HERITAGE AND ARCHITECTURAL TOURS

The biggest attractions of Rajasthan are its ancient monuments - forts, palaces, funerary monuments - which are architectural masterpieces. Added to these are eco-sites celebrating water, such as stepwells (temple-like, intricately carved wells with steps that lead down to a subterranean water source), temples at the sites of natural perennial mountain springs, and palaces set in the midst of lakes.

Hospitality at Savista includes taking guests on tours of these heritage sites in and around Jaipur. The most famous of these are the Amber, Jaigarh and Nahargarh Forts, the City Palace, Hawa Mahal (the Palace of Winds, a five-storied viewing gallery for the royal ladies), Jal Mahal (the Palace of the Waters), the Jantar Mantar observatory, the cenotaphs of Gaitore, the temples at the perennial springs of Galta, and the Sisodia Rani Bagh (a royal pleasure garden built for a queen, with interesting architectural detail).

Guests are also taken to visit functioning temples and mosques. Some of these go far back in time, such as the 18th. century Govind Devji Mandir (temple dedicated to Krishna) in Jaipur, and the 13th. century tomb and mosque of Kwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer. These religious shrines not only represent distinctive architectural styles - Islamic, Hindu, and a blend of the two), but also provide insights into different religious beliefs and practices besides bringing you up close to ordinary people.

Depending on the length of your stay at Savista, and how many of these sites you wish to cover, the cost could range from USD 50 to USD 200 per person. A day trip to the temple town of Pushkar and the Sufi shrine of Ajmer Sharif (130 kms) would cost USD 80 per person.