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Jaipur

Named for Maharaja Jai Singh II, an astute leader, fierce fighter and insightful astronomer, Jaipur has long been called the "Pink City" due to the color of its fine buildings. Today, Jaipur is home to some 3.6 million residents and is one of India's top tourist destinations - and for good reason. With commanding hilltop forts, chaotic bazaars and grand palaces, all of which have changed little in the intervening centuries, Jaipur evokes both the splendor of its Maharajas as well as the bygone days of the British Raj. Steeped in a potent mix of history and culture, Jaipur offers a multi-faceted, insightful glimpse into the complex civilization that is India.

EXPERIENCES

Balloon Flight

Embark on an early-morning hot-air balloon flight over Jaipur and Amber’s remarkable landscape of forts and palaces.

Chittorgarh Fort

Stop at Chittorgarh Fort, the largest fort in India and the grandest in Rajasthan. Once the capital of Mewar, this massive hilltop fort contains a number of historical palaces, gates, temples and two prominent commemoration towers. The fort was abandoned in 1568 when Emperor Akbar, the third Mughal Emperor, defeated Chittor’s ruling Maharana, Udai Sing II.

City Palace

Visit the City Palace museum, home to the ruling families of Jaipur since the mid-18th century. The palace’s many courtyards and sprawling grounds occupied one-seventh of the old walled city of Jaipur, and its ornate architecture perfectly blends Rajput and Mughal styles. Highlights of the museum are the miniature paintings, royal costumes, musical instruments and Mughal-style carpets.

Hawa Mahal

Stop by the Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of the Winds," which dates from 1799 and is one of the most commonly photographed buildings in Rajasthan. Although the building appears to be five solid stories tall, it is in reality only one or two rooms deep, surrounding two interior courtyards. The side of the building facing the street is a highly ornate sandstone screen of several hundred windows that catch the breeze, or hawa, and cool the palace.

Jantar Mantar

Adjacent to the City Palace is the very impressive Jantar Mantar, an observatory built in the early 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II. The complex of 20 massive astronomical instruments and structures was a wonder of science when originally built; even today the Samrat Yantra, a huge sundial, can be used to tell local time within a margin of two seconds. Jantar Mantar received UNESCO World Heritage designation in 2010.

Narain Niwas Palace

Visit Narain Niwas Palace, previously the country retreat of a noble family, and now one of the most atmospheric of India's heritage hotels. The Palace is decorated with original Rajasthani antiques and artifacts, as well as vividly colored frescoes.

Shopping Tour

Go on a bespoke shopping tour of Jaipur’s diverse workshops, boutiques and markets. Jaipur's shops are known for, among other things, silks, fabrics, gems, Alwari suits (unisex outfits comprised of baggy pants that taper at the ankles and loose-fitting tops), and many more.

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INDIA Regions

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Northern

Rajasthan

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Wildlife Parks

BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK

SATPURA NATIONAL PARK

PREFERRED HOTEL

Rambagh Palace

Until recently, the spectacular Rambagh Palace was the home of Jaipur royalty. The almost 200-year-old hotel is considered one of the great palace hotels of India, and is world-renowned for its beautiful architecture, its vast gardens and its 79 magnificent rooms and historical suites. The Survana Mahal is the hotel's grand dining room and serves delicious Indian cuisine and international fare is available in the Rajput Room. The hotel's famous Polo Bar, the lounge of choice for local society, is decorated with the trophies and polo memorabilia of the late Maharaja of Jaipur. Rambagh Palace offers guests indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis, croquet and a fitness center. The business center has broadband Internet access, wi-fi access and secretarial services. Ayurvedic therapy and massages can be arranged in the Palace Salon or in the privacy of your room. Taj Rambagh is approximately 20 minutes from the airport (JAI).

