If you’re someone who loves to wake up early and start ticking off the itinerary list, here is a Pink City guide you can try. On my 30 days in the Jaipur Instagram reel challenge, I started with exploring the Pink City of Rajasthan, the capital of the erstwhile princely state.
Which city is called the Pink City, you ask? Well, it is none other than my favorite city, Jaipur, and now also my home. Being a part of its vibrance and ‘navigating roots’ has been a distant dream that I presently live. So, being a (sorta) local, it is time to take you through the streets of the pink city.
Which city is called Pink City
For starters, let me clarify that the Pink City is a part of Jaipur and not the other way around. The city area, which is also of tourist interest, is where you’d find most sights to see.
So, Jaipur was pink-washed in honor of King Edward VII and Queen Victoria’s welcome to the city in 1876. The then-ruling king, Maharaja Ram Singh, got most buildings across the city painted in this color.
If you add Pink City on Uber or Ola cab services, you will be taken to one of the Jaipur gates that takes you into the hued shopping area.
Before I started staying in Jaipur, I thought the entire city was pink. While that might have been the case for several years, it has now narrowed down to the prime tourist attraction only.
Jaipur 2 day tour package without guide
The first stop is vertically opposite the New Gate that leads to the Pink City. It starts from Ram Niwas Garden that homes the Albert Hall Museum.
Here, you can purchase a composite ticket to explore many places within two days. So, not only do you get a discounted price, but you also don’t need to wait in line.
Imagine coming to Jaipur during the peak months between October and February and spending most of your time in the queue.
Once you buy the composite ticket, you get to explore:
- Amber Palace
- Albert Hall
- Hawa Mahal
- Jantar Mantar
- Nahargarh Fort
- Sisodia Rani ka Bagh
- Vidhyadhar Garden
The Jaipur composite ticket price in INR as updated in 2023 is:
- 402 for Indians
- 102 for Indian students
- 1002 for foreign nationals
- 502 for foreign students
Once you buy the composite ticket, you can explore the following in one day:
- Amber Palace
- Albert Hall
- Hawa Mahal
- Jantar Mantar
You can club in Nahargarh Fort if you can be super quick within the Pink City area and book a cab to get there for sunset. But the fort closes at 5 pm, so if you reach later, you can only dine at Padao Restaurant and soak in the city views from atop.
The City Palace is ideal to explore alongside the other four places mentioned above due to its proximity to Jantar Mantar. But you must buy a separate ticket to explore the residence where the royal successors dwell.
You can keep the second day allotted for Sisodia Rani ka Bagh and Vidhyadhar Garden, which are close to each other. They are royal gardens built as summer resorts amidst landlocked hills and picturesque views.
Walk tour across the Pink City of Rajasthan
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Here is the complete list of places that you can cover if you walk across the Pink City to explore the prime attractions:
New Gate and temple visit
After getting the composite ticket from Albert Hall, you walk through the Ram Niwas Garden route, cross the New Gate, and walk straight.
You will come across landmarks like Golcha Cinema and Shree Digambar Jain Mandir. If it is open and you are allowed, you can explore the temple.
When I passed this place, it was closed, so I walked straight and entered Tarakeshwar Mahadev Mandir.
Being a part of Pink City, it retains the essence of olden times. I could make out that the temple dates back centuries, much like most parts of the Pink City.
People open their shoes, wash their feet under the tube well, pray and pay their respects.
Interestingly, most temples in Jaipur have multiple idols, even if it is primarily dedicated or named after one.
Hawa Mahal and Tikam Chand’s photography
After leaving the temple, you find Tripolia Gate and take a right to move towards Badi Chaupar.
Left from there, and you’re suddenly under the massive Hawa Mahal (wind palace). You can first explore this one or come back here after lunchtime.
Tikam Chand’s successors have inherited the only 1860 Carl Zeiss that prints instant black and white images. You can either find his grandson or his great-grandson selling portraits for Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000, depending on the size.
Their initiative lets us have a portrait in a one-and-only camera and has been graced by many Bollywood celebrities. Don’t miss your chance, as the pictures are nothing like what we can click and print today.
Feed the pigeons for good luck
In numerous places across Jaipur, you will find pigeons eating grains. As per local belief, feeding pigeons provides good luck and prosperity. You can buy corn and feed pigeons to try your luck or head straight to City Palace.
Jaipur City Palace
You are likely to spend most of your time here, so taking a guide to expedite the process will help you explore and learn fast.
From museums that exhibit royal lifestyle to artistry that go back in time, this is one place where you can get the true essence of Jaipur royalty.
Multiple ticket prices limit your access to certain parts of palaces or vice versa. Depending on your time and keenness, you must choose the option you deem fit.
There is one exclusive option that costs Rs. 3000 for Indian nationals and requires prior booking. Other prices are Rs. 400 and Rs. 1500.
Jantar Mantar
The Pink City of Rajasthan was the first planned city of India that was architecturally created as per Vaastu Shastra. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh emphasized patterns and locations, ensuring that everything is geometrically created.
The Jantar Mantar is an example of how minutely geometric patterns were created based on astronomic changes. The sundial is the prime attraction here and exhibits the mastery of the ruler and his kingdom.
Lunch with a view
Take a tuk-tuk to come back to Hawa Mahal to go opposite Tattoo Café or Wind View Café. I would recommend Tattoo Café as you have more food options and better places to sit.
The minimum cost at Wind View Café is Rs. 100, and Rs. 500 at Tattoo Café. The amount is adjusted with food purchased. You get pasta, sandwiches, pizzas, and all things vegetarian in both these spots.
Shopping
One thing you can’t miss when coming to the Pink City of Rajasthan is shopping. The entire place is a shopping hub, and right next to the Hawa Mahal area is Johari Bazaar.
If you have little time, you can start shopping right after you step down after lunch. But if you have time, you must explore Bapu Bazaar for clothes, shoes, and accessories and Johari Bazaar for jewelry.
Final thoughts
By the end of your first-day tour, if you see the sun go down, don’t forget to wait till the lights turn on. Pink City Jaipur at night glitters under yellow lights, and the beauty of Albert Hall post sunset is unmatchable.
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