Jaipur 3 Day Itinerary: Best Things to Do in Jaipur in 3 Days

Planning a 3 day Jaipur itinerary? This ultimate guide covers all the best things to do in Jaipur in 3 days – from ancient forts and royal palaces to hidden gems and street food highlights in India’s famous Pink City.

To be honest, Jaipur wasn’t our favourite city in Rajasthan; it’s not as walkable as Udaipur nor as unique as the desert city of Jaisalmer, but it is quintessentially Indian. You can expect both fascinating history and gorgeous buildings, but also chaotic roads and sensory overload – honking tuk-tuks, vibrant bazaars, and the constant hum of city life.

Jaipur might test your patience, but it rewards you with some of the most unforgettable travel experiences in India. Whether you’re watching a sunrise over the ancient Amer Fort, admiring the exquisite details in the Jaipur City Palace or eating delicious Rajasthani street food, the city is captivating.

In this 3 day itinerary for Jaipur, we’ll guide you on how to get the best out of your time in the city, including the best places to visit, hidden gems and top tips on where to stay and what to eat during your stay.

Places to visit in Jaipur in 3 Days – Quick Summary

Day 1 will be spent exploring the Amer area of Jaipur, namely:

• Sunrise at Jaigarh Fort Walls
• Explore the historical town of Amer and see Panna Meena ka Kund (Stepwell)
• Take a tour of Amer Fort (Amber Palace)
• Quick stop at Jal Mahal (Water Palace)

Day 2 is for exploring the historical centre of Jaipur, including:

• Go inside the majestic Jaipur City Palace
• Marvel at Jantar Mantar’s Astronomical Instruments
• Take lots of pictures of the iconic Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace)
• Explore more of the Pink City
• Take in the sunset at Nahargarh Fort

Day 3 is more relaxed, exploring some of Jaipur’s less touristy places:

• Try Jaipur’s best-known drink at Lassiwala
• See the monkeys at Galta Ji Temple
• Get those Instagram-worthy pictures at Patrika Gate
• Indulge in some Jaipur street food

Is 3 Days in Jaipur enough?

We think 3 days in Jaipur is perfect, and by following this Jaipur 3 Day itinerary, you’ll be able to get the absolute maximum out of this city – but also leave before its chaos drives you crazy. You’ll be able to see the pink city, the various forts and off-the-beaten-track sights without needing to rush.

However, we are aware that some people may not have this much time, especially if on a fast-paced ‘Golden Triangle’ tour. If you wanted to see the main sights in a short amount of time, see this 1 Day Jaipur Itinerary from HalYourTravelPal, which will give you all the tips you need.

If you have more time in Jaipur, then you could spend a day tiger spotting at nearby Ranthambore National Park. We were lucky enough to see 2 in 1 day, so check out our Guide for Spotting Tigers at Ranthambore to discover how.

Jaipur Itinerary Day 1 – Sunrise at Jaigarh Fort, Amber Palace & Jal Mahal

Jaigarh Fort Sunrise – The Best Sunrise Spot in Jaipur

You’ll want to get up and leave early to get the most out of the sunrise – and what a spectacular sunrise spot!

The viewpoint, high up on the walls of the old Jaigarh fort (the 3rd longest in the world!), overlooks Amer Town, the Amber Palace, and through a small valley in the Aravalli Hills, the rest of the city of Jaipur. It’s a truly breathtaking panoramic view that you’ll want to savour for as long as possible.

You used to be able to walk around the entire walls around Amer, but due to lightning strikes damaging sections of the wall, the main section is now closed off. However, it is still possible to access a safe section of the wall from a lesser-known entrance. This has the added bonus of it being very quiet and so a chance you’ll have the amazing view to yourself for a while.

After you have enjoyed the sunrise and taken enough photos to fill your camera roll, you can choose to either walk the rest of the walltop up to the main Jaigarh Fort buildings or continue down to the town of Amer.

Tips for Jaigarh Fort:

• The entrance to the wall can be hard to find. Head to ‘Sagar Car Parking’ on Google Maps and walk to the left of Lake Sagar to get to the bottom of the steps that lead to the top of the wall.
• Aim to arrive around 7am, the sun will be beginning to rise, and the path should be well lit enough to be safe to walk up.
• Jaipur mornings can be quite chilly, especially in winter, so dress sensibly for the cool morning air.

