Rajasthan was sitting high on my India travel bucket list for decades due to its captivating blend of history, culture, architecture and natural beauty. Visiting the “Land of Kings” to experience the royal vibes first-hand had been long overdue.
I'm thrilled to share that we finally made it happen! Jaipur and Ranthambore Tiger Reserve were chosen as the destinations for our summer break this year. The twins had over two months of school holidays and were geared up for an adventure. We had heard that summer was a good time to spot wildlife, especially tigers, at Ranthambore so that was the main reason why we decided to plan our trip in early April despite the start of the fierce summer in Rajasthan (typically beginning from March onwards).
Along with my husband, children, parents, niece and nephew, this holiday promised to be a fun-filled multigenerational family getaway 😊
For the accommodation, I was keen on staying at a heritage hotel or a haveli that would offer a glimpse into the region's rich culture and history. We found just the place - Umaid Bhawan, a charming heritage-style boutique hotel located in the serene Bani Park neighborhood. It offered the best of both worlds: a peaceful retreat that was still close to Jaipur’s vibrant city center. Run by the erstwhile royal family of Borunda, Umaid Bhawan felt like the perfect base for our Rajasthani escapade.
From the moment we arrived, we were struck by the haveli's vibrant decor and regal charm - a stunning blend of traditional Rajasthani architecture and warm hospitality.
We had booked two Royal Suites, both of which were spacious, elegantly furnished, and steeped in character. One of our rooms even had two private balconies, one offering a lovely view of the city. Waking up in a heritage haveli, surrounded by ornate arches, vintage murals, and the gentle echo of old-world charm, felt like slipping into antiquity.
