Indian Palace Hotels
An objective of most tourists visiting India is to stay in one of the Indian Palace Hotels. By staying at one of the Palace Hotels tourists get to experience the life, if even in a small way that the Maharajas (kings) lived. The Indian Palace Hotels are attracting tourists worldwide with there traditional and majestic hospitality and delectable Indian cuisine.
There are several Indian Palace Hotels all over India. I will discuss a few of them. Imagine an ancient time when Indian Rajas and Maharajas lived in these Palaces. Then come to India and escape into a Palace Hotel, you will feel like you are living like Indian Maharajas did.
The large Palaces, Forts & Havelis – once the residences of the Maharajas and Rajas have been converted into Indian Palace Hotels. From the dramatic hilltop fortifications, to the isolated and often unapproachable hunting pavilions these Palaces & Forts of Rajasthan have continued to attract tourists for years now. While grand palaces like Bolghatty Palace in Cochin, Nilambagh Palace in Bhavnagar, Fort Chanwa in Jodhpur and Lake Palace in Udaipur were converted into Grand Indian Palace Hotels almost three to four decades ago, it is the smaller palaces and havelis which have recently opened their doors to the tourists.
Bolghatty Palace in Cochin, located in southern India, is considered to be the pearl of the Indian Ocean. It more than lives up to the reputation it has. Bolghatty Palace was used as a British Governor’s residence whenever he was in India. The Kerala Tourism Development Corporation has renovated this magnificent piece of architecture, bringing it back to all its glory.
The palace has five spacious rooms and six cottages. The rooms have been renovated beautifully not to destroy their essence. It almost looks as if time as stood still in the palace since it was built in 1744. The artwork is as good as new and the portraits seem to be looking back at you.
The Bolghatty Island is a short but inspiring boat ride away from Kochi. The commercial capital of Kerala is also blessed with monuments of great historic relevance. One such monument is the Bolghatty Palace. Set amidst lush, tropical greenery, this prestigious heritage hotel answers your quest for a holiday of quiet enchantment. One of the oldest existing Dutch palaces outside Holland, this quaint mansion was built way back in 1744 by a Dutch trader. In 1909 the palace was leased to the British and it served as their residency till 1947 when the British Raj came to an end in India.
Prices Effective from 20/12/05 to 30/12/05 & 1/1/2006 to 10/1/2006 are as follows:
Palace Suites Double Rs.7850.00 Single Rs.3475.00 Extra Person Rs.2555.00
Executive Suites Double Rs.5650.00 Extra Person Rs.1895.00
Lake Front Cottages Double Rs.3700.00 Single Rs.2875.00 Extra Person Rs.1310.00
The property offers you world-class facilities and special honeymoon cottages. – Multi- Cuisine Restaurant – Beer Par lour – 24 hour Rooms Service – Conference hall – Board room – Swimming Pool – Ayurvedic Center – Travel Assistance -Money Exchange – Golf club – Picnic Spot – Indoor Recreation room – Channel TV Hall – Doctor on call – Currency exchange – Travel assistance – Car hire – Sight seeing tours – Luxury coaches – Kathakali performances – Golf courses – Horse riding – Boating – Backwater tours – Satellite channels – In house movies – Boating – Golf course – Horse riding.
Getting There –
15 minutes by ferry across the backwaters. Rail and bus terminals are very near from the boat jetty. The vehicles can either be parked at Tourist Reception Center, Marine Drive Kochi or can be brought to the island by the public ferry service at High Court Jetty. For Reservation please contact: Tel: +91 0484 238 1038, 402 8149,402 8199
Nilambagh Palace in Bhavnagar was built by Mahara Bhavsinghji in 1723. It is a lesser-known tourist destination; nevertheless it is one to not be missed. This Indian Palace Hotel looks like a magnificent piece of architecture in and of itself. The palace is surrounded by lush gardens and has 18 air conditioned rooms and 5 cottages. The rooms are spacious and offer an extremely luxurious stay.
Nilambagh Palace is a heritage hotel in Bhavnagar. The royal abode has a magnificent architecture and is set amidst 10 acre of wooded environs. A fusion of glorious royal charm and luxuries of modern amenities await everyone for a memorable experience at the Nilambagh Palace Heritage Hotel.
