Jaipur

Good to know

Go

Amber in the morning, the old city after four, when the lanes cool down.

Skip

Skip the sound and light show if you are already tired from the fort.

Eat

Lassi near the clock tower before noon. It sells out of the good stuff.

Entry

India asks a lot of passports for an e-visa before arrival. Apply before you book a stay you cannot cancel.

Timing

May and June are too hot to walk the fort. November, February are easier.

What the days can hold

• Amber Fort in the morning

  $10

  Amer · morning

  Go at opening. The elephant line is a separate, slower choice.

• Stepwell nearby

  $2

  Amer · morning

  Panna Meena is the quiet one if the fort already took the hour.

• Pink City lanes

  Free

  Pink City · afternoon

  Enter after four. The palace can be the one paid ticket.

• Lassi at the clock tower

  $3

  Pink City · afternoon

  The sweet one is the order. Go before the clay cups run out.

• Bapu Bazaar

  Free

  Pink City · evening

  Look first. The first price is not the price.

• A rooftop in the old city

  $12

  Pink City · evening

  One drink with the view. Dinner downstairs is cheaper.

• A block-print workshop

  $15

  Pink City · morning

  Watch the print, then decide if you want a scarf.

• A garden break

  $2

  Pink City · afternoon

  Sisodia Rani or the central park. Sit out the hottest hour.