"A true gem in the heart of the old city. Bissau Palace has stood the test of time to provide it's guests with old warm charm hospitality and highly personalised service."
Khamaghani,
Welcome to Bissau Palace, the residential palace of the noble family of Bissau. The palace was constructed in 1874 by Thakur Chandra Singh, the erstwhile ruler of Bissau as his Jaipur residence (haveli). The two acre property combines traditional Shekhawati architecture with art deco interiors, abundant with Rajasthani frescoes, royal portraits and a stunning collection of antiques, armoury and trophies dating back to the 17th century. The present family of Bissau still resides in the premises and has been instrumental in providing personalised service to their guests. As an esteemed guest of our home, we invite you to immerse yourself in history and grandeur!
Rawal Raghubir Singhji developed Bissau Palace in the 1920's and was a gentleman of exquisite taste as can be gauged by the vast collection of literary works, jewellery and objects d'Art, of which he was a great patron. In 1965, the property became the first family operated heritage hotel in Rajasthan welcoming guests from all over the world.
Belonging to a lineage of great Rajput warriors, the nobles of Bissau were one of the most prominent in Rajasthan boasting a cavalry of 120 horses, 20 elephants and 48 camels and an infantry of 10,000 soldiers in the 18th century. The family belongs to an ancient warrior clan known as Shekhawats who are the descendants of the legendary warrior, Maharao Shekha ji who was the grandson of Raja Udai Karan ji of Amber. The Shekhawats were considered the most prominent of the sub clans of the Kachwaha Dynasty of Amber/Jaipur often possessing their own armies and leading the charge in battles against foreign invaders. One such battle was the famous Battle of Tunga in 1787 fought between the combined Rajput forces of Jaipur and Jodhpur against the Maratha invader, Mahadji Scindia and the French General, De Boigne. Thakur Suraj Mal ji of Bissau was instrumental in this battle but unfortunately lost his life fighting valiantly till the end. The outcome was a huge victory for the Rajput forces and a withdrawal of the Maratha army from the region of Dhundhar.
Suraj Mal ji’s son and an esteemed warrior himself, Thakur Shyam Singhji was a brilliant general and tactician who hired the services of French mercenaries in his skirmishes against the British and the Jaipur State. Most of the armoury displayed at Bissau Palace were a part of Shyam Singh's 'personal effects'. After this period, Bissau mended their relationship with Jaipur and became very influential in the court of the Jaipur Royal Family.
Our spacious guest rooms evoke the regal era of Rajasthan with a blend of modern luxury and amenities. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, telephones, antique furniture and attached bathrooms.
Our breakfast menu offers an array of delectable breakfast items such as pancakes, crepes, eggs and fresh juice and coffee. We also offer a fun champagne brunch by the pool.
Our property has two beautiful gardens abundant with bougainvilleas and birds such as kingfishers, peacocks and kites.
Our pool is a space for guests to enjoy the sun and sip on a cocktail made by our expert bartenders. The Poolside Cafe offers scrumptious sandwiches, quiches and salads.
We offer free wifi in the lobby, lounge and front garden to ensure that you stay connected with the world outside of your home away from home.
Our housekeeping team is dedicated to providing an efficient turndown service ensuring our guests return to a fresh and comfortable room.
Indulge in private dining at one of our picturesque locations: Rooftop, Main Dining Room, Poolside. Guests may choose from three prix fixe menus personally curated by the Bissau Family. Please contact the front desk for more information.
Book an interactive cooking lesson with a member of the noble family of Bissau and learn to cook traditional recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Book a city tour with one of our expert guides that takes you on a fun tour around the city with stops at all major tourist attractions such as Amber Fort, Jaigarh, City Palace, Hawa Mahal and more.
Book a camel safari at our countryside farmhouse which takes you through the local village and farm land. The tour is followed by a Rajasthani lunch.
Book a street food tour with one of our food guides who will take you on a memorable tour through the old city indulging in kachoris, namkeen, ras malai and lassi.
Book a morning or evening Leopard Safari at the dense Jhalana Forest Reserve which is home to 40 leopards, spotted deer, porcupine and jackals.
One of our most unique experiences. Guests will have the opportunity to get up close with rescued elephants by going on scenic walk through the Kukas countryside. Guests can also feed the elephants their favorite food-bananas!
