Anopura
Jaipur, India
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The capital of the romantic state of Rajasthan, this rose-hued city was founded by the Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in the 18th century. Today, Jaipur is a busy urban hub as well as a centre for arts and an important market for Asia's gem trade (cue hot shopping!). Much remains of the Maharaja's legacy, in particular Jantar Mantar, the huge, whimsical outdoor observatory he had built. Within the old walled town, little seems to have changed: bazaars heave and traders ply their wares in much the same way as they did in centuries past.
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Rajasthan, India
Amanbagh Shanti offer - Stay three nights for guided sunrise walks, daily yoga sessions and more
Jaipur puts its best foot forward between October and March, with sunny days and cool evenings. This period is also when the Rajasthan capital celebrates some of its most colourful and cerebral festivals. From April onwards, the mercury rises steadily, with May and June sweltering through temperatures upwards of 40°C. July and August bring the humid monsoon rains.