Although Jaipur is popular as the Pink City, it is a colourful amalgamation of urban life and old traditions. And you'll find many fun things to do in Jaipur.
You can explore hidden alleys within the forts or check Rajasthani art in the crowded bazaars. You can take a thrilling camel ride, sit on a rooftop watching the sunset or go for a night safari. Jaipur also has hot-air balloon rides from which you can watch the morning sun coming up over the horizon.
You can visit architectural marvels like Hawa Mahal, known for its airy structure. And you can also see the magnificent Amer Fort, City Palace and Albert Hall Museum here, in Jaipur. Chokhi Dhani, Jal Mahal and Nahargarh Fort are among the few other places you must visit in Jaipur.
Whether you are an adventure seeker, history buff or art connoisseur, Jaipur has everything to offer. The varied shopping destinations, rooftop eating joints and colourful nightlife will keep you pulling back here.
So, check this list of 23 things to do in Jaipur and pick your choices. Enjoy the old-world charm and the royal hospitality of the Pink City.
1. Watch sunrise from Hot Air Balloon
A hot-air balloon safari is among the best things to do in Jaipur with family. These rides take place two hours before sunrise or two hours before sunset.
But the early morning balloon rides are the most fascinating. Each ride is one hour long. But the total time taken, including preparation, is around three hours. So, while it’s still dark, you're taken to the outskirts of the city. And as the sun comes up, the balloon takes off too.
The hot-air balloon passes over fields, lakes and the surrounding villages. And it provides a bird’s-eye view of the forts, palaces and other places in the city.
Most balloon safaris take off from near the majestic Amer Fort. But depending upon the wind direction, the location can change.
2. Cycle around Nahargarh Fort
Nahargarh Fort is a beautiful fort built on the hills. It is a lovely combination of Indian and European architectural styles.
It served as a point of defence earlier, but today, it is a viewpoint of Jaipur. From the fort, past the walls, you get a panoramic view of the vast, peaceful desert city. And short cycling trips to the fort are available. You can rent a bicycle and explore the serene surroundings during the morning hours.
Nahargarh Fort also has a wax museum. And if you go during the day, you can get a quick bite at the Padao Restaurant, while enjoying the views of the city.
3. Check out Hawa Mahal
A visit to the iconic Hawa Mahal is among the most popular things to do in Jaipur city. It has hundreds of small windows and these windows allow a refreshing breeze to pass through the building. Thus, Hawa Mahal is also known as “Palace of Winds”.
And during the old days, the windows allowed the women of the royal family to observe the happenings of the streets without being seen.
Hawa Mahal is an astounding 5-floor structure built of red and pink sandstone. And its beauty becomes even more prominent when it glows with lights in the evening. The different shades of pink are better visible.
4. Visit City Palace
City Palace is among the most popular places to visit in Jaipur. It is in the heart of the city, and it used to be the administrative seat for the royal family. The descendants of the royal family still live here.
The City Palace complex is a remarkable place built mainly with red and pink sandstone. And it is known for its architectural style. Inside, you'll find grand courtyards, beautiful gardens and elaborate temples. The complex also has different buildings, including two palaces – Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal.
While Chandra Mahal acts as the residence for the royal family, Mubarak Mahal has been turned into a museum where royal belongings, clothing and weapons are put for display.
5. Explore Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory built in the 18th century. It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and it features the world’s largest stone sundial. It also has various other instruments which work on the principle of the sun and shadow.
The instruments in Jantar Mantar were used to tell time during the day, precisely. The tools here can even predict eclipses and track the location of major stars.
From Jantar Mantar, you can observe the evening sky filled with stars and other planets. And you can also see the moon stealthily coming up in view as the sun sets.
6. Ride a camel
A camel ride is one of the popular things to do in Jaipur for couples. And it charms the kids too. These rides are available almost everywhere in Jaipur, and they are one of the best ways to explore the Pink City.
Also, these camel safaris can be done anytime during the day; even at night.
