Jaipur needs no introduction for Indians, fast becoming a much-loved destination. So when the 3 of us were choosing a place for a girls’ trip, the decision was almost unanimous—Jaipur it was. This post has things to do, hotels, and Travel Tips in Jaipur
This was my second visit, but this time it meant more. As a toddler mom, getting my friends to say yes to a girls’ getaway felt like a small victory in itself. Being a city girl, I’ve always loved city breaks — the freedom to choose between history, food, shopping, culture, and a little bit of indulgence. So I jumped at the chance to return.
Day 1 – Settling in and silver shopping
The first day we did some shopping , some silver had to be purchased on priority, and we got that out of the way. We also had an enjoyable dinner at Handi restaurant ( more on the food soon) and relaxed a bit after flight delays and general rushing around due to the travel. We cannot recommend our hotel, Jai Niwas enough, it was so cozy, clean and welcoming. The kind of place you look forward to returning to after a long day of exploring.
Day 2- Leopards and Stepwells
It was the second day of our trip and we had packed it in, but still it was enjoyable. We got up early in the morning and rushed out of the hotel to our waiting vehicle. We decided to splurge on one for the whole day and it was completely worth it for the convenience. Our first stop was Panna Meena ka kund, near Amer fort. I didn’t do it on my first trip to the city and I said I wouldn’t miss it this time. It was one of my must visit’s for the trip. Going early made all the difference. We had the place almost to ourselves. Stepwells are a fascinating part of India’s architectural history- ingenious subterranean structures for harvesting and storing rainwater. Found largely in western India, these geometric marvels feature symmetrical stairways descending deep into the earth, allowing access to water during long dry seasons.
It was beautiful, but because of my vertigo last year, it was difficult for me to look down (it’s over 200 feet deep with 1800 symmetrical steps). Meanwhile, younger girls were confidently climbing down the steps for photographs. I admired their ease—and stuck to safer angles for my own pictures.
PRO TIP: Go early; it’s quieter, cooler, and far better for photos.
Then we went to the Amer fort which was quite familiar to me, and we did it thoroughly again. This is a magnificent 16th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. We explored the place from top to bottom, taking a lot of pictures, especially at the Sheesh Mahal.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss the pictures at the Sheesh Mahal in Amer Fort, where you get reflections in reflections as pictures. However you have to wait awhile to get the photos, because everyone wants them
Into the Wild
We wanted to do something offbeat, and so when our trip properly started, we added in the Jalana Leopard Reserve. It was relatively easy to book tickets on the government website. After lunch we set off to Jalana, which is a little out of the city. The place is lovely and green. We waited in the garden area until our safari began. Open-top jeeps added to the jungle feel. Coincidentally, our entire group was dressed in shades of green—unintentionally coordinated camouflage. Sadly, it didn’t help us spot a leopard.
Apparently, a female leopard who had recently given birth had been frequenting the waterholes. We even read about her in the newspaper the next day. Spotting her would have made our day — perhaps our lives — but it wasn’t meant to be. Still, the experience wasn’t disappointing. We saw deer, birds, and insects and soaked in the landscape. In parts, it truly felt like being deep in the jungle. Yet at certain points, we could hear city sounds—honking cars, distant voices. It was a stark reminder of how urban life has encroached upon these natural spaces. It made me wonder whether such places will still exist for our children to experience.
At the end I left my phone in the car and had to wait around till the driver came back. So, we had cutting chai in the chill winter evening, waiting for him to return. When he came back, and I reunited with my phone, we set out for dinner.
This trip was taken in November 2025, and if you would like to read more about my travels, check this out: https://ideapromoters.net/van-rani-toy-train-borivali/
