Jaipur: Literature, Culture & Colour

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Jaipur, the Pink city, is a microcosm of everything Rajasthan: spectacular architecture, splendid palaces, delicious dining, fabulous fashion and a vibrant culture, immersed in a myriad of colours, sights and sounds. It is also home to the Jaipur Literature Festival, the largest literature festival in the world and a mecca for famous authors and those who love to read their work.

You will experience this incredible festival as the centrepiece of this exclusive tour, designed to showcase the very best this beautiful city has to offer.

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DIVA MOMENTS

Stepwell Dinner, Samode Haveli

Mita Kapur’s VIP Authors’ dinner – only tour company with exclusive access

Private guided Chillies walking tour – Mita Kapur

Jaipur Literature Festival VIP access

Private Contemporary Fashion experience

Private Artisan & Textiles experience

Jaipur, the Pink city, is a microcosm of the best of everything Rajasthan: spectacular architecture, splendid palaces, delicious dining, fabulous fashion and a vibrant culture, immersed in a myriad of colours, sights and sounds.

It is also home to the Jaipur Literature Festival, the largest literature festival in the world and a mecca for famous authors and those who love to read their works.

Surrounded by ancient forts and the rugged Aravalli Hills, Jaipur is one of the most enticing places in India. Every aspect of this ‘pink city’ (The story goes that when Queen Victoria visited 1876, the maharaja painted the whole city pink) was originally meticulously planned when it was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. Today it is one of India’s fastest growing cities, showcasing ‘new meets old’, yet even in the most modern parts, ancient traditions remain.

The old city is a seemingly chaotic mix of fascinating, colorful, hectic bazaars and historic sights. Providing a majestic backdrop to the city are the City Palace – now a public museum of art and artefacts from around the world – the Palace of Winds and the Amber Fort, a military masterpiece though even that, it overlooked by two other forts, Nahagarh (a great place for sunsets) and Jaigarh, which provides a great view point of the city.

However, beyond these monuments, Jaipur has so much more to offer. Take a privately guided walk into the backstreets of the old city and you will come across men, in tiny workshops, polishing priceless precious stones for Jaipur’s famous jewellery industry. Encased within the old city are over 4500 temples and there are even public ones in private houses! There are textile shops where clothes can still be made to order and a wonderful, if slightly spicy, array of street food.

Once you have had your fill of this exquisite city, it is time for all things literary. The Jaipur Literature Festival will fill your senses, peak your curiosity and have you rubbing shoulders with culture vultures, literary lovers and fabulous authors from around the world.

Each day offers a fabulous list of author chats, panel discussions that can range from current events to the social influence of a book or genre and more. Entertainment by local musicians and dancers will stir the imagination and leave you wanting more, and in the evening dine with newly made friends and discuss the day that was with your literary travelling divas…..it is sublime and each year offers up something new!

Space is limited to a maximum of 12 guest so make sure you secure your booking today.

GETTING THERE:

Qantas flies to several points in India as does Singapore Airlines. Ask us how to get there!

Tour Price: $10,680 per person on a twin share* basis. $12,275 single per person.

Tour Dates: 27 January – 04 February 2025

Starts: Jaipur

Finishes: Jaipur

PRICE INCLUDES:

Fully escorted by Donna Hipgrave, from Jaipur

3 nights’ Haveli Deluxe Room accommodation, Alsisar Haveli

5 nights’ 5-star Superior Room accommodation, Clarks Amir

Private arrival and departure airport transfers

12 main meals: 7 dinners & 5 lunches

Breakfast daily

Welcome drink and Stepwell dinner, Samode Haveli

Dinner at Bar Palladio

VIP Authors’ dinner at Mita Kapur’s private residence

Jaipur Literature Festival VIP access, included dining and entertainment

Private Contemporary Fashion experience OR Classic City tour

Private guided Chillies food walk, with Mita Kapur, renowned author, journalist and literary agent

Private guided textiles day

Private transport throughout as per the itinerary

English speaking private guides for tours

Government Taxes

Tips for hotel porters, local tour guides & drivers included in the itinerary.

* Please note: twin beds at Clarks Amir are side-by-side and cannot be separated – separate quilts/bedding are provided.

