Jaipur

NORTH INDIA

Regions

Jaipur, "The Pink City", is one of the few planned cities in India and its name comes from the deep pink, lime-plastered buildings. Set in the buff-coloured Rajasthani hills, it was founded in 1727 by the Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. At the heart is the City Palace that is both a museum and home to the former ruling family. Jai Singh II was a renowned astronomer and built several Jantar Mantars (observatories) in India, the most spectacular is in Jaipur with structures up to 27 metres high, used for measuring the movements of the sun, stars and planets. The nearby Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of the Winds", is a five-storey latticework screen behind which the palace ladies could sit and watch the city go by without being seen. These days they would probably be shopping. Jaipur has a fantastic variety of precious stones, block-printed fabrics and jewellery. Outside the city, 17 kilometres to the north in the Aravalli Hills, is the Amber Fort, capital of the Kuchwaha region for 700 years before the population moved to Jaipur which offered more space.

> Itineraries visiting Jaipur

2012 A Summer to Remember - Oberoi Special - 11 days from £ 2295 per person

This tour visits the Golden Triangle region of Northern India whilst staying at the some of the finest hotels in the world. The Oberoi group, renowned for their service and impeccable attention to detail, have a reputation of the highest order and in this tour we use their hotels exclusively, and in doing so have created a smooth and luxurious ride through this deservedly famous and spectacular region of India.

An Indian Odyssey...Special - 10 days from £ 2850 per person

If luxury is what you’re after and you only have a short time for your holiday then look no further than an Indian Odyssey, which takes you around the fabled Golden Triangle region of India whilst staying in hotels that a Maharaja would not only be proud of, but once called home! On arrival in Delhi stay at the 5* Taj Mahal Hotel, followed in Agra by the lavish Amar Vilas spa property. The Rambagh Palace of Jaipur, where you stay for two nights, was voted as the best hotel in the world not so long ago and the Lake Palace of Udaipur, perhaps the most iconic hotel in India, rounds the tour off in style.

Boutique Rajasthan - 19 days from £ 3985 per person

Here at Ampersand we like to do things differently, so on this itinerary you won’t find any one night stops and there are certainly no large modern hotels. It’s boutique and character properties all the way without the hassle of having to leave a destination before you feel you’ve arrived. Perfect if you want a mix of the main sights along with truly rural experiences in the beautifully romantic desert state of Rajasthan.

Essential India, North and South - 17 days from £ 5795 per person

This itinerary is one of our absolute favourites. It combines the fascinating historical and natural gems of the northern regions of Delhi, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh with the beautiful, serene southern state of Kerala. Highlights include the Taj Mahal, tracking wild tigers, Rajasthani forts and palaces, and tranquil backwater cruises.

Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan - 15 days from £ 2395 per person

This is a wonderfully vibrant way to experience India: from bustling Delhi and the impressive Taj Mahal to the 'Pink City' of Jaipur and the 'Blue City' of Jodhpur. Experience the Thar Desert, kaleidoscopic spice & textile markets and a boat trip on shimmering Lake Picchola of Udaipur.

Gems of North India - 10 days from £ 2875 per person

This leisurely journey takes in North India’s classic sights: Imperial Delhi, the Taj Mahal, the Amber Fort, the Golden Triangle, the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur and the ‘Lake City’ of Udaipur. Stay in contemporary and historic hotels and enjoy fabulous shopping – from bargain markets to opulent jewel stores.

Grand Tour of North India - 18 days from £ 4995 per person

Named the Grand Tour for good reason! Experience Delhi, the majestic Taj Mahal, the sacred city of Varanasi and Khajuraho – famed for its extraordinary carvings – and the regal state of Rajasthan. Enjoy tracking tigers in Ranthambore National Park and end in the fairytale lake city of Udaipur.

Leh and the Golden Triangle - 12 days from £ 2585 per person

Ladakh and Rajasthan are a match made in heaven – the contrast makes for a wonderfully varied and well-paced trip. Unwind amongst cool mountains, awe-inspiring landscapes and impressive monasteries, and follow with the dazzling Taj Mahal and opulent hotels in the regal Rajput cities of Jaipur and Udaipur.