2 day itinerary Jaipur: Best places to visit in the Pink City

I first saw pictures of Jaipur years ago and knew I had to visit. Jaipur, the Pink City, is the capital of Rajasthan, India and it’s not hard to see why. There’s so much to do so in the pink city; here’s your 2 day itinerary Jaipur. The city is famous for its beautiful red and pink sandstone, the palaces, forts, food and of course the rich culture.

It is definitely one of the most, if not the most beautiful city in India. I actually felt super relaxed here, the city is very tourist friendly. So, let me take you on a tour of Jaipur and explore its historical places, stunning landmarks and attractions, covering everything you need to see whether you’ve been plenty of times or touring with some first-time visitors. Look no further for some of the best places to visit when you are in Jaipur if you’re on a 2 day itinerary.

Whether you do this as a 2 days itinerary, or decide to stay a little longer, and do at a leisurely pace, Jaipur will leave you in awe!

You might also find my other articles in India useful:

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2 day itinerary Jaipur

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Things to do in Jaipur in 2 days

Undoubtedly, Jaipur is one of the main highlights in India and not hard to see why it is one of the crown jewels picked for the Golden Triangle in India. The Old City, a photographer’s (or Instagrammer’s) paradise, offers so much to explore that I highly recommend dedicating at least 2 full days to make the most of your visit, but I ended up spending at least 4-5 days leisurely exploring here.

Since the early 1700s, Jaipur has served as the capital of Rajasthan, and presently, it is renowned for their incredible markets, its exquisite gemstone jewellery, leather goods, and block-printed textiles.n

Nicknamed ‘The Pink City‘, as Jaipur’s old town is known, was the first planned city of medieval India, featuring a well-organized grid consisting of a total of nine blocks, with the incredibly striking City Palace situated at its centre. Originally yellow, it was Maharaja Jai Singh’s decision to paint it pink in preparation for a visit by the then Prince of Wales. Keep reading for everything you need to know about your 2 day itinerary Jaipur.

Best hotels Jaipur & best resorts you need to stay at!

First up, have you booked your hotel in your 2 day itinerary Jaipur? There are a few Jaipur hotels that stand out. Stay in a working palace or visit the beautiful villas, have a look at the below works of art!

In Jaipur, an old Haveli is, in my opinion, the finest hotel choice you’ll ever come across. These majestic townhouses, often nestled in verdant gardens surrounding spacious courtyards, are conveniently close to the city centre. Jaipur boasts a rich history filled with opulent Maharajas, lavish palaces, and historic townhouses.

The Rambagh Palace – an absolutely lavish palace with lush gardens. The Rambagh Palace is a prime illustration of this opulence and is breathtakingly beautiful. Originally serving as a hunting lodge, it underwent a transformation into a luxurious 5-star hotel and my gosh, it is worth a visit to this ideal place for your 2 day itinerary Jaipur!

The Leela Palace Jaipur – This is another one of Jaipur’s stunning hotels that is definitely worth a stay if you can! It’s absolutely amazing if you’re after a luxury stay in a sumptuous Palace.

Devi Ratn IHCR SeleQtions – Devi Ratn is a luxury hotel in Jaipur, is an usually kaleidoscopic representation of everything Jaipur symbolizes, with a surreal pink sandstone and intricate design, sprawling across 20 acres at the foot of the Aravalli mountains. Just a 45-minute drive from the airport, these premises vividly reimagine the essence of the Pink City.

Royal Heritage Haveli – coming in with a rating of travel sustainable 3, this hotel is good for the locals, good for the environment and good for the soul, too! Did I mention that it is utterly beautiful? Perfect for your 2 day itinerary Jaipur!

Sarovar Hotel – this hotel is definitely luxury but affordable and is located in between City Palace and Patrika gate.

How to get to the Pink City of Jaipur

Jaipur sightseeing tour: Golden Triangle Tour

The Jaipur sightseeing tour, or Golden Triangle route will take you from Delhi to Agra (the Taj Mahal), Agra to Jaipur and back to Delhi, we spent ages researching transportation options. The Golden Triangle tour can last from anywhere from 3-10 days, depending on your preference and how long you want to stay in each location. Here’s your 2 day itinerary Jaipur – everything you need to squish in!

