Our sightseeing in Japiur guide will help you plan your itinerary.

Jantar Mantar

A key attraction of Jaipur is the Jantar Mantar. Between 1727 and 1734 Maharajah Jai Singh II of Jaipur constructed five astronomical observatories in west central India. The observatories, or “Jantar Mantars” as they are commonly known, incorporate multiple buildings of unique form, each with a specialized function for astronomical measurement. These structures with their striking combinations of geometric forms at large scale have captivated the attention of architects, artists, and art historians world wide. Jantar Mantar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Timings 9.00 A.M. – 5.00 P.M.
Entry Fee Indian Rs. 20 / Foreigner Rs. 100 / Child Rs. 20

Amber Fort

Amber Fort located in Amber, 11kms away from Jaipur, used to be the capital of the Kachhwaha clan, untill Jaipur was made the official capital in 1727. The Amber Fort looks stunning, built in white marble and red sandstone. To add to its charm, Maotha Lake makes a beautiful foreground. This beautiful fort is one of the very few well preserved military structures of medieval India.
Timings 7.00 A.M.- 6.30 P.M.
Entry Fee Indian Rs. 25 / Foreigner Rs. 150 / Child Rs. 25

City Palace

The City Palace forms one of the most famous tourist attractions and a major landmark in Jaipur. The beautiful palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh during his reign. Among the various forts and palaces of Jaipur, City Palace stands apart, with its outstanding art and architecture. The beautifully carved marble interiors, magnificent pillars, jali or lattice work and inlaid ornamentations are exceptional and a highlight for visitors. Jaleb Chowk and Tripolia Gate are the two main entrances to the City Palace Jaipur. The City Palace is actually a palace complex comprising of “Chandra mahal” and “Mubarak Mahal” amongst other palaces and buildings.
Timings 9.30 A.M.- 5.00 P.M.
Entry Fee Indian Rs. 35 / Foreigner Rs. 150 / Child Rs. 25

Gaitore
Another interesting visit would be to Gaitore, situated about 15kms from Jaipur on the Jaipur – Amber Road. Gaitore is a royal cremation site of the majestic rulers of Jaipur. There is a cenotaph for each Maharaja, built in his honour. These royal cenotaphs of the Maharajas are commonly known as ‘Chhatris’.
Timings 9.00 A.M.- 5.00 P.M.
Entry Fee Indian Rs. 20 / Foreigner Rs. 30

Hawa Mahal

One of the most popular attractions of Jaipur is the Hawa Mahal, it stands upright as the entrance to the City Palace. Hawa Mahal is an epitome of the Rajputana architecture. Its unique five-storey exterior is also akin to the honeycomb of the beehive with its 953 small windows called jharokhas that are decorated with intricate latticework. The original intention of the lattice was to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life in the street below without being seen, since they had to observe strict “purdah” (face cover) It is particularly striking when viewed early in the morning, lit with the golden light of sunrise.
Timings 9.00 A.M.- 4.30 P.M.
Entry Fee Indian Rs. 10 / Foreigner Rs. 50

Jaigarh Fort

Jaigarh Fort which is located immediately above the Amber Fort on the Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles). It provides an excellent view of Aravalli hills and the Amber Fort sitting 400m below. Similar in design to the Amber Fort the fort features a cannon named “Jaivana”, which at the time of manufacture was the world’s largest cannon on wheels.
Timings 9.00 A.M.- 5.00 P.M.
Entry Fee Indian Rs. 25 / Foreigner Rs. 75

Nahargarh Fort
Nahargarh Fort is situated atop a picturesque hill. It is the first of the three forts built by Maharaja Jai Sawai Singh of Jaipur. The Fort stands at the top of rugged point of the Aravalis and offers a spectacular view of the City. The fort has nine absolutely identical suites each delightfully decorated with motifs.
Timings 9.30 A.M.- 4.30 P.M.
Entry Fee Indian Rs. 10 / Foreigner Rs. 50

Composite Ticket
The Rajasthan Tourism Office has introduced the tourist friendly concept of a “Composite Ticket” This ticket costs Rs.50 for an Indian and Rs.300 for a foreigner and allows the ticket holder to visit five tourist spots namely Hawa mahal, Jantar Mantar, Albert hall, Amber Fort and Nahargarh Fort.

It is recommended to check timings and entry fees for all attractions before setting out as these are subject to change. The entry fee for foreigners in many places is different from that for India nationals.

