Hi there!
So you’re looking at planning your trip to Rajasthan and the Golden Triangle, and you’re trying to figure out how many days to spend in Jaipur.
3 days can be a PERFECT number of days to spend in Jaipur!
Below is a guide to Jaipur and ideas for how exactly to plan out each of those days in Jaipur.
First, the quick list of the must-visit places in Jaipur.
Then, a more detailed look into how you can fit ALL of these places into your 3 day Jaipur itinerary.
10 best places to visit in Jaipur in 3 days
1. City Palace
2. Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace)
3. Jal Mahal (Water Palace)
4. Royal Gaitor tombs
5. Amber Fort (and Amber Palace)
6. Jaigarh Fort
7. Nahargarh Fort
8. Old City
9. Monkey Temple
10. Sun Temple
If you have less time in Jaipur, also see how to spend one day in Jaipur.
You can also see how to spend your days in Udaipur (city of lakes), Jodhpur (blue city), Jaisalmer (golden city), the Thar Desert (camel safari), Agra, and the Taj Mahal!
And oh hey! After Jaipur and North India, you can head to South India which is where Kerala is! Also see how to spend one week in Kerala and how to spend one month in South India!
Get ideas on how to get around Rajasthan, including by overnight train to Jaipur, along with taking the bus and local train.
And if you’re backpacking to Jaipur alone, you may like the idea of staying at one of the best hostels in Jaipur.
JAIPUR MAP
To better plan out your Jaipur itinerary, have a look at this Jaipur map on Google maps!
Hotels in Jaipur
Best hostels
Splurge a bit more with a heritage hotel or haveli!
Best heritage hotels
- Samode Haveli $$$
- Dera Rawatsar (with pool) $$
- Nirbana Heritage Hotel and Spa $$
- Umaid Bhawan $$
- Naila Bagh Palace Heritage Home Hotel $$
- Oberoi Rajvilas $$$$
Search for more of the best hotels in Jaipur.
So…
How to put the best places to visit into a 3 day Jaipur itinerary?
Day 1 in Jaipur
Theme: It’s going to be a royal palace day! The focus will be on palaces.
Quick list of palaces (plus an extra royal site) for day 1:
- City Palace
- Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace)
- Jal Mahal (Water Palace)
- Royal Gaitor tombs
How to get around on day 1:
Uber will be the most convenient for this day’s itinerary.
Day 2 in Jaipur
Theme: This is going to be another royal day! (Because a trip to Rajasthan wouldn’t be complete without lots of royalty.)
But this time, the focus is going to be on forts with amazing views. There are palaces to be visited at these forts as well.
Quick list of forts for day 2:
- Amber Fort
- Jaigarh Fort
- Nahargarh Fort
How to get around on day 2:
Take an Uber to get to Amber Fort. Then after you have explored Amber Fort, you can walk to Jaigarh Fort through an underground tunnel. After you have finished exploring Jaigarh Fort, you can take a rickshaw to Nahargarh Fort.
Day 3 in Jaipur
Theme: This day is going to be about shopping and temples for some more amazing views of Jaipur.
Quick list of activities for day 3:
- Old City (Pink City street shopping)
- Monkey Temple
- Sun Temple (hilltop temple)
How to get around on day 3:
Uber and rickshaws can work out for this day’s itinerary.
Extra one day in Jaipur: Stay in Jaipur for 4 days!
Who likes to travel with luggage? Not me. π
Spend an extra day in Jaipur, and you can make it a day trip to Agra from Jaipur to see the Taj Mahal.
You can keep all your luggage at the hotel or guesthouse (or haveli!) that you’re staying at in Jaipur without having to settle into a new place!
Here’s how to make one day in Agra worth it.
Airbnb in Jaipur
I spent a week at an apartment through airbnb. There’s a wide variety of accommodation in Jaipur available, and it can also give you a local contact to ask questions about your trip to Jaipur.
If you haven’t signed up for airbnb yet, sign up through this referral link to get up to US$40 off an airbnb stay!
