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.

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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.

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3. An Architectural Extravaganza – The City Palace, Jaipur

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.

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.

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 Darshan Homestay where you will enjoy the warm hospitality of your hosts Col. Mohinder Walia and his wife, Sonia Walia in their sun-lit home. 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.

Visit Old Delhi where you will see major attractions such as Jama Masjid and Red Fort. There are plenty of activities to enjoy here, how about shopping in the famous Chandni Chowk market? Or head to Raj Ghat – the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi and Shanti Vana – the cremation site of Jawahar Lal Nehru. Alternatively head towards historic sites such as India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan and Parliament House.

Day Two: Delhi
Spend your second day in Delhi exploring and discovering some of its most famous sites. Visit the Lotus Temple, Qutub Minar, Ladhi Garden and the Red Fort. Your own private driver will be available all day to take you to the sites you choose to visit.

Day Three: Agra
Get an early morning start to Agra giving you an opportunity to visit Mathura Krishna Temple on the way. Enjoy lunch at one of the ‘Dhabas’ on the way and 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
Visit India’s most iconic landmark the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri. You can choose to have an evening cooking class with homestay owners with a traditional North Indian meal that you can then enjoy for dinner.

Day Five:Jaipur
Today is an early start to Jaipur, famous for its marvelous architecture and town planning. You will reach Jaipur by late afternoon and check in to your homestay, Cosy Home.  Go to 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 and shop or see a bollywood movie at the art deco cinema hall of Raj Mandir.

Day Six:Jaipur
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. You can have a light lunch near Amber Fort. 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
Drive back to Delhi and Visit Delhi Haat, Chattarpur Mandir, Purana Qila, Bahai temple. Take it light today and spend a relaxed evening at your homestay.

Your Golden Triangle India Tour includes:
Seven nights accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. A private driver will be available for all ground transfers which includes airport pick up and drop off, inner city travel and sight seeing 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 £514 / 37000 INR / $903 USD for two people sharing  but can be fully customised to suit your personal needs and tastes. Please note that prices are subject to currency fluctuations. Prices are valid until March 2012.

Golden Triangle India – Telephone Reservation Assistance:
Open from Monday through Saturday from 09.00 – 17.00 (GMT).

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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).

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1. Destination of the month: August Festivals in Jaipur
2. An Architectural Extravaganza – The City Palace, Jaipur
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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.

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New Connoor Homestays
Eden Garden

Antique lovers Jose and Sindhuso named their property ‘Eden Garden’ because they felt it is nothing short of paradise on earth. A short drive from Coonoor, the beautiful hill station in Tamil Nadu. You are surrounded by lush foliage and your neighbours include bison, boars, monkeys and several exotic species of birds. Three double bedrooms.

Bougainvillaea

True to its name, ‘Bougainvillaea’ is surrounded by a riot of colour, sparking and strewn on carpets of emerald green around the house. Majestic views of the Western Ghats. Bonfire night and dinner on the lawns. Holistic spa close by.

Ekanth

Heritage bungalow, surrounded by two acres of lush foliage, flowering plants, and a variety of trees, birds and butterflies. Laze on the open air balcony and watch the remarkable sunsets. Learn new recipes and cooking techniques with Gajender and his charming wife, Vimla.

New Ooty Homestays
Aarani Cottage

Hosts Ravi and Bobby hail from the ancient and proud Badaga race have a fascinating knowledge of the Badaga culture, cuisine and traditions. The Homestay’s accommodation has a separate entrance and occupies the first floor of Aarani. Five minutes from the main Ooty town. Own lounge, dining area and kitchen, plus verandah.

New Delhi Homestays
Haree Shankar

A peaceful haven from the hustle and bustle. Impeccably maintained home, with four luxurious guest bedrooms. Hosts Mr & Mrs Singh go out of their way to organise meditation, yoga, cooking and pickle-making sessions, as well as Kerala massages, astrological readings and tarot sessions.

Jain Niwas

A welcoming two-storey home in the heart of South Delhi, the dynamic and affluent area of the capital. Minutes away from famous tourist attractions like Qutab Minar, Ahmisa Sthal and Lodhi Gardens. Three guest bedrooms, with housekeeping services, and every morning freshly prepared vegetarian delicacies are served on the spacious terrace.

Darshan

A sun-lit home full of period furniture, some of which used to be owned by Majors of the East India Company. Has a garden and a well-stocked library. Air conditioned rooms. Sumptuous cooking. Pick up and drop from airport and train station available.

New Jaipur Homestays
Malhotra’s Villa

One of the few homestays in Jaipur that provides apartments. The two apartments are identical in architecture and ideal for small families as well as couples travelling together. Terrace and garden for common use. Away from hectic main city.

Naindivi

Central location close to Jaipur’s tourist spots and also pubs, discos and malls. Five guest rooms spread over two floors, a large terrace which offers a 360 degree view of the city and three spacious common rooms. Immaculately managed Homestay.

New Udaipur Homestays
Balunda House

Narendra Singh and his wife Pavnesh manage Balunda House, where a modern lifestyle comes together with a spirit of warm hospitality. Mr. Singh is a virtual encyclopaedia on Udaipur. Beauticians and henna artists can be called to the home. Four spacious suites, a lush lawn and two common areas.

New Coorg Homestays
Honeypot

Modern facilities and comfort in the middle of a coffee plantation. There are three cottages for the guests, each with a small balcony attached. Every cottage has a spacious bedroom on ground floor with an attached bathroom.

B B Estate

Found 6 kms away from the beautiful town of Madikeri, B B Estate offers scenic view of misty clouds spread over the plantations. Two suites with attached bathrooms and a dining area for the guests. For big group visitors who enjoy privacy there is also an option of staying in a nearby ancestral 3 bedroom house.

Nakoor Volkot

Set amidst beautiful coffee, pepper and orange plantations, this secluded independent Homestay has views of a small pond and scenic greenery. Two bedrooms with attached bathrooms. Satellite television. Cuisine offered includes local, European, North and South Indian.

Elephant Corridor

Ever heard of a house even elephants like visiting? You might just see one drinking water from the garden pool of the house as you laze on the hammock next to your room. Three spacious rooms. Treks the hills, walk the estate and enjoy an evening bonfire after a delicious dinner.

Book your India accommodation through the Mahindra Homestays main site.

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Mr & Mrs Tikku

It’s always heart-warming when people say nice things about you.

Today we received this feedback from Anca who stayed in Mahindra Homestay’s Cosy Home in Jaipur, Rajasthan:

I am writing to give you some feedback on Cosy Home because I think staying with the Tikku family was one of the best experiences possible.

As you probably remember, I was a bit concerned with the fact that I was travelling alone and wanted a safe and welcoming place to stay. Cosy Home was absolutely perfect, in all respects. Mr and Mrs Tikku and their lovely children are warm and carrying people and they made sure my stay was worry free.

Their house is very beautiful, big, clean, the food is home-cooked and delicious.

Also, Mr. Tikku recommended a very good local guide and driver and he himself invested a lot of time and energy in making sure that I see the best places and get the real Indian experience.

I totally recommend Cosy Home!

Thank you for your assistance too, I congratulate Mahindra for having such good homestays within its network.

Regards,
Anca

Find out more about Cosy Home and make a booking.

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