Related links and articles of interest
Jaipur Destination Guide
Jaipur homestay collection
An Architectural Extravaganza – The City Palace, Jaipur
Jaipur Jamboree! 9 Things to Do That Celebrate the Best of Rajasthan’s Pink City

Related posts:

1. Our Top Three in Jaipur, Rajasthan
2. An Architectural Extravaganza – The City Palace, Jaipur
3. Jaipur Jamboree! 9 Things to Do That Celebrate the Best of Rajasthan’s Pink City

We are Claudia and Freek from the Netherlands. We are on a around the world trip with since September 2011 and we’re not thinking about going home yet. After travelling in Asia and New Zealand for over nine months, we landed in India.

We started our India trip in New Delhi and on the next day we took the train to Jaipur, Rajasthan. We could not stop looking out of the windows. Everything was so new to us and we quietly watched the scenery passing by.

After five hours we arrived in Jaipur. We quickly dropped our bags in our hotel and we took a tuktuk to the city centre.

We immediately fell in love with the Pink City. We walked around the beautiful buildings, had great food en simply enjoyed the chaos in the centre. Today we’d love to share our Top 3 in and around this city.

1. Amber Fort

This imposing fort is situated just outside the city. The outside looks amazing and you can easily spend an hour just looking at the great fort. After that, we went inside and enjoyed the different parts of the fort. The views are great and it’s great fun to wander around the small corridors.

2. City Palace

The highlight of walking around in the old city was the City Palace. We simply loved wandering around the beautiful buildings and gardens.

3. Raj Mandir Cinema

Jaipur is more than forts and palaces. After three days of sightseeing we needed a bit of relaxation. We have always loved Bollywood movies and therefore we decided to escape the afternoon heath in the huge pink cinema: Raj Mandir Cinema. This cinema looks like a big pink cake and that makes it a great place to see a Hindi movie. This was our first experience with seeing a Hindi movie in India and we had a great time.

Getting to know Jaipur was a great experience. What is your favourite part of the Pink City?

About the guest bloggers: Claudia and Freek are two Dutch world travellers and bloggers for www.backpackgek.nl (meaning crazy about backpacking in Dutch). They quit their jobs and left their apartment in Amsterdam for the big dream: a world trip crossing the seven continents.

If you would like to write a guest post for the India Travel blog sharing your travel experiences and photos please get in touch.

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History and Architecture
The City Palace was the muse of Sawai Jai Singh II who was responsible to give its initial structure from 1729 to 1732. Later, two able architects Vidyadar Bhattacharya and also the Sawai himself infused the Indian nuances with Mughal and European details to make it one of the most awe inspiring buildings in the city. It was the seat for the ruling King of Jaipur and included the two palace complexes – Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal. Even now, the City Palace, commands the erstwhile awe and respect from visitors all across the globe.

Apart from the palace complexes, the City Palace houses a museum. The other notable parts of the structure are the Diwan – I – Khas, Pitam Niwas Chowk, Diwan-I-Aam, Maharani’s Palace, Baggi Khana and the Govind Ji Temple. Stories like that of Ishwari Singh (son of Jai Singh) who died after being bitten by a snake and his 21 wives committing ‘sati’ (sitting in the funeral pyre of the husband) still hang heavy in the corridors of the palace. Make sure that you take your time to soak in the history and the legendary stories that reverberate in this magnificent structure.

How to Get There
Jaipur is well connected to Delhi by road and rail, it is not necessary to take a flight as the distance is only 277 kms and it takes not more than 4 hours to reach. The trains are also very convenient and well timed. Within the city, City Palace is quite accessible. Use a cab or local transport like auto rickshaws to get there. Please note that the entry is only from two of the three gates – Virendra Pol and the Udai Pol or the Atish Pol (Stable Gate). The third gate, Tripolia, is reserved for the Royal family.

Best Time to Visit
Weather wise, Jaipur has great weather between the months of October and December. Extreme cold and heat in the respective months are difficult to deal with for some, especially the summers.

Opening Times
The City Palace and the Museum are open between 10.00 a.m – 5.00 p.m on the days of the week. It is only closed on major festivals like Holi, Diwali and other select few. Please check before you plan your trip.

Entry Fees
As almost all historical places in India, the fees for foreign nationals is more than Indians. Foreign National – Rs 150 for adults, Rs 80 for children and Indians – Rs 35 for adults, Rs 20 for children.