There are loads of tours that you can join, whether private or in a group. I think if you’re a solo traveller, a group tour is an excellent option! Solo female travellers should definitely consider this option too, it’s what I would have joined if I were totally on my own! If you want to read more about solo female travel, keep scrolling below.

Private tour / Private driver

There were many occasions where we opted to hire a private driver for a day or two. Or seven. Depending on where you are, or what’s on your itinerary, this can be a great shout and is still fairly reasonable.

For each day you hire a private driver, you can expect to pay around £35 / $44 USD. For 10 days $350 will fetch you a Private car in India, which turned out to be the average price.

You can expect your driver to stay with you in the city and chauffeur you throughout the day, which appears to be the norm throughout India, and our drivers always did this no matter where we were in India.

Many of the drivers also act as tour guides too, meaning they can include a complimentary full-day guide for you in Jaipur.

You’ll also be able to choose what class of car you want; whether it’s a luxurious car or a standard pickup. Whilst this is an option, you could very easily opt to pay for a driver too. It’s better for this option if you have a 2 day itinerary Jaipur.

One day trip from Delhi to Jaipur

If you have limited time, consider a 16-hour day trip from Delhi to Jaipur. Yes, it’s a long day, starting at 5 am where your driver will pick you up from your Delhi hotel and the drive is around 4.5 hours travel time each way. After reaching Jaipur, your English-speaking guide will take you around the sights, but you can ask to see a few bits specifically.

Subsequently, allocate 6 hours to explore Jaipur’s most iconic landmarks and buildings, such as Amer Fort, the City Palace, the Jal Mahal, Hawa Mahal, and others. It is best, though, if you can stay at least 2 nights in Jaipur so you can see everything on your 2 day itinerary Jaipur.

Car Hire

If you prefer to explore on your own terms, then it might be best to hire a car. Whilst this is certainly an option, it might be easier to have a private driver, and it might not be that much more expensive.

By Train

We did catch the train a couple of times. If you can afford it, I would recommend booking first class with air conditioning. Booking train tickets can be a bit of a nightmare, to be honest with you, unless you know what you are doing.

We had to read multiple blogs on how to do so, and even then it’s not that clear. If you can, ask your hotel to book your train tickets for you.

TOP TIP: Always try to book your train tickets a few days in advance. There are limited seats which tend to sell out a few days in advance. Ideally, book your train tickets a minimum of 3-7 days in advance. Otherwise, you might not get seats on a train and cut into your 2 day itinerary Jaipur.

Travelling Jaipur: A Guide to Taxis, Rickshaws, and Uber

Taxis, Tuk-Tuk drivers and Rickshaws

Taxis, tuk-tuks and rickshaws are quick and easy ways to get around the city, but expect to haggle. I always sense check the cost of a journey by checking up the route on Uber beforehand.

I caught them during the day, preferring to get Uber at night as I felt this was a safe way to check route we were going via the app.

Uber

Uber is available in Jaipur, and it’s safe! Definitely a convenient way to travel around the city.

The benefit of Uber is that you don’t have to haggle, and drivers usually have plenty of reviews meaning you know you’re in for a comfortable ride (assuming the reviews are good – if they aren’t, just cancel it!).

That’s it! That’s everything you need to know! Jaipur is stunning and you need to go. If you ever go, let me know how you get on and enjoy your 2 day itinerary Jaipur.

Have a look below for the itinerary for Jaipur.

2 day itinerary Jaipur

Here’s everything you need for a 2 day itinerary in Jaipur, The Pink City of India.

Day 1

7.30am Patrika Gate: The Hall of Colourful Artwork

The Patrika Gate, located in Jawahar Circle, is a stunning landmark with beautiful pink architecture, tonnes of paintings on each archway and fresco. It’s not hard to see why it’s a major tourist attraction! An absolute must on your 2 day itinerary Jaipur.

