Taj Rambagh Palace, Jaipur, Rajasthan

★★★★ RATED

This was an ethreal experience!  One of the best places owned by the Taj group, the decor, ambience, quality of food and service was in keeping with a Taj expectation: truly exceptional! The impressive gate leading one to the palatial Rambagh Palace along the driveway is itself a memorable experience. The verdant greenery, chirping of the birds and the foyer punctuated  by the vintage Beatle and Bentley cars and the horse drawn carriage immediately transports one to the bygone era. Once inside, the splendour of the place, from the white orchid decorated restrooms, to the massive grand mirrors alongside the corridors that leads us to the expansive grounds for the open air luncheon arena, Verandah Cafe. The comfortable chairs and the efficiency of the waiting staff puts one at much ease. 

After taking in this scenic environs, if you are still hungry, the attentive waiters are ever helpful with the menu. I chose to visit this place to celebrate my dear friend's birthday and we opted for a complete Rajasthani experience by asking for the traditional, expansive thali. The food was delectable, the expanse of the Royal Rajasthani Thali was very fulfilling from the signature dal baati choorma to the sweet pickle, chunda, each item was a gourmet's dream. This along with  the service that was warm and attentive, extended our late lunch well onto the freezing dinner time. In the couple of hours that we spent, we felt and experienced royalty, with the peacocks gracing the lawns, the pigeons in flight, the grounds overlooking a distance, impressive fort and one of the adjoining tables occupied by an acing member of one of the royal families. While I could wax eloquent about the food, the drinks served, cannot be complimented upon in the same breath. The gin based cocktail was barely a 10 ml! and the quality of it could be surely improved upon. 

From having peacocks on the lawn, to the grounds overlooking the fort yonder, from the ceremonial evening lighting of the traditional lamps accompanied by flute playing to the performances by the local artists, we thoroughly enjoyed our expensive experience at the Rambagh Palace as each silver-plated thali cost us six thousand rupees. 

Finally, considering it is a Taj hotel, the competency of the local performers could be better though, their lacklustre movements for the all time favourite, Kesariya Baalma, was rather tepid. Else, everything about Rambagh was picture perfect, with a full moon night adding to the allure of the night and to our experience here. 

A G K