Inside the majestic locations of Rajasthan where 'The Royals' was filmed

By Sunday afternoon, we’re usually two episodes deep into our latest binge-watch; already dreaming of escaping our homes for something a little… grander. Enter The Royals, Netflix’s opulent new OTT series starring Ishaan Khatter, Bhumi Pednekar and others in a sweeping drama of power, secrets and a wardrobe we all want, which unfolds across some of India’s most jaw-dropping palaces and luxury estates. But here’s the thing: this show didn’t just look like royalty, it was filmed where royalty actually lived. From pink-hued Jaipur to historically-steeped Bishangarh, the series dances through centuries-old forts and mirror-laden halls so dreamy, you’ll be checking for weekend availability before the credits roll. So, where exactly did The Royals bring its courtly chaos to life? We’ve got the royal roll call right here.

1. City Palace, Jaipur

There are palaces that pretend to be royal. And then there’s the City Palace in Jaipur where royalty doesn’t feel like a costume, it just is. Still home to the descendants of Jaipur’s royal family, the City Palace brings serious credibility to The Royals. It's not just the grandeur, it's the atmosphere; the kind that makes you straighten your back a little when you walk through the gates.
The show leans heavily into this vibe. Courtyards with carved archways, soft pink facades glowing in the sun, and that little corner of magic called Pritam Niwas Chowk, where each gate represents a season. The Peacock Gate, all deep teals and golds, is the kind of backdrop that makes actors look like they've walked straight out of a Mughal miniature painting.
Inside, things get quieter but no less grand. The Diwan-i-Khas, with its massive silver urns and echoing marble floors, feels like a room that still remembers whispers of state secrets. On screen, the palace does what no set ever could; it feels lived in, layered, and real. It doesn’t try too hard to impress. It simply stands there, drenched in history and drama, waiting for its close-up.

2. Mundota Fort & Palace, Jaipur

Think of this one as the show’s secret weapon. Perched quietly outside Jaipur, Mundota Fort and Palace oozes “if you know, you know” energy. The restored 450-year-old complex blends rugged fort walls with the kind of bougainvillea-strewn courtyards that make you want to elope with a prince. Bonus: it’s actually open to guests, so yes, your dream of sipping chai in a frescoed jharokha isn’t just a fantasy.

3. Samode Palace, Rajasthan

If City Palace is stately grandeur, Samode is the royal family’s artsy cousin. Nestled in the Aravallis, its softly-faded murals, mirror-inlaid halls, and winding corridors feel deeply personal; like you’ve stepped into someone’s very rich and very old memories. It’s here that the show leans into romance and nostalgia, where every corner tells a story in pastels, tiles, and centuries-old charm.

4. Shiv Vilas Resort, Jaipur

Cue the drama. Shiv Vilas is where The Royals pulls out the visual fireworks. Built to resemble a palace that's unapologetically extravagant, it has all-white marble façades, domes, chandeliers, and gold-flecked everything. Unlike the aged patina of older palaces, this place glistens with a manicured gloss that screams “camera-ready.” It’s less history lesson, more royal fantasy, and honestly, we’re not mad about it.

5. Alila Fort, Bishangarh

Let’s take it down a notch, but in the best way. Alila Fort brings quiet, moody gravitas to the show’s more reflective scenes. Once a warrior fort, it rises from a granite hill like a secret waiting to be rediscovered. Inside, it’s all vaulted corridors, local stone, and dusky light; the kind of place where you’d plot a coup or confess a scandal, wrapped in linen and candlelight.