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Rajasthan
SAFARI SUGGESTIONS
EAT PRAY LOVE ~ INDIA!
From culinary delights to the ultimate monument to love, join this spiritual journey through India. A delight for your senses!
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Essence of India
Discover the heart and soul of India and immerse yourself in the richness of this amazing culture
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Rajasthan, India's desert State, is full of colour, folklore and variety. Safari on horses, camels or elephants or absorb the State's rich cultural heritage and stay in one of many magnificent palaces throughout, some of which have existing Indian 'royalty' still in residence. Deogarh Fort, the &castle of gods&, built around 1670 between Udaipur and Jodhpur, is one of the least known, most remote and most charming of the new hotels. A legacy of the Mewar aristocracy, Deogarh Mahal is accessed through a small, dusty bazaar with all of its quaint shops and temples until you come across a stony road which leads into the courtyard of a 17th-century castle overlooking the town. Explore village and rural life from this beautiful fort whilst enjoying food grown and produced by the local community.
For the shopaholics amongst us, Jaipur offers everything from rugs to textiles, and, of course, what it is famous throughout India for, its semi-precious gemstones. Undoubtedly one of the attractions of Jaipur is a stay at the Rambagh Palace. It will be no surprise to visitors who stay here that, over the years Rambagh has played gracious host to several illustrious guests, such as Lord Louis Mountbatten, (who gave his name to a suite), Prince Charles, Jacqueline Kennedy and many other luminaries.
Located on the foothill of a sandstone hillock on the edge of the Thar Desert, the city of Jodhpur seems like an oasis in this vast environment. Jodhpur is a favourite destination in Rajasthan, and whilst small in comparison to Jaipur, the 'blue city' nonetheless enchants visitors with its historical Mehrangarh Fort, its palaces and bazaars. Overruns of silk and cotton throws and bedspreads, destined for the houses of Prada, Gucci and Chanel, can be advantageously purchased in the bazaars of Jodhpur, and it is hard to believe that what one has paid a few Indian rupees for will sell in Italy and France for 1500 Euros. Visitors can stay in the heart of the city at the unique Raas hotel, waking to the call to prayer of the muezzin, or at the magnificent Umaid Bhawan Palace standing atop a hill overlooking the city and surrounds. Whichever your choice of residence in this mystical city, Jodhpur is sure to remain in your memory as a feature of any visit to northern India as it represents everything that India is, the juxtaposition of old and new, poor and hugely rich, a home to country folk and wealthy Brahmins.
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