Rambagh Palace
The pink city of Jaipur is a traveler's wet dream. It was built in the 18th century as India's first planned city with remarkable architecture. In 1876, Maharaja Ram Singh decided to paint the entire city pink as a gesture of hospitality to welcome the Prince of Wales. Jaipur is packed with the most astonishing palaces, temples, and forts within its borders, making it an architecture-lovers paradise.
Rambagh Palace is a prime example of the captivating urban virtues that the capital of Rajasthan possesses. It's no wonder, as the palace is the former residence of the Maharaja. The building has emerged from modest beginnings. It started with a simple garden house in the mid 18th century. It expanded to the present royal palace by the 20th century, owing to Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob's excellent design work. Today, the Taj Hotels Group operates the building and welcomes travelers interested in Rajasthan's rich cultural history.
Rambagh Palace is one of India's most exquisite hotels with manicured gardens and gorgeous Indian architecture. It occupies a 47-acre plot south of Jaipur's city center. The royal residence's opulence is apparent from the moment you glance at its imposing structure. Then it continues when they welcome you with bouquets and a shower of rose petals.
Entering the courtyard, you will find yourself contemplating the beauty of carved arches and the royal umbrellas decorating the verandah's café. While you sip on your morning coffee, hundreds of peacocks in the garden will showcase their majestic covert feathers. What a sight!
Rambagh Palace, "The Jewel of Jaipur", accommodates guests in 45 rooms and 33 grand suites. It would be an understatement to call them luxurious. Remember, it was the Maharaja himself that called this palace his home. Even the smallest room offers 46 m2 (495 ft2) of space, a four-poster bed, a walk-in wardrobe, a super spacious bathroom, and luxurious vintage furniture.
In its full glory at night, Rambagh Palace fully lit up, including its towers.
The beautiful courtyard's centerpiece is a fountain.
Polo Bar is stocked up with finger foods, and you can order signature cocktails, rare whiskies, and single malts here.
The Renaissance-style Suvarna Mahal is the palace's original dining room, so naturally, they bring you the best dishes India has to offer. Rambagh Palace's dining venues are so richly decorated that you will feel like a prince/princess!
The Rajput Room is an all-day dining and tea room with international and Indian favorites.
The Historical Suite is decorated with Rajasthani artwork and transparent fabrics, and it offers either a garden or a courtyard view. Thankfully, the grand arched doorways are kept original.
Grand Royal Suite Maharani's bathroom offers a glimpse into the level of royal luxury at Rambagh Palace.
Some of the Royal Suites were the personal chambers of the Maharaja of Jaipur.
The chandelier and the antique ceiling crown Grand Presidential Suite's four-poster round bed.
True royals have their own indoor pools, and indeed the hotel's on-site Jiva Spa consists of a large one decorated with candles all around.
The Verandah Café is the perfect spot for a light snack along with an afternoon tea.
Pizza, pasta, and railway enthusiasts will love the Rambagh Palace's quirky side. The Steam lounge bar uses restored and converted heritage train carriages to create a unique setting.
There is also an outdoor garden pool surrounded by lush greenery growing on the palace's facade. And, of course, there is a whirlpool, steam rooms, saunas, and various treatments. The hotel caters to golf and yoga enthusiasts too. There is a small golf course and a yoga pavilion to practice your favorite asanas.
Every evening there is a candle-lighting ceremony that you can participate in right before the dinner. It happens in the picture-perfect-looking gardens where traditional dance and music will entertain you while you quench your thirst with a cocktail.
