The "Pink City" of Rajasthan, where the City Palace, Hawa Mahal, and Jantar Mantar observatory anchor a vibrant walled city.

About Jaipur City Center

Jaipur's city center is the walled "Pink City" (so called because of the distinctive terracotta-pink wash on its buildings), a UNESCO World Heritage Site planned by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727 along geometric principles. The City Palace complex, still partially occupied by the royal family, houses museums of textiles, arms, and art. The Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), with its 953-windowed pink sandstone facade, is India's most photographed building.

The Jantar Mantar, the world's largest stone astronomical observatory, contains 19 instruments including a 27-meter sundial accurate to two seconds. The bustling bazaars of Johari Bazaar (jewelry), Bapu Bazaar (textiles), and Tripolia Bazaar (lacquer bangles) wind through the walled city, offering Rajasthan's famous block-printed fabrics, gemstones, and blue pottery.

Jaipur forms the southern point of India's Golden Triangle tourist circuit (Delhi-Agra-Jaipur). Beyond the walled city, Nahargarh Fort and Jaigarh Fort crown the surrounding Aravalli Hills, while the Amer Fort—a magnificent hilltop fortress 11 km north—is Jaipur's most spectacular attraction, with mirror-inlaid halls and elephant rides.

Nearby Landmarks

Hawa Mahal City Palace Jantar Mantar Johari Bazaar Albert Hall Museum

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost Varies by traffic
Time 20-40 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Step-by-Step Directions

Exit arrivals and go to the pre-paid taxi counter. Purchase a ticket to your destination in the city center. The taxi takes Tonk Road north to MI Road and the Pink City (25-45 min depending on traffic).

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi Varies by traffic 20-40 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Pre-paid airport taxis operate 24/7. A nighttime ride to the Pink City costs ₹400-600 ($5-7). Ola and Uber work at Jaipur Airport. Auto-rickshaws are available outside the airport during daytime. The walled city's bazaars close by 8 PM, but restaurants in the C-Scheme and MI Road areas stay open until 10-11 PM.

Luggage Tips

Pre-paid taxis are sedans with trunk space. Auto-rickshaws have minimal luggage space. The walled city's narrow lanes may require walking the last stretch. Hotels inside the Pink City (many heritage havelis) often have vehicle access through narrow gates. Confirm with your hotel.

Accessibility

Jaipur Airport has wheelchair assistance (request through airline). Pre-paid taxis can accommodate folded wheelchairs. The walled city's narrow lanes and uneven surfaces are challenging for wheelchairs. The City Palace has some accessible areas. Hotels along MI Road and in newer Jaipur are more accessible.