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The Perfect 3 Days in Jaipur Itinerary

3 days in jaipur itinerary

This 3 days in Jaipur itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors to the capital city of Rajasthan. From when to visit, how to reach, how to get around to recommended restaurants, suggested shopping markets, and best places to visit in Jaipur – it includes all the information you need while planning a trip to Jaipur.

A trip to India is incomplete without a visit to Jaipur in Rajasthan. It remains one of the top travel destinations in India, along with Delhi and Agra. These three Indian cities form a famous tourist circuit called the Golden Triangle.

Bathed in pretty pink (which gives it a sobriquet of Pink City), the Old City of Jaipur is a hustling and bustling city with its jam-packed streets as well as jam-packed attractions. From cultural extravaganza, historic forts, illustrious palaces, magical temples, and open-air astronomical observatories to ancient step-wells, vibrant bazaars, and lip-smacking food – Jaipur ticks all the boxes.

Read more: India itinerary ideas for spending 1 to 4 weeks

JAIPUR QUICK LINKS

Airport Transfer: Book arrival meet-and-greet plus airport transfer to your hotel in Jaipur at reasonable prices on Viator.

Where to Stay: Sajjan Niwas (budget); Hotel Diggi Palace (mid-range); Pearl Palace Heritage Boutique Hotel (boutique); Alsisar Haveli (heritage); Rambagh Palace (luxury)

Top Rated City Tour: Full Day City Tour with a Local Guide

Top Rated Food Tour: Jaipur Food & Heritage Walk

Top Rated Day Tours: Taj Mahal TourPushkar Day TripRanthambore National Park TourChand Baori & Bhangarh Fort

Ground Transport: If you are heading to BikanerUdaipurJodhpur, or Jaisalmer next, you can easily book train and bus tickets in advance on 12Go.

Heads up: some links here are affiliate links. That means if you click and buy something, I may earn a teeny-weeny commission (think chai money, not a private jet) at no extra cost to you. It’s a small way to keep this blog running, the words flowing, and the pages free for you to enjoy. I only recommend things I truly love, use, or secretly wish I invented, because trust matters, and so do good recs. Thanks for supporting the little cozy corner of the internet I call my virtual home.

3-Day Jaipur Itinerary: Outline

Day 1: Amer Fort + Panna Meena ka Kund + Nahargarh Fort + Jaigarh Fort + Jal Mahal + Light and Sound Show (Amber Palace)

Day 2: Hawa Mahal + City Palace + Jantar Mantar + Albert Hall Museum + Gaitore ki Chhatriyan + Shopping

Day 3: Jawahar Circle and Patrika Gate + Galta ji Temple (Monkey Temple) + Sisodia Rani ka Bagh + Chokhi Dhani

Jaipur Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days in Jaipur

Our 3-day Jaipur itinerary covers almost all the best things to do in Jaipur. We designed this Jaipur trip itinerary after a lot of research, and it made our first trip to Jaipur (Having traveled to Jaipur more times than I can count since that first visit—thanks to its proximity to Delhi—it’s become a familiar outing, I cherish deeply) fun and easy. And hope that it helps you too to plan an exciting and unforgettable vacation.

Are 3 days in Jaipur enough? Not at all. However, we think three days in Jaipur are enough to give you a taste of the city.

Anyhow, onto our 3-day itinerary for Jaipur!

Read More: The Ultimate Bucket List for India

Note: On our first trip to Jaipur, we stayed at Pearl Palace Heritage Boutique Hotel right in the middle of everything. It was easy to get around and quick to pop back whenever we needed a break. Later visits let us check out Alsisar HaveliRambagh Palace, and Taj Amer (a bit far from the center), too – each one made our stay extra special in its own way. If it’s your first time in the city, staying central is keythink Bani Park, C Scheme, and MI Road!

Day 1 of 3 Days in Jaipur Itinerary

7 am: Breakfast @ The Stag Rooftop Restro, Cafe & Lounge

Delicious breakfast served with love while you gasp at the stunning view of the iconic amber fort – what a headstart to your first day in the royal capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur!

