India Travel Guide – How to Travel India

This India travel guide for tourists begins in Jaipur — the capital of Rajasthan and one of the most rewarding cities in the country for first-time visitors. Often called the Pink City, Jaipur offers far more than fort sightseeing. It invites visitors to participate in centuries-old craft traditions, experience the landscape beyond the city walls, and engage with Rajasthani culture through food, performance, and hands-on workshops. Here is how to make the most of a few days in the city.

Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise

A hot air balloon ride over Jaipur is one of the most genuinely memorable experiences this India travel guide for tourists can recommend. As the city wakes below, the balloon rises over forts, palaces, farmland, and the pink-toned skyline. Flights take approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Most operators include hotel pickup, a pre-flight briefing, and a post-flight certificate. Prices run from Rs 8,000 to Rs 12,000 per person. Book two to three days in advance — flights depend on weather and slots fill quickly between October and February.

Camel Safari on the Outskirts of Jaipur

A camel safari through sandy trails and small villages on Jaipur’s outskirts offers a perspective on Rajasthan that no palace tour replicates. The pace slows enough to notice daily village life and agricultural land that most visitors see only from car windows. Most safaris run for one to two hours and cost Rs 500 to Rs 1,500 per person. Several operators depart from areas near Amber Fort. Confirm the route and duration before booking.

Ethical Elephant Experience at Elephantastic

Elephantastic Elephant Farm near Amber provides a responsible alternative to commercial elephant rides near the fort. Visitors learn about the elephants’ daily routines, participate in feeding sessions, and engage with the animals in a way that prioritises welfare over spectacle. The experience runs for two to three hours and costs approximately Rs 2,500 to Rs 4,000 per person. Advance booking is required. The farm sits approximately 11 kilometres from Jaipur city centre on the road toward Amber.

Block Printing Workshop

Jaipur’s textile heritage is among the richest in India. A block printing workshop is one of the most hands-on ways to engage with it. Skilled artisans guide participants through preparing fabric, mixing natural dyes, and pressing carved wooden blocks. The printed fabric piece goes home with you. Workshops run for two to three hours and cost Rs 800 to Rs 2,000 per person. Several studios near Sanganer Village offer sessions with advance booking.

Chokhi Dhani — A Living Cultural Village

Chokhi Dhani sits approximately 20 kilometres from Jaipur city centre. The cultural village complex brings Rajasthani folk traditions together in a single evening experience. Folk dances, puppet shows, live music, camel rides, and a traditional thali served on a banana leaf all feature. Entry costs Rs 700 to Rs 1,200 per person and covers the full cultural programme and dinner. The complex opens from around 5:00 PM. Book in advance on weekends. A cab from central Jaipur costs approximately Rs 300 to Rs 500 one way.

Fort and Palace Exploration

No India travel guide for tourists covering Jaipur omits the forts. Amber Fort, 11 kilometres from the city, is the most architecturally impressive. Mirror halls, frescoed rooms, and layered courtyards justify at least two hours. Entry costs Rs 100 for Indian nationals and Rs 550 for foreign visitors. City Palace in the old city is a working royal residence with grand courtyards and a well-curated museum. Entry costs Rs 200 and above. Hawa Mahal is best appreciated from a rooftop cafe across the street, particularly at sunset when the light on its 953 latticed windows is at its most photogenic.

Shopping in Jaipur’s Bazaars

Johari Bazaar is the centre of Jaipur’s jewellery trade — Kundan, Meenakari, and Polki pieces at every price point. Bapu Bazaar carries block-printed textiles, jootis, and ethnic bags. Bargaining is standard at most stalls. For visitors who find negotiation stressful, fixed-price stores like Anokhi offer the same quality without the dynamic. For NRI visitors and international tourists, Mony makes market payments seamless. Mony is a travel finance app that lets NRIs and tourists pay like locals using UPI — no foreign card fees and no declined payments at smaller stalls.