Heritage Hotels: The reminders of the royal past!

The royal legacy of the past gets revived not only by the monuments and cultural sites; the heritage hotels in India also play a vital role bringing the legends back to life. The invasion by different rulers in India introduced new architectural forms in the country along with enriching its culture, tradition, language and history. After independence many of the royal residences have been transformed to heritage hotels of which Taj Mahal Palace & Towers, Mumbai; Fateh Prakash Palace, Udaipur; Hanwant Mahal, Jodhpur; Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur; Vivanta by Taj, Sawai Madhopur; Usha Kiran Palace, Gwalior; and Garden Palace, Balasinor are the most renowned ones. While some hotels represent the grandeur of Mughal architectural style in a beautiful manner, others are the fine embodiments of Rajputana forms of architecture. To meet the needs of the modern day tourists, these hotels have been refurbished with neo-baroque décor where an eclectic mix of antique forms with ultra-modern materials and finishes.

Taj Mahal Palace & Towers, Mumbai: It’s neither a palace, nor a pleasure house of the Maharajas; yet it is considered to be a landmark in the hospitality industry of the country. The Taj Mahal Palace & Towers was envisioned by Jamsetji Tata, a great visionary businessman and the founder of the Taj Group. The hotel was built 21 years before the Gateway of India. Situated near the Arabian Sea at the heart of Mumbai, the hotel played long-time host to celebrated guests like George Bernard Shaw, Barbara Cartland, Douglas Fairbanks, Sir Richard Attenborough, Andrew Lloyd Weber, Mick Jagger, Margaret Thatcher, Prince Charles, Jacqueline Onassis, William Jefferson Clinton, David Rockefeller, and Lord Wedgwood among others. The hotel has completed its Centenary in 1990s and on this occasion the entire hotel has been renovated.

Taj Mahal Palace

Fateh Prakash Palace, Udaipur: Maharana Fateh Singh, one of the greatest rulers of the erstwhile Mewar region built the Fateh Prakash Palace as an exclusive venue for the royal functions. The hotel is situated on the western shores of the picturesque Lake Pichola in Udaipur. The history-soaked interiors, dotted with miniature paintings, portraits, royal artifacts and the armory of the Mewar dynasty transport the guests to the heyday of yore. This hotel property is run and managed by the HRH Group, which has set its own benchmark in the hospitality industry of the country.

Fateh Prakash Palace

Hanwant Mahal, Jodhpur: Amidst the vast and serene desert milieu, Hanwant Mahal is a fine heritage property located in Jodhpur. It was earlier a royal house which has been converted to a European style club house later on. The hotel is named after Maharaja Hanwant Singh, the son of Maharaja Umaid Singh. The hotel is situated right under the Umaid Bhawan Palace, giving it most beautiful view of the majestic building. The hotel houses luxurious rooms, fine dining zones, recreational and gaming zones, and also offers host of other services that turn each stay to a royal extravaganza.

Hanwant Mahal

Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur:Amid 18 acres of manicured Mughal garden, the Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur is standing like a testimony of the regal past of Rajasthan. Taking inspiration from Indo Saracenic style of architecture, this beautiful palace building was built in the year 1745. The hotel blends well the modern day comforts with that of bygone era royalty to make the guests savor a stay amid pure luxury. Its proximity to main shopping center and historical monuments of Jaipur makes it one of the most sought after heritage hotels in Jaipur.

Jai Mahal Palace

Vivanta by Taj, Sawai Madhopur:The only heritage hotel in Ranthambore, Vivanta by Taj Sawai Madhopur offers an ambience that restores the thrill of jungle and at the same time the luxuriousness of a five star hotel. The original lodge was constructed around 80 years ago as a hunting lodge for the Maharajas of Jaipur. Not much have changed in the lodge over the years. The original art deco styled lodge still houses the original dining hall, bar and lounge. The roaring of the valorous Bengal tigers is most common as the lodge is just 5 kilometers from the famous Ranthambore National Park.

Vivanta by Taj

Usha Kiran Palace, Gwalior: With a history more than 120 years old, the Usha Kiran Palace, Gwalior has hosted many who’s who of the world including the King of England. The hotel is stationed amid 9 acres of lush green garden. Here the rich history of the past is outfitted with artistic stone carvings and delicate filigree work. This heritage hotel property is owned and managed by the celebrated Taj Group, which is a veteran leader of the hospitality industry in the country.

