On the occasion, Ashok Rathore, Area Director – Rajasthan and General Manager, Rambagh Palace, Jaipur, said, “We are delighted and humbled that Rambagh Palace, Jaipur has been recognised as the No.1 Hotel in the World by TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards 2023. This global honour is a true reflection of world class hospitality in an authentic palace setting brought to life by the iconic brand Taj and a testament to the trust our guests have placed in us over the years. We remain committed to delighting our guests and spreading the magic of ‘Tajness’ in the times to come.”

Further adding to the sentiment, he remarked at a recent presser organized at hotel: “Despite having received numerous awards in the past, this particular achievement is special and unique. It holds great significance for us, setting us apart from others. Rambagh Palace is a living testament to our legacy.”

Delving deeper into the impact of this award on the state, he emphasized the wide-ranging benefits it would bring. “Winning this award will not only benefit the state of Rajasthan in terms of increased tourist arrivals but also the entire country,” he explained. “We are the only Indian hotel featured among the top 25 on this list, and foreign tourist arrivals will see a much-needed boost after the pandemic. We are already getting several queries for celebrity weddings etc.”

Preserving heritage and environment

When it comes to promoting and preserving the state’s rich heritage, Rambagh Palace goes above and beyond. The hotel takes dedicated initiatives to promote Rajasthan’s handicrafts, culture, art, and artisans. In collaboration with UNESCO, they actively contribute to the promotion of intangible heritage. Guests at Rambagh Palace are treated to immersive experiences with handmade carpets, handmade blue pottery, folk dances, and music. Even during the challenging times of the pandemic, the hotel remained steadfast in supporting all artists and artisans, ensuring that none of their performers were laid off.

Rambagh Palace’s commitment to a sustainable and eco-friendly future is equally noteworthy. The hotel boasts an environment teeming with life, with over 200 peacocks calling it home. This serves as a testament to the healthy ecosystem nurtured at the palace, encompassing flora, fauna, and nature. The hotel takes significant strides towards environmental preservation, including avoiding the use of plastic, planting more trees, and implementing water conservation measures. These initiatives exemplify their dedication to preserving the natural beauty that surrounds the palace.

Culinary Innovations

In terms of culinary offerings, Rambagh Palace is constantly innovating to provide guests with a delightful gastronomic experience with eateries like Steam, Suvarna Mahal, Verandah Café, among others. One exciting addition to their menu is the introduction of millets such as jowar and bajra. These nutritious grains will be actively promoted, and a millet food festival will be organized to showcase their versatility and health benefits. Recognizing the importance of including these grains in the younger generation’s diet, the hotel aims to educate visitors from around the world about the culinary treasures offered by millets.

Preserving the legacy

As Rambagh Palace continues to evolve and embrace its role as a custodian of heritage and sustainability, it remains an enchanting destination that embodies the grandeur and cultural richness of Rajasthan. Over the years, Rambagh Palace has hosted celebrities like Queen Elizabeth II, Lord Mountbatten, former US President Bill Clinton and family, and ex-Twitter boss Jack Dorsey, among many others. “The USP of this property is that there is no renovation, but only restoration; we have preserved the legacy of the erstwhile royals. As the world looks upon us as the leader now, we have bigger responsibilities”, Rathore said.

The post Rambagh Palace is World’s No.1 Hotel| Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards appeared first on All About Jaipur.

Since it has its own retreat, The Sunshine Resort, a few voyagers decide to remain at the hotel and head to the water park on a warm evening to chill off and have a great time.

The Best Place For A Fun And Frolic Day With Your family

The recreation center has an assortment of rides, slides, and pools effectively moderate to the individuals who are going on a tight spending plan. The downpour dance field, specifically, is truly renowned for it gives a dazzling mood practically near genuine downpour.

The Sunshine Resort is likewise viewed as perhaps the best hotel for occasions like Holi parties, Diwali Parties, Birthday Parties, Weddings, and Pre-wedding festivities. 

About the resort

Daylight Resort and Water Park is situated at Bandi Puliya close to the Tatiawas Toll Plaza on Sikar Road, around 24 kilometers from Pink City.

