Amber Fort 3-day itinerary

Begin at Amber Fort (₹500) — built by Raja Man Singh I in 1592 and expanded over 150 years. The approach across Maota Lake is dramatic. Enter through the Suraj Pol into four interconnected courtyards, each more ornate than the last. The Sheesh Mahal's mirrored ceiling was designed to replicate a starlit sky from a single candle. The Sukh Niwas used water channels for Mughal-era air conditioning. Allow 2–3 hours to explore every corner of this living masterpiece.

Walk the ramparts to Jaigarh Fort (₹200) — the defensive fortress housing Jaivana, the world's largest wheeled cannon, which was never fired in battle. The armoury museum has Rajput swords and shields. Then auto to Nahargarh Fort (₹200) — Jaipur's sunset fort with panoramic views over the Pink City. The Madhavendra Bhawan inside has identical suites for each of the king's 12 queens, connected by corridors.

Explore Jaipur's most famous market street — Johari Bazaar — where gem dealers, jewellers, and textile merchants have traded for centuries. The lane glows with the pink architecture overhead. Sample Jaipur street food: pyaaz kachori at Rawat Mishthan Bhandar (₹30), mirchi vada (₹20), and kulfi falooda (₹50). Dinner at Niros on MI Road for North Indian classics (₹300–600) or LMB for Rajasthani thali (₹250–400).

Visit the City Palace (₹700) — still the residence of the Jaipur royal family, with museums spanning 400 years of Rajput history. The textile gallery has robes worn by Maharajas, the armoury has jewelled daggers and Rajput swords, and the art gallery has exquisite miniature paintings. The Peacock Gate courtyard — with its four doors representing four seasons in stunning blue, green, pink, and yellow — is the most photographed spot in Jaipur.

Adjacent to the City Palace is Jantar Mantar (₹200) — Maharaja Jai Singh II's 1734 astronomical observatory containing the world's largest stone sundial (27m high, accurate to 2 seconds). The geometric instruments measuring time, predicting eclipses, and tracking celestial bodies are scientific marvels. Walk to the Hawa Mahal (₹200) — 953 pink sandstone windows designed so royal women could observe street festivals unseen.

Visit the Albert Hall Museum (₹300) — Jaipur's oldest museum in an Indo-Saracenic masterpiece. The building illuminated at night is one of India's most beautiful structures. Collections include Egyptian mummies, Rajasthani miniatures, and Persian carpets. Then browse Bapu Bazaar for block-printed textiles and leather juttis (shoes). Dinner at Tapri Central for chai cocktails and modern Indian snacks with rooftop views (₹200–400).

Start at Panna Meena Ka Kund — the stunning 16th-century stepwell near Amber Fort with a geometric criss-cross staircase pattern that's become Instagram-famous. The zigzag steps descend into the earth creating mesmerising symmetry. Then explore the town of Amer itself — the original capital before Jaipur. The Jagat Shiromani Temple (16th century) has remarkable carvings, and the old town lanes have traditional Rajasthani houses painted in blue and ochre.

Auto to Galtaji Temple (free, ₹100 camera fee) — a complex of Hindu temples built into a narrow ravine with natural spring-fed pools. Known as the Monkey Temple for the thousands of macaques living here. The pink sandstone temples are atmospheric and the pilgrimage path through the gorge gives views over Jaipur. The freshwater pools are considered sacred and devotees bathe here year-round.

Visit Chokhi Dhani (₹800–1,500 with dinner) — a recreated Rajasthani village on the outskirts with folk dancers, puppet shows, camel rides, musicians, and an unlimited traditional Rajasthani thali served on leaf plates. The entertainment is unapologetically touristy but genuinely enjoyable, and the food is endless — dal bati churma, gatte ki sabzi, papad ki sabzi, laal maas, and a dozen desserts. Go hungry.