Diwali Holiday in Jaipur 2026: 2-Day Itinerary with Festive Markets, Forts and a Royal Dinner

A perfect Diwali holiday in Jaipur takes two days: spend Day 1 in the Old City (Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar and the lit-up bazaars) and Day 2 at Amer Fort, then end with a royal Rajasthani dinner at Virasat Heritage Restaurant in Kukas, about 15 minutes from the fort. Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, 8 November, and Jaipur is at its most colourful in the days around it.

This guide gives you a day-by-day plan, shopping tips, food ideas and practical advice for travelling at festival time.

Diwali 2026 Dates and the Best Days to Visit

Main Diwali, the day of Lakshmi Puja, is on Sunday, 8 November 2026, and Govardhan Puja is on Monday, 9 November. Diwali is a five-day festival, and the days leading up to it are the best time for visitors: the markets are busy and decorated, and most sights are open.

Diwali night itself is a family festival at home for many locals, so plan your sightseeing and shopping before it, and check ahead for any changes to monument and restaurant timings on the festival days. The weather in November is generally pleasant, with comfortable days and cooler evenings.

Your 2-Day Diwali Itinerary at a Glance

•       Day 1, Old City: Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, lunch, and the festive bazaars at dusk.

•       Day 2, Amer and dinner: Amer Fort in the morning, Jal Mahal photo stop, optional hill-fort sunset, then dinner at Virasat.

Jaipur is a UNESCO World Heritage city, and these two days cover its top highlights. If you have a little more time, use our 3-day Jaipur itinerary, and for a single day see our one-day Jaipur itinerary with food stops.

Day 1: The Old City and the Festive Bazaars

Morning: Hawa Mahal. Start early at the Palace of Winds. Its pink sandstone facade faces east, so the morning light is the best for photos.

Late morning: City Palace. The City Palace complex is still partly home to Jaipur's royal family, and its courtyards, museums and costume and textile galleries give you a sense of Rajput court life. Allow about two hours.

Midday: Jantar Mantar. Just next door is the 18th-century astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A guide helps make the instruments easier to understand.

Lunch. Take a break in the Old City. Look for pyaaz kachori, mirchi vada and lassi from local stalls, or sit down for a leisurely meal.

Late afternoon and evening: the bazaars. Walk the Old City markets as the lights come on. Johari Bazar is regularly photographed lit up for Diwali, and nearby bazaars such as Bapu Bazar and Tripolia Bazar are known for textiles, jootis, lac bangles and brassware. Expect crowds, so keep your valuables safe and stay together as a group.

For more evening ideas, see our list of things to do in Jaipur at night.

Day 2: Amer Fort and a Royal Dinner

Morning: Amer Fort. Arrive early, before the crowds and the heat build up. Amer Fort is part of the UNESCO-listed hill forts of Rajasthan and is best known for its courtyards, the Ganesh Pol and the mirror-work Sheesh Mahal. Allow two to three hours, and wear comfortable shoes for the climb and the stone paths.

On the way: Jal Mahal. The Water Palace in the middle of Man Sagar Lake makes a quick photo stop on the Amer road.

Afternoon: optional hill forts. If you have energy, Jaigarh Fort (home to the Jaivana cannon) and Nahargarh Fort offer wide views over the city, and Nahargarh is popular at sunset. If you prefer a relaxed day, rest at your hotel before dinner.

Evening: dinner at Virasat. Virasat is on Delhi Road, near Sai Baba Temple, Kukas, about 15 minutes from Amer Fort, which makes it an easy end to the day. You'll be welcomed with a tilak, a garland, and Padharo Mhare Des, then seated in a darbar hall for an unlimited, 100% pure vegetarian Rajasthani thali with live folk music and dance.

Because Diwali is a high-demand time, reserve your table early and call to confirm festival-day timings.

What to Eat During Your Diwali Holiday

Between sightseeing, try Jaipur's famous snacks, such as pyaaz kachori, mirchi vada and lassi. For a full Rajasthani meal, order a thali: dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, ker sangri, kadhi, bajra roti with lehsun chutney, chaas and sweets.

