In an ancient Indian Maharahah palace
A magical place dedicated to all romantic lovers
India is a country of magical smells and colours, where women dress in saris, a 5 meter-long piece of cloth wrapped around their bodies which creates an impression of extreme femininity.
In India, never-before-seen flowers arouse incredible sensations. The aroma of spices, from a culinary art unknown in the West, seems to transform kitchens into seduction workshops.
Rajastan, situated in the North of India, is King Rajput's country, the closest to the images that we all dream of: the most exotic India, rich with colours and sensations. Here, where numerous princes have ruled, you can still hear the echo of ancient Rajput splendour in palaces and fortresses, chiseled like jewels that rise between silver and sand coloured mountains, the kingdom of wild peacocks.
Today, after the fall of the Maharajahs, many of their magnificent residences have been transformed into luxurious and comfortable hotels, known around the world.
The most romantic city in the region, and maybe in all of India, is Udaipur. The city was founded in 1567 by Prince Udai Singh. Today it is famous for its picturesque palaces, among which there is one that very few know about: a palace in the shape of a half-moon where our favourite hotel is located, the Shivniwas Palace Hotel.
It is one of those hotels that leave its mark.
The antique guesthouse of the royal family, where many important world names have stayed, opens its doors to welcome you and to offer you an unforgettable experience.
The 35 suites, all decorated by antique objects and furniture from the royal collection of the Mewar house, are located next to the residence of the present Maharajah of Udaipur.
You can dine with him and his family in his restaurant and you can meet him while he's having his walk in the garden. Today, he doesn't have the same privileges as he once did but he still has the charm ofa past era.
On the other side of the suites is a lake, where sunset and sunrise beautify the magnificent countryside. The slow change from light to dark and from dark to light determines the life rhythm and the peace that can be inhaled at the lake.
Another great pleasure is to enjoy the swimming pool under the ever-present sun, or to lay back and relax on your balcony, in front of the breathtaking view of Lake Picchola. How about having a quiet rowboat ride on the lake?
The lake alone is worth the whole visit, even for a short stay. If possible, try to stay at least a week.
Udaipur has many other things to offer: the City Palace- a building now used as a museum, the Jagdish temple- the best example of Indo-Aryan art, Sahelion-ki Bari or the Virgins' garden, where the colors and perfumes are intoxicating, where the breeze plays with the water jets in the fountains.
There are other enchanting places nearby, like Cittogarh- the big fortress on the hill, one of the classic photos of India, or Ranakpur, with its complex of Jain temples, most of them built in 15th century.
A bit further away, there is the famous Mont Abu near the complex of Jain temples of Dilwara- the most beautiful temples in India, built between the 11th and 13th centuries.
Your trip to India can be a classic one, adding a stop in Rajastan; or it can be a trip only to Rajastan, perhaps taking the train of the Maharajah. But why do what so many others have done?
Why not plan a trip exclusively in Udaipur? It's well connected by plane from Delhi and Bombay, and it is easily accessible from most international flights.
The nicest month? January.
Infos and bookings from Italy:
Seduction Travels
created by
Via dei Condotti, 81 - Rome
e-mail: condotti@tin.it
fax: +39 06 69290476 or +39 06 6789578
