Author Archive for Madeleine Hann

Experience India’s Thar Desert in complete luxury

Experience India’s Thar Desert in complete luxury

The medieval city of Jaisalmer lies in the heart of India’s Thar Desert, and is affectionately referred to as Rajasthan’s “Golden City”. Jaisalmer is a golden oasis in the centre of the Thar, with a backdrop of shimmering dunes that roll away as far as the eye can see. The area is home to a [...]

Is this the most expensive suite in India?

Is this the most expensive suite in India?

The Raj Palace is the oldest mansion in Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan. The lavish palace was converted into a luxury heritage hotel in 1996, and is an unmatched example of Rajasthan’s regal character, charm and grandeur. Each opulent suite has its very own museum inside, displaying a range of antique clocks, weaponry and jewellery. [...]

The top 5 luxury experiences in Rajasthan, India

The top 5 luxury experiences in Rajasthan, India

Rajasthan is known as the Land of Kings, sprinkled with intricate palaces, ancient forts and a vibrant culture. From the golden sand dunes of the Thar Desert, to the royal Bengal tigers of Ranthambhore, Rajasthan is as vibrant and varied as its heritage and culture. During the era of Maharajas and Maharanis, Rajasthan was never able [...]

One of the world’s most famous luxury hotels: the Taj Lake Palace

One of the world’s most famous luxury hotels: the Taj Lake Palace

One of the world’s most well-known luxury hotels, the Taj Lake Palace was the film set for a major part of the James Bond motion picture ‘Octopussy’. This decadent hotel was portrayed as the Bond girl’s secret lair, and appears to be floating in the middle of Lake Pichola. Reached only by a short boat [...]

Karni Mata – the temple devoted to rats

Karni Mata – the temple devoted to rats

The marble floors are covered in a jungle of living fur. Little black shapes scuttle and scurry across the cool stone. Tens of thousands of rats are offered food and shelter, darting and scampering over the feet of people. The rats run freely and fearlessly, and one should be careful where they step! It might [...]

The top 3 festivals to experience in India’s most colourful state

The top 3 festivals to experience in India’s most colourful state

Rajasthan is affectionately referred to as India’s ‘Colourful State’, and at no time are these colours more vivid and bright than during a festival. Majestic Rajasthan celebrates scores of festivals each year, yet there are three that stand out. From beautifully embellished saris during Diwali, to camel racing in Pushkar, Rajasthan is the ideal destination to [...]

The best resort in the world

The best resort in the world

The Oberoi Udaivilas was ranked as ‘The Best Resort in the World’ by the Readers Service Award 2012. Last year alone, it was also recognized by Condè Nast readers as the ‘Top Hotel in India’, and the ‘Top Hotel in Asia’ by the readers of Travel and Leisure. The Oberoi Udavilas is nestled on the banks [...]

How to live like a Maharaja in Rajasthan

How to live like a Maharaja in Rajasthan

Rajasthan, the ‘Land of Kings’ showcases royal India at its best. Ancient forts and exquisite palaces are the perfect backdrop to the rural beauty of Rajasthan. For hundreds of years, Rajasthani royalty would commission lavish palaces and robust fortresses, most of which are still standing proud today. Many of Rajasthan’s extravagant palaces have since been [...]

Is this the world’s most luxurious train?

Is this the world’s most luxurious train?

The opulent Palace on Wheels train was rated as one of the world’s top ten luxury train journeys last year. The Palace on Wheels is undoubtedly one of the most luxurious trains in India, and is a fantastic way to explore Rajasthan. The Palace on Wheels is India’s original luxury train, with its first journey [...]

Experience the Taj Mahal in complete luxury

Experience the Taj Mahal in complete luxury

Much can be said about the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal. Undoubtedly the symbol of India, it’s listed as a UNESCO heritage site and is also one of the Seven Wonders of the World.  Furthermore, it took 22 scrupulous years to complete with an army of over 22,000 workers! Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal in memory [...]

3 top tips for spotting the Bengal tiger in Ranthambhore, India

3 top tips for spotting the Bengal tiger in Ranthambhore, India

Ranthambhore National Park is well known as one of the best places in India to observe the majestic Bengal Tiger in its natural surroundings. The park has a thriving population of more than 40 tigers, along with leopard, sloth bear, deer, crocodile and many varieties of exotic bird and plant species. The ancient ruins of Ranthambhore [...]

How to get off the beaten track in Rajasthan, India

How to get off the beaten track in Rajasthan, India

No visit to India would be complete without exploring India’s biggest state – Rajasthan. The name ‘Rajasthan’ translates into English as the ‘Land of Kings’, and it certainly lives up to its name. With an abundance of ancient forts and intricate palaces, Rajasthan proudly showcases the tales of its regal past. Beyond the beaten down tourist track of [...]