Jaipur Tour Packages

1. About Jaipur
2. Tidbits
3. Essential Tips To Know Before Travelling To Jaipur
4. Jaipur At A Glance
5. Top Reasons To Visit Jaipur
6. Best Time To Visit Jaipur
7. Top Things To Do In Jaipur
8. Shopping In Jaipur
9. Dos and Don’ts For Indian Travellers
10. Foods To Try Out In Jaipur
11. Best Quick Getaways From Jaipur
12. Art And Culture In Jaipur

Jaipur was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727, after whom the city is named. Vidyadhar Bhattacharya was the chief architect of Jaipur. The reign of Maharaja Jai Singh II lasted from 1699 to 1744. Various Rajput kings ruled Jaipur after Sawai Jai Singh II, such as Sawai Pratap Singh, Sawai Ram Singh II, Madho Singh II, and Sawai Man Singh II. The city faced several attacks from the Marathas and remained under Rajput rule for most of its history. It was among the few regions in India that never came under the British rule. The capital of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II was Amber, which is situated approximately 11 km from Jaipur. He later shifted the capital to Jaipur due to the water scarcity in Amber and population growth. Jaipur got the title of ‘The Pink City’ in 1853 when Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh issued an order to paint all the imperial and official buildings a pink sandstone colour to welcome the Prince of Wales to the city.

The workforce of Jaipur is mainly employed in the sectors of services and manufacturing, with an eclectic range of industries boosting the city’s economy. This includes tourism, readymade garments, jewellery and gemstones, textiles, rugs, food and beverages, mining and minerals production, automobile and bicycle manufacturing, and tobacco. The economy of Jaipur is also tied to its arts and crafts, giving rise to the production of blue pottery, bangles, handicrafts, jewellery, textiles, carpets, sculptures, and leather products. This creates employment opportunities for skilled artisans in the form of the beloved souvenirs that tourists love to buy.

• Jaipur is considered to be the first planned city in India.
• Jaipur is called ‘The Pink City’. It’s because, in 1876, Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II decided to paint the city pink to welcome Edward, the Prince of Wales.
• Sawai Padmanabh Singh, the current Maharaja of Jaipur, is also a professional polo player.
• Jaipur was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727.
• Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and its largest city.
• Jaipur is a part of India’s Golden Triangle, a tourist circuit which also consists of Delhi and Agra.
• Jaipur has a popular temple complex called Galtaji which is also known as the ‘Monkey Temple’ as it is home to a large population of monkeys.
• The Jawahar Circle in Jaipur is known to be the largest circular park in Asia.
• The Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) is considered to be the world’s largest free literary festival.
• Several Bollywood movies have been shot in Jaipur, such as Jodhaa Akbar, Bol Bachchan, Shuddh Desi Romance, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, and Zubeidaa.
• Jaipur is often referred to as ‘the gemstone capital of the world’.

• Don’t wear expensive jewellery when you’re out in public, and avoid carrying large sums of cash. It’s best to keep the cash in the safe of your hotel room.
• Don’t drink tap water. Instead, always carry bottled water and only drink the water from known brands.
• Don’t offer anything to beggars and encourage them in the process.
• If someone who claims to be a spiritual saint offers you a remedy, don’t believe them.
• Souvenirs from street vendors could include counterfeit items. If you want to buy authentic and handmade souvenirs, always buy them from government emporiums.
• If you buy gemstones from Jaipur, make sure to ask for the bill and an authentication certificate so that you don’t fall prey to scams orchestrated by fraudsters selling fake stones.
• Beware of pickpocketing in markets and crowded tourist sites.
• If you’re a solo female traveller, don’t travel anywhere after dark.
• If you’re planning to hail a cab or taxi, either go for registered taxi cabs or ride-hailing apps such as Ola and Uber.
• Auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are convenient options if you’re travelling for short distances.

Jaipur gives travellers numerous excuses for continuing to come back. Here are some of the reasons why booking our Jaipur tour packages is a brilliant idea:

Almost everywhere you look in Jaipur, there’s a historical monument waiting to welcome tourists. Filled with forts, palaces, and pink buildings, these monuments are a testament to the various rulers and dynasties that once reigned over Jaipur. Lovers of history and architecture will have a grand time admiring these structures with our Jaipur tour packages.

There is the Amer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which combines Mughal and Hindu styles of architecture. There is the renowned Hawa Mahal, which was built in the shape of a crown and is said to resemble the crown of Lord Krishna. Make sure to visit the Jal Mahal, which is made of red sandstone and almost looks like it floats on water.

How can a trip ever be complete without indulging in the cuisine of the destination, right? Fortunately, Jaipur offers plenty for travellers to satisfy their taste buds, be it traditional Rajasthani cuisine or mouthwatering street food. If you’re fond of meat, don’t forget to try the laal maas that Rajasthan is known for worldwide. Many of the Rajasthani dishes are vegetarian and are cooked using butter and ghee, thereby making them pretty nutritious.

