Rambagh Palace

Situated just south of the city centre in a notably leafy enclave, Rambagh started in the 1830s as a relatively modest home of the queen’s handmaiden and evolved into a royal guesthouse and hunting lodge.

By the 1920s it was the main residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur with cenotaphs, formal Mughal-style gardens and a chandelier-hung ballroom. It’s a splendid monument to the taste and style of one of royal Rajasthan’s pre-eminent dynasties. Still wowing the great and the good, it remains one of the city’s most famous hotels.

Rooms and suites all boast an opulent heritage-style feel, with retro furniture and décor. The fanciest Royal Suites were once the royal family’s personal chambers.

Each evening, hotel butlers conduct guided walks through the property offering a colourful mix of history and anecdote, and guests can take horse-and-carriage rides through the grounds. The baradari experience comprises private musical performances in a garden pavilion, and there are several fine-dining options.