The Family Park is a nicely huge sporting park is found right close to the hotel. There is a Wave Pool with innovation that sprinkles water waves around 5 feet high, a few energizing waterslides, a Kiddies Pool, a Swimming Pool for grown-ups and a Rain Dance Arena. 

The water park additionally has an advanced music framework and a DJ playing the most recent beats that individuals can depression to. The office is encircled by yards where guests can unwind.

It has all-around kept up with wide pathways with seats, a body spa, showers, and separate changing spaces for females and guys. This piece of the fascination likewise has an eatery with a town topic where guests can get a nibble in the middle having some good times. 

Offices At Sunshine Resort and Water Park 

The Sunshine Resort has an aggregate of 14 rooms to oblige the visitors. Travelers can look over cooled/non-cooled, Double or Single Bed Rooms as indicated by their inclination.

They give different offices like room administration, café appointments, clothing, helpdesk, taxi administrations, crisis administrations and so on. The hotel additionally has enough indoor and outside settings for occasions and festivities. 

There are yards, cooled corridors of all shapes and sizes estimates that individuals can settle on as indicated by their necessities. Extra administrations like additional beds would welcome more charges.

In this way, talking about the necessities and booking the corridors/rooms ahead of time is suggested. They likewise organize catering administrations and café appointments.

See Discounted Price 

Select occasion date and number of absolute visitors to see wedding costs 

Need to have an extravagant wedding? 

Head over to Sun Shine Resort And Water Park, Jaipur. Involving a rambling grass and different feast corridors, it would allow you to play host to your whole friends and relatives. One can plan to have numerous capacities here, for example, pre-wedding capacities, weddings, gatherings, and a lot more capacities.

Daylight Resort Jaipur offers free changing rooms to the host for their unique day. The setting has an enticing atmosphere which causes your visitors to feel invited. 

The administration at Sunshine Resort Sikar Road Jaipur realizes that great food is an unquestionable requirement with regards to the wedding industry and consequently, the caterers at this setting serve probably the most ideal vegans and non-veggie lover dishes you potentially have gone over. 

The stylistic layout is additionally an upsetting undertaking with regards to weddings subsequently, the group of experts here cares for the stylistic layout and set-up for your large day, so you can pause for a minute or two and partake in the merriments. 

Daylight Resort Jaipur has a few rooms that will come convenient for your visitors who turn up on your huge day from different urban communities. Come to Sun Shine Resort And Water Park, Jaipur, and book this ideal Wedding Scene Today. 

Where is the resort? 

Sun Shine Resort And Water Park, Sikar Road, Jaipur lies on Sikar Road inside the area of Bandi Puliya. This all-around associated area is effectively available and your visitors can reach here utilizing various methods of replacement. 

In the event that your outstation visitors are showing up at the scene through plane, Sun Shine Resort And Water Park, Sikar Road, Jaipur is 37 km a long way from the Jaipur International Airport, which takes around 40 minutes to drive down to the objective, by means of NH 48/NH52 and NH52. 

The visitors who are showing up at this spot by means of train, Jaipur Railway Station which is around 22.8 km a long way from the setting, which is around 30 minutes drive through Jaipur Road/Sikar Road. 

Book Sun Shine Resort And Water Park, Jaipur to have an astounding capacity

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 What’s interesting is that Shraddha never studied art. In fact, she even loathed the idea of going to art hobby classes as a child simply because of the conventional way in which most art teachers taught.“Emulating an apple drawn by a teacher and asking the child to fill it with the same colours is not art”, says Shraddha, who also conducts therapeutic art sessions for underprivileged children with a Jaipur based NGO. “If given the room for creative freedom, art is a great way for children to express their feelings. In one of the art sessions, I asked the children to draw a scene from their homes. A child painted a rather moving scene of a man beating his wife. Art is a great way to sensitize children about sensitive topics like abuse, gender, religion etc.”, explains the art lover.  

A serene space to unwind with art

On being asked what led her to build such a space in Jaipur, Shraddha says: “Through my entire life – be it in college or when I started working or even when I took a break from everything else, art has been my constant source of solace. I want more and more people to experience this healing quality of art.” Shraddha started her journey as an art entrepreneur back in 2017 with a first-of-its-kind small art pop-up in a café wherein people could create a piece of art on a small canvas and take it home. “The sense of joy it brought to people made me realize that I want to pursue something around art. But I took my own sweet time to figure out what it would be.”