More for your backpacking Rajasthan India itinerary
- 3 days in Udaipur
- 2 days in Jodhpur
- 3 days in Jaisalmer
- 3 days in Jaipur
- 1 day in Agra
Okay, now the real details to see if you really want to stick to this itinerary when you are in Jaipur!
Best places to visit with 3 days in Jaipur
How to spend 3 days in Jaipur
- Day 1: Palaces in Jaipur in one day
- Day 2: Forts in Jaipur in one day
- Day 3: Street shopping and hilltop temples
DAY 1 IN JAIPUR
Visit to the palaces in Jaipur
Getting to City Palace
Depending on where you’re staying, you may be able to walk. Otherwise, Uber or rickshaw will work well.
Palace #1: Jaipur City Palace
Cost: 500 rupees (US$8) for foreigners
There is also a “Royal Grandeur” tour for 2,000 rupees (US$30) that would give you access to more of the palace.
You can start off the day by visiting the City Palace.
The Jaipur City Palace is located in a convenient part of Jaipur, and it’s a way to learn more about the different aspects of the royal lifestyle and what life was like in the past.
If your trip to India is doing the Golden Triangle loop only with Jaipur being the only city in Rajasthan you’re visiting, then the Jaipur City Palace is worth a visit.
You’ll want to make sure to take the obligatory pictures too when you’re here. π
Jaipur City Palace vs Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer
If you’re traveling around Rajasthan, is it really worth it to visit every city palace for each city you visit?
Jaipur vs Udaipur Palace and Jodhpur Palace
Well, if you’re looking to save some money, personally I liked the Udaipur City Palace and Jodhpur Fort Palace a little bit more.
Part of this was because I felt that there was more to explore within the palace complex in Udaipur and Jodhpur.
By comparison, the Jaipur City Palace didn’t feel as expansive, but this could also be because there are parts of the palace that are off limits with a regular ticket.
Getting the Royal Grandeur tour tickets would mean that you would see more.
If Udaipur or Jodhpur aren’t on your Rajasthan itinerary, then Jaipur City Palace could be worth a visit if you’re looking to visit a city palace. Another very good palace option in Jaipur is Amber Palace.
Jaipur vs Jaisalmer Palace
Jaisalmer also has a palace within the Jaisalmer Fort complex.
I didn’t actually go inside the Jaisalmer Palace because every time I wanted to go, it seemed to be closed. (Part of it was because it was in the days around Holi, and part of it was because a member of the royal family died.)
But all indications were that the Jaisalmer Palace wasn’t anything extraordinary. I was even told by more than one local that the palace is not worth visiting.
So if Jaipur and Jaisalmer are the only 2 cities you’ll be visiting in Rajasthan, the Jaipur City Palace may be better than the Jaisalmer palace.
That said, Amber Palace in Jaipur may also beat out Jaipur City Palace!
Cafe at City Palace
After walking around City Palace, if you’re looking to take a little break with a cup of tea, there’s a cafe located within the palace complex.
Next: City Palace to Hawa Mahal
It’ll be about a 30 minute walk, or you will be able to catch a rickshaw easily. Uber works too.
Palace #2: Hawa Mahal – Wind Palace
Cost: 200 rupees (US$3) for foreigners
This is the iconic pink palace that you have seen in pictures!
The Hawa Mahal complex has a few areas to roam around. It’s not too big, so this could be a quick visit if you want it to be.
Actually it felt more like you were just walking around an empty complex.
So if you’re looking for something to skip to save some money when you’re traveling India on a budget, this palace might be one to just admire from outside.
Rooftop restaurant with the best views of Hawa Mahal
Once you’re done exploring the Hawa Mahal, this is another area that you can take a break with a cup of tea after you’ve finished up touring the palace complex.
If you head across the street to one of the rooftop cafes, you can get a perfect straight on view of the Hawa Mahal.
You don’t even really have to stay and eat, as you can just climb the stairs for the view too. But heading to a cafe can make for a nice break if you’ve been out exploring the streets of Jaipur!
Next: Hawa Mahal to Jal Mahal via Royal Gaitor tombs
From Hawa Mahal to the Jal Mahal would be about an hour walk. So Uber or a rickshaw will work well here which would be about a 15 minute ride. The Royal Gaitor tombs are about halfway between these 2 places, although not on the direct route.