You must try their refreshing Green Apple Mojito.

8 am: Amer Fort

amer fort jaipur
Imposing Amer Fort – a lovely addition to Jaipur 3 days itinerary

Begin your 3-day itinerary for Jaipur with one of the best places to visit in Jaipur, Amer Fort.

Tip: You must get to the fort as early as possible (preferably as soon as it opens) to beat the crowds and heat and avoid visiting on weekends at all costs.

Located in the small town of Amer, perched atop a little hill, Amer Fort (aka Amber Palace) looks imposing. You can’t help but fall in love with the pièce de résistance! A UNESCO World Heritage Site for a reason, of course.

It’s a 10-minute hike to get to the entrance of the fort (Suraj Pol). There’s an option to ride an elephant to the fort, but we are strongly against animal cruelty and urge you to walk up to the fort.

Let’s promote experiences that are ethical, sustainable, and meet high standards of animal welfare. Shall we?

The view of Maota Lake (located at the foot of the fort) and Mohan Bari, a terraced garden right in its center (popularly known as Kesar Kyari or Saffron Garden) from Amer Fort is mesmerizing.

You can also check out the underground tunnels that connect Amer Fort to Jaigarh Fort.

Brimming with history and radiating with architectural beauty, Amer Fort is a delight to explore. The must-see attractions within the fort are Suraj Pol, Chand Pol, Jaleb Chowk, Shila Devi Temple, Ganesh Pol, Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khas, Sukh Niwas, Suhag Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, and Zenana Mahal.

Note: I strongly recommend hiring a guide who can easily walk you through the main attractions of the fort (it’s huge and with so many hidden alleys, maze-like passages, and secret rooms, it’s easy to get lost) and make you understand the architectural details and rich history (It has an interesting story hidden in every nook and cranny) associated with the fort.

amer fort best forts in jaipur
Ganesh Pol

And you can’t miss climbing The Great Wall Of Amer! Located right opposite the fort, the wall with its beautiful watchtowers is one of the most picturesque places to visit in Jaipur.

A staircase (over 350 steep stairs) leads you all the way up to Amer Fort Viewpoint. It’s one of the best sunrise and sunset points in Jaipur. Once on the top, you’ll be rewarded with a bird’s eye view of Amer Fort, Amer Town, Jal Mahal, the Aravalli Mountains, and even the city of Jaipur.

Opening Hours: 8 am to 5:30 pm

Entry Fee: INR 100 per Indian visitor and INR 500 per foreign visitor

Skip the often-long entrance lines at the Amber Fort and Palace with this prepaid admission ticket that includes a guide, too!

10 am: Panna Meena Ka Kund

panna meena ka kund
Panna Meena Ka Kund

Just about 800 meters away from Amer Fort is a beautiful ancient stepwell, Panna Meena Ka Kund.

An architectural marvel in its own right, the stepwell is one of the most Instagrammable places in Jaipur. Instagrammers flock here to capture the picturesque, perfectly symmetrical stairways.

Opening Hours: 7 am to 6 pm

Entrance Fee: Free

11 am: Nahargarh Fort

nahargarh fort jaipur
Beautiful terrace of Nahargarh Fort

Strategically perched high on the Aravali Hills, Nahargarh Fort offers one of the most magical views of the city of Jaipur.

The fort itself is utterly beautiful. I particularly loved the doors and windows and the gorgeous rooftop in Madhavendra Bhawan.

The golden light makes the views from the fort even more magical!

nahargarh fort view
Nahargarh Fort – A view to die for!

Nahargarh Step Well is another architectural beauty you must check out! It became an overnight sensation after being featured in a Bollywood movie called Rand De Basanti.

nahargarh stepwell
Nahargarh Stepwell

Located in the Shastragaar and Vishraamghar sections of the Nahargarh Fort, the Jaipur Wax Museum attracts quite many travelers for its unique concept.

The museum is divided into three sections, namely the Hall of Icons, Royal Darbar, and Sheesh Mahal.

Sheesh Mahal is the most beautiful section of all. The wax museum has a separate entrance fee. It costs INR 500 per Indian citizen and INR 700 per foreign citizen.  The museum remains open on all days from 10 am to 6 pm.

Opening Hours: 10 am to 5:30 pm

Entrance Fee: INR 50 per Indian citizen and INR 200 per foreign citizen

Nahargarh Fort Skip the Line E-Tickets with Guide (Hotel Transfer Included)

1 pm: Jaigarh Fort

nahargarh jaipur
Jaigarh Fort

Purely built for defensive purposes, Jaigarh Fort is architecturally simple and plain.

Ram Harihar Temple, Aram Mandir, Lalit Mandir, Laxmi Vilas, Vilas Mandir, Sagar Chatri, Shubhat Niwas, Khilbat Niwas, Kal Bhairav Temple, Puppet Theater, the museum, the armory, Char Bagh, and Diya Burj (the highest point of the fort) are the major attractions of the fort.

The two high points of the fort are the unobstructed view of Amer Fort, the Aravalli Hills, and Lake Maota, and Jaivana, the world’s largest cannon on the wheels.

jaigarh fort jaipur rajasthan
View from Jaigarh Fort

Opening Hours: 9 am to 4:30 pm

Entrance Fee: INR 70 per Indian citizen and INR 150 per foreign citizen

Still Camera Charges: INR 50

Video Camera Charges: INR 200

2 pm: Lunch @ Govindam Retreat

Get a real taste of Rajasthani culture, heritage, and royalty at Govindam Retreat. Good Food. Nice Ambiance. Prompt Service. Reasonable Price. Live Traditional Music.

What to try? Rajasthani thali, beetroot halwa, anjeer sharbat, and rajwadi handi.

4 pm: Masala Chai @ Gulab Ji Chai Wale

Located opposite Ganpati Plaza on MI Road, Gulab Ji Chai Wale is an iconic tea stall in Jaipur. It’s a favorite amongst tourists and Jaipur locals.

The humble little tea stall was set up way back in 1946 by the Late Gulab Singh Ji Dheerawat.

Known for its unique masala chai that’s made with pure milk and a pinch of masala, a dash of sugar, and a heap of love, Gulab Ji Chai Wale is also noted for its kindness.

Gulab Ji used to serve free tea and food to around 250 beggars every day and his grandson continued the legacy.

A cup of masala chai that’s been celebrated by famous personalities and celebrities – you wouldn’t want to miss it for the world!

5 pm: Jal Mahal

jal mahal jaipur lake palace
Jal Mahal

Sitting right in the middle of Man Sagar Lake, Jal Mahal (literally means Water Palace) looks as pretty as a picture.

The palace was used as a hunting lodge for the royals. The palace originally had 5 floors but four of them got submerged in a lake created by the construction of a dam and the one you see from the shores of the lake is the last floor of the palace.

Unfortunately, you can’t witness its beauty up close (how I wish I could) as entry to the palace is prohibited by the state government but can admire it from afar. Boats used to take tourists across the lake, but they were stopped years ago.

6:30 pm: Light & Sound Show (Amber Palace)

amer light and sound show
The Light and Sound Show at Amer Fort

Conceived by Gulzar and narrated by The Amitabh Bachchan and adorned by soulful music from legendary singers Late Ustad Sultan Khan and Shubha Mudgal, the show takes you back in time when Amer was a flourishing capital of Kachwaha Rajputs.

Show Timings: 6:30 p.m. (English) and 7:30 p.m. (Hindi) from October to February; 7 p.m. (English) and 8 p.m. (Hindi) from March to April; and 7:30 p.m. (English) and 8:30 p.m. (Hindi) from May to September

Show Ticket Fee: INR 250

Book Sound & Light Show At Amber Fort Skip the Line Ticket with Hotel Transfer

8 pm: Dinner @ 1135 AD

1135 AD is an amazing place to dine at! We loved everything about it – be it the ambiance, hospitality, food, drinks, location, or the view.

