Rajasthan Travelers Recommend

With three days in Jaipur, you’ll have enough time to see its most important palaces and temples, with time left over to explore the celebrated Amber Fort and take a day trip out to Pushkar or the Taj Mahal. Here’s one way to divide your time.

Day 1: Pink City

Spend your first day in Jaipur seeing the highlights of the Pink City, the old part of town named for its salmon hue. The most popular attraction in this part of town is the City Palace, where the titular royal family lives to this day. The part of the palace open to visitors includes courtyards, a royal hall with images of former maharajas, and a museum filled with royal ephemera. Next to the City Palace stands the Jantar Mantar, a royal observatory and UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with gargantuan astronomical instruments. Other Pink City highlights include the honeycomb-shaped Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, featuring some 953 latticed windows. Round out your day in the Pink City with some shopping at popular Bapu Bazaar, known for handicrafts and footwear, and Johari Bazaar, a great place to pick up bangles and fabrics.

Day 2: Forts and Temples

On your second day, head out to the Amber area on the outskirts of Jaipur, where the star attraction is the 16th-century Amber Fort, a gargantuan structure made of red sandstone and white marble. Highlights of the fort include the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors), filled with tiny mirror shards in a mosaic pattern, and the zenana, a series of frescoed rooms once occupied by the king’s wives and concubines. Right below the fort sits the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, which focuses on one of the area’s most important textile crafts.

After Amber, head back into Jaipur to visit some of its most important temples. Start with Galtaji, dedicated to the god of the sun, Surya. It's often nicknamed the Monkey Temple for the large primate community that lives on its grounds. Finish your day of sightseeing with a visit  to the Birla Mandir, a contemporary, white-marble temple dedicated to Vishnu and his consort Laxmi.

Day 3: The Taj Mahal or Pushkar

Spend your last day in the area on a day trip. If this is your only chance to visit the Taj Mahal in Agra, it’s worth traveling the five hours each way. For something slightly closer, consider heading to the holy town of Pushkar, about three hours away. A beautiful lake sits at the heart of this desert-oasis town, and large numbers of visitors come here annually to bathe in its holy waters. Pushkar is best-known as the site of an annual camel fair, and the town is also home to one of the only temples in the world dedicated to the Hindu creator god Brahma.

With three days in Jaisalmer, you'll be able to explore the city's historic fort and mansions, overnight in the Thar Desert, and try out local food, and you’ll still have time left over to explore the historic Jain Temples in Osian. Here's how.

Day 1: Jaisalmer Fort and the Sam Sand Dunes

Start your Jaisalmer trip with a visit to the desert city's most important attraction: Jaisalmer Fort. Also known as the Golden Fort (Sonar Quila), this 12th-century fortress is a popular stop on most city tours, and a guide can help navigate its narrow lanes. Inside, you’ll find Hindu and Jain temples and historic homes, some of which have been converted into hotels or guesthouses. Later, make your way out to the Sam Sand Dunes in the Thar Desert for an overnight excursion; some tours stop at local villages along the way. Take a sunset camel ride followed by dinner and a live folk dance performances before calling it a night.

Day 2: Havelis and Food

Enjoy breakfast followed by a camel ride through the desert dunes before heading back to Jaisalmer and its Patwon Ki Haveli, the largest of a cluster of five old city mansions, or havelis, located near the Gopa Chowk entrance of Jaisalmer Fort. Dating to the 19th century, these intricate homes feature carved columns, arches, and balconies, along with frescoed murals and mirrorwork. Depending on how much time you spend at the havelis, you may want to head to nearby Gadi Sagar, a picturesque reservoir and a popular place for pedal boating to watch the sunset. When night falls, head back into town for a food-focused walking tour of the city, and fill up on local snacks before turning in for the night.

