Jaipur two-day Itinerary: How to Spend 2 days in the Pink City?

A Jaipur two day itinerary will be useful for travellers visiting the pink city for the first time. It will help them explore more places in a limited time. Jaipur has been named after its founder Maharaja Jai Singh II. He was a great warrior and astronomer. The city exemplifies his genius.

On a two-day trip to Jaipur, you must explore the city’s cultural and architectural splendours. Although you can’t see it all, an ideal Jaipur two day Itinerary must include a visit to some of the pink city’s most astonishingly well-crafted palaces, magnificent forts and temples.

Although Jaipur city has a traditional layout, it is quite modern. It has an identity of its own, which has been built by the merger of knowledge, science and art. In my current travel blog, I will share with you my Jaipur two-day itinerary. This will act as a Jaipur travel guide and help you utilise your two days in the city in an optimal way.

आप यह ब्लॉग यहाँ हिंदी में भी पढ़ सकते हैंI

This wonderful amalgamation of various aesthetic values is the reason why Jaipur has been unanimously chosen as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The royal city is not only extraordinarily beautiful but also a symbol of the vibrant Indian culture. The most striking feature of the city is the pink wash applied to a majority of the buildings, giving it the title “Pink City”.

Jaipur two Day Itinerary: An Overview

Planning a short trip will be easy with a Jaipur two day Itinerary. The itinerary will ensure that you don’t waste any time deciding where to head next.

This itinerary is based on my experience of visiting Jaipur. I have visited Jaipur on multiple occasions ranging from a few hours to a few days.

Here is the Jaipur two day itinerary that I would recommend for first-time visitors:

Top Places to visit in Jaipur in 2 days

If you are planning a trip to the pink city for the first time, this Jaipur two-day itinerary will help you cover most of the attractions in the city more efficiently.

Jaipur two day Itinerary – Day 1

On Day 1 of your Jaipur two-day trip, you can visit the old city. Most attractions here are located within walking distance of each other. Therefore, you won’t have to travel much.

You can cover the places I have mentioned below and in this very order. This is the most efficient way of travelling in the city.

It will help minimize the time spent travelling and will give you more time at each attraction.

These might look like too many places, but trust me, you can cover these in a day. This Jaipur two day itinerary is based on my personal experience. You can skip a few locations based on your taste and comfort level.

City Palace

Start your Jaipur visit with the magnificent City Palace. Have an early breakfast and reach the Palace by 9.30 am.

City Palace is located in the centre of the pink city and is as old as the city itself. A splendid architectural blend of Rajasthani and Mughal styles, this is the first place you should include in your Jaipur two day itinerary.

The palace was originally built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh between 1729 and 1732, but many features were added to the monument by subsequent kings.

The City Palace Complex is huge, and you require different tickets to see different parts. With the basic ticket, you can only see a few galleries and the palace from the outside.

The palace has a museum open to visitors. During summer vacations, students and the general public can enrol themselves in various courses such as music, dance, and art offered by volunteers.

There is a market within the palace, where one can find the most beautiful bed sheets, quilts, kurtis and souvenirs. You can check them out if you like. However, I found it to be a little expensive.

Chandra Mahal lies in the City Palace complex. It has seven floors, of which the first two floors comprise the Sukh Niwas. The blue and white decorations here are stunning. They really stand out and make for great backgrounds for photographs.

Jantar Mantar

Located just next to the City Palace, is Jantar Mantar Observatory. Jantar Mantar is a must visit if you are interested in astronomy and science.

Built by Sawai Jai Singh II, the observatory has a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments.

This is one place where I would insist you hire a guide.

It was astonishing to see the huge instruments worked perfectly even today.

Top Tip: Since the observatory is an open space, make sure you carry hats or scarves to protect yourself from the sun.

Jantar Mantar literally translates to ‘calculating instrument’. Of the 5 Jantar Mantars in India, the one in Jaipur features the world’s largest stone sundial. I would strongly recommend hiring a guide here. They’ll explain to you how these structures work.

Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal or the palace of winds was constructed in 1799, under the leadership of Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. It is one of the most prominent landmarks of the Rajput dynasty in Pink city.

The five-storied palace is shaped like a pyramid with arched roofs and a number of small windows and screens.

Intricate carving and detailing are visible in the front portion of the palace, and much attention has been paid to the minutest facts.

The prime intention of building this magnificent palace in the pink city, was to allow women of the royal household a view of the ceremonial processions going on around the city while they sat behind the small windows.

