Get an in-depth look at the rich architectural history and cultural heritage of Jaipur on this 3-day tour of the vibrant and dynamic capital of Rajasthan in India. With your expert private guide, discover the advanced nature of early Indian architecture with visits to remarkable structures, from a museum to a palace to even a UNESCO World Heritage-listed solar observatory! Ride an elephant at Amber Fort and enjoy an authentic cultural experience as you participate in traditional practices at a Rajhasthani village. Your tour includes meals, entrance fees, private transportation and knowledgeable commentary from your expert guide.
Highlights
- 3-day tour of Jaipur with a private guide
- Ride on an elephant outfitted with traditional coverings at the famous Amber Fort
- Discover the lavish lifestyles of India's early maharajas as you tour the City Palace and Hawa Mahal
- Admire the Jal Mahal beautifully reflected on Man Sagar Lake
- See British architectural influences as you visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed solar observatory, Jantar Mantar
- Witness the fusion of Rajput and Mughal styles at sites like the Lakshmi Narayan Temple
- Immerse yourself to Rajasthan's rich culture and arts on a visit to the Chokhi Dhani village resort
- Transport by a private vehicle, meals, overnight accommodation and hotel/airport pickup and drop-off included
Special Offer
Introductory offer! Book before December 31, 2012, and save up to 48% on the recommended retail rate
Useful Information
Hawa Mahal
On this 3-day tour, explore the city of Jaipur with your guide and visit some of its most prominent and celebrated sites. Discover the opulence of India’s maharajas with visits to the palatial complexes of Hawa Mahal and the City Palace. Learn about the Hindu-Rajput and Islamic-Mughal styles of architecture of the Amber Fort, the Jal Mahal and the Lakshmi Narayan Temple (Birla Temple). Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jantar Mahal solar observatory; ride an elephant; and dive deep India’s heritage at the village resort of Chokhi Dhani, representing a traditional Rhajasthani village.
Throughout your tour, your expert guide will provide informative commentary on India’s rich culture and history. With meals, accommodation, entrance fees and private transportation included, your experience in Jaipur is sure to be comfortable, enjoyable and enlightening.
Please see the Itinerary below for a more detailed schedule.
Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi - Jaipur (L,D)
After pickup from your hotel in Delhi, you’ll be driven to Jaipur, the vibrant capital of the state of Rajasthan. As you travel along its streets, you’ll discover why it is also known as the ‘Pink City,’ for a majority of its buildings are painted in terra-cotta pink.
First, stop at Jal Mahal, a historic structure located in the middle of Man Sagar Lake, surrounded by the beautiful hills of the Aravalli Range. You’ll be mesmerized when you see the intricate structure casting beautiful reflections on the calm water. As you tour around Jal Mahal, learn from your guide about its sophisticated design showing how advanced India’s early architecture was.
Head to your hotel for check-in and lunch. Spend some time settling into your comfortable accommodation before meeting your guide in the lobby in the evening. Relax on the drive to Lakshmi Narayan Temple, also called Birla Temple, dedicated to the god Vishnu (Narayan) and the goddess Lakshmi.
Marvel at the intricate engravings of many historic and religious figures carved on the temple’s facade. Learn how its three marble domes represent the three major religions of the country. Step inside and learn about the mythological episodes painted on the decorative inner panels.
End the night with a traditional Indian dinner in either the hotel or at a popular restaurant chosen by your guide.
Overnight: 3-star hotel in Jaipur
Day 2: Jaipur (B, L, D)
After breakfast, head to the Amber Fort, an opulent palatial complex situated atop a hill overlooking beautiful Maota Lake. Here, delight in a one-of-a-kind experience of riding an elephant outfitted with an ornamental covering and saddle!
Tour the four main sections of this formidable fortress; gaze at its intricate designs combining mirror works, paintings, carvings, mosaics, frescoes and murals.
Then, drive to Hawa Mahal, an ornate red-sandstone structure designed in the form of the crown of the Hindu god Krishna. Admire the sophisticated design of its 953 jharokhas (small windows), skillfully decorated with intricate latticework. Discover the successful fusion of Hindu-Rajput architecture on its domed canopies and Islamic-Mughal architecture on its arches featuring delicate metalwork patterns.
Next, you’ll be driven to the City Palace, a picture-perfect illustration of India’s unique architecture and art. See the mix of Rajput, Mughal, and European architecture as you walk along its impressive gardens and inside its historical buildings, including the Chandra Mahal and the Mubarak Mahal. Visit the museum inside Chandra Mahal to see its rich collection of royal costumes and Rajput weapons.
In between sightseeing, relax as you feast on a traditional Indian meal at a restaurant chosen by your guide.
Continue to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jantar Mantar, a structural masterpiece displaying the scientific nature of early Indian architecture. It is one of the largest and best-preserved solar observatories built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in the 1700s. Tour the facilities with your guide and see the large collection of astronomical instruments with a variety of purposes like measuring time and predicting eclipses.
Next, head to the Albert Hall Museum, the oldest museum in Rajasthan, which features Indo-Saracenic-style of architecture, a movement brought by British architects in the late 19th century. Walk through the Ram Nivas Garden and enter the museum to see its outstanding collection of cultural artifacts and learn about the delicate work of carpet weaving.
In the evening, visit Chokhi Dhani, a resort representing the culture, traditions and lifestyle of village life in Rajasthan. Take a walk through the village resort with your guide and delight in an authentic pastoral experience as you watch traditional Rajhastani dance performances, peruse the offerings of the art and craft market, and take a ride on a horse, camel or elephant (own expense).
End your spectacular day with a grand dinner at one of the village restaurants. Experience authentic Indian hospitality as you enjoy a variety of delectable dishes while traditionally seated on low stools.
After dinner, you will be taken back to the hotel.
Overnight: 3-star hotel in Jaipur
Day 3: Jaipur – Delhi (B)
Check out of the hotel after enjoying breakfast. On your way back to Delhi, admire the beautiful sites you pass; listen to your guide's interesting insight on the region; and reflect on your delightful experience of Jaipur.
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