Royal cenotaphs
Cost: 100 rupees (US$2) for foreigners
On the theme of royalty and royal families, a visit to the royal tombs can be a convenient visit if you’re headed to the Jal Mahal. This is where members of the royal family are memorialized.
This is also known as the Gatore ki Chhatriyan or the royal cenotaphs.
Since it’s located on the way to Jal Mahal if you’re coming from City Palace or Hawa Mahal, this can make a convenient side trip.
And because there are few people here, this can be a place that can feel like a nice environment to sit back and take a break from crowds.
Palace #3: Jal Mahal – Water Palace
This is a palace that’s located in the middle of the lake which means that it offers scenic views on the water.
There’s a path along the lake which makes it a nice place to go for a stroll at sunset.
The area is usually lively with lots of people around, especially in the evening.
This can be a good place to buy some souvenirs too.
This is a palace to admire from afar with a lakefront walk, as there’s no public access to the Jal Mahal.
A walk along a lake is a perfect way to finish off your day!
DAY 2 IN JAIPUR
Visit to the forts in Jaipur
These famous Jaipur forts are located within relatively close proximity of one another.
The easiest would be to drive between each of the forts, but you can walk from fort to fort too. That might be around 12 miles or 15 km.
To be more reasonable and not walk so much, this is how you can get between the forts:
- Walking from Amber Fort to Jaigarh Fort via underground tunnel
- Rickshaw from Jaigarh Fort to Nahargarh Fort
This fort day can be the among the best things to do when you have just one day in Jaipur.
Getting to Amber Fort
Amber (pronounced Amer) is located outside of Jaipur to the north, and Uber would be a good way to get here. It’ll be about a 20 minute ride from the Old City.
Amber Fort and Amber Palace
Cost: 500 rupees (US$8) for foreigners
Once you reach the area that’s directly below Amber Fort, there are a couple of ways to get from the main road up to the fort complex.
Riding an elephant from the base of the fort to the top seems to be a fairly popular thing to do.
But elephant rides are a bit controversial, so it’s best to do research to determine if an elephant ride is something you want to do.
If you prefer to skip the elephant ride, you can take the stairs to get up to Amber Fort.
Once you get up to the main fort complex area, there’s an area that you can wander around a bit. This area is free.
The Amber Fort complex is also home to Amber Palace, which is a grand palace that’s worth exploring. This is where you’ll have to pay to enter.
Amber Fort is home to possibly the best palace around Jaipur. If you have to choose one palace in Jaipur, I’d say make it Amber Palace!
Of the different fort and palace complexes in Jaipur, I did the most walking around at Amber Palace with an hour or so of walking. There are a lot of different places around Amber Palace that you can explore.
Cafe at Amber Fort with fort views
If you just want a little bit of a break at Amber Palace, there’s a cafe located inside the fort complex. You’ll see Cafe Coffee Day after you’ve finished exploring the main palace area.
I had my favorite Cafe Coffee Day order: a tandoori paneer sandwich, along with a Belgian chocolate shot, which is similar to chocolate mousse.
Royal restaurant at Amber Fort: 1135 AD restaurant
After visiting a few different palaces, you can also treat yourself to a meal at Amber Fort.
As a restaurant at a fort with royal history, the cost of meals is on the more expensive side here.
The 1135 AD restaurant is located outside the entry gate of Amber Palace, so you can have lunch or dinner here without an entry ticket.
Next up: Amber Fort to Jaigarh Fort underground tunnel
At the base of Amber Fort, you can find a rickshaw to take you to Jaigarh Fort.
Or you can look out for the door to the tunnel!
From here, it’s a bit more walking up to Jaigarh Fort.
Jaigarh Fort
Cost: 100 rupees (US$2) for foreigners
There are 2 main places of interest in the area of Jaigarh Fort.
There is a palace within the Jaigarh Fort complex that you can spend around 30 minutes exploring.
There’s also a famous cannon at Jaigarh Fort that’s said to be the world’s largest cannon on wheels.
Next up: Jaigarh Fort to Nahargarh Fort
Jaigarh to Nahargarh was the longest stretch of walking, about 7 km or 4 miles. The walk is on the same road that you’d take if you drive there.
