Jaipur’s walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the fortified hills around it hold centuries of Rajput history.
- Amber Fort — A magnificent hilltop fort-palace of sandstone and marble, with mirrored halls and sweeping views.
- Hawa Mahal — The iconic Palace of Winds, whose many latticed windows let royal women watch street life unseen.
- City Palace — A complex of courtyards, gateways and museums that remains home to the former royal family.
- Jantar Mantar — An 18th-century astronomical observatory with giant instruments, listed by UNESCO.
- Nahargarh Fort — A ridge-top fort offering some of the best sunset views over the city.
- Albert Hall Museum — Rajasthan’s oldest museum, in an Indo-Saracenic building in Ram Niwas Garden.
- Bazaars of the old city — Shop for gemstones, block-printed textiles and blue pottery in Johari and Bapu Bazaars.
Jaipur has a semi-arid climate. Summers, from about April to June, are extremely hot, and the monsoon brings rain between July and September. Winters, from November to February, are sunny and pleasant by day, with cold nights and mornings.
October to March is the peak season and the most comfortable time for sightseeing. The Jaipur Literature Festival, held each January, draws writers and readers from around the world, while Diwali lights up the old city in autumn and Holi is celebrated with colour in spring. The monsoon months are quieter and greener, with fewer crowds at the forts.
Jaipur International Airport is at Sanganer, south of the city, and the drive to the central areas usually takes around half an hour, longer to the old walled city at busy times. It handles domestic flights and international routes, mainly to the Gulf.
Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are available from the arrivals area, and many hotels offer pick-ups. Jaipur has a metro line, but it does not serve the airport, so a taxi is the most practical first step. Auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws are useful for short trips around town.
Jaipur offers everything from converted havelis and palace hotels to modern business hotels.
- Old City (Pink City) — Close to the bazaars, Hawa Mahal and City Palace; ideal for atmosphere and sightseeing on foot.
- Bani Park — A quiet residential area with many heritage guesthouses, popular with independent travellers.
- C-Scheme and MI Road — Central and upmarket, with restaurants, cafés and shopping.
- Amer Road — Convenient for early visits to Amber Fort, with some resort-style hotels.
- Money: Cards and mobile payments are widely accepted; carry cash for rickshaws, street food and smaller shops, and bargain politely in markets.
- Getting around: Ride-hailing apps work well; for a full day of sightseeing, hiring a car with driver is convenient.
- Etiquette: Dress modestly, especially at temples, and remove shoes where asked.
- Shopping: Be cautious with unsolicited offers of gemstone deals or shop tours, and buy from reputable stores.
- Health: Carry water, wear a hat and plan fort visits for the morning, as the sun is strong even in winter.
Frequently asked questions
Which airport serves Jaipur?
Jaipur is served by Jaipur International Airport (JAI) at Sanganer, south of the city.
How do I get from the airport to the city centre?
Prepaid taxis, ride-hailing apps and hotel pick-ups are the usual options, with the drive taking around half an hour or more depending on traffic.
What currency is used in Jaipur?
India uses the Indian rupee (INR). Cards and mobile payments are common, but cash is useful in markets.
Do I need a visa to visit Jaipur?
Entry requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Check RwandAir’s travel requirements tool or the official government website before travelling.
When is the best time to visit Jaipur?
October to March is cool and sunny, ideal for sightseeing. April to June is extremely hot.
Why is Jaipur called the Pink City?
Buildings in the old walled city were painted a terracotta-pink colour, a tradition associated with the visit of the Prince of Wales in 1876 and maintained today.
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