Jaipur Travel Guide

I’ve been wanting to visit India for a long time and I can finally cross this off my bucket list! One of my best friends got married in Jaipur last weekend and it was the perfect opportunity to take this trip to India! Jaipur is magical and definitely a must visit if you have travel plans to India. We stayed at the Rambagh Palace which was stunning. More on the hotel below!

Plan for a few extra days if you would like to do a safari in the Ranthambore National Park (wild life tiger safari and around a 3 hour drive from Jaipur). It looks like it was the inspiration behind the setting for ‘Jungle book’. Stay at the luxury tented camp of either Sujan Sher Bagh or the Aman – they are close to each other.

Hotels in Jaipur:

Taj Rambagh Palace – One of India’s most exquisite hotels. Rambagh Palace is the former home of the Maharajas of Jaipur. The old palace was home to many of India’s famous Polo players over the years. The grounds are spectacular with sprawling lawns, peacocks, and an old train turned into a restaurant that you can dine in.

Sujan Rajmahal Palace – One of the oldest and most treasured properties in the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur. It has reopened in February 2015. Belonging to the Royal Family of Jaipur still, this exquisite private palatial home is set in the prime location in the center of Rajasthan’s bustling capital. It has the most incredible wallpapers. Definitely Instagramable!

What To Do in Jaipur:

Elephant ride to Amer Fort – This beautiful old fort was once a hideaway and hunting camp for the royals. Just outside Jaipur is the windy road that takes you up to the Fort. Elephants are walking up for a photo or ride. There are also snake charmers if that’s your thing!

City Palace – Located in the heart of the Pink City Jaipur, the City Palace was where the Maharaja reigned from. This palace also includes the famous ‘Chandra Mahal’ and ‘Mubarak Mahal’, and other buildings which form a part of the palace complex. There is a great Pashmina shop inside.

Patrika Gate – The most beautiful door or gate in Jaipur.

Hawa Mahal – A palace made with pink and red sandstone. Very beautiful but fine to just take a photo outside and skip going inside.

Chand Baori – The Chand Baori is a stepwell built over a thousand years ago in the Abhaneri village of Rajasthan.

Jantar Mantar – Between 1724 and 1730 Maharajah Sawaii Jai Singh II of Jaipur constructed five astronomical observatories in north India.

Vinesh Maheshwari at Jaisalmer Arts & Crafts – Great pieces of jewelry!

Gem Palace – The most beautiful and historic jewelry shop in Jaipur. Their clientele includes the late Lady Diana, Hilary Clinton, celebrities from around the world and all of the royals. The story of the Kasliwal family dates back to the XVI Century, during the Mughal empire when the Maharajas, ‘great kings’of India, represented a vision of great splendor and magnificence.

Parampara – Colombian born and raised, globally curious and loyally an Indophile, Virginia Borrero Castro – she is also now the Curator of Parampara Jaipur and designer and founder of DeCastro Moda (the store’s private label). Amazing, high-end women’s fashion and prints.

Restaurants in Jaipur:

Rambagh Palace – There are several different restaurants at the palace, all of which are incredibly delicious. The garden restaurant is beautiful for lunch, overlooking the grounds. They have plenty of healthy options and can happily accommodate any distant restrictions. I loved the wilted spinach with sun dried tomatoes with olives, baked artichokes, quinoa risotto with eggplant caviar and the mushroom ragu pappardelle.

Bar Palladio – One of the most beautiful interiors in Jaipur. The beautiful blue walls are unlike anything you’ve ever seen. If Indian food isn’t number one on your list, India has a good amount of Asian cuisine as well.

Survana Mahal – With its high ceilings, gilded mirrors and Florentine frescoes, Suvarna Mahal embodies the rich heritage of erstwhile rulers. This is where you will find tradition Indian fares.

Baradari – (while visiting the City Palace or for dinner) Owned and run by the young Italian owner of Gem Palace, this chic cafe has both Indian and worldly fares. This is the regular hangout of the young cool crowed of India (less tourists). It is attached to the Palace so the royals are often grabbing a bite here.

Rajmahal Palace Cafe – (for lunch) Super cute and beautiful grounds. This smaller, family owned Palace has such a charing vibe and an amazing gift shop with Indian Bone China and other treasures to take home.

Fab Cafe – I wasn’t able to make it here but I heard its great and healthy!