The Taj offers the most discerning travellers who seek authentic experiences in luxury, the opportunity to live as Maharajas once did; surrounded by opulence, served by royal butlers who are descendants of the original Palace retainers. Following a series of meticulous restorations to reflect the bygone era of luxury and grandeur, Taj has revived four royal palaces, which were once the exclusive seats of Indian royalty.
Guests can now experience the timeless luxuries of these “living palaces of Taj” with an extra night’s stay at the price of two.
Three of these palaces are in the state of Rajasthan:
The Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur is a four-acre marble vision rising ethereally from the serene waters of Lake Pichola. Built in 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II of Udaipur as his pleasure palace, it today serves as the ultimate romantic getaway. It has 66 luxurious rooms and 17 grand suites. Its unique location offers breathtaking views of the lake and its surroundings from each of the rooms, as well as from the elegant restaurants which serve only the resident guests. Jiva Spa, in addition to all the usual pampering also offers a spa-boat experience like no other.
Rambagh Palace, Jaipur, built in 1835, was once the residence of the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II of Jaipur. It represents the finest traditions of Rajput hospitality with its elegantly appointed rooms, airy verandahs and arched marbled corridors. It has 78 painstakingly restored grand luxury rooms and suites which were the chambers of the former Maharaja. The decorations are extravagant with hand-carved marble latticework, sandstone balustrades, arches, cenotaphs, and elaborate Mughal Gardens. Guests are treated to royal Indian feasts at Suvarna Mahal, the former palace ballroom built in the 18th-century French style with massive crystal chandeliers.
In Jodhpur, live among the royals at Umaid Bhawan Palace, the last of the grand palaces of India. Built between 1928 and 1943, it is currently the world’s sixth-largest private residence as it is home to the erstwhile Jodhpur royal family. It is an architectural marvel in which ‘palm court’ marble is used extensively; the type used for the Taj Mahal. The 64 Art Deco- style rooms and suites are set amidst 26 acres of lush gardens, with dancing peacocks and a subterranean Zodiac Pool. The palace is perched on top of Chittar Hill, the highest point in Jodhpur, offering guests panoramic views of the historical Blue City and the dunes beyond. As it is conveniently located close to the airport, the bazaars, and lakes, it serves as a perfect location for that fairy tale wedding.
The Taj Falaknuma Palace, built in 1894, is the former palace of the Nizam of Hyderabad, rumoured to be the wealthiest man in the world at one time. Lovingly restored by Her Highness Princess Esra, the Nizam’s Turkish wife, this enchanting palace exudes romance and grandeur. Perched 2,000 feet above the city of Hyderabad, this five-star luxury hotel is spread over 32 acres where opulence and excess are celebrated and savoured in equal measure. Guests arrive at the palace in a horse-drawn carriage. It offers 60 rooms and suites that have been beautifully refurbished and provide marvellous views of the palace courtyard or the city of Hyderabad. For those special events and business meetings, the palace offers the stunning Durbar Hall, Jade Room and massive 101-seater dining hall adorned with Belgian chandeliers.
Each of these palace hotels offers their guests Taj’s signature Jiva Spa experience; holistic and rooted in the traditional Indian Ayurvedic approach to wellness, all with a royal touch. These experiences are complemented with a wellness menu that employs the finest principles of Ayurvedic cooking.