A trip to Jaipur is heavenly for all the shopaholics out there. The markets of Jaipur truly reflect the city’s past and rich culture. Popular bazaars such as Johari Bazaar, Kishanpole Bazaar, Chandpole Bazaar, and Nehru Bazaar sell everything from jewellery and footwear to textiles and sculptures. Believe us when we say that you will need a day or two just to get your shopping done in Jaipur.

The colourful appearance of Jaipur echoes in its festivals as well. There is the Elephant Festival, which is held during Holi, where beautifully adorned elephants can be seen participating in competitions, parades, and dances. The festival of Teej is celebrated during the monsoon season, held in honour of Goddess Parvati and her sacred union with Lord Shiva. Literature fanatics must attend the Jaipur Literature Festival, an annual literary and cultural festival known as ‘the greatest literary show on Earth’.

Jaipur is located on the eastern edge of the Thar Desert in a semi-arid region. It has a subtropical climate, characterised by hot summers with high temperatures, moderate rainfall, and mild winters. Most of the precipitation in Jaipur occurs during the rainy season. Since the climate in the city is mostly arid and semi-arid and the terrain is predominantly barren, the environment is harsh; thereby, extensive vegetation is not visible. March is considered to be the shoulder season, and the off-season is usually between April to October. Let’s take a look at what season in Jaipur brings about so you can decide when to book our Jaipur tour packages:

During the summer season, the temperature in Jaipur remains between 24 degrees Celsius and 39 degrees Celsius. The days are usually characterised by humidity and hot winds, thereby making it difficult to go sightseeing. The evenings are slightly cooler and more comfortable. If you want to get discounts on hotels and flights, then this is the right season to avail our Jaipur tour packages. The crowds are much more manageable, and traffic is less frequent at this time. However, make sure to stay hydrated, as heat strokes and heat exhaustion are common during Jaipur’s summers. Remember to carry sunglasses, sunscreen, hats, light clothes, and water bottles in your luggage. You can attend the Elephant Festival in Jaipur during this season.

The temperature during the monsoon season in Jaipur fluctuates between 23 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius. The heat is much more manageable, and the winds are cooler too. August is usually the rainiest month during Jaipur’s monsoon season. Therefore, plan your trip accordingly. Tourists should also be careful of the dust storms that could occur at this time. Hotels and flights are usually available at more affordable rates during the monsoon season in Jaipur. Make sure to pack your windcheaters, umbrellas, and gumboots. You could experience the festival of Teej at this time with GT Holidays’ Jaipur tour packages.

November to February, which are the winter months in Jaipur, is the peak tourist season in the city. During the winter season, the temperature in Jaipur stays between 8 degrees Celsius and 26 degrees Celsius. The early mornings and evenings are usually foggy and misty, but there is pleasant sunshine during the daytime. This is the ideal time to go sightseeing and admire the architecture of Jaipur. Since this is when most tourists visit the city, you might want to book our Jaipur tour packages in advance. Remember to carry warm clothes and dress in layers when you head out. You could catch the Makar Sankranti Kite Festival at this time.

Tourists will never run out of things to explore with our Jaipur tour packages. Keep reading to find out about the places to visit in Jaipur and the activities to participate in:

Hawa Mahal, which is also known as ‘palace of winds’, was designed by Lal Chand Ustad. It was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799. The palace features 953 windows known as jharokhas, characterised by intricate latticework. These create a natural ventilation system that bring about a cooling effect so that air can circulate freely even during the hot summers. Containing a mixture of Rajput and Islamic architectural styles, it is visited by almost a million tourists every year.

Amer Fort, or Amber Fort, is situated in the Aravalli range of hills right below Jaigarh Fort. It was built in 1592 by Raja Man Singh I, who was the Rajput commander of the army of Emperor Akbar. The fort was initially built to serve as the primary residence for the Rajput emperors and their families. Later on, it was expanded by the future rulers, including Jai Singh I. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013.

The City Palace, located in the heart of Jaipur, was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727. Constructed using a mixture of Mughal and Rajasthani architectural styles, it’s the residence of Jaipur’s royal family. It also served as the former administrative headquarters of the rulers of the Jaipur State (which was once known as the Kingdom of Amber).

Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in the early 18th century, Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. The observatory is home to 19 astronomical instruments, including the Samrat Yantra, which is renowned to the largest stone sundial in the world.

The Nahargarh Fort was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1734. The fort was initially called Sudarshangarh and was later renamed Nahargarh. The name of the fort means ‘the abode of tigers’. Legend says that it was so named because of the population of tigers that was once present in the region. Others believe that the name was derived from that of a Rathore prince, Nahar Singh Bhomia, who haunted the construction site and whose spirit was appeased when a temple was built within the fort.