Day 3: Onwards to Osian and Beyond

On your last day, get up extra early and head to the town of Osian, a desert settlement about a 4-hour drive from Jaisalmer. Osian is famous for its ancient Hindu and Jain temples, most of which date from around the 8th to 11th century, including the Sachiya Mata goddess temple. While Osian can be done as a day trip from Jaisalmer, many visitors come here on their way to other Rajasthan cities, particularly Udaipur or Jodhpur. Some tour operators offer transfers from point A to point B between Jaisalmer and other cities, with guided visits to Osian along the way—an economical option given the long distances involved.

Three days in Udaipur will allow you not only to experience some of the city’s beautiful palaces and lakes, but will also leave you time to go out and explore some of the temples and forts in the surrounding area. Here’s how. 

Day 1:Highlights of Udaipur

Spend your first day in Udaipur checking out some of the city’s classic sights, many of which are near or directly on the banks of Lake Pichola in the center of town. Start with a visit to the sprawling City Palace complex, which features 11 interconnected palaces along with a museum and a sparkling gallery chock-full of fine European crystal. From here, head over to Jagdish Temple, right by the main entrance to the palace, perhaps stopping to shop at some of the many handicrafts boutiques that flank the road between the two attractions. Jagdish Temple is known for its intricate architecture, notably around 100 pillars carved with scenes from Indian mythology. In the afternoon, head out to Monsoon Palace, high on a hill on the edge of town; it’s a great place to watch the sunset over the city.

Day 2: Temples and Mansions

Start your second day with a trip out to Eklingji, a temple complex situated in the holy town of Kailashpuri, about 14 miles (22 kilometers) outside Udaipur. The site has around 100 temples of all sizes; most are made of marble or granite, and many feature beautiful carved exteriors dominated by carved arches and pillars. The oldest date back to the 10th century. Many are dedicated to Eklingji, a popular form of Lord Shiva that's long been venerated by the royal families of the area.

In the afternoon, make your way back into Udaipur to visit the Bagore ki Haveli, a grand haveli (city mansion) overlooking Lake Pichola. This 18th-century building features 100 or so rooms, a large number of which are decorated with period furniture. Others have been transformed into galleries full of ephemera (including what is allegedly the world's largest turban). Stay for a puppet show or dance performance, held here most evenings.

Day 3: Ancient Forts

The region around Udaipur is notable for its beautiful architecture and stately forts. Spend your last day exploring one of the most notable, the 15th-century Kumbhalgarh, one of six historic forts that collectively comprise the UNESCO World Heritage Hill Forts of Rajasthan. Kumbhalgarh is noteworthy for having the second-largest wall on earth and is surrounded by the protected Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. Kumbhalgarh can easily be visited on a day trip and is usually combined with a stop at the Ranakpur Jain Temple, which was built around the same time as the fort. The temple's most notable feature is its 1,444 marble pillars, each of which features its own unique look.

Alternatively, head out to Chittorgarh, also one of the six Hill Forts of Rajasthan. Likely built in the seventh century, the fort is the largest in India, encompassing around 700 acres (283 hectares), and is big enough to merit an entire day exploring.

Deep in the desert state of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer is a magical spot, with an imposing old fort that resembles a sandcastle and beautiful city mansions, all against the backdrop of the golden Thar Desert. Jaisalmer is also a compact city, making it possible to experience the best it has to offer in just one day. Here’s how.

Morning: Jaisalmer Fort

Start your morning off with a visit to Jaisalmer's star attraction: Jaisalmer Fort (also known as Sonar Qila, or Golden Fort). This towering sandstone structure is the second-oldest fort in the state of Rajasthan, dating to the middle of the 12th century, and it's been inhabited for centuries, with numerous Hindu and Jain temples, homes, and even a few guesthouses within its ramparts. The Jaisalmer Fort Palace Museum is a must-visit. Most Jaisalmer tours stop here, and visiting with a guide will make finding your way around much easier.

Afternoon: Historic Havelis

Stick around the fort for lunch before making your way out to the Patwon Ki Haveli, the largest in a group of five havelis (old city mansions) situated near the fort’s Gopa Chowk entrance; most full-day tours of the city head straight here after visiting the fort. The havelis were constructed in the 19th century by a family of wealthy Jain merchants, and each is built in its own original style. Inside, you’ll find intricately carved columns, arches, and balconies paired with lots of mirror work and intricate frescoes.

