| Pretty in Pink - Jaipur
The desert state of Rajasthan is a land steeped in history, romance and irony: a tiny drop of rain transforms a tree from listless to lush; the architectural colours contrast with nature to mesmerizing effect. The Rajputs were prolific builders and the Aravali terrain bares testimony to some of the most magnificent forts and palaces in the world, holding a history of fortune and tragedy within its harsh Thar Desert. It is a fascinating history; colourful and romantic, and the unravelling of its legacy is one of the quests of the exploring luxe-trotter's cultural grails.
In 1727 Swai Jai Singh 11, a powerful Maharaja, needed to repopulate his ever growing kingdom which was suffering from poor water supply and a general decline in health and safety. With his architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharaya, he founded the city of Jaipur adhering to the principles of Shilpa Shastra and it became the first planned city of India and, to this day, remains famous for its grid system layout with wide streets, straight roads and shops on either side. It remains one of the most beautiful cities in India because of its uniformed structure and pretty autumn pink colour, painted as such to welcome distinguished guests, such as the Prince of Wales in 1876. Since this time, the pink colour has been associated with joviality, hospitality and warmth, symbols of the Jaipur and Rajput culture.
In the early seventies Rajasthan became a honey pot for the cultivated luxe-trotter. Indira Gandi persuaded the Rajput princes to give up their royal privileges in pursuit of an homogenous society. The aristocracy had to face the world of commerce in order to maintain a certain life-style and legions of monarchs suddenly found themselves in possession of one remaining glorious asset - their remarkable palaces. These palaces were swiftly turned into heritage hotels where visitors could indulge themselves in royal style and, in many instances, with the royal families still on the premises. The Maharajas more famed for providing the most formidable hospitality.
More than 50 years after the end of their rule, people still talk in exotic terms about India's Maharajas. They were synonymous with style, extravagance and exotica and they were trendsetters for the world of fashion, too. Their thirst for luxury sustained many western designers: Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Coco Chanel and Baccarat produced their finest works for these discerning aesthetes. They were a godsend for these purveyors of haute couture and fine jewellery during the Great Depression.
Rajasthan is also home to many tribes with fascinating cultural heritages, customs and social practices, readily embracing many tourists.
Today, when visiting this land of honey, the hotel-palace is one of the highlights and cultural fascinations of your visit. Jaipur, nicknamed the Pink City because of its rose tinted hues, from the walls of its enormous palaces, to the houses nestled pell-mell up the hills, is inspiriting. It has a surfeit of glorious palaces and one that stands out as the most spectacular is the Taj's Rambagh Palace. For nearly two centuries, the Rambagh Palace has been home to generations of Royals. In 1925 the palace was converted into the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur, which subsequently became known as the 'Jewel of Jaipur' when it became a luxury hotel in 1957. In 1972 Taj Hotel Resorts and Palaces took over the reins and it now shines as the brightest jewel in Jaipur's sparkling crown.
The Rambagh Palace Today
The Palace has 85 rooms, including suites which were chambers of the former Maharaja, now restored to their colourful past with rich silk drapes, period art and chunky wooden furniture. The facilities here are lavish and offer regal-style service from banqueting to all-night partying. It is here that you will hear the echoes of the Rajputana era, see the beauty of the lush exquisitely maintained gardens and stay as guests in authentic Raj inspired style. High tea on one of the many terraces, overlooking the manicured gardens and palace surrounds, is a memory each guest can cherish for a lifetime.
In and around the palace you can preen yourself with spa treatments and enjoy an array of physical activities from yoga to private training.
Sightseeing and excursions in Jaipur and surrounding areas can all be expertly planned with the experienced travel organisers at the front desk, even down to last minute decisions. For many, Jaipur is a shopping paradise showcasing some of India's finest silverware and jewellery. Sarongs and saris of all varieties are on offer, billowing an exotic display down the pink streets and, moreover, the museums, palaces, forts and temples are spectacular, many with eye-watering views of this mystical city in pink.
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