Jaipur is a top winter getaway in India. Unlike the cold weather in most other parts of the country, the winters of Jaipur are delightful and inviting. The city’s pink hue is even more beautiful against the winter sky. The weather shifts from intense hot to pleasant cool, with warm sunny days making Jaipur an ideal winter destination. Winter is the time to experience Jaipur’s beauty and culture at its best. Jaipur winter activities attract visitors worldwide and the city prepares itself for thousands of visitors during this time. If you’re too planning a trip to Jaipur during this season, you’re in for a treat. Here’s a guide to some of the most exciting Jaipur winter activities you can indulge in:
Jaipur’s Winter Activities
Pro tip: Avoid last-minute booking when traveling to Jaipur during the winter as this is the peak tourist time and it is hard to book a hotel in Jaipur. Booking your stay ahead of time is a good idea.
Table of Contents
1. Tour the heritage monuments
Summers and heat keep us deprived of touring the best destinations in Jaipur to the fullest. Winter is the perfect time to explore the palaces, forts, and monuments of Jaipur.
- Amber Fort: Marvel at the intricate architecture and stunning views of the city. Also called Amer Fort, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated on the outskirts of river Maota. Every evening a light and sound show is held here which is a must-watch as it brings alive the fort and its history.
- City Palace: Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the royal residence. City Palace is the finest specimen of the eminence of Mughal architecture. Each of the pillars, stairs, and carved marble interiors of this palace are exceptional and marvelous.
- Jantar Mantar: Explore the mysteries of Jantar Mantar having a collection of 19 astronomical instruments. It has the largest stone sundial in the world due to which Jantar Mantar was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t miss the light and sound show. The monument stays open from 9 am to 4.30 pm.
- Hawa Mahal: Admire the unique facade of this “Palace of Winds.” Arched roofs, stone-carved screens, small casements, and hanging cornices are some of the major draws of this delicate palace. It is a five-storied pyramidal palace built using pink sandstones. Its windows are called “Jharokha”.
2. Indulge in Shopping Therapy
The mere thought of shopping makes a travel period even more special. Walking through the vibrant markets of the city lined with colorful shops will absolutely make you fall in love with the city.
- Johri Bazaar: Johari Bazaar is amongst the oldest markets in Jaipur. This market offers an amazing choice of designs and variety in handmade jewelry and trinkets. You can also buy gemstones, traditional lehengas, ethnic footwear, Jaipuri quilts, and a variety of other stuff here.
- Bapu Bazaar: If you are looking for ethnic items, this market deals in colorful fabrics, leather goods, Rajasthani handicrafts, precious stones, brass works, leheria stoles, sandalwood and marble figurines, block printed bedspreads, lac jewelry, and souvenirs.
- Tripolia Bazar: This is the oldest, largest, and busiest market in Jaipur and for shoppers. If you want to get Rajasthani attire, juttis, lac bangles and other jewelry, home décor, and accessories at cheap prices, do head out here.
Also check: 15 Best Shopping Markets in Jaipur: What to Buy and Where!
3. Experience Local Fairs and Festivals
Colorful celebrations and festivals are the signature aspect of this city. You can feel the aura of festivity with a lineup of events that paint the city with enthusiastic colours, celebrating its rich history, legacy, and art appreciation.
- Elephant Festival: The biggest and most famous festival in Jaipur, the Elephant Festival, brings out the cultural vibrancy and uniqueness of the state in all its beauty. It usually falls during January and February months.
- Jaipur International Film Festival: The Jaipur International Film Festival is the world’s largest competitive film festival. It lasts for five days and observes directors, actors, and prominent figures in the industry from around the world. It is organized every year in January in Jaipur.
- Kite Festival: Join the vibrant celebration of Uttarayan, where people fly colorful kites. Held every year in January, the Kite Festival is when the skies of Jaipur mark themselves with colorful kites. The Chaugan Stadium, also known as the Jaipur Polo Ground, hosts the main Kite Festival.
- Jaipur Literature Festival: Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF), dubbed the “biggest literary event on Earth” is organized at the Diggi Palace Hotel. It brings together the world’s most renowned writers, politicians, intellectuals, entrepreneurs, and entertainers on a single platform to engage in thoughtful debate and dialogue.
4. Savor Delicious Rajasthani Cuisine
Jaipur and its scrumptious Rajasthani food suits perfectly with the winter timing. Nothing can compare to the bliss of tasting rich traditional food of Jaipur that makes you feel better in an instant.
- Dal Baati Churma: Rich in ghee and spices, this iconic Rajasthani dish is a must try. It consists of lentil curry, baked wheat balls, and sweet crumbles and served with spicy garlic chutney.
- Savory snacks: Savor the hot fried Pyaz ki kachoris which is popular all over India and abroad. Mirchi vada, Bajra Khichdi, piping hot kulhad of bajre ki raab(a spiced millet soup) are some other special winter treats to relish in Jaipur.
