Tour overview

Jaipur, Rajasthan's capital and part of the famous Golden Triangle, offers an extraordinary concentration of pink-hued palaces, impressive forts, and vibrant bazaars. This specialized package explores the royal heritage of the Kachwaha Rajput dynasty who ruled from this planned city founded in 1727. The journey combines UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the astronomical observatory Jantar Mantar and Amber Fort with traditional craft experiences, cultural performances, and culinary delights, providing an immersive experience into Rajasthan's most colorful city.

Day 1: Arrival and Pink City Introduction

Arrive in Jaipur and check into your heritage hotel (potentially a converted royal residence). Afternoon guided walk through the walled Pink City, observing the uniform terracotta pink façades originally painted to welcome the Prince of Wales in 1876. Visit the iconic Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) with its 953 intricate windows designed for royal ladies to observe street life unseen. Evening traditional Rajasthani welcome dinner with folk music and dance performance.

Day 2: Amber Fort and Royal Heritage

Morning excursion to magnificent Amber Fort, ascending by elephant or jeep to this hilltop complex combining Rajput and Mughal architectural styles. Explore the four courtyards, Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), and panoramic views of Maota Lake. Continue to Jaigarh Fort, connected to Amber by underground passages and housing the world's largest cannon on wheels. Afternoon visit to Nahargarh Fort offering spectacular views over Jaipur city. Evening sound and light show at Amber Fort narrating the history of Rajput kings.

Day 3: City Palace and Observatories

Morning visit to City Palace, still partly royal residence, with its impressive blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Explore the various museums displaying royal costumes, weaponry, and manuscripts. Continue to adjacent Jantar Mantar, an extraordinary astronomical observatory with 19 fixed instruments for measuring time, predicting eclipses, and tracking stars. Afternoon royal heritage walking tour through the old city including lesser-known temples, stepwells, and hidden havelis. Evening cooking class learning to prepare traditional Rajasthani dishes followed by dinner.

Day 4: Crafts and Culture

Morning visit to Galta Ji (Monkey Temple), an ancient Hindu pilgrimage site with natural springs nestled in a mountain pass. Continue to nearby Sisodia Rani Garden and Palace with its painted pavilions and fountains. Afternoon craft tour visiting blue pottery workshops, block printing studios, and gem cutting workshops where traditional techniques continue. Visit Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing to understand textile traditions. Evening shopping in Johari Bazaar (jewelry market) and Bapu Bazaar (textiles and footwear) followed by dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the illuminated city.

Day 5: Royal Legacies and Departure

Morning visit to Albert Hall Museum, the oldest museum in Rajasthan housed in an Indo-Saracenic building, with its diverse collection including Egyptian mummies and miniature paintings. Continue to Jal Mahal (Water Palace) in the middle of Man Sagar Lake for exterior photography. Optional activities include visiting Elefantastic ethical elephant sanctuary or shopping for final souvenirs at modern boutiques in Civil Lines area before departure.