TRAVEL | JAIPUR, THE PINK CITY
Rajasthan means the ‘land of kings’ in Hindi and Jaipur, the pink city embodies its royal history with beautiful havelis, restored palaces to stay at, and majestic landmarks including Amer For, Hawa Maha and City Palace to see.
Samode Haveli was our haven from Jaipur’s colourful and swarming streets and despite its location inside the city walls, it offered a tranquil escape. Once the residence of the Samode Rulers, it’s still owned by their descendants who have beautifully preserved the opulent Maharajan interior with an array of eye catching tile floors, murals and alcoves alongside colourful walls, soft furnishings and antiques. Only in India can a kaleidoscope of colours work so well. Curry feasts under the courtyard’s glistening stars make for a treat and the warm and brilliant service makes you feel like a Maharaja.
Touring Rajasthan, particularly the Golden Triangle is city-based and and so finding time to sit, switch off and escape was a joy at Samode Haveli with their gorgeous gardens and inviting pool.
On route to Amer Fort, we stopped by Hawa Mahal, a palace synonymous with Jaipur as Taj Mahal is to Agra. Known as the Palace of Breeze, the beautiful sculpted pink building allowed the royal ladies to watch any public processions in private.
However, Amer Fort is the crown jewel of Jaipur’s landmarks and funnily enough is known as the Jewel of Jaipur. Overlooking Maota Lake, the magnificent fort constructed from sandstone and marble consists of a series of four courtyards, palace halls and gardens.
Arrive early morning to beat the crowds, and your first sight will be the elephant parade, more there as a novelty value for unsuspecting tourists though you can take a ride around the fort. We steered cleared and headed for the Suraj Pol (Sun Gate). With its intricate floral design in beautiful pink, green and yellow hues, it’s likely to be the most ornate and impressive doorway your eyes have set upon.
The fort has been well-preserved throughout the ages so be prepared to marvel at the various patterns adorning its walls and ceilings from the hand painted ceilings, the semi-precious stone sandstone carvings, the thousands of mirrors embellishing the Palace of Mirrors’ walls and the incredible botany art throughout, featuring decorative vases and elaborate swirling flowers. Its Mughal Garden is also a fantastic centrepiece with a fountain surrounded by a geometrical garden design featuring various topiary.
