Central Park

The largest green space in central Jaipur, and one of the few places on any city list that locals use far more than visitors do. A five-kilometre loop fills at dawn with walkers, runners and yoga groups, the tree cover brings in resident and migratory birds, and India's first monumental tricolour flown day and night stands on a 206-foot mast above it all. Entry is free. Come at first light, before the heat, to see how the city actually starts its day.

The city's morning ritual under the giant flag, free and best at first light