- Sweets of Jaipur: Please your senses with mawa kachori, Rabri Malpua and ghewar, must-have winter specials of Jaipur. Another unique dish, Jaggery mixed with Bajre ki Roti, warms up your body and soul in cold winter weather.
5. Relax and Rejuvenate
- Stroll through lush green gardens: Gardens like Kanak Vrindavan, Smriti Van and Jawahar Circle Garden provide beautiful and relaxing walks. The liveliness of the Jawahar circle garden, the musical fountains, food stalls, fragrant rose garden, make the stroll more happening.
- Jal Mahal: Jal Mahal is a spectacular five-storied palace standing in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake. When the lake is full, only the top floor is visible and four of the other stories stay immersed under the water. Enjoy the scenic view by taking a serene boat ride around this stunning water palace.
- Galtaji Temple: This temple is called Monkey Temple because of the large number of monkeys residing there. Galtaji Temple which appears more like a palace than a temple is dedicated to the sun god, Balaji and Lord Hanuman. It is also famous for its holy kunds or the natural springs.
6. Go for the Adventure sports
This city offers prime beauty during the winter season. This doubles the enjoyment for those who are seeking out a fun and action-packed winter getaway. Let your adrenalin flow enjoying the countless adventure sports in winters of Jaipur. There are lots of options for adventures in Jaipur giving you a complete package of thrill in winter.
- Trekking: Jaipur is a great city to enjoy trekking and exploring the rocky trails. Popular trekking options are Bhuteshwar Nath Mahadev, Water Valley Trek, Achrol Fort Trek, Hathni Kund Trek and many more.
- Hot air balloon ride: For a bird’s-eye view of Jaipur’s forts and palaces, book a hot air balloon ride. The scenic beauty of this city is a sight to behold. Winter mornings are the perfect times to enjoy a smooth ride and have a memorable experience.
- Cycling expedition: Get an adrenaline rush by cycling to the Nahargarh Fort. Perched at a fantastic height on the Aravalli hills, Nahargarh Fort is a brilliant structure overlooking the entire city of Jaipur. It makes for an excellent cycling route for adventure junkies since the route is steep and is about 18 km.
7. Go on Safari trips
- Nahargarh Wildlife safari: Try going on a jeep safari in the wildlife sanctuary. Spot tigers, leopards, and other wildlife on a safari.
- Elephant ride: Go on an elephant ride at Amer fort. These elephants, adorned with colorful traditional attire, take you up the hill to the fort in a manner befitting royalty.
- Camel safari: Camels, being the most important animal of Rajasthan since it is mostly a desert, can be found roaming on all streets of the city. Going on a camel safari through the city or around Jaipur would be a one-of-a-kind adventure.
You can also read: Desert Safari in Jaipur: Experience the Adventure Amidst sands
8. Spend a day at Chokhi Dhani
Enjoy a Rajasthani village experience spending a day at this village themed resort enjoying several activities especially during winters. This offers an escape from city life, amidst the natural surroundings and rustic rural life.
- Witness folk performance: They host cultural programmes that showcase the folk music and dances of Rajasthan. The most popular performance is by the nomad tribe who presents Kalbeliya, Ghoomar and Chari dance forms.
- Taste the authentic food: They are popular for serving delicious Rajasthani dishes like Dal Baati Churma, Ker Sangri, laal maas, Gatte ki Khichdi, and more. The cuisine here is cooked in the authentic style and is spicy and flavorful.
- Enjoy Fun activities: Here you can enjoy puppet shows, magic shows, acrobatics, camel rides, elephant rides, boating, traditional games like archery and Kabbadi and much more.
9. Walk through the ancient streets
Go on a Heritage walking tour through the old lanes of the pink city. Nothing can be much better than exploring a city than strolling across its narrow lanes. A heritage tour is an apt thing to discover the local traditions and culture. These heritage havelis, age-old homes, and ancient shops on these streets give you a true glimpse of the architectural and cultural beauty of this city.
10. Dinner at rooftop restaurants
Is there anything better than relishing a gourmet food under the sky on a chilly Jaipur evening? There are many rooftop restaurants in Jaipur that offer cozy bonfire settings paired with delicious meals, creating the perfect climate for comforting and unwinding after a day of exploring the city.
- Wind View Cafe: It offers fantastic views of the Hawa Mahal right across the street. Though they don’t serve the main course, the menu features cafe staples like sandwiches, pastas, pizzas, coffee and tea. People love to visit this cafe for the view.
- The Stag Rooftop: Situated close to the Amer Fort the restaurant offers beautiful views of it. With the terrace space, the restaurant is open and breezy, with spaced-out seating that will allow you some privacy as you take in the view.
- Padao: Padao is an open-air restaurant at the top, giving an awesome view of the entire city. Here you can relax on the fort’s walls overlooking the city having the time of your own under the sky with no one around to disturb. From up there the city seems so calm and serene.
You can also read: Best things to do in Jaipur: Explore Jaipur like never before
By now, you would have gotten many reasons to visit Pink city and indulge in exciting Jaipur winter activities. The pleasing climate lets you witness the beautiful side of the chilly season as well as the stunning city.
