Top Things to Do in Jaipur

Jaipur is a tourist destination in every way as it offers amazing things to experience for its visitors. Here you will experience a perfect blend of contemporary and traditional elements intertwined seamlessly. It offers a unique experience in the Thar Desert. From traditional food to historic marvels and fabulous art to world-renowned events, Jaipur has a lot to keep you engrossed on your Jaipur tour. Following are some of the top things to do in Jaipur that you must make a part of your Jaipur tour itinerary.

Stay in a heritage hotel

Although Jaipur offers a variety of accommodation options, but nothing beats the charm of staying in a heritage hotel to experience royalty up close and personal. Offering truly an impressive experience, these hotels are all about regal ambience, antique furnishings, intricately designed rooms and world-class hospitality. Some of the great heritage hotels of Jaipur are Taj Rambagh Palace, Samode Haveli, Jai Mahal Palace, Alsisar Haveli and Shahpura House.

Watch a puppetry show

Jaipur is well known for its colourful puppetry tradition. Puppets here are called kathputlis crafted out of wood and cloth and adorned with vibrant Rajasthani attire. Puppeteers beautifully tell stories from mythology, the lives of raja-maharajas, folklore and everyday life. The puppets go hand in hand with folk music using traditional musical instruments like sarangi, ghungroo and ektara.

Shop till you drop

There is no other place as amazing as Jaipur when it comes to shopping in Rajasthan. From intricate miniature paintings to tie and dye fabric to unique blue pottery, kundan and meenakari jewellery, handwoven carpets and durries, leather and embroidered juttis, marble sculptures, tabletops and decorative items are available in Jaipur markets. A Jaipur tour is never complete without shopping in Jaipur. 

Some of the famous markets for shopping in Jaipur are:

Johari Bazaar: It is known for its exquisite gold, silver and gemstone jewellery and Lac jewellery. You will find amazing traditional designs of jewellery here.

Bapu Bazaar: It is the perfect place for buying traditional Jaipuri clothes, textiles and fabric. Bandhani (tie-dye) fabric, block-print textiles, Rajasthani sarees, lehengas, embroidered quilts and leather juttis are the major highlights here. 

Tripolia Bazaar: Shop for traditional bangles, Lac jewellery, wooden artefacts, carpets, textiles, brassware and marble souvenirs. 

Nehru Bazaar: It is famous for textiles, leatherware, and mojari shoes crafted with soft leather and adorned with colourful threadwork. 

Chandpole Bazaar: For beautiful blue pottery and marble artefacts, visit this market.

Kishanpole Bazaar: Perfect place for buying block-printed textiles and handcrafted wooden furniture.

Treat your tastebuds with Rajasthani cuisine

Rajasthani cuisine is a delightful mix of flavours, spices and traditions reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the state. Jaipur offers an amazing variety of traditional Rajasthani delicacies, the most famous being dal-baati-churma, mirchi bada, gate ki sabzi, mawa kachori, pyaaz kachori, ker sangria, lal maas, ghewar.  And if you wish to have a wholesome dining experience, then go for Rajasthani thali which contains an array of dishes. The option of food tours is also available in Jaipur.

Ride on a hot air balloon

It is the most thrilling activity you can indulge in on your Jaipur tour. On your ride, catch amazing views of architectural marvels and landscapes. The bird’s eye view of the city is simply breathtaking. The colours of Jaipur will beautifully unfold as you float gently through the air. The silence, the sound of the wind, mind-blowing sunset/sunrise views and a great photography opportunity are the other charming elements of hot air ballooning in Jaipur.

Participate in the Elephant Festival

Among the lively festivities of Jaipur, the Elephant Festival is an intriguing and big celebration that mesmerizes people with its grandness, colours and vibrancy. It is celebrated every year during Holi. The elephants are beautifully decorated and painted in vibrant hues. Watching them parade through the streets is like watching a breathing piece of art. They perform, compete and demonstrate their agility and playfulness winning the hearts of one and all. Folk music, traditional cuisine and playing Holi, the festival of colours, on an elephant’s back is an experience of a lifetime.

Go for a boat ride on Man Sagar Lake

It is a mesmerizing lake and the Jal Mahal sits pretty on it. It is a manmade reservoir offering delightful sights of the surroundings and sunset views. Enjoy a boat ride on this lake for a serene and delightful experience.

Be a part of the Jaipur Literature Festival

Come and experience being a part of the world’s largest ‘free’ literary festival witnessing the presence of Nobel laureates, famous authors, writers, thinkers, humanitarians and other prominent figures from other fields under one roof from all over the world. They come here from far and wide to celebrate the freedom to express and engage in thoughtful debates and meaningful discussions. Music and poetry are very much a part of the festival.

Get photographed at Patrika Gate

It is a breathtakingly beautiful entrance to the Jahawar Circle Park which is the biggest circular park in Asia on a traffic signal. As you walk under this gate, you will find a row of enchanting archways. This mesmerizing gate is based on the seven original gates that used to provide access to the walled city of Jaipur.

Treat your sweet tooth at Pandit Kulfi

It will be bliss for your tastebuds to enjoy kesar and rabdi kulfi infused with kesar strands and pistachio at the famous shop of Indian ice creams called Pandit Kulfi. Established in 1965, it is located on the Hawa Mahal road and attracts locals and tourists alike.

Sample a variety of sweets at Laxmi Misthan Bhandar (LMB)

Gorge on delicious savoury snacks, chat and sweets especially traditional Rajasthani sweet called Ghewar at centuries-old Laxmi Misthan Bhandar. It is located on Johari Bazaar Road.

Although there are endless things to do in Jaipur, but the above ones are something that will adorn your Jaipur tour with memorable and pleasurable experiences!