Other Tips

• There are plenty of guides available at the Palace. Choose a government certified person only as the rates are fixed. One can tip accordingly based on your experience.
• The aarti in the Govind Ji Temple can be seen 7 times in the day. Check for the timing before you get in.
• Be suitably dressed as a mark of respect. String tops & shorts etc for women are common as Rajasthan is a travel hub, but carry a light stole around the shoulders is recommended for women.

If you would like your next trip to include some of India’s most famous historic monuments then get in touch and we can help you plan a fantastic itinerary. Jaipur is ideally incorporated into a Golden Triangle itinerary taking in some of India’s top sites.

Related posts:

1. Jaipur Jamboree! 9 Things to Do That Celebrate the Best of Rajasthan’s Pink City
2. Our Top Three in Jaipur, Rajasthan
3. Sightseeing in Jaipur

There will not be one dull moment in Jaipur! The royal lineage of the city is present in its every fold. The city is dotted with impressive palaces & monuments, immediately transporting one to regal times. And when you need a break from historical buildings, Jaipur is a haven for shoppers – silver ornaments, a variety of fabric and Indian memorabilia line the streets.

The spirit of Jaipur is best experienced during one of its festivals and in August, you can get a more intimate experience of the local festivals. Teej and Nag Panchami are the two most unadulterated festivals here, which are celebrated without inclination towards tourism.

Teej is celebrated by married women in reverence of the marital bond shared by Lord Shiva and Goddess, Parvati. Processions of brightly dressed women take to the Old city’s streets for two days in the month of August. Fine clothing and jewellery is brought out of closets and the women indulge in traditional folk songs and dances.

In more remote villages, rope swings are hung from trees and women take chances to swing while the village fills with melodious songs. It’s easy to get immersed in this long established tradition. Feel free to join in the dance and singing and don’t forget to carry your camera! The colourful clothes, elegant dancing and some playful banter make for great photo opportunities.

This kind of a festival has very strong family traditions and you can get an upclose view of how Teej is celebrated right where you are staying, if you have stay at a homestay, sharing the culture and lifestyle of your hosts.

Another festival to look out for at this time is ‘Nag Panchami’! The snake is a much revered part of Hindu mythology and this festival is dedicated to the Snake God. Gods like Vishnu, Krishna and Shiva have a strong association with snakes and this unassailable creature gets its fair share of respect.

Besides making offerings of milk, sweets and prayers to the Snake God (especially the cobras), women keep fasts and draw pictures of snakes with white powder outside their houses for protection and respect as part of an age old custom.

One venue that should be part of your itinerary during August is the Hardevja Temple. Snakes are specially caught and fed with a healthy diet of rats and milk for the occasion. Many village folk carry snakes on pots and visit the temple to pay respect. This festival is certainly not for the faint hearted as you will certainly see a large variety of snakes during the celebrations.

Apart from the two exciting festivals in August, Jaipur stands as gateway into the state of Rajasthan and its many other wonders. Its proximity from Delhi (all of 4 hours by car or bus) is the biggest advantage for many travellers. Enjoy the splash of colours, festivals and local essence in the desert capital of the country!

If you would like to experience August festivals in Jaipur yourself contact our reservations team who will be happy to help you plan a trip.

Homestays offer the perfect opportunity to get a local insight into festivals and your host family will be happy to provide guidance on the best way to experience the celebrations. Check out our Jaipur homestay collection.

Related posts:

1. Indian Festivals in August
2. Destination of the month: August in Kerala
3. Photo of the month competition: August 2011

Discover some of India’s most famous highlights with your own bespoke itinerary on our fantastic value Golden Triangle India tour.

Delhi – Agra – Jaipur

Enjoy your own private Indian tour and stay in Mahindra Homestays Award Winning pan India network of homestays with this bespoke itinerary. Discover the real India, staying in beautiful family homes where you are assured of a warm welcome and delicious, genuine home cooked cuisine.

Contact us to get the latest offers on this tour and to have it tailored to your requirements

Day One: Delhi
On your arrival in Delhi you will be transferred to the Banyan Tree homestay where you will enjoy the warm hospitality of your host Mamta Sharma. The homestay is an oasis of calm with the whole city bustling close by. Suggested activities for the day include discovering the Indian art of Henna application*, participating in an Indian cooking class* or shopping in the local art and craft shops**.

