Jaipur is a city like no other. From its magnificent palaces and forts to its colorful markets and vibrant streets, Jaipur is a feast for the senses. And while Jaipur may seem like a massive city, it's actually quite possible to see the best of Jaipur in just one day.

Of course, you won't be able to see everything Jaipur has to offer in such a short time frame, but you can certainly get a taste of what this incredible city has to offer. So if you're thinking about visiting Jaipur, don't wait - go see this amazing city for yourself!

Insight: This guide has been written to provide a suggested itinerary for a 1 day visit to Jaipur, which will include only the most popular and best sections of the city.

The day will be divided into two parts; the first section visits the city centre of Jaipur and the second part travels to the Amer fort and the Jal Mahal. If you wish to ride an elephant up to Amer fort then the palace must be visited in the morning, as the elephants can only perform a set number of trips per day. The second section of the day (Amer fort) requires a taxi or rickshaw, as is 8km outside of the city centre.

For the morning itinerary, it is suggested to exploring the historic centre of Jaipur, which is often referred to as the Pink City. Jaipur is a chaotic mix of sights, sounds and smells, all of this can be very draining for visitors new to India especially when combined with the intense heat of the dry season. Thankfully all of the main tourist sights are close together and Jaipur follows a grid/block layout so is simple to navigate. Highlights of the morning include:

The magnificent City Palace, which is the home of the Maharaja, and is one of the most fascinating places in Jaipur. The palace was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, in 1727.

This sprawling complex is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture, and includes a series of wonderous courtyards, gardens and buildings. The Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Maharani's Palace, Shri Govind Dev Temple and City Palace Museum. It is one of the best-preserved examples of Rajasthani architecture and gives visitors a glimpse into the lifestyle of the royal family.

There is a lot to see in the palace so expect to expend between 1-2 hours here. The City Palace is open every day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Last entry is at 4:30 pm. Admission tickets can be purchased at the ticket office inside the complex.

The City Palace of Jaipur

The Hawa Mahal, a multi windowed, lattice like façade of the City Palace which is best viewed from the Siredeori Bazaar. From the small windows the wives of the Maharaja could spy daily life without being seen by the commoners. The lattice work played another useful feature as it channelled up the cooler air and provided a constant breeze in the state rooms, hence the name of the Place of the winds. It does not take long to view the Hawa Mahal as only the exterior is worthy of a visit.

The pink city walls of Jaipur

While walking between the city Palace, the Hawa Mahal and the Jantar Mantar take time to view the city walls and ornate city gates. All of the buildings within this central district are painted a uniform terracotta pink colour, which represent power and welcoming.

The Hawa Mahal, Palace of Winds

The Jantar Mantar is the third sight of the morning and should only be visited if there is sufficient time. The Jantar Mantar are a series of astronomical instruments used by the Mogul’s to predict the future. The stand out feature is the world’s largest sun dial, where the actual movement of the sun can be seen (6cm per minute at midday)

The Amer Fort is one of the most import fortifications in Rajasthan and combines impenetrable defences with intricate marble detail. As you approach Amer Fort, you can't help but be awestruck by its size and scope. Rising high above the surrounding landscape, the fort is a wonderous sight to behold. And it's not just the exterior that is impressive.

Once you step inside, you'll find yourself transported back in time, to an era of opulence and luxury. Every detail has been carefully preserved, from the intricate carvings on the walls to the lavish furnishings in the palace rooms. Even if you're not particularly interested in history, Amer Fort is well worth a visit. It's a truly remarkable place that you won't soon forget.

The Amer for is the highlight of Jaipur and sufficient time should be provided to explore this wonderful palace. The fort is 7km north of Jaipur and an auto rickshaw or taxi is required for the journey from the centre of Jaipur.

The stunning Amber Fort complex

On the return from Amer fort stop to view the Jal Mahal, the water palace. The palace was constructed as a duck hunting lodge by the Maharaja in the 18th century and appears to be floating on the still waters of Lake Sagar. The palace can only be viewed from the banks of the lake so only takes around 20 minutes to view.

The beautiful Jal Mahal

The final suggestion for the afternoon is watching the sunset over Jaipur from the Sun Temple (Surya Mandir). The location of the temple provides panoramic views of Jaipur and on a clear day the city is bathed in golden by the setting sun, and there are monkeys to feed!

The view over Jaipur

Jaipur India Holiday Travel Guide