Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Some Interesting Heritage Hotels in Jaipur

Jaipur was founded in 1727 a.d. by one of the greatest rulers of his time - the astronomer, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh and designed by architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya. Jaipur also popularly known as the Pink City, is the capital of Rajasthan state, India.

The Rajmahal PalaceThe Rajmahal Palace was built in 1729 A.D. by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh of Jaipur for his favorite Maharani. From 1821 onwards, the palace was used to house the British resident at Jaipur. This Palace has played host to several VVIP's like Queen Elizabeth and Jacqueline Kennedy. Set amidst 15 acres of well-maintained lush green lawns, the Rajmahal Palace was converted into a hotel in 1979. The palace has spacious suites with high ceiling, chandeliers and period furniture. Beautiful paintings and antiques have been carefully preserved and are reminiscent of the royal past.



Bissau palaceThe Bissau Palace is an elegant and traditional hotel built by Rawal Raghubir Singh in 1909. Situated in the heart of pink city, this hotel is amazingly gracious and calm untouched by the hustle-bustle of city life around it. Visitors are treated to a fascinating collection of royal portraits, old silver and armory dating back to the 17th century. Its spacious and comfortable rooms, the lounge and the wood-paneled library with its collection of rare books, all these wear the charm and grace of a golden era in history.



The Jai Mahal PalaceThe Jai Mahal Palace was built in the 18th century by Hargovind Natani in a typical palace style with high domes, chhattries and cupolas with intricate lattice work done in the Rajasthani tradition. It was taken over by the Taj Group in the early 80's. The palace has been painstakingly restored to its former glory. The palace has most of the rooms overlooking a rooms overlooking a beautiful garden that replicates an 18th century garden laid out by a Mughal Emperor, 200 kms east of Jaipur. The interiors have been tastefully done. The elegant and luxurious suites have very interesting 19th century imprints of Rajput Architecture by Sir Swinton Jacob. Other interesting features in the palace are old crystal mirrors and chandeliers, miniature paintings and tapestries, stained glass panels and marble inlay work. Other special events here are the cultural programmes organized by the hotel in the evenings. A beauty parlor, a solar heated swimming pool, a bar and a lounge that serves tea, coffee and snacks are among the other facilities available.



The rambagh palaceThe Rambagh Palace is one of the most beautiful palaces in india. It was constructed in the 19th century originally as the garden house of a royal maid. After the death of the maid Kesar Badaran, Sir Swinton Jacob, a British Engineer was given the task of converting the garden house into a guest house cum hunting house. Rambagh Palace later became home to one of the most beautiful women in the world, Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur. The palace played host to several royal visitors of India and abroad including queen Elizabeth and prince Philip. Several lavish banquets and celebrations were held here. Events of interest include tours to the city and nearby places of interest. The hotel is well equipped to organize meetings, conferences and theme parties. Tennis, squash, cultural programmes, indoor swimming pool, coffee shop and a bar are the other attractive features.

Source: Wikipedia and Indiatourinfo

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