Note that today is a public holiday, Shivratri, a major Hindu festival honoring Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities of Hinduism. Shivrati is celebrated with fasting, night-long prayers, and ritual offerings to the Shiva Linga. Devotees visit temples, chant mantras, and perform offerings with milk, honey, and sacred leaves. It symbolizes spiritual awakening and is believed to bring blessings, marital harmony, and liberation. You may see celebrations taking place throughout Jaipur today.
After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Dera Amer, a natural sanctuary and wilderness camp approximately 60 minutes outside of Jaipur. Upon arrival, participate in a special morning ritual - bathing the resident elephants who roam the grounds. Afterward, enjoy a guided walk around the property.
Break for an early lunch at Dera Amer's on-site restaurant before returning to Jaipur in the early afternoon. You may return to the hotel for a free afternoon, or participate in optional sightseeing, offered at an additional cost.
Optional Sightseeing:
Visit Amer Fort, the citadel of the Kachhawaha clan who later became the rulers of Jaipur. With its sprawling apartments, pleasure gardens, and temples, Amer is one of the most intricate and beautiful Rajput fortresses in all of India.
After, visit Anokhi Museum of Handprinting, located in a magnificently restored haveli or mansion. The museum displays a selection of block-printed textiles alongside images, tools, and related objects, all chosen to provide an in-depth look into the complexity of this ancient tradition.
In the evening, enjoy a personalized cooking session with a local family at the hotel, offering insight into Rajasthani cuisine, traditions, and the rich tapestry of spices—followed by a delicious, home-cooked meal shared with your hosts.
Overnight: Ikaki Niwas