Jaipur

"Go backpacking in India's Pink City and
discover some of the true gems of Rajasthan"

"Jaipur" was last updated on June 03, 2011
All information below is subject to change

Some parts of this city is just beautiful!

Pink city in north India is very busy, but compared to Mumbai we didn't experience that much stalking, and it felt cleaner.

In this article you'll find:



But don't get me wrong.

There's of course poverty in this city, especially if you take an auto from city center to Amber Fort. This road is filled with heavy waist and garbage, dead pigs and children taking a dump in the middle of the streets. That's the real Indian part of the city.

Certain places in the city lack personality, for example Mirza Ismail road. The highlight is the Pink City.

You are probably going to be more distracted by the beauty of Pink City -- and the vibrant bazaars located within Pink City's walls.

Did you know that...

  • The pink color was used so it could create an impression of red sandstone buildings?

  • The Pink City was founded by the astronomer king, Sawai Jai Singh?
It's guaranteed that you'll be met by gorgeous Rajasthani architecture, pink colored palaces/buildings and excellent Rajasthani food!

How to get there and out

By air: The airport in Jaipur is called Sanganer, and it's located 13 km from city center.

From the airport you can take a taxi. I paid Rs 330 from the airport to city center.

Cheap flights to Jaipur:

By train: Jaipur is the hub in Rajasthan state. Its railway station connects with all major towns and cities in India, for example Delhi (4,5-6 hours), Varanasi (17,5 hours), Agra (4,5-5,5 hours), Udaipur (almost 8 hours), Mumbai (18-22 hours), Bikaner (7-7,5 hours) and so on.

PRACTICAL TRAIN INFORMATION:

More information on train travel in India -- online booking

How to choose berths on Indian trains

By bus: Buses to Jaipur leave Ajmer, Pushkar, Delhi, Agra etc.

The Central Bus Station is located near the railway station, at a place called Sindhi Camp. At the bus station you can choose between non-AC (which are cheaper) and AC-buses. The buses leave from platform 3. The non-AC cost around Rs 300.

I paid Rs 650 for a deluxe AC-seat to Delhi (in March 2011). This bus stopped outside Bikaner House in Connaught area in New Delhi, close to Paharganj and Karol Bagh.

The bus ride was comfortable. As we were closing in on Delhi, the bus was stuck in traffic jam for a long time. The ride lasted for 7-8 hours.

Map of Jaipur:

A: Bani Park (hotels, guesthouses and villas)
B: Mirza Ismail Road (MI road: restaurants and shops)
C: Pink City (attractions, markets and shops)


Show bigger map

Important places to know about:

  • SMS Hospital on Sawai Ram Singh Rd. Phone: 256-0291
  • Main police station on Station Rd. Phone: 220-6324
  • Banks and ATMs along Mirza Ismail Rd (MI).
  • If you want to send parcels, go to the GPO on MI Rd.
    I paid Rs 1900 (12 kg) for sending a parcel via ferry (arrival after 2,5 months). It actually arrived in a whole piece! The parcel stitcher cost Rs 110 and was located outside the entrance to the main counter.

    You also need to fill out a form which you can pick up from the desk inside. The form has to be ready so the stitcher can sew it onto the package.

    Updated June 03, 2011: We sent another parcel from Jaipur in March 2011. For 16,1 kg we paid Rs 4630, by air. It arrived safely after 10 days.



Jaipur Articles



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Where to sleep

Need a place to stay in Jaipur, but don't know where?

The city is dominated by cheap budget hotels, so there's really no problem to find budget accommodation.

Check out these reviews!



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Where to eat and relax

Craving for some delicious food in Jaipur?

Here's an introduction to what the Rajasthani food is all about, and where to eat it! ;-)

Go here to find a restaurant!



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Where to shop

Shop till you drop in this town!!!

It`s the place in India you have to go shopping.

Stop by!



jaipur attractions backpacking tips asia

Sights and Activities

Read about the pearls of Pink City and astrology reading!

You'll also get to know the Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Amber Fort.

CLICK for Attractions!

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