You know what they say- Every building has a story to share if only you take the time to notice. Speaking of Taj Rambagh, a palace in Jaipur transformed into a luxurious five-star hotel; its story reached a significant milestone when it was recently crowned the number-one hotel in the world. The palace received the prestigious 2023 Traveller’s Choice Award from Trip Advisor, adding a new milestone in its royal kitty.
Rambagh Palace’s architecture is truly magnificent in every aspect. Prepare to be captivated by an astonishing work of art that radiates grace and refinement. Each intricacy of the architectural design proudly exhibits unmatched skill and expertise, distinguishing itself from any other hotel on the globe. It surpasses even esteemed hotels like Marriott and Ritz-Carlton. The sheer brilliance and attention to detail in every inch of Rambagh’s architecture are simply astonishing.
With a blend of royalty and history, we, as Indians, have been the undisputed champions when it comes to hospitality. The saying “अतिथि देवो भव” (The Guest is God) is aptly put here. Well, I guess we did make our forefathers proud and kept the sanctity of “अतिथि देवो भव” gleaming and alive through the service in Taj Rambagh.
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Unravelling the Beauty and Perfection of Rambagh Palace
Source – www.tajhotels.com
Apart from a great story captured in architecture, Rambagh Jaipur embodies perfection. At a glance, anyone who appreciates excellence can recognise that Rambagh is more than just a building. Fashioned from all things luxurious, the palace is about making ordinary living extraordinary. Its royal grandeur will enchant you as you navigate through its opulent surroundings. Such is the majestic charm of Taj Rambagh. (Almost like a scene from the movie – Jodha Akhbar).
Being a landmark hotel in Jaipur, a city with a sense of modernity and historical glamour, Taj Rambagh stands tall and proud. The palace has transformed from a mere palace frozen in time to return in a brand new mijaz as a lush five-star hotel. It now welcomes people from all walks of life to immerse themselves in the splendid Indian culture.
Well, that’s how Indians like to do it, by multiplying the essence of ‘पधारो म्हारे देश’ (Welcome to My Land) with a dash of ‘वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्’ (The World is One Family).
So, let’s begin and explore more about the Jewel of Jaipur – Taj Rambagh Palace.
Taj Rambagh: The Historical Tapestry of Rajput Narrative
Taj Rambagh, Jaipur, has had a remarkable journey, transitioning from a symbol of Rajputana to a globally adored hotel. The palace was built in 1835 and later refurbished as a majestic royal guesthouse and a hunting lodge. Interestingly, it was originally intended for the queen’s beloved maid, Kesar Badaran, but later became known as Rambagh under King Maharaja Ram Singh II’s reign.
Source – www.tajhotels.com
Years later, Prince Sawai Man Singh II, the second grandson of Maharaja Ram Singh II, envisioned transforming Rambagh into the official residence of the royal family while he pursued his studies in England. And eventually, as he returned to India, he tirelessly worked on his dream – he evolved and built the Rambagh Palace into an opulent property that the world adores today.
Source – www.youandi.com
In 1925, the sprawling 47-acre palace became the home of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and his queen, Maharani Gayatri Devi. In 1957, the palace was converted into a luxury hotel; however, the management of the hotel was in the hands of the royal family. Eventually, in 1972, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces took over the palace’s management and imbued it with the enchanting ambience it possesses today. As you explore the surroundings, you’ll often witness the mesmerising sight of 250 peacocks gracefully roaming the palace grounds.
Rambagh Palace’s Defining Architecture
Source – www.tajhotels.com
Step into the enchanting world of the palace-turned-hotel, where you will discover 78 exquisitely luxurious rooms. You will find 2 Grand Presidential Suites, 3 Grand Royal Suites, 6 Royal Suites, 22 Historical Suites, 43 Palace Rooms, and 2 Luxury Rooms. In addition to these remarkable accommodations, there’s the iconic restaurant, Suvarna Mahal and many other dining options.
The architecture of Taj Rambagh Palace is a seamless blend of grandeur and elegance. Every detail has been carefully crafted, from the opulent verandahs to the sprawling front lawns. The intricate marble work, colossal domes, and picturesque gardens all come together harmoniously, enhancing the majestic aura of the palace.
Step inside the rooms and be transported back in time. The meticulous renovation work has preserved the old-world charm, allowing guests to experience the artistic heritage and lifestyle of the Maharajas.
Source – www.tajhotels.com
see also – Laxmi Vilas Palace: The Largest Personal Residence in India
The Indian Retreat for Fancy Weddings, Culinary Delights & Colourful Bollywood
The palace almost teases you with a plethora of offerings! From lavish royal weddings to culinary excellence, Rambagh reimagines the lifestyle of the Maharajas for the locals to the esteemed dignitaries. It has witnessed the likes of King Charles, Duchess of Cornwall, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Prince Albert II of Monaco, and Lord Louis Mountbatten, who have graced the hotel with their presence. Also, one can accomplish their dream of having a royal wedding amidst poetic sunsets, exquisite floral arrangements, captivating decor, and magnum-opus entertainment.
Rambagh has been a favoured location for weddings and served as the backdrop for iconic films like “Lamhe,” featuring the charismatic Anil Kapoor and the stunning beauty queen Sridevi. Anil Kapoor’s magnificent residence in the movie is none other than the splendid ‘Rambagh Palace’. One cannot help but be captivated by the enchanting Kanak Vrindavan Garden, where the iconic song ‘Mohe Chedo Na Nand Ke’ was filmed. This breathtaking garden bears a striking resemblance to the majestic palace of ‘Vrindavan.’ How stunning did Sridevi look dancing elegantly in that white lehenga surrounded by marble pillars?
Source – www.tajhotels.com
And as far as the food is concerned, the Suvarna Mahal restaurant has been nominated for the prestigious Best Hotel Restaurant 2023 title at the World Culinary Awards. Needless to say, it’s no less than an opportunity to unwind and gobble down the delicacies prepared by the royal khansamas (royal chefs). Indulge in the opulent Rajasthani thali that presents a lavish array of delectable Rajasthani dishes that are simply irresistible.
Additionally, guests can explore the Rajput Room or the Verandah Café for various multi-cuisine options, visit the lounge bar, or relax at the Polo Bar while savouring Mediterranean delights.
Source – www.tajhotels.com
One of the highlights in the palace is to experience the culinary delights of the Mediterranean at Rambagh Jaipur’s finest lounge bar – Steam. A beautifully restored steam engine and a charmingly recreated Victorian station enhance the ambience here. The restaurant gives the guests a feeling of enjoying a meal while sitting in an olden-time train coach.
Source – www.tajhotels.com
Awards & Recognitions Bagged by Taj Rambagh
Affectionately known as the Jewel of Jaipur, Taj Rambagh Palace has earned numerous accolades. It was honoured with exemplary and prestigious awards such as TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Awards in 2017, Travel + Leisure World’s Best Hotels Awards – in 2017 and 2020, and CONDE NAST TRAVELER Readers’ Choice Awards – in 2017 and 2018.
In 2023, Rambagh Palace was proudly voted as the number one hotel in India in the Best Hotels category, and it also received the Swacchta Award for being the cleanest hotel in Jaipur.
A Royal Treat
Rambagh Palace is a royal charm on steroids. It is one of the few hotels in the world, shaping the future of the hospitality industry. It’s indeed a story well-captured in architecture that will stay as long as the world does. It primarily plays on the idea of a well-deserved break from the mundane and those who want to explore something unique and opulent. So, when the clouds part, the sun shines, and the urge to feel like royalty takes over, this immersive experience will linger in your memories, akin to a cherished dream.