Tip: The Hawa Mahal looks and clicks the best from the road. So, if you are only interested in the pictures, skip buying the ticket.

After having covered these three important moments, you can proceed for lunch. There are a number of restaurants and eateries near the Hawa Mahal area.

Built in red and pink sandstone, Hawa Mahal has a unique architecture. The exterior is similar to the honeycomb of a beehive. It has 953 small windows called jharokhas decorated with intricate latticework. It’s truly a sight to gape at after sundown.

Albert Hall Museum

Post lunch, head to the Albert Hall Museum. Built in Indo-Saracenic architecture, this museum is the oldest in the state of Rajasthan. It also happens to be the State Museum of Rajasthan.

You can click pictures with your phone, but can’t use your camera.

As soon as you see the museum, the royal architecture strikes you. The museum houses some very beautiful pottery, textiles, paintings and artefacts.

Take an audio tour to help understand the collection better. The museum looks amazing at night when it is all lit up. You can see it while crossing the area at night.

At a walkable distance from the museum, is a beautiful garden Ramniwas Bagh. You can take a stroll here if you like.

If you already feel tired, you can skip the next destination and head straight for some shopping.

Initially designed to be a town hall, it was Madho Singh II who decided that Albert Hall should be a museum. The museum has a rich collection of artefacts including paintings, jewellery, carpets, ivory, stone, crystal work, etc.

Birla Mandir

The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god and goddess of wealth Laxmi Narayan. It is built in white marble.

The inner and outer walls are adorned with carvings and teachings from Hinduism, religious thinkers and philosophers.

It looks absolutely stunning at sunset.

If you still have some time and strength left in you, you can explore some local markets. If not, head back to your hotel.

Bapu Bazar

A haven for shoppers, Bapu Bazar is located nearby the Johari or Johri Bazar. This market is a one-stop destination for all your needs. You can buy authentic Jaipuri items at a reasonable price in this market.

If you have to buy souvenirs, this is the place.

The street food here is amazing. Try the Kulfi Falooda here, you will love it.

Bapu Bazar is one of the best places in Jaipur where you can indulge in some pocket-friendly shopping. Whenever I make my way there, I find myself spoilt for choice. There are vendors selling all sorts of goodies, in a variety of colours, sizes, and prices.

Johri Bazar

Johri or Johari Bazar is one of the best places to shop in Jaipur. Although most famous for jewellery, you can find a number of other things here. These include leather goods, bedsheets, clothes, etc.

Make sure you compare the prices and check the quality before buying.

Don’t be shy about haggling. It’s a skill best used in places like these.

If the shopping gets exhausting, there are many eateries around the place. You can grab a quick snack if you like.

Places to Visit on Day 2 of Jaipur 2 day Itinerary 

On day 2 of your two day trip to Jaipur, you should be visiting the slightly far off places.

Here are the places I would recommend you to include on the second day of your Jaipur two day itinerary.

Amer Fort

Start your second day with a trip to one of the most important palaces in Jaipur. Built-in red stone and white stone and located on a naturally formed ridge (Cheel ka Teela), the Amer Fort stands tall in Pink City Jaipur.

Amer or Amber Fort is an architectural marvel and is a blend of both Rajput and Mughal styles of ornamentation.

The fort was built by Raja Man Singh I, who happened to be one of the Navratnas of Emperor Akbar. There is a small lake (Maota lake) on the front side of Amer Fort that adds to its beauty. It also soothes the eye amidst the dry weather of Pink City.

Sheesh Mahal is the most beautiful aspect of the Fort. The mirror work will leave you awestruck.

The fort can be explored fully and one can even hire a guide to unravel the place well. Audio guides are also available, although they are not very good.

Responsible Travel: I request you to refrain from taking an elephant ride up to the fort. There have been serious concerns over the treatment of these animals.

You can either walk up (about 15 mins) to the fort or get into one of the jeeps or cars that are easily available near the base of the fort.

Amer palace, along with Jaigarh Fort, is located above the Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles) of the Aravalli Hills. The Palace is located at a distance of about 10 kilometres from Jaipur city. It attracts tourists in large numbers, and that’s for a reason!

Jaigarh Fort

Amer and Jaigarh Fort are located nearby and are considered one unified structure. Both these palaces are connected through a tunnel. You can easily walk up to the Jaigarh fort from Amer Fort.

It took us about half an hour to reach Jaigarh Fort from Amer Fort.

