You might have seen Jaipur on your feed a hundred times: the honeycomb windows of Hawa Mahal, the mirror-work of Amber Fort. But standing in front of Hawa Mahal in person is a different thing, its five storeys glowing in the morning light while the Pink City slowly wakes up around you.
A few hours later, you’re inside Amber Fort’s Sheesh Mahal, where a single ray of light turns the walls into a thousand tiny stars. Camera roll? Sorted. This is Jaipur, where every street looks made for the frame.
And 2027 is the year to be here. Jaipur turns 300, and National Geographic has put it on its Best of the World 2027 list. Beyond the palaces you’ve seen in Bollywood films, another Jaipur awaits: quiet stepwells most people walk past, rooftop cafes with views of lit-up forts, and kachori stops that make you plan your next trip before you’ve finished this one.
Whether you’re here for the forts, the food or just the vibe, this guide is your way in.
Why Jaipur Is Trending in 2027
Jaipur turns 300 in 2027, and the global spotlight has landed on the Pink City. National Geographic has put it on its Best of the World list; the city is gearing up for a year-long birthday party, and travellers everywhere are adding it to their must-visit lists. Here’s what’s putting it on every traveller’s radar:
- India’s pick for National Geographic’s Best of the World: Out of 25 destinations on the 2027 list, Jaipur is the one representing India. The reason is simple: few cities pack craft, food and culture into one trip like this. Think hand-block prints, kundan jewellery, Old City street food and heritage that’s still part of daily life.
- The city’s 300th birthday: Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II founded Jaipur in 1727, and 2027 is its big milestone. Expect heritage celebrations, cultural showcases and community events all year, so there’s no wrong month to visit.
- The 20th Jaipur Literature Festival: The milestone edition runs from January 14 to 18, 2027, with authors, thinkers and over 400,000 book lovers filling the city. Even if you’re not a big reader, the energy is worth planning a trip around.
- A planned city with living heritage: Jaipur is India’s first planned city, and the UNESCO-listed Old City and Jantar Mantar show why travel editors keep coming back. Every gate, bazaar and street has a story.
Jaipur’s Forts and Palaces You Can’t Skip
In Jaipur, even the forts know how to steal the spotlight. From mirror-covered halls and candy-pink doors to a palace that floats on a lake, your camera roll is about to get royal.
- Amer Fort
Walk through the mirror-covered Sheesh Mahal, the grand Ganesh Pol and hill views that look straight out of a period drama.
Best time to visit: Morning, as it opens at 7:00 AM
- Hawa Mahal
953 honeycomb windows and a pink facade that has been Jaipur’s poster child for centuries.
Best time to visit: Early morning, or sunset from the rooftop cafes opposite
- City Palace
Step into Pritam Niwas Chowk with its Peacock Gate, then wander through the seasonal rooms.
Best time to visit: Mid-morning, as it opens at 9:30 AM
- Nahargarh Fort
A sunset skyline over Jaipur and a few stepwells to discover, with the city lighting up below you.
Best time to visit: Late afternoon or golden hour
- Jaigarh Fort
Massive ramparts and the Jaivana Cannon, which is as big and dramatic as it sounds.
Best time to visit: Daytime
- Jal Mahal
A palace that seems to float on Man Sagar Lake, with a mirror-like reflection at golden hour.
Best time to visit: Sunrise or sunset
- Amagarh Fort
A moderate 4-5 km hike rewards you with panoramic city views, monsoon greenery and very few crowds. It’s adventurous, mystical and the opposite of touristy.
Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon, so you avoid the midday heat on the hike
- Chomu Fort
This 300-year-old Rajput-Mughal fort, about 30 km from Jaipur, is now a heritage hotel. Dine in royal settings, stay overnight and spot the Bollywood sets from Bhool Bhulaiyaa and Bol Bachchan.
Best time to visit: Late afternoon (golden hour)
Stepwells Worth Finding
Stepwells are where engineering meets art: deep, geometric and wonderfully photogenic, with a cool calm that feels a world away from the busy streets above.
Panna Meena ka Kund
Bright yellow hues and a lively village atmosphere make this a worthy side trip from the city.
Location: Amer, Jaipur
Age: ~450 years old (16th century)
Chand Baori
Breathtaking scale and perfect symmetry make this a deep architectural pilgrimage and a great day-trip stop.
Location: Abhaneri, about 75 km from Jaipur
Age: ~1,200+ years old (9th century)
Nahargarh Stepwell
Clever ancient engineering and rugged aesthetics make it a standout, and it even had its big-screen moment in Rang De Basanti.
Location: Aravalli hillsides, within the Nahargarh Fort complex, Jaipur
Age: ~292 years old
Jaipur’s walled city once had over 600 stepwells and traditional wells. Most are now covered or forgotten, but keep your eyes open in the old city alleys, where traces of this lost water heritage still hide in plain sight.
