If you have just a weekend to spare near Jaipur, there are many great short trips from Jaipur. Top weekend trips from Jaipur include Sariska Tiger Reserve, Ajmer, Pushkar, Alwar, Bhangarh, Neemrana, Ranthambore, Bundi, Mandawa and Bharatpur. These popular Jaipur nearby tourist places are all within about 200 km. Each offers something special – historic forts, wildlife safaris, temples or art.
| Place | Distance | Best For |
| Sariska Tiger Reserve | 107 km | Tiger safaris & ancient temples |
| Ajmer | 135 km | Sufi shrine & history |
| Pushkar | 148 km | Brahma Temple & camel fair |
| Alwar | 147 km | Forts, lakes & local sweets |
| Bhangarh Fort | 76 km | Haunted ruins |
| Neemrana Fort | 150 km | Heritage hotel & zipline |
| Ranthambore NP | 192 km | Tiger reserve & jungle safari |
| Bundi | 217 km | Historic forts & waterfalls |
| Mandawa (Shekhawati) | 166 km | Painted havelis & forts |
| Bharatpur (Bird NP) | 188 km | Bird sanctuary (Keoladeo NP) |
Each of the above Jaipur nearby tourist places can be done in a 2-day trip. Below we list them with highlights, why to visit and best time.
1. Sariska Tiger Reserve
- What to see: Sariska (Alwar district) is a big wildlife park (800+ km²) known for Bengal tigers, leopards and deer. It also has ruins of old temples, like the 10th–11th c. Neelkanth Temple and Hanuman Temple at Pandupol inside the park.
- Why visit: If you want a tiger safari near Jaipur, Sariska is close (about 107 km). You can go on jeep safaris for wildlife and explore the ruins on hilltops. The mix of jungle and history makes it a fun adventure.
- Best time: October to March (winter) is best for safaris, cool mornings and lots of animals. The park is open year-round, but summer is very hot (April–June) and monsoon rains (July–Sept) are intense.
2. Ajmer
- What to see: Ajmer (Rajasthan) is an ancient city famous for the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, the shrine of Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti. You can visit the golden-roofed mosque and tomb (a major pilgrimage site). Other sights include the old Taragarh Fort on a hill, the Adhai-din-ka-Jhopra mosque and a scenic Ana Sagar Lake.
- Why visit: Ajmer is only about 135 km from Jaipur and very accessible by road or train. It’s a cultural and spiritual weekend getaway. The city has a mix of Mughal and Rajput history, and local crafts and markets to browse.
- Best time: October to March when the weather is cool. In summer it can be very hot. Winter evenings around the Dargah are pleasant.
3. Pushkar
- What to see: Pushkar is a small sacred town (148 km from Jaipur) set among the Aravalli hills. It is known for the Brahma Temple (the only temple in India dedicated to Lord Brahma) and the holy Pushkar Lake with its ghats. Pushkar Fair (camel and livestock fair) in October/November is world-famous. Don’t miss the Savitri Temple on the hill (ropeway ride) and camel safaris in the desert nearby.
- Why visit: Pushkar combines pilgrimage, tradition and adventure. The town has quaint bazaars and colorful street life around the lake. It’s a perfect weekend trip from Jaipur for culture and fun. Every year in early Nov the Pushkar Mela turns it into a vibrant festival.
- Best time: October to March. Evenings around the lake get lively. Summertime (April–June) is very hot.
Many travellers combine Ajmer and Pushkar with Jaipur in one short trip like the 3 Days Jaipur, Ajmer and Pushkar Tour, which makes planning easier and saves travel time.
4. Alwar
- What to see: Alwar (147 km) is a city with palaces, forts and lakes. The Bala Quila Fort overlooks the city and Siliserh Lake is a pretty picnic spot. Nearby is the ghostly Bhangarh Fort (see next entry). Alwar is also known for its old havelis and the City Palace Museum.
