Deluxe Rajasthan

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• Location: India
• Holiday Type: City break

• by: Aline
• on: Thu 24 May 2012

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Having spent time in Delhi on a trip to India, you should then think of visiting Rajasthan; flying is the best way - both fast and relatively cheap but also safe.

Flying into Jodhpur airport on an evening in February we looked out to see the setting sun going down on the desert horizon and the airport is spotless and small beneath you. A pre-arranged chauffered car will be a great start to whisk you off to Umaid Bhawan - the stunning Art Deco palace that the Maharajah of Jodhpur's grandfather built in the 1930s.

It is truly fascinating and beautifully run by Taj Hotels Palaces & Resorts, but it belongs to Gaj Singh II of Jodhpur and he and his royal family actually still live in a wing. I have a huge personal respect for Maharajah Jodhpur and took tea with him earlier this year in Delhi. Everything that belongs to this royal family is well maintained and improved and a wonderful example of India's great heritage.

From the palace lawns you can see the Meherengarh Fort which is fascinating and well maintained; after that visit the Sardar Market which is lively and colourful and then if you can go and visit Balsamand Lake Palace hotel which is run by WelcomHeritage for the Maharajah. Gaj Singh has beautiful horses which are stabled immaculately at Balsamand. The Marwar horse is unique to India and he has a breeding programme.

You can then amble your way through Rajasthan staying at various heritage places. There are so many that are good and then take yourself to Devi Garh Fort which is quite close to Udaipur; that is a fusion of heritage and modern elegance and luxury and very enjoyable. We spent two nights there and their heated swimming pool is a joy. There is quite a lot to see in the area....or not; perhaps you would want to just relax and enjoy the spa and the pool and the gentle entertainment that is laid on for you.

After this, a drive down to Udaipur, with perhaps a stay in the City Palace or the Lake Palace hotel, is a good plan. Udaipur then has a smart new airport from which to fly back to Delhi or on to Mumbai or wherever you choose for your onward journey.

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