Top five Rajasthan palaces you can stay in
| Last Updated: March 23, 2013 at 10:54 AM
Rajasthan's palaces have become synonymous with luxury and opulence
Think Rajasthan and it conjures up images of majestic forts and magnificent palaces, brave Rajput warriors and beautiful queens. And what better way to experience the royal heritage of Rajasthan than staying in one of the magnificent palace hotels.
Become a Maharaja and enjoy the opulent luxuries fit for a king. Travel.India.com lists five heritage hotels which are the last word in luxury.
Favourite with the Hollywood and Indian celebrities and one of the most preferred venues for weddings, the 347-room palace in Jodhpur is the last word for opulence and luxury.
Its Maharaja and Maharani suites are over five times larger than average flats in Delhi and Mumbai. Don’t believe? Check this out: The Maharani suite is spread over a sprawling 4850 sq ft. Phew!
Umaid Bhawan
Taking a milk bath in pink Italian marble tub designed by Polish artist Stefan Norblin, sinking in sofas designed by Emile Jacques Ruhlmann and pampering yourself with Molton Brown toiletries are also part of the Umaid Bhawan experience.
The palace experience also involves being looked after by direct descendents of the palace retainers. Discreetly and unobtrusively, the palace retainers will guide you through the pleasures that lie within the palace walls.
Udaipur Lake Palace
The story behind the Lake Palace in Udaipur is very interesting. A prince from the House of Mewar used the Jag Mandir as his pleasure pad for picnics with the ladies of the Zenana centuries ago. When the King came to know, he played spoilsport and the parties were banned.
Undeterred by parental warning, the young prince built a new palace – the Jag Niwas – on a different island in Lake Pichola. While the palace continues to be synonymous for opulence, luxury and elegance, decadence has been replaced by romance and the Lake Palace is considered the most romantic hotel in India.
Lake Palace, Udaipur
Grand royal suites with quaint names like Jal Tarang, exquisite king size beds, travel on ceremonial regal barge across the Pichola, being driven around in vintage cars and candlelight dinners overlooking Udaipur’s palaces are part of the stay at the Lake Palace.
Laxmi Vilas Palace
It was the preferred destination during the days of the Raj and even after that. From Viceroys looking for shikar to royals like the Shah of Iran and Shah of Afghanistan, Laxmi Vilas Palace in Bharatpur has played host and witness to royals from across the world for over 100 years.
Though the palace was converted into a heritage hotel in 1994, a part of the majestic building continues to be the residence of the erstwhile royal family.
Laxmi Vilas Palace, Bharatpur
The royal character of the building is evident in each of the palace’s rooms. The furniture, furnishings, photographs and paintings are reminders of the gracious days of the Raj.
Samode Palace
The 475-year-old palace is the epitome of regal Indo-Saracenic architecture. The palace is known for its contemporary luxury and its signature service. The palace is adorned with stunning mirror works and charming arches, painted walls and ceilings.
Sariska Palace
If you want to make your holiday memorable by living the life of a maharaja, then Sariska is the place to be. Built by the Maharaja of Alwar as a royal hunting lodge, the Sariska Palace is a perfect blend of French and Indian palace architecture.
Sariska is the perfect setting to relive the luxury and magic of regal charisma. For a price, you can live in the fully renovated and restored royal chambers.
Samode Palace
Photos credit: Taj Hotels, Samode Palace, Laxmi Vilas Palace
First Published: March 23, 2013 at 9:35 AM
