Colourful Jaipur is the first planned city of India, and ideal for a luxury holiday. It is a Royal city of palaces and forts, swaying elephants and blue pottery, bright lacquer bangles and block printed fabrics.

A city soaked in history

Jaipur, soaked in Rajput and Moghal history, has the architecture that reflects its past glory:
• Hawa Mahal, Palace of the Wind, was built in 1799. It was specially built for the royal ladies to look at the Jaipur streets without being seen
• City Palace, the royal residence which now houses the royal museum
• Jantar Mantar, an observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh about 275 years ago

A short ride away from the city brings you to…
• Amber Palace within the Amber Fort was the residence of the Kachhwaha Rajputs; it is a classic blend of Moghal and Hindu architecture, in a combination of white marble and red sandstone.
• Nahargarh Palace was the summer residence of the royal family and a retreat for the Maharanis of the time
• Jaigarh Palace was the weapon-producing centre. It has an interesting armoury museum and is renowned for Jai Ban, the largest cannon in the world.

The bustling bazaar entices and beckons with handicrafts, dazzling silver and precious stone jewellery, cool handloom and tie and dye fabrics, camel hide footwear and soft woollen rugs and multi-hued carpets.

With Delhi and Agra, Jaipur forms a travellers’ famous North Indian Triangle.