- Why visit: Alwar mixes history with nature. It’s a tourist hub where you can enjoy viewpoints (the fort) and local sweets like alwar ka mawa. From Jaipur it’s easy to reach by road or train. Alwar is also a hub for excursions like Sariska and Bhangarh.
- Best time: October to March (pleasant days and cooler nights). In January you can see birds around Siliserh Lake.
5. Bhangarh Fort
- What to see: Bhangarh Fort (in Alwar district) is a 16th-century ruined fort and town. The fort lies at the edge of Sariska Tiger Reserve. Its stone walls, temples and palace ruins are eerily well-preserved.
- Why visit: Bhangarh is famous as “India’s most haunted place” with spooky legends (no staying after dark by order of the ASI). It’s just about 76 km from Jaipur. Even if you’re not into ghost stories, the hillside views and old carvings make for good photos. Many visitors combine Bhangarh with a trip to Sariska NP.
- Best time: November to February (cool, dry weather). In summer it’s very hot; bring water and sun protection.
6. Neemrana Fort-Palace
- What to see: Neemrana (147 km) is home to the Neemrana Fort-Palace, a 15th-century hilltop fort converted into a heritage hotel. It has 14 tiers of courtyards, gardens and terraces with views. You can even do the Flying Fox zipline (5 lines over the fort) for adventure.
- Why visit: Neemrana Fort-Palace is a popular romantic getaway and history site. You can walk its many levels and watch the sunset from the top tier. The architecture and faded grandeur are special, and you don’t have to stay there to visit the fort. From Jaipur it takes about 3–4 hours by road.
- Best time: Winter (Oct–Mar) is ideal. January and February are pleasant. Summer is extremely hot here, so it’s best avoided.
7. Ranthambore National Park
- What to see: Ranthambore (192 km) is one of India’s best tiger reserves. It has dry forest, big lakes and the ancient Ranthambore Fort on a hill. Daytime jeep safaris can spot tigers, leopards, deer and many birds.
- Why visit: If you love wildlife, Ranthambore is a must-see near Jaipur. It’s famous for tiger sightings and has a picturesque fort and temples inside the park. Many tour packages include Jaipur→Ranthambore. (You could even stay overnight for a next-morning safari.)
- Best time: Mid-October to April (safari season). January–March is popular with photographers. Monsoon (July–Sept) closes most of the park.
8. Bundi
- What to see: Bundi (217 km) is a historic small city known for forts and murals. The hilltop Taragarh Fort has stunning stepwell (baoli) views, and Badal Mahal (Palace of Clouds) has fresco paintings. Also see the Nawal Sagar Lake and the large Raniji Ki Baori stepwell with its detailed carvings.
- Why visit: Bundi’s old town and palaces have a fairy-tale quality with blue doors and ornate balconies. It’s less crowded than Jaipur and great for history and art. The region is also green in monsoon, making waterfalls in the area beautiful. (Bundi is often paired with a trip to Kota, nearby.)
- Best time: October to March. Winters are cool and festivals happen. In July–September you’ll see Bundi’s waterfalls in full flow, if you don’t mind rain.
9. Mandawa (Shekhawati Region)
- What to see: Mandawa (166 km) is a town in the Shekhawati region, often called an “open-air art gallery”. Its Mandawa Fort has murals, and the town is full of painted havelis (mansions) with frescoes. Nearby Nawalgarh (30 km) is also famous for haveli art and is called “the land of havelis”.
- Why visit: This area is great for architecture and photography. Mandawa’s colorful streets are like outdoor museums. The whole region (Shekhawati) was home to rich merchants who decorated their homes in the 18th–19th c.. It’s a relaxing cultural trip – you can walk the old town and visit a local haveli museum.
- Best time: October to March for mild weather. In summer it’s very hot; havelis are best viewed in the cool season.
10. Bharatpur (Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary)
- What to see: Bharatpur (188 km) is home to Keoladeo National Park, a famous bird sanctuary and UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s a mosaic of wetlands, grasslands and woodlands. Over 350 bird species are found here (like sarus cranes, pelicans and migratory waterfowl).