The rides are around 30-60 minutes long and the camels help you explore the major places of interest. These rides give you a chance to see the life of people in Jaipur, interact with them and know about their culture.
Some camel rides will also take you to the villages and farms outside the city. And you can also book longer camel safaris to explore the desert area around.
7. Go for a tuk-tuk ride
A tuk-tuk ride is one of the most exciting things to do in Jaipur. These 3-wheel vehicles are the best to navigate through the narrow lanes of the city.
Take a tuk-tuk anywhere in the city to your destination place, and the urban safari begins. You’ll enjoy a thrilling ride while you tick-off one tourist place after another. And on a traffic-free street, you can even see the tuk-tuk drivers racing against each other.
On the way, you might spot camels stuck in the traffic, monkeys playing with each other or pigeons perched on the ledge of buildings.
8. Experience the culture at Chokhi Dhani
Chokhi Dhani is a spectacular resort set up as a Rajasthani village. The rustic rural setup here and natural surroundings provide a perfect break from city life. The various shows and activities here connect you to the culture of Rajasthan.
Artists perform puppet shows, magic shows and street-style acrobatics at various places in Chokhi Dhani village resort. Rajasthani folk performances too are organised. And you can also enjoy bullock cart rides, camel rides and elephant rides here.
The place becomes even more vibrant at night when the entire village resort is lit up with lamps and lights. And while you're here, also try the sumptuous Rajasthani thali to get all the traditional dishes of Rajasthan on your plate.
At Chokhi Dhani, you will experience the hospitality of Rajasthani culture.
9. Visit Jawahar Kala Kendra
Jawahar Kala Kendra is a must-visit place for art lovers. It provides a platform for local artists to show their work. And various art exhibitions too, are hosted here from time to time.
Attending an event in Jawahar Kala Kendra is among the most happening things to do in Jaipur. The art gallery has dedicated indoor space for photos and art displays. And it also has an open-air theatre and a large outdoor space for fests.
Jawahar Kala Kendra acts as a venue for numerous cultural programmes and shows. Music festivals, drama shows and craft fairs promoting local products are held throughout the year. And it also organises art workshops, seminars and classes regularly.
The complex houses a library and a museum too.
10. Witness the beauty of Amer Fort
The elegant Amer Fort is on a hill outside Jaipur. It is a beautiful blend of Indian and Mughal architectural style, and it is one of the most impressive architectural structures of the city.
Carved arches, decorated doors and colourful designs on the walls are spread throughout the fort. And a huge lake welcomes you to the fort before you enter the courtyard.
Visit Amer Fort during the evening hours to witness its beauty glittering in the light. Also, attend the light and sound show during your visit. The show is about an hour long and narrates the history of the fort and the surrounding region.
And while you're here, check Amer Palace too. The palace boasts of shiny rooms, picture-perfect gardens and stunning courtyards. It also has several underground tunnels to explore.
11. View Jaipur from Jaigarh Fort
Jaigarh Fort (also known as Victory Fort) is another of the majestic forts in Jaipur. It was built to protect Amer Fort, and it overlooks the fort. Also, both these forts are connected through an underground passage.
You get a panoramic view of Jaipur and the surrounding region from Jaigarh Fort.
But the highlight of Jaigarh Fort is the giant cannon on wheels. It is called the Jaivana cannon and at the time of its making, it was the largest cannon in the world. But it was never needed in a battle. The Jaivana cannon was fired only once, during the trial run, and the cannonball landed about 35 km away.
12. Visit elephant farm
A visit to the elephant farm Elefantastic is one of the offbeat things to do in Jaipur. Elefantastic is a sanctuary for elephants, where they are protected and cared for.
It is set up on the outskirts of the city, near Amer Fort. And it offers visitors a close experience with elephants. You can spend an entire day here, learning how to communicate with them.
Elephant rides are not allowed in this sanctuary, but you can enjoy other fun activities like painting the elephants. The place also offers activities like feeding, bathing and walking the elephants.
And after the tour, you get a traditional homemade Rajasthani lunch.
