Page 38 - MASALA Vol 8 Issue 6 June-July 2017

Travel to India
Royal

Retreats

Discover palace hotels across India, complete

with all the luxury and opulence that kings
and queens were known to enjoy.

By Ravleen Madan Singh

Few countries compare to India when it comes to her wealth of history, culture and colour,
and the sheer variety offered from one destination to the next. Thanks to India once being
divided into 565 different kingdoms, different cities and towns offer attractions worlds apart. One
thing they have in common, however, is a wealth of royal history. Many of these magnificent palaces, once
exclusively home to India’s royal families, have been converted into luxurious five-star hotels — where one can
holiday, and experience first-class service, one-of-a-kind facilities, and luxury beyond imagination.
So why not take a short retreat, and vacation like a royal?

JAIPUR
Rambagh Palace
No palace list would be complete without the mention of the
richest and most grandiose empire of them all – the Rajput
Kingdom. Once the residency of the Maharaja of Jaipur, the
Rambagh Palace is one of the oldest mansions in India, originally
built in 1835, and is also known as the “Jewel of Jaipur”. Guests
are greeted inside this spectacular estate with decorated
elephants, camels and horses. Additionally, upon arrival, one
can relax at the Verandah for afternoon tea, champagne or a
pre-dinner cocktail. Accommodation is truly like no other, with
expansive choices available — from the Historical Suites, which
are tastefully restored to resemble rooms from the royal era, to
the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh Suite, inspired by his Highness
HYDERABAD himself, and the Suryavashi Suite, also known as the presidential
Taj Falakuma Palace suite, boasting high ceilings and exquisite chandeliers.
Nestled in the state of Telangana, and now part of the renowned
Taj hospitality group, is Falakuma Palace – once home to the For more information, visit
seventh Nizam of Hyderabad. Its vast estate stretches over 32 www.taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj-rambagh-palace-jaipur
acres of lush green land, and boasts some of the most exquisite
paintings and statues. Additionally, the palace library’s delicately
carved roof is a replica of the one at Windsor Castle. This property
vaunts six dining options, with highlights including afternoon tea
at The Jade Terrace and royal Hyderabadi cuisine at Adaa. The
estate’s standard room, The Palace Room with Garden View, is still
a vast 56 square metres in size, but if you are in the mood to be
pampered, opt for the opulent Grand Royal Suite with stunning
panoramic views of the landscaped grounds.

For more information, visit
www.taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj-falaknuma-palace-hyderabad

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