Jaigarh fort will particularly appeal to you if you are interested in defence and architecture. The fort has a museum, and armoury, and also has the world’s biggest canon Jaivana. (it had a range of about 5km!)

Jaigarh Fort was used as an important military establishment and was built to protect Amer Fort. It acted as a cannon foundry during the time of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.

Another interesting feature our guide told us was about the water harvesting system. The palace has an elaborate system for monsoon water collection, filtration and utilization.

The fort provides a splendid view of the entire Jaipur City along with Amer Fort.

Not many people visit this place, therefore, you have ample space and time to click some pictures.

Jaigarh Fort was built mainly for the protection of Amer Fort. The two are connected by a tunnel, and you can easily walk here from Amer. The armoury chamber in Jaigarh Fort has a wide display of swords, shields, guns, muskets and cannonballs.

Panna Meena ka Kund

This is a beautiful historic stepwell & rainwater catchment near the Amber Fort. The stairways are beautiful and are a perfect spot for some amazing pictures. You can spend up to half an hour here.

For a change, there is no entry fee here!

The place needs to be maintained properly. I guess that is the downside of free entry.

Jal Mahal

On the way back from Amer Fort, stop at Jal Mahal. Although this place is best visited in the evenings, afternoons are not bad either.

Jal Mahal, the water palace, was also constructed by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. It is situated in the heart of Man Sagar Lake in Pink City.

The purpose of building this beautiful palace was solely recreational. Later on, during the 18^th century, Maharaja Jai Singh II got the palace and the lake refurbished.

Although the palace is now deserted, it is practically well preserved. The first four floors of the monument are underwater. Visitors can see only the top floor that remains outside.

The palace looks particularly mesmerizing during the monsoons when the red sandstone work appears clean and sparkling new.

Visitors are not allowed to enter the Palace and you have to enjoy the view from the promenade.

You can enjoy the cool breeze and click pictures in front of the palace. Professional photographers are also available nearby who will click your pictures, and provide you with hard copies before you leave the place.

After spending some time near the lake, go for lunch.

Unfortunately, visitors are not allowed to enter the Jal Mahal. However, the lakeside promenade near the Jal Mahal is an interesting place to hang out. Spend some time photographing the wonder, indulge in some street shopping, or just be.

Galtaji Temple

The next stop is the Galtaji Temple or the Monkey Temple. This is an ancient temple complex consisting of a series of temples.

The main feature of the temple is its natural springs. The spring water flows into the temple from the hilltop. There are 7 different kunds (water tanks) where the pilgrims take a bath.

You will find people around the temple selling nuts and bananas for the monkeys. I suggest that you refrain from this if you are scared of monkeys.

I was happy I was not carrying any food because I saw them charge the visitors for food.

You can reach the temple in two ways:

Although there is no entry fee for the temple, you may be asked to pay a donation of 50 INR for the temple. Also, if you are carrying a camera, you are expected to pay 100 INR.

The Galtaji temple is known for its natural springs. The spring water is collected in seven tanks. Galta Kund is considered to be the holiest and it never goes dry. If you visit the Galtaji temple, however, beware of monkeys. They’re found in abundance here.

Choki Dhani

The last stop on your Jaipur two day itinerary should be Chokhi Dhani. Chokhi Dhani is a Rajasthani themed luxury heritage resort. It is located on the outskirts of Jaipur and is a perfect place to spend a few hours.

If you find yourself in Jaipur for a few hours in the evening, this is the best place to visit. It covers entertainment, food and shopping, all in one place.

While you are here, enjoy the folk dances, singing, camel rides, puppet shows, fortune-tellers, etc.

There are shopping arcades, huts and shacks and small exhibitions all over the place. It will take you some time to see them all.

You also get to see a glimpse of different state cultures like Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Jammu & Kashmir, etc.

To be honest, we had more fun than we had expected.

Although we thought that it was overpriced when we entered, the experience, food and hospitality was totally worth the price. This is us enjoying the Rajasthani Thali and hospitality at Choki Dhani. It is the best place to spend a good 2-3 hours.

How to Reach Jaipur?

Jaipur is a very travel-friendly destination. It is easily accessible from different parts of the country through flights, railways and roads.

Here  are the options that you have to reach Jaipur:

No matter what option you choose, you will not have any problem finding a suitable conveyance.

Jaipur is rich in history, culture, and folklore. You’ll find local musicians playing melodious music using traditional instruments in various parts of the city. How cool is it to see authenticity and traditionality realming in today’s urbanised times.

