17 Things To Know Before Travelling to Jaipur, Rajasthan, 302021
1. Destination Overview of Jaipur:
Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan, located in northern India. It is known as the “Pink City” due to its colorfully painted buildings. It is a major tourist destination, with many historical monuments, forts, palaces and museums. It is also renowned for its vibrant culture, colorful festivals and delicious cuisine.
2. Top Activities to do in Jaipur:
• Visit the City Palace, a sprawling palace complex with intricate carvings, gardens, courtyards and a museum.
• Explore the Amber Fort and Palace, a majestic fort and palace complex set on the hills overlooking the city.
• Take a visit to the Hawa Mahal, an iconic structure with intricately carved windows and balconies.
• Visit the Jantar Mantar, an observatory built by the Maharaja of Jaipur in the 18th century.
• Have a look at the Jal Mahal, a royal palace located in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake.
• Take a trip to the Nahargarh Fort, a 19th-century hilltop fort offering panoramic views of the city.
• Shop for traditional Rajasthani handicrafts at the bustling Johari Bazaar.
• Explore the Galta Ji Temple, a Hindu pilgrimage site nestled in the Aravalli hills.
• Enjoy a camel ride at the Sam Sand Dunes, an area of sand dunes in the Thar Desert.
• Indulge in some delicious local cuisine at the famous Chokhi Dhani restaurant.
3. Best Places To Stay in Jaipur:
• Luxury Places: The Leela Palace, ITC Rajputana, Taj Rambagh Palace
• Mid Range: Lemon Tree Hotel, Ramada Jaipur, Radisson Blu
• Budget Friendly: Rajputana Hostel, Zostel Jaipur, Chokhi Dhani Resort
4. How to Travel to Jaipur?:
The nearest airport is the Jaipur International Airport, located 13 km from the city centre. The airport is well connected to major cities in India and other parts of the world. The city is also well connected by rail and road to other cities in the region.
5. Must Try Local Food and Drink in Jaipur:
• Ghevar: A traditional Rajasthani sweet made from flour and sugar syrup.
• Dal Baati Churma: A traditional Rajasthani dish made from lentils, wheat balls and ghee.
• Laal Maas: A spicy mutton curry cooked in ghee and yoghurt.
• Mirchi Vada: A deep fried snack made from chilli peppers and potatoes.
• Kachori: A spicy snack made from lentils and spices.
• Kheer: A traditional Rajasthani dessert made from rice, milk and sugar.
• Mawa Kachori: A sweet snack made from khoya and sugar.
• Pyaaz Kachori: A savoury snack made from onions and spices.
• Mango Pickles: A spicy condiment made from raw mangoes.
• Kair Sangri: A dish made from kair and sangri beans.
• Kalakand: A sweet made from condensed milk and sugar.
6. Best Places to Eat in Jaipur:
• Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar: A popular sweet shop serving delicious snacks and sweets.
• Suvarna Mahal: A multi-cuisine restaurant serving Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes.
• Chokhi Dhani: A traditional Rajasthani restaurant serving authentic Rajasthani cuisine.
• Handi Restaurant: A popular restaurant serving North Indian dishes.
• Rawat Ki Kachori: A traditional restaurant serving the famous Jaipuri kachori.
• Chotiwala Restaurant: A popular restaurant serving North Indian, Chinese and Continental dishes.
• 1135 AD: An upscale restaurant serving modern Indian cuisine.
7. Weather and Climate:
The best time to visit Jaipur is between October and March when the weather is pleasant. Summers can be extremely hot and humid, and monsoon season brings heavy rains. It is advisable to avoid travelling to Jaipur during the months of June and July as the temperatures can be very high.
8. Local Customs and Etiquette in Jaipur:
It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions in Jaipur. Dress modestly, avoid public displays of affection, and be aware of local religious customs. It is advisable to take off your shoes when entering a temple or mosque. Tipping is customary for services, but not expected.
9. Popular Scams in Jaipur:
Be aware of common scams such as pick-pocketing, fake taxi drivers, and fraudulent money changers. It is advisable to only exchange money at authorised money changers and be wary of anyone offering to change money on the street. Be aware of anyone offering free tours that turn out to be expensive scams.
10. Suggested Trip Duration:
Most travellers suggest staying in Jaipur for 3 – 4 days to get a good overview of the city and its attractions.
11. Total Estimated Budget Per Person:
• Stay: INR 1000 – 3000
• Food: INR 500 – 1000
• Activities: INR 500 – 1000
• Tickets: INR 500 – 1000
12. NearBy Cities:
• Ajmer (142 km)
• Pushkar (145 km)
• Udaipur (272 km)
• Bharatpur (164 km)
• Alwar (157 km)
• Jodhpur (334 km)
13. Local Language and Communication in Jaipur:
The official language of Jaipur is Hindi, but English is also widely spoken. It is advisable to learn some basic Hindi phrases for communicating with locals. There are also many English-speaking tour guides available for hire in Jaipur.
14. Accepted Currency and Money:
The official currency of Jaipur is the Indian Rupee (INR). Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller purchases. Tipping is customary for services and usually amounts to 10-15% of the total bill.
15. Health and Medical Information:
It is advisable to consult a doctor before travelling to Jaipur to ensure you are up-to-date on any recommended vaccinations. It is also recommended to drink only bottled water and avoid tap water. Medical facilities in Jaipur are adequate, but it is advisable to carry a basic first-aid kit with you at all times.
16. Packing Tips for Jaipur:
When packing for Jaipur, it is important to wear comfortable, light-weight clothing. It is also advisable to wear closed shoes, as sandals and flip-flops may not be suitable for some of the more rocky terrain. A hat and sunscreen are also essential, as Jaipur can be very hot during the summer months.
17. To sum up:
Jaipur is a beautiful city full of vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and stunning monuments, making it a must-visit destination in India.