As Netflix’s latest hit series ‘The Royals’ captures global attention, it’s not just the compelling storyline and star-studded cast that are making waves, it’s the show’s breathtaking backdrops that have audiences pause their screens and wonder, Where was this filmed? For viewers in Malaysia and beyond, the answer leads back to a familiar destination that Air Asia has made more accessible than ever: Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Unlocking Jaipur’s timeless treasures through AirAsia’s direct connectivity, The Royals provides yet another compelling reasons to pack your backs and head to India’s Pink City. Shot in a series of heritage properties, and royal estates, the series offers a visual feast that blends contemporary drama with the beauty of Jaipur’s architectural and cultural legacy.
Jaipur, often referred to as the ‘Pink City’ exemplifies India’s majestic historical and cultural richness. Founded in 1727, by Maharaja Jai Singh II, the city was designed with ancient Hindu architectural principles by architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya. The result is a meticulously planned filled with rose-coloured buildings, imperial palaces, and intricately carved facades that reflect the grandeur of Rajasthan’s royal legacy.
A Glimpse into The Royals
The Royals is a series that started airing on Netflix on 9th May 2025. Directed by Priyanaka Ghose and Nupur Asthana, the series features a stellar ensemble cast. Leading the story are Ishaan Khatter as Maharaj Aviraaj Singh “Fizzy” and Bhumi Pednekar as Sophia Kanmani Shekhar, a driven startup CEO. They are joined by an impressive supporting cast, including screen legends, Zeenat Aman, and Sakshi Tanwar, along with Nora Fatehi, Vihaan Samat, Dino Morea, and Milind Soman.
The narrative follows the financially struggling royal family of Morpur, teams up with Sophia, CEO of WorkPotato to transform their ancestral palace into a luxury resort, leading to a series of romantic entanglements and dramatic revelation. Beyond the power plays and emotional disruption, it is the show’s visual aesthetic, dripping in grandeur, that transports viewers straight into the heart of regal India.
And what better place to recreate the aura than Jaipur? Known for its palaces, forts and admirable hospitality, Jaipur offers the perfect canvas for storytelling in majesty and cultural texture.
Filming Locations That Steal the Scene
The production team behind The Royals handpicked some of Jaipur’s most iconic and visually stunning locations, each one a destination in its own right. Here’s a look at the key spot that brought the series to life:
1) Shiv Vilas Resort, Jaipur
Located on the outskirts of Jaipur, this palatial hotel is a resemblance of grand Indian palace. Its white marble halls, gilded ceilings, and expansive courtyards that creates an atmosphere of pure opulence, perfect for the royal interiors and lavish events in the series.
2) Samode Palace, Rajasthan
Dating back 400 years ago, Samode Palace is a blend of Rajput-Mughal architecture, featuring lavish interiors, intricate mirror work and elaborate murals, that have hosted real-life royals for centuries. Its timeless charm adds authenticity to the show’s royal scenes.
Today, the palace operates as a luxury hotel. The Sheesh Mahal, with its stunning glasswork, and the Darbar Hall with hand-painted ceilings and murals, represent the architectural brilliance of the Rawals of Samode. There are several frescos on the durbar hall wall and it is anticipated that Sultan Mahal of the Samode Palace is more than 250 years old. The palace is built across three levels with ascending courtyards and includes a panoramic watchtower. Beyond architecture, Samode is also known for its arts and crafts, like hand-block-printing, miniature painting and needlework, and hosts cultural festivals including the Samode Bagh Festival, where folk dance, music and flower displays showcase the vibrancy of Rajasthani tradition. The wall and ceiling of this royal hall was completely hand painted. In the year 1987, the palace was converted into Samode Palace Hotel.
3) Alila Fort Bishangarh, Rajasthan
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Perched on a granite hill, this 230 year old warrior fort turned into luxury hotel offers beautiful views and thick sandstone walls. Used in scenes that required a more imposing and strategic setting, Alila Fort lends a sense of history and strength to the narrative.
4) City Palace, Jaipur
No royal film is complete without a glimpse into the iconic City Palace. Still home to the former Maharaja’s family, the palace’s ornate courtyards and museums added layers of realism and grandeur to the on-screen world. The City Palace in Jaipur, Rajasthan, is more than simply a majestic architectural marvel, it’s also a treasure trove of fascinating anecdotes and intriguing fun facts that lend depth and charm to its long history.
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Built in the 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the palace combines Rajput, Mughal, and European architectural elements. Highlights includes the Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal, with the famous Peacock Gate and seasonally-themed entrances at a Pritam Niwas Chowk. The palace layout, based on Vastu Shastra principles, includes iconic gates like Tripolia and Jaleb Chowk, and structures such as the Diwan-i-Khas and Govind Dev Ji Temple, all richly decorated with mirror work, murals and lattice.
5) Mundota Fort and Palace
Tucked in Aravali Hills, just 25 kilometers from Jaipur, this lesser-known gem combines old fashioned architectured with elegant restorations. It plays hosts to several pivotal scenes in the series and adds an air of secluded nobility to the storyline.
Discover Jaipur with AirAsia
AirAsia’s seamless connectivity from Malaysia to Jaipur opens up a world of exploration, from historical forts to vibrant markets and luxurious stays. This isn’t just about visiting a city, its about stepping into a living heritage.
With The Royals now drawing global attention to the city’s palaces and resorts, fans of the series and lovers of history alike can walk the very halls seen on screen. As highlighted, Jaipur is not just a destination, its a deep dive into India’s artistic and architectural soul.
Whether its marvelling at Amber Fort’s intricate carvings, soaking in the romance of Jal Mahal floating on Man Sagar Lake or experiencing the royal treatment at Fairmont Jaipur, a hotel for its royal wedding appeal, every part of the Pink City is steeped in storytelling potential.
And beyond the filming spots of The Royals, visitors can also explore more of Jaipur’s treasure with AirAsia such as:
- Hawa Mahal
- Amber Fort, Jaipur
- Sheesh Mahal
- Ganesh Pol
- Jaleb Chowk
- Underground Tunnels of Amber Fort in Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Jantar Mantar
- Albert Hall Museum
- Nahargarh Fort
- Jaigarh Fort
- Jal Mahal
A Royal Invitation to Travel
For those inspired by The Royals, there’s never been a better time to turn fiction into reality. AirAsia’s routes make Jaipur more accessible and with a range of experiences, from boutique luxury to ancient wonders, the city is ready to welcome a new wave of travellers eager to follow in the footsteps of royalty.
As The Royals continues to stun the viewers around the world, it does more than entertain. It rekindles a fascination with India’s regal past and showcases Jaipur as a cinematic wonderland, where every palace has a story and every fort, a legacy.
From the grand courtyard of City Palace to the opulence of Samode and Mundota Forts, every frame echoes the rich cultural tapestry highlighted in Varnam’s Unlocking Jaipur’s Timeless Treasures Feature and Fairmont Hotel in Jaipur Feature.
For flight details, including ticket price, schedules, and ongoing promotions, be sure to check AirAsia Move, your one-stop platform for booking seamless travel from Malaysia to Jaipur and beyond.
Sources: Architecturaldigest
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