India is land full of awesome. Much diversity exists within geographical areas, economy and people. Forziani’s co-founder Mark recently went on a personal trip to India and had a chance to experience Royalty! Here’s a first hand account from him on how to feel and live like royalty in India.
India is party central for anyone with a keen sense of adventure and right planning done in advance. Just about a 3 hour drive from Delhi (Capital of India) Airport is Rajasthan, playground of kings and queens from ancient times. Hardly any of them live in their original palaces now and those massive forts, palaces and chieftain homes have been converted into heritage hotels. Most have been acquired by multinational companies and chains like Taj, Oberoi, Hyatt, Leela are common brands doing justice to palatial homes of extremely rich Maharajas of India.
With prices starting at $120 in off-season (April – August) and rising upto $400+ in high season (September – March) these heritage palace hotels are yours to choose. Numerous celebrities, both Hollywood and Bollywood are regular visitors to these prime properties and in the right season, you might be lucky to view an opulent, excessive Indian wedding ceremony here.
There are museums on-site some palaces for a glance into earlier lives of kings and queens, stuffed with paintings, dresses, cars and other priceless antiques. You feel like the real deal wandering through numerous marble corridors, white washed exteriors and lush green gardens with fountains. Attentive staff at every step, willing to fulfill your urges from rum and gin to kebabs and cashews, will haunt you once your’e back in the good old USA!
Top 6 luxury palace hotels in Rajasthan include the Neemrana Fort Palace, Rambagh Palace, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Udaipur Lake Palace, Laxmi Vilas Palace and Samode Palace. More info on these is easily available over at tripadvisor. Elephants and camels decorated to the hilt are available for rides and ferry rides in decked up boats are an experience in itself.
If you’re game for some exotic animals – again Rajasthan is your spot. Palace hotels like Ranthambore, Sariska and Kumbhalgarh are famous for tigers and lions spotting. These animals are highly revered by locals and being on the endangered list, each one of them is accounted for. Safaris organized in jeeps are norm for visiting jungles where they can be spotted, if you’re lucky.
An endless procession of writers from European interior design magazines from Elle Decor to Marie Claire UK are routine visitors to to enjoy the luxury of the four-poster beds and the marble and mosaic swimming pools. Declared as a travel gem from Conde Nast Traveler magazine, a few days visit to Rajasthan must be on your travel list to truly experience the luxury and adventure first hand.
live the journey 