Destination: Jaipur
About the Drop Location
A trip from Delhi to Jaipur is one of the most popular and convenient travel routes in North India. Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, is known as the Pink City for its distinctive pink-hued buildings and rich cultural heritage. The city is famous for its palaces, forts, vibrant bazaars, and traditional Rajasthani cuisine.
Best Time to Visit:
October to March: The best time to visit Jaipur is during the winter months when the weather is pleasant and perfect for sightseeing. January and February are particularly comfortable.
Summer (April-June): It can get extremely hot, with temperatures soaring above 40°C (104°F), making it less ideal for outdoor exploration.
Monsoon (July-September): The weather can be humid and rainy, but Jaipur’s temperature drops slightly, making it a more comfortable option for travel.
Local Cuisine:
Dal Baati Churma: A traditional Rajasthani dish.
Ghewar: A sweet dessert.
Laal Maas: A spicy mutton curry (for those who enjoy hot food).
Kachori: A popular snack.
Lassi: Try the famous lassi at Lassi Wala in the old city.
Shopping in Jaipur:
Jaipur is famous for its handicrafts, traditional textiles, and jewelry. Some famous shopping areas include:
Johari Bazaar (for jewelry)
Bapu Bazaar (for textiles and souvenirs)
Tripolia Bazaar (for lacquer bangles and wooden handicrafts)
Travel Tips:
Stay Hydrated: Jaipur can get quite hot, so carry water with you.
Dress Modestly: While Jaipur is a touristy city, it’s advisable to dress modestly, especially when visiting temples or religious sites.
Comfortable Shoes: Be prepared for a lot of walking, especially in the forts and palaces.
Return to Delhi:
You can return to Delhi in the same manner—by road, train, or bus. Jaipur is well-connected to Delhi, and public transport is frequent.
Key Details
1. Distance and Travel Time:
Distance: About 280-300 km, depending on the route.
Travel Time: Approximately 5 to 6 hours by road, or a bit less by train.
2. By Road (Car/Taxi/Private Vehicle):
Distance: 280-300 km (via NH8 or NH48).
Time: 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the route.
Best Routes:
Via NH8 (National Highway 8): This is the most commonly used and the fastest route to reach Jaipur. The road is well-maintained, and the drive is scenic.
Via NH48 (via Gurgaon): An alternate route that connects Delhi to Jaipur, also well-maintained but slightly longer.
Toll Charges: There are tolls on both routes, especially on NH48, but the roads are smooth and well-marked, making the journey comfortable.
Travel Tip: It is recommended to start early in the morning (around 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM) to avoid heavy traffic and reach Jaipur before the heat of the afternoon, especially in the summer.
3. By Train:
Duration: 4 to 5 hours.
Popular Trains:
Shatabdi Express: One of the fastest and most comfortable trains between Delhi and Jaipur. It takes around 4.5 hours and is a popular choice for day travelers.
Rajdhani Express: Another fast option, though it’s typically a more formal service with meals included.
Ajmer Express: A good option if you're traveling at different times of the day.
Departure Stations: Most trains depart from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) or Hazrat Nizamuddin Station (NZM).
Arrival Stations: Trains usually arrive at Jaipur Junction (JP).
Booking: You can book train tickets online through IRCTC, or via apps like MakeMyTrip, Goibibo, or Cleartrip.
Cost: Train fares range from ₹300 for sleeper class to ₹1500-₹2000 for AC classes, depending on the service.
4. By Bus:
Duration: 5 to 7 hours.
Service Providers: Both private and government buses operate between Delhi and Jaipur.
RSRTC (Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation): Offers both Volvo and semi-deluxe buses.
Private Bus Operators: Several private companies offer AC and non-AC buses, including Vrinda Travels, M.K. Travels, and RSRTC.
Types of Buses: Volvo buses, semi-deluxe buses, and sleeper buses.
Departure Points: Buses depart from ISBT (Kashmiri Gate), Majnu Ka Tila, and other key points in Delhi.
Cost: Typically ranges from ₹300 to ₹1200, depending on the bus type (non-AC or AC).
Booking: Tickets can be booked through apps like RedBus, MakeMyTrip, or Goibibo.
5. By Air:
Duration: The flight itself takes about 1 hour.
Nearest Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi) to Jaipur International Airport (Sanganer).
Airlines: Several budget airlines (like IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India) and full-service airlines operate flights between Delhi and Jaipur.
Cost: Flights can be relatively affordable, starting from around ₹2000-₹5000 one-way, depending on booking time.
Not recommended: Given the short distance, flying is not typically considered the most convenient or cost-effective way to travel between Delhi and Jaipur.
Places to Visit
1. Amer Fort (Amber Fort):
One of the most famous forts in Rajasthan, located about 11 km from Jaipur. The fort is known for its grandeur, beautiful courtyards, and panoramic views of the city.
Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM.
Entry Fee: ₹100 (Indian citizens), ₹500 (foreign nationals).
Activities: You can take an elephant ride or a jeep ride to the top of the fort.
2. City Palace:
A beautiful blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace is still the residence of Jaipur's royal family.
Timings: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM.
Entry Fee: ₹100 for Indian nationals, ₹500 for foreign nationals.
Highlights: The Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, and the museum.
3. Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds):
The Hawa Mahal is an iconic symbol of Jaipur, known for its beautiful jharokhas (windows). It was built to allow royal women to observe street life without being seen.
Timings: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM.
Entry Fee: ₹50 for Indian nationals, ₹200 for foreign nationals.
4. Jantar Mantar:
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this observatory was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in the 18th century and features the world’s largest stone sundial.
Timings: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM.
Entry Fee: ₹50 for Indian nationals, ₹200 for foreign nationals.
5. Nahargarh Fort:
Located on the Aravalli hills, Nahargarh Fort offers stunning views of Jaipur city. The fort also has a beautiful stepwell and palace.
Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM.
Entry Fee: ₹50 for Indian nationals, ₹200 for foreign nationals.
6. Jal Mahal:
A picturesque palace located in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. Although you can’t enter the palace, the view from the lakeside is stunning, especially at sunset.
Timings: 24 hours (viewing only from the shore).
7. Albert Hall Museum:
A museum showcasing a wide array of artifacts from Rajasthan and across India. It’s an architectural masterpiece and one of the oldest museums in Rajasthan.
Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Entry Fee: ₹40 for Indian nationals, ₹300 for foreign nationals.