Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is one of the foremost tourist attractions of India. It forms part of the Golden Triangle along with Delhi and Agra. It also serves as a stepping stone for travellers heading to the desert cities of Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. The glorious Pink City, reminiscent of a proud, royal heritage, draws tourists by the thousands from all over the globe. To ensure your trip to Jaipur is an unforgettable one, we’ve drawn up a pretty comprehensive list of the most interesting things to do in Jaipur.

The RTDC offers half-day/full-day local sightseeing tours by bus which cover the major attractions of the city like the Amber Fort, Nahargarh fort etc. There is also a Pink City by Night Tour which explores Jaipur’s spectacular sights dazzling at night which makes for a remarkable experience. These tours usually depart from the Jaipur railway station. Check out the RTDC website for details. Detailed booking information and itinerary is also available at the Tourist Information Bureau at the main bus station.

One of the best ways to soak in the sights and sounds of this majestic city is to take a walking tour through the heart of Jaipur. There are several heritage and theme walks conducted by several organizations. They give an insight of the cultural heritage, the age-old customs and traditions, magnificent architecture, the vibrant local markets, the incredible culinary experiences among others.

Located about 20 km south of Jaipur, Chokhi Dhani, offers visitors a fascinating rural experience. It showcases the enthralling cultural heritage of Rajasthan. One can enjoy ethnic folk music and dance performances, relish traditional Rajasthani cuisine and even enjoy elephant and camel rides. A trip to Chokhi Dhani is one of the best things to do in Jaipur to get a glimpse into the heart of Rajasthan.

Get a taste of the sport of the kings by visiting the royal polo ground, next to the Rambagh Palace, built by the Maharaja Man Singh II. A match ticket also ensures entry to the lounge, which is a treasure trove of historic photos and memorabilia. The playing season extends through winter. Contact the Rajasthan Polo Club for booking details. Jaipur’s Elephant Festival in March offers the unique opportunity to watch elephant polo matches at the Chaughan Stadium in the Old City.

Imagine floating over the Pink City, far away from the crowds, over the palaces and forts, enjoying the breathtakingly beautiful scenery as the sun rises. Well, here’s your golden opportunity to do just that. One of the newer and most exciting things to do in Jaipur is the Balloon Safari. There are multiple tour companies conducting such air safaris.

The aptly named ‘Elefantastic’ offers visitors a unique opportunity to get up close and interact with elephants. Apart from conducting numerous rides and safaris, their USP is to encourage tourists to build a wonderful bond with the animals. You can scrub, bathe and feed the elephants, learn about their daily routines and medical treatment, even paint and decorate them with non-toxic, organic paints. All these activities are aimed at nurturing a memorable bond with these gentle creatures in a loving, caring environment. Check out their official website for reserving a spot to tick this off your list of things to do in Jaipur.

Jaipur is a shopaholic’s paradise with a mind-boggling assortment of traditional handicraft. Block-print textiles, blue-print pottery, puppets, woodwork, brassware, gems & jewellery, Ayurveda medicines - you name it and you’ll find it. The vibrant Jaipur bazaars are a burst of colours and activities. Chameliwala Bazaar and Jauhari Bazaar are the hot spots for buying gems and jewellery. The National Handloom Corporation showroom is a top choice for traditional textiles. Linking Road in Bapu Bazaar is famous for woodcrafts and metal artefacts. Nehru Bazaar and Tripolia Bazaar are other popular destinations.