Night: Sunset and Dinner in the Desert

While many visitors to Jaisalmer opt to stay in the desert overnight, you can still get a taste of the Thar with only one day in the city. The best way to do this is by joining an evening excursion out to Sam Sand Dunes, about an hour's drive out of town. It's an incredible spot to watch the sun set over the expansive desert, and most visitors opt to take in the scenery from atop a camel. Most evening excursions include a traditional Rajasthani dinner right in the desert, complete with a performance of folk dancing and music.

In the heart of Rajasthan's Thar Desert, the golden city of Jaisalmer is home to elegant old mansions, beautiful desertscapes, and a fairy-tale fort. With two days in town, you'll be able to take in the highlights at a relaxed pace and go on a camel safari in the desert. Follow this itinerary to optimize your time.

Day 1: Jaisalmer Fort and Overnight in the Desert

Morning: Dedicate your first morning to exploring the ramparts of the 12th-century Jaisalmer Fort, the city's most important attraction and a popular stop on city tours. Inside, you'll find meandering little alleys dotted with old homes, temples, and even guesthouses, plus the Jaisalmer Fort Palace Museum, full of historic artifacts.

Afternoon: After visiting the fort, stop for lunch before joining an overnight excursion out to the Sam Sand Dunes in the Thar Desert. Some tours stop in traditional villages along the way, leaving plenty of time to get to the desert dunes in time for a sunset camel ride.

Night: After sunset, you’ll likely have a bit of time to stargaze while your hosts prepare a traditional Rajasthani meal for you. When dinner is ready, sit down and dig in while you watch traditional folk dance performances set to live music.

Day 2: Desert, Havelis, and Food

Morning: On your second morning, wake up bright and early (before temperatures get too high) for breakfast and a second camel ride, included in most overnight safari tours. Then head back to Jaisalmer to freshen up for your afternoon adventures ahead.

Afternoon: In the afternoon, head to Patwon Ki Haveli, a 19th-century city mansion turned museum full of beautiful frescos and intricately carved columns and arches. It's one of five havelis (traditional Indian mansions) clustered together near the Gopa Chowk gate of Jaisalmer Fort; all are open for visitors to explore at their leisure, and many city tours stop at the complex.

Night: Devote your last evening to local cuisine, either dining at one of the city's many rooftop restaurants or heading out a guided food tour. If you opt for the latter, you'll get the chance to try all sorts of snacky street foods, from kachoris (lentil-stuffed deep-fried pockets) to delicious local sweets.

With its whitewashed palaces and temples set against a backdrop of glimmering lakes, it’s no wonder that Udaipur is often considered one of the most romantic places in Rajasthan, if not India. Here’s how to make the most of one day in the City of Lakes.  

Morning: Royals and Religion

Start your morning off with a visit to the city's best-known place of worship: the three-story Jagdish Temple. Dating back to 1651, this gorgeous temple features around 100 pillars intricately carved with scenes from Hindu mythology.

Just up the road from the temple stands one of Udaipur’s most important attractions: the sprawling City Palace, the largest in the state. The complex consists of 11 palaces built over a period of four and a half centuries, all of which are interconnected by passageways. Highlights include the City Palace Museum, featuring traditional artwork, royal regalia, and weaponry.

Afternoon: Monsoon Palace

After visiting the temple, stop for a quick lunch at one of the restaurants at the City Palace before making your way to the outskirts of town to visit Sajjangarh, aka Monsoon Palace, a 19th-century palace perched on a hill overlooking the city and its lakes. This 9-story structure was originally intended to be an astrological center, but instead became more of a destination for watching monsoon clouds, hence its nickname. It's also a great place to check out the sunset over the city.

Night: Dinner on the Lake

Once the sun has set, embark on a romantic dinner cruise on Lake Pichola. While some travelers enjoy simply cruising on the waters, for something special, make your way out to Jag Mandir Palace (aka Lake Garden Palace), situated on an island in the lake. Here you can not only experience the island's history and architecture, but also opt for a buffet dinner served right in the middle of the lake.