The paintings showcase some of Rajasthan’s culture, history, and traditions and is honestly beautiful to see. If you’re obsessed with colours, then this place is for you! The intricate artwork and vibrant colours are a photographer’s dream.

Don’t miss the chance to take some beautiful pictures here, but if you want empty shots, you’ll need to get here at 7am or 8am, because couples and businesses start shooting here as early as 9am.

9am Jalebi Chowk

Jalebi Chowk is just outside city palace and it’s worth stopping here for a few minutes to admire this vibrant square. It is known for its bustling atmosphere and mouthwatering street food, and it’s worth checking out the iconic Indian sweet called “jalebi” a popular dessert in India.

You only need 15 minutes here to admire the gate outside, with the hundreds of pigeons flying overhead making this a spectacular site and a great place to get a few pictures before you head in.

9.30am Jaipur City Palace: A Window into Royalty

This is one of the must-visit places on your itinerary in the city centre Jaipur. An absolute must on your 2 day itinerary Jaipur!!! You can’t miss it with its stunning Mughal architecture. The City Palace was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, located right in the middle of the Pink City, the Old town of Jaipur and is the crown jewel of Rajasthani architecture.

It is the most beautiful palace and it absolutely can’t be skipped by foreign tourists (or even local tourists!). The palace’s sprawling courtyards, beautiful gardens, and stunning architecture are a must-see. There are two things to see here: the city museum and the city palace.

The City Palace is still home to the Rajasthani Royal Family and is the official royal residence; To get in, you need to be taken around by a tour guide, so you don’t accidentally go into their private quarters.

The entry fee is £40 / $50 USD per person and includes drinks and a biscuit at the tea shop, but you will be privy to some of the most beautiful rooms in existence. The blue room. The Silver room of mirrors. The courtyard and the tea shop. You’ll love it.

It also is home to the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II museum. Check out the security guards too, they are dressed in traditional attire, it’s very cool!

12pm Bapu Bazar: A Shopper’s Paradise

The Bapu Bazaar, is possibly my favourite place in Jaipur, located in the heart of the city near the City Palace and Hawa Mahal. Again, another must on your 2 day itinerary Jaipur.

It runs up and down the streets around the palace in all directions. It’s a bustling market filled with shops selling everything from jewellery, shoes, skirts, shirts… everything! The market’s colourful stalls and beautiful architecture are a feast for the eyes. Don’t miss the incredible Rajasthani shoes! They’re amazing.

TIP: Remember when you’re bartering, most of the time you can haggle at least 70% off the price (if not more!). If market sellers know you are from a country they deem typically wealthy (e.g. The UK, The USA etc.) then they will increase their prices.

2pm Hawa Mahal: The Wind Palace

This is best admired from the outside! Hawa Mahal, the “Palace of Winds,” is possibly one of the most Instagrammable locations in Jaipur, and it has a fascinating story. The Palace of winds is not actually a building, but a façade.

Built in 1799, it served as a veil for the royal ladies who wanted to observe the street parades without being seen by the public.

It has 953 small windows, designed to create a natural cooling effect, is a stunning sight to behold. One of the best things you can do is view Hawa Mahal from the Tattoo Café opposite, which provides an ideal spot to snap some beautiful pictures. One last ‘must visit’ location on your 2 day itinerary Jaipur.

4.30pm Nahargarh Fort: A Sunset to Remember

The Nahargarh Fort another one of Jaipur’s magnificent forts, located on the top a hill, has a great spot: the best view of the city at sunset. So the best time to visit is from 4.30pm, when a lot of the crowds have left for the day and you can watch the sun go down.

It gets my award for one of the top places in Jaipur (or I should say, just outside the city). The fort’s beautiful architecture and stunning views are a photographer’s dream. Don’t miss the chance to capture some incredible pictures here. Be careful of the monkeys, in case they steal your stuff!

There are some incredible viewpoints as well, definitely worth including on your 2 day itinerary Jaipur.

