The Pink City, built for looking and being looked at.
Jaipur
Jaipur was planned as a showpiece, and it still performs: rose-sandstone facades, a five-story wind palace, and bazaars that specialize in exactly the things you did not know you needed.
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Hawa Mahal facade
Amber Fort ramparts
City Palace courtyard
Bazaar textilesWhere to go in Jaipur
Amber Fort — photoAmber Fort
A hilltop fort-palace reached by a cobbled ramp, overlooking Maota Lake.
Jal Mahal — photoJal Mahal
A palace that appears to float in the middle of Man Sagar Lake.
Hawa Mahal — photoHawa Mahal
A honeycombed pink sandstone facade of 953 small windows.
Things to do in Jaipur
Hot air balloon ride over Amber Fort — photoHot air balloon ride over Amber Fort
A sunrise flight over the fort and the Aravalli hills surrounding it.
Block-print textile shopping in Bapu Bazaar — photoBlock-print textile shopping in Bapu Bazaar
Jaipur is one of India's centers for hand block-printed fabric — this market is where locals buy it.
Elephant experience at an ethical sanctuary — photoElephant experience at an ethical sanctuary
A chance to feed, bathe, and learn about rescued elephants outside the city.
Local food in Jaipur
Dal baati churma — photoDal baati churma
Baked wheat rolls, lentil curry, and a sweet crumbled-wheat dessert — Rajasthan's signature thali.
Pyaaz kachori — photoPyaaz kachori
A flaky, deep-fried pastry stuffed with spiced onion, best eaten hot from a street stall.
Ghewar — photoGhewar
A disc-shaped, honeycombed sweet soaked in sugar syrup, traditionally made for festivals.
Traditional dress in Jaipur
Bandhani and leheriya sarees — photoBandhani and leheriya sarees
Tie-dye techniques native to Rajasthan, producing dots (bandhani) or wave patterns (leheriya).
Safa (turban) — photoSafa (turban)
A brightly colored, elaborately tied turban — its color and style once signaled region and occasion.