Live Like Royalty in India

Transcription

1 SUBSCRIBE NOW SUBSCRIBE NOW Get the Magazine CULTURE + LIFESTYLE Live Like Royalty in India Many of India s architectural wonders palaces, forts, and noble houses have been transformed into magical bou!que hotels, giving travelers a unique view into the country s past. These incredible proper!es are at the top of our don t-miss list TEXT BY ALYSSA BIRD Posted December 31, 2014 VIEW AS SLIDESHOW Photo courtesy of Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces Taj Falaknuma Palace once home to the Page 1 of 20

2 monarch of Hyderabad has seen its share of visiting royalty, from King Edward VIII to Czar Nicholas II. Set on 32 acres, the property has been expertly renovated to include modern comforts while preserving its storied public areas. Photo courtesy of Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces One of the hotel s main event spaces, Durbar Hall, features parquet flooring, elegant chandeliers, and an exquisite ceiling with intricately carved wood details. From $294/night; tajhotels.com Page 2 of 20

3 Photo courtesy of Samode Hotels Commanding a prime spot overlooking the village of Samode, 30 miles north of Jaipur, the 150-year-old Samode Palace is the perfect base for visiting nearby attractions such as the Sariska National Park and Sanganer, a village known for its papermaking and block-printed textiles. Page 3 of 20

4 Photo courtesy of Samode Hotels A veranda off the central courtyard. Many of the hotel s spaces feature lavish frescoes and colorful fabrics from Jaipur. From $350/night; samode.com Photo courtesy of Jodhana Heritage Resorts Set within Rajasthan s 12th-century Ahhichatragarh fortress or Nagaur, as it s also known the Ranvas hotel comprises ten restored mansions that were built in the 18th century for the Maharaja of Jodhpur s many queens. Page 4 of 20

5 Photo courtesy of Jodhana Heritage Resorts Each mansion, or haveli, is named after one of the queens and features two or three bedrooms, a private courtyard, an outdoor living area, and locally made furnishings. Hotel guests can explore the fortress museum, the fort s ramparts, the local bazaar, nearby temples, and the surrounding Thar Desert. From $228/night; ranvasnagaur.com Page 5 of 20

6 Photo courtesy of Mahout Limited Between Udaipur and Jodhpur lies the Rawla Narlai, a charming hotel in the Aravalli hills that served as a hunting lodge to the Jodhpur royal family beginning in the 17th century. Photo courtesy of Ajit Group of Hotels In addition to smartly furnished rooms, the hotel offers rooftop dining and a lovely pool area. For an unforgettable experience, take advantage of the hotel s off-site dinner event located at a carved-stone step well lit by hundreds of oil lamps. From $192/night; rawlanarlai.com Page 6 of 20

7 Photo courtesy of Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces The fact that Taj Lake Palace is accessible only by boat is a good indication that it s a special place. Seemingly floating in the middle of Udaipur s Lake Pichola, the hotel was commissioned by Maharana Jagat Singh II as a pleasure palace in the 1700s. The structure was converted into a hotel in 1963, before becoming part of the Taj group in Page 7 of 20

8 Photo courtesy of Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces Beyond the white marble façade are a bevy of colorful rooms. Pictured is one of the property s Grand Royal suites. From $281/night; tajhotels.com Photo: David Sutherland This 17th-century noble residence in Siolim, in the state of Goa, was painstakingly restored to its former glory and transformed into the intimate Siolim House. The hotel s style is reflective of the Portuguese, who occupied the area during that time. Page 8 of 20

9 Photo: David Sutherland The spacious guest rooms are decorated with furnishings from around the country. Much of the restoration employed traditional materials and craftsmanship to achieve an authentic look. The hotel s proximity to the Arabian Sea makes it a great base for exploring the area s beaches and other outdoor attractions. From $145/night; siolimhouse.com Page 9 of 20

10 Photo courtesy of WelcomHeritage Hotels Once the summer palace of the maharajas of Mysore, Ferrnhills Royaal Palace sits on a serene 50-acre estate in Ooty. Even today the area serves as a welcome respite from city life, offering outdoor activities such as cycling, horseback riding, hiking, and fishing. Photo courtesy of WelcomHeritage Hotels The lavish interiors boast carved woodwork, ornate embellishments, and traditional furnishings. From $128/night; fernhillspalace.co.in Page 10 of 20

11 Photo courtesy of Neemrana Hotels The state of Kerala in the southwestern tip of the country is a popular destination for its beautiful beaches and lush scenery. Le Colonial in the city of Cochin is a 16thcentury home that has seen many residents, from Portuguese and Dutch governors to a British tea trader. Page 11 of 20

12 Photo courtesy of Neemrana Hotels The rooms, which are furnished with Indian art and antiques, are named after residents or guests of the home, including Dutch governor Jan van Spall and Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. From $145/night; le-colonial.neemranahotels.com Photo: Roger Grayson/Alamy British architect Henry Lanchester had Art Deco style in mind when he conceived Umaid Bhawan Palace in The structure in Jodhpur was completed for the city s royal family in The majestic desert-sandstone structure now part of the Taj hotel group is located on 26 wellmanicured acres. The royal family returned to the palace in 2010 to celebrate the prince s engagement. Page 12 of 20

13 Photo courtesy of Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces The hotel s ballroom, Marwar Hall, features a features a vaulted stone ceiling, gilt mirrors, and carved details. Art Deco items, gilt furnishings, and murals can be found throughout the property. From $448/night; tajhotels.com Photo courtesy of Neemrana Hotels Page 13 of 20

14 Gwalior, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, is known for its contributions to art and music. From the 15-room hotel Deo Bagh, guests can visit the nearby temples, Jai Vilas Palace, the State Archaeological Museum, and the Gwalior Fort. Photo: Melissa Maria The property is home to two Maratha temples, which guests can explore. From $75/night; deo-bagh.neemranahotels.com Page 14 of 20

15 Photo courtesy of Lebua Hotels and Resorts Several years ago, the once-dilapidated royal residence of Devi Garh in the village of Delwara was given a second chance. Now the 18th-century palace offers its guests the royal treatment with countless amenities, including a spa by L Occitane. Photo courtesy of Lebua Hotels and Resorts Perched in the Aravalli hills, the hotel overlooks the village and is conveniently located less than an hour from Udaipur. Page 15 of 20