3 Days in Jaipur: A Day-by-Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Day one climbs to Amer Fort and Jaigarh above the city, with Jal Mahal on the way back. Day two stays inside the walled Pink City for the City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal, ending with sunset at Nahargarh Fort. Day three covers the Albert Hall Museum, the temples of Moti Dungri and Birla Mandir, and a film at the Raj Mandir cinema.
Good to Know
Estimated total per person: ₹3,500 to ₹6,000, excluding flights and hotel
Weather: Summers are very hot, the monsoon brings rain in July and August, and winter days are pleasant with cool nights.
Pack:
Sunscreen and a hat
Comfortable shoes for fort ramps and stairs
A light shawl for cool winter evenings
Clothes covering shoulders and knees for temples
Local tips:
Use app cabs or agree auto-rickshaw fares before you set off.
A composite ticket covers the state-run monuments (Amer, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Albert Hall and Nahargarh) and is now valid for 10 days; buy it at the first monument.
Shops in the Pink City bazaars expect bargaining, especially for textiles and jewellery.
Booking tips:
Arrive at Amer Fort when it opens to beat the heat and the tour buses.
Raj Mandir shows sell out at weekends; book online a day ahead.
Getting there (from other Indian cities):
flight: Direct flights to Jaipur International Airport from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and other cities - About 1 hour from Delhi, 1.5 to 2 hours from Mumbai
train: Shatabdi and Vande Bharat trains from Delhi - About 4.5 to 5 hours from Delhi
car: Delhi to Jaipur on the expressway and NH48, about 280 km - About 5 to 6 hours
Jaipur airport is about 10 km from the Pink City; Jaipur Junction station is about 3 km from it.
Book trains early for October to March weekends, the busiest season.
Day 1: Amer Fort, Jaigarh and Jal Mahal
The hill forts north of the city: Amer Fort's palaces and mirror hall, Jaigarh Fort above it, and the water palace of Jal Mahal on the way back.
Amer Fort (morning): Start at Amer Fort when it opens. Begun by Raja Man Singh in 1592, the palace climbs the hillside in red sandstone and marble around a series of courtyards. Look for the Ganesh Pol gateway and the Sheesh Mahal, a hall lined with thousands of tiny mirrors. ₹200, Indian adult, 2026 rate; included in the composite ticket Why visit: Jaipur's grandest fort, part of the UNESCO-listed Hill Forts of Rajasthan; The Sheesh Mahal mirror hall Know before you go: Arrive at opening time to avoid the heat and crowds; The ramps and stairs are steep; wear good shoes
Jaigarh Fort (late morning): Drive up to Jaigarh Fort, on the ridge above Amer, about 15 minutes by road. Built to defend Amer, it holds the Jaivana, one of the largest cannons on wheels in the world, and its walls give a long view over Amer and the hills. Separate ticket at the gate; reported fees vary, so check on arrival Why visit: The Jaivana cannon; Views down over Amer Fort and Maota Lake Know before you go: It is a separate ticket, not part of the composite ticket; There is little shade; carry water
Jal Mahal (afternoon): On the way back to the city, stop at the lakeside promenade for Jal Mahal, a palace that seems to float in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. You cannot go inside, but the view across the water is one of Jaipur's classic photos. Free, viewed from the promenade; the palace is not open to visitors Why visit: The 'water palace' in Man Sagar Lake; An easy stop on the road between Amer and the city Know before you go: Late afternoon light is the best for photos
Eat: 1135 AD - A Rajasthani restaurant inside Amer Fort itself, with royal-style rooms. Book ahead for lunch.
Evening: Head back to the Pink City for an evening walk through Johari Bazaar when the shops are lit up.
Budget for the day: ₹1,700 to ₹3,000 per person, excluding hotel
Day 2: The Pink City and Nahargarh sunset
Inside the walled city: the City Palace, the Jantar Mantar observatory and Hawa Mahal, then up to Nahargarh Fort for sunset over Jaipur.