Instagram-Worthy Spots in Jaipur That Deserve a Post
Jaipur doesn’t need a filter. Between rainbow gates, pink doorways and a cinema that looks like a palace, your grid is about to be sorted for the whole year.
Patrika Gate: Jaipur’s rainbow entrance and its most Instagrammed spot. It’s a modern marvel with hand-painted hallways and nine vibrant arches that show the culture and history of different Rajasthani cities.
Best time: Early morning or golden hour, for soft light and fewer crowds
Gaitore Ki Chhatriyan: An off-the-beaten-path royal cremation ground with intricately carved marble and sandstone chhatris, set against the Tiger Fort hills.
Best time: Morning, for quiet, detailed architectural shots
Lotus Gate, City Palace: The most popular of the City Palace’s four gates (the others are Peacock, Rose and Leheriya). It’s covered in delicate, repeating lotus petals in pinks and greens.
Best time: Right when the palace opens, at 9:30 AM
The Pink City Doors: Jaipur is famous for its doors and for being the Pink City, so combining the two gives you the most iconic Jaipur snaps. They also make a great backdrop for an outfit shot.
Best time: Sunrise or sunset
Raj Mandir Cinema: One of India’s most photogenic theatres, with a meringue-shaped dome decorated with nine stars for the Navratna (nine gemstones). Inside, sweeping carpeted staircases, crystal chandeliers, and curving pink-and-white walls feel more like a palace than a multiplex.
Best time: Catch an evening show, so you get the lobby shots
Chowki Dhani: A village-themed Rajasthani resort on the outskirts of the city, with mud-hut-style décor, colourful turbans, folk dance, puppet shows and camel rides. Dinner here is a full experience, and every corner is a ready-made photo op.
Best time: Evening, when the lamps are lit and the performances begin
Aesthetic Cafes of Jaipur
In Jaipur, the cafes are as good-looking as the monuments. These spots serve the view, the vibe and the food in one frame.
Bar Palladio
Peacock-blue interiors, painted arches and rooms that feel like a chinoiserie dream, with tropical birds fluttering across the walls. The courtyard is perfect for a stylish evening with Italian food.
What to try: Cocktails, Handmade Pastas, Bruschetta, Arancini
Padao Restaurant
Live music and a 360-degree view of Jaipur lighting up at dusk, like a “lit bride”. Arrive before sunset for a railing spot. The ₹100 entry for Indians includes a complimentary drink.
What to try: Paneer Pakoda, Beer
Peacock Restaurant
A hidden gem on top of Pearl Palace Hotel, with tapestries, mosaic floors and Dali-esque chairs. It’s bohemian, but somehow still chic.
What to try: Laal Maas, Paneer Butter Masala, Mutton Nihari, Rajasthani Thali
1135 AD
Set within Amer Fort, with velvet furnishings, gold details and carved walls everywhere. The menu draws on heritage recipes of the Amer royal family. It’s pricey, but you’re dining like royalty.
What to try: Junglee Maans, Amber Ghosht, Thaal-e-Jodha, Kesar Kyari Vegetarian Platter
Tattoo Café
The go-to spot for a front-row view of Hawa Mahal. Visit in the morning to beat the rush.
What to try: Cold Coffee, Pizza, Avocado Toast
Anokhi Cafe
A calm room above the Anokhi store in KK Square, C-Scheme, serving organic vegetarian food. Ideal spot to visit after you are done shopping.
What to try: Salads, Sun-Dried Tomato & Cream Cheese Bagel, Thin-Crust Organic Pizzettas, Carrot Cake
Akuri
Old-school Bombay and Parsi-inspired interiors, with cosy lighting, vintage frames and a nostalgic, movie-scene mood.
What to try: Berry Pulao, Keema Pao, Irani Chai, Parsi Red Kofta Curry, Malabar Parantha, Dal Pakwaan
One8 Commune
Part of cricketer Virat Kohli’s restaurant chain, this outpost was designed by Ar. Sanjana Singh of Saaz Designs Studio. It blends bohemian warmth, handcrafted wall narratives and classy chandeliers.
What to try: Super Food Salad, Mushroom Googly Dim Sum, Avocado Truffle Bites, Commune Pizza
What to Eat and Where to Shop
Trying the local food and bringing home a good souvenir are as much a part of a trip as the monuments. Jaipur is generous on both counts, with royal recipes on your plate and centuries-old crafts in your shopping bag.
What to Eat
Pyaaz Kachori: A crisp, flaky pastry stuffed with spiced onion filling, and the city’s favourite breakfast.
Where to try: Rawat Mishthan Bhandar, Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar
Dal Baati Churma: Baked wheat balls dunked in ghee, served with spicy dal and sweet churma. It’s Rajasthan on a plate.
