Traveller's Guide: Jaipur, India
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Getting there
The writer travelled with Kuoni Travel (01306 747 008; www.kuoni.co.uk). A seven-night trip, including accommodation with breakfast at the Oberoi New Delhi, Oberoi Rajvilas (Jaipur) and Oberoi Mumbai starts from £1,536. This includes return flights on British Airways to Delhi, domestic flights and transfers.
Flights from Heathrow to Delhi are operated by BA (0844 493 0787; www.ba.com), Air India (020-8560 9996; www.ba.com), Jet Airways (0870 910 1000; www.jetairways.com) and Virgin Atlantic (08705 747 747; www.virgin-atlantic.com). The trip by road to Jaipur takes about five hours.
To reduce the impact on the environment, you can buy an "offset" through Abta's Reduce my Footprint initiative (020-7637 2444; www.reducemyfootprint.travel).
Staying there
Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur (00 91 141 268 0101; www.oberoirajvilas.com). Double rooms start at 16,500 rupees (£201) per night, room only.
Red tape and more information
On 13 May, there was a series of bomb blasts in Jaipur. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (0845 850 2829; www.fco.gov.uk) advises: "You should exercise particular caution when in the vicinity of key government installations and tourist sites, attending public events (including religious events), and in public places including hotels, airports, shopping malls, and on public transport."
British passport-holders require a visa to visit India, which is available from the High Commission of India in London (020-7836 8484; www.hcilondon.net); or the Consulate General of India in Birmingham (0121-212 2782) or Edinburgh (0131-229 2144). A short-term tourist visa costs £30. You are advised to apply well in advance of travel in case of processing delays.
Rajasthan State Tourism Authority: 00 91 141 237 2200; www.rajasthantourism.gov.in.
Indian Ministry of Tourism: 020-7437 3677; www.incredibleindia.org
View Larger Map
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments