Jaipur is one of the most popular winter holiday destinations in India, and rightfully so. Winter is the most pleasant time of the year to explore the Pink City. With warm sunshine during the day and chilly winds at night, you get the best of both worlds in one place. Some of the best activities and fests are also experienced during this time. So, if you’re planning to visit Jaipur in winter, here are some of the top things to do.
8 Top Things To Do In Jaipur In Winter
- Visit Hawa Mahal
- Attend The Jaipur Literature Festival
- Visit Jantar Mantar
- Food Binge At Masala Chowk
- Shop At Bapu Bazar
- Go On A Village Jeep Safari
- Attend A Light And Sound Show
- Nahargarh Fort Trek
1. Visit Hawa Mahal
The Hawa Mahal was built in 1799 by the poet-king Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. It was built as an extension of the Royal City Palace for the Rajput royal ladies. At that time, the Purdah system was strictly followed, which involved women being secluded from public observation by using concealing clothing and highwalled enclosures or screens. The Hawa Mahal and its windows acted as a screen for the ladies to view the scenes of the busy street below them.
The Palace is famously known as “The Palace of Winds”, thanks to the amazing ventilation provided by its 953 windows (jharokhas). One of the main features of the palace is that its five storeys are connected by ramps instead of stairs. This was for the palanquins of the royal ladies. Built in pink sandstone, it’s a major landmark of Jaipur. You can admire the magnificent architecture from the outside. However, for a better experience, you can climb to the very top of the building and enjoy a lovely view from the windows.
The best time to visit is in the morning when the sunlight passes through the lattice windows, painting the pink architecture golden. The Hawa Mahal opens daily from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm even on public holidays and Sundays. Entry fees for Indians are INR 10 and for foreigners, it is INR 50. Composite tickets are also available, using which you can visit six other monuments as well.
2. Attend The Jaipur Literature Festival
Referred to as the “Greatest Literary Show on Earth”, the Jaipur Literature Festival takes part every year in the last quarter of January. If you are traveling to Jaipur in winter, this is your best chance to meet some of the world’s greatest celebrated minds. It is a five-day event, during which the world’s leading artists from across fields come together on a single platform. Hotel Diggi Palace, a haveli turned into a heritage hotel, served as the main venue for this event. But because of the recent increase in the audience, the venue was recently shifted to Jaipur’s Clarks Amer.
It’ll be hard to keep up with various big personalities talking at different stages. So, to make sure that you don’t miss out on your favorite writer or celebrity’s talk, it’s best to keep the Jaipur Literature Festival schedule handy which you’ll find on the official site. Apart from the literary talks, you wouldn’t want to miss the soul-soothing musical evenings! Finally, if you’re someone who’d like to put your creative mind to the test, you can take part in the various contests held at the festival.
Jaipur Literature Festival is a democratic, non-aligned platform that offers free entry. However, registration is compulsory, so make sure you do it in advance at the official website. You have the option to register for general entry or a Delegate. If you’re traveling just for the festival and don’t want to miss out on the fancy dinners and behind-the-scenes conversations, you can register as a Delegate.
3. Visit Jantar Mantar
A testament to the architectural brilliance of the Rajput era, Jantar Mantar was built by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh II. The construction of this astronomical innovation was completed in 1734. The name “Jantar Mantar” is derived from Sanskrit and it literally means ‘instrument used for calculation’. Restored several times, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Jantar Mantar, an observatory designed to be used with the naked eye, is a collection of some 19 astronomical instruments constructed using local stone and marble. Each of these instruments carries an astronomical scale marked on the marble’s inner linings. These complex instruments are scientifically designed, reflecting the glorious history of medieval Indian astronomy.
If you’re interested in understanding medieval astronomy, you can hire a guide to take you through the place. Audio guides are available as well, which explain the importance of each structure. It also hosts a light and sound show that talks about the history of the place and stories of the instruments installed here. If you are someone who loves to gaze up at the sky and is fascinated by what’s up there, Jantar Mantar is a must-visit for you.
You can easily get to Jantar Mantar from anywhere in the city via local buses. Alternatively, you can also hire a taxi or rickshaw. The entry timing is from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, and the entry tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance. The price of the tickets is INR 50 for Indians and INR 200 for foreigners.
4. Go On A Food Binge At Masala Chowk
The winter season and hot food are a match made in heaven. Located in Ram Niwas garden, this open-air food court is famous for its authentic street food. This place is just what its name suggests – masala means spice and chowk means public square. It is a point where all the best street food that Jaipur has to offer comes under one roof.
Situated right behind Albert Hall, this place was initially meant to attract tourists, but it’s also a favorite among the locals. Many food outlets from old Jaipur have their stalls here. Since it would be difficult for you to visit the old part of the city due to time constraints and traffic, this is the place for you because of its accessibility.
The stalls here offer a variety of street food like chaat, dhaba food, dosas, ice-cream faloodas, rabdi, kulfi, and also Rajasthani specialities like Dal Baati Churma with gatte ki sabzi, and special mirchi ke tapore. With beautiful green gardens around, you can bet on Masala Chowk to offer you the best of Jaipur food. You won’t have to visit a lot of places to explore the different flavors of Jaipur, you get it all here!