For the next two years, Shraddha experimented with unique workshops like painting under the stars with a glass of wine in the opulent ambiance of the City Palace, pottery workshop in a café, among others. “The experience of painting in a noisy café was not a very pleasant one, however. This paved the idea for creating a serene space that would help people to indulge in art and unwind”, she tells. The walls, ceilings and interiors of the space are intentionally left minimalistic to not give a definite artistic direction to anyone’s creative process.

Art as a Mindful Indulgence during lockdown

Just over a month after The Art Ghar opened its doors for couples to spend some quality time together while painting their own mug or plate or for women to host kitty parties with an artistic twist and generally for anyone to spend some time with away from the everyday conundrum, the Covid-19 induced lockdown was announced. During this time when people were going through copious amounts of stress and anxiety, Shraddha introduced DIY art kits as a mindful indulgence. These included ceramic kits, pre-drawn canvas kits, mosaic kits, among others.

“As a gifting option for mother’s day, a coaster painting kit which included four coasters and all art supplies was on offer. An adult colouring book is also on the cards”, tells Shraddha.

An experiential Staycation

The Art Ghar also offers staycation options for both localites as well as those coming from cities like Delhi. Each room has been tastefully and thoughtfully designed keeping a theme in mind. For instance, the ‘Kitabi Kida’ is a room tailor-made for book-lovers with a bookshelf, a typewriter, a small alcove as a cozy reading corner and walls adorning artworks depicting commas and full stops. Similarly, ‘Sthir’ is a room for those inclined towards spirituality. With a violet wall that is symbolic of consciousness, a yoga mat and a verdant view from the balcony, the room is perfect for someone looking for a healthful retreat.   

The Art Ghar is a space that nurtures creativity, wellness and gives one a channel to express their feelings through various forms of art.

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1. Hathi Mauja

Offering the most picturesque views of the Elephant Village, Hathi Mauja is situated on lush farmlands with sprawling lawns. Spread across 50 acres, the resort offers a lovely traditional ambience for its guests. It offers affordable stay packages to couples and families. The contemporary interiors and cool air space refreshes the weary traveller. The resort offers travel guides and travel bus services to visit tourist spots in different parts of Jaipur.

2. Nirbana Palace: A Heritage Hotel and Spa

This cosy heritage hotel is the perfect home away from home. The hotel retains its elaborate splendour with extravagantly decorated with hand-carved stones and paintings. It showcases the best of Rajasthan’s royal heritage. One can also relax in the pool or spa. For multi-cuisine delicacies, one can head to Rangreza, the all-day-dining restaurant, or enjoy the nightlife at Bar Chak74. It also has a gaming centre for kids and several cultural programs are organized for the entertainment of the guests.

3. Umaid Haveli Hotels and Resorts

This is a royal and luxurious resort in Rajasthan. The interiors of this resort have been inspired by Mughal architecture. The resort embraces Rajput royalty and luxury. It has beautiful paintings across different rooms and the lobby. The resort is managed by a cordial and experienced staff. They offer a beautiful 360-degree view of a peaceful environment with a huge lawn and rooftop swimming pool equipped with swimming pool pumps. The tastefully decorated luxury rooms have premium fittings and a host of other luxury features.

4. Le Meridian Jaipur Resort & Spa 

Located exactly 6 kms away from the Amber Fort, this picturesque resort is synonymous with luxury. The resort has sophisticated rooms and villas. Le Meridian houses four different types of restaurants offering a host of delicacies. One can also surround themselves with quiet luxury in the Spa. It offers couple massages, ayurvedic treatments and body wraps. There are different activities like golf, horse riding, trekking and volleyball. Guests can enjoy live instrumental music at the on-site Surya Villas restaurant.

