11 Long Weekend Trips in India Perfect for Quick Breaks

2. Jaipur — Pink City in a Weekend

Jaipur balances big forts and bustling bazaars in a compact city that’s easy to cover over a long weekend. Begin at Amber Fort with a morning visit to the palace complex, then loop back to the city palace and Jantar Mantar for architecture and astronomy. Leave time for a block-printing workshop or a walk through Johari Bazaar to pick up textiles and jewellery and practice polite bargaining. Plan one evening at a rooftop restaurant for views over the old city. Accommodation ranges from heritage havelis to modern boutique hotels. Approximate travel times (confirm before booking): Delhi — 4–5 hours by road or 45–60 minutes flight; Mumbai — 1.5 hour flight plus 40–60 minutes drive; Bengaluru — 1.5–2 hour flight plus drive; Chennai — 2–3 hour flight plus road time; Kolkata — 2–3 hour flight plus transfer. The best season is October to March for cool nights. If you’re travelling around a national holiday, book palaces and popular restaurants early.