In all honesty, we suspected we had reached the peak of our India trip at the timelessly elegant and charming Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur. Yet, our subsequent experience at Umaid Bhawan in Jodhpur, and Rambagh Palace in Jaipur proved otherwise.
Umaid Bhawan Palace
If you’re anything like us, and enjoy being treated like royalty, with faithful staff attending to your every need, opening every door for you, carrying your litter, organising your dinner reservations, and taking you on a champagne-fuelled heritage tour of a Maharaja’s present home (in which you are a preferred guest), you simply must visit Umaid Bhawan Palace. We were treated like princesses, no less.
My view of Umaid Bhawan Palace whilst swimming in the pool
This grand palace of Jodhpur, in the desert state of Rajasthan, looms on the mountains above the city; the very sight of its outline was enough to take our breath away. Once in the grounds, the ostentatious booms of a brass band fanfare announced our arrival, whilst stewards held out a canopy over the red carpet on which we were to tread. We couldn’t quite believe this greeting was arranged only for us, as we passed the threshold into unparalleled grandeur, but we certainly weren’t complaining. It came to light that all guests receive this welcome; everyone who stays is considered royalty, and the staff will do everything to ensure that your stay is nothing short of exceptional.
The building itself prompts involuntary gasps as you explore each area. The beauty of the architecture (which took around 50 years to complete), the elegant lighting, the antique artefacts, original paintings, old music systems and hunted leopards, tigers and other formidable creatures adorning the walls create a powerful and graceful atmosphere. It feels as though you have stepped back to a time when exclusive living was filled with required excess at a standard that is difficult to imitate today. The spa, the pool, the extensive gardens, roaming peacocks, the exquisite fine-dining restaurant (Risala) and the beautiful suites (in which multiple celebrities have been known to frequent) are all simply remarkable.
Rambagh Palace in the Pink City of Jaipur
The indoor Spa Pool at The Rambagh Palace
The Rambagh Palace, in the Pink City of Jaipur, was also sensational… we were escorted to the palace entrance in a vintage car from the 1920s! A memorable start to our stay, we drove past the original twentieth-century steam train that has now been converted into an original dining venue popular with locals and guests alike, amongst other features of the property. We entered the building and were bathed in the fresh fragrance of jasmine.
As well as being able to explore the palace itself, we were taken on an insightful guided tour of the city accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide from Banyan Tours. We were taken to Lassiwala, a renowned cafe serving fresh Lassi (a sweet, yoghurt traditional Indian drink) often visited by celebrities. Our guide, Arun, also recommended a local restaurant specialising in Indian cuisine, where locals and tourists often wait in long queues for the opportunity to dine there. Niros restaurant, as it is called, hosted our only non-hotel/resort meal, and we certainly recommend it if visiting Jaipur! Having said that, Rambagh Palace has sensational options for dining. We experienced excellent food in the large, opulent venue, with hand-woven carpet, Versace crockery and a region-sectioned menu - it was divine! Afterwards, we watched Indian dancers on the lawn whilst having henna intricately drawn on our hands and a bespoke bangle traditionally hand-made for our own wrists.
Don't judge a book by its cover - home of Jaipur's (and arguably India's) finest Lassi
What a magical end to our time staying at Taj’s royal palaces of India!
Mumbai Monsoons at the Taj Mahal Palace
And now, our indulgent and exciting Indian trip has reached its last leg. Arriving in Mumbai at the beginning of the monsoon, it was a relief to step off the plane into temperatures quelled by the water vapour hanging in the air, reminding us of the of the ever-so-familiar rainfall that dominates the Mancunian climate back home. On the way to the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai we were shown Mahatma Ghandi’s periodical place of residence, which has now been converted into a museum, places to view the developing skyline, and the beautiful heritage hotel itself.
The hotel is made-up of aesthetically pleasing symmetry, a plethora of five-star multinational dining facilities, haute fashion and jewellery stores, grey scale photographs of celebrities (and royalty…) that have stayed at the property, and a happy hour which takes place at one of the bars from 5-8pm everyday. Having had many an opportunity to gorge on fine Indian cuisine, we decided to eat at Golden Triangle, the Chinese restaurant, and we were not disappointed to be presented with food as mouth-watering as the Indian cuisine we had previously indulged on.
So here ends our journey...
Camels are a symbol of love in India
We’ve learnt that practically every city in India must have its own magnificent fort, Indian wine is becoming better and better (Sula Sauvignon Blanc is our favourite, so far), Indians show their love through fantastic food and devoted service, there is a surprising wealth of luscious greenery, wild tigers make you speechless, and finally, that India has some of the world’s most impressive properties for luxury holidays.
We’re sad to say that our time in India is coming to an end. But, after visiting this diverse, welcoming, spiritual, colourful, wild, bustling, luxurious, heritage-ridden land, we’re sure this won’t be our last visit. Until next time, India.
To read about what our favourite moments were during our Luxury India Holiday, read our Best Bits blog.