Jaipur is royal. Jaipur is timeless. But Jaipur is NOT pink.
It’s a mix of colours that are vibrant and playful. A city that’s stunning with its gorgeous palaces and mighty forts. But also inviting with its museums and havelis that tell the tales of lineage and legacy. Sometimes over the top with the jewels and the luxury. Sometimes a dream that you want to live forever. Jaipur is all that. But it’s also much more.
Often high on the list of couples looking for a romantic getaway, Jaipur is where I went for my first girls’ trip. There was so much to do and so little time: watch the sunset from Nahargarh together, spend the evening bar-hopping in your finest outfits, drive around the meandering lanes in rickshaws to find the crispiest aalu tikki, step into exquisite stores that sell jewels to royalty. Jaipur with the girls will always be my favourite trip and I’ve drawn up an exhaustive itinerary of things to do in Jaipur for you to plan yours.
Jaipur by day
The city’s colour and character change as the day progresses. While early mornings might not be everyone’s cup of tea, they are worth it when you’re with your girlfriends.
Go sightseeing with local women: Sign up for an early morning guided tour of the city with the inspiring Pink City Rickshaw Company crew. This non-profit organisation empowers women from underprivileged backgrounds. Catch the magic of the morning hours from your hot pink convertible e-rick before the city floods with tourists.
Get a taste of royalty at the City Palace: A must-visit for a lesson in history, grandeur, and a chance to bump into the young king, Padmanabh Singh, who often drives up from his private quarters to the royal office in a golf cart. Remember to pose against the Leheriya Gate that features on the cover of Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s The Palace of Illusions. End with a meal at the Baradari, a Rajasthan-inspired fine-dining restaurant known for cheese kachoris, laal maas, and locally sourced burrata salad.
Explore Jaipur’s thriving coffee culture: Only the best beans are served by these local roasters. Say hi to brothers Sameer and Yatin at the espresso bar at the Half Light Coffee Roasters or drop by for a smooth dark roast at Roastery Coffee House, a great place to work out of and meet some of Jaipur’s most talented artists and creators. You can also head to KaCoBa at the iconic Narain Niwas.
Visit a museum but make it bling: Learn all about jewellery at the Amrapali Museum. With over 4000 pieces spread across two floors, you’ll be left astonished and inspired by the craftsmanship of these stunning items from all parts of India. Pro tip: Only 800 pieces are on display so make sure you check out the pieces kept in the drawers as a part of the visual display.
Cruise above the city in a hot air balloon ride: The panoramic views of the city and its gorgeous architecture and terrain are worth waking up early for. Make your reservation with SkyWaltz. Starting at sunrise, it’s the perfect way to soak in the beauty and make it back in time for breakfast.
Bond with the ellies: Who doesn’t love elephants? Plan a visit with your girls to meet the gorgeous girls (and boys) of the Elefantastic Elephant Rehabilitation Centre run by Rahul, a former mahout. Some circus rescues and some retired from riding duties; these majestic creatures will leave you in awe. You also get a taste of ghar ka khana, lovingly served by Rahul’s mother.
Learn ceramic painting: Bond with your girls over a ceramic painting workshop at the stunning Khanoom House, a pottery and ceramic studio by Simon Marks and Priyamvada Golcha. Learn from local artists at this tranquil studio surrounded by a forest reserve. Homemade food prepared using locally sourced ingredients is a definite plus.
Sketch with the locals (and other travellers): Co-founded by Archee Vijavargia, USKJaipur holds a sketchmeet every weekend. A wonderful way to see Jaipur’s culture and architecture from the eyes of an artist. Laugh, draw and know more about the city with every stroke at these fun meetups.
Drink the tea (don’t just spill it): Visit the San-cha Tea Boutique on MI Road for a lesson in tea. Learn to brew tea the right way from their in-house team sommelier and buy some of the iconic Jaipur-inspired products. The perfect way to wind down and rejuvenate before getting ready for an evening out in the Pink City.