5. Fairmont Jaipur

At Fairmont Jaipur, one can revisit the enigma of the era of regality. Its awe-inspiring architecture and decor are inspired by the Mughal dynasty and Royal Rajputs. The 245 rooms and suites of the resort reflect a perfect blend of traditional Rajasthani decor and modern amenities. The outdoor pool is bedecked with sun umbrellas, loungers and pool toys. The poolside bar serves refreshments and delicious cocktails and mocktails. The on-site restaurant provides the perfect setting for a truly regal meal. It offers the best cuisine from different parts of the world. Each morning at Fairmont begins with a wonderful buffet, and the night ends with a wonderful toast to a beautiful life. The in-house Ruhab Spa is perfect for wholesome and holistic treatment.

6. Tree of Life Resort and Spa Jaipur 

This beautiful Rajasthani resort offers a serene oasis of peace and harmony, covering the entire arc of the Aravali Ranges. Known for depicting the traditional values of India, the resorts offers, yoga, a walk to a nearby welcoming village, and the incredible experience of a meal with an elephant. You can also feast on a wide variety of international cuisines at the in-house, The Ashtam Restaurant. Or indulge yourself in rejuvenating wellness treatments at Ekam – the couples’ spa where the therapies are inspired by traditional Indian Ayurveda. 

7. Chokhi Dhani Resort 

An experiential stay awaits you at the Chokhi Dhani Resort. This Ethnic Village Resort is where you can indulge in the folk culture of Rajasthan with fun-filled activities and local culinary delights. The resort offers 104 traditional rooms with premium facilities. Living in these rooms will make you feel like living in a village. Chokhi Dhani is an authentic glimpse of Rajasthani culture with the best of what hospitality has to offer. The staff here wear traditional Rajasthani attires and food is served in mud-made utensils. This resort is perfect for a stay with family and loved ones.

8. Bara Bungalow Resort 

The private resort, Bara Bungalow Resort offers a very soothing and tranquil stay experience for its visitors. This resort has beautiful accommodation with a separate restaurant. It portrays the cultural heritage of Rajasthan and is reminiscent of the bygone era. The exquisite interiors and exteriors of the hotel feature ornate designs with intricate craftsmanship. Filled with lush flora and fauna, this is the perfect place to spot peacocks dancing in the morning, pigeons feeding or a pair of kingfishers traipsing about in the garden.

9. The Sambhar Heritage Resort 

Sambhar Heritage Resort is a curated property in the middle of nature’s miracle, the Sambhar Lake. The Lake has a view that soothes the soul and imparts a surreal experience. This resort is a travellers’ paradise enriched in history, with adorning beauty and glistening salt. It has a beautiful garden which is decorated with flowers. Food is served here with love and passion. The resort has a ‘open kitchen’ policy where guests can watch the cooks prepare their meals. You can try out all local delicacies here and guests are encouraged to leave behind their family’s recipes.

10. Maharana Green Resorts

If you are looking for a budget-friendly and tranquil resort in Jaipur, this is the resort for you. It is very spacious and has beautiful rooms. The outside view of the resort becomes very pretty in the evening. Guests can enjoy the peace and calm of the resort from their private balcony. They can relax and delight in the sunset as sip on hot tea or coffee. The resort also offers huge discounts, especially for newlywed couples.

The post 10 Best Resorts in Jaipur to Visit When The Lockdown Ends appeared first on All About Jaipur.

After over a year of staying at home, I finally decided to take a short weekend getaway at Roop Niwas Kothi recently. As I entered the Kothi, the pastel yellow tones of the elegantly designed building and the serenity of the sprawling lawns caught my fancy. The warm hospitality of their staff as I checked in, especially the Manager – Surendra instantly made me feel ‘at home’. En-suite with all modern amenities, the spacious rooms and bathrooms had the vintage appeal of a quintessential heritage haveli of Rajasthan. In addition to the usual tea, coffee and cookies, the coffee table in the room also had two huge glass jars filled with freshly made Shakarpara and Mathri. A bowl with bright and colourful bougainvillea flowers awaited us at the console near the mirror alongside a sanitizer and two N95 masks.

As we headed for lunch to their in-house restaurant, Badhshah Pasand (named after one of their oldest horses), a delectable spread of local Rajasthani delicacies like kadhi, aloo methi, bajra soita, lehsun chutney, gatte ki sabzi, chakki ki mithai lay beautifully on a table covered with a crimson red table cloth. The preparation of the food was authentic to its roots, flavourful and had just the right amount of spices.