13. Watch sunset from Jal Mahal
Jal Mahal is a palace surrounded by water. It is a five-storey architectural beauty built on the Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur. But only the top floor is visible.
Jal Mahal is a charming mix of Mughal and Rajput architectural styles. And the backdrop of hills makes this the choicest place for photo stops. Entry to Jal Mahal isn’t allowed but you can marvel at it from the banks of the lake. And you can click photographs while the setting sun throws its last rays on the building.
Also, every evening, this palace is illuminated with lights. And the building and its reflection on the water are lovely.
14. Zipline over the resorts
About an hour away from Jaipur is the adventure resort Tao Experiences. It offers various adventure and recreational activities for kids and adults. And the resort also has a play area for toddlers.
At Tao Experiences, you can enjoy ziplining in the backdrop of panoramic hills. And you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the resort and the surrounding area.
Here, you can also ride quad bikes (ATVs), play paintball and go for archery among other activities. Recreational sports like cricket and football are also available in this adventure resort.
It’s an amazing spot to visit if you're looking for things to do in Jaipur with friends. And it is also good for a day out with your family.
15. Trek to Bhuteshwar Nath Mahadev
Bhuteshwar Nath Mahadev is an old temple in Jaipur. And the trekking trail takes you through the forests present on the hill ranges around the city. The experience is a combination of adventure and spirituality.
There are multiple routes for Bhuteshwar Nath Mahadev trek. But the most preferred route starts near the Nahargarh Biological Park. It is an easy trail, and it doesn’t involve many steep slopes. The path is mostly plain with some rocky terrain, but it’s beginner-friendly.
The trek begins and stops at Sagar Lake, but the route is unmarked. So, take a guide along if you don’t want to be lost in the forest while enjoying the views.
16. Learn history at Albert Hall Museum
Albert Hall Museum is the oldest museum in Rajasthan, and it has an extensive collection of ancient artefacts. The museum is divided into different art galleries, and these galleries display various ancient art pieces, coins and pottery items.
A variety of carpets, jewellery and marble art, from different corners of the world, are also a part of the museum. And you'll find an Egyptian mummy too, in the museum’s collection.
This grand museum is within Ram Niwas garden, and it’s a great spot to explore the ancient culture and history of Jaipur and India as well. And in the evening, you can relax in the garden watching the museum elegantly glowing with lights.
17. Be a part of the night safari
Jaipur is a vibrant city, and touring it during the night is something you won't want to miss. So, add it to the list of best things to do in Jaipur at night.
During Jaipur night safari, you'll be able to visit all the prominent tourist destinations in the city. You can see the beautiful Amer Fort gleaming with lights and attend the light and sound show there. You can also visit Nahargarh Fort during the safari and get a panoramic view of the city illuminated with lights.
The night safari will also take you around Jal Mahal, Hawa Mahal and Albert Hall Museum. Pause for photographs, enjoy the view and drive onwards to the next destination.
18. Dine at a rooftop restaurant
You'll find many places in Jaipur where you can go to the roof and watch the sunset. Peacock Rooftop Restaurant is one such place. It is a peacock-themed restaurant known for its city views, soothing ambience and, of course, the food.
They have a range of options for snacks and main course dishes from various cuisines. And they serve a variety of Indian and non-Indian dishes. Whether you want to try traditional dishes or something continental, you'll find it in Peacock Rooftop Restaurant.
You can sit there on the rooftop with fritters and masala chai watching the sunset. Or you can have a satisfying dinner with live music alongside.
19. Get a relaxing Ayurvedic massage
For a relaxing time in Jaipur, you can visit Kerala Ayurveda Kendra. They provide various therapeutic massages to heal and relax your body. A full body massage will feel magical after a hectic trip in Jaipur.
They use different herbal oils as per your choice. And you'll have a fresh and calm mind and a relaxed body before travelling back home.
These massages range from facial to skincare and stress management to pain management. Some massages will also help improve blood circulation, reduce weight and heal a stiffened body.