Get arty: The Anantaya Experience Centre showcases new curations every six months. Located at Narain Niwas, it’s the perfect spot for getting a glimpse of art, culture and craftmanship with a sharp focus on representing Indian crafts.
Jaipur by the night
Shiny yellow lights on the terracotta pink of the old city give Jaipur a magical feel once the sun sets. But there’s more to the city than its heritage. It’s young, fun, and on the cusp of an evolution. Get exploring.
Go bar-hopping, one cocktail at a time: Get into your finest, get a designated driver and get ready to explore some of the best bar programmes you can find in the country. Start at Bar Palladio, one of Condé Nast Traveller’s top 50 restaurants and an Instagram sensation with its electric blue interiors. You might get to pose with their resident peacocks if you’re lucky. Head to Paro India for a modern take on Indian flavours. Reserve a table outdoors for a view of the iconic Paanch Batti, order the Gulabi Crush, their ode to the pink city, and soak in the vibes. Next is the bar at The Johri, located in the heart of the always-buzzing Johri Bazar. Go for a round of Sukoon, their vodka-based, chamomile-infused cocktail topped with sparkling wine. PS: they have great zero-proof options for non-drinkers. Order the Truffled Aloo Tikki and golgappe from their elevated chaat section as you catch up with your girls. Why chaat? Because cocktails and chaat is a combination we didn’t know we needed. End the night at Jaipur’s most buzzing destination, the Native Cocktail Room. With multiple awards and guest shifts by star mixologists, it’s known for its signature cocktails. Order a Khus Nightball if you want a sip of royalty or Jodhpur if you like your drinks spicy.
Catch the sunset from Nahargarh: A part of the city’s original defence ring, Nahargarh, Jaigarh and Amer Palace are on every itinerary. But watching the transition from dusk to twilight, with a cup of tea and your besties around, is an experience of a lifetime. As the sky fills with shades of pink, orange and purple before night descends, you can see the city lights slowly come to life in the valley below. A time for introspection, a time to make promises.
Attend the sound and light show at Amer Fort: Get ready for an immersive experience of local legends, folktales, music and history. The son-et-lumière at the historic Amer Fort will fill you with nostalgia for an era gone by. A must-attend for those who love a dose of history and culture with their vacation.
Plan a dinner with a view: Located inside the Amer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, 1135AD is where you go to feast like royalty. The kitchen team recreates royal recipes to give you a taste of Jaipur’s culinary secrets. If you want to dine amid nature, head to Once Upon a Time at the Bagh. Set inside Vidhyasagar ji ka bagh, named after the city’s chief architect, you get a glimpse of tradition and culture in one place. It also showcases the amalgamation of Hindu and Mughal architecture unique to the region.
Be a tourist at Choki Dhani: While it can be super-crowded over the weekends, doing something touristy makes for fun memories. Take your pictures in local costumes and sit for a long and decadent thali at one of Jaipur’s most famous spots. Remember: It is extremely commercial and chaotic sometimes, but that should never stop women from having fun.
Spend a night at the museum: Not literally, but Albert Hall Museum allows visitors till 10pm for a premium. Completed in 1887, the museum is famous for its murals and pottery section. Leave extra time to admire the outfits worn by royalty, from intricate lacework to delicate gota. Who knows what might inspire your next outfit?
Go for a drive: If the French President can, so can you and your group of girls. All major monuments are lit at night, and you see them literally and metaphorically in a completely different light. Hawa Mahal, Johri Bazar, Jal Mahal, and the intricately painted Patrika Gate, made famous for its numerous appearances across social media, all look ethereal at night. It’s also a great way to explore the city’s key highlights when you are short on time.
Sign up for a food walk: They say there’s no better way to explore a city than on foot. But combining it with a taste of the local street food takes it up a notch. Get a taste of local favourites like kachoris, aalu tikkis, kulhar chai and more while you get to know a little bit more about the history of this lively city.