Explore Amer Town and visit Panna Meena ka Kund Stepwell

Before Jaipur became the bustling pink city it is today, Amer (also known as ‘Amber’) was the capital of the region, and it is filled with history.

The charming old town of Amer is a maze of narrow alleyways, traditional havelis and colourful temples. Wandering the streets will give you a glimpse into a different side of Rajasthan you otherwise might not see – away from the cities and tourists, witnessing the everyday lives of the locals.

A famous temple you should visit is the 400-year-old Jagat Shiromani Temple. You’ll know you’ve found it when you see the beautiful entrance, with stairs leading up to an intricately decorated archway, guarded by 2 white stone elephants. The temple is devoted to the Hindu god Krishna, and is still a place of worship for locals, so be respectful when visiting.

The most iconic thing to see in Amer is the Panna Meena ka Kund Stepwell. Stepwells were once a big part of Indian life; locals could collect water at any time of year, from the heavy monsoon season to the dry summers. There aren’t many left in India that are as impressive as this Amer stepwell; it has been used in Indian Bollywood cinema, and when you see its beauty, it’s clear to see why.

Tips for Amer town:

• If you head to the stepwell first, you will find lots of guides who will be able to take you through the stepwell, Amer and onto Amber Palace. Make sure you negotiate and agree on the price first.
• Make sure the guide only takes you where you want to go, we got dragged to a rug ‘factory’ which was a waste of everyone’s time.

Amber Palace (aka Amer Fort) – The must-see fort in Jaipur

Amber Palace, often referred to as Amer Fort, is a must-visit highlight of any Jaipur itinerary –  and arguably one of the most beautiful forts in Rajasthan. This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases the perfect blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture.

The fort was originally built in the late 1500s by Raja Man Singh I, and later expanded by successive rulers. It served as the royal residence of the Rajput Maharajas before the capital was moved from Amer to Jaipur in the 18th century.

Unlike nearby Jaigarh Fort, which was built purely for military defence, Amber Palace was designed for royalty – something you’ll clearly be able to see when you visit today. From grand courtyards and delicate latticework to mirrored halls and painted ceilings, the fort is a visual feast.

Whether you’re into photography, history, or architecture, Amber Palace is one of the top things to see in Jaipur and will complete your exploration of Amer town in the best way.

Highlights of Amber Palace

Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors):
One of the most iconic and photogenic parts of the palace, the hall is covered in thousands of tiny mirror tiles and coloured glass. Our guide was able to show the full effect by demonstrating with a torchlight, it was stunning.

Ganesh Pol Gateway:
An intricately painted gateway that leads to the private palaces of the Maharajas. It’s probably the most photographed place in the Palace, so you may have to wait for a good opportunity, but it will be worth it.

Zenana (Women’s Quarters):
Rajput rulers often had multiple wives. The royal women’s quarters were designed to allow multiple queens to live privately while being connected to the king’s rooms via hidden passages. 

Tips for Amber Palace:

• Best time to visit: Arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds and heat. If you came for sunrise on the surrounding walls, then you should be able to arrive just after the opening time of 8am.
• Entry fee: Around ₹100 for Indian citizens, ₹550 for foreigners. 
• Guided tours: We would recommend getting a local guide to better understand the history and architecture, ideally for all of Amer. Alternatively, an audio guide is also available at the palace.
• Getting there: You can either walk up from Amer town and enter through the ‘moon gate’, or take a jeep or auto from Jaipur city, in which case you’ll enter through the ‘sun gate’.
• Elephants – Please don’t take the elephant ride near the entrance of the palace; these elephants are known not to be treated well and should not be ridden in that heat. 

Jal Mahal – Just a Quick Stop for Iconic Photos

Located between Amer and Jaipur in the centre of Man Sagar Lake, Jal Mahal or ‘Lake Palace’, is a great stop off on your way back to the pink city.

Jal Mahal was another of the royal Rajput palaces, built after Amber Fort to provide a cooler residence in the hot Indian summers. 