5. Shopping At Bapu Bazar
If you’re visiting Jaipur in winter, Bapu Bazar is the best place to go on a shopping spree. Rajasthan is known for its colorful vibrance and Bapu Bazar is a reflection of the same. You’ll get everything exclusive to Rajasthan here, all under one roof. Located between the Sanganer Gate and the New Gate of the Pink City, this bazaar is famous among locals as well as tourists. Since it lies in a pretty location, you can witness the beauty of the Pink City from a different perspective while you shop here.
You can get almost any Jaipuri item here at very reasonable prices. It is especially known for the juttis (shoes) and textiles which are available at a decent price. You will also find items like Lac bangles (traditional Jaipuri bangles), an original Rajasthani product. Other than that, you will also find a lot of ethnic jewelry, bags, and wallets. Now, you’re bound to get hungry from all the shopping, but don’t worry! You can easily find chaat centers that sell mouth-watering chaat and places that sell falooda kulfi to bring that spice down. Apart from Bapu Bazar, Jaipur is home to several other markets known for Rajasthani items.
The bazaar is open on all days of the week from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm and there are no entry fees. Located at the heart of the city, Bapu Bazar is 4 km away from Jaipur Railway Junction. You can hire a cab or rickshaw from here. An alternative and economical way to get there is by bus; Hathoj Bus Stop is nearest to the bazaar.
6. Go On A Village Jeep Safari
A Jeep safari is bound to make your trip to Jaipur all the more special and memorable. It’s a refreshing way to be able to visit some of the off-beat places in Jaipur and get close to the culture. You’ll be able to come in close contact with the countryside, agricultural farms, village houses, and more. There are multiple service providers around the city; we recommend looking up reviews online and doing enough research before you book a safari.
The time slots for the safari are usually 08:00 am to 11:00 am and 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, which means you can go for either a day or night safari. Meet the farmers in the village and learn about their daily life and farming practices. Enjoy the grandeur of the Thar desert on your way and savor the taste of some delicious Rajasthani cuisine. Some safaris also arrange a cooking session on request!
7. Attend A Light And Sound Show
Thanks to being home to so many historical monuments, you can attend a number of light and sound shows in the Pink City. Each with different narratives and effects, they’re sure to be a captivating experience. As you’ve probably read, Jantar Mantar has a light and sound show. Here are a few other options you can explore!
- The Light and Sound Show at Jai Niwas Udhyan is guaranteed to be a one-of-a-kind experience with its 3D projection mapping. The story depicted here shows the events that led to the establishment of the Shri Govind Ji temple by the king of Jaipur.
- The show at Chittorgarh Fort recounts the royal history of the fort, and stories about brave kings and beautiful queens. It also depicts the stories of the place and the fierce battles it has witnessed.
- You can visit another brilliant show at Kumbhalgarh Fort. The show starts with the chant of ‘om’ which just adds to the hypnotic element. The fort is lit up beautifully and as the narration happens, the light effects keep changing to match the atmosphere.
8. Nahargarh Fort Trek
Proudly sitting on the Aravalli Hills, the Nahargarh Fort creates an amazing backdrop for the Pink City. This fort is one of the primary attractions of Jaipur. It was built by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh in 1734. Rightly named ‘the abode of tigers’, Nahargarh acted as a strong defense system for the city. The fort walls house a Mahavendra Bhavan, which was the summer destination for the royal family.
Trekking up the hill to the fort is one of the major activities you can do to quench your thirst for thrill. Winter is a great time for this since the sun won’t be harsh on you. It is a great spot to have picnics and you can also go cycling up the winding trails. The beautiful view of the Man Sagar Lake and the city from the fort will leave you breathless.
The time to visit Nahargarh Fort is from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm. The entry fee for Indians is INR 50, and for foreigners, it is INR 200. For students, the entry fee is considerably less.
Summing Up
Mentioned here were some of the top things you could do in Jaipur during winter. With this list, you won’t have to think twice about what to do when you visit the city during this time. So grab your backpacks and sweaters and get ready to set Jaipur as your destination on your maps for this winter!
FAQs
Is Jaipur Very Cold In Winters?
During winters, the temperatures in Jaipur drop very low. Usually, it ranges from 7°C (45°F) to 29°C (84°F).
What Should I Wear In Jaipur In Winter?
It’s best to wear layers in Jaipur winter because even though the sun is out, it can still be pretty chilly. Carrying a winter jacket is essential in the mornings and evenings.
How Many Days In Jaipur Is Sufficient?
At the very least, a 2-day trip is enough to explore the main attractions of the city. In a 2-day trip, you can visit the most important palaces, forts, and temples here. But if you want to visit other attractions, you’ll have to add in a day or two as well.
Is Jaipur Worth Visiting In December?
Yes, it is ideal to visit Jaipur in December since the weather is mild. The best time to visit Jaipur is October to mid-December or mid-January to March-end.
What Are Things To Do In Jaipur At Night?
The nightlife in Jaipur is very captivating. You can visit restaurants, sightseeing spots, and nightclubs. You cannot miss out on activities like the Light and Sound Show at Amber Fort and many other such events. Exploring the nightlife of Jaipur is guaranteed to make your trip memorable.
What Is The Most Famous Item Of Jaipur?
Jaipur is mainly famous for its jewelry and jewelry designs. The city can offer you some of the most beautiful pieces. Because of this, Jaipur is also considered a hub of jewelry.