With two days in beautiful Udaipur, India’s Lake City, you’ll be able to check out the romantic city’s gorgeous palaces and temples and still have enough time left over to go on a day trip into the Rajasthani desert for more stunning architecture. Here’s one way to do it.

Day 1: Palaces and Temples

**Morning:**Spend your morning exploring the beautiful City Palace complex, a collection of 11 interconnected regal buildings on the banks of Lake Pichola. Don’t miss the City Palace Museum, a fascinating showcase of old artillery, regalia, and other artifacts from the past five centuries.

**Afternoon:**After lunch, check out the beautifully carved pillars at the city’s famous Jagdish Temple, a short walk from the City Palace. Then make your way to the outskirts of town to take in the views from striking Monsoon Palace, a 9-story structure that got its name because it was once used by royals to watch monsoon clouds roll by.

**Night:**Wrap up your evening with a romantic dinner at Jag Mandir, an elegant palace complex right in the middle of Lake Pichola. Opulent buffet dinners are served here most nights, and a boat ride out to the island to dine makes for an enchanting way to end your first day in Udaipur.

Day 2: Day Trip to Kumbalgarh

**Morning:**Get up bright and early and make your way out to Kumbalgarh, home to the second-largest wall in the world (after the Great Wall of China). This enormous fort dates to the 15th century and stands some 1,200 feet (365 meters) above sea level. Getting there is half the fun and involves a drive through the Aravalli mountains that skirt the area.

**Afternoon:**From Kumbalgarh, it's about an hour and a half by car into the Rajasthani desert to Ranakpur, known for its stunning 15th-century Jain Temple. This huge complex features a number of smaller temples made primarily of intricately carved marble and pillars. If you're short on time and want to get back to Udaipur by evening, skip Ranakpur and instead stop on the way back from Kumbalgarh at Eklingji, a temple town with 108 temples of varying sizes, most devoted to Lord Shiva.

**Night:**If you’ve opted to check out Ranakpur, you probably won’t get back to Udaipur until fairly late in the evening. However, if you do make it back in time, a dramatic sound-and-light show at the City Palace is a great way to spend your last evening in Udaipur.

In the heart of the desert state of Rajasthan, the Blue City of Jodhpur is a great place to immerse yourself in local culture; it’s also a handy base for exploring the surrounding area. Here’s how to make the most of three days in Jodhpur.

Day 1: Exploring Old Jodhpur

Begin with a morning visit to the 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort, a sandstone structure perched on a hilltop overlooking the city; consider taking a private tour if you want to ask a lot of questions about history and architecture. From here, it’s a quick walk over to the Jaswant Thada, a memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II built of intricately-carved white marble. 

Then, make your way downhill to the Old City of Jodhpur, passing through lanes lined with blue houses. At the base of the hill sits the city's landmark clock tower, a good reference point for orienting yourself if you wish to spend the evening exploring on foot. Alternatively, hire a local guide to take you on an evening stroll through this lively part of town; it will make navigating crowds easier and you’ll get the inside scoop on history and culture.

Day 2: Day Trip to Osian

On your second day, head out to Osian, an oasis town around 45 miles (70 kilometers) north of Jodhpur. This ancient settlement is known for its Hindu and Jain temples, the bulk of which were built between the 8th and 11th centuries. Tours tend to combine a stop at the Sachiya Mata Temple—a Hindu goddess temple dating to the 9th or 10th century—with time to explore Jain Temple. After visiting the temples, stick around for a camel ride in the Thar Desert before heading back to Jodhpur for dinner.

Day 3: Culture and Heritage

Spend your final morning exploring Bishnoi, a traditional village that offers insight into rural Rajasthani life. Here, you'll get the chance to interact with locals and watch traditional craft and pottery demonstrations. Most travelers visit as part of an organized jeep safari, which often include stops to look for wildlife in the surrounding desert. 

