Jaipur

As the usual starting point for a Rajasthan circuit, Jaipur sets the tone for everything that follows — forts on ridgelines, a walled old city painted pink, and bazaars still organised by craft, much as they were centuries ago.

Beyond Amber Fort and the City Palace, Jaipur rewards a slower pace: wandering the old city's lanes, watching block-printing or gem-cutting workshops at work, and eating at the city's long-running local restaurants.

Highlights

• Amber Fort and its mirrored Sheesh Mahal
• The walled Pink City and its bazaars
• City Palace and Jantar Mantar
• Local block-printing and gem-craft workshops

Best Time to Visit

October to March for comfortable daytime temperatures.

Getting There

Jaipur has its own airport with domestic and some international connections, and is a 4.5–5 hour drive from Agra for travellers continuing from the Golden Triangle.