Rambagh Palace, Jaipur

The Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, Rajasthan is the former residence of the maharaja of Jaipur located 5 miles (8.0 km) outside the walls of the city of Jaipur on Bhawani Singh Road. It was constructed in 1835, and was originally built as a garden retreat for a queen’s handmaiden, later serving as a royal guesthouse and hunting lodge. In the early 20th century the building was expanded into a grand palace which became the principal residence of Jaipur’s ruler, Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II. After Indian independence, the Maharaja converted Rambagh Palace into India’s first luxury "palace hotel", and in 1972 its management was handed over to Taj Hotels, which preserved its architectural heritage while upgrading it to a five-star hotel. Today Rambagh Palace is often called the "Jewel of Jaipur". It is noted for its Indo-Saracenic architecture ornate gardens, and rich connections to Jaipur’s royal history.