Jal Mahal, the name of which translates to ‘the water palace’, is situated in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake. Built from red sandstone, it’s a five-storey building with four of the floors submerged underwater, thereby giving the illusion of a palace emerging from the lake. The foundation of the palace was laid in 1699, after which renovations were made by Maharaja Jai Singh II in the 18th century.

The Birla Mandir in Jaipur, also known as the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi. Built entirely of white marble, it was constructed by the B.M. Birla Foundation in 1988. The walls of the temple feature intricate carvings of Hindu deities along with quotes from texts such as the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads.

The Sheesh Mahal, also known as the ‘Palace of Mirrors’, is located within the Amer Fort on the Delhi-Jaipur Highway. Constructed using white marble and red sandstone, it was commissioned by Maharaja Man Singh in the late 16th century and was completed under the reign of Maharaja Jai Singh I in 1727. The ceilings and walls of the palace feature thousands of tiny, handcrafted mirrors that reflect light and bring about a dazzling effect, especially when touched by sunlight.

• Go karting at The Pink Falcon
• Hot air balloon rides with SkyWaltz Balloon Safari
• ATV rides (various locations)
• Jungle safari at the Jhalana Leopard Safari Park
• Elephant rides at Amer Fort

Jaipur is a paradise for shoppers, with the markets reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the city. Listed below are the best souvenirs to buy from Jaipur and the places to shop from during your trip with our Jaipur tour packages:

Jaipur is known for its exquisite jewellery. Right from traditional silver jewellery and pieces with enamel work to meenakari and Kundan jewellery, you will find a variety of jewellery in the Pink City. Johari Bazaar, in particular, is the place to visit if you want to buy gems, precious stones, and semi-precious stones.

Blue pottery is a traditional craft in Jaipur. The name of the art form comes from the unique cobalt blue dye that is used to colour these pieces. Inspired by Persian ceramic styles, Rajasthan has developed its own motifs and designs, having patters of flowers, birds, and animals. There are numerous kinds of blue pottery items you will find in Jaipur, such as jars, vessels, and pots.

Looking for unique footwear? Well, you can’t miss out on the traditional Rajasthani footwear known as mojris. Available in a wide variety of colours and designs, these are comfortable and have an almost royal appearance.

Bandhani, which is also known as Bandhej, is an Indian tie-dye textile art form that originated centuries ago, and is particularly popular in Rajasthan and Gujarat. This art form is used to make dupattas and sarees, among other things. You can visit Jaipur’s Bapu Bazaar and Johari Bazaar to buy bandhani dupattas.

The miniature paintings of Rajasthan originated in western India and flourished between the 16th to 19th centuries. The primary colours used in these paintings are red, blue, and yellow, and others colours such as white, brown, and green feature in them as well. The themes depicted in Rajasthan’s miniature paintings include the love scenes of Radha and Krishna, hunting expeditions, and Ragamala music.

Lac bangles are a part of Jaipur’s traditional style of bangle making. Made using natural lac resin, these are designed with intricate Kundan work. Available in various colours and sizes, these lac bangles are available in both traditional and contemporary styles.

Leheriya is a traditional style of textile tie and dye which originated in Rajasthan. It’s inspired by the natural patterns formed by the winds that blow across the deserts of the state. The word ‘leheriya’ comes from the word ‘leher’ which means ‘waves’. These sarees usually consist of two colours, where one is the base colour and the other is the colour making the lines look like waves. You can find these sarees in an eclectic range of colour combinations.

• Johari Bazaar: For jewellery, gems, precious stones, clothes.
• Kishanpole Bazaar: For textiles, sculptures, wooden furniture.
• Chandpole Bazaar: For fabrics, handlooms, jewellery, footwear, sculptures.
• Nehru Bazaar: For footwear, bags, handicrafts, blue pottery items.
• Sireh Deori Bazaar: For footwear, textiles, quilts, handicrafts.

• Bargaining is common in the markets of Jaipur. Start by quoting a low price and then work your way up. Be polite and respectful to the vendors while you bargain.
• The markets are usually busy early in the evening and late in the morning. Therefore, plan your shopping trips accordingly.
• Jaipur’s markets are usually pretty crowded, so keep your belongings safe as you visit them.
• Since some of the stalls may not accept debit or credit cards, it’s better to carry cash for a hassle-free shopping experience.

• Since photography is restricted at numerous temples and historical monuments, make sure to not take photos in restricted areas.
• Dress modestly while visiting the spiritual locations.
• When visiting a religious or spiritual monument, always remove your shoes outside the location. If it’s a dargah or gurudwara you’re visiting, it’s customary to cover your head with a piece of cloth like a handkerchief or scarf.
• If you’re walking around a religious site (a practice known as ‘parikrama’), always do it in a clockwise direction.
• PDA or public displays of affection is quite frowned upon, thereby refrain from it.
• Don’t photograph the locals, especially women, without their permission.