Usha Kiran Palace

Garden Palace, Balasinor: The private residence of the royal family of Balasinor, the Garden Palace is one of the finest heritage hotels in western India. Built in 1883 by HH Nawab Mohammad Munnawar Khanji Babi, the Nawab of Balasinor, the hotel hosts thousands of national and foreign guests every year. It is not the décor only that make this heritage hotel stand tall, it mounts high in its hospitality measures also.

Garden Palace

The Maharaja Express train schedule and itineraries, designed by the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), offers the guests the aforementioned heritage hotels during its five exclusive journeys. Here’s where all the different journeys takes the guests to:

Heritage of India: Taj Mahal Palace & Towers, Mumbai; Fateh Prakash Palace, Udaipur; Hanwant Mahal, Jodhpur; Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur; Vivanta by Taj, Sawai Madhopur

Treasures of India: Vivanta by Taj, Sawai Madhopur; Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur

Gems of India: Vivanta by Taj, Sawai Madhopur; Jai Mahal Palace

Indian Panorama: Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur; Vivanta by Taj, Sawai Madhopur; Usha Kiran Palace, Gwalior

Indian Splendour: Vivanta by Taj, Sawai Madhopur; Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur; Hanwant Mahal, Jodhpur; Fateh Prakash Palace, Udaipur, Garden Palace, Balasinor.

Top Beaches in Kenya

Among the features that make Kenya a desirable tourist destination is the coastal beaches. While on a visit here, time just stands still, or moves at a donkey’s pace, like it is said of Lamu. Some of the most thrilling features about the beaches are luxurious beach resorts, white sandy beaches lined with thousands of swaying coconut palms, magnificent view of the ocean shore, patches of jungles and forests, clear blue skies, lots of water sports and so much more.

Diani beach is located south of Mombasa and is just the perfect haven for a family, or someone looking for privacy. It is devoid of beach boys and any other public population. Here, one catches a glimpse of colorful fish, corals, and even dolphins. The Shimba National park is also nearby.

Malindi is North of Mombasa and the beach stretches a massive 7km. There is the Malindi marine national park, where one can watch lots of sea animals. It is the hub for game fishing, and one can enjoy other sports such as bird watching and diving. Malindi experiences Monsoon winds and so is a good place for kite surfing. There is a kite surfing centre in Che Shale. Up town, one can enjoy a stroll round the markets. There are also various historical sites to views in Lamu such as the Vasco da Gama pillar.

Watamu is 7km off the Highway and offers so many sight seeing features. On the seaside, there is a lagoon behind a reef. On the land side, there are lots of mangroves and some forest vegetation. There is also the Bio-ken snake farm, where one can view snakes, crocodiles and other reptiles. The Gede ruins are nearby and are a legendary feature to view.

Lamu is a town that is so rich with traditional culture. Its architectural structures just remind one of an Arab town. The streets are so narrow that vehicles cannot pass. This being the case, the main mode of transport is riding on donkey backs, walking and riding dhows. One can get accommodation at Shela village. With all the marvels that Lamu has to offer, a couple on honeymoons will find this as the ideal spot to celebrate their marriage. One can also buy lots of gems.

Kiwayu also comes with a real sense of privacy. It s largely uninhabited and can be a paradise for sunbathers. There are no beach boys, or cars. There are however, dhows and one can enjoy a ride. There are also fine camps, and one can buy some African staff locally.

Besides just enjoying the beaches, one can also visit the Tsavo National park which is not very far away.

Kamau Mbiyu is a Professional Safari Operator. Area of expertise includes hotel booking, Kenya safari holidays, Masai Mara Budget camping safari, luxury holidays, Kenya Safari  and Masai Mara safari.

Heritage Hotels: Live Life King Size

Heritage Hotels: Live Life King Size
Old palaces where kings and queens led a luxurious life often resembling a fairy tale have been turned into heritage hotels. Here the guests are treated like yesteryears’ princes. Rajasthan abounds in such hotels. Some of the best heritage hotels are:

The City Palace, Udaipur
The palace, set amidst lush green garden and flower beds of all possible colours, seems to be out of some primordial era. Perched high above the desert capital Jodhpur, Umaid Bhawan Palace is the last of the great palaces of India and one of the largest residences in the world, set amidst 26 acre of lush gardens. The golden hued monument made out of desert sandstone was designed by the famed Edwardian architect, Henry Vaughan Lanchester. Commissioned by H.H. Maharaja Umaid Singh, the grandfather of the present Maharaja of Jodhpur, the palace was built in the 1930s. Over 3000 artisans worked for over 14 years to create this magnificent masterpiece in the Art Deco style.

The City Palace, Udaipur

The palace hotel boasts of around 100 rooms and suites and each room is appointed with the furniture originally created for the palace. Surpassing the splendour of the other guest rooms are the Maharaja and Maharani suites originally used the Maharaja Umaid Singh and his Queen.

Shiva Vilas, Jaipur
The Shiv Vilas Resort, just 15 km from the heart of the city is a palatial resort. Designed by Mr Moulenaux and landscaped by Ms Maria, both from Paris, it treats its guests and clientele with service at the switch of the button. The architecture of this grand resort is influenced by three historic monuments. The hand craved marble and sandstone fountains on the drive way, remind us of the timeless Taj Mahal, the front facade done with intricate carvings on pink sand stone is inspired by the City Palace, Jaipur and the interiors of the hotel are borrowed from the Maharajas’s quarters of Amber Fort.

Shiva Vilas, Jaipur

The hotel offers 78 rooms including 16 suites. Both the suites and the rooms offer a beautiful blend of Indian royal traditions with modern comforts. Each suite is designed on different themes while the basic undertone of princely living is kept constant. The hotel serves international cuisines under separate banners such as the ‘Oriental Bay’ where the food comprises Thai, Chinese and Malay Cuisine. It has an Indian speciality restaurant, a poolside barbeque and a lobby bar as well.

Devi Garh palace, Udaipur
Devi Garh is a 45 minute scenic drive north of Udaipur. Once at the fort, the guests are awestruck by its ambience and impressive architecture with bleached frescoes, domes and glasswork. The palace was built in 1760 by the Rajrana Raghudev Singh II and abandoned in the early 1960’s.

Using traditional materials and motifs, contemporary designs, local raw material and white marble, the modern and contemporary Devi Garh today stands like any traditional dwelling revolving around five courtyards.

Devi Garh Palace, Udaipur

The spa provides a sauna, steam room and Ayurveda massages. The 39 suites are spread throughout the hotel floors and everything is carved out of white marbel – from beds, tables and chairs to the baths, floors, bookshelves and even vases. The spa offers Ayurvedic wellness therapies and comes equipped with a gymnasium, steam, sauna, Jacuzzi, beauty parlour and yoga sessions on the ramparts. The ‘Restro Bar’ offers an electric mix of cocktails, music, and candle-lit charm. It is also possible to order snacks by the pool.

Lake Palace, Udaipur
The exquisite Lake Palace is like a shimmering jewel on Lake Pichola. A palace floating in the centre of the calm waters is the main attraction of all. The elegant fantasy in white marble has the most unparalleled location, unique ambience, majestic infrastructure, and wonderful architecture. It was built by Maharana Jagat Singh II over two-and-a-half-centuries ago. Now the Taj Lake Palace is the ultimate in luxury hotels, with courtyards, lily ponds, fountains, restaurants, swimming pool and the well furnished rooms that take once back to regal lifestyle of yester years’ royalty. Evident everywhere is an imprint of the royal past.

Lake Palace, Udaipur

The Lake Palace boasts of 33 luxury rooms, 33 palace rooms and 17 suites besides one grand presidential suite, six royal suites including one royal spa suite and 10 grand royal suites. Every room and suite at the lake Palace embodies grandeur and opulence. Guests experience the magic of a bygone era in the classic vintage car which announces the arrival of royalty to the world. The Taj Spa is a must visit, it is housed in an embellished with heritage frescos evocative of the sensuous and romantic Rajasthani royal lifestyle. End the evening by a treat to your senses to the cultural show organised in the ‘Jhankar Courtyard’.

The Indian luxury train - Maharaja Express packages take its guests to the aforementioned Lake Palace Udaipur heritage Hotel. Offering ultimate luxury, extravagance and opulence, it turns to be a lifetime experience.