You are likely to find a rickshaw at the entrance of Jaigarh Fort.
Nahargarh Fort
Cost: 200 rupees (US$3) for foreigners
Now you’ve made it to the last fort!
Next up: Nahargarh Fort back to where you’re staying!
Long day!
The best place to find a rickshaw to take you back to the main part of Jaipur is around the entry of Nahargarh Fort.
It’s now just a winding downhill on uneven grounds to finish up! This is the route you’d take if you were going directly from Jaipur to Nahargarh.
As fun as it may be to walk down the winding downhill road, I found it to be difficult to find an Uber or rickshaw at the base of Nahargarh Fort. So if you want a rickshaw back to the Old City, it could be better to take it straight from the fort.
DAY 3 IN JAIPUR
Shopping and visiting temples
Street shopping in the Old City
There’s a section of Jaipur that can make for the perfect place to go when you’re looking to do some street shopping.
You can start at one of the iconic pink gates in Jaipur, located in the Old City or Pink City.
From there, once you get past the city walls, you can basically walk along the streets in a square.
Once you are in this area, it will be pretty easy to follow the outer streets of the square.
This will get you a good sampling of some of street shopping in Jaipur!
If you’re planning for something like 2 weeks in Rajasthan, you might consider saving Jaipur for last. This could be a good place to do some souvenir shopping!
Jaipur is also world famous for gemstones.
So the Old City could also be a good place to look around for gemstones which can also make for good souvenirs.
Before leaving the main Pink City area, it seems like a good idea to get some pineapple juice! π
Next up: Old City to Monkey Temple
Since the Monkey Temple is located a little outside the city, Uber can be the best way to get there from the main part of Jaipur. (If you decide to go to the Sun Temple too, be sure to read for what might be the better way to get to the Monkey Temple.)
Monkey Temple
Cost: 50 rupees (US$1) for permission to take pictures (even with phone)
The Galtaji Temple is famous for having tons of monkeys all around, so it’s also been given the name of Monkey Temple.
There are a few stairs and a little bit to explore within the temple complex, but generally it won’t take up too much time.
Next up: Monkey Temple to Sun Temple
The Sun Temple is a simple walk from the Monkey Temple!
Just keep walking up the stairs further.
Then it might be another 30-40 minutes of walking.
Once you’re walking for a bit towards the Sun Temple from the Monkey Temple, there’s a point where you have the option to go left or right.
The road to the right is the for scooters or motorbikes, and you can walk up this road too.
The road to the left isn’t as friendly for motor vehicles with the uneven roads, but it is walkable.
I was told by a local man that this is the shortcut, so head to the left if you’re coming from the Monkey Temple!
Sun Temple
Cost: Free
At the Sun Temple, you’ll be treated to some of the best views of Jaipur… and maybe some more monkeys!
There’s also a road on the other side of the Sun Temple that you can take to get back down, instead of returning back to the Monkey Temple.
Taking this road will drop you closer to the main part of Jaipur.
The cheaper way to get to the Monkey Temple
Going from the Sun Temple side is also how to get to the Monkey Temple for cheaper, if you don’t mind a little bit of walking.
Look for the Galta Gate on Google Maps, walk to the Sun Temple, then walk to the Monkey Temple!
Because the Galta Gate is located on the side of the main city, even if you take a rickshaw or Uber to reach here, it will be cheaper than looping all the way around to the main entrance of the Monkey Temple.
Basically, you’d end up entering from the back side.
HAPPY JAIPUR ITINERARY PLANNING!
How to spend 2 weeks in Rajasthan
- 3 days in Udaipur (city of lakes)
- 2 days in Jodhpur (blue city)
- 3 days in Jaisalmer (golden city)
- 3 days in Jaipur (pink city)
- 1 day in Agra
PLUS: One month in South India
For examples of general class train travel, see:
For examples of AC train travel, see:
For examples of local bus travel, see:
For examples of overnight bus travel, see:
- Pondicherry to Madurai
- Madurai to Kerala (South India)
- Mumbai to Udaipur
See more backpacking India travel tips!