Hi-Tea at the stables

As the evening approached, we headed to the stables to catch the one-of-its-kind sight of over 50 magnificent and free-spirited Marwari horses running to the feeding area from the paddocks for their evening meal. The thunderous sound of the galloping horses which keeps getting louder as they come closer with each passing second is sure to give one goose bumps! A wave of freedom, energy and power engulfed the air. As we settled with our cups of masala chai in the stable-facing garden, the horse aficionado —  Rawal Devendra Singh —  who is also known as the pioneer of Equine Tourism in Rajasthan narrated the history of the three-decade-old stables along with some memorable equestrian anecdotes for the guests. The inimitable passion with which he introduced some of their choicest horses left us with no choice but to be blown away by these majestic being

Shekhawati Safari

To give the guests a glimpse into the state’s rich culture and tradition as well as the region’s geographical and architectural heritage, Jogeshwari has curated a host of innovative experiences around the hotel. These include a nature walk, a trek in the Aravallis, a farm walk, a barbecue dinner with folk dances and music of Rajasthan, a photography tour as well as a Jeep Safari in the Shekhawati region.The next morning we decided to take the Shekhawati safari which started with a visit to the Seth Arjun Das Goenka Haveli museum that houses stunning fresco paintings as well as sculptures depicting scenes from everyday life in the past –the accountant and his assistants, women working in the kitchen, among others. This was followed by a visit to the Dundlod and Mahansar forts. Though in need of upkeep, these forts had a rustic and laidback charm and gave the tourists a glimpse into the yesteryears. Just like Roop Niwas Kothi, the welcoming nature of the owners as well as the sumptuous food at Mahansar made it a worthwhile experience. The safari concluded with a visit to an ancient stepwell. While opulent in design, architecture and built, it sadly lacked cleanliness and maintenance.

Finally, it was time to bid adieu to Roop Niwas Kothi but not without yet another delectable meal of aloo matar samosas, omelettes and freshly squeezed orange juice. The hotel will soon have a museum with a display of the beautiful paintings, photographs and sculptures painstakingly collected by Rawal Devendra Singh and his forefathers. All in all, the tranquility, warmth and the exquisite equine escape that Roop Niwas Kothi offers make it a must-visit place in Rajasthan.

Did you know these three hotels from Jaipur are in CN Traveller’s List of “Top 15 Hotels in India”?

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Ranked #15 is Hotel Narain Niwas Palace

Hotel Narain Niwas Palace is one of the finest hotels in Rajasthan which is a perfect amalgamation of history with modern times. The palace was built in the year 1928 by General Amar Singh, the then Thakur of Kanota. Designed in the Anglo-Indian style popular in the Victorian era, the palace, which served as the country resort for the Kanota royalty, is now one of the best heritage hotels one can witness in present times.

Location: Kanota Bagh, Narayan Singh Rd, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302004

Ranked #9 is Rajmahal Palace

Originally built for one of Jaipur’s royal families in the 18th century, Rajmahal Palace is one of the oldest and most treasured palaces in Jaipur. Built for an exclusive experience, the Palace offers just 13 rooms and suites, including two magnificent Royal apartments. Its magical interiors allow guests to be transported to a new era of 21st century regal living.

Location: Sardar Patel Marg, Shivaji Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302001

Ranked #1 is Rambagh Palace

Rambagh Palace offers its guests a taste of royal living. Originally built in 1835, Rambagh Palace, Jaipur has stepped gracefully through many royal transitions. In the finest tradition of Rajput hospitality, the Rambagh Palace offers its guests luxury and extravagance that was once the sole preserve of kings. Its elegantly appointed rooms, marbled corridors and majestic gardens echo with history. Rambagh Palace is the perfect getaway to create once in a lifetime memories.

Location: Bhawani Singh Rd, Rambagh, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302005

The full list of winners can be found here:https://www.cntraveler.com/readers-choice-awards/asia/india-top-hotels

The post These 3 Jaipur hotels made it to the top 15 hotels in India appeared first on All About Jaipur.

