Day trip from Delhi, Delhi
Jaipur — The Pink City
The capital of Rajasthan and one of India's most photogenic cities — famous for its pink-painted buildings (entire Old City painted terracotta pink for Queen Victoria's 1876 visit), magnificent hilltop Amber Fort, and the unique Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). Jaipur forms the third point of the Golden Triangle (Delhi–Agra–Jaipur). While technically a day trip is possible, overnight is recommended to do the city justice and include the Amber Fort sound and light show.
How to get there
- {'mode': 'Train (recommended)', 'service': 'Shatabdi Express (New Delhi to Jaipur Jn)', 'duration': '4.5h each way', 'cost_usd': 8, 'cost_inr': 650, 'notes': 'Departs 6:05AM from New Delhi, arrives 10:35AM. Return departs 5:50PM. Book on IRCTC in advance.'}
- {'mode': 'Private car', 'route': 'NH-48 (Delhi-Jaipur Expressway)', 'duration': '4.5-5h each way', 'cost_usd': 60, 'cost_inr': 5000, 'notes': 'New Delhi–Jaipur Expressway (NH-48) is excellent. Stops at Neemrana Fort en route.'}
Tips
- Start at Amber Fort when it opens (8AM) before the elephant queue builds up.
- The Jaipur City Palace composite ticket (INR 700) covers most palace areas and is good value.
- Overnight in Jaipur allows the Amber Fort sound and light show (7:30PM) and more relaxed exploration.