'The Rambagh Palace', Jaipur

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The most sumptuous palace in Jaipur (that is open to the public, at least), Rambagh Palace is also the city's most expensive hotel, run by the Taj Group. It is set amid impeccably manicured gardens south of the walled city, not far from Moti Dungri. The palace was first built in 1835 as a small pavilion for the wet nurse of Ram Singh II, but it was later handed over to Madho Singh II who employed the architect Samuel Swinton Jacob, designer of the Albert Hall, to significantly enlarge the palace. In 1933, the palace became the residence of Man Singh II who further embellished the interiors. In 1957, the palace was finally converted into a hotel.

Rambagh Palace is open to the public, but a visit is best combined with a lunch at its restaurant or coffee on its terrace.

The Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, Rajasthan is the former residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur and now a luxury Taj Palace Hotel, located 5 miles outside of the walls of the city of Jaipur on Bhawani Singh Road. Yet is a hotel, it is also a beautiful place to visit because of the unique architecture present in the place.

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Jaipur city is known for its many palaces and forts, which are a major attraction for tourists to Rajasthan. One of these major landmarks of the 'pink city' is the City Palace Complex.

The City Palace was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of the Kachhwaha clan of Rajputs, but a lot of changes and additions were made to the original structure by his successors.

The architecture of the City Palace is a synthesis of Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The Complex comprises of many structures, courtyards, gardens and buildings. There are many splendid small palaces and halls in the complex, such as the Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal and Badal Mahal. There is also a famous temple called the Shri Govind Temple and a museum inside, named the City Palace Museum.

Our tour guide took us to this amazing hotel for dinner one evening. WOW!
The place is absolutely stunning. Just as you would expect a Marahajas palace. As we approached the hotel it was lit up with fairy lights and there were tables outside with diners watching traditional Indian dance. We ate inside in the restaurant which was absolutely stunning. The food and service were excellent and we listened to a live band playing indian music. What an experience, all for £30 for two.

If you're lucky enough you might be staying here,if not it is worth taking the 10min. tuk-tuk ride to the city outskirts to the beautiful Rambagh Palace Hotel where the Queen has stayed amongst many important visitors
Here you can have afternoon tea on the lawns, then even retire the polo lounge bar (finely decorated with mosaic fountains)to get the full colonial feel with a G&T (beware a whole meal in town can be the same price as 1 G&T here...but its worth it at about GBP5).
This is also home to a polo field,if you can co-ordinate it is worth the time to see a match in play.