Home »Destinations of India » Jaipur Rajasthan

Jaipur is the city which has the “tone of the autumn sunset” Visit Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) an elaborate building encrusted with delicate honeycomb screens and carved balconies from which the royal ladies, confined to their quarters, could view the world outside. Jai Singh’s Observatory built in the 17th century by the founder of Jaipur who, besides being a prince was also soldier, astronomer and builder. City Palace now a museum contains fine Rajput and Moghul paintings, rare manuscripts and an armoury.

Amber
Just 7 miles north of Jaipur is Amber with its a honey-coloured fortress-palace in the Aravalli Hills which can be mounted by elephant. It has been described as “the sleeping beauty of Rajasthan”. The sombre exterior belies the richness of the royal apartments which open on to striking views of the gorge. It also possesses a Chamber of Mirrors. The Hall of Victory presents a galaxy of decorative art - panels of alabaster with fine inlay work of the tenderest hues.

Samode - 40 Kms. north of Jaipur
Step back into time at Samode. This feudal stronghold of the Kacchawaha Rajputs was awarded to Gopal Singhji by is father, the illustrious Prithviraj Singhji of Amber. Here, more than four centuries ago, Prithviraj Singhji built the Samode Palace, a luxurious retreat set amidst rugged hills. Another scion of his family, Rawal Sheo Singhji added the Samode Bagh, a garden paradise modelled on the geometric style of the Mughul garden. Here members of the Samode family come to enjoy rare moments of privacy and relax in the airy pavilions surrounded by rippling water fountains.

Relive the splendour of this bygone age recreated in a tented encampment at Samode Bagh that offers you a unique experience in royal living. These dune-coloured tents are luxuriously furnished with every comfort including a private bathroom. A colonial style sitout affords a pleasant vantage point for bird watching. The meeting point at Samode is the elegantly furnished Durbar Tent that conjures images of desert hospitality Just the place to relax over a drink Dining at Samode is a sensuous repast, served alfresco on verdant lawns surrounded by fruit trees, grape vines and shrubs of jasmine, oleander and hibiscus. Evenings at the Bagh are spent in joyous celebration.....with traditional Rajasthani music, song and dance or around a campfire. For the more adventurous, there is the unforgettable experience of exploring the countryside by camel-safari, stopping for a four-course lunch enroute. Take in a touch of history at the Samode Palace, 3 km. away. Narrow lanes lead up through massive gateways to this delightful palace. Besides its magnificently gilded durbar hall, it has a grand staircase which leads to rooms decorated with mirror-work panels, murals and delicate paintings. Although it is a palace-turned-hotel, it retains an aura of great beauty. Wherever you go in Samode, you will find a glimpse of the past, yet untouched by time.