allowed to walk down onto the steps anymore, it remains one of the most photogenic spots in Jaipur.
3. Jal Mahal (The Water Palace)
On your way back toward the city, have your driver pull over at the Man Sagar Lake.
In the centre of the lake sits the Jal Mahal. Four of its five stories are submerged when the lake is full.
- (Honest) Tip: Viewing this from the roadside is enough. The lakeshore can be crowded and a bit littered, so a quick photo stop with a zoom lens is the best way to enjoy it. (Trust me!).
4. The Royal Tombs (Gaitore Ki Chhatriyan)
This is one of Jaipur’s best-kept secrets. Tucked away in a quiet valley, these are the cenotaphs of the Maharajas of Jaipur.
The intricate marble carvings are exquisite, and the atmosphere is incredibly peaceful—a stark contrast to the bustle of the city. It’s a place where you can truly appreciate the craftsmanship of the Rajput era in silence.
5. The Monkey Temple (Galtaji)
For your final afternoon, head to Galtaji, an ancient Hindu pilgrimage site nestled in a mountain pass.
It is famous for its natural springs – and the hundreds of Macaque and Langur monkeys that live there.
You can hike up to the Sun Temple at the top of the pass for a spectacular view of Jaipur. It is a bit of a climb, but watching the sun set over the city while monkeys play nearby is an unforgettable way to end your trip.
6. Dinner at a Rooftop Restaurant
Finish your 2-Day Itinerary of Jaipur with dinner at a rooftop spot like Peacock Rooftop Restaurant or The Stag Rooftop – or back at the amazing homecooked meals of Jaipur Haveli!
Albeit enjoying a cold drink while looking out over the illuminated city walls or the Hawa Mahal is the perfect way to reflect on the magic of the Pink City. 🙂
Tips for Travelling in Jaipur
- The Composite Ticket: If you plan on seeing the main sights (Amer Fort, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Isarlat Minaret, and Albert Hall), buy the Composite Ticket. It is valid for two days and is significantly cheaper than buying individual tickets at each gate.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March is the peak season. The weather is cool and pleasant. April to June is brutally hot, and July to September is the monsoon season (which can be surprisingly wet for a desert state!).
- Dress Modestly: Jaipur is a traditional city. Both men and women should aim to keep their shoulders and knees covered, especially when visiting temples.
- Stay Hydrated: The Rajasthan air is dry (aside from in the monsoon). Keep a bottle of water with you at all times, especially during the fort climbs.
Planning a 2-Day Itinerary of Jaipur
Jaipur is a city that can feel overwhelming at first, but once you find your rhythm, it is incredibly rewarding.
Whether you are navigating the bazaars with Raja or sharing a meal in a 200-year-old haveli, the Pink City has a way of staying with you long after you’ve moved on to the next stop.
Enjoy a packed, colourful and incredibly memorable 2-Day Itinerary of Jaipur!
Hi! We are the Steiners. We’re a family from New Zealand with a love of travel and adventure—especially where it takes us off the beaten track! This site is our way of paying it forward with all the tips and tricks we have learned along the way.
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Travel Planning for India & Beyond
These are the companies we use while traveling and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in Asia through 12Go.
- Skyscanner – Our favourite flight search engine. They can search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide – A huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for short or longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have travel insurance before planning further for your itinerary of Jaipur!
Hi! I’m Sarah. I am the self-confessed dreamer, travel-schemer and the main editor behind this blog. I love to write, and it is a dream come true to share so many experiences together and inspire others in our stories.