You can’t access the interior of the palace today due to ongoing restoration work. However, a nice promenade has been built on the lakeside to give visitors a place to relax, grab some street food or shop for knick-knacks, and most importantly, get a fantastic view of an iconic palace.

Tips for Jal Mahal:

• It is also possible to see the lake palace from the eastern side. Here, there are fewer tourists, and you can get a completely different perspective of its beauty.
• Be aware of pickpockets on the promenade, it can get very busy at peak times, so keep your valuables safe.

After such an early start, we decided to retreat back to our hotel for the rest of the day to get some rest and ensure we were ready to go on the second day of our 3 Day Jaipur itinerary.

Jaipur Itinerary Day 2 – City Palace, Hawa Mahal & Sunset at Nahargarh Fort

Jaipur City Palace – The Most Photogenic & Opulent Palace in Rajasthan

The City Palace is, in our opinion, the best palace for photography we’ve visited in India, including the much more visited Mysore Palace and the elegant City Palace of Udaipur.

The City Palace was constructed not long after the Rajputs moved the capital of the region from Amer to the city of Jaipur. It is still the permanent residence of the Jaipur royal family today, and it hosts some major events. For example, we visited just a day after Indian Prime Minister Modi hosted French President Macron at the City Palace.

But what really makes the City Palace stand out for us is the variety of stunning photo opportunities. From the deep blue and white grandeur of the Chhavi Niwas to feeling like royalty in the gold and glass-covered Sobha Niwas and the iconic gates of the Pritam Niwas Chowk courtyard, you won’t be able to put your camera away.

Unlike most other tourist attractions in India, this experience won’t come cheap. You have to pay a high premium to access the ‘secret rooms’ mentioned above, beyond the price of normal entry. However, if any place is worth a splurge, it’s here. Plus, it means those rooms are much quieter, giving you more time to get those perfect photo angles.

Tips for Jaipur City Palace:

• Try to arrive at opening time (9:30am) to avoid the heavy crowds in the regular ticket areas and get the ‘secret rooms’ to yourselves
• It’s not just about photography; to get the most out of your trip, we recommend you hire a guide to understand the history of the palace.
• The regular ticket price is ₹300 for Indian citizens, ₹1000 for foreigners. The ‘royal splendour’ ticket is ₹3000 for Indian citizens, ₹3500 for foreigners. A big premium, but if you can afford it, we think it’s worth it.

See Historical Astronomy At The Jantar Mantar

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Jaipur, the Jantar Mantar, is a quick but worthwhile visit just opposite the entrance to the City Palace.

The Jantar Mantar is a collection of instruments built by Jaipur’s founder, Jai Singh. They are capable of measuring time and astronomical positions with incredible accuracy.

It’s quite extraordinary when you visit to think how advanced the thinking was at the time to build such mathematical marvels at such a scale nearly 300 years ago.

The highlight of the Jantar Mantar is the Samrat Yantra, the world’s largest sundial! Be sure to visit when the sun’s out (not usually too difficult in Jaipur, to see it being used).

It may not be one of the most glamorous places to visit in 3 days in Jaipur, but it may well be the most interesting.

Hawa Mahal – Jaipur’s picture postcard, how to get the best view

When you look up images of Jaipur, the Hawa Mahal will likely come up first. The top of most people’s list of places to visit in Jaipur due to its beauty, but also to be able to delve further into its interesting but somewhat sad history.

The Hawa Mahal, known as the ‘palace of winds’, is the most iconic of all the buildings in Jaipur’s pink city. Built in 1799, the pink facade for which it is well known is actually the back of the palace.

Many tourists may take a quick picture and leave, but we recommend that you go inside and learn more about its former purpose. It was built so that upper-class Jaipuri women could watch the parades through the city, but at a time when women were not supposed to be seen without their husbands, so the palace was designed so you could only see out, not for others to see in. 

The palace gets its name thanks to its clever architecture, which provides ventilation to keep the interior cool during the hot Rajasthan summer days – I guess that’s something at least.

After exploring the inside, it is worth taking a good look at the facade because it is surely one of the most magnificent in all of India.

