Best areas to stay in Jaipur
Jaipur is known as the Pink City because of the dominant colour scheme of its old city buildings, and it forms part of the Western Golden Triangle tourist circuit along with Delhi and Agra. It also serves as a gateway to other destinations in Rajasthan, including Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Udaipur, Bundi, Kota and Mount Abu.
The city is surrounded by the Nahargarh hills to the north and Jhalana to the east, and it generally slopes downwards from north to south and then to the southeast. For a visitor, the practical split is between the old city around the Pink City and Hawa Mahal, and the areas around the railway station, the bus stand and the main roads leading out towards Amer. This guide covers which areas to base yourself in, not which property to book.
Best areas to stay in Jaipur
1. Near the Pink City and Hawa Mahal
This is the old city, the part of Jaipur painted in its distinctive pink and the setting for Hawa Mahal, one of the city's World Heritage sites. Staying here puts you within the historic core rather than a drive away from it.
It suits first-time visitors who want the sights on their doorstep, and it is where you find homestays and guest houses hosted by local residents, which offer an experience that runs from interiors to ambiance to the food served. If you are looking for budget accommodation, this is the area the sources point to first.
2. Bani Park
Bani Park is a quieter, greener residential neighbourhood with a mix of heritage-style properties and budget hotels, some of them family run. It is described as very quiet and relaxing, surrounded by greenery.
It suits travellers who want calm at night but still want to be within walking distance of the railway station, and it works for families and longer stays. Several places here offer free pickup from the train and central bus stations, which is worth knowing when you arrive.
3. Around the railway station and Motilal Atal Road
This is the most practical base for arrivals and departures. Motilal Atal Road and the streets around the station and the central bus stand hold a dense cluster of budget hotels and guest houses, some steps from the bus station and a short walk from the old town or the rail station.
It suits budget travellers, backpackers and anyone passing through quickly, including those heading onward to other parts of Rajasthan. Be aware that some streets here are described as seedy, and that rickshaw and taxi drivers may try to take you elsewhere if they do not get a commission from where you are staying.
4. Ajmer Road and Hathroi Fort
The Ajmer Road corridor, around Hathroi Fort, sits roughly a kilometre from the railway station and holds a broad spread of budget and mid-range places, including guest houses with rooftop restaurants and garden or terrace areas.
It suits travellers who want to be close to the station and the bus stand without being in the old city itself, and it is a reasonable middle ground for those who want quiet rooms set back from the main road. The sources note that some properties here are within walking distance of the train station and central bus stand, and that free station pickup is common.
5. C-Scheme
C-Scheme is a more modern, spread-out part of the city, a short drive from the railway station and the Sindhi Camp bus stand and further out towards the airport. Accommodation here tends towards mid-range and above, with amenities such as lounges and dining on the premises.
It suits travellers who prefer a quieter, less congested base and do not mind driving to the old city sights, as well as those who want nightlife within their building rather than in the surrounding streets. Distances are longer here, so plan on using taxis or autos rather than walking to the main monuments.
6. Amer Road, towards Jal Mahal and Amer Fort
The road running north-east from the city towards Jal Mahal and Amer Fort has its own scattering of places to stay, including heritage-style properties. Amer Fort is one of the city's World Heritage sites, and this is the direction you travel to reach it.
It suits travellers who want to be nearer the fort and the lake rather than in the city centre, and who are happy to trade convenience to the old city for a quieter setting. Expect to rely on road transport for most trips into Jaipur itself.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Hostels run by the pan-Indian chains, which are generally dominated by young backpackers; homestays and guest houses hosted by local residents; and simple family-run hotels, some with non-air-conditioned rooms, shared or attached bathrooms, and hot water. Dorm beds and basic double rooms are the typical formats.
- Mid-range: Hotels with air-conditioned rooms, attached bathrooms, televisions, in-house or rooftop restaurants, Wi-Fi and laundry service, often with free pickup from the railway station or central bus stand. Heritage-style properties and larger family rooms or suites appear at this level.
- Splurge: Larger properties with a fuller range of facilities, including suites, multiple dining options, reserved parking and services such as airport, rail and bus station pickup. Service apartments and multi-room units are also available for longer stays.
Best area for a first visit
Base yourself near the Pink City and Hawa Mahal. It puts you inside the historic core, close to the old city sights, and it is the area the sources single out when advising where to look for accommodation. It also keeps you within easy reach of the railway station and bus stand for onward travel.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time of year to stay in Jaipur?
December to February is mild, dry and pleasant, and sometimes chilly, with average temperatures staying below 20 °C. May and June are extremely hot and dry, while July and August bring most of the annual rain, with frequent heavy showers and thunderstorms.
Should I stay in the old city or near the railway station?
The old city, around the Pink City and Hawa Mahal, suits first-time visitors who want the sights close by. The streets around the railway station and Motilal Atal Road suit budget travellers and those arriving or leaving by train or bus, with the old town a short walk away.
Do I need to worry about rickshaw or taxi drivers taking me somewhere else?
It can happen. The sources note that drivers may try to bring you to a different property if they do not receive a commission where you have booked, so it is worth being firm about your destination on arrival.
Is it easy to reach other parts of Rajasthan from Jaipur?
Yes. Jaipur serves as a gateway to other tourist destinations in Rajasthan, including Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Udaipur, Bundi, Kota and Mount Abu, and it forms part of the Western Golden Triangle circuit with Delhi and Agra.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.