JAIPUR - The attractions of this 250 year old 'Pink City' of the Rajputs have only become more vibrant with time.
Hawa MahalFor centuries, travellers from all over the world have been drawn to the majesty and colour of Rajasthan and its capital city, Jaipur. Founded more than 250 years ago by the astronomer king, Maharaja Jai Singh II, Jaipur is known as the 'Pink City' because of the traditional pink architecture of its old city. Modern day Jaipur is vibrant with palaces, forts and camel carts making their way through streets packed with cars. The markets with a fine selection of gemstones and craft are a shoppers' paradise. Hawa Mahal, the five-storeyed Palace of Winds with its delicate honeycombed sandstone windows was built in 1799 as a gallery from where royal ladies could view the city.
The 18th century City Palace is a mesmerizing display of Rajput and Mughal architecture with massive grey and white columns, a series of beautiful courtyards, gardens, grand buildings and Halls of Public and Private Audience.
The Amber Fort, overlooking the Mansagar Lake, was built in 1592 and is an excellent example of Rajput architecture in red sandstone and white marble. Its features include an awe-inspiring Mirror Palace, the Sheesh Mahal, with inlaid panels and mirrored ceilings. The Tiger Fort of Nahargarh, built in 1734, is a favourite vantage point to watch the sun set over the city. Jaipur is also well known as a treasure-hunter's paradise. With exclusive stores, where traditional textile designs and techniques are applied on contemporary garments and home linen. And its famed bazaars, rich with block printed fabrics, pottery, handicrafts, silver jewellery, precious and semiprecious gemstones, papier-machè and intricately carved furniture.
Amber FortWith the rich heritage of Jaipur as a backdrop, The Oberoi Rajvilas is set in 32 acres of landscaped gardens with pavilions and reflection pools that create the romance and grandeur of princely Rajasthan. The beautifully appointed rooms are clustered around intimate courtyards and have luxurious bathrooms with sunken marble tubs overlooking private walled gardens. The resort also has luxury tents and romantic villas with private pools, while carefully selected therapies in the spa complete the experience. Dining al fresco by the light of the mashaals (ancient flame-torches), as you watch traditional performers bring alive the culture and colour of Rajasthan in the richly embellished fort setting, is truly magical.
Strolling through ornamental gardens that conjure images of royal pageantry of kings and queens, noblemen and princesses; or viewing exquisite examples of rare Rajasthani jewellery… It's easy to feel like royalty when you are a guest at The Oberoi Rajvilas.
