If a trip to Rajasthan is on your wishlist, the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur is a must-see. This is a bustling, energetic place, full to the brim with sights, sounds, scents and flavours that present Rajasthan in all its vibrancy. As the on of the three points on the classic “Golden Triangle” tour, Jaipur epitomises Rajasthan’s colour, its regal heritage and its artisan culture. For a full guide to Jaipur, including an itinerary with links to hotels, restaurants and activities, see the full website page here.
Stay
The Oberoi Rajvillas is the epitome of regal luxury, where centuries of Rajasthan grandeur meet modern opulence. The resort is a lush oasis, set amidst 32 acres of landscaped gardens, with intricate frescoes, Mughal arches and traditional haveli-style buildings.
The accommodation at Rajvilas was nothing short of spectacular. Our villa had a private garden with a small plunge pool, handwoven fabrics and richly detailed furnishings, evoking the feeling of residing in a mini palace. Whether it was the personalized welcome with fragrant marigold garlands or the discreet butler service, we were made to feel like royalty at every turn.
Do
AMER FORT
Perched majestically on the hills overlooking Jaipur, the fort is a masterpiece of Rajput architecture and grandeur (below left). Built with stunning red sandstone and marble, the fort offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the royals. We were blown away by intricate carvings, with every wall and ceiling a work of art and craftsmanship in its own right.
THE CITY PALACE
The City Palace is a living testament to the city’s regal and is still home to Jaipur’s royal family (below centre). The palace complex features grand courtyards, lush gardens, and intricately designed buildings housing museums showcasing royal artefacts, textiles, and art collections.
HAWA MAHAL
The iconic Hawa Mahal, or “Palace of Winds,” is an extraordinary five-story façade of pink sandstone adorned (below right) with hundreds of intricately carved jharokhas (small windows). This architectural marvel was designed to allow royal women to observe street festivals without being seen, blending privacy with elegance. The honeycomb structure glows in the early morning light, making it one of Jaipur’s most photographed landmarks.
Dine
VILLA PALLADIO
This was definitely one of the most memorable dining experiences of the whole trip. As non-residents, we had to pay a sort of entrance fee to have lunch there but it was worth it. This visually stunning boutique hotel exudes opulence and charm with its vibrant, maximalist design. It is an explosion of vivid reds, pinks, and intricate patterns, reminiscent of the Mughal era’s grandeur, yet with a playful modern twist. We had one of the nicest Italian lunches we’ve ever had!
SAMODE HAVELI
This was once the royal family’s private residence, was another great lunch spot and another hotel option, if you’re looking for something more intimate and boutique-y. The architecture dates from the 19th century and features arched doorways, intricate frescoes and vibrant courtyards, adorned with Mughal-style fountains.
If India is a place you’re dreaming of visiting then Rajasthan is great place to visit, especially for first-time travellers to the country, as we were. And if you are lucky enough to have a trip there, Jaipur should definitely feature on your itinerary. It was one of our favourite places, combining culture, local colour and contemporary places to dine and drink too.
Check out our website for a more detailed guide to Rajasthan, including weblinks to all the places we recommend here.