Day 2 of 3 Days in Jaipur Itinerary

8 am: Breakfast @ The Tattoo Cafe & Lounge

The Tattoo Cafe & Lounge is located across the street from Hawa Mahal and offers the best unobstructed view of the beautiful red and pink sandstone palace.

It gets busy (well, it’s famous among Instagrammers) so early morning is the best time to enjoy the views and click some cool Insta-worthy shots while gorging on a tasty breakfast.

PS: Wind View Cafe is another rooftop cafe that offers the perfect view of Hawa Mahal.

9 am: Hawa Mahal

hawa mahal jaipur palace of winds
Hawa Mahal – Your Itinerary for Jaipur for 3 days is incomplete without visiting this gorgeous palace!

Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), with its impeccable honeycomb architecture, is one of the most beautiful places in Jaipur and is a poster child for Jaipur Tourism.

Hawa Mahal was built by Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799 for the royal ladies to witness any celebrations and activities on the street without being seen by outsiders.

A fine blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture, the shape of the palace is inspired by the crown of Lord Krishna, as Sawai Pratap Singh was devoted to Krishna.

The 953 latticed windows or jharokhas that allow a cool breeze to flow through the palace to keep it cool used by the royal women gave the palace its name.

Did you know? Hawa Mahal is the tallest building in the world without a foundation.

The photos of the Hawa Mahal that you see on the internet showcase the back facade of the palace. Most travelers witness and photograph the rear facade and leave.

You can discover the palace from the inside if you wish to. The entrance is through the City Palace.

The interiors of the palace are simple and plain as compared to the rich exteriors. However, it’s worth a visit.

Opening Hours: 9 am to 4:30 pm

Entrance Fee: INR 10 per Indian citizen and INR 50 per foreign citizen

Book Hawa Mahal Skip the Line E-Tickets with Guide and Hotel Transfer

Note: You can spare some time to shop for souvenirs from Sireh Deori Bazaar after you are done exploring Hawa Mahal. Located opposite Hawa Mahal, it’s one of the best shopping streets in Jaipur. You can find a range of traditional handicrafts in Rajasthan.

10 am: City Palace

city palace jaipur
Diwan-e-Khas

The City Palace of Jaipur is counted among the main attractions in Jaipur. You can’t miss it when crafting a Jaipur travel itinerary.

Commissioned by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II (founder of Jaipur), the palace (Chandra Mahal) is still home to the royal family of Jaipur.

There are three main gates to the palace – Tripolia Gate, Virendra Pol, and Udai Pol. The royal family uses Tripolia Gate.

The palace complex comprises several courtyards, buildings, pavilions, gardens, and temples.

The most visited attractions of the palace are Mubarak Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Pritam Niwas Chowk, Diwan-e-Aam or Sabha Niwas, Diwan-e-Khas, or Sarvato Bhadra, Maharani Palace, Baggi Khana, and Govind Dev Ji Temple.

Mubarak Mahal has been converted into a museum called Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum that showcases royal costumes. Maharani Palace houses an armory.

Two giant silver urns displayed at Diwan-e-Khas enjoy celebrity status. They are listed as the world’s largest silver objects in the Guinness Book of World Records. There’s an interesting story associated with these huge silver jars. You can read it here.

The Pritam Niwas Chowk is the most beautiful attraction in the palace. It’s an inner courtyard that provides access to the Chandra Mahal. It features 4 exquisitely carved gates – Peacock Gate, Lotus Gate, Green Gate or Leheriya Gate or Waves Gate, and Rose Gate.

lotus gate city palace pritam niwas chowk
Lotus Gate
leheriya gate city palace pritam niwas chowk
Leheriya Gate

Each gate represents a different season and is dedicated to different Hindu deities. The Lotus Gate indicates the summer season and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati; the Leheriya Gate represents spring and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha; the Rose Gate symbolizes the winter season and is dedicated to Goddess Devi, and last but not least, Peacock Gate signifies the autumn season and is devoted to Lord Vishnu.

rose gate city palace pritam niwas chowk
Rose Gate
peacock gate city palace pritam niwas chowk
Peacock Gate

Chandra Mahal is one of the oldest structures in the palace. It’s not a part of the museum, as the royal family resides here. You need to pay separately to visit the mahal.

