Herself in the Wild: Jaipur
Journey with us to the magical city of Jaipur, India
Where to Stay: Rambagh Palace
Staying at the Rambagh Palace is like stepping into a royal fairytale. Originally built as a residence for the Maharaja of Jaipur, this opulent palace has since been transformed into a luxury hotel, managed by the Taj Hotels group. The moment you enter, you're greeted by stunning Rajasthani architecture, lush gardens, and an ambiance that transports you back in time.
Built in the 1830's the grounds are a small village unto itself. You will find multiple restaurants, a spa, parks, historical exhibits, shops and more.
The rooms themselves are a blend of historic charm and modern luxury, complete with hand-painted walls, vintage furniture, and all the amenities one could wish for. I highly recommend booking a room with a garden view to fully soak in the beauty of the palace grounds.
Must Do: Visit during Diwali
During Diwali, the Rambagh Palace is adorned with a breathtaking array of lights, marigold garlands, and intricate rangoli designs made of colored powders and flowers. The decorations add an extra layer of magic, making you feel part of the celebrations. The palace also hosted several Diwali events for guests, including traditional music and dance performances, diya (oil lamp) lighting ceremonies, and delicious festive food offerings. We even got to experience a Diwali puja (prayer ceremony) at the hotel where people honored the goddess Lakshmi and her battle of light over dark.
The palace staff went above and beyond to ensure each guest felt like royalty, welcoming us with flower petals, special Diwali sweets, and customary Rajasthani hospitality.
Must See: The City Palace
A trip to Jaipur is incomplete without a visit to the City Palace, an architectural masterpiece located in the heart of the city. The palace complex offers a glimpse into the royal history of Jaipur and is known for its blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles.
I spent an afternoon touring the palace, which was filled with beautifully painted courtyards, intricate gates, and ornate balconies. Diwali decorations enhanced the palace's splendor, with flower arrangements and lights adding to the atmosphere. One of the highlights was the Lotus Gate, which features stunning hand-painted designs symbolizing the season of summer.
I highly recommend paying the extra fee so you can tour the Chandra Mahal, where some of the rooms are still used by the royal family of Jaipur.
Fun Fact
Our City Palace guide told us that the city was not originally pink, but the ruling Maharaja at the time had all the buildings painted pink - the color of hospitality - in preparation for the visit of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The tradition of painting the buildings pink is now enforced by local law.
Finally... What (Jewelry) to Wear
Rainbow Sapphire Bracelet
As colorful as the city itself, these grade aaa sapphires are the star of the party.
Amazonite Necklace
This easy-to-layer beauty adds a pop of color to your outfit. I love the feel of the smooth semi-precious stones.
14K Solid Gold Diamond Poppy Ring
An easy travel piece that elevates any outfit. This cigar band ring features a string of scalloped diamonds.
Diamond Bezel Studs
Made with lab grown diamonds and recycled gold, these sparklers are available in yellow, rose and white gold.
Selene Pearl Necklace
Luminous freshwater pearls in a beautiful strand that is perfect for stacking with the Rainbow Sapphire Necklace.
