From the ornate, pink-hued Hawa Mahal to the magnificent Amber Fort, there’s no denying Jaipur is home to some of the most impressive and elaborate landmarks in India. What you might not realise, however, is that the Pink City is also a fantastic destination for outdoor adventures and adrenaline-inducing activities. So, once you’ve explored the city’s must-see sights, here are a few of the best ways to get your adventure on in Jaipur.
Spot leopards in the wild at Jhalana Safari Park
Covering an area of 20 square kilometres and situated right in the middle of Jaipur, Jhalana Safari Park is a fantastic destination to get up close and personal with a range of incredible local wildlife — and you don’t even have to leave the city to do so! Hundreds of species call this nature reserve home, from spotted deer to striped hyena and desert foxes, but it’s becoming increasingly popular with visitors thanks to its most elusive resident: the leopard. While this otherwise shy cat is notoriously difficult to spot in the wild, sightings at Jhalana are relatively common, and there’s a good chance you’ll experience the thrill of spotting a leopard while on safari here.
Explore rural villages on a Jaipur village jeep safari
If you want to get off the beaten path in Jaipur — and experience a hefty dose of adventure at the same time — a village jeep safari is the perfect option. This excursion takes you beyond the confines of the city walls to remote villages, where you can connect with locals and immerse yourself in traditional Rajasthani culture. Plus, getting there is half the fun: these rural communities are located on the outskirts of the city, so you can fully expect a bumpy (and memorable!) ride along Jaipur’s dusty backroads.
Soar above the city in a hot air balloon
After you’ve explored Jaipur’s colossal forts and palaces on ground level, hop in a hot air balloon for a completely unique vantage point of the city. Flights typically depart a few hours before sunrise or sunset, so you’ll get to see the surrounding countryside and Jaipur’s most popular sites — including Amber Fort — bathed in spectacular golden light.
Cycle to the top of Nahargarh Fort
A cycling excursion to Nahargarh Fort isn’t for the faint of heart; this hilltop landmark sits high above the city, and getting to its highest point means enduring a steep ascent and a few hairpin turns. The challenging journey is completely worthwhile, though: once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with incredible panoramic views overlooking the Aravalli Hills and the city of Jaipur below.
Glamping with elephants at Der Amer
Dera Amer isn’t your average campsite. Instead of picnic tables and fellow campers, you’ll find luxury tents equipped with various creature comforts, a torch-lit dining pavilion, and a herd of docile elephants. Here, you can spend time getting to know the resident pachyderms: feed them bananas, bathe them, or simply learn more about them from their mahouts (trainers). Once you’ve had sufficient bonding time, set off to explore the surrounding Aravalli forests with a guide and elephant by your side. The best part? Dera Amer is dedicated to sustainability and the camp’s elephants have been rescued from a lifetime of labour at Amber Fort, so you can rest assured knowing these gentle giants are in good hands.
Go zorbing, zip lining or quad biking at Tao Experiences
When it comes to adventurous things to do in Jaipur, Tao Experiences — an adventure oasis located on the outskirts of the city — has it all. Curious to know what it’s like to throw yourself down a hillside completely encased in a giant inflatable ball? Try zorbing. Looking for an activity that guarantees an adrenaline rush? Take one of their quad bikes for a spin. Other activities on offer here include zip lining, archery, mini golf, cricket, paintballing and rock climbing.
When to visit Jaipur
Winter (between November and March) is the best time to visit Jaipur. Daytime temperatures are typically mild and pleasant throughout these months (though nights tend to be chilly, so be sure to pack accordingly). Summer, on the other hand, can be unbearably hot; average temperatures typically range from 30°C to upwards of 45°C during April, May, and June. Monsoon season lasts from July to September and brings frequent and heavy thunderstorms and showers.
Getting to Jaipur
A key stop on India’s Golden Triangle circuit, Jaipur is well connected to the rest of Rajasthan, Northern India, and beyond. National airline carriers operate daily non-stop flights from India’s capital, and regular train and bus services are available from a number of major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Jodhpur, and Kolkata.
Are any of these adventurous activities on your bucket list? Let us know in the comments!