7pm Pink City Jaipur at night: Bar Palladio

The Pink City Jaipur at night transforms into something quite magical, the lights are spectacular. And it has some excellent nightlife, too. Bar Palladio is an incredibly beautiful restaurant / bar located in the heart of Jaipur and is one of the best places to have a drink in town.

The restaurants’ stunning architecture and beautiful interiors are a must-see. You can enjoy a delicious meal while soaking in the beautiful surroundings. If you like the look of this bar, take a look at their hotel – the most incredibly stunning place to stay if you have time on your 2 day itinerary Jaipur.

Day 2

On your second day, if you can head our early again, it’ll be in your favour to be the crowds and get some incredible pictures.

8am Panna Meena Ka Kund

Panna Meena Ka Kund is a fascinating stepwell located in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. It is an ancient and well-preserved structure that served as a community gathering place and a water reservoir in the past. The stepwell’s architecture is remarkable, consisting of intricate staircases and symmetrical patterns, showcasing the craftsmanship of the bygone era.

Visitors can marvel at the geometrically designed steps leading to the water level, and the play of light and shadow creates a mesmerizing effect. Panna Meena Ka Kund not only served as a utilitarian structure for water storage but also as a place for social interactions and cultural activities.

Today, the stepwell attracts tourists and history enthusiasts who appreciate its historical significance and architectural beauty. It offers a glimpse into the rich heritage of Rajasthan and stands as a testament to the engineering skills and artistic sensibilities of the past.

10.30 pm Amber Palace: A UNESCO world heritage site

The Amber Palace, located just outside the city, is a magnificent UNESCO world heritage site, one of the ancient forts surrounding Jaipur that was built way back in the 16th century. Definitely worth keeping this one on your 2 day itinerary Jaipur if you can!

The palace’s intricate carvings and architecture and beautiful gardens are lovely to explore and should definitely be on your list. Inside the palace, you’ll find stunning courtyards, elaborate rooms, and beautiful mirror work.

Don’t miss the chance to see the Sheesh Mahal, a room made entirely of glass. If you stay late, you can even see their light show, just be sure to book tickets in advance. Admire the lush greenery for miles around, it’s stunning!

1pm Amber Fort & Jaigarh Fort: A Glorious Past

The Amber Fort, opposite the Amber Palace sits atop a hill, offers a beautiful view of the city and is best viewed at sunset when it is the most stunning view of the city. Be warned that it can be incredibly hot in India and hiking up the fort might kill you. But it’s worth visiting on your 2 day itinerary Jaipur!

But equally, the fort’s beautiful architecture is worth, and the views are incredible. You can explore the fort’s beautiful gardens, courtyards, and rooms, including the Diwan-e-Aam and Diwan-e-Khas.

Constructed from pale yellow/pink sandstone and white marble, this magnificent fort perfectly exemplifies the blend of Hindu and Islamic fusion architecture. Internally, the fort is partitioned into four primary sections, each with its own impressive courtyard.

The maharaja’s apartments are situated around the third courtyard. Accessible through the majestic Ganesh Pol gateway, this entrance offers one of the finest photo opportunities within the entire fort, and you’ve probably seen it 100 times over Instagram!

Amber Fort, along with its neighbouring Jaigarh Fort, is, in fact, regarded as one extensive complex due to their connection via an underground tunnel.

This tunnel was designed to enable the royal family to seek refuge in the more defensible Jaigarh Fort in the event of an attack. Jaigarh Fort is situated on Cheel Ka Teela, also known as the Hill of Eagles which always gives a great lookout.

3pm Jal Mahal: A Serene Escape

The Jal Mahal is known as ‘The Water Palace’, and is on the way to the Amber Fort and the Amber Palace from Jaipur, meaning you can make a quick pitstop here on your way back to Jaipur.

The Jal Mahal is a palace located in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake and is surprisingly serene compared to the bustling city. You can dress up in traditional attire for just 50 rupees (they might try to charge you more) and take some stunning pictures.

You can stop here for a quick 30 minutes. If you arrive at 4pm onwards, there is a local market where you can buy sarees, traditional outfits, earrings and the famous Rajasthani shoes. We stopped for a coconut or two and enjoyed the sun starting to set. Worth a quick stop by on your 2 day itinerary Jaipur.

