When I started on a one month long tour to India, I had no idea what was in store for me. I was not even sure why I planned on a tour to India. May be I was just too fascinated by
lifestyles of Indian Maharaja’s and wanted to see and experience for myself their lives and their palaces. My interest in Indian palaces and forts grew by reading books like ‘India Style’ by ‘Monisha Bharadwaj’, ‘The Indian Princes and their States’ by ‘Barbara N. Ramusack’, ‘The Indian Subcontinent’ by ‘Alison Arnold’ and ‘Indian temples and palaces’ by Michael Edwardes. The palaces of Indian Maharajas
India is a mystic land and has so many things that a traveler can discover. The best part about India is its rich history; stories of Indian Kings and queens who lived and died for their kingdom is rather amusing. Even more amusing is to read about secret lives of these kings and queens, their palaces, their summer retreats, their leisure activities, their traditions and their interest in art and architecture.
But time passed and none of them can be spotted today; their palaces, forts and other remaining works of art have become major tourist attractions even for people of India. Most palaces and forts are opened today for tourism where as a few exotic ones have been converted into palace hotels.
Exotic Indian palaces that are converted to hotels
One of my major objectives of visiting India was to stay in one of many palace hotels and experience life of maharajas (kings). I have discussed below some hotels in which I stayed and those that I cherish most.
The Lalitha Mahal Palace in Mysore
My trip to Mysore was to reflect on my travel itinerary that needed that I visit those places that had a rich heritage and culture. Mysore was just one of them. When In Mysore I decided to stay in ‘Lalitha Mahal Palace’ which is by far one of most exotic palaces that I have come across in my life. This palace was built way back in 1921 by a king named ‘Wodeyar Krishna’ and was designed by ‘E W Fritchley’ who was a famous English architect.
Today this palace is maintained by India Tourism Development Corporation and they have done a good job with it. The exterior of palace looks show white where as interiors are almost as good as new. All rooms of this palace over-look beautiful Chamundi hills and give visitor a breathtaking view of Mysore city.
The palace offers all facilities that one can expect from a five star hotel that include swimming pools, golf grounds, health club, lounges and a shopping arcade to get all your souvenirs. This palace gave me a glimpse of lavish life that that kings would have lived back then.
Fern Hill Palace in Ooty
Ooty located in southern India is India’s well known tourist destination. When in Ooty I decided to stay in Fern Hill palace hotel that has a history dating back to 1840. Back then it was used by British as their summer resort. This palace hotel has more than 50 rooms that also include hotel rooms and cottages. Although palace is quite old, it is well maintained and has everything that can make anyone feel like a maharaja.
This exotic palace coupled with pleasant atmosphere of hill-station gave me something that I could cherish for life.
Bolghatty Palace in Cochin
Cochin in southern India is considered pearl of Indian Ocean and lives very much to its reputation. When in Cochin I decided to stay in Bolghatty Palace which was used as a British governor’s residence when India was colonized by British. The Kerala tourism development corporation has renovated this magnificent piece of architecture bringing it back to all its glory.
The palace has five spacious rooms and six cottages. The rooms have been renovated beautifully, not to destroy their essence. The art work is as good as new and portraits seem to talk back to you. It almost looks as if time stood still in palace since it was built way back in 1744.
Lake Palace in Udaipur
