Jaipur, nicknamed the Pink City, forms a key point on the Golden Triangle, the tourist circuit that connects New Delhi, Agra, and Rajasthan. Jaipur's nickname is a nod to the pink buildings within its historic core, among them the iconic Hawa Mahal.
Jaipur is a city of sprawling palaces, ornate architectural masterpieces, and sweeping views of lush green hills and idyllic lakes. It is the first planned city in India and has earned UNESCO World Heritage status for setting an exceptional example of indigenous city planning. And its streets feel a little more manageable than the congested labyrinths of New Delhi and Mumbai, especially for first-time visitors to India.
This is a city that inspired Paul McCartney to write "Riding into Jaipur" and became the backdrop of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel movies. It is a place to enjoy the performing arts, to feast on sumptuous meals in the banquet halls of royalty, and to reminisce about a bygone era of Maharajas. Ride elephants and explore Mughal architecture by day and enjoy some of the world's finest hotels by night.
Jaipur is also a shopper's paradise, offering everything from fine jewelry and intricate handmade art pieces to a variety of textiles.
Visitors can fly directly into the city or take a train, bus, or private car from New Delhi. The fastest route is by high-speed train, which takes just under four hours.
Jaipur is warm all year long, but the most comfortable time to visit the Pink City is between October and February. This is when the days are clear and breezy and when visitors can expect to find the most pleasant temperatures. Visit between March and July and you may find yourself exploring sprawling castles that pre-date air conditioning in stifling heat. During these months, temperatures in Jaipur can soar above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Jaipur is the largest city in Rajasthan and the 10th most populated city in India. It is known as the Pink City, a nickname earned for a color elegantly woven throughout the city. Jaipur forms one point of the Golden Triangle, a tourist trail that connects New Delhi, the Taj Mahal, and Rajasthan. Jaipur is only 167 miles from New Delhi, but it is an entirely different world. Founded in 1727, Jaipur is the first planned city in India. Instead of a complicated labyrinth of roads, the city is built on a street grid that makes it easier to navigate than Delhi or Mumbai. Jaipur is a place to explore the palaces of pre-colonial India, dive deep into Indian history, and relax in world class hotels.
Trains: Jaipur has big ambitions for local transit, but it still has a ways to go in realizing them. Jaipur's metro serves an eight-mile stretch of the city and has just one operating train line. If you're looking to get around by public transit, bus is a better bet.
Taxis: Several taxi companies operate in town and many can be booked online. India's iconic yellow and green auto rickshaws also are widely available.
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Sindhi Camp: This modest residential neighborhood is east of Pink City. This is a transport hub and a place brimming with authentic street food and affordable accommodations.
The days are marked with warmth all year long in Jaipur, though nights can get chilly from December to February. Summer comes early with peak temperatures that can rise above 100° Fahrenheit April, May, and June. Monsoon season runs from July to September, cooling down temperatures and lowering hotel prices for visitors who don't mind the rain. October to June bring cool breezes and moderate sunlight, making it the most popular time of the year to visit. You may want to pack a jacket, though. Temperatures can dip into the 40s in January.