Most old cities grew. This one was drawn first — nine rectangles, ruled streets, and an observatory of stone instruments the size of buildings.
Jaipur is unusual among old cities in that somebody designed it. In 1727 Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II — a ruler more interested in astronomy and mathematics than in war — laid out a new capital on a grid of nine rectangles, with ruled streets of specified widths and a walled perimeter. The whole walled city was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site in 2019, not for any single building but for the plan itself.
It was painted pink in 1876 to welcome a visiting British prince, and the city has kept the colour ever since, which is either excellent hospitality or the longest-running case of a temporary decision becoming permanent.
The two things that surprise people most are the observatory and the shopping. Jantar Mantar is a garden of enormous stone instruments that measure the movement of the sky and still work to within seconds. And Jaipur remains India’s centre for gem-cutting, block-printing and enamel work — which, with the right introductions, means workshops rather than showrooms.
We give it four days because Amber Fort alone is worth a slow morning, and because Jaipur is the one Rajasthani city where the afternoons should be left deliberately empty.
What you will see
Amber Fort from the lake Amber Fort from the lake
Sandstone and marble on a ridgeline above Maota lake, approached at first light before the day's heat and the day's crowds arrive together.
Jantar Mantar Jantar Mantar
Nineteen astronomical instruments built in stone in the 1730s, including a sundial ninety feet high that is accurate to two seconds. It still works. That is the astonishing part.
The Hawa Mahal screen The Hawa Mahal screen
Nine hundred and fifty-three windows in a facade five storeys high and barely one room deep — built so the women of the court could watch the street without being seen from it.
Where you stay
2 places, chosen one at a time.
Property to be confirmed Heritage haveli
Inside the Pink City
Property to be confirmed.
2 nights
Property to be confirmed Palace hotel
Outside the walls
Property to be confirmed.
1 night
What is included
Return international flights are included.
We book them with the journey, from your nearest major airport. Travellers who would rather use their own miles, or fly from somewhere we don’t serve well, can simply opt out and we adjust the rate.
Included
- Return international flights, in the cabin of your choosing
- All transfers from your door — car to your home airport included
- Private guiding throughout, and a Shunyaway lead on every journey
- All accommodation, and all meals taken together as a party
- Permits, entry fees and internal travel
- 24-hour contact with the person who designed your journey
Not included
- Visas — we prepare the paperwork, you make the application
- Travel insurance, which we require you to hold
- Personal spending, and anything bought for yourself
Practical
- Duration
- 4 days
- Altitude
- 1,417 ft / 432 m
- Best months
- October – March
- Pace
- Full mornings, unscheduled afternoons
- Staying
- A restored haveli, or a palace hotel outside the walls
- Party
- Twelve travellers maximum
Rates on request
A door-to-door journey cannot be quoted until we know which door, and which cabin. Design yours and we will price it, or simply write to us.