NOT INCLUDED:

Airfares and departure taxes; transfers unless stated in the itinerary; items of a personal nature; phone calls; passport and visas; laundry or tips not covered in the itinerary. Personal transport; excess baggage; security and government taxes; travel insurance. Meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary; additional beverages (unless specifically described). Optional excursions or activities that may be offered but are not included in the tour price. Spa treatments and any items not specified. Any changes you choose to make during your holiday.

JANUARY 2025

Day 1 – Monday 27: Hello Jaipur…

Today arrive into Jaipur, be met by your private transfer driver and taken to your home for the next 3 nights, Alsisar Haveli, a haven of tranquility in this vibrant city.

Settle in, relax and then meet up with your other travelling companions for a tour briefing with Donna over a welcome drink this evening.

Dinner is at leisure.

Overnight Accommodation: Alsisar Haveli

Day 2 – Tuesday 28: Cultural or Fashion Immersion – which one will you choose?

Today you have two amazing tours to choose from. Option one is a city tour of the classic sites, designed for first time visitors or for those who want to revisit favourites in this unique city. the second options is a delightful day of contemporary fashion taking in some of the best designer shops an – whatever you feel like doing the choice is yours!

Option 1: After breakfast enjoy a tour of the cities classic sites.

The City Palace – is a royal residence and former administrative headquarters of the rulers of the Jaipur State in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Construction started soon after the establishment of the city of Jaipur under the reign of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, who moved his court to Jaipur from Amber, in 1727. It is a unique and special complex of several courtyards, buildings, pavilions, gardens, and temples.

Visit the Observatory – or Jantar Mantar as its known in the local language, is a collection of 19 astronomical instruments built by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur, Rajasthan. The monument was completed in 1734. It features the world’s largest stone sundial and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is near City Palace and Hawa Mahal.

This afternoon you will visit the spectacular Amber Fort. Learn about the 28 kings of the Kachwaha Dynasty who ruled a number of kingdoms in the area and see how they played a part in changing the destiny of medieval India. One of the best examples of this style within the fort is the Ganesh Pol. Mirza Raja Jai Singh, who ruled the place from 1621 to 1627, was instrumental in building the Ganesh Pol, a gate embellished with mosaics, which makes it look colourful and grand. Another main attraction of the fort is the Sheesh Mahal, the magnificent mirror inlay room – and it is beyond beautiful

At the finish of your tour you will visit the Anokhi museum with the rest of the group.

Option 2: After breakfast embark on a tour of Jaipur’s contemporary fashion. Visit the famous shops of Jaipur which display the various fabrics & apparel of modern Jaipur along with the traditional styles. Your last stop will be the Anokhi museum where the other group will join you for the tour of the museum.

This evening enjoy your welcome dinner at Samode Haveli. Dinner is situated in the Stepwell, part of the Haveli’s Temple complex, exquisitely lit with 100’s of flickering candles, curated to perfection.

Overnight Accommodation: Alsisar Haveli

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Wednesday 29: Textiles & Bar Palladio = Divine…

Embark on a mesmerising street food walking tour through the enchanting city of Jaipur, hosted by author, jounalist and literary agent, Mita Kapur.

This walk isn’t for the faint hearted. The visual dance of colours, the whiffs of fresh ginger and coriander, and the crunch of texture against your palate come alive in the heady fix of food just hot from a tawa or griddle. You learn about the traditional food of Jaipur along this walk , sweet savoury, spicy , hot you name it and its all there in this walk.

Then back to the hotel to get ready for your day with the Artisans.

Jaipur, often referred to as the “Pink City,” is a hub of artistic craftsmanship and is renowned for several traditional art forms.

These curated visits provide you an up close and personal experience of Jaipur’s diverse and celebrated art forms, showcasing the city’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage through skilled craftsmanship.

Blue Pottery: Jaipur is celebrated for its distinctive blue pottery, characterized by intricate floral patterns and vibrant blue hues. At a blue pottery workshop, witness skilled artisans shaping and glazing these unique ceramic pieces. The craft involves a meticulous process of hand-painting and firing, resulting in exquisite and colorful artifacts.