5pm Jantar Mantar Jaipur – Astronomical Observatory

The Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is 100% worth a visit – holding the world’s biggest sundial, amongst a huge array of other ancient instruments used to track the skies, the moons, the planets and more. It’s just incredible!!! And the architecture is a dream – squeeze this in if you have time on your 2 day itinerary Jaipur.

Pink Pearl Water Park Jaipur

If you can stretch your itinerary in Jaipur on your 2 day itinerary Jaipur, it’s worth visiting The Pink Pearl Water Park Jaipur! A spectacular fun day out at a waterpark; bear in mind that on the summer days it can be scorchingly hot, so take some sun cream!

Pink Pearl Water Park Jaipur ticket price

The ticket entry fees for the Pink Pearl Water Park Jaipur is:

Adults: 500 (Monday to Saturday) and 600 (Sunday)

Children: 350 Rupees

Safety in India

Before coming to India, I had a LOT of messages warning me that it was dangerous. I genuinely was concerned about stepping foot in the country, but it was nowhere near as bad as I thought it might be. A few things to be mindful on your 2 day itinerary Jaipur:

Top tips for staying safe in India

• Don’t wander around late at night on your own, or even if there are two of you.
• Get a local guide
• If travelling at night, use taxi services like Uber or prebooked cars
• Always let someone know where you are
• Avoid showing public displays of affection
• If you can afford it, buy 1st or 2nd class train tickets
• If you can afford it, stay in 4 and 5 star hotels – many of these start from £10 / 13 USD
• Book onto a tour so you don’t have to worry about any of this

Food safety in India

I have 2 degrees in Nutrition and my final research paper was on food poisoning whilst travelling (or traveller’s gastroenteritis). I think I’ve learnt a thing of two.

Even if food is cooked well, you can still get food poisoning, because your gut bacteria doesn’t ‘match’ the local bacteria and our body ‘rejects’ it. This is why Indians can eat at beautiful restaurants and not get sick, whilst foreigners get sick.

Whilst I did actually get food poisoning once, I think I’ve cracked how to not get food poisoning in India. I mostly ate at my hotels, and then occasional street food that I know locals went to.

It’s definitely important to be mindful of what you eat on your 2 day itinerary Jaipur.

Top tips for avoiding food poisoning in India:

• Start by eating ONLY at your chosen hotel, as they are usually used to catering to foreigners
• If you can afford it, stay at 4 and 5 star hotels (they start from £10-40 per night)
• Start with veggie options – fresh fruit and cooked veg
• Start gently – don’t smash as much food as you can on the first day. Try a few things here and there, and gently introduce local foods into your diet.
• NEVER eat at empty restaurants/street stalls (sorry) – I often look for restaurants that have a high guest turnover, meaning the food is delivered daily, and therefore, fresh
• Avoid eating milk and dairy to start with, if you’re concerned about the restaurant. Fruit and veg is cheap, but food like cheese is more expensive, so they’re more likely to hold onto this for longer, giving more bacteria a chance to grow. This advice was given to me by a local!

Can I drink Tap Water in India?

No. Don’t do it. I’ve been told by locals that you shouldn’t don’t drink it.

Can I brush my teeth with tap water in India?

No – even locals that I know use bottled water.

Don’t ruin your 2 day itinerary Jaipur by trying it!

Solo female travel in India

I would totally travel India as a solo female traveller, but I would only do it if I booked onto a group tour. Have a look at the amazing India group tours with Viator, whom I trust. There are lots of options for you to choose from and you can choose how many days you want to travel.

Year round weather in Jaipur, India

High Season (Peak Tourist Season):

• High season in Jaipur typically occurs from October to March, (the winter months) because, quite simply, it tends to be a lot cooler (and therefore pleasant) to explore in the winter months.
• Average temperatures range from around 21°C to 30°C (70°F to 86°F).
• The weather is relatively dry and less humid during these months.
• Major festivals like Diwali and Holi fall within this period, attracting more tourists (and it’s not hard to see why).