In the afternoon, make your way to Umaid Bhawan Palace, an art deco structure built for the royal family, who still occupy one wing of the palace. Spend some time browsing the palace museum, which exhibits royal artefacts, art, and even old clocks; for motor enthusiasts—there's also an impressive collection of vintage cars here. Finish your day off with an evening cooking class in the home of a local, where you’ll get to make and eat a variety of popular north Indian dishes.

While Jaipur is most often associated with its regal architecture and gargantuan forts, the Rajasthani capital is home to numerous temples, many dating back hundreds of years. Here are a few that shouldn't be missed.

Lakshmi Narayan Temple (Birla Mandir)

One of Jaipur's newer but more popular holy sites, the Lakshmi Narayan temple was built in 1988. Dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi, this white marble structure contains images of deities and historical figures from across cultures and religions. Stained-glass windows illustrate scenes from Hindu myth.

Galtaji (Monkey Temple or Temple of the Sun God)

Home to a community of rhesus macaque monkeys, this Hindu pilgrimage site sits on a complex of traditional sandstone architecture and multistoried water tanks. The temple is dedicated to Surya, the Hindu god of the sun. 

Moti Dungri Temple (Ganesh Temple)

Dedicated to the elephant-headed Hindu god Ganesha, Moti Dungri is one of Jaipur's most famous temples. Built in 1761, the temple houses an icon of Ganesha believed to date to the Middle Ages. During the annual Maha Shivratri festival, you can visit the shrine to the god Shiva, located on the hill above the temple. 

Shila Devi Temple in Amber Fort

Inside Jaipur's sprawling Amber Fort, the royal Shila Devi temple houses an idol of the Hindu goddess Kali (a form of the goddess Durga) that Maharaja Mansingh carried to the region from Bengal in the late 16th century. If you don’t mind crowds, visit during the Navaratri festival, a nine-day celebration of Durga.

Known as the Blue City for its sky-blue buildings, Jodhpur combines numerous historical attractions with plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in local life. Two days in the city give you ample time to hit up the highlights, learn how to cook, and visit a traditional village in the desert.

Day 1: Old City Highlights

**Morning:**Start your first day with a visit to the 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India. Highlights include numerous palaces and a museum full of royal artifacts; join a tour if you want to deepen your understanding of its historical context.  Adventurous travelers can even go ziplining over the fort's ramparts. 

**Afternoon:**In the afternoon, head over to Jaswant Thada, a glistening white-marble memorial that’s a 15-minute walk from Mehrangarh. Then, make your way downhill to the center of Jodhpur, winding through narrow lanes lined with houses painted the signature Jodhpur blue; going with a guide or as part of a tour lets you orient yourself with ease. 

**Night:**Spend your first evening getting a feel for the Old Town. If you wish to learn more about the city's history and culture, opt for an evening walking tour, which offers a more intimate glimpse into the Old Town and lets you explore when temperatures have cooled. 

Day 2: Culture and Cuisine

**Morning:**Start your second day with an early-morning trip to the village of Bishnoi, which attracts travelers with its unique cultural practices and wildlife; most Bishnoi tours include the chance to observe pottery and weaving demonstrations, and increase your chances of spotting animals at Guda Bishnoi Lake. 

**Afternoon:**After a quick lunch back in Jodhpur, spend your afternoon exploring the Umaid Bhawan Palace, which hosts a luxury hotel, a royal residence, and an on-site museum. It’s a bit far from town, so consider taking a tour that includes convenient round-trip transfers. 

**Night:**Spend your final evening in Jodhpur learning how to cook Indian food during a cooking class. Many such classes take place in local homes and include detailed instructions on how to make your favorite curries, breads, and desserts, which you then get to eat.

The capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur is full of historic palaces and forts, with great shopping and gorgeous architecture to boot. While travelers could easily spend weeks in the city, one day is enough to hit up the highlights. Here’s how to make the most of a 1-day stay in Jaipur.

