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ITC Grand Chola, Chennai – Opulent Luxury in a Palatial Hotel

July 24, 2018

ITC Grand Chola, Chennai India, Luxury Hotel

ITC Grand Chola Chennai (Image source: ITC Grand Chola’s FB page)

On the Bay of Bengal’s Coromandel Coast lies Chennai, a vibrant city on the east coast of India that is a thriving cultural and tourism hub. If the culture, temples and architecture fail to draw you, ITC Grand Chola won’t. If you’re looking for opulent luxury, ITC Grand Chola in Chennai, with its palatial exteriors, grand interiors and unbeatable service, is the perfect place to stay. Here, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you have gone back in time to a traditional Tamilian palace, only equipped with all the modern amenities you could think of.

As the third largest hotel in India, Grand Chola does complete justice to the space it occupies. Built in the traditional South Indian Temple style architecture, the place radiates richness. And if the Chennai heat gets to you and you’re not in a mood to venture out, you won’t find a better place to be fortressed in. (Oh, and if you do want to head out, here are 8 Things to Do on a Laid-Back Trip to Chennai).

Like a traditional temple, the hotel has 4 entrances – North, East, South & West. We were ushered in at the Vallavan (North) entrance and at the very first sight, I was bowled over by the grandness of it all.

The Grand Vibe at ITC Grand Chola

Lounge after lounge, ITC Grand Chola, Chennai India, Luxury Hotel

Lounge after lounge after beautiful lounge

: One of the many Lounges

: Another gorgeous lounge

The milky marble all around creates a serene ambience which is combined with intricate inlaid and enameled consoles and brass lamps. A magnificent staircase with horses at the top redefines grand. As you walk around the hotel, it strikes you that the hotel is not connected by corridors but lounge after lounge after lounge, each with unique decor and character. It is only the rooms that are connected through wide corridors, and even then, the elevator lobbies are spacious with waiting areas that are appointed with stately chairs.

The Rooms at Grand Chola

The rooms are spacious and well appointed (Image source: ITC Grand Chola’s FB page)

ITC Grand Chola has a whopping 600 rooms and suites. We chose a Tower Room and it was huge. Grandly appointed with a king-sized bed, a lounger, a small sitting and a stately writing desk and chair, the room lacked nothing. From everyday amenities that were lavishly spread out for easy access, to fine teas and coffees, to a range of pillows that you could call for to sleep the way you love to sleep, just everything was thought of down to the last detail. Top that off with 24-hour butler service, to ensure that every whim and fancy can be attended to promptly.

Dining at Grand Chola

Local Delights at ITC Grand Chola, Chennai India, Luxury Hotel

Local Delights (Image source: ITC Grand Chola’s FB page)

: Residency Lounge for Evening Snacks and Cocktails

: Residency Lounge for Evening Snacks and Cocktails

: The Breakfast Buffet Spread seen from top

: Sweet treats at breakfast

: The Chai Cart

With 10 restaurants and just 2 nights, we couldn’t really do justice to all the fabulous food that ITC Grand Chola offers. With a buffet breakfast and evening tea at a lounge included in our stay, there wasn’t room for much else.

Saying that the breakfast buffet spread was amazing would be an understatement. A fabulous range of bakes, beverages, fresh cut fruit, South Indian, North Indian, Continental and much more awaited us every morning. The dosas were the best I’ve had and the accompanying chutneys were unbelievably fresh and flavourful, with fragrant earthy aromas. In the same vein, the upma, idlis, vadas and the pongal were all delightful!

The centerpiece of the entire display (I could be biased, I have to confess I do love my cuppa) was the Chai Cart; yes an entire cart dedicated to varied kinds of tea – Masala Tea, Cutting Chai and specialty teas. I loved winding up the breakfast with the delicious Almond Shake with slivers of blanched almonds. Though a bit on the sweeter side, it was the perfect dessert-y ending to my breakfasts.

To top it all, the legendary ITC hospitality made sure that if we were craving a breakfast dish that wasn’t on the day’s menu, it would still be specially made and served, at no extra cost. I have to say that the kids completely took advantage of this but the staff were like genies, getting them whatever they asked for.

The evenings at the Residency Lounge were idyllic. Warm and classic, the ambience was that of an old-school club, complete with a piano and a magnificent array of cocktails, mocktails, shakes and drinks. In the two days there, we had Indian appetisers like Kheesa Paneer (a melt in the mouth cottage cheese tikka), Matar kebab (minced pea patties), Mushroom Arcini, Chilly Garlic Babycorn; cocktail snacks like Watermelon & Feta, Pumpkin & Brie (served in a shot glass), Pineapple Feta, Sweet Potato with Gorgonzola (served in a shot glass); and heavenly desserts like Mud Chocolate cake, Coconut Cake, English Tea Cake and Mud Crumble Cake. While we enjoyed cocktails with our snacks, kids got their sugar-high from Chocolate Shake after Chocolate Shake.

Of the other restaurants, worth checking out is the vegetarian restaurant Royal Vega, that offers a delightful range of delectable vegetarian cuisine that explores the blend of condiments, vegetables and lentils.