- Why visit: Nature lovers can rent a bicycle or take a guided rickshaw tour to see flamingoes, herons and many water birds. Winter (Nov–Feb) is especially good because migratory birds flock here. It’s also a quiet escape amid rural Rajasthan scenery.
- Best time: November to March (birds are abundant). The park is closed in monsoon (mid-July to Sep) as it floods.
Travel Tips for Weekend Trips
- Start Early: Leave Jaipur early in the morning to make the most of each day. Reaching places by 8–9am lets you enjoy cool hours and avoid traffic.
- Book Safaris in Advance: For Sariska or Ranthambore safaris, book permits ahead (online or local agents), as slots fill up quickly.
- Pack Sun Protection: Rajasthan sun can be strong. Carry sunscreen, hats and long-sleeved cotton clothing. Sunglasses and water bottles are essential for day trips.
- Bring Warm Layers: Nights can get cool in winter, even in desert areas. Pack a sweater or shawl if traveling Oct–Feb.
- Stay Hydrated & Snacks: Carry drinking water and light snacks, especially for wildlife safaris where food shops may be far.
- Check Local Customs: Dress modestly when visiting temples (cover shoulders) and remove shoes where required.
- Plan Around Festivals: If visiting during a fair (e.g. Pushkar Mela in Nov), book lodging early. Weekends in winter can be busy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best weekend trips from Jaipur?
Within a 2-day drive, top getaways from Jaipur include wildlife parks (Sariska and Ranthambore), heritage cities (Ajmer, Pushkar, Alwar), forts (Neemrana, Bhangarh) and cultural towns (Bundi, Mandawa, Bharatpur). Each offers different attractions like tiger safaris, temple shrines or painted havelis.
How far is Sariska from Jaipur?
Sariska Tiger Reserve is about 107 km from Jaipur by road. It takes roughly 2.5–3 hours to drive (via Dausa) through the Aravalli hills.
Which nearby places have tigers to see?
Sariska Tiger Reserve (Alwar district) and Ranthambore National Park are the closest tiger reserves to Jaipur. Both offer guided jeep safaris for chance sightings of Bengal tigers and other wildlife.
What is special about the Mandawa/Nawalgarh area?
The Shekhawati region (Mandawa, Nawalgarh) is known for its richly painted havelis and forts. Mandawa’s fort and mansions are decorated with fresco art, earning the area the nickname “open-air art gallery”. It’s a cultural highlight near Jaipur.
When is the best time to visit these places?
Generally, October to March is best for Rajasthan trips. Winter brings mild days and cool nights. For Sariska and Ranthambore, October–April is safari season. Pushkar’s famous camel fair happens around November. Monsoon (July–Sept) is off-season due to rain.
Can I cover these in 2 days?
Yes. For a 2-day trip, pick one or two nearby hubs. For example, Day 1: Sariska safari + Bhangarh; Day 2: Ajmer and Pushkar. Or Day 1: Ranthambore safari; Day 2: Bundi’s forts. Plan driving routes to minimize backtracking.
How do I travel to these spots?
The fastest way is usually by car or taxi. Many places (Ajmer, Pushkar, Alwar) also have good bus or train connections from Jaipur. Private cabs or self-drive give flexibility. Roads to these destinations are generally in good condition.
If you are visiting India for the first time and want to see Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur in a short time, the Golden Triangle Tour 3 Days is a popular option for a complete North India experience.
Conclusion
For a quick 2-day getaway from Jaipur, Rajasthan offers a rich variety. You can go from jungles to deserts, from ancient forts to holy towns – all within easy reach of the Pink City. Whether you want wildlife, history or culture, these 10 places near Jaipur have something to make your weekend trip memorable. Pack thoughtfully (sun gear, warm layers) and start early, and you’ll make the most of your short Rajasthan adventure.
Safe travels and enjoy your weekend trips from Jaipur!