Morning: Pink City Highlights

Start your morning off with a visit to the Pink City of Jaipur, the old part of town, which was painted a salmon hue in honor of the 1876 visit of future King Edward VII. Start with a quick trip to the honeycomb-shaped Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, a red sandstone structure built with tiny windows to allow women of the royal court to observe life below without themselves being seen. From here it’s a quick walk to the City Palace, a huge palatial complex that houses a museum displaying royal artifacts and costumes; the royal family of Jaipur still lives in part of the complex to this day.

Afternoon: Astronomy and Amber

Grab lunch at the on-site Palace Café before continuing on to the Jantar Mantar, a 1726 astronomical observatory filled with gargantuan instruments used to track and predict stellar occurrences. From here, head out to Amber Fort, an enormous 16th-century palace fort that features a fantastic blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural elements, with labyrinthine interiors and intricately detailed courtyards and royal halls. After your visit, make your way back to central Jaipur, stopping for a photo at the Jal Mahal, a 5-story palace situated right in the center of Man Sagar Lake.

Night: An Evening at Chokhi Dhani

After night falls, head out to Chokhi Dhani, designed to re-create a traditional Rajasthani village of sorts, situated about a half-hour drive south of the city. The park features a slew of amusements, from palm readers to miniature Ferris wheels, along with handicraft demonstrations, dance performances, camel rides, and craft sellers. Have dinner at one of the restaurants offering all-you-can-eat buffets of regional Rajasthani delicacies. While it’s nothing like visiting an actual village, it’s a great way to learn about local culture in comfort.

With two days in Jaipur, you’ll have the chance to see the most important palaces and forts in the city, with time left over to visit a few of Jaipur’s most important sacred spots. Here’s how to maximize your time.

Day 1: Iconic Jaipur

**Morning:**Spend your morning checking out Jaipur’s salmon-hued Pink City, home to many of the top historic attractions. Start with a visit to the honeycomb-shaped Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds, followed by a trip to the City Palace, still a royal residence to this day.

**Afternoon:**Right next to the City Palace is the Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century astronomical observatory filled with gigantic instruments. From here, make your way to Amber, the former capital of the area, celebrated for its towering 16th-century fort. On your way, stop by the Jal Mahal, a palace in the middle of a lake, for a fantastic photo op.

**Night:**Stick around Amber Fort for the evening sound-and-light show, a 50-minute spectacle that tells the tale of the fort's 6-plus centuries in existence. Once the show is over, head back to Jaipur for dinner before calling it a night.

Day 2: Temples and Tradition

**Morning:**Start your second day checking out Jaipur's holy sites. Begin with Moti Dungri, dedicated to the Hindu god Ganesha, known for his elephant head. Right next to this temple is the Birla Mandir, a gorgeous white-marble structure housing a wide range of images and deities along with some beautiful stained-glass windows.

**Afternoon:**In the afternoon, make your way to Galtaji, also known as the Monkey Temple due to the large presence of primates here. It’s situated inside a sandstone complex replete with multistoried water tanks and intricate Rajasthani architectural features. At the top of the complex stands the temple itself, which is dedicated to the sun god Surya.

**Night:**After freshening up, make your way out to Chokhi Dhani, a replica of a Rajasthani village featuring all sorts of regional crafts, music and dance performances, and carnival-like attractions, from palm readers to camel rides. End your Jaipur stay with dinner here, served buffet style and with a focus on Rajasthan’s rich culinary traditions.

Many of the delicious local delicacies in the Rajasthani capital are inspired by the ingredients and climates of the surrounding desert, and the food here tends to be spicier than in other parts of India (many believe that eating spicy food will help keep you cool). Here are a few foods and food-related activities in Jaipur that you won't want to miss.

Must-Try Dishes

Come to Jaipur with a good appetite, as there’s plenty to sample here. Vegetarians have may options, but whatever your culinary inclinations, you won’t want to miss the regional staple dal bati churma, lentils served with hard wheat-bread balls and a mix of wheat cooked with ghee and sugar or jaggery. Nonvegetarians with a good tolerance for spicy food may want to try laal maas, mutton cooked in a fiery gravy. For something lighter, sample the city’s quintessential street-food item, raj kachori. This round pastry stuffed with lentils or onions and then deep-fried is best washed down with a cool lassi, a sweet yogurt drink usually served in terra-cotta cups.