Not sure what to order? Read our guide to the top 10 must-try Rajasthani dishes in Jaipur, the guide to the Rajasthani thali in Jaipur and our menu. To learn how locals celebrate, see how Rajasthan celebrates Diwali.

Diwali Shopping Guide: What to Buy in Jaipur

•       Jewellery and gemstones: Jaipur is known for its jewellery trade, especially around Johari Bazar. Buy from reputable shops and ask for proper bills.

•       Textiles: Bandhani, leheriya and block-printed fabrics make good festive gifts.

•       Footwear and accessories: Rajasthani jootis and lac bangles are popular souvenirs.

•       Blue pottery and brassware: Decorative pieces that suit Diwali home decor.

•       Sweets and gift boxes: Pick up festive mithai for family and friends.

Bargaining is common in the bazaars, so compare a few shops before you buy.

Practical Tips for Travelling During Diwali

•       Check timings. Monument and market timings can change around festival days, so verify on the day, and confirm restaurant hours by phone.

•       Start early. Roads in the Old City get congested near Diwali, so begin sightseeing in the morning.

•       Use a cab or a pre-booked driver. Parking near the bazaars is difficult.

•       Consider a composite ticket. Jaipur offers a combined ticket for several monuments. Check the current price and validity at the ticket counter.

•       Carry water, wear comfortable shoes and keep cash handy for small purchases.

•       Book dinner early. Diwali 2026 falls on a Sunday, so reserve your table well in advance.

•       Keep the family in mind. For a family or group dinner, see our guides to a Diwali dinner in Jaipur, a Diwali family get-together in Jaipur and Diwali party and corporate dinner venues in Jaipur.

Travelling With Children or Elders?

Keep the plan light. Choose one or two sights per day, take breaks and use a cab between stops. Virasat's seating is comfortable for all ages, and children can take part in the Royal Kids Program, where they dress up as little maharajas and maharanis. Please check availability for Diwali week.

How to Reach Virasat From the City

Virasat Heritage Restaurant is on Delhi Road, near Sai Baba Temple, Kukas, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302028. It is about 15 minutes from Amer Fort and roughly 20 km from Jaipur Junction railway station. Cabs are the easiest way to reach it, and parking is available. Search for Virasat Heritage Restaurant Kukas on Google Maps for live directions, or see our page for a restaurant in Kukas.

How to Bok

•       Online: Reserve a table.

•       By phone: Call +91 95877 77817 or +91 73749 99951.

•       For groups: Use the contact page.

Prices are listed at the restaurant and on the booking page. Please check the booking policy before you confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do I need for Jaipur during Diwali? 

Two days cover the highlights: one for the Old City and bazaars, and one for Amer Fort and a heritage dinner. Add a third day for forts, museums and shopping if you can.

When is Diwali in 2026? 

Sunday, 8 November 2026, with Govardhan Puja on Monday, 9 November.

Is Jaipur worth visiting for Diwali? 

Yes. The Old City bazaars are decorated, the weather is pleasant and there is a strong festive atmosphere, though it is also a busy season, so book early.

What is the best time to visit the bazaars? 

In the evening, when the lights are on. Expect crowds, especially close to Diwali.

Which sights are UNESCO World Heritage Sites? 

Jaipur City, Jantar Mantar and Amer Fort (as part of the hill forts of Rajasthan).

Where can I have a traditional Rajasthani dinner on Diwali? 

Virasat Heritage Restaurant in Kukas serves an unlimited pure vegetarian thali with live folk music and dance. Please call to confirm festival-day timings.

How far is Virasat from Amer Fort? 

About 15 minutes by road.

Is the food vegetarian? Is there a Jain option? 

Yes. Virasat is 100% pure vegetarian, and a Jain thali is available on request.

Conclusion

Two days are enough to see Jaipur's palaces, forts and festive bazaars, and to end with a dinner that feels like a royal evening. Plan early, start your days in the morning and leave your evenings for lights, music and a generous Rajasthani meal.

Ready to plan your Diwali holiday? Reserve your table at Virasat or call +91 95877 77817.