Jaipur is all about maharajas, maharanis, princes and princesses, polo, palace intrigues, opulence, luxury and decadence !  The Pink City, painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales, Edward VII, is a perfect holiday destination much favoured by international celebrities !  Jaipur with its rich and cultural heritage rooted in history, is a perfect blend of the past and present.  

The luxury resorts of Jaipur vie with each other to give you a royal experience … life as it were in the magnificent palaces, forts and havelis of Rajasthan !  Enjoy sumptuous meals in traditional styles with recipes from the royal kitchens, opulent suites with the last word in en-suite bathrooms, be pampered into a dreamlike state at the ultimate luxe spas !  There are more than 20 top resorts in Jaipur giving you a once-in-a-lifetime experience …. the best money can buy …. and though spoilt for choice here is my pick of the Top 5 Royal Stays in Jaipur!

Chokhi Dhani

Chokhi Dhani Resort is about  22 km from Jaipur Railway Station and the International Airport is also within easy reach. Free parking and Valet parking is available.

The Bindola Restaurant serves Indian, Chinese and Continental dishes. Other dining options include international buffet at Aarogosa Restaurant and open-air barbecue at Kesar Kyari. Drinks can be enjoyed at Chandi Mahal Bar & Sheesha Lounge.

The jungle-themed children's play zone comes with a playground and various games.

Chokhi Dhani is my top pick because of its unique Rajasthani ambience.

The Oberoi Rajvilas

Also one of my top picks is The Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur for their celebrity treatment and world-class service. Set amidst beautiful greenery, this spectacular property, which covers a huge sprawling 32 acre area, is designed like a fort ! There is a 200-year- old Shiva temple as well as a Rajasthani haveli in the grounds of the hotel and now house’s  the hotel’s luxury spa where guests can exercise at the gym or indulge in body treatments at the spa and salon.  You are assured of careful attention to detail and every possible luxury such as the hotel’s own private helipad and their baby sitting service ! Ticketing and car rental arrangements can be made at the tour desk.

The Oberoi Rajvilas offers unique 5-star accommodation. Decorated with modern interiors and neutral colour tones, the stylish rooms offer large windows that overlook the greenery. Each well-appointed room is equipped with a sofa seating area, flat-screen TV and bathroom with a bathtub.



This luxurious property boasts a private helipad, pool, 3 dining options, baby-sitting services and free on-site parking and free wifi. The beauty and magnificence of this hotel has to be seen to be believed. Run by a brand known world-wide for its hospitality, you are assured of careful attention to detail and every possible luxury !

Available for all-day dining, Surya Mahal & Courtyard serves international dishes and fine wines. Rajmahal restaurant offers Indian specialities for dinner, while wines and spirits are available at Rajwada Library Bar.

This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Jaipur! The luxury it offers is well worth the money spent.

The Tree of Life Resort & Spa

The Tree House Resort is among the best luxury resorts in Jaipur. From unique suites to sound of birds, everything here is so beautiful. Surrounded by the Aravali Hills, The Tree of Life Resort consists of only 13 luxury Villas within the seven acre property. An interesting fact about these Villas is that each of the  Villas are named after a Tree and the colour of these Villas reflect the color of the flower and tree.



The  room design of the Villas is very natural. There is perfect use of stone in floors and ceiling, with large windows which allows in plenty of natural light to come in.  These Villas have private pools, spa, lawns, living room and a luxurious bedroom.

You can participate in a Jeep ride to the Elephant Village to play with elephants, there are cooking sessions, a village visit, bicycle riding, Yoga sessions and private candlelight dinners. If it’s nature therapies and romantic holidays you are looking for, this resort will give you the whole experience !

Rajasthali Resort and Spa

Located a short distance from the city and nestled among verdant hills, the property offers serenity and comfort along with luxury and style. The facilities here include a fabulous spa. A stay at the Rajasthali Resort and Spa in Jaipur  is another kind of experience !  Apart from the 5-star rooms  it offers, you have the exciting option of  luxurious fully equipped and airconditioned tented accommodation! The property is well located among peaceful and verdant hills and only a short distance from the city. The facilities here include a fabulous spa. Your stay will be luxurious and comfortable.  The resort offers a ballroom, rooftop terrace and a kids pool.



