India is often referred to as the “Land of Kings and Queens” and there exists sufficient historical evidence to testify this.
The monarchy system in the Indian sub-continent, guarded by the Himalayas in the north and sprayed by the seawater on the other sides, is said to be more than 3,000 years old. During British rule in the 18th and 19th centuries, there were over 500 princely states. They enjoyed a semi-independent status and displayed an eye-catching lavish lifestyle filled with pomp and grandeur.
After the British left in 1947, most of the states joined the Indian union and their royal legacies became a legend and subsequently a major attraction for avid travellers from around the world.
Royal enclaves can be found almost in every corner of the nation. However, the best place for immersion in royal effervescence is Rajasthan, the homeland of the Rajputs, India’s famous warrior race.
Tucked in the scorched north-west part of the country, Rajasthan today is India’s largest state which was formed post-independence by the conglomeration of the former monarchies that ruled their respective dominions since the 13th century. While they bejewelled their kingdoms with magnificent forts and palaces, pleasure gardens and water tanks, victory towers and mausoleums, turbaned soldiers and painted elephants, each had their own maharajas and maharanis attired in colourful costumes attending glitzy royal courts.
Their presence in history has created a fantasy world that over time has become a bucket list experience for many travellers from around the world.
State capital Jaipur which was earlier a kingdom by itself is the gateway to this former royal conclave and provides visitors with the first impression of the region’s rich regal heritage. Like London, a royal aura oozes into every corner of this city.
Locals jokingly say Britain’s then Prince Charles came down to Jaipur in 1992 to personally verify this cliché and gave it a tick after joining fellow royals for a game of polo, a regal sport still played with style in Jaipur.
The buildings in this city were tinted pink in 1878 to commemorate the visit of the former Prince of Wales, pink being an emblem of welcome as per Rajasthani tradition. Over time, pink and Jaipur became synonymous, with newer buildings opting for the same tint. That’s why Jaipur is often referred to as the “Pink City”.
The city was built by King Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727 and is packed with a plethora of royal emblems. Most significant is the Hawa Mahal or the “Palace of Winds”. This multi-storied and bow-shaped edifice is Rajasthan’s most distinctive landmark.
The other site that command attention is the City Palace, which is a sprawling complex comprising several imposing gates, buildings, temples and paved courtyards.
Some buildings showcase a beguiling collection of royal memorabilia from weapons and jewellery studded costumes to utensils and precious samples of art, offering visitors a platform to apprehend the opulent taste and class of the royals.
The sprawling palaces in the cities of Udaipur, Jodhpur and Bikaner, which were earlier also separate realms, are equally extravagant. Edging the tranquil waters of the manmade Lake Pichola, the 1568-built Udaipur Palace is like a dream world.
The Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, where many of the buildings have a blue tinge, is regarded as one of the world’s largest private residences.
Some Rajasthan cities represent very distinct colours. While capital Jaipur is pink and Jodhpur is blue, desert city Jaisalmer is golden because everything there including the former king’s massive 800-year-old fortress – the only living fort in the world – has been built with yellow stones that glitter when sprayed by the rays of the sun.
The city panorama is then a sight to behold.
Heady flavours of royalty brew beyond the palace quarters into the streets of Rajasthan where at times passing of a vintage Rolls Royce or a colourful procession with elephants, camels and horses bring alive moments of a rich regal era.
When at the bazaars, shops full of precious stones and trinkets or silks in lustrous hues draw pictures of regal attire while eateries fill the air with aroma of epicurean delights, the recipes of which have been smuggled out of the palace kitchens.
However, the best of the royal experience grip visitors when they stay at one of the former palaces or noble residences now converted into luxury hotels. In the finest tradition of Rajput hospitality, these heritage-wrapped joints offer guests a taste of an indulgence and extravagance that was once the sole preserve of the kings.
Travel notes:
There are regular flights from Kuala Lumpur to Delhi from where there are easy rail, road and air connections to Jaipur, Udaipur and other Rajasthan hotspots. One of the best places to stay is at the Jai Mahal Palace, where the ambiance, décor, dining and service wraps guests in an absolute royal atmosphere.
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