Where to get the best view of the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur

You have a couple of options for where to get the best photos of the Hawa Mahal:

• On the road: We wouldn’t normally suggest you take any chances as a pedestrian on the roads in India, but it is here you’ll get some of the best shots of the Hawa Mahal. There is a small central reservation (median) for you to stand safely and wait for a gap in the traffic to see it really tower over you from down there. A wide-angle lens will really help!
• In a cafe opposite: If you cross the road, look for a sign that says traditional jewels and head up the stairs, you’ll find a couple of cafes, Tattoo Cafe and Wind View Cafe. We went to Wind View and would highly advise you to do the same, the food may not be as good, but its views are better for sure. Try and get a front table, grab a chai or a lassi and take advantage of the best photo spot of the Hawa Mahal.

Explore Jaipur’s Pink City – Is it really pink?

So, is the ‘pink city of Jaipur actually pink? Well, no… not really…  but that doesn’t mean it’s not still impressive. 

The ‘pink city’ of Jaipur covers most of the old walled town, which is less than 5% of the whole city, but this is the area where you’ll find most tourists. It covers most of the major attractions and is great to walk around the vibrant shops, markets and bazars to see what the city is most famous for.

Rather than pink, it is more of a terracotta, peachy colour. It wasn’t originally this colour, but was painted this way in 1876 as the city hosted the Prince of Wales (later became Edward VII). Whether pink or peach, it is still magnificent.

We followed the advice from our hotel for a walking route, but found ourselves getting a bit lost. We have heard great things about this walking tour from Yo Tours, which covers the pink city (plus it starts at Wind View Cafe, perfect if you’ve been following this 3 day Jaipur guide).

Nahargarh Fort – Best Place for Sunset in Jaipur

To complete our trio of Forts in Jaipur, take a journey up to Nahargarh. 

Perched high up on the edge of the Aravalli Hills, overlooking the vast city of Jaipur, it is not as impressive as Amer Fort and, in our opinion, probably isn’t worth looking inside. So why do we say you should go? Because it has the best views in Jaipur, especially at sunset!

You’ll be able to see along the old fort walls and over the city for miles as they both glow pink, orange and gold as the sun sets over the horizon. Being up here really gives you a sense of the scale of the city, which is somehow considered small by Indian standards.

There’s a nice restaurant up there too called Padao, if you fancy wining and dining before or after sunset. 

Tips:

• Check sunset time and aim to come at least an hour before to get a good spot, as it can get busy with tourists and locals alike
• The best spot to watch the sunset at Nahargarh Fort is on a small section of wall just behind Padao restaurant, you’ll feel like you shouldn’t really be there, but the restaurant staff had no problem, and the views are mesmerising. 
• The road back down can be a little scary after dark, so we’d recommend getting a car rather than a tuk-tuk, try to book one in advance or ask a driver to wait while you go for sunset, as the internet can be a little patchy up there.

Jaipur Itinerary Day 3 – Monkey Temple & Patrika Gate

Start your day with an iconic Jaipur drink at Lassiwala

Although drunk all over India, Lassiwala in Jaipur is arguably the most famous place in India to get our favourite Indian beverage, the humble Lassi.

Set up in 1944, this place has been a locals’ favourite for years thanks to its incredible lassi flavour. Thick, smooth and creamy with no artificial flavours and topped with delicious malai, it’s the same today as it was over 80 years ago.

The lassi is served in an unglazed clay cup called a Kulhad, which is chucked and recycled, meaning it’s good for the planet and there’s no chance of you getting ill from water-cleaned cups.

The popularity of the place has led to there being multiple imitations on the same road, which aren’t as good, so make sure you go to the right one. You’re looking for Lassiwala, 312 Mirza Ismail Road.

Head to Galta Ji: Jaipur’s Monkey Temple

A famous Hindu pilgrimage site, the Galta Ji Temple is around a half hour’s drive from the hustle and bustle of Jaipur’s city centre. Its location gives it a quiet, spiritual vibe, that is, until the resident animals make an impression…

The temple complex is home to over 200 monkeys, believed to be representatives of the Hindu monkey god, Hanuman. You’ll find monkeys all over India, but these ones are fascinating. They hang out in large packs and are very territorial (with other monkeys, not humans), and so we sat and watched their behaviour like it was some sort of David Attenborough documentary.