Besides the air conditioned and fully equipped rooms with hair dryers, mini bar and shower with telephone and internet access, Rajasthali Resort & Spa features a restaurant and a Bar where guests can unwind at the end of the day with a meal and a drink . Jaipur International Airport is a short drive from the resort and Amer Fort is only an easy drive from the resort!

Samode Palace

Samode Palace is nestled in the Aravalli Hills, 40 km from Jaipur. It is a budget property that provides a luxurious stay to the business as well as the leisure travellers. It has been restored and has been a celebrated inbound destination and a heritage getaway.

Exclusive and discreet, Samode Palace has been host to royalty, celebrities, artists, and the discerning traveller. Awaken to the quiet dawn, or have a cocktail on the terrace garden to the accompaniment of folk musicians. Run your fingers across the intricate story of an ancient mural on an uneven wall. Emerge from a gentle healing massage at the spa, or perhaps just sink into the lavish bed in your room. Samode Palace weaves its magic on you.

Each room, with its own unique personality, is elegantly and luxuriously furnished. Four poster-beds draped with sheer, delicate fabric and exquisitely carved couches invite you to relax completely.

Colour and spirit mingle with the sparkling of white linen and marble and with the warm wood of exquisite furniture. Samode is a world that effortlessly blends modern luxury with traditional opulence.



Each royal suite is a luxe apartment with its own private courtyard, looking out to the mountains, and a Jacuzzi. All rooms have lavish en-suite bathrooms that are classic and elegant – with spacious wardrobes, sink-and-laze tubs, gracious dressing tables – all deserving of the care you give yourself.

Breakfast is served in the courtyard under the shade of trees and the chirping of birds, with the staff cheerfully suggesting what you may enjoy. Stunning murals vie with the food for your attention. Enjoy the evening cocktails by the poolside or a romantic candle-lit dinner at the terrace garden under the starlight of a clear Rajasthani night.

The Palace has an extensive wine cellar, with a handpicked and expert choice of both International and Indian.

Famously known as the ‘Pink City,’ Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan, India’s largest state.  The city evokes the rich and cultural heritage of India with beautiful and well-maintained forts, camel rides and bustling street markets.

Jaipur is a perfect blend of the past and present. No trip to India is complete without a visit to Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan….founded by Jai Singh II, the Raja of Amer. Jaipur was planned under the architectural guidance of Vidyadhar Bhattacharya. In 1876, the city was painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales, later King Emperor, Edward VII.  Many of the avenues remained painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet ‘Pink city’.

Jaipur Tour

The 10 top places to visit in Jaipur are the Hawa Mahal, the City Palace, the Nahargarh Fort, Sisoidia Rani Garden,  Jal Mahal, Amber Palace, Jaigarh Fort, Sambhar Lake and the Abhaneri Step Well.
Start exploring the hidden features of this royal city starting with a visit to Amber Fort, one of the most famous tourist destinations of India. Amber Fort of Jaipur attracts thousands of tourists every year, and it plays a crucial role in Jaipur tourism. Located amidst the picturesque and rocky Aravalli Hills, Amber Palace is a not-to-be-missed place to visit in Jaipur. The outer part of the Amber Fort is made of red sandstone which is plastered as white and seems like white marble. The image of the Amber Fort is beautifully reflected in the lake below. The scenic backdrop of the Maota Lake and intricate wall paintings, frescos and the use of precious gems and jewels in these paintings add to its timeless beauty. Within the Fort lies the famous Jai Mandir Temple with its world-renowned hall of mirrors, Sheesh Mahal or the ‘Palace of Mirrors’, also one of the captivating halls to visit within Amber Palace. Decorated with numerous pieces of mirror tiles, this hall was designed in such a way, even a single ray entering into it can illuminate the entire hall.

Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, is a reminder of the royal family that once ruled the region. At its centre stands the opulent, 18th-century collonnaded City Palace complex of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber, now a museum with gardens and courtyards and part of it still a royal residence.

Jal Mahal

The City Palace complex also includes the Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal palace and other buildings. The palace complex, located northeast of the centre of the grid-patterned Jaipur city, incorporates an impressive and vast array of courtyards, gardens and buildings. The palace was built initially by Sawai Jai Singh and later additions were made by successive rulers continuing up to the 20th century.

The credit for the urban layout of the city and its structures is attributed to two architects, namely Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, the chief architect in the royal court and Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob, apart from the Maharaja himself, who was a keen architectural enthusiast. Jaipur was planned, based on the principles of Vastu  Shastra. The architects achieved a fusion of Indian architecture with Rajput, Mughal and European styles.