Day Two: Delhi
Spend your second day in Delhi exploring and discovering some of its most famous sites. Visit the Lotus Temple**, Qutub Minar**, Lodhi Garden** and the Red Fort**. Your own private driver will be available all day to take you directly to the sites you choose to visit. When you have had your fill of Delhi’s historic sites come back home to relax in the garden or enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool. Fitness freaks can choose to sweat it out in the gym or play a game of croquet.

Day Three: Agra
Get an early morning start to Agra and this gives you an opportunity to visit Mathura Krishna Temple** on the way. Lunch at one of the ‘Dhabas’ on the way and reach Agra. Visit the Agra fort** before you end the day.  Spend the night at the delightful Garden Villa, where you can enjoy tea in their lovingly maintained garden.

Day Four: Agra
Today spend the early part of the day visiting Fatehpur Sikri** and the iconic Taj Mahal**. Your driver will be available to take you to all the sights you wish to visit. There are some lovely gardens in Agra to see. Retire to your homestay in the evening and let your hosts teach you some local Indian delicacies in your own personal cooking class*** preparing a traditional North Indian meal that you can then enjoy for dinner.

Day Five: Jaipur
Today is an early start to Jaipur, Rajasthan’s famous ‘Pink City’. You will reach Jaipur by late afternoon where you will check into your next homestay, Madhu Pushp Bhawan. This majestic Rajasthani house is full of history and heirlooms, with a large lawn, fountain and pagoda where you can relax. Spend the rest of the day with a walk around the colourful bazaars of Jaipur and the City Palace complex with the delicate Palace of Winds and an interesting medieval observatory**. Evening is free to roam the markets of the old city or see a bollywood movie at the art deco cinema hall of Raj Mandir**.

Day Six: Jaipur
You can start your day with an early morning yoga session***. After breakfast head out to the magnificent Amber Fort** where you can have the experience of traveling on elephant back to the top of the hill where the fort is situated. Spend the afternoon can be spent visiting the battle fort of Jaigarh** and Tiger fort**. Have an evening of entertainment and elaborate dinner at Choki Dhani**.

Day Seven: Delhi
Your driver will return you back to Delhi for your flight back home, hopefully feeling refreshed having discovered true Indian hospitality.

Your Golden Triangle India Tour includes:
Six nights accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, with your choice of a delicious home cooked Indian meal at either lunch or dinner time daily. A private driver will be available for all ground transfers which includes airport pick up and drop off, inner city travel and sightseeing throughout the day. You will also be able to enjoy complimentary internet access, laundry services and tea or coffee anytime during the day as part of the package.

GOLDEN TRIANGLE TOUR PRICE

This package is available from Rs. 34,350 INR total price per person on twin sharing. Price is valid until March 2013.

Mahindra Homestays have prepared this special seven day itinerary to capture the highlights of India’s famous Golden Triangle. Instead of sharing the experience with a large group of tourists you will be able to enjoy your own private tour which can be tailored to suit your requirements. This itinerary offers fantastic value and responsible tourism.

You may want to add on:

• 2 nights in Udaipur, 2 nights in Jodhpur and 2 nights in Pali – if you would like to cover a little more of Rajasthan
• 2 nights in Corbett National Park for wildlife
• 2 nights in Nainital for some trekking and mountains
• 2 nights in Chandigarh and 2 nights in Amritsar – for Punjabi food and culture. Amritsar has the world famous Golden Temple.

ABOUT:
Mahindra Homestays have prepared this special nine day itinerary, which can be tailored to suit your requirements. Instead of sharing your experience with a large group of tourists you will be able to enjoy your own private tour using local drivers and staying with Indian families in their beautiful homestays. Enjoy their warm hospitality and delicious home cooked cuisine as they share local highlights that you won’t find in any guidebook. This itinerary combines fantastic value with responsible tourism.

KEY:
*Suggested activities within homestay – on chargeable basis. Will need prior booking.
**Suggested activities or sightseeing in destination – not included in package price. Subject to timings and availability and weather. Mahindra Homestays is not responsible for any changes or uncontrollable factors
***Complimentary activities in the homestays that are part of the package.

Click here to make an online enquiry about this Golden Triangle Itinerary
The package can be customized according to your needs and interests. For telephone enquiries please call:

• Local call from UK 02031408422
• Local call from within India 1800 425 2737
• Other destinations call 1800 4252737

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Celebrate the good!

A useful feature of Mahindra Homestays’ website that you may not be aware of is our homestay reviews area.

We feel it’s important to be transparent and honest about our guests’ experiences with us. So after every booking has completed and our guests have returned home, we invite them to comment on their homestay findings.

This feedback appears, as its written, on the website alongside details of each homestay.

Sometimes guests have so much to say they run out of space!

Here’s one homestay review from a traveller called Katherine who got back to us after her trip to Jaipur.

It gives us great pleasure to know that we’re leaving a lasting, positive impression with guests:

Our stay at Cosy Home is one of the most memorable experiences we have had. We received a lovely welcome from our host who made us feel immediately at home and who, for the length of our stay, was unfailingly helpful in assisting us with arrangements for our excursions.

The accommodation was perfect: clean, comfortable and all with en-suite bathrooms and the gardens were a peaceful delight day and night. The food provided was fresh, local and tasty and, all in all, we felt completely looked after by our host, his family and staff.

We would thoroughly recommend Cosy Home to anyone visiting Jaipur and seeking an alternative to an impersonal hotel.

Booking our stay through Mahindra was an entirely smooth and trouble-free experience; our representative offered help and advice and was most friendly and knowledgeable which, having never been to India before, was invaluable.

We would thoroughly recommend Mahindra Homestays to those travelling to India and seeking a refreshing alternative to an impersonal hotel.

Thank you Katherine!

Take a look for yourself at our guests’ homestay reviews. Browse any area and pick the homestay that interests you.

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Liam from Canada is taking a year out from studies to travel and experience voluntary work in India.

After a tour of popular tourist spots and some tiger-spotting at Bandhavgarh National Park, he ended up returning to a favourite homestay in Jaipur.

Why? Because the homestay owner runs an orphanage and invited Liam to spend some time there doing voluntary work.

Liam has been at the homestay for two months now and here he talks about his stay in “an amazing home” as well as how India has so much to offer the visitor.

Watch the video and hear about his findings.

See our Jaipur homestays.

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Jaipur awaits travellers

Half price deals on bookings at select Mahindra Homestays in Jaipur
The Pink City of Jaipur offers warm hospitality, regal celebrations, grand forts and palaces, colourful dresses and rich Indian delicacies. With Makar Shakranti and the kite-flying festival in January, Jaipur is a great place to be right now. Activities, festivals and sights to see all through the year make Jaipur the cultural hub of India, with a seemingly endless array of things to see, do and buy.

Experience the Indian hospitality of warm home owners who have great tales of Jaipur and its royalty to share with you. Taste delectable family recipes specially prepared by your host and learn the secrets of Indian cuisine. Visit the sights of Jaipur with your homeowner guiding you and sharing the rich history of the Pink City. Learn the intricate art of wearing an Indian Sari or let our hosts invite you to fascinating session of Mehendi tattoo.

Jaipur homestay

There is a world of new experience in Jaipur and Mahindra Homestays will add to the hospitality and home-like comfort and warmth that can make your experience richer.

Now there’s all the more reason to take a break to wonderful Jaipur with Mahindra Homestays.

With a HALF PRICE OFFER on select Mahindra Homestays, the choice has never been easier.

Visit www.mahindrahomestays.com or call 1800 425 2737 (India) for booking assistance. Other local numbers are shown below.

Telephone Reservation Assistance

Open from Monday through Saturday from 09.00 – 17.00 (GMT).

Related posts:

1. Sightseeing in Jaipur
2. Jaipur Jamboree! 9 Things to Do That Celebrate the Best of Rajasthan’s Pink City
3. Destination of the month: August Festivals in Jaipur

It was a close run contest, but the eventual winner of July’s Facebook Photo of the Month is Emma Farnan and her image of children minding powder paints in Jaipur.

Congratulations to Emma, who wins a £10 Amazon voucher.

Each month we select three photos from the pool of hundreds uploaded to our Facebook page. We then invite fans to choose their favourite. Start uploading some of your images now for a chance to be the fans’ favourite next month.

Meanwhile if you’re interested in what Jaipur has to offer, read our things to do in Jaipur article and then book your Jaipur homestay accommodation with Mahindra Homestays. Several of our beautiful Jaipur homestays are available with a 50% discount – for a limited period, so book quickly.

Related posts:

1. Photo Of The Month: August 2009
2. Photo Of The Month: September 2009
3. Facebook Photo of the Month: April 2009 Winner

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