Jaipur, The Pink City of Rajasthan

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Jaipur is a fantasy, unlike any other place in the world. Known as the Pink City thanks to its salmon-hued facades, Rajasthan´s capital city is a true feast for the senses.

With a seductive blend of sunset-shaded palaces, bazaars, sandstone forts, decadent Mughal havelis, and shopping gems Jaipur remains a treasure trove of old India.

It´s dusty, chaotic, terribly noisy but still incredibly charming. Jaipur is a mélange of colour and vibrance that enthralls, mystifies, and seduces all at once.

The hauntingly beautiful peacocks still roam the gardens of splendid old palaces, while monkeys and parrots rustle in the palms, and brightly-dressed elephants lumber down the streets on the skirts of the city.

It´s a magical place. It’s as you imagine India would be! Completely intoxicated by its charm, I´ll uncover the jewels in the capital of the noble state of Rajasthan.

We always started our days early with a trip to the flower market, Phool Mandi, for color inspiration. Then, we could spend all day marveling at the historic forts and palaces. There’s beauty to be discovered around every corner. At sunset, watching the sun bathe the city in shades of rose from Nahargarh Fort was our favorite plan.

Hawa Mahal

This amazing hive of latticed windows, carved out of salmon sandstone is undeniably the city´s most iconic landmark. Interestingly, it was built in 1799 so women of the royal family could enjoy street festivals while unseen from the outside.

The Patrika Gate

This is just one of many stunning sites in Jaipur that will leave you in awe. As we walked in, we were immediately dazzled by the hand-painted nine pillars.

City Palace

Located right in the heart of the Old City, the City Palace is the best example of a unique combination of Rajput and Mughal architecture in a splendid rich palette of salmon-pinks and indigo-blues.

Each of the four doors in Pritam Niwas Chowk courtyard, in the City Palace, represents a different season. The Lotus Gate, representing summer, is more beautiful than any picture can give it credit for!

Amer Fort

One day, our knowledgeable driver took us to Amer Fort very early in the morning so we could have the entire ancient palace all to ourselves.

Located on a hill overlooking the city, the 16th century Amer Fort is absolutely breathtaking. Our favourite hall in the Palace was the Sheesh Mahal, known as the Palace of Mirrors.

Please, don’t participate in elephant rides. There are many ways that each us of can help reduce the suffering of animals, and this is one of them.

Bar Palladio

Every night we relaxed in Jaipur’s peacock-blue Bar Palladio which it´s located on the grounds of Narain Niwas Palace, one of the hotels we stayed in our last visit to the city.

Designed by Marie-Anne Oudejans, the founder of fashion brand Tocca, Bar Palladio is a cobalt blue architectural fantasy. Spending New Year´s Eve here was without a doubt one of the highlights of our trip!

Where to Stay

Jaipur is home to some of India´s most amazing hotels. Here, you have a list of some of my favorite ones!

Narain Niwas

Replete with roaming peacocks, parrots and the occasional monkey, or two, this saffron-colored hotel is the perfect base to explore Rajasthan´s magical capital.

This sprawling heritage hotel set amongst verdant gardens, is also home to the most glamorous spot in the city, Bar Palladio, a jewel box of a restaurant that brilliantly mixes Italian and Indian decor.

Samode Palace

Staying at Samode Palace is definitely one of the most lavish romantic experiences we have ever had across the globe. Set in a sleepy hillside village below the magnificent Sheogarh Fortress, the spectacular former haveli is counted among the best heritage hotels in Rajasthan, the fascinating land of Maharajas. Click here to read our review!

JW Marriott Jaipur Resort & Spa

Flawless perfection in an exotic setting!! The newly launched JW Marriott Jaipur Resort & Spa is a sublime slice of architectural beauty set against the Aravalis.

As we entered the stunning palatial hotel, we were pleasantly surprised by the warmth of our welcome. It is impossible to not get fascinated by its grand arches, marble floors, bubbling waterways, and an elegant colour scheme of whites, blues and metallics.

Soon after arrival, we were driven to our spacious luxury room in a buggy. Our room was supplied with thoughtful extras including sweets treats and even rose petals on our heavenly bed.