On the occasion, Mr. Ashok Rathore, General Manager, Rambagh Palace, Jaipur said, “It is an honour to win this prestigious global recognition. This will help focus on Rajasthan and Jaipur as popular destinations for tourists from all around the world including India. These awards are a result of the dedication of the team over the years. I would also like to thank all our guests who voted Rambagh Palace as their favourite hotel. We look forward to welcoming them once again.”    

Rambagh Palace, often called the ‘Jewel of Jaipur’ was originally built in 1835. It was the home of the queen’s favourite handmaiden and then became a royal guesthouse and hunting lodge. In 1925, Rambagh Palace became the permanent residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. In the finest tradition of Rajput hospitality, Rambagh Palace offers its guests a taste of royal living – a luxury and extravagance that was once the sole preserve of kings. It’s elegantly appointed rooms, marbled corridors, airy verandas and majestic gardens set in 47 acres echo with history.

The global Condé Nast Traveller’s Readers’ Choice Awards are presented annually on the basis of votes from readers of the magazine for the best that the travel world has to offer. The 33rd Readers’ Choice Awards represented the first time that the voters picked their choices, even when not travelling when most of the world has come to a pause. This is further testament to our guests’ continued trust in Taj, which was ranked Number One on the list of the strongest Indian brands by Brand Finance in their coveted ‘India 100 2020’ report.

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Here are our top 5 recommendations on what activities and experiences you should not miss on while you’re at The Gateway Ajmer:

For all the shutterbugs out there, this spot will not only give you a picturesque backdrop for photos but also is a great opportunity to click great shots of the sunrise. A 30 minute trail walk from the hotel to a calm and lush spot away from the city, is a must try activity.

1. Aravali Trail Nature Walk :

2. Courtyard Hi Tea:

After the day- long activities, the courtyard high tea in the evening is just what you need. So sit back and relax with the refreshing masala chai served in traditional kulhads along with hot samosas and lip-smacking cupcakes.

3. Pedalling to Paradise:

Relive your childhood days while you are at the Gateway Resort, Ajmer. Hop on to a bicycle and pedal your way through the rural terrain of Ajmer. A sumptuous breakfast in an exclusive setting at a private farmhouse awaits you at the end of the ride.

4. Entertaining Evenings:

Folk music by langas and manganiyars, Kalbeliya dance and a magic show will not only add more colour to your evening but will also do away with the weariness of the day.

5. Candlelight Dinner:

Ditch the regular buffet and opt for a private candlelight dinner in the poolside dome. Ask the chef to whip up the signature delicacies while you enjoy the scintillating ambience and heart-warming service.

Visit their website for more details or booking a stay!

The post THIS RESORT IN PUSHKAR IS PERFECT FOR A WEEKEND GETAWAY NEAR JAIPUR appeared first on All About Jaipur.

Samanvai Art Gallery

Distance: 3.1km (11minutes)

Standing tall in the heart of the ever-busy M.I. Road, this contemporary art gallery draws the attention of Jaipur artists and art lovers from all over India. Established in 2003 this gallery provides a haven for the artists across the country who wishes to exhibit their work. So, why not add some color to your itinerary.

Location: Flat no- P-15, 3rd Floor, Sukhi Jeevan, Civil Lines.

Photo Source

Laxmi Narayan Mandir

Distance: 3km (11 minutes)

Popularly known as the Birla Mandir, the temple is situated at the foot of the Moti Dungri Fort. It is an architectural marvel surrounded by lush green gardens, thus making it the highest explored temple in the city by the tourists from across the world.Location: Tilak Nagar.

Location: Tilak Nagar.

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Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple

Distance: 2.4Km (10 minutes)

The temple was constructed in the early eighteenth century and continues to be a favorite among the tourists. The temple is nestled by the beautiful palace, called the Moti Dungri Palace, which is an imitation of a popular Scottish castle.

Location: Tilak Nagar.

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Doll House

Distance: 2km (8 minutes)

Built in 1973, it is one of its kinds, as it exhibits varieties of dolls dressed in traditional attires from around the globe. Thus, adding this to your itinerary will provide you a peek into the varied cultures of the world.