The beauty, grandeur, and craftmanship of Chandra Mahal are unmatchable! The mahal also affords an incomparable view of the city of Jaipur.

The mahal consists of seven floors – Sukh Niwas, aka Hall of Pleasures (first and second floor); Rang Mahal (third floor) Shobha Niwas, aka Hall of Beauty (fourth floor); Chhavi Niwas, aka Hall of Images, aka Blue Room (fifth floor), Shri Niwas aka Hall of Mirrors (sixth floor), and Mukut Mandir aka Crown Temple (seventh floor). Each floor has its own charm and is beautiful and unique in its own way.

Sukh Niwas is a royal dining hall. Rang Mahal showcases mesmerizing mirrorwork, while Shibha Niwas is lavishly adorned with emerald, cherry red, and gold-colored stones.

Chhavi Niwas, with its vivid blue and white hues, is sensationally attractive. Intricate paintings on the walls add to the charm. I’m sure you must have seen its pictures floating on Instagram. If not, here it is!

city palace chandra mahal blue room
Chhavi Niwas

The five-colored flag of the royal family of Jaipur remains hoisted on the top of Mukut Mandir. If you see a quarter flag along with the regular flag, it means Maharaja Padmanabh Singh (King of Jaipur) is in residence.

A complete tour of the palace would require about two to three hours. The palace is so so beautiful that it’s a real treat for your eyes, soul, and camera.

Opening Timings: 9:30 am to 7 pm

City Palace Entrance Fee: INR 300 per Indian adult; INR 150 per Indian child, INR 700 per foreign adult, and INR 400 per foreign child (for foreign visitors, the price also includes access to Jaigarh Fort and Gaitore Ki Chhatriyan)

Museum at Night ticket (gives access to Sculpture Lumière Show, all palace courts, and selected galleries): INR 500 per Indian adult, INR 250 per Indian child, INR 1000 per foreign adult, and INR 500 per foreign child

Exclusive access to Chandra Mahal: INR 2000 per Indian adult, INR 1000 per Indian child, INR 2500 per foreign adult, and INR 1500 per foreign child
*child aged 5 to 12 years

PS: You can now stay in Jaipur City Palace. Yes! The Maharaja of Jaipur has become one of the first royal hosts on Airbnb. He has opened his royal suite (Gudliya Suite) for you to savor the taste of royalty. Book it here for INR 5,69,200 per night.

12 pm: Jantar Mantar

jantar mantar jaipur
Jantar Mantar

Just a few steps away from City Palace is Jantar Mantar, a unique open-air astronomical observatory (which happens to be one of the oldest and the largest astronomical observatories in the world) that has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II (the founder of Jaipur) in 1734, and it houses over 19 astronomical instruments used to observe the position of celestial bodies and calculate the local time of the most famous being Samrat Yantra, the world’s largest stone sundial.

Opening Time: 9 am to 4:30 pm

Entrance Fee: INR 50 per Indian visitor and INR 200 per foreign visitor

It makes sense to hire a guide to understand the history of the monument and the workings of different astronomical instruments. Alternatively, you can take an audio-guide tour.

Book Jantar Mantar Skip the Line E-Tickets with Guide

Note: Just about 500 m from Jantar Mantar is Tripolia Bazar. The market is famous for its lac bangles. Handcrafted with love by the local artisans, you’d love to wear these gorgeous bangles. The lac bangles are considered auspicious in India.

1 pm: Lunch @ Hawk View Restaurant & Bar

Hawk View Restaurant & Bar is a great choice to recharge yourself. The menu serves up a variety of Indian and international cuisine.

The food is amazing, and the flavors are on point. And the prices are reasonable. Live Rajasthani folk dance and music set the perfect ambiance.