City Palace (morning): Begin at the City Palace, built from the 1720s by Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur, and still partly home to the royal family. Its courtyards lead to museums of textiles and arms, and the Pritam Niwas Chowk courtyard has four painted gateways, including the famous Peacock Gate. ₹300, Indian adult, palace museum and courtyards Why visit: The palace of Jaipur's royal family, still in use; The painted peacock gate in Pritam Niwas Chowk Know before you go: Not covered by the composite ticket; Allow two hours for the museums
Jantar Mantar (late morning): Walk next door to Jantar Mantar, a few minutes away. Jai Singh II also built this observatory in the 1700s, with giant stone instruments for tracking the sun and stars. The Samrat Yantra is the world's largest stone sundial and still tells the time. ₹100, Indian adult; included in the composite ticket Why visit: A UNESCO World Heritage Site; The world's largest stone sundial Know before you go: Hire a guide or use the audio guide; the instruments make more sense explained; Little shade at midday
Hawa Mahal (afternoon): Walk to Hawa Mahal, about 10 minutes. Built in 1799, its pink facade has 953 small windows that let royal women watch the street without being seen. The best view of the front is from across the road; inside, climb to the top for views over the bazaar. ₹100, Indian adult; included in the composite ticket Why visit: Jaipur's most famous facade; Rooftop views over the old city Know before you go: The facade faces east, so morning light is best for photos; The cafés opposite have the best viewpoint
Nahargarh Fort (sunset): Take a cab up the hill to Nahargarh Fort, about 30 minutes. The fort sits on the ridge right above the city, and its walls are the best place in Jaipur to watch the sun set over the pink roofs below. ₹100, Indian adult; included in the composite ticket Why visit: The best sunset view over Jaipur; Painted rooms in the Madhavendra Bhawan palace inside Know before you go: The road up is narrow and winding; go by cab; Arrive an hour before sunset
Eat: Govindam Retreat - A vegetarian restaurant near the City Palace and Hawa Mahal, good for a Rajasthani thali at lunch.
Evening: Stay at Nahargarh after sunset to watch the city lights come on below.
Budget for the day: ₹1,300 to ₹2,000 per person, excluding hotel
Day 3: Albert Hall, the temples and Raj Mandir
The Albert Hall Museum in Ram Niwas Garden, the Moti Dungri Ganesh temple and Birla Mandir, and an evening film in the grand Raj Mandir cinema.
Albert Hall Museum (morning): Start at the Albert Hall Museum in Ram Niwas Garden, Rajasthan's oldest museum, opened in 1887. The Indo-Saracenic building holds miniature paintings, carpets, armour and an Egyptian mummy. Come back after dark if you can, when the building is lit up. ₹100, Indian adult; included in the composite ticket Why visit: Rajasthan's oldest museum, in a striking 19th-century building; An Egyptian mummy among the collections Know before you go: Photography of the exhibits may be restricted in some galleries
Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple (afternoon): Take an auto to Moti Dungri, about 10 minutes, where a Ganesh temple stands at the foot of a small hill topped by a fortress-like palace. It is one of the busiest temples in Jaipur, especially on Wednesdays, Ganesh's day. Free Why visit: Jaipur's most popular Ganesh temple; Next door to Birla Mandir Know before you go: Very crowded on Wednesdays and festival days; Shoes are left at the entrance
Birla Mandir (late afternoon): Walk next door to Birla Mandir, a white marble Lakshmi Narayan temple built by the Birla family in 1988. Carvings on its walls show figures from many faiths, and it glows at dusk. Free Why visit: A white marble temple that glows at dusk; Calm gardens around it Know before you go: Phones and cameras may not be allowed inside the main shrine
Raj Mandir Cinema (evening): End at Raj Mandir, about 10 minutes away, a cinema opened in 1976 whose pastel, meringue-style lobby is a sight in itself. Watching a Hindi film here, with a full house cheering, is a Jaipur experience. Cinema tickets, about ₹200 to ₹500 depending on seat class Why visit: One of India's most famous cinema halls; An evening out with the locals Know before you go: Book online for weekend shows; Films are in Hindi, usually without subtitles
Eat: Masala Chowk - An open-air food court in Ram Niwas Garden by the Albert Hall, with stalls from well-known Jaipur street food sellers.
Evening: Raj Mandir is the evening plan; book a show and arrive early to see the lobby.
Budget for the day: ₹500 to ₹1,000 per person, excluding hotel
Want a Different Pace?
Swap the cinema for a village dinner: Chokhi Dhani village resort on the edge of the city: Rajasthani food, folk dance and crafts in one evening. (Trade-off: It is about 20 km south of the city, so allow time for the drive. - Costs more)
Add Galta Ji: Galta Ji temple and its monkeys, east of the walled city: Temple tanks in a rocky gorge, quiet in the early morning. (Trade-off: Adds a half day. - Similar cost)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Jaipur?
A 3-day Jaipur itinerary like this one works well for First-time visitors, History and architecture lovers, Families. It's not the best fit if You are visiting in May or June, when the afternoons are very hot or You want a nature or adventure trip.
