Rajasthan's palaces and safari lodges are the ideal places to end the year in style. For those looking to make a quick trip to the state for New Year's Eve, why not stay at a heritage palace hotel? While there is a plethora of grand palace hotels now open to visitors, notably in Rajasthan, most of them offer impeccable service and a more intimate experience than run-of-the-mill luxury properties. You can live out your royal fantasies in Rajasthan's palaces and forts. We list some of the best palace hotels in Rajasthan where you can ring in the year in style.
1. Samode Haveli, Jaipur
Built nearly 200 years ago as the Samode rulers' palatial residence, the family opened their palatial residence to guests as the heritage boutique hotel Samode Haveli. Samode Haveli is one of four properties situated at the heart of Jaipur. The 50 brilliant rooms and suites overlook the pools, fountains, and gardens, and have four-poster beds, fine fabrics, and roll-top baths. The restaurant, which serves Rajasthani and continental cuisine, is decorated with hand-painted murals. You can relax in the verandah lounge with a warm cup of tea or with a cool cocktail by the pool. Samode Haveli offers city tours and leopard safaris, as well as traditional puppetry and music performances. Visit the website to book your stay this New Year in Rajasthan.
2. Amanbagh, near Jaipur
The opulent Amanbagh—around a two-hour drive from Jaipur airport—has pavilion suites with private pools and terraces to allow its patrons to take in the surrounding Aravalis. The fort and temple in Ajabgarh village are nearby; and if you want to explore rugged luxury, about 3.5 hours away lies Amanbagh’s sister property Aman-i-Khas—a Mughal-style camp close to Ranthambore National Park. Both properties use produce from the organic kitchen gardens, which include specialized Ayurvedic gardens, to supplement their menus. Amanbagh also offers a Yoga and Mindfulness Wellness Immersion Programme for a more peaceful end to the year, while Aman-i-Khas hosts daily yoga and meditation in the outdoors. Visit the website to know more.
3. Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
Umaid Bhawan Palace, a stunning piece of Rajasthan's heritage and a symbol of the new Jodhpur, was built between 1928 and 1943. Perched on Chittar Hill, Jodhpur's highest point, it offers spectacular views of the historic Blue City, wide sand dunes, and the intimidating Mehrangarh Fort. This heritage palace hotel in Jodhpur is about 20 minutes from the airport and close to the city's main commercial districts as well as the Balsamand and Kalyana lakes. This five-star hotel in Jodhpur provides 70 completely magnificent Art Deco-style rooms and suites set amidst 26 acres of lush grounds with dancing peacocks and a subterranean zodiac pool. Pillars, a cafe set in a lovely collonnaded veranda, serves a variety of European and Mediterranean delicacies. From the hotel, you can take a heritage walk to experience a fascinating bygone era brought to life by magnificent monuments in the city. What better time to experience luxury in the manner of the royals than on New Year’s Eve, in one of the best palaces in Jodhpur. Visit the website to book your stay here.
4. The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur
The Oberoi Udaivilas is a long-standing romantic favourite, thanks to its dreamy setting on the banks of Lake Pichola amid 30 acres of gardens. About an hour's drive away from Udaipur Airport, the property offers elegant rooms and suites featuring Mewar-inspired motifs, marble bathrooms, and stunning views of the lake, pool, and gardens. Suryamahal, the all-day diner, serves Indian and international cuisine, while the adjoining Chandni terrace overlooks the lake and City Palace. The Bar serves alcoholic coffees and frozen cocktails, and the lakefront Udaimahal serves regional delicacies along with live music for dinner. The Oberoi Udaivilas has some ‘Unforgettable Getaways’ festive offers too that you can avail from their website.
5. Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
Taj Hotels' Rambagh Palace—a beautifully restored palace with 78 luxurious rooms and suites on 47-acre grounds—was once home to royals Sawai Man Singh II and Gayatri Devi. Suvarna Mahal, the hotel's original palace dining room, serves royal Indian food; Verandah Cafe serves afternoon tea; and the Polo Bar, which is close to the Rambagh Polo Ground, serves single malts and cocktails. Take a night trip in a historic horse-drawn buggy or play billiards or tennis during your stay here. The ancient durbar hall, which features crystal chandeliers, arches framing hand-painted silk panelling, an antique mirror ceiling, and neighbouring gardens, is the perfect backdrop for a grand affair. Visit their official website to know more.
If you want to ring in the new year in a grand way, you must choose a location that is equally grand. The most important factor to consider when selecting a location is that it should allow you to have fun and enjoy the luxury property to the fullest.
Disclaimer: The details mentioned throughout this blog are sourced from publicly accessible platforms. At Zeezest, we intend to share factual and verified information. Should there be any inconsistencies or variances in the information provided, please understand that these are entirely unintentional and not meant to mislead.