Experiencing the Grand Chola Facilities

The Pool at ITC Grand Chola, Chennai India, Luxury Hotel

The hotel boasts of 4 pools and a jacuzzi (Image source: ITC Grand Chola’s FB page)

There are 3 gyms, one for each block. There is an in-house trainer and you can exercise with a view as the gyms overlook the 5 swimming pools of the hotel. There is a separate pool for children and a jacuzzi. Surrounded by verdant greenery and lined with sun beds and cabanas, you tend to forget you are on the terrace. And after your swin, if you’re looking for some unparalleled pampering to de-stress and forget all your worries, retreat to Kaya Kalap, The Royal Spa.

The only thing missing in the whole Grand Chola experience were lawns. While I did take my morning walk around the hotel, there was no way I could step out of the premises as the traffic was already pouring in on the flyovers. The vertical gardens created all around the inside periphery do calm most of your qualms though.

Wait, there’s more…

As the hotel is an ITC property, there is a Wills Lifestyle, also owned by ITC, on the premises. If you are not venturing outside and haven’t shopped on the trip, you can still head here to keep your withdrawal symptoms at bay. For the chocoholic, the Fabelle Chocolate Boutique and Coffee Shop is a great place.

Or simply, sit back and relax at one of the many lounges all over the hotel; read or simply admire the attention to detail in everything from the lighting fixtures to the consoles, doorways and ornate curios. Spread over 1,600,000 square feet, the hotel will impress you with its grandeur.

ITC Grand Chola: No. 63, Mount Road, Guindy, Chennai- 600032, Tamil Nadu, India.

Also Read:
8 Things to Do on a Laid-Back Trip to Chennai, India
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Shopping in Jaipur: Face to Face with Heritage
Top 7 Things to do in the Pink City of Jaipur, India

The Raj Palace, Jaipur – 6 Unique Experiences at the World’s Leading Heritage Hotel

September 11, 2017

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The Ornate Entrance Door

Right in the heart of Jaipur, The The Raj Palace is an imposing palace hotel that holds you spellbound. The oldest mansion in Jaipur, originally called ‘The Chaumoo Haveli’, it was built in 1727. It was named after the last ruler of Chaumoo, Thakur Raj Singh. In 1996, Princess Jayendra Kumari converted it into a luxurious palace hotel. It still retains the splendour and a lot of artefacts from the bygone era.

A view of the courtyard (Image: The Raj Palace)

It may not be as talked about as some of the other palaces in Jaipur, but it is definitely extravagance at its best. We were welcomed with the expected marigold garlands and with unexpected soulful music played right in front of us as we savoured our welcome drinks on an exquisite jhoola (Swinging seating) in the courtyard. This luxury hotel affords you some larger than life, unique experiences that you would be hard pressed to find elsewhere, making your stay an experience worth having. Below are a few that I found too irresistible not to write about.

Fast Facts First:

World’s Leading Heritage Hotel (Image: The Raj Palace)

• The Raj Palace, Jaipur was acknowledged as the World’s Leading Heritage Hotel by World Travel awards consecutively for four years from 2007-2013.
• The Raj Palace’s restaurant, The Swapna Mahal was voted as one of the Best Restaurants in the World at the 32nd International Awards for Hotel and Catering by American Travel Association at Fitur, Spain.

1. Grandeur of the Next Level; 15000USD/night Gold & Silver Rooms

Dazzling Interiors in The Darbar Mahal (Image: The Raj Palace)

Living Area at Darbar Mahal (Image: The Raj Palace)

We have all heard of palatial hotels that are the epitome of luxury, but how many of us can claim to have slept in a pure gold or silver bed used by an erstwhile maharajah? Well, at The Raj Palace, anyone can, albeit for a price that could buy you a decent piece of regal jewellery (or a car for that matter). I’m talking about the Maharajah’s Pavillion at The Raj Palace, Jaipur. The royal suite is spread over four floors and contains everything from a private lounge with a bar, to a library, lavish dining room, private museum, and 4 bedrooms.

: Inlay work on the back of chairs in the rooms

: A stained glass lampshade in one of the rooms

: Royal Pavillion

Above: Riches galore at the Maharajah’s Pavillion

The four floor apartment is spread over 16000 square feet (that’s right) and has a private elevator. The Fourth Floor of the complex was the pleasure pavilion in the past and now has a private roof top terrace with panoramic views of the city, a small jacuzzi, swimming pool, private bar and spa. The Durbar Mahal which was the private court of Thakur Sahib and is now the Palace Suite finds itself adorned with the same regality that it boasted of in its hay days. The walls are painted in gold stucco and the furniture is pure gold and silver. Despite all the glitter, it is anything but garish. Other suites also feature silk thread paintings, gold and ivory inlay work on furniture, and gold adorned walls. If this doesn’t convince you of the level of richness, what else will? The price at which this luxury comes, is around 15000 USD/night. (Don’t worry if you’re not a sheikh, they have beautiful regular priced rooms too).

: Silver bed and furniture in one of the rooms

: Our Heritage Room – Huge, well-appointed and luxurious

While I didn’t stay in the Palace Suite, our room surpassed our expectations. Huge and very luxurious, it was everything we could ask for and more. A small sitting area with the provision for a bar, tea and coffee, lead to the room through a corridor. The huge bed had an equally huge mirror overlooking it from the ceiling, giving the room an even bigger look. A step down, there was a living room cum study with an impressive wood table that called out to the writer in me. The attached bath was about as big as the room and very richly appointed, complete with a regal clawfoot bathtub. In short, impressive.

Also Read: 7 Things