Jaigarh Fort

Hawa Mahal also called Palace of the Breeze, is one of the important places to visit in Jaipur. Hawa Mahal is a five-storey extension in the form of a honeycomb. This unique building has 953 small windows, called jharokas, decorated with intricate lattice work. The entire palace represents the crown of the Hindu God, Lord Krishna.

The windows of this palace have been designed in such a way that irrespective of the time or season of year, cool breeze always persists inside the palace. Due to this reason, Hawa Mahal was the favourite summer holiday destination of the Rajput family, and is today a popular place to visit in Jaipur.

Chand Boari

To get a panoramic view of Jaipur city, Nahargarh Fort is the ideal place to visit.  Located on the rocky ridge of Aravalli Hills, Nahargarh Fort offers the most striking view of Jaipur’s scenic landscape. During the night, when the entire Jaipur city gets lit up, Nahargarh Fort offers the most sparkling view of the entire city.

The royal families also used this fort as a popular destination for their summer excursions and picnics. Jungles around Nahargarh Fort served as popular hunting places for the Maharajas of Jaipur.

Flamingo Near Jal Mahal

Jal Mahal or the Water Palace is located in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake. Built in red sandstone, Jal Mahal is a five-storey building, of which four storeys remain underwater when the lake is filled. This, in turn, offers a breathtaking view of the palace and makes it one of the important Jaipur tourist places. Since the palace is located in the middle of the lake, traditional boats are used to reach the palace. The clear water of the lake and the scenic Aravalli mountain range dotting this palace, offer a splendid view of Jal Mahal. The location of Jal Mahal makes it an indigenous home to some of the colourful migratory birds, several species of fish and rich flora and fauna. Flamingo, Great Crested Grebe, Pintail, Kestrel, Coot and Grey Wagtail are some of the migratory birds that can be found around Jal Mahal.

The step-wells of Abhaneri were built to conserve water during the dry season since the deserts of Rajasthan lack water. They also used these wells as cool places of retreat. Abhaneri is located on the Jaipur-Agra highway and is 95 km away from Jaipur. Though the town is in ruins at present, its step-wells still attract a large number of visitors. Chand Boari is the largest and deepest of all the step-wells in this town.

Overlooking the Amber Fort and Maota Lake, the Jaigarh Fort stands atop a hill in the Aravali range. Built in the 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II as a shield to protect Amber Fort and Jaipur city from attack of invaders, the magnificent structure of the fort boasts of the opulence of the Rajput rulers. The fort was connected to the Amber Fort through secret passages and served as the place to store ammunitions and armoury required for the wars. World’s biggest cannon, the ‘Jaivana Cannon’ is still housed in the fort complex and many tourists flock to the fort to just have a glimpse of it.  One of the best sightseeing places in Jaipur, a visit to this grand fort cannot be missed.

Hawa Mahal Road

Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan also known as "Salt Lake of Rajasthan" is the largest inland salt lake in India. It is India's largest inland salt lake also regarded as a 'Gift from the Thar desert'. This saline lake is divided by a 5.1 km long dam which helps in salt making. The water is fed to the lake mainly from river Mendha and Runpangarh. Sambhar Lake has been also designated as a Ramsar site (wetland of international importance) as the wetland is the home of Flamingos and other birds which migrate from Northern Asia. Beautiful pink flamingos, storks, pelicans, redshanks, sandpipers and black-winged stilts are worth a visit.

There’s nothing quite like an early morning Hot Air Balloon ride over the Aravalli Ranges, drifting over the areas surrounding the Amber Fort. The one hour flight will give you a panaromic view of the immense vistas. Snacks and beverages are provided. An unforgettable experience!

Sheesh Mahal

Indian bazaars are the best sensory guides to our country's diversity. Visit the local markets and bazaars of Jaipur for gems, jewellery and more ! These showcase the traditions of this royal city and along with its forts, palaces and monuments is a mirror of Rajasthan’s glorious history.

The smells, colours, the sense of organized chaos, it all makes India's bazaars an exciting experience. This is the kind of shopping where every buy has a story.Some shops are holes-in-the-wall teeming with bargain hunters. Then there are the street vendors fighting for space with cars, trucks, carts and animals. Amid all this there are treasures to be found, food that can overpower the senses and a cacophony of overwhelming noise.