Jaipur: Literature, Culture & Colour

14 Jan 2026

–

23 Jan 2026

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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

Jaipur Literature Festival VIP access, included dining and entertainment

VIP Authors’ dinner at Mita Kapur’s private residence

Exclusive: Contemporary fashion and Craft experience with Mita Kapur & Shan Bhatnagar

Khanoom Pottery workshop

Private tour of the City Palace

Private, curated street food breakfast walk, with Mita Kapur

Exquisite dining

and so much more…

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 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.

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 10 guest so make sure you secure your booking today.

GETTING THERE:

Air India, Qantas and Singapore Airlines fly from major cities in Australia to India, connecting through to Jaipur.

Tour Price: Private room AUD$15,985 per person

Tour Dates: 14 – 23 January 2026

Starts: Jaipur

Finishes: Jaipur

PRICE INCLUDES:

Fully escorted by Donna Hipgrave, from Jaipur

3 nights’ boutique accommodation, Narain Niwas or similar

6 nights’ 5-star Superior Room accommodation, Clarks Amir* or similar

Private arrival and departure airport transfers

Breakfast daily

Welcome drinks

14 main meals: 8 dinners & 6 lunches

Dinner at Restaurant Palladio

Rajasthani Dinner at Laallee Hotel

Farewell Dinner Hotel Ram Bagh Palace

Jaipur Literature Festival VIP access, included dining and entertainment

VIP Authors’ dinner at Mita Kapur’s private residence

Exclusive: Contemporary fashion and Craft experience with Mita Kapur & Shan Bhatnagar

Khanoom Pottery workshop

Private tour of the City Palace

Private, curated street food breakfast walk, with Mita Kapur

Private air-conditioned transport throughout the tour

English speaking private guides for tours

One-time entrance fees to included monuments

Government Taxes

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

* Please note: twin beds at Clarks Amer 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 2026

Day 1 – Wednesday 14: Hello Jaipur…

Today arrive into Jaipur, be met by your private transfer driver and taken to your home for the next 6 nights, Clarks Amer, within walking distance to the Jaipur Literature Festival – this hotel is all about location!

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: Clarks Amer Hotel

Day 2 – Thursday 15: Jaipur Literature Festival and the Opening Ceremony…

This morning, after breakfast, get ready to attend the opening ceremony of the Jaipur Literature Festival, where you will be treated to the best of Jaipur hospitality and festival offerings that will make you feel special at every moment. Every year, the festival brings together a diverse mix of writers, thinkers, humanitarians, politicians, business leaders, sports people and entertainers on one stage to champion the freedom to express and engage in thoughtful debate and dialogue. Enjoy the festival with your VIP “friend of the festival” pass which gives you special privileges at the festival . Rest of the day enjoy the literature festival and then we get together tonight to discuss this fascinating day over dinner.

Overnight Accommodation: Clarks Amer Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 3 to Day 6: Friday 16 to Monday 19: Immersed in Literature & Culture…

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 at the end of this incredible festival as in the morning it is time to move to your new home and begin your next chapter in Jaipur!

Optional tour 17 January: For those who would like to mix it up, there is an afternoon visit to key sites in Jaipur with a private guide. You will visit Jantar Mantar, a collection of 19 astronomical instruments built by by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur, and is a UNESCO world heritage site. Then to the magnificent Amber Fort, whee you will learn about the 28 kings of the Kachwaha Dynasty and how they played part in changing the destiny of medieval India.

Overnight Accommodation: Clarks Amer Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Tuesday 20 – Explore The City Palace, art time and a little retail therapy…

This morning check out of Clarks Amer and then time for a guided tour of the City Palace, a royal residence and former administrative headquarters of the rulers of the Jaipur State. Enjoy an exclusive exploration of the Chandra Mahal, the residence of the Jaipur royal family. This tour provides access to several opulent rooms, showcasing the exquisite architecture and decor.

Then visit Gyan Museum, which exhibits textiles, jewellery, paintings, arts and crafts, followed by a visit to the local markets for a little retail therapy.

Check into your new hotel Narain Niwas, and then dinner is at Villa Palladio.