The atmosphere is so tranquil; it will take you into a whole different world. All rooms have antique furniture, beautiful chandeliers and Belgian mirrors. There is also a lovely swimming pool that has been designed like a roman bath with marble steps and white walkways. The exotic pool will you take you back in time and you can imagine the Maharajas taking a dip.
Location: 8 kms. From Bhavanagar Airport, and 2 kms from Bhavanagar Railway Station Cost Single INR 2000 Double INR 4000 Extra Bed INR 500 Checkout Time 12 NOON
A floating palace situated in the center of the Lake Pichola. This five star luxury hotel is managed by the Taj Group of Hotels. The Lake Palace is one of the most beautiful Indian palace Hotels in the world, arising out of the Turquoise Waters of the Pichola like an elegant fantasy in white marble. On top of it Udaipur locals call it the city of Palaces it would surely entrance you to stay here forever!
The Lake palace was built in the 17th century on a natural foundation of 4 acres of rock. It was initially called Jagin was after its founder Maharana Jagjit Singh. The Maharana, ruler of Jaipur from 1628 to 1654, was very friendly with Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and encouraged his craftsmen to copy some of the glories of his incomparable buildings at Agra. The successive rulers used this cool haven as their summer resort, holding their regal durbars in its courtyards. These courtyards lined with columns, pillared terraces, fountains and gardens all add to its impressive image. The rooms are decorated with cusped arches, inland stones of pink and green lotus leaves and painted mirrors. Apartments like the Bada Mahal, Kush Mahal, Ajjan Niwas, Phool Mahal and Dhola Mahal.
Lake Palace houses 83 rooms including 17 beautiful suites and 53 deluxe rooms. The rooms and the suites of the hotel are beautifully designed; each having a particular theme & decorated with textiles and handicrafts of the region. The royal banquet rooms are now reception rooms, bars and restaurants.
Cost; Deluxe 2Nights US$ 1070; Luxury 2Nights US$ 1250
Last on my list is Fort Chanwa in Jodhpur. This Indian Palace Hotel is built of red Jodhpur sandstone and has courtyards, towers, waterwheels, stables and secret stairways leading to pavilions and panoramic terraces. It exquisitely captures the romance and grace of a bygone age. The 18 rooms each have an en-suite bathroom. Dinner is served on the dining room terrace. Fort Chanwa is an exceptional example of elegance and symmetry in Indian architecture of the last century.
The village of Luni nestles in the shadow of the Fort walls and is a hub of activity with its many artisans fashioning metal, clay or wood into intricate forms and demonstrating the skills passed down over the centuries by their ancestors. The village elders solemnly reflect the changing times under shady trees, while the children enjoy running around narrow carefree streets.
The women, swaying in their brilliant Rajasthani colors go about their daily chores to give water and sustenance to the village. The Fort has been beautifully restored to its former glory by its owners Maharaj Dalip Singhji, the youngest son of Maharaja Umaid Singhji and his wife Rani Madhu. Each room has been created and decorated with its own particular charm and the many courtyards, verandahs and gardens all offer a ambiance set to capture your heart and transport you back into time.
Fort Chanwa is 35 Kms away from Jodhpur, about 9 Kms off Jodhpur-Udaipur highway. There are regular flights from Delhi and Mumbai coming to Jodhpur Contact Info- Phone: 91-291-2432460 Fax. No: 91-291-2432460 E-Mail info@fortchanwa.com.
The Indian Palace Hotels shower you with kingly services, individual attention and spicy delicious meals. On your next visit to India, I highly recommend you stay at one of the many Indian Palace Hotels. I have only covered three of them but there are many more waiting to be explored and enjoyed by visitors. Come to India and escape back into a time when Kings ruled the land.
You will see the best India has to offer when you stay in an Indian Palace Hotel. Life as you know it will disappear for a little while and you can experience life as Rajas and Maharajas lived. If you’re looking for a great escape from your everyday life, for awhile then you will immensely enjoy India and the Indian Palace Hotels.
