Sawai Man Mahal

Once the royal residence of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II and his family, the property now called Sawai Man Mahal is a splendid heritage palace carefully restored and managed by the Taj Hotels group.

The restoration project was led by architect Gyanendra Singh Shekhawat, founder and leader of IDEAS, a renowned Jaipur-based architecture and design firm. They embrace the values of Adaptive Reuse, respecting the original structure’s essence while carefully balancing conservation with innovation. Focus was given to reviving the palace’s historical elements, such as the jharokha arches, spacious courtyards, stone jaalis, and frescoed walls, all while adapting the spaces and rooms for 21st-century comfort and functionality. Alongside these modernizations are considerations for accessibility; some of the accommodations, for example, are offered as accessible rooms equipped with wheelchair-friendly bathrooms.

To maintain authenticity, the firm made sure to use the same materials as the original, namely yellow sandstone from Jaisalmer, white marble from Ambaji, and red mandana stone from Jodhpur. Next, araish lime plaster was applied, the same one seen on many of India's white palaces. Further embellishments include thikri mirrors inlaid in common spaces, and a massive golden gate that was once used in the main Rambagh Palace building.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

The Taj brand's signature J Wellness Spa offers a wide array of incredible treatments and therapies inspired by traditional Indian Ayurvedic rituals mixed with modern techniques. For example, the Vishuddi treatment involves Garshana scrubs using silk gloves and herbal wraps, immediately followed by a bath and a lymphatic drainage massage to detoxify the body. They also offer spa indulgence programs, which you can repeat as many times and days as you'd like.

Sawai Man Mahal also has a rich selection of experiences to make your stay all the more fun and compelling. Children have plenty of engaging activities to try, such as the Little Mixologists program, where they make delicious mocktails, and the Little Bakers program that teaches them how to bake delicious snacks. Grown-ups looking to indulge and unwind can enjoy a soothing Royal Bathing Ritual, or make new friends at the Twilight Toast. Opportunities for cultural immersion are plentiful both on-site and off-site, with native musicians, dancers, and puppeteers performing at the hotel's courtyards and gardens, while the concierge can gladly arrange trips to Hathi Gaon Elephant Village and to Jhalana Leopard Safari.

To fully immerse yourself in Jaipur's heritage, book a half-day or full-day tour. The Jewels of Jaipur Tour will take you to Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar, both UNESCO Heritage landmarks, followed by a shopping trip at local markets. The Timeless Heritage Tour is an extended version of the former, as you'll also be visiting the City Palace, the Govind Dev ji Temple, and going shopping at Bapu Bazaar & Johari Bazaar.

Many other attractions around Jaipur can be visited without adhering to an itinerary, such as the iconic Jal Mahal Palace on Man Sagar Lake, and the Sisodia Rani ka Bagh gardens.