Overnight Accommodation: Narain Niwas Palace

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Tuesday 21: Fashion, Art & Crafts – an exclusive day with experts…

Today is an exclusive day created just for you. A full day exploring the fashion, arts and crafts of Jaipur, hosted by local insiders, Shan Bhatnagar and Mita Kapur.

Shan Bhatnagar is a painter and versatile interior designer, known for reimagining traditional Pichwai art using mixed media. His work often features Rajasthani embroidery and jewelry, creating a distinctive style that captivates art lovers. Shan’s clients include the royal families of Jaipur, Udaipur, and Gwalior, and he curated the Krishna Art Pavilion for the Ambanis. He specialises in restoring historical properties and creating boutique hotels. Shan owns and has designed Laalee – a boutique hotel with each room and space depicting Krishna’s leelas.

Mita Kapur is the founder and CEO of Siyahi, India’s leading literary consultancy. Her first book, The F-Word, is a food book, memoir and travelogue. As a freelance journalist, she writes regularly for different newspapers and magazines on social and development issues along with travel, food and lifestyle. She has received many awards, including the Femina Women Super Achiever Award (2018) at the World HRD Congress and the Maharani Gayatri Devi Award for Woman of Excellence (2014). She curated Masala Chowk, a food court in street food in Jaipur in 2018. She is the producer for the Woman Up! Summit, and Soul Connect Experiences. Mita is currently the curator for the Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival.

This morning begins with a talk by Shan at his private residence – a showcase of the heritage, architecture, art and crafts of Rajasthan.

Throughout the day you will enjoy private visits to the studios of contemporary designers and traditional dyers, offering a holistic overview into Jaipuri fashion design. You will walk through a wholesale crafts market hidden in the walled city; visit artisans who work with stone to produce exquisite artefacts; get a glimpse of the durrie-making process and a sneak peak into the making of the jadau and meeakari jewellery of Jaipur.

This evening dinner is a typical vegetarian Rajasthini dinner at Shan’s Hotel Laalee to round out a beautiful day.

Overnight Accommodation: Narain Niwas Palace

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 – Thursday 22: An adventure for your tastebuds & pottery time…

Hosted by Mita, this morning you will experience a specially curated breakfast of heirloom recipes and family favourites – not from a restaurant or an eatery but food cooked in the kitchens of some incredible home cooks. Learn about home food traditions that have been passed down from one generation to the next before heading out in search of the elusive Neera – palm nectar extracted just before sunrise and must consumed before fermentation turns it into wine. We end this gorgeous foodie experience at one of the oldest cinemas in the city, known for its divine samosas.

Then time to go to Khanoom Studio for a private, hands-on workshop, where you will learn the process of how to paint on pottery – a delightful interlude including a light vegetarian lunch. The plates you make can be fired up and forwarded to Australia a couple of days later.

This evening your farewell dinner is at the beautiful Ram Bagh Palace.

Overnight Accommodation: Narain Niwas Palace

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 – Friday 23: Time to say farewell, for now…

All good things must come to an end and after breakfast and checking out of Narain Niwas, it is time to transfer to the airport for your onward journey. Or perhaps you have decided to join us in Southern India for a deeper exploration of this amazing country. Why wouldn’t you!

Meals: Breakfast

Jaipur:

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.

Narain Niwas Palace:

Narain Niwas Palace is where history meets hospitality. Originally built as a country residence, this iconic palace was opened to guests in 1978, starting as a humble bed-and-breakfast with just four rooms. Over time, the palace evolved into a grand heritage hotel, yet it retains the warmth and charm of its beginnings. Located just 3 kilometres from Jaipur’s walled city, the palace is set on 10 acres of peaceful gardens. With antique furniture, hand-painted walls, and traditional design, it offers a glimpse into Rajasthan’s royal lifestyle. The property also features boutique shops, a spa, and dining options, making it an ideal place to relax and enjoy a slice of history.

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 and mobility for this tour due to enjoy the walking tours included.

Please do not book any flights until we confirm the departure.

Twin bedded rooms at Clarks Amer 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 10. 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 due to lack of numbers 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 and can be affected by currency swings. Should you prefer to pay in full at anytime or set up a monthly payment plan we can organise this with you.

A $3000 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking.

Once the tour departure is confirmed and guests are advised, a second payment of AUD$4,000 will be required and an invoice will be issued at this time.

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.

Final payment is due by 14 October 2025