Where to stay
When travelling with friends, the hotel is more than just a place to stay. It’s where you spend time helping each other choose an outfit for the day and lock the day’s itinerary while ensuring everyone has breakfast. It’s where you return from your adventures together. It’s your home away from home when you are with your friends. Choose wisely.
A quaint corner and a piece of art in the city’s heart, 28 Kothi will inspire you to redo your living room. With a carefully curated library, well-designed communal spaces and cosy corners, it’s the perfect place to hang out with your girls as you catch up on life. Request the team for a group yoga session to help prepare for their traditional Rajasthani thali served in an intimate setting on the lawns.
Inspired by the beautiful palaces of the royal state, Hyatt Regency Jaipur Mansarovar is a short drive from the airport and close to all major attractions. Book a session at their award-winning spa, Mudita, for a pampering session before heading out to the city. Walk around the Navras Bagh, which features the nine key elements required to maintain balance. Head for a round of cocktails at the Pink Bar in the evening.
The comfort and familiarity of a business hotel can be exactly what you need for your trip. Make Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre your base as you travel in and around Jaipur. Remember to book a Fusion Therapy at their spa for a treatment that combines the Eastern acupressure technique with a Swedish massage. You will need it after all the shopping and walking trips around the pink city.
Built in the early 1700s by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh III, Rajmahal Palace has rooms named after their high-profile guests like Princess D, the Kennedys and Lord Mountbatten. Spend your time soaking in the royal ambience by the Art Deco pool. Dress up and get pictures taken at the grand staircase before heading to The Polo Bar for a round of cocktails with your girls.
With its proximity to the Jaipur Polo Club, Rambagh Palace remains a favourite among those looking for luxury and comfort. The concierge can arrange personalised trips, keeping the likes and dislikes of your group in mind. At the property, you can join Chef Raghu Deora for a cooking class where you pick your ingredients from the property’s organic gardens. Kite flying lessons can be arranged for those looking for a local flavour. And for the girly girls, there are sari draping and henna-making sessions. While there, don’t forget to order a Jaipore Martini at the Polo Bar made using freshly plucked rose petals.
Rumored to be a favourite amongst Bollywood celebs, Rosé Amer hosts a limited number of guests at a given time. Book the Rosé Grandeur with a living room and two bedrooms so your girl gang is always close. Spend an afternoon at their painting and wine session, where you get to create art and taste some fine wine together. Ask the team about their exclusive late-night DJ party that takes place in the mirror-lit ballroom.
The perfect spot for a truly local but luxurious experience, The Johri is a 5-suite boutique property in the heart of Jaipur’s jewellery market. Taking pride in personalised comfort, the staff goes out of their way to make the guests feel at home in this restored 19th-century family home of the Kasliwals of The Gem Palace. The daily ‘high chai’ service, their take on high tea cannot be missed. The team can also plan a Spiritual Walk that takes you through lesser-known shrines, unravelling the hidden symbolism in the structures.
Experience holistic self-care focussing on mind, body and soul at this 200-key property. Their exclusive Aujasya by the Leela wellness programme gives you a chance to taste a curated menu created with the idea of improving the nutritional profile of the dishes while enhancing their taste. You can also get a lesson in mixology, get henna or get a tarot reading during your stay at The Leela Palace Jaipur.
With 71 rooms spread across 32 acres of lush gardens, you have enough space for downtime with your girls at The Oberoi Rajvilas. Start your mornings with a private yoga session followed by a calming meditation. For the foodies in the group, they have an exclusive Cook with the Masters experience where you get to recreate traditional Rajasthani delicacies. For a fun-filled evening with your friends, the hotel can plan a sunset high tea or a bottle of sparkling wine at the Naila Fort.