Block Printing Factory: Jaipur is renowned for its traditional block printing techniques, where intricate patterns are hand-stamped onto fabrics. Explore a block printing factory to observe artisans meticulously creating these beautiful designs using wooden blocks. The vibrant textiles produced here are representative of Jaipur’s rich cultural heritage.

Gems and Jewellery Making Factory: Jaipur is a gemstone and jewellery hub, famous for its exquisite craftsmanship. Visit a gems and jewellery making factory to witness the meticulous process of cutting, polishing, and setting gemstones. From vibrant Rajasthani designs to contemporary styles, Jaipur’s jewellery reflects the city’s royal legacy and artistic finesse.

Then return back to the hotel to get ready for your dinner at the famous Bar Palladio Restaurant.

Overnight Accommodation: Alsisar Haveli

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Days 4 to 8 – Thursday 30 to Monday 03 February: The Literature Festival

Spend these days immersed into the fascinating world of the Jaipur Literature Festival. New book launches, author talks and panel discussions, meet like minded literature lovers and maybe some of your favourite authors. Dine and chat over the days events after an eventful day with your fellow travellers and more.

Be entertained by local musicians, dancers and more. Rub shoulders with the authors at the VIP Authors Dinner held at the private residence of Mita Kapur and finish this delightful tour with an exquisite farewell dinner at the Raj Mahal Palace.

Overnight Accommodation: Clarks Amer

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 – Tuesday 04: Time to say farewell, for now…

All good things must come to an end and after breakfast and checking out of Clarks, it is time to transfer to the airport for your onward journey. Or perhaps you have decided to join us in Kolkata & Darjeeling? Why wouldn’t you!

Meals: Breakfast

Jaipur:

Alsisar Haveli:

Alsisar Haveli has an assortment of 45 tastefully crafted and well equipped heritage style state of the art rooms. The Heritage hotel, Alsisar Haveli incorporates the finesse of traditional Rajput architecture with admirable impressions of the royal era.

The Rooms of this heritage hotel are very much like the ones that were used by the nobles of Alsisar. Antique furniture, intricately carved poster beds, and medieval delicate motifs on fabrics, charmingly enhance the royal Rajasthani experience and recreate a flavour of luxury living for our guests.

Clarks Amer:

Chosen as this hotel is located within walking to distance of the Jaipur Literature Festival to ensure you can maximise your day and not spend it in traffic going to and from the festival.

Watch the setting sun paint myriad hues across the sky, or simply sink into luxury at our elegant rooms. Extremely cosy rooms that are fitted with marble flooring, large windows that provide breathtaking views, rooms that emanate an aura of relaxation and serenity.

Included taxes are correct at the time of publication however maybe subject to change, should the government increase them. Any increase will be added to the cost of the tour

Please note you must have a reasonable level of fitness for this tour

Twin bedded rooms at Clarks Amir are side by side and cannot be separated. Separate quilts will be provided.

A minimum of 8 guests is required for this tour to depart. The maximum number of guests is 12. If minimum numbers are not reached, we will discuss this with you well before departure to finalise how to proceed i.e. re-quote with less participants or cancel the departure. If we cancel the departure the tour deposit will be refunded.

Once full payment is received the price is guaranteed. Until that time, the price is subject to change. This tour has been converted to Australian Dollars from USD.

A $2000 non-refundable deposit is required once confirmed. Once minimum numbers are met, deposits are converted into USD and forwarded to the suppliers. A statement confirming the outstanding balance will then be provided. Please note we will make no conversions until minimum numbers are met and the tour is a confirmed departure.

Once the tour departure is confirmed a second payment of AUD3,000 twin share or AUD4,000 single will be due, and will be invoiced to you.

Deposit is by a payment link via the booking form to secure your spot. We accept Visa, MasterCard or American Express. Merchant fees of 1.5% + .30c apply to Australian based credit card payments and will be added at the time of payment. International credit cards will attract a higher merchant fee depending on the card.

All payments are processed by E-way – a secure payment gateway that is certified to stringent levels of certification.

Please note interim payments will be required due to meet supplier terms and conditions.

A $100 non-refundable booking management fee applies to this tour and will be added to the final balance invoice.

Final payment is due by 20 October 2024