Doesn’t matter what massage you choose; you're bound to feel eternal bliss after the therapy.
20. Enjoy Jaipur nightlife
A night safari is only a part of the things to do in Jaipur at night. Apart from its hospitality and various places of architectural beauty, the Pink City also has an undying nightlife. And you have pubs and nightclubs to explore the same.
You can spend your evening with friends in the big lounge of Aza or have a romantic dinner date with your partner at Forresta Kitchen & Bar. There also are other nightclubs like Cocoa House, Dragon Bar & Terrace Lounge and Grunge where you can enjoy mouth-watering snacks and a variety of cocktails.
Jaipur also has discotheques to sway to the tunes of groovy music and party hard. Embrace the nightlife of Jaipur and dance your heart out.
21. Shop in traditional bazaars
Shopping is a must-do activity in Jaipur pink city. And you don’t even have to search for places to shop. They are all over the city.
You can check precious gemstones and handmade necklaces at Johari Bazaar, and lac jewellery and bangles at Tripolia Bazaar. Chandpole Bazaar is the place for creative handmade items. You'll find wooden handicrafts, marble sculptures and handloom items in this market.
And if you want to buy traditional Rajasthani jootis and majori shoes, go to Nehru Bazaar. It is also known for traditional clothes and textile items. Bapu Bazaar is another market where you can find classic Rajasthani goods to take home as souvenirs.
Also, check out carpets, pottery work and other home decor items in the markets of Jaipur.
22. Attend the literature festival
If you are looking for free things to do in Jaipur India, attend the Jaipur Literature Festival. It is an annual literary festival, held in January.
Jaipur Literature Festival is a must-visit event if you're a book lover. Here, you can listen to your favourite authors and interact with book lovers from around the globe. It is one of the largest literary festivals in India, and it brings together a diverse mix of writers, thinkers and business leaders on one stage.
Amish Tripathi, Oprah Winfrey, Salman Rushdie and many more eminent personalities have been a part of it. People engage in debates and discussions, and author interaction sessions are also organised during the event.
23. Enjoy vintage car rally
Another of the interesting events organised in January is the rally of vintage cars.
Jaipur vintage car rally is an annual event, and it attracts a huge number of vintage car lovers and automobile enthusiasts. And tourists also attend it to peek into the luxury enjoyed by the maharajas.
In this rally, you get an opportunity to see some old and rare, but beautiful, models of cars.
People, from different parts of the country, bring their classic cars to be a part of the rally. And you can hire these cars too, for a ride.
Other things to do in Jaipur
There is more to explore in Jaipur with friends, family or alone. You can go on a village safari to visit local people and play with the kids. And if you prefer to be in the lap of nature, you can book the Jhalana leopard safari tour with your group. You can spot leopards, cheetahs and other wildlife creatures. Hathni Kund trek is also a preferred activity among nature lovers.
Ramgarh Lake is another place you should visit if you're visiting Jaipur with family.
Jaipur also has a few different parks such as Sisodiya Rani ka Bagh, Kanak Vrindavan Garden and Ram Niwas Bagh. Jawahar Circle is also popular among locals and tourists.
You'll also find many temples while roaming around the city. And some must-visit temples are Birla Mandir, GaltaJi Temple and Govind Dev Ji Temple, among others.
In Jaipur, you can enjoy Elephant Polo too. It is one of the best things to do in Jaipur.
And when you feel flushed with heat, Snow Planet is the place to be. It is a recreation facility with live snowfall, snow dance floor and various fun rides. Pink Pearl is another amusement park in Jaipur with various adventure rides and water activities.
Jaipur is a city full of experiences. It is known as the land of maharajas. And all the magnificent forts, colourful bazaars and royal restaurants will make sure the trip is memorable.
You will feel at home while you’re in Jaipur. The locals are welcoming and kind-hearted, and they are friendly with everyone.
So, book your tickets, pack your bags and begin exploring the nature, the culture, and the architecture of Jaipur. Winter, from November to February, is the best season to visit the Pink City, Jaipur.