Wherever you're arriving from, here's everything you need to plan the trip. Wondering what actually happens? See what to expect →
Fly into Jaipur (JAI), about 30 minutes from the venue, or route through Delhi (DEL) for long haul. Jaipur Junction is on the main rail line from Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Aim to arrive October 29.
Most visitors apply online for an India e-Visa, but not every country is eligible and some travellers need a yellow fever certificate. See visas and entry for the steps and the address the form asks for.
Ride hailing (Uber and Ola) and prepaid taxis are easy and cheap, both at the airport and around the city. Autos are everywhere for short hops. Keep some cash for tips and small fares.
Three things to sort before you book anything. Most people are done in an afternoon.
India's online visa covers most countries, but not all. If yours isn't on the list you'll need a consulate visa, which takes weeks.
Check the listThe 30 day e-Tourist Visa. No embassy visit, about an hour of form filling. You'll need a passport valid six months, a square photo and a booked return ticket. Apply by October 1.
Open the portalRequired if you're arriving from, or transiting over 12 hours through, much of Africa or parts of South America. It's only valid 10 days after the jab, so book early.
See affected countriesYou'll need a visa from an Indian consulate instead, in person and several weeks ahead. Email us and we'll send a Letter of Invitation straight away.
It wants your place of stay and a reference in India. The venue answers both.
The host hotel, so you're steps from the Mela, morning to midnight.
Jaipur is unusually full that week. A large pharmaceutical convention is in town and the city's hotels are booked out. Bitmela holds a block of rooms at the venue, so email us and we'll book you in at the attendee rate. Don't leave this one late.
EMAIL US TO BOOK A ROOMStay a few more days. After the festival, join fellow attendees on a guided journey through Rajasthan and the Golden Triangle.
Sunday 1 November. The morning is open on purpose, recovery time after two festival days rather than a gap to fill. We host something hands on in the afternoon, block printing or a cooking session, then dinner together in the evening.
Monday 2 November. Amber Fort at opening, before the coaches and the heat, then the stepwell beside it. City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal and the bazaars through the afternoon, finishing at Nahargarh as the sun goes down over the city.
Tuesday 3 November. An unhurried start, then Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned Mughal capital, on the way. Into Agra by late afternoon, with sunset at Mehtab Bagh looking across the river at the Taj. The evening is unstructured.
Wednesday 4 November. The Taj Mahal at first light, before the crowds. Breakfast, then Agra Fort, where Shah Jahan spent his last years looking across at it. After lunch we drive to Delhi together, arriving in the afternoon. Stay the night and fly out on the 5th.
Coming soon: full itinerary, pricing and sign up
Visiting from outside India? UPI apps need an Indian bank account, so lean on cards and cash. Handy for markets and tips either way.
Grab an eSIM before you fly, or a local SIM on arrival. Venue Wi-Fi provided.
Light layers for warm days and cool evenings, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, and a universal adapter (230V, plug types C/D/M).
If you're visiting from outside India, stick to bottled or filtered water. Vegetarian options are everywhere, and Rajasthani food alone is worth the trip.
Modest dress at temples and forts (shoulders and knees covered); shoes off at religious sites.
Jaipur is an easy, welcoming city to get around, day or night. India's emergency number is 112.
Jaipur (JAI) is closest, about 30 minutes from the venue. Long haul travellers can route through Delhi (DEL), then take a short hop to Jaipur. Coming from within India, Jaipur Junction sits on the main rail line from Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad, and it's about 5 to 6 hours by road from Delhi.
Indian citizens don't need one. Everyone else should check India's official e-Visa country list first. If your country is on it, apply online through the government portal. If it isn't, you'll need a visa from an Indian consulate, so start early.
Only if you're arriving from, or transiting more than 12 hours through, a country on India's yellow fever list, which covers much of Africa and parts of South America. The certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination, so leave time for it.
If you're staying for the India Journey, it ends in Delhi on 4 November, so book your return from Delhi (DEL) leaving 5 November or later, and give yourself the night there. Dates are still being finalised, so book a changeable fare. Otherwise fly out of Jaipur, the way you came in.
No, it's a separate add on. Register your interest above and we'll share the full itinerary and pricing when it's confirmed.
Arrive October 29 to settle in before day one on October 30.
Email us and we'll help you plan your trip.
