7 unique stays in Rajasthan for design lovers

Rajasthan is known for several things—its top-notch hospitality, architectural gems that have stood the test of time, the royal legacy, and a plethora of arts and crafts that have emerged from the state. It is no surprise that it attracts some of the highest number of international tourists in the country. But the pandemic put a halt on global travel, and invariably gave a boost to domestic tourism. With remote working becoming the norm, several people took up staycations and workcations in different cities around India, ranging from a week to months. And we think Rajasthan should certainly top your list for the next one.

The state’s rich design influence is evident in the properties that have been built recently, or restored from their past glory. Says Nikhil Agrawal, architect and founder of Design Atelier, a multidisciplinary design practice in Jaipur, “The architecture of Rajasthan is deeply rooted in its context. Whether it's the narrow street flanked by towering haveli structures in Jaisalmer, or the Amber Fort in Jaipur, each building follows the principles of climatology while being aesthetic. These classics influence how a lot of young architects not only in the state but across the country approach contextual architecture.”

Not just architecture, the age-old regional crafts and arts in different cities of Rajasthan are also a major attraction. To give tourists an authentic experience of these, Rajasthan Studio connects travellers with master artisans to co-create souvenirs with a short workshop. These experiences range from jutti making, fresco painting, Meenakari work, making puppets and more—all native to different cities of the state. “The beauty of art lies in the experience of the co-creation process rather than the finished products. We started Rajasthan Studio with a firm belief of uplifting dying art forms of India by pairing them intriguingly with tourism. Apart from workshops that last a couple of hours, tourists can also live in artist residencies that can range from three days to a week,” says founder and CEO, Kartik Suresh Gaggar.

When you live in a city, you feel its pulse, you understand the culture and the history, and why it depicts a certain aesthetic. Insia Lacewalla, who lived in the state for close to two years, has a special place in her heart for Rajasthan. The founder of India With Insia that offers unique stays, regional cuisine and underground culture of India, says, “Living in Rajasthan introduced me to heritage, lineage and grandeur. What fascinates me is the minute detailing, patience, perseverance, and effort that goes into keeping traditional styles of architecture alive. For me, Rajasthani hospitality is simply four words—home away from home. Wherever you stay, be it a boutique home or a palace hotel, you're looked after with such conviction that you feel like you're at home.”

So if you are looking for stays that have an interesting design story to tell, we have curated a list for you featuring homestays, boutique hotels and guesthouses that you can book for your next trip to Rajasthan.