There is a natural spring at the top, which you may find pilgrims bathing in. The complex is also home to many small temples to various gods. It’s a great place to spend a few hours, feeling the spiritual environment and watching the monkeys, away from city life.

Patrika Gate – The most Instagrammable place in Jaipur

Unlike most spots in Jaipur, Patrika Gate doesn’t have much history or stories attached to it (although it is the entrance to the largest circular park on a highway in Asia – Cool!?). But what it is, is incredibly beautiful and the #1 place in Jaipur to get the best photos for Instagram.

Located at the very southern tip of the city next to Jaipur airport, Patrika Gate is a photographer’s dream. Its vibrant colours, decorations and archways are still Rajasthani-inspired, making it a popular spot with tourists and locals alike.

Try to come during the middle of the day, when the heat means it is less busy, to get the best photo opportunities for yourself, or come in the evening to hang out with the locals, but be prepared to wait your turn to get the right snap.

Get Street food and dessert at Saras Parlour

We understand more than most that although Indian street food is soooo delicious, it sometimes isn’t kind on western stomachs (or even Indian’s that have moved away). Saras Parlour is the perfect place to try some in a clean and safe environment.

You can get some of the classics such as samosa, paneer pakoda and jalebi. We tried them all, and they were all superb and so cheap! Come hungry and ready for a flavour bomb. Then finish with soft serve ice cream – perfect.

Saras Parlour is located perfectly to be able to visit after Patrika Gate on the way back to the city, where you’ll be able to return to your hotel and complete your 3 day Jaipur itinerary.

Where to Eat In Jaipur

We tried quite a few restaurants in Jaipur, some of which didn’t live up to our expectations, such as Niro’s, which Lonely Planet’s India Guide highly recommended, but we found it lacking in flavour and under-par service.

One restaurant we would highly recommend is Govindam Retreat. In our view, the best restaurant in Jaipur. They serve up authentic Rajasthani food, including their signature Rajasthani Thali, a selection of 11 dishes, each complementing each other, allowing you to sample all the flavours the state has to offer.

It is perfectly located just a short walk from all the places to visit in Jaipur on the 2nd day, including the City Palace and Hawa Mahal, so grab a hearty lunch there to keep you fueled throughout the day.

To see more of our tips on what to try, see our What to Eat in Rajasthan guide.

Where to stay in Jaipur

We stayed at Umaid Bhawan and we loved it!

It’s a heritage-style haveli hotel with amazing interior and decorated rooms. There is also a swimming pool, although we doubt it’s used much, and it just generally has a nice vibe to it.

They do fantastic breakfasts, perfect to get you fueled for a day of sightseeing, and we even had the best kebabs we had in all of India on their roof terrace on our final night.

The location is also perfect; it is close enough to all the top things to do in Jaipur but away from the busy and loud city centre. As an added bonus, it’s also just minutes from the train station.

You can check out availability at Umaid Bhawan here (we’ll receive a small commission if you book through this link at no additional cost to you!).

How to get to Jaipur and where to go after

If you’ve been following our 7-Day Rajasthan itinerary, you’ll know we recommend arriving from Udaipur. There is an overnight train that will get you here just in time for you to drop off your bags and enjoy the sunrise at Jaigarh Fort to start day 1 of your Jaipur itinerary. 

We love night trains as they save you accommodation costs and give you more time to explore the cities when you’re on a tight schedule.

It is also possible to arrive from other cities, particularly if you’re on a golden triangle tour, as both Delhi and Agra are just a few hours away via train or taxi. We would recommend checking out the historic Fatephur Sikri if arriving via car from Agra.

Jaipur Airport is another option for those who prefer to fly or are coming from further afield. There are direct flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Goa or even Dubai.

In terms of where to go next, we think you should go to the golden desert city of Jaisalmer, one of our favourites in Rajasthan. You can even ride camels and sleep in the desert there. Read our guide to learn more. 

FAQs

We hope you found our guide to the best places to visit in 3 days in Jaipur useful. We loved our time in the ‘pink city’, so if you’ve visited or are planning to, let us know in the comments below…