The cuisine of Jaipur is just as unique as its architecture. Tasting Rajasthan’s traditional food is one of the best things about booking our Jaipur tour packages. From zesty starters and sour-flavoured drinks to crispy flatbreads and delectable vegetable curries, Jaipur’s food has so much to offer. There is also a wide array of accompaniments to try out with the city’s main cuisine, such as chutneys, papads, achaars, and chaach. The arid climate and rich cultural heritage of Jaipur have a major influence on the city’s cuisine. The limited availability of fresh produce gives way to distinctive dishes. The food of Jaipur includes plenty of millets, bajra, corn, lentils, gram flour, and dairy products. Here are some of the dishes you absolutely must try during your trip to Jaipur:

Dal bati churma is known to be the signature dish of Jaipur. It features bati, which is a round and flaky bread that is either steamed or baked over a conventional tandoor and is prepared using wheat flour dough. The dal refers to a luscious lentil curry made using a blend of five spices. The churma part of the concoction is a sweet dish made using wheat, ghee, and sugar. The bati is usually served after being dipped in a generous amount of ghee.

The name of the dish ‘laal maas’ translates to ‘red meat’. This mutton curry is a staple Rajasthani dish that’s perfect for those who love spicy, non-vegetarian food. The rich and intensely flavoured curry is made using yoghurt, coconut, spices, and nuts. The mutton becomes tender and succulent by the time the dish is cooked, and the meat is dipped in a gravy filled with aromatic spices, tomatoes, hot red chillies, and ghee.

When you’re in the mood for something sweet during your trip to Jaipur, ghevar is one of the best sweet dishes to consume. Such is the popularity of this dish, that it’s considered a work of art which only few skilled individuals can perfect. It consists of ingredients like milk, flour, sugar, and ghee. This dessert is especially served during festivals like Teej and Raksha Bandhan.

Gatte ki sabzi is an authentic Rajasthani dish, where gatte refers to dumplings made using gram flour or besan. You will come across gatte in numerous dishes in Rajasthan, such as shahi gatte and masala gatte. These dumplings can be found inside a tangy and rich curry prepared using buttermilk, spices, and crushed nuts.

Pyaaz kachori is a popular streetside snack in Jaipur. It’s essentially a deep-fried pastry that’s stuffed with spiced onions. The snack has a soft interior and a crispy exterior. These kachoris are usually served with mint and tamarind chutneys.

Mirchi badas are snacks that are eaten both during breakfast and as an evening snack. If you’re a lover of spicy food, then this snack is a must-try in Jaipur. Hot green chillies are stuffed with potatoes and other fillings, after which they are coated in a batter of besan and deep-fried. These are usually served alongside different chutneys, such as mint and tamarind.

Must-see attractions: Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Ana Sagar Lake, Akbari Fort and Museum, Adhai Din Ka Jhopra, Nasiyan Jain Temple

Must-see attractions: Pushkar Lake, Savitri Mata Mandir, Apteshwar Temple, Rangji Temple, Brahma Temple

Must-see attractions: Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jaswant Thada, Ghanta Ghar, Mandore Gardens

Must-see attractions: India Gate, Red Fort, Lotus Temple, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar

Must-see attractions: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar’s Tomb, Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb

Must-see attractions: Ranthambore National Park, Ranthambore Fort, Jogi Mahal

Rajput and Mughal emperors would often invite skilled craftsmen and artists from India as well as abroad to showcase their artistry for the people of Jaipur. Many of them settled in the city, which led to the nurturing of Jaipur’s art and craft, giving birth to various types of art that are now unique to the Pink City. This includes Kundan jewellery, meenakari jewellery, blue pottery, leatherware, sculptures, bandhani work, and so on.

Circus performances are common in the performing arts department of Jaipur. For this purpose, tourists can explore venues like Asiad Circus, Gemini Circus, and Birla Auditorium. You can catch a Ghoom performance, which is a traditional folk dance of Rajasthan that’s performed by women in flowing ghagras, featuring circular movements and graceful twirls. Back during Jaipur’s royal era, a community of musicians known as Bhopas would sing songs devoted to deities and emperors.

Depending on when you book our Jaipur tour packages, you can witness one of the many colourful festivals that is hosted in Jaipur. The Teej festival is considered to be the most important celebration of the year. Held during the monsoon season in the Hindu month of Shravan, it celebrates the holy union of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. Women dress up in traditional attire and seek blessings for a healthy and happy married life. The Jaipur Kite Festival, also known as the International Kite Festival, is held in January as a part of the Makar Sankranti celebration. This three-day celebration features cultural performances, and everyone gathers to fly kites.