And that’s not all! The dining terrace bestows a stunning view of Nahargarh Fort and the city of Jaipur.

2:30 pm: Albert Hall Museum

albert hall museum jaipur
Albert Hall Museum

Housed in Ram Niwas Garden, Albert Hall Museum (aka Government Central Museum) was commissioned to celebrate the visit of Albert Edward, the Prince of Wales, in 1876 and, thus, is named after him.

Built in Indo-Saracenic architecture, the building attracts immediate attention.

The museum holds 16 art galleries, each showcasing unique artifacts from different regions of the world.

Opening Hours: 9 am to 8 pm

Entrance Fee: INR 40 per Indian tourist and INR 300 per foreign tourist

Book Albert Hall Museum Skip the Line E-Tickets with Guide

3:30 pm: Gaitore Ki Chhatriyan

gaitor ki chhatriyan
Gaitor Ki Chhatriyan – Gorgeous is the word!
gatore ki chhatriyan
Gatore Ki Chhatriyan – A photographer’s delight!

A royal crematorium ground for the Kachhwaha rulers, Gaitore Ki Chaatriyan, is utterly beautiful. Not many travelers come here and that makes it all the more impressive. You can have the entire place to yourself. So peaceful, quiet, and surreal.

If you love photography and have a penchant for all things beautiful, I can’t recommend this place enough. You must add it to your Jaipur tour itinerary!

Opening Hours: 9:30 am to 5 pm

Entrance Fee: INR 30 per person

Read More: Royal Cenotaphs of Bikaner

5 pm: Lassi at Lassiwala

Because you can’t leave Jaipur before you gulp down a traditional glass of lassi at Lassiwala!

6 pm: Shop at Colorful Markets of Jaipur

shopping in jaipur markets

Jaipur is one of the best cities in India for shopping freaks. A visit to its many bazaars overwhelms travelers. Shopaholic or not, you can’t just stop shopping.

Shop till you drop should be your mantra. You’d love to go on a shopping spree, especially if you love handicrafts and handlooms.

I instantly fell in love with vibrant and colorful leheriya and bandhani fabric. You must add these ethenic fabrics to your wardrobe.

The hand-embroidered and colorful Rajasthani umbrellas do more than protect you from the sun. Adding this little traditional piece to your home decor can do magic. They instantly brighten up the corners!

And you must pick a piece of the beautiful Indian handicraft of blue pottery for your home. It’s sure to add style to your living room.

Other must-buy handcrafted items in Jaipur include mojris (traditional Rajasthani footwear), lac bangles, handbags, bedsheets, silver jewelry, gemstones, and Meenakari items.

You can choose to do market hopping on your own or join a shopping tour.

Even if you don’t want to buy anything (the ghost of a chance), wandering around the vibrant and fascinating markets lifts your mood.

Related Read: Best Places to Visit in Bikaner

8 pm: Dinner @ Peacock Restaurant at Hotel Pearl Palace

I found Peacock Restaurant amazing. The beautiful open-air patio styled with plants and graced with dim outdoor lighting and live music set the perfect ambiance. The food is excellent, and the staff is delightful.

Day 3 of 3 Days in Jaipur Itinerary

8:30 am: Breakfast @ On the House

OTH Cafe is one of the best places in Jaipur to grab a bite and enjoy a nice cup of coffee. From the Mediterranean to Italian to Indian to English – their menu boasts a huge variety of food. We particularly loved their salted caramel affogato and Nutella cheesecake.

9:30 am: Jawahar Circle and Patrika Gate

patrika gate jaipur jawahar circle garden
Patrika Gate – Isn’t it awe-inspiring?

Located about 30 minutes outside of the city center, Patrika Gate serves as an entrance to the biggest circular park in Asia, Jawahar Circle Garden.

Built on the principles of Vastu Shastra, the walled city of Jaipur had seven gates, viz. Dhruv Pol (Jorawar Singh Gate), Suraj Pol, Chand Pol, Kishan Pol (Ajmeri Gate), Shiv Pol (Sanganeri Gate), Ram Pol (Ghat Gate), and Samrat Gate. The Naya Pol (New Gate) is said to have been built in the 1940s by Maharajah Sawai Man Singh II which became the eighth gate.

