Guide on Rambaug Palace

Rambagh Palace is a heritage monument which was the former residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. The heritage palace is currently transformed into a five-star hotel operated by Taj Hotels Group. It is indeed one of the most beautiful palaces and now stands as a lavish hotel visited by several tourists. It is also one of the most expensive hotels located in the city of Jaipur on Bhawani Singh road. 

The palace is an example of Indo-Saracenic architecture which is a blend of Mughal and Rajasthani styles of architecture. The palace was built in the 20th century after it was converted from a hunting lodge. The palace is also known as the “Jewel of Jaipur” and is closely located to several tourist places and monuments in Jaipur.

Location and History of Rambagh Palace

• Rambagh Palace is located 8 km outside of the walls of the city of Jaipur on Bhawani Singh road. The palace served as the former residence of the royal family of Jaipur. 
• The palace and its construction started in 1835. The first building on the site of the palace was a garden house built for a wet nurse for Ram Singh II. 
• The palace and the landscaped garden around the palace are spread across an area of 47 acres.
• In 1887, the site and the houses were transformed and converted into a royal hunting lodge by Maharaja Thakur Sawai Madho Singh.
• However, in the 20th century, the modest lodge was expanded and converted into a palace, designed by Samuel Swinton Jacob.
• Rambagh Palace was made the principal residence by Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II with the addition of royal suites in the year 1931. It was resided by Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II and his queen Maharani Gayatri Devi and their family. 

About Maharaja of Jaipur

• Sawai Ram Singh II was the Maharaja of Jaipur from 1835 to 1880. He was succeeded by Jai Singh III.
• Maharajah Sawai Man Singh II was the ruling king of the princely state of Jaipur from 1922 to 1947. He was allowed to use the title Maharaja of Jaipur by the Indian Government after Independence.
• Maharajah Sawai Man Singh II was born to a nobleman belonging to the Kacchwaha clan. He was adopted by Sawai Madho Singh II and hence became his heir, succeeding as Maharaja of Jaipur after the death of his adoptive father.
• Maharajah Sawai Man Singh II married thrice. His third wife was Maharani Gayatri Devi of Cooch Behar, married in 1940. Rambagh Palace was turned into a residential palace in 1937. It was the place of residence for the king and his queen.

Architecture of Rambagh Palace

• The garden house was built in the complex for the first time in 1835. It was a small house built for the wet nurse of Ram Singh II. The garden house was surrounded by a well-landscaped garden.
• In the 20th century, Sir Swinton Jacob transformed the place and constructed the Rambagh Palace. The architecture is a mix of Mughal and Rajasthani styles. The palace consists of a marble hall, courtyards, and opulent corridors.
• The garden around the Rambagh Palace is a Mughal garden with flower beds. The palace also has a mini-golf course.
• The palace is decorated with hand-carved marble latticework, cenotaphs, sandstone balustrades, and a beautifully maintained Mughal Garden.
• The palace ballroom was built in the 18th-century and inspired by French architecture with crystal chandeliers.
• Currently, the Sawai Man Mahal is used for royal destination weddings as well as top-notch business events.

Conversion of the Palace into a Luxurious Hotel

• Rambagh Palace has been converted into a 5-star heritage hotel, operated by Taj Hotel Groups. After starting its operation as a hotel in 1987, it attracted many celebrities from across the world.
• The palace has hosted affluent people including Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.
• Although the palace is converted into a hotel, visitors are allowed to take a tour of the property.
• The hotel retains its former glory and royal look with rooms decorated with rich texture, elegant carpets, and walls adorned with paintings and hand-painted motifs.
• The Rajput Room is an exquisite space for tea, pre-dinner cocktails, and champagne. The Suvarna Mahal serves Indian cuisine.
• Rambagh Palace sponsored the “Rajmata Gayatri Devi Memorial Cup” in honour of Maharani Gayatri Devi after her death in 2009. 

Conclusion

Jaipur is full of heritage, monuments, and architecture owing to the erstwhile ruling families. There are many palaces close to the city centre that preserve the rich history and culture. Most of the royal palaces and heritage buildings are turned into hotels to provide people with a luxurious and royal experience. Rambagh Palace, also known as the Jewel of Jaipur, is one of the finest examples of such a place. The palace is located within the fortified city of Jaipur on Bhawani Singh Road and serves as the former residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. The palace complex has seen many transformations and the first building on the site was built in 1835. Started from a garden house built in 1835 for the wet nurse of Ram Singh II who served as Maharaja of Jaipur from 1835 to 1880. The palace has a mix of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture with elaborate paintings and artwork in the interiors. The palace was converted into a hotel in 1987 and is managed by Taj Hotel Groups.