Jaipur sightseeing tour by classic vintage car

Arriving at Amber Fort in a 1950s convertible

The maharajas of Rajasthan bought cars the way other people buy shoes — Rolls-Royces, Bentleys, Packards, Chevrolets, ordered by the dozen and often custom-bodied. A good number of them are still in the state, restored and running, which is how this tour exists.

You get one of them for a day, with a chauffeur in traditional dress, and you cover the same sights everyone covers except that the journey between them becomes the point.

What you will see

Amber Fort on its ridge above Maota Lake — the Ganesh Pol gateway, the Sheesh Mahal mirror chamber, the courtyards climbing the hill.

Jal Mahal from the causeway, four of its five storeys under the lake.

Hawa Mahal, the 953-window screen on Sireh Deori Bazaar, which is the single best backdrop in the city for a car like this.

City Palace and Jantar Mantar in the old city, and the bazaars between them — Johari for gems, Tripolia for bangles and brass.

Nahargarh on the ridge at the end of the day, if you want the sunset.

What it is actually like

Slow, loud, hot in the middle of the day, and attention-getting in a way that takes some getting used to — people photograph the car constantly, and in the old city lanes you will be part of the scenery rather than watching it.

The cars are period-restored, which means character rather than climate control. If air conditioning matters more to you than the experience, book an ordinary car tour; this one is honest about what it is.

Practical

Around eight hours with hotel pickup and drop-off, driver throughout.

Winter is ideal. In May and June, take an earlier start and accept the heat as part of it.

Entrance fees are paid at each site. A guide is not included by default — ask if you want one alongside the chauffeur.