Patrika Gate, the ninth gate of Jaipur, is the newest addition to the gates of the pink city. Opened to the public in 2020, Patrika Gate was built by a local newspaper and media company, Rajasthan Patrika, in collaboration with Jaipur Development Authority.

Number 9, an auspicious number as per Hindu astrology, is considered the soul of Patrika Gate. The architectural features of the structure bring together the importance of the number 9, for example, the gate has 9 pavilions each 9 feet wide.

A beautiful piece of architecture, Patrika Gate holds a spellbinding beauty. Intricate details and vibrant pastels make it a photographer’s delight. It’s simply beauty personified.

If you’ve time, you can come back at night for the musical fountain show in Jawahar Circle Park every evening at 7 pm.

Opening Hours: The Patrika Gate is open to the public 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

Entrance Fee: There is no entry fee! It’s free.

11:30 am: Galta Ji Temple (Monkey Temple)

galta ji temple jaipur monkey temple
Galta Ji Temple

Located a little less than 11 km from the center of Jaipur, Galta Ji Temple is a famous ancient Hindu sacred pilgrimage site.

It was built by Diwan Rao Kriparam way back in the 15th century and was named after Saint Galtav did penance here.

There is a string of temples carved into a narrow crevice of a mountain pass in the Aravalli hills – temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman, Lord Rama (Shri Sitaram Ji Temple), Lord Krishna (Shri Gyan Gopal Ji Temple), Lord Surya (Sun Temple), Lord Balaji, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma.

There are 7 holy kunds (ponds, water tanks, or reservoirs) filled by a natural freshwater spring in Galta Ji, out of which the holiest one is Galta Kund. Legend has it that this pond never runs dry.

As per Hindu belief, bathing in the sacred pond, especially on Kartik Purnima (when it is believed that the holy trinity of Hinduism viz. Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, and Lord Shiva visit Galtaji) and Makar Sankranti absolves them of sin and speeds them to nirvana after death.

The location (enveloped by hills and lush greens) and the temple complex itself are mesmerizing. Carved out of pink sandstone, the walls and ceilings of the temple are magnificently adorned with carvings and murals depicting Hindu mythology, and it looks no less than a royal palace.

Galta Ji Temple is not only famous for its architecture and history but also known for its troop of monkeys (the reason it’s also called the Monkey Temple.) They are pretty harmless unless you provoke them.

I seriously suggest you not offer any food items to the monkeys and don’t get too close to them just for the sake of a photograph. It can be risky.

You can reach Galtaji either by foot or by a rental car, cab, taxi, or autorickshaw. The hike up to Galta Ji Temple from Galta Gate takes around an hour or so but is packed with a lot of monkeys.

This route passes via Sun Temple or Surya Temple which sits atop a 200-meter hill and provides a stunning vantage point to breathe in the beauty of sunrise and sunset over the city.

I’d say it’s better to drive to the main entrance gate of the temple (Galwar Bagh Gate) and maybe climb up to the Surya Temple to enjoy the view over the city skyline.

Opening Hours: 5 am to 9 pm

Entrance Fee: Free

Join a Sunrise Trek in Galta Ji Temple

1:30 pm: Sisodia Rani ka Bagh

sisodia rani ka bagh
Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh

A heritage palace garden, Sisodia Rani ka Bagh or Sisodia Garden, was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh as a peaceful retreat to break free from the mundane routine of his beloved second wife, the princess of Udaipur, Sisodia Rani. The garden celebrates his eternal love and affection for his queen.

Inspired by Mughal Gardens (Charbagh), Sisodia Garden features a queen’s palace, pavilions, shrines, fountains, and a natural spring. The murals on the walls and pillars depict the eternal love of Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha.

