Rambagh Palace

Rambagh Palace in Jaipur offers 79 rooms and stunningly restored suites, which were the chambers of the former Maharaja. Use of rich fabrics and silk drapes draw from the colourful art and warm hues of the state of Rajasthan. Request the legendary Peacock suite, which overlooks the Mughal Terrace and the garden where the Maharaja used to celebrate "Holi," the festival of color and lights. Stage an evening of high romance in a private tent, illuminated only by torchlight. Indulge in a stately dining at the gilded Suvarna Mahal, formerly the palace ballroom. Enjoy a royal, feast and lounging under a star-speckled sky. Play Polo as the kings played it, or at a more leisurely pace on elephant back. Wind up the day's activities in the sophisticated charm of the legendary Polo Bar. Rambagh Palace allows guest to partake of a wealth of experiences that resound with the memories, luxuries and extravagances of a bygone era that luckily, has not entirely disappeared.

Rajasthan evokes images of erstwhile royalty – polo-playing princes and beautiful princesses who captured their hearts. The history of Rajasthan – or 'Rajputana' as it was once called – is rich with legendary tales of love and valour. For nearly two centuries, the Rambagh Palace has been home to generations of royals. Built in 1835 on a modest scale for the queen's favorite handmaiden Kesar Badaran, it was later refurbished as a royal guesthouse and hunting lodge. In 1925, Rambagh was converted into a palace, and became the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur.

The "Jewel of Jaipur" as it is fondly called, remained the home of the Jaipur royal family until 1957, when it was first converted into a luxury hotel by Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II. But it wasn’t until 1972 that Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces took over the reins. It is now the "jewel in the crown" among the authentic palaces of the Taj in India.

In the finest tradition of Rajput hospitality, the Rambagh Palace offers its guests a taste of royal living – a luxury and extravagance that was once the sole preserve of kings. Its elegantly appointed rooms, marbled corridors and majestic gardens echo with history, and every corner has a story to tell.