Location: Trimurti Circle, JLN Marg, Adarsh Nagar.

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Raj Mandir

Distance: 2.3km (7minutes)

Raj Mandir is one of Asia’s largest theater halls, which was constructed over a period of 10 years from 1966. The architecture of the theatre imparts a glimpse of the fusion of swish and modern architecture. It not only holds a special place in the hearts of the locals but the visitors too for its elegant style. So, why not experience the elegance by catching up a movie at the Showplace of the Nation.

Location:  C-16, Bhagwan Das Rd, Panch Batti.

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Central Park

Distance: 1.8km (6 minutes)

Just as the New York City has Central Park, Jaipur to has its own. The park lies at the core of the city. With the beautiful, lush green garden, it is one of the best hangout places of Jaipur. The park features a 5 km long jogging and walking track perfect for the  Jaipurites. So why not enrich your stay by taking a stroll at the Central Park.

Location: Prithviraj Road.

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Albert Hall

Distance 1.1km (5 minutes)

Albert Hall is the oldest museum in Jaipur. It was completed in 1887 by the architect Samuel Swinton Jacob. It displays the Indo-Saracenic architecture and stone ornamentation.  It is a source of reference for varied classical Indian styles of design from Mughal to Rajput.

Location:   Ajmeri Gate, Ramniwas Bag.

Do let us know if you liked our recommendations and let us know if you have any more to add to this list!

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History of Mandawa

Located 167 kilometers from Jaipur, Mandawa is situated in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. It has preserved its Rajasthani charm and grandeur. From the paved archways, deigned forts and intricate craftsmanship of the Rajput artisans Mandawa is the ideal destination for tourists on their tour to Rajasthan.

The history of Mandawa states that it was Mandu Jat who founded the Mandawa village. He dug a well over in Mandawa which was completed in the year 1797. From beautifully painted frescos and paintings to the intricately crafted designs, Mandawa speaks volumes about the Rajput craftsmanship. It is considered to be one of the most artistically enriched Indian cities.

There are a number of interesting Havelis in Mandawa which include the Bhagchandika Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli and Lakshmi Narayan Ladia Haveli and the Newtia Haveli. The other major tourist places are Harlalka Well, Thakurji Temple, Raj Well, Tanu Manu Saraf Haveli, Harlalka Chattri, Murmuria Haveli, Chowkhani Double Haveli, Akhramka Haveli, Sonthalia Gate, Goenka Double Haveli, Goenka Chattri and the Saraf Haveli. Mandawa has also prove to be lucky for Bollywood. Films like Bajrangi Bhaijan, Jab We Met, PK, Mirzya and Sooper se Ooper have also been shot in this town.

History of Castle Mandawa

Castle Mandawa was built in 1755 AD in a township that was a trading outpost for the ancient caravan routes from China to the Middle East. Castle Mandawa is a part of Mandawa Group of Hotels, a privately-owned hotel company, rich in Rajashtjan’s royal heritage and architecture. The Castle offers 75 outstandingly reinstated grand luxury suites and rooms, which were the chambers of the former Maharajas.

Perhaps the best place to discover the legacy of Shekhawati is through the redefined history and luxury of Castle Mandawa. The Castle which was a fortress has now been converted into a luxurious heritage hotel. It revives the whole idea of luxury in royal yet contemporary elegance.  The Castle showcases a mixture of Indian, Mughal and Italian architecture –Medieval turreted towers, palanquin-roofed balconies blend with modern comforts add an old-world charm to the rooms. Family portraits, antique cannons and arms add to the charm of this family-run resort where tradition still runs strong. Even time is measured by a different clock- a huge brass gong struck by the resident timekeepers at the fort every hour.

Highlights of the Heritage Property

Rooms

The large and airy rooms of the Castle have been converted into charming, well-appointed accommodation, retaining the old flavour using period furniture and local furnishings. The Castle has Deluxe and Suite Rooms. People can check this original site, to get the best cabinet options.

All rooms have been tastefully designed to reflect the royal luxuries of the old days keeping in mind the modern comforts of the guests. Rooms are equipped with LED TV, Electric Kettle, Tea and Coffee Kit, Jacuzzi and speedy room service.

