Day 1: Amber Fort & Jaipur Highlights
Amber Fort — Rajput Magnificence
Arrive early at Amber Fort (₹500 foreigners) — the 16th-century hilltop palace that blends Rajput warrior grandeur with Mughal artistic refinement. Walk up the cobblestoned ramp through the Suraj Pol (Sun Gate) into a world of courtyards, gardens, and mirror-encrusted chambers. The Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) is the crown jewel — thousands of tiny mirrors reflect candlelight to create a ceiling of stars. The Ganesh Pol gateway's painted murals are exquisite.
Jaigarh Fort & Hawa Mahal
Walk along the ancient ramparts from Amber to Jaigarh Fort (₹200) — the military fortress perched on the ridge above, housing Jaivana — the world's largest cannon on wheels. The views over Amber Fort, the Maota Lake, and the Aravalli Hills are spectacular. Return to Jaipur and visit the iconic Hawa Mahal (₹200) — the Palace of Winds with 953 honeycomb windows. Climb to the top for Old City views.
Old City Bazaars & Rajasthani Feast
Dive into Jaipur's legendary bazaars — Johari Bazaar for gems and jewellery, Bapu Bazaar for block-printed textiles, and Tripolia Bazaar for colourful lac bangles. The entire old city glows pink in the evening light. Dinner at Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar (LMB) on Johari Bazaar — Jaipur's most famous restaurant since 1954. The Rajasthani thali with dal bati churma, gatte ki sabzi, and ker sangri is essential (₹250–400).
