Narain Niwas Palace Hotel – A Heritage Hotel at Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

 

Narain Niwas Palace Hotel

Imagine about India before 1947, a mosaic of glittering princely states ruled by majestic kings, queens, rajas, maharajas, and nawabs. Since 1858, under British paramountcy, these royals bowed to the Crown while preserving their opulent worlds of forts, palaces, and hunting lodges. Then came August 15, 1947: independence dawned, and these states signed Instruments of Accession, folding into the new Indian Union. The era of absolute rule faded; titles dissolved, political power vanished, and in 1971, even privy purses were abolished. Yesterday's powerful rulers awoke to stark realities. Their lavish lifestyles crumbling under mounting bills for sprawling estates painstakingly built by ancestors.

Canon and author

Many palaces fell to time's relentless march. Government seizures turned some into schools, offices, or museums. For the rest, without patronage, their glory dimmed: arches crumbled, marble floors gathered dust, moss cloaked walls, roofs leaked, and termites devoured wood. Heritage teetered on ruin.

Tow away method of a canon

Yet, ingenuity sparked revival. Visionary descendants, backed by investors and supportive government policies, reimagined these treasures as heritage hotels. A new wave of affluent travellers craved not just luxury, but stories soaked in history. Cash registers rang, breathing life into decaying grandeur. Neemrana Fort-Palace in Rajasthan stands as a pinnacle: this 15th-century, 14-tiered marvel was meticulously restored, blending medieval architecture with modern indulgence, drawing global wanderers to its timeless embrace. Several others follow the suit.

These reborn palaces defy decay, preserving cultural lineage while generating income and jobs. They become living legends, boutique retreats, tourist magnets, cultural ambassadors where heritage and hospitality entwine.

A Personal Sojourn at Narain Niwas, the heritage hotel.

Present: The wedding procession arrived

My recent stay at Narain Niwas Palace Hotel in Pink City Jaipur, Rajasthan to attend a wedding transported me straight into this renaissance. The wedding was unique. Groom’s Bengali father (born in Bihar) and Bengali speaking mother (born in Madhya Pradesh) arrived with the groom (born in Andhra Pradesh). The bride’s Marathi father and Rajasthani mother arrived from Shillong (Meghalaya) with their daughter (born in Rajasthan) for a destination wedding at Jaipur, Rajasthan!

A red carpet welcome

A true Indian wedding, under the starlit sky of Rajasthan. A destination wedding which was special in many ways and the experience is to be remembered forever.

Past: Amar Singh's marriage party just before the baraat procession, in front of Sir Pratap's house, Jodhpore (details given below).
Courtesy: https://salute.co.in/the-story-of-maj-gen-amar-singh-kanota/

About the venue.

Welcome!

The Indo-Saracenic architecture of Narain Niwas Palace Hotel transports one back to the bygone era of valour of Rathore kings and administration by European noblemen. The vintage furniture placed in the rooms, intricate frescoes, confuses a visitor – whether one is staying in a hotel or within a museum!

A water filter of yesteryear, made in London

Built in 1928 amid thick forests (now a serene urban oasis), this palace of Anglo-Indian architecture was the vision of General Amar Singh Ji, Thakur of Kanota. He was brave commander of Jaipur State Forces, confidant to Maharaja Sawai Man Singh, and one of the first Indians to serve as an officer in World War I. Grandson of Thakur Zorawar Singh (the Kanota lineage founder) and son of Thakur Narain Singh (Jaipur's police chief and Alwar minister), Amar Singh supervised its completion with his brother Thakur Shivnath Singh. 

When electric kettle was not invented to make tea!!

There is say that about Rajputs that reading and riding together do not augur well. That rule does not apply for Amar Singhji. Under the guidance of Guru Bharat Ram Nathji Ratnoo, his scholastic aptitude bloomed. Sir Pratap Singh, the regent of Jodhpur, popularly known as Sarkar, groomed him as an indomitable fierce soldier. Guru Ram Nathji was his inspiration for writing diaries. In 1894, when Ram Nathji travelled to Europe, he wrote daily diaries which inspired his disciple. 

General Amar Singh Ji, Thakur of Kanota
Courtesy: https://salute.co.in/the-story-of-maj-gen-amar-singh-kanota/

General Amar Singhji meticulously penned diaries for long 44 years (from 1898 to 1942). He chronicled his days meticulously in  English in massive 89 volumes, 800 pages each, missing just one entry after a horseback fall. These pages vividly capture princely India's Victorian and Edwardian splendour. He built a collection of 2300 books on various subjects. He created a treasure trove of 18 photo albums. 