Must-Do Experiences

• Take a food tour around Jaipur with a local guide who can show you the best places to sample local fare and share their knowledge for greater cultural insight.
• Learn how to cook Rajasthani food in a local Jaipur home.
• Venture out to Chokhi Dhani Resort, a reproduction of a traditional village, where you can sample all sorts of Rajasthani food, buffet style.
• Cool off with a cup of sweet lassi at the famous Lassiwala on M.I. Road.

As the second-largest city in Rajasthan, Jodhpur has long been celebrated for its beautiful blue buildings and grandiose palaces and forts. Just one day in the city gives you time to see some of Jodhpur’s finest royal structures and to wander its blue-tinged neighborhoods. Here’s what you need to know.

Morning: Umaid Bhawan Palace

Start your morning with a visit to the spectacular Umaid Bhawan Palace; it’s outside of the old city, so you’ll need to take a taxi or join a local tour; most full-day tours of Jodhpur make a stop here and are ideal if you want a deeper understanding of the site. The palace is part royal residence and part luxury hotel, though it also has a museum featuring a wide collection of royal artifacts and vintage cars. After perusing the museum here, head to the center of Jodhpur for lunch and get prepared to do some walking.

Afternoon: Blue City Highlights

Dedicate your afternoon to exploring Jodhpur's blue-painted lanes on foot; joining a private walking tour makes finding your way around easier and gives you a glimpse of life in the area through the eyes of  a local. Start at the Clock Tower in the center of the Old Town and make your way uphill, past eggshell-blue houses that earn the city its Blue City moniker. Continue to Jaswant Thada, a beautiful white-marble monument surrounded by lush gardens. From here it's about a 15-minute walk to the 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort, a series of beautifully decorated palaces with a museum full of regal ephemera.

Night: DIY Dinner

In the evening, make your way back into town for a traditional dinner of rich, spicy Rajasthani food. While there are plenty of great restaurants throughout the city—many with great views of Mehrangarh Fort—a better way to immerse yourself in local culture is by opting for a cooking class. Such classes give you the chance to learn about local ingredients and create rich curries, desserts, and even traditional flatbreads under the guidance of a local chef. Best of all, you’ll be rewarded by getting to sample the fruits of your efforts at the end of your experience.

Jaipur offers one of the best shopping experiences in all of India, with myriad markets and boutiques selling everything from sparkling costume jewelry to high-quality cotton textiles. Here are a few of the city’s top spots for shopping, along with a few ideas on what to take home.

Johari Bazaar

One of Jaipur’s most colorful market streets, the always-bustling Johari Bazaar is a great spot to pick up everything from traditional textiles to blingy costume jewelry (think wooden bangles and glittery oversized earrings and nose rings).

Bapu Bazaar

If you’re interested in picking up a pair of jootis, traditional leather shoes, head straight to Bapu Bazaar in Jaipur’s historic “Pink City” area. Although footwear is a specialty at this oft-photographed market street, it’s also a great place to pick up all sorts of handicrafts, from cloth parasols to intricate mirrored quilts.

MI Road

One of Jaipur’s busiest thoroughfares, MI Road offers a great assortment of high-quality, trustworthy shops. For fine jewelry, Gem Palace is your best bet—they’ve been selling gold and diamonds to the Indian elite and international royalty since 1852. Rajasthali, Jaipur’s government-run handicrafts emporium, is just a few doors down from Gem Palace, and while the myriad handicrafts here are a tad more expensive than in the local markets, their quality is also guaranteed.

Civil Lines

If you’re more into quiet boutique browsing than haggling in hectic markets, you’ll likely find solace in Jaipur’s upscale Civil Lines neighborhood. Many of the shops here specialize in high-quality textiles, handicrafts, and jewelry. Don’t miss the whimsical cotton tunics and dresses at Ambika or the gorgeous handcrafted (and fair trade) blue pottery at Neerja International.