Start the day with a splash
We recommend starting the day by splurging out on breakfast – either at the 28 Kothi boutique hotel or going all out and indulging in an incredibly luxurious feast at the Rambagh Palace Hotel, the 19th century palace and former home of the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II and his wife.
Tour the city like a local – on a bicycle
We love cycling around the city, zipping through the traffic and taking in the sights and the scents of India. For the less adventurously inclined, the autorickshaw (similar to tuk-tuks) is also a great option.
Culture Vulture time
Jaipur is not called The Pink City for nothing – wander through the Old City’s maze of narrow streets, wonder at the stunning façades with their lattice-worked balconies; and lose yourself among the myriad stalls in every market.
A half-day visit to Amber Fort is a must. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts a stunning red sandstone and marble royal palace complex, some 11 km from Jaipur.
Panna Meena ka Kund is a square, 16th century step-well within the Amber Fort complex. Three of its sides are covered in steps and the fourth side is a multi-storeyed balcony. As well as being a watering hole for locals, it has always been a place of rest for weary travellers.
Lunch like a Royal
Choose between The Jhori, in the heart of the bustling Jhoari Market, the opulent Raj Mahal, or the breathtaking Rambagh Palace.
The Restaurant at the Jhori – a boutique hotel in Japiur boasts celebrity chef Vikram Arora’s refreshing take on traditional Indian fare – the all-vegetarian The Restaurant is not to be missed.
Raj Mahal Hotel – an 18th century royal palace is the stuff of pure fantasy, with its opulent halls and princely staircases; restful turquoise and cream rooms overlooking the gardens; and the iconic Pink Room with its stunning hot pink and white décor.
Rambagh Palace a royal retreat and escape from the hot dusty days in the city, with its shady red and cream umbrellas and beautifully comfortable chairs. The Terrace restaurant boasts imaginative signature dishes, such as the potato pancake mille-feuille with lentil ragout, which it pairs with the finest range of teas.
Afternoon shop till you drop
At the Jhoari Bazaar. Wander through one of Jaipur’s oldest markets and let yourself be swept along by the endless stalls of jewelry, gemstones and lehengas – those stunning Jaipuri long dresses; Jaipuri embroidered quilts; silk sandals and slippers…and so much more.
Crossword bookshop
One of India’s main bookshops, this is a booklover’s paradise, with literally thousands of new arrivals every week. Here you can browse and read to your heart’s delight.
Refresh and revive with a good Lassi
India’s version of a smoothie – made with dahl (yoghurt), water, spices and sometimes fruit, as lassis can be savoury or sweet. They are traditionally served in a clay cup, called a kulhar, which keeps it deliciously cool, even in hot weather. Lassiwala, just around the corner from Jayanti Market, is our favourite Lassi haunt.
Hawa Mahal
Head over to the Old City and watch the sun set over the intricate façade of the Hawa Mahal – literally the Palace of Winds – with its towering five floors and over 953 niches in the pink sandstone that characterizes Jaipur.
Nila House
A private home turned into a craftsmanship centre, to preserve and showcase traditional Indian arts and crafts. The brainchild of the Lady Bramford Foundation, the Nila House is a living, breathing testament to the finest Indian artisans and their work.
Jaipur Modern
A vibrant contemporary showroom for local arts, crafts, clothing, home wear, stationery, and fashion accessories. It also offers a welcoming café, serving innumerable blends of organic coffee, fresh fruit juices and delicious Mediterranean snacks.
Sanctuary
Just 14 km from Jaipur is the iconic Dera Amer Camp – where sustainability takes on a whole new meaning – 180 acres of preserved scrubland, where elephants roam and the local fauna and flora have been lovingly preserved, cared for by a dedicated team of local villagers. Luxurious tented accommodation provides an unforgettable experience of humans and nature, at one with each other.
Dinners To Dine For
At KLEED, we have a few favourite haunts for dinner and they are both in the Narain Niwas Palace Hotel.
The Bar Palladio is to us the essence of Jaipur. Nestling in the lush gardens of the Narain Niwas Palace Hotel, the Bar Palladio is a true gem. Designed by Marie-Anne Oudejans, the all-blue décor is simply breathtaking. Tented canopies and frescoed walls proffer a riot of jungle fever scenery. We are plunged in a wonderful, magical world. We are such raging fans, that the Bar Palladio has been the backdrop to several of our KLEED photoshoots in recent years. Here, we talk, we dine and we wine our way throughout the evening and into the night.
Shikar Bagh is a sumptuous and welcoming restaurant, boasting intricate wooden lattice work verandahs and the most comfortable chairs in Jaipur. Lunches, snacks and dinner are served indoors, outdoors and even a gorgeous open-sided terrace under canvas.
Sleep with the stars
The Jobner Bagh is KLEED’s best-loved boutique hotel. It offers just 12 bedrooms, each one lovingly designed and expertly decorated. The overall ambience is genuinely welcoming; the staff are attentive and the food served is, quite simply, delicious.
