I was fortunate enough to make another trip to beautiful Jaipur, India recently.  Jaipur is the “pink city” as affectionately known around the world and offers beautiful palaces, forts and deluxe 5 star luxury hotels, situated in Rajasthan and forms part of the popular Golden triangle ie. Delhi & Agra. It offers a gateway to Jodhpur, Jaisalmer & Udaipur.  It’s really not difficult to fall in love with this city the moment you arrive.

                             Pink city

This trip covered all aspects of travel to India and showcased Jaipur in all it’s beauty……I was truly in awe…..it is a spectacular part of India and easily accessible from Mumbai or Delhi with direct flights into Jaipur.

Jaipur offers unique experiences for the discerning traveler. One that really caught my attention was the homestay experience where you stay at a boutique hotel with the owners on site and could even try your hand at preparing local dishes, kite flying or learning how to tie a turban (the traditional India headwear for men) Different to staying at 5 star hotels but really worth the experience at least for 1 night. Rajasthani food is absolutely delicious and the local Thali is a firm favorite amongst locals and tourists alike.

Rajasthani thali

I had the opportunity of staying at the lovely Lalit hotel in Jaipur, which is a modern 5 star hotel and also visited the mesmerizing Oberoi Rajvillas as well as the stunning Taj Rambagh Palace. All properties cater for the discerning traveler with Oberoi offering a traditional but modern touch and Taj Rambagh Palace a traditional & colonial style hotel. High tea at the Rambagh Palace is an indulgent treat for a well spent afternoon taking in the beautiful scenery and ambience of this majestic property.

Oberoi Rajvillas

Taj Rambagh Palace courtyard

Highlights in Jaipur include :

Amber Fort – where you can take a majestic elephant ride or a jeep ride to the top of the Fort. The Fort is renowned for it’s Mugal and Hindu architecture

Amber Fort elephant ride

City Palace – here you can visit the museum or take the more expensive ticket which allows you access to exclusive areas in the actual palace including the mirror room, dining hall and entertainment areas whilst an experienced guide takes you through the history of the Maharajh of Jaipur and his family. This ends with a delightful tea/ coffee & biscuits in the courtyard. Definitely a must do in Jaipur

Blue room (private quarters) City Palace – Jaipur

Hawa Mahal – palace of the winds is a beautiful testament to the amazing architecture in this city. This was built so that ladies could have a view of the market area from the latticed windows

Hawa Mahal

Jantar Mantar – This is one of 5 observatories and is must visit for all history lovers as it house an impressive collection of astronomical instruments and the largest sundial

Jantar Mantar – UNESCO world heritage site

Shopping is Jaipur is really such a treat offering gems, crafts, artifacts & handmade textiles. You are really spoilt for choice when it comes to shopping here and can bargain for some great deals at the markets near Hawa Mahal or Bapu Bazaar for some saries and local clothing.

India tops our travel list yet again and the unmatched Indian hospitality steals our hearts every time. India never ceases to give us an exceptional experience filled with adventure, shopping, gourmet food, superb hotels, culture, tradition & unique experiences. Call us today to book your unique adventure thralled India experience!