Courtesy: https://salute.co.in/the-story-of-maj-gen-amar-singh-kanota/

Captain Amar Singhji’s first call of duty as Army Officer happened in 1900 to China. With due acknowledgement and credit to the source from internet (https://salute.co.in/the-story-of-maj-gen-amar-singh-kanota/), here are two quotes from his China diary. One is about his preparation for the venture in China and the another one is his personal experience there:

August 12, 1900 (Sunday)

“I had my horses saddled in full marching order and saw that everything was complete. I also bought a watch for forty rupees. After breakfast I put my things right and mended all that wanted repairs, by night train eighty horses started for Calcutta among whom Ghatotgutch, my favourite horse also went.”

October 25, 1900 (Wednesday)

“The people of China are as all know, very industrious and clean, their villages are most beautifully built, their houses are also clean and well-built but contain one storey only. I have not seen a single city belonging to the Chinese people that has two storeys…The most extraordinary thing is that they don’t milk their cows. They don’t know what milk is, all their things are cooked by fat.”

These are two examples of his meticulous writings wherein even minor details were captured through his strong observation power.

In 1916, he was deputed to the Persian Gulf to protect the petroleum oil facilities of British Royal business entities. According to his noting in the diary, thrice he was made officiating command of the regiment (between September 28, 1920 and March 15, 1921). In Indian military history, probably he was the first Indian to command a regiment under British Indian Army. Post retirement from the Indian Army in 1923, he joined Jaipur State Forces and successfully raised a cavalry regiment. He further created the Jaipur Lancers and the headquarters for the Indian Army’s 61st Cavalry. In 1936, he retired as Major General of the Jaipur State Forces. 

Dining Hall of the palace where breakfast is served

Amar Singhji’s had desired that a museum should house priceless pieces of history and heritage. The enormous efforts towards preservation of Kanota Collection is credited to Thakur Sahab Mohan Singhji Kanota and his wife Maaji Sahab Kanota. Amar Singhji’s son Thakur Man Singhji and his wife contacted and coordinated with heritage experts from Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Imperial War Museum in London, the Intach Library at Mehrangarh Jodhpur and Eka Archiving services in Delhi. The result was establishment of General Amar Singh Library and Museum at Kanota.

Interior of the palace

It is located in Kanota Garh, a castle built in 1872. The collection of memorabilia date back to the era of Thakur Zorawar Singh and subsequent generations. It demonstrates not only family treasure but speaks volume about fascinating lifestyle of the Rajput life, frozen in time.

The vast and varied collection astonishingly boasts about rich family heritage and tradition. Visitors are awestruck at the view of books and diaries, photographs and paintings, maps and manuscripts,  armour to firearms and many more of bygone era.

Cut to present.

Post-independence, the Kanota family's fortunes shifted. In 1978, Thakur Mohan Singh Ji and Thakurani Sahib Narendra Kanwar opened four rooms to travellers at Narin Niwas Palace, birthing a heritage hotel amid evolving tourism. Today, third-generation stewards Thakur Man Singh, Thakur Prithvi Singh, Kunwar Pratap Singh, and Kunwar Mormukut Rathore helm 52 lavish rooms - high-ceilinged sanctuaries adorned with grand furniture, intricate frescoes, and Aravali hill views. Indulgences abound: three resto-bars, boutique shops, a spa, swimming pool, and unwavering Rajasthani hospitality.

Dining at Imperial Lancers, the heritage restaurant, blends regal décor with gourmet fare, perfect for lunch or dinner. Evenings pulse with ghoomar dances, gair folk rhythms, and puppet shows, as Rajasthan's soul enchants every bite.

Fountain in the front

Just 11 km from Jaipur airport, 5 km from the railway station, and 3 km from the walled city, its 10-acre expanse offers Shikaar Bagh's lush tranquillity. Peacocks strut the front courtyard at dawn, dance by the fountain at dusk, and as soft lights ignite against the starry night, magic unfolds.

Fountain and palace in the evening

Narain Niwas isn't just a hotel; it's a portal where history whispers through chandeliers and lawns, weaving bygone nobility into modern romance, ideal for weddings or wanderlust. Step through its tall portico, and you'll leave not as a guest, but as a king or queen in your own epic tale, forever changed by Rajasthan's enduring allure.

Padharo sa (Welcome in local dialect)

Disclaimer:

The noble objective of this blog, is to share knowledge through images/pictures and related narration. A few of the scans, featured in this blogpost, are mine while others (sourced from internet) are properties of their respective owners. No intention to infringe any type of copyright. 

The information provided in the article is for general informational purposes only. All information is provided in good faith. No commercial, religious or political angle, whatsoever, is involved. This is not a historical document. Apologies in advance, should there be any inadvertent error. Under no circumstances, I shall have any liability for reliance on any information provided in the story.

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