Where to try: Dal Bati Churma (Mansarovar), Rajasthani Bhog, Chokhi Dhani
Gatte ki Sabzi: Soft gram flour dumplings in a tangy yoghurt curry, a Rajasthani classic that is surprisingly hearty.
Where to try: Govindam Retreat, Handi Restaurant
Laal Maas: A fiery red mutton curry, once a royal hunting-party dish and still a showstopper.
Where to try: Niros Restaurant, Spice Court, Peacock Restaurant
Ghevar: A honeycomb-shaped, syrup-soaked sweet that is crisp outside and melts in your mouth.
Where to try: Govindam Sweets, Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar
Where to Shop
Johari Bazaar: Gold, silver, kundan and meenakari jewellery, plus bandhani and leheriya sarees.
Bapu Bazaar: Block-printed textiles, leather juttis, handbags and souvenirs, along with wooden artefacts, traditional puppets, wall hangings and local attar.
Tripolia Bazaar: A historic market known for intricately designed lac bangles, brassware and traditional metalwork.
Chandpole Bazaar: A traditional market for marble carvings, stone and wooden sculptures and folk art.
Anniversary Year Events and Jaipur Literature Festival
Jaipur’s 300th birthday is shaping up to be a year-long celebration. Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari has said the Rajasthan government wants to kick things off around November 2026 and keep the festivities going until the anniversary in 2027. She has also floated the idea of bringing an edition of Ayodhya Parv to the Pink City.
The full line-up isn’t out yet, so keep an eye on official announcements while you plan your trip.
Jaipur Literature Festival 2027
The first big date to mark in the upcoming year is the 20th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival, taking place from 14 to 18 January 2027 at Hotel Clarks Amer. Often called the greatest literary show on Earth, it’s a place where books, big ideas and good conversation come together. Here’s what the festival is all about:
- Panels and conversations: Talks on literature, AI, policy, gender, climate, art, cinema, economics and history.
- Big names: The festival has welcomed Nobel laureates, Booker Prize winners, Pulitzer-winning journalists and well-known voices like Stephen Fry, Shobhaa De, Viswanathan Anand and Anand Neelakantan over the years. The 2027 edition is expected to bring another line-up of big names from the literary world.
- More than talks: Book launches, poetry readings, the Jaipur Music Stage and Jaipur BookMark, the festival’s publishing forum.
- A global reach: International editions of the festival are also held in cities across the US, UK, Europe and Australia.
Best Time to Visit and How to Get Around
With so much happening in 2027, a little planning goes a long way. Here’s when to visit and the easiest ways to move around the city.
Best time to visit: October to March is the sweet spot, with pleasant weather that’s perfect for fort-hopping and sightseeing. Winter 2026-27 is especially good, with festival season, the Jaipur Literature Festival in January and the anniversary celebrations all lined up. Summers get very hot, while the monsoon brings greenery and fewer crowds.
Getting around: Cabs and autos are the easiest way to cover the city, and app-based rides take the haggling out of it. E-rickshaws work well for short hops around the Old City, and the Jaipur Metro is handy for a few central areas. For forts spread across the hills, hiring a cab for the day is the most comfortable option.
Do you need any more reasons to visit Jaipur? A city that brings together royal history, hidden stepwells, aesthetic cafes and Instagram-ready corners in one trip is exactly where you want to be in its 300th year. And if you’re not sure who to go with, or want to explore Rajasthan beyond Jaipur, from golden Jaisalmer to lakeside Udaipur, check out JustWravel’s Rajasthan Backpacking Trip, curated just for that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Two to three days is enough to cover the main forts, palaces, markets and cafes at a relaxed pace. Add a fourth day if you want stepwells or day trips like Abhaneri and Chomu Fort.
October to March is the sweet spot, with pleasant weather that’s perfect for fort-hopping and sightseeing. Winter 2026-27 is especially good, with the Jaipur Literature Festival in January and the anniversary celebrations all lined up.
Jaipur is best known for pyaaz kachori, dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, laal maas and ghevar. Kachori is the classic breakfast, while dal baati churma is the signature Rajasthani meal.
Jaipur was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. The year 2027 marks 300 years since the city’s establishment, with heritage celebrations and cultural events planned around the milestone.
The 20th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival is scheduled for January 14–18, 2027, at Hotel Clarks Amer in Jaipur.
Amer Fort’s Sheesh Mahal, Hawa Mahal, City Palace and a sunset at Nahargarh Fort are the must-dos. Add Patrika Gate for photos and a pyaaz kachori breakfast to round it off.
Block-printed textiles, leather juttis and kundan or meenakari jewellery are the top buys. Add lac bangles, bandhani sarees, brassware and marble carvings from Bapu, Johari, Tripolia and Chandpole Bazaars.