Low Season (Off-Peak Tourist Season):

• Low season in Jaipur is usually from April to September, covering the summer and monsoon months.
• April to June experiences scorching heat, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C (104°F) or even higher, which can certainly make it really hard to climb up some of the forts and palaces.
• Monsoon season runs from July to September, bringing rainfall and increased humidity.
• Obviously, there’s a huge upside of traveling during the low season, which is that hotels tend to be cheaper and fewer crowds at popular tourist attractions.

That’s it! I hope this short trip to The Pink City has been everything you dreamed it would be!

Weather in Jodhpur & Jaisalmer year round

In October to March, the weather in Rajasthan tends to be cooler, meaning its preferable and usually considered the high season. The weather is hotter between April-September, but means is less busy and prices tend to be cheaper.

jaipur Weather in January

• Average Temperature: 18°C (64°F)
• Rainy Days: 1
• Daylight Hours: ~10 hours
• Average Sunrise Time: 7:10 AM
• Average Sunset Time: 5:45 PM

Jaipur Weather in February

• Average Temperature: 21°C (70°F)
• Rainy Days: 0
• Daylight Hours: ~11 hours
• Average Sunrise Time: 6:50 AM
• Average Sunset Time: 6:15 PM

Jaipur Weather in March

• Average Temperature: 26°C (79°F)
• Rainy Days: 1
• Daylight Hours: ~12 hours
• Average Sunrise Time: 6:20 AM
• Average Sunset Time: 6:30 PM

Jaipur Weather in April

• Average Temperature: 32°C (90°F)
• Rainy Days: 4
• Daylight Hours: ~13 hours
• Average Sunrise Time: 5:55 AM
• Average Sunset Time: 6:45 PM

Jaipur Weather in May

• Average Temperature: 36°C (97°F)
• Rainy Days: 7
• Daylight Hours: ~13.5 hours
• Average Sunrise Time: 5:40 AM
• Average Sunset Time: 7:00 PM

Jaipur Weather in June

• Average Temperature: 35°C (95°F)
• Rainy Days: 5
• Daylight Hours: ~13.5 hours
• Average Sunrise Time: 5:30 AM
• Average Sunset Time: 7:15 PM

Jaipur Weather in July

• Average Temperature: 32°C (90°F)
• Rainy Days: 6
• Daylight Hours: ~13.5 hours
• Average Sunrise Time: 5:40 AM
• Average Sunset Time: 7:15 PM

Jaipur Weather in August

• Average Temperature: 31°C (88°F)
• Rainy Days: 6
• Daylight Hours: ~13 hours
• Average Sunrise Time: 5:55 AM
• Average Sunset Time: 6:45 PM

Jaipur Weather in September

• Average Temperature: 31°C (88°F)
• Rainy Days: 4
• Daylight Hours: ~12.5 hours
• Average Sunrise Time: 6:10 AM
• Average Sunset Time: 6:15 PM

Jaipur Weather in October

• Average Temperature: 29°C (84°F)
• Rainy Days: 0
• Daylight Hours: ~11.5 hours
• Average Sunrise Time: 6:25 AM
• Average Sunset Time: 5:45 PM

Jaipur Weather in November

• Average Temperature: 24°C (75°F)
• Rainy Days: 0
• Daylight Hours: ~10.5 hours
• Average Sunrise Time: 6:45 AM
• Average Sunset Time: 5:30 PM

Jaipur Weather in December

• Average Temperature: 19°C (66°F)
• Rainy Days: 0
• Daylight Hours: ~10 hours
• Average Sunrise Time: 7:05 AM
• Average Sunset Time: 5:30 PM

That’s it! I hope you enjoy your 2 day itinerary Jaipur and get in touch if you have any more questions!

You might also find my other articles in India useful:

The complete guide to Jodhpur

2 day itinerary Jaipur

Jodhpur Jaisalmer Tour Package

The Taj Maha: Best photography spots

2 week itinerary India

Best Indian Airlines

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