A royal jaunt in Jaipur

The capital of Rajasthan offers striking palaces, sumptuous food, superlative crafts and, for the first time, a suite in the royal residence for tourists

A monkey sitting atop the Hawa Mahal (above), or Palace of Winds, which was previously used by royal ladies to watch processions on the street. The Gudliya Suite (left) in the City Palace is open for bookings via home-sharing site Airbnb. The Bapu Ba
A stunning floor in the City Palace (above), where the royal family lives. PHOTO: FENG ZENGKUN, AIRBNB
A monkey sitting atop the Hawa Mahal (above), or Palace of Winds, which was previously used by royal ladies to watch processions on the street. The Gudliya Suite (left) in the City Palace is open for bookings via home-sharing site Airbnb. The Bapu Ba
A monkey sitting atop the Hawa Mahal (above), or Palace of Winds, which was previously used by royal ladies to watch processions on the street. PHOTO: FENG ZENGKUN, AIRBNB
A monkey sitting atop the Hawa Mahal (above), or Palace of Winds, which was previously used by royal ladies to watch processions on the street. The Gudliya Suite (left) in the City Palace is open for bookings via home-sharing site Airbnb. The Bapu Ba
The vibrant murals along the Patrika Gate’s walkway (above) depict stories about Rajasthan. PHOTO: FENG ZENGKUN, AIRBNB
A monkey sitting atop the Hawa Mahal (above), or Palace of Winds, which was previously used by royal ladies to watch processions on the street. The Gudliya Suite (left) in the City Palace is open for bookings via home-sharing site Airbnb. The Bapu Ba
The Bapu Bazaar (above) is famous for its vibrant textiles and handicraft. PHOTO: FENG ZENGKUN, AIRBNB
The private pool in the City Palace’s Gudliya Suite. PHOTO: FENG ZENGKUN, AIRBNB
A monkey sitting atop the Hawa Mahal (above), or Palace of Winds, which was previously used by royal ladies to watch processions on the street. The Gudliya Suite (left) in the City Palace is open for bookings via home-sharing site Airbnb. The Bapu Ba
The Gudliya Suite (above) in the City Palace is open for bookings via home-sharing site Airbnb. PHOTO: FENG ZENGKUN, AIRBNB
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

When we arrive for dinner, there are dancers, musicians and firebreathers.

Uniformed waiters swirl around me and the others, platters of traditional Indian snacks held aloft on single hands.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on January 05, 2020, with the headline A royal jaunt in Jaipur. Subscribe