How much does a 3-day Jaipur trip cost per person?
Budget about ₹3,500 to ₹6,000 per person for entry tickets, food and local transport on this 3-day Jaipur itinerary. Flights and hotel are extra.
What's the best time to visit Jaipur?
The best time to visit Jaipur is October to March.
How do I reach Jaipur from other Indian cities?
Common options are flight (About 1 hour from Delhi, 1.5 to 2 hours from Mumbai), train (About 4.5 to 5 hours from Delhi), car (About 5 to 6 hours). Jaipur airport is about 10 km from the Pink City; Jaipur Junction station is about 3 km from it.
What are the must-see places in Jaipur in 3 days?
Day 1: Amer Fort, Jaigarh Fort and Jal Mahal. Day 2: City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal and Nahargarh Fort. Day 3: Albert Hall Museum, Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple, Birla Mandir and Raj Mandir Cinema.
Which Jaipur attractions are free?
On this itinerary, Jal Mahal, Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple and Birla Mandir are free to visit (some charge for special exhibitions or inside visits).
How much are entry tickets in Jaipur?
Amer Fort: ₹200; City Palace: ₹300; Jantar Mantar: ₹100; Hawa Mahal: ₹100; Nahargarh Fort: ₹100; Albert Hall Museum: ₹100. Prices are for Indian adult visitors; check the official site before you go.
Is there a combined ticket for Jaipur monuments?
Yes. The state composite ticket covers Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, the Albert Hall Museum and Nahargarh Fort, and from 2026 it is valid for 10 days. The City Palace and Jaigarh Fort need separate tickets.
How do you get around Jaipur?
App cabs and auto-rickshaws are the easiest. Amer Fort is about 11 km from the Pink City, so take a cab there and back; inside the walled city, most sights are within a short walk or auto ride of each other.
Where to Eat in Jaipur
Tapri Central - ★4.5 - Rooftop B4-E, पृथ्वीराज मार्ग, opposite Surana Jewelers, opposite Central Park Gate, सी स्कीम, अशोक नगर, जयपुर, राजस्थान 302001, India
Gulab Ji Chai Wale - ★4.3 - GANPATI PLAZA, Mirza Ismail Rd, Nangal Jaisabohra, Sindhi Camp, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302001, India
Thali & more - ★4.4-1st floor plot no, C 46, Sarojini Marg, C Scheme, Ashok Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302001, India
Kanha Restaurant - ★4.2 - E-62, Bhagat Singh Marg, C Scheme, Ashok Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302001, India
OTH Bistro & Bakers - ★4.5 - E -145, Ramesh Marg, Durgadas Colony, C Scheme, Ashok Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302001, India
Curious Life Coffee Roasters: RED - ★4.5 - C 54 A, Sarojini Marg, Panch Batti, C Scheme, Ashok Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302001, India
Café Bae - ★4.4 - A/1, 21, Sahkar Marg, Circle, near 22 Godown, C Scheme, Lalkothi, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302006, India
Spice Court - ★4.2 - Jacob Rd, Mysore House/Achrol House Colony, Madrampur, Civil Lines, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302006, India
Nightlife in Jaipur
Blackout club in Jaipur - ★4.3-8th & 9th Floor,Landmark Building, Ashok Marg, Hotel Golden Oak, D38A, Ahinsa Cir, C Scheme, Ashok Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302001, India
Retreat Drink N Dine - ★4.2-8th Floor, Fortune Heights, Subhash Marg, C Scheme, Ashok Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302001, India
The Forresta Kitchen & Bar - ★4.2 - Devraj Niwas, Mirza Ismail Rd, near Khasa Kothi Flyover, Barodia Scheme, Bani Park, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302006, India
Townsend - Bar & Kitchen - ★4.4 - Moti Doongri Rd, Anand Puri, Gangawal Park, Adarsh Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302004, India
Brewlicious Rooftop Bar Restaurant in Jaipur - ★4.8-5, 10th floor, Gadi, Okay Plus Tower, Ajmer Rd, near kalyan jewellers, Hathroi, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302006, India
SKYZA Rooftop Lounge - ★4.3 - Mangalam, Ambition Tower, Agrasen Cir, C Scheme, Ashok Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302001, India
Shikaar Bagh - Restaurant and Bar - ★4.3 - Hotel Narain Niwas Palace, Rambagh, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302004, India
Dyore Restaurant & Lounge Experience - ★4.3-16, Parivahan Marg, C Scheme, Hathroi, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302001, India