A hotel with its own museum and cinema is not easy to find. Part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this former palace turned boutique hotel is perfect for your girls’ trip. Chill by the gorgeous pool or take part in the traditional tea ceremony at the Royal Lounge. At The Raj Palace, you get a glimpse of a bygone era.
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Best described as a country estate, the nine-room property is designed to slow you down in the most thoughtful way. With rooms that look like movie sets and personalised service, you and your girls might not want to step out. If you do, the team can plan a horseback countryside safari atop one of their Marwari horses. Once back, schedule a session with an in-house osteopath and Reiki healer for integrative body therapies that balance the nervous system, reduce stress and free up emotional blockages. Relax, eat homestyle Italian food and bond with your friends at Villa Palladio Jaipur.
Where to shop
I have always been a need-based shopper. Buying only what I need. But shopping in Jaipur is different. It’s like taking a piece of art and culture with you, reminding you of your fabulous time in this joyful city. There’s a wide selection that encompasses the past and maybe a bit of future. From traditional craftsmanship to edgy designs, there’s something for everyone.
If you want to buy Jaipur’s famous block prints and cotton, head to Ridhi Sidhi Textiles, which sells everything from kurtas to cushion covers at affordable prices. Soma, Ratan Jaipur and Anokhi have made a mark with their versatile designs and patterns—make sure you visit the flagship stores when in Jaipur. A trip to the hidden gem Akee International is a must for fans of pashminas and block-printed stoles.
Jaipur has seen a wave of designers and fashion entrepreneurs in the last few years. Step into one of Jaipur’s stylish multi-brand collectives to pick the perfect presents for your friends. At Jaipur Modern in C-Scheme, you will find an eclectic mix of names like Boond, Art-chives India, Saldon, and more. Nila House, a short walk away, sells clothing, home decor and kids’ stuff and conducts workshops to educate people in traditional arts. There’s also Teatro Dhora, IDLI, Hot Pink and Tokree if you want something fun and funky. The newly opened PDFK Store by Princess Gauravi Kumari and French designer Claire Deroo reimagines traditional techniques to create modern silhouettes and accessories. Also newly opened by Princess Gauravi Kumari is The Palace Atelier, a museum-cum-concept store that combines Jaipur’s traditional crafts with India’s forward-looking spirit in a gorgeous space.
For jewellery lovers, there’s Amrapali on MI Road, famous for its classic and contemporary collection. However, if you want to explore the local scene, head to Silvermine in the famous Chameliwala Bazaar in the older part of the city.
There’s never enough time or space in your bag to shop when you’re in Jaipur. But make the most of it while you’re there.
Where to eat
Eating in Jaipur is more than an act of sustenance, it’s a ritual. When travelling in the city, you’ll come across local legends that have been around for decades as well as elevated dining spaces, creating an experience fit for the world traveller.
If old-school sizzlers served by servers in suits are your vibe, Niros should be at the top of your list. Launched in 1949, this restaurant is popular with tourists and locals for its take on laal maas and gatte ki sabzi. With its garden seating, Shikar Bagh at Narain Niwas is a great option for a long and lazy meal with your friends. Jaipur has a selection of cafes to choose from for a bite between your excursions and shopping trips. A number of them serve vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes. Jaipur Modern Kitchen, Café Kothi and Anokhi Café are well-known for dishes made using locally sourced produce.
Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar in Johari Bazaar and Rawat Mishthan Bhandar in Sindhi Camp are where you go for chaats and sweets. While the display is super-tempting and might result in eating above permissible limits, remember to order a box of gewar to take back with you.
In addition to the cafes, sweet shops and nostalgia spots, there’s a new wave of fine dining restaurants in Jaipur. Have at least one meal at The Johri Restaurant & Bar, the cosy all-vegetarian restaurant that serves the best nihari you will ever taste. Made with jackfruit, it might make you forget the real thing. There’s also the newly-opened The Swinton House with its local take on European dishes. Come for the vibe and stay for their Disco Gulabjamun.
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