A visit to Rajasthan would be incomplete without experiencing the lively colours, art and crafts of a traditional haveli. Luckily, several have been converted to hotels or guesthouses, and are accessible to the heritage cognoscenti. Shahpura House in Jaipur's Bani Park is one of them.
Set on a quiet lane in a very quiet residential area, the old haveli was lovingly restored and turned into its hotel avatar in 1991. Even the cheapest of rooms are spacious, come with marble floors, traditional textiles and rich antique furniture. The coloured glass doors, appliqué and pietra dura art in traditional Rajasthani miniature style, gilded ceiling and furniture in the faux durbar hall, there is beautiful art and antiques everywhere you turn.
The attention to detail extends to the bartender. Expect one in a costume more reminiscent of aristocratic durbars and royal courts, rather than the bustling, noisy, hurried pace of modern-day Jaipur. The food and liquor is a bit overpriced though, and maybe not the best at its price. A 18% tax on top of it, may ruin your appetite for dining in-house as well.
No comments:
Post a Comment