Begin the trip with Jaipur, Rajasthan's capital, and the ie finest monuments of the world and gives you the first dekho of the rich primary colours of Rajasthan. Not to be missed is the exquisite Amer Palace, Jaipur's old seat of power. It blends Rajput and Mughal architecture in red sand stone and white marble and features unique apartments. The Diwan-i-Aam, Ganesh Pol, Sheeh Mahal, Sukh Niwas, Jal Mandir, Man Singh Palace and Shila Devi Temple are unmissable.

Jaigarh and Nahargarh are nearby hill forts hunkering down upon Jaipur. Jaigarh is rugged and Nahargarh has fine frescoes within its nine palaces. If you like walking, check out Nahargarh. On your way out, stop by at the restored Kanak Vrindavan temple and the Jal Mahal. You will be lucky if you catch it in the rains.

Back in Jaipur, do see Hawa Mahal that gives an excellent view of the streets from the fifth floor. Tiny one-person balconies and cul de sacs in the complex are a treat. Behind this is the Jantar Mantar observatory built by Jaipur's founder Sawai Jai Singh that, in a sense, pays homage to the sun that shines strongly in Rajasthan. The City Palace nearby holds amazing treasures of the Jaipur royal family and personal arms.

Jaipur also have a Walled City nearly 275 years old. Its miles of shops with corridors stock some of the finest artifacts and handicrafts in the country. A couple of stores are entirely given over to gorgeous Rajasthani women's wear. If you must buy gems, jewellery or artifacts, stick to government outlets that assure quality. Walk around Johari Bazaar, M.I. Road and Tripolia Bazaar for variety.

Jaipur's suburbs hold other fascinations. Samode is a fairy tale palace with mirrorwork and frescoes 40 kilometers north of Jaipur. The Ramgarh Lake sprawls massively and quietly in the east where cottages can be hired on weekends. Abhaneri, a deserted 7^th century town with the Harshad Mata temple and the ChandaBaodi stepwell, lies further east.