Jaipur, The Pink City — Colourful Culture and Divine Food

Peppercorns of crumbling forts, astonishing palaces and ancient temples make up the bustling city of Jaipur, right on the edge of the mighty Thar. Affectionately called The Pink City, as most of its buildings are washed in a rose-pink colour, Jaipur is the ultimate Rajasthani escape with its winding alleyways into the old market, elegant palaces and historic sites to awaken all your senses.

The area is dotted with architectural wonders. Make sure to experience visits to:

• Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of the Winds — with 953 windows
• Jantar Mantar and City Palace — mesmerizing at best!
• Galtaji Complex — 10 km away from Jaipur and filled with tribe monkeys who come to bathe in the waters and play on the temples
• A day trip to Pushkar and Ajmer — one is famous for a yearly camel fair and the other has the legendary Mayo College complex (a building to gaze at!)
• A day trip to visit the magnificent Amber Fort and Nahargarh Fort

For the shopping buff, Jaipur is filled with bazaars and markets to grab handicrafts, textiles and jewellery. Where should you stay? We recommend the magical Rajmahal Palace — a boutique property by SUJAN Hotels with a mesmerizing ambience and top-notch services.

Originally a pleasure garden for the Maharani 250 years ago, this property was then taken over by the British as their official residence. Returned to the royal family in 1947 after India won its independence, and now serves as one of the most luxurious boutique properties of Rajasthan — evoking the royal and elegant personality of the city of Jaipur in every room, wall and corner. Located in the heart of the oasis and secluded with verdant gardens, the wonderful interiors of the hotel offer guests the chance to be transported to the 21st century of a royal lifestyle.

The entry way leads to the drawing room which is wallpapered with patterns of cypress trees — a luscious dusty & creamy green — with a soft pink tone to the peonies and diamonds. With just 14 suites, Rajmahal Palace can cater to not more than 30 guests at a time — which means, attention to detail and an exclusively personalized experience. Walk into any one of the suites for a bright welcome — wallpapered with the best shades of green and blue with roses in hues of white and fuschia and hot pink. Other suites show shades of mint, olive, and pink.

There is no end to the dining possibilities at the hotel — choose a table on the lawns, a private set-up in your suite or in one of the stunning dining venues of the hotel — we recommend the Orient Occident for the best of traditional Jaipuri cuisine — the hotel goes out of its way to make your experience nothing less than perfect. If you fancy some self-treating, take a dip in the art deco pool of the hotel or a luxe-experience of the SUJAN Spa and make your day about “treat yourself”!

We do agree with Kate Smith when she says — “resplendent in the hues of its noble and magnificent past, the historic city of Jaipur stands out as one of the most spectacular and culturally vibrant destinations in the world”. And while you do visit, we recommend dropping your bags at the Rajmahal Palace for a kaleidoscope of experiences — a calm amidst the chaos of India’s Pink city!

Written by Anisha Masand