Once created and used as home or else, as a summer recreational centres in the days gone by, to some of the most influential Indian Kings, these palaces in Rajasthan speak of the legendary past that, after Independence, became the history of India but still stands tall as the testament to the ultra-luxurious life that was once lived here. Their old walls tell stories of the lifestyle it held back in time and as you travel inside, at the same time, of some of the most fascinating and intrinsic work that was done by some of the great local artists and architects in the building of such big, bold and beautiful ‘palaces of illusion’.

In this volume, we are covering the ‘pink city’ Jaipur because we, at TDI, think that each city & its palaces in Rajasthan deserves undivided attention so that you can whole-heartedly ‘observe, explore and engage’ with them

Without further ado, let’s look at some of the most beautiful palaces in Jaipur, Rajasthan to have ever been built that you must visit on your next trip to India:

Jaipur

 

1. Amber Palace:

Taking its name from the goddess of fertility of Manas, Amba Mata, Amber fort is perched on top of Cheel ka Teela, overlooking the astounding scenery around. Built in the 16th Century, this beautiful fort & palace is divided into four sections, each of which has its own courtyard. With a number of ornate gates, frescos, and other decorative details abound, along with the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) stand as one of the structure’s more popular elements. You will be mesmerised to look at the walls and ceiling covered in tiny pieces of glass. The fort stands as a glittering gem in the heart of Jaipur.

2. Taj Rambagh Palace

If you are travelling to Jaipur, then this will be the most ideal place to start your exploratory experiences with. No converted into a part luxury palace-hotels, the palace was first built in 1835 for a handmaiden of the queen, before transitioning into a royal hunting lodge and then finally a grand palace for Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II. Believe us, the massive ornamental gardens, domed cupolas, long balconies, marble latticework, sandstone balustrades and other intricate touches will leave you spellbound. Travel Weekly, a reputed British Magazine listed Rambagh Palace in top 10 heritage hotel properties in the world.

3. City Palace

City Palace is still an active residence of the royal family of Jaipur in the Chandra Mahal (Moon Palace); and also, a museum for the visitors to witness the grandeur of the rich past that it holds. The palace was built in the late 1700s with many sections, courtyards, and outer walls that stand as a testament to Mughal, Rajput, and European architectural design. Some of the most breathtaking pieces of architecture in the palace are: the ornately decorated peacock gate, the museum in the Mubarak Mahal (which showcases artworks, costumes, and other artefacts), and the gorgeous marble floored Diwan-I-Khas, once a royal audience hall.

4. Hawa Mahal

Built by Rajput Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799, the beautiful Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of Winds’ is one of the most interesting monuments ever built. Shaped like the head crown of Lord Krishna and & structured like a beehive so that nobody could look inside, the terra cotta-coloured Hawa Mahal consists of five different floors with 953 small filigreed windows, also called Jharokhas. The legend says that it was constructed so royal women could observe the happenings in the city without being seen themselves and maybe that is why, this palace doesn’t have a direct entrance but you have to enter through the side of the City Palace.

5. Samode Palace

Once a recreational ground for royalty, on the outskirts but within the city limits of Jaipur, Samode Palace is a 475 years old mansion. The marble floors, mosaic walls, murals and floral motifs of some of the major attractions in the palace like Sultan Mahal, Durbar Mahal, Samode fort and Samode Bagh a 16th-century Mughal style garden, enclosed by a 15 feet (4.6 m) high wall make for a hypnotic spectacle. Also, do not miss out on the vintage car museum and walk in the cobbled streets of Samode village to appreciate the authentic artistic works of bangle makers, cloth merchants and gem stone specialists.