Staying in Indian palaces in Rajasthan

Over the centuries, wealthy influences have been prolific in Rajasthan, emanating from both Hindu and Muslim traditions. Regardless of their backgrounds, over a thousand years of culture, fine arts, architecture, music and cuisine have been protected by these families. Now, as they are opening up their doors for some of the most sumptuous overnight stays you could imagine, you can see that they have done so in a way that is both classy and culturally sound.

When you take a look through the luxury holiday itineraries that have been carefully crafted by our Rajasthan experts, you will see that many of them book you into these stunning restorations of forts, palaces and castles along the way. Such as a Beaux-Arts palace in Udaipur built by ruler Udai Singh in the 16th century and overlooking the iconic Lake Pichola; or a 19th century former home of the Maharaja of Jaipur. You can stay in a Maharaja’s palace where the family is still resident in eastern Rajasthan, or head into the Aravelli Hills to stay in a restored fortress, originally built by the Jhala Rajputs who ruled the Mewar Kingdom. In Jodhphur, you can stay at the Ajit Bhawan, a Rajput palace hotel and in Jaisalmer, you can stay in a hotel inside the walls of its famous fort built in the 12th century by the Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal.

For those seeking artistic rather than equine expertise, Rajasthan’s palaces and historic hotels are very often curators of fine art and local crafts, as there is a long history of artistic skills in this state. This is because these palatial dwellings were often so much more than homes, many of the privileged rulers opening up their residences in the past for public use, such as artisan workshops or scholarly debates. On tailor made holidays in Rajasthan you can, therefore, go shopping with local experts at jewellers and meet artists who are celebrated for being ‘by royal appointment’. Or learn the fundamentals of classical Indian miniature painting from an art scholar and have guided tours of some of the finest private art collections in the world. And of course, you will always be invited to enjoy the finest of local food. Because, in these palaces, many royal banquets await.