Pool

The castle also has a grand and luxurious pool for adults and children. The pool lights up at night and is a definite attraction to the Heritage Hotel. The unique shape of the pool is what makes a lap around its azure waters an even greater delight!

Ayurvedic Center

The Castle has a beautiful spa which offers all kinds of massage treatments, including Ayurvedic Shirodhara by trained masseurs. Guests can avail the different treatments on offer, and couples too can get their massages done in a specially designed massage room. Guests can also select one of the carefully designed beauty therapies that impart nourishment and radiance.

Dining

The Castle has a multi-cuisine restaurant (Jai Niwas) and a coffee shop (Sileh Khana) which offers a good choice of Indian and International Cuisine.

Guest can enjoy a candlelight dinner on the lawns or around a bonfire in the rear courtyard.  Local folk artistes render beautiful dance performances to the hypnotic beat of traditional drums. 

How to Spend the Day in Mandawa

1. Camel Ride Sightseeing – guests can opt for a camel ride or travel in camel carts. The rides come equipped with guides who will give you the history of Mandawa and take you to all the nearby havelis for a visit. The journey awakens an old-world charm within you. One will have the opportunity to see traditional murals and Rajasthani paintings; learn the stories of the Havelis and the people who lived in them.

2. ATV– one can ride up to the sand dunes and take ATVs for a drive. Awaken the sense of adventure within you with an exhilarating ride and test your riding skills. A ride atop these machines is pretty simple as the machines are fully automatic. Be cautious to shift your bodyweight as the machines may twist and turn on uneven terrain.

3. Horse Ride – Unwind yourself and enjoying a relaxing ride on the stable horses. For the amateur rider, the horse can be guided by horse jockey.

Our Experience

Royalty echoed our experience at Castle Mandawa from the word go. As soon as we reached the hotel, we were welcomed in the traditional way with the beating of drums, tilak and garlands. The refreshing welcome drink evaded our weariness of the travel in no time. Soon we were handed out our room key which was quite unique and, in fact, the first of its kind we had seen.  In the shape of a bell, the key was rather heavy to lose anywhere as opposed to the modern day swipe keys.

Our suite was situated near the garden which is quite a long walk from the reception. But as soon as we entered the suite, the long sunny walk seemed all the more worth. Our first reaction was one of sheer awe, in a pleasant sense of course! The size of the room just blows away your mind. With two royally huge twin beds which were also Australia’s highest rated mattress, a sofa set, television along with comfortable mattresses and cushions on the side of the room as well, we were more than thrilled to be staying at Castle Mandawa. The bathroom was no less magnificent with a magnanimous shower and a luxurious bath tub. At https://justrightmattressoutlet.com/mattresses/ you can find the right kind of mattress that is especially made for you.

After a sumptuous lunch we headed in camel baggis to get a feel of town and the beautifully fresco painted havelis. We also saw some popular spots of Bollywood movies like Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Mirzya. After a long adventurous ride on the camel baggis, we reached the much awaited sand dunes. And there waited for us a lot of adventure with horse and ATV rides. If you often feel the urge to have your life in control, do try riding on the ATVs. You’ll feel like you can conquer the world on it. No kidding, really. The view of the sunset from atop was a sight one can’t afford to miss.

After binging on some sandwiches, cakes and the special peda of Mandawa, we finally headed back to the hotel.  But the thrill wasn’t over yet as another exciting journey awaited us. Our ride back to the hotel was in open jeeps and that’s one ride we would never forget. As the mighty vehicle made its way through the uneven terrain, our adrenaline rushed its peak. How we wish that jeep ride in the by-lanes of Mandawa never came to an end.

Too tired to do anything else, we decided to take a shower and sip some wine on the terrace of the Castle. The starry night sky, cool breeze and the crisp white wine made for a perfect evening that will remain etched in our memories for a long time to come.

After a lip smacking breakfast of freshly made eggs, baked beans chicken sausages, cutlets, toasted bread and fresh juice, we bid farewell to the splendid Castle Mandawa.

[With inputs from Tusharika Singh]

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