Where to stay in Jaipur?

The first thing that comes to mind when choosing accommodation while travelling is – where should I stay and what kind of accommodation should I look for. Below are my suggestions regarding these concerns.

Which is the best area to stay in Jaipur?

Jaipur is a big city and it can get confusing to choose an area to stay in for first-time travellers. I always put a lot of thought into when choosing an area to stay in a new city.

 I consider three things – location, access and safety.

Based on my travel experience, I would suggest these areas to book a stay in Jaipur:

If you don’t find a place in these areas, you can also look into Hathroi Fort Area, Jal Mahal road and C Scheme. If you wish to be close to the airport, the Tonk road area is a good option.

What are the budget stay options in Jaipur?

There are many hostels, guesthouses and budget hotels in Jaipur. I would suggest you book early, especially during peak tourist season.

Always read the user reviews on the website and on google before booking.

Here are some good budget stay options I would recommend:

Some of the hotels don’t welcome unmarried couples. Therefore, make sure you check that once.

How to travel within Jaipur?

When you are on a budget, you need to take special care of the transportation costs. Below are my suggestions for travelling on a budget inside Jaipur.

Suggested transportation for Day 1 of Jaipur 2 day Trip

On your first day in Jaipur, you don’t have to travel too much, and you can rely on the local auto-rickshaws for dropping you from one place to another.

For this, the best option is to use app-based taxi services such as Ola or Uber. They are cheaper than the other options.

Suggested transportation for Day 2 of Jaipur 2 day Trip

For the second day, you will have to travel a lot of distance. If you are travelling in a group, you can book a taxi or auto-rickshaw for the entire day

We booked an Ola Cab (an app-based taxi service) in the morning and asked the driver to stay with us for the entire day.

If you are a solo traveller and also love to ride, you can hire a motorcycle for your day 2 in Jaipur. There are various online bike rentals services.

5 Not-to-miss dishes in Jaipur- What & Where to eat?

Any trip to Jaipur is incomplete without trying some authentic Rajasthani Food. As a traveller, here are a few things to keep in mind.

I would suggest you try these dishes in Jaipur:

5 Best & Cheap Markets to shop in Jaipur 

Jaipur is heaven for shopaholics. Jaipur is famous for gemstones, lac products (bangles, decorative pieces, etc), embroidered fabrics and leather goods.

Take back some of the most wonderful souvenirs from these markets at rock bottom prices. Remember that you really have to use your bargaining skills here.

The bazaars of Jaipur are not just home to world-class shops and stalls, but also to interesting sights like these. This man, often seen around Hawa Mahal, has been leaving tourists awestruck with his ancient camera that still works since years now.

6 Awesome Tips to help save money on your Jaipur Visit

If you plan properly and follow a set itinerary in Jaipur, you can automatically cut down on costs.

These are some of my best tips for keeping your Jaipur budget to a low:

Whatever I say about Jaipur is not going to do justice to how beautiful, colourful, and enchanting the city is. There was no point during my trip that I was not left awestruck. I mean, just look at how wonderful this looks! I could spend hours here.

6 Travel Tips you must know when visiting Jaipur 

While visiting Jaipur, here are a few tips that you will find useful:

As long as you take care of these things, your Jaipur visit will be delightful and hassle-free.

5 Places to visit near Jaipur

If you are looking for places to visit near Jaipur for a one day trip, here are some of my recommendations:

You can spend a few hours at these locations and head back to Jaipur in the evening.

Chand Baori is one of the consists of the largest and deepest stepwells in India. extending to over 30 m, the stepwell has 500 narrow steps over 13 stories. When here, also, pay a visit to the ancient temple of Harshad Mata. It’s worth it.

FAQs on Jaipur Two Day Itinerary

Travellers visiting Jaipur have some common questions. Here, I have tried to answer a few of those.

Despite having written such an elaborate blog on Jaipur, I’m sure I’m missing out on a number of unexplored gems in the city. Jaipur literally never fails to surprise. To be honest, two days in Jaipur are certainly insufficient. I’m going to be back soon!

Although I have tried to cover some most asked questions, in case you have more, drop them in the comment section. I will try to answer them as soon as possible and to the best of my knowledge.

If you wish to add something more to it, let me know that as well.

Jaipur is one of the most beautiful destinations in India and you must visit it at least once in your lifetime. A trip to Jaipur will surely be something you can cherish for a long time.

Happy Wayfaring