PREFERRED HOTEL

Sujan Rajmahal Jaipur

The Suján Rajmahal Palace, which Architectural Digest has called “one of India’s most beautiful hotels,” epitomizes Jaipur’s rich aesthetic tradition and stands as one of the oldest and most treasured palaces in the “Pink City.” The regal abode was once home to the Maharaja of Jaipur and later became the guesthouse of Jaipur’s royal family. While the region is famous for the City Palace, an unsurpassed trio of historic forts, and a thriving polo tradition, the Rajmahal Palace itself is a stunning destination that continues to epitomize the power and sensibility of a ruling family who contributed to the layered history of India. The accommodations’ floral patterned borders and geometric shapes coalesce in a unified visual theme crafted by the meticulous designer Adil Ahmad, who reinvented the palace with his signature fusion of art deco shapes and traditional detailing. The wallpaper and fabrics in each room uniquely tell the many stories of Jaipur and the collective history of the Kingdom of Amber. Travelers may indulge in the luxurious offerings of the Suján Spa, pay exclusive visits to the royal family’s own sacred temples, embark on tailor-made excursions led by the hotel’s expert guides, and enjoy spectacular dining replete with rare Jaipur recipes. The Rajmahal Palace is also available for private bookings. Rest assured – no luxury or whim is too large or insignificant, and everything from the cocktails served by your private bartender to the linen you sleep on will be the best available.

PREFERRED HOTEL

The Oberoi Rajvilas

Set in 32 acres of landscaped grounds, the Oberoi Rajvilas faithfully recreates the majesty of the Rajasthani royals. Each of the property’s rooms, tents and villas features the following amenities: LCD TV, DVD player, satellite television,wired and wireless broadband Internet access and 24-hour butler service. All accommodations are set in private courtyards, giving one the impression of being inside a fort. The fully air-conditioned, luxury tents in particular are unique to this property. Each tent has a private patio and a garden which is enclosed by a mud wall. Inside, the tents are spacious and airy, featuring colonial design such as a free-standing, claw footed bathtub and separate shower. There is a spa with a full suite of massage and spa treatment offerings, in addition to a state-of-the-art fitness center, flood-lit tennis courts, and outdoor pool in a lovely garden setting. There are two restaurants that serve Indian and international cuisine, in addition to the library bar. Room service is available 24 hours a day.

Alila Fort Bishangarh

The Alila Fort Jaipur is housed within the 230-year-old Fort Bishangarh and offers stunning views of the surrounding Rajasthan landscape. Painstakingly restored to the level of comfort for which Alila Hotels and Resorts is renowned, the hotel embraces elements of Jaipur Gharana architecture infused with Rajput and Mughal influences. The result is a return to grandeur for the warrior fort of marble floors and stone walls. The 59 stately rooms and suites afford modern comforts such as expansive bathrooms, footed or built-in bathtubs, and large daybeds. Each room is equipped with modern amenities such as flat screen televisions and Wi-Fi. During the renovation, the fort’s original structure was kept entirely intact while various restaurants and spas were added in. Its turrets, cellars, and secret passages were craftily transformed into bars and lounges and creative spaces. Food concepts and menus are curated by renowned Chef Ranveer Brar who produces artisanal meals that pay homage to local traditional methods. The grounds outside the fort are home to a pool, bar, fitness center, banquet lawns, kids' club, and organic garden.

Samode Palace

A splendid example of regal Indo-Saracenic architecture, the Palace combines the best of Indian and Mughal styles. Despite its age, the 475-year-old palace features contemporary luxury and the signature service of Samode hotels. The hotel boasts 43 rooms and suites, all opulently decorated and furnished with four-poster beds, rich carpets and jacuzzis. Breakfasts are served in the courtyard under the shade of trees, and two restaurants offer a choice of royal Rajasthani delicacies or scrumptious Asian and European fare. After their meals, guests may also wish to enjoy evening cocktails by the poolside, under the clear skies of Rajasthan. The Palace also has an extensive wine cellar of both International and Indian varietals, handpicked by experts.

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