Opening Timings: 8 am to 5 pm

Entrance Fee: INR 50 per Indian visitor and INR 200 per foreign visitor

Read More: Best Hotels in Bikaner

2:30 pm: Lunch @ Suvarna Mahal

Dine at Suvarna Mahal (Golden Palace) for the most authentic and royal experience.

The restaurant sits on top when it comes to the best places to eat in Jaipur, and of course, for a reason.

The decor that narrates the history, the ambiance that exudes royalty, the service that charms visitors, the staff that wins hearts, and the food (served in gold-plated tableware) that wins tummy 😉 – Suvarna Mahal comes heavily recommended.

 Such a beautiful experience that you are sure to come back another time.

5:30 pm: Experience Rajasthani Culture at Chokhi Dhani

chokhi dhani jaipur
A depiction of the village scene at Chokhi Dhani

It makes sense to end your trip to Jaipur with a unique traditional Rajasthani experience. Isn’t it?

About 20 km from the city center lies a mock village called Chokhi Dhani. It’s a perfect place to get up close and personal with rural Rajasthani life. The name literally translates to Rajasthani Culture.

The place showcases historical plays, temples, camel and bullock cart rides, traditional folk music and dance performances, interesting games, puppet shows, magic shows, shopping stalls by local artisans, and serves authentic Rajasthani food (there are about 8 dining options to choose from.)

It’s a great place for kids to have fun and for you to dive deep into Indian culture and heritage.

Opening Hours: 5 pm to 11 pm

Entrance Fee: INR 750 to INR 1200 per adult and INR 450 to INR 800 (depending upon the chosen dining option)

Book a Half-Day City Tour of Chokhi Dhani Ethnic Village from Jaipur

Note: If you’ve another day to spend in Jaipur, I’d strongly recommend taking a day trip to Chand Baori and Bhangarh Fort.

We hope our 3 days in Jaipur itinerary helps you plan a great trip to Jaipur. You can cover all the main highlights of the pink city in 3 days, but if you want to explore other beautiful places in Jaipur like Birla Mandir, Amrapali Museum, Anokhi Museum, Museum of Legacies, and around Jaipur like Chand Baori Stepwell and Bhangarh Fort, you need to include another day or two. If you have any questions about this itinerary for Jaipur, give us a shout!

INDIA TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Here are the essential resources I personally use and recommend for planning a trip to India.

Visa for India: iVisa works great for applying for a fast e-visa online. Also, OneWayFly is great if you need to show proof of onward travel (flight itinerary) or hotel reservation.

For travel insurance: Heymondo. It’s the most affordable travel insurance with maximum coverage. You get 5% off if you use my link.

For Connectivity: Airalo. It’s the first-ever eSIM global website where you can buy an eSIM at affordable prices and stay connected while traveling.

For booking flights: Skyscanner and WayAway. They are the best search/comparison flight booking sites that help you find the best and cheapest flight deals. And with the WayAway membership plan, you’ll get cashback for every booking. Plus, with the special promo code “MELODIES,” a 10% discount is activated.

International money transfer & currency exchange: Wise. With competitive exchange rates, fast transfers, and a 9.1/10 rating on TrustPilot, it’s the only service you should use every time you transfer and exchange internationally.

For finding accommodations: Booking.com and Agoda. They are the pioneers among hotel booking websites that give you a lot of choices with their huge selection of properties reviewed by travelers.

For rental car: Discover Cars. It’s the best international car rental platform for all your car rental needs.

For ground transport: OmioRailEurope, and Bookaway. Best sites for booking bus and train tickets in India.

For tours & day trips: ViatorGet Your Guide, and Klook. They offer the best city tours and day excursions in India.

For guidance on the go: A Lonely Planet Guidebook for India comes in handy here.

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4 Comments

  1. Thanks Anjali, it is really an awesome post. Helped me planning short trip for my friend who is visiting india for short days 🙂

    1. Apologies for the late reply! If you’re still planning a trip to Jaipur and looking for guided tours, there are some fantastic options on platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator. Many hotels also arrange local guides. Let me know if you still need recommendations!

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