From high tea, to heritage retreats, royal safaris and more, the country has quite a few regal experiences that you certainly cannot miss. Whether you’re in a ‘treat yo-self’ kinda mood or if you’ve a hankering for a taste of the luxurious, here’s exactly where you can fulfil your desires –
High Tea at the Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad
There’s hardly but any corner in Hyderabad that isn’t teeming with royalty, and if you happen to be in this illustrious city, you simply musn’t leave without experiencing the high tea at the coveted Taj Falaknuma Palace. Here you can sample teas from their elaborate tea collection, or gorge on Indian and English accompaniments such as samosas, tikkis, sandwiches, cakes, tarts, and more. You will need to book your slot much in advance, and will have to don a highly formal attire. The high tea takes place at the Jade Terrace, which overlooks the entire city and is a complete sight to behold. You can also enjoy a heritage walk around the hotel, while the butlers delight you with some Nizami stories.
Cost – High Tea: Rs. 12,000 plus taxes per person
Jharokha at Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
Dine all day like a true Nizam at Taj Lake Palace’s stunning Jharoka Restaurant, which reeks of old-world Indian royalty. Here you will be treated to gorgeous views of Lake Pichola and its pristine waters. While you’re soaking in the serenity, gorge on delectable contemporary world cuisine, with a number of Asian and Mediterranean delights as well.
Cost – Rs. 3,400 for two
The Gateway Hotel, Pushkar
Also known as Pratap Palace, this luxury heritage hotel will be your ultimate fix of royalty. Located a few hours away from the bustling city of Ajmer, Pratap Palace is a perfect juxtaposition of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture. The hotel boasts of a vast courtyard, intricate yet elaborate arches, domes with spectacular jaali work, and plush gardens. It also has multiple facilities such as a swimming pool, fitness centre, and even a barbecue facility for guests to enjoy in the evening. You can also enjoy peacefully swinging on jhoolas on the private balconies of the rooms, while you take in the stunning panoramic views of the hotels.
Cost – Rs. 6,000 onwards per night
Dera Masuda, Pushkar
Another delight from Pushkar, Dera Masuda is a luxury boutique hotel which overlooks the Savitri Temple on one side, and the stunning Aravali Hills. A stand out feature of this hotel is their expansive pool, and you’ll find many guests lounging by the poolside at sunset, to catch a glimpse of the fiery hues in the sky. The rooms are typically art deco styled, and spacious. The hotel will also arrange camel rides and safaris along the sand-dunes to downtown Pushkar, at request. If you’re staying with a loved one, you can also enjoy a candle lit dinner on the deck, overlooking the pool.
Cost – Rs. 2,900 onwards per night
The Royal Safari Camp, Bajana
‘Explore Wilderness in the Little Rann of Kutch’, as the Royal Safari Camp says, and that’s exactly what you’ll get to do here. The camp base has 18 skilfully crafted cottages built in red stone, replete with luxurious bathrooms, air conditioning and other amenities. The camp will arrange desert jeep safaris to take you deep into the Wild Ass Sanctuary and experience the best of the rich wilderness there. You’ll be greeted by wolves, Indian foxes, gazelles, jackals, wild boars, and more. They also arrange Camel Cart and horseback Ride Safaris, and if you’re feeling adventurous, they will also arrange an on-foot excursion in the wild. Guests can also go bird watching here.
Cost – Rs. 8,000 onwards per night.
The Gateway Hotel, Agra
This hotel is highly renowned for the splendid view of the Taj Mahal right from your rooms. If you’re in the mood to pamper yourself, you can avail of the hotel’s Jiva Spa with various treatment options to choose from, that will leave you thoroughly spoilt for choice. You can also dine at the hotel’s sky deck, and if you’re up there for dinner, you can witness the spectacular changing colours of the Taj Mahal, each hour, while enjoying a scrumptious meal.
Cost – Rs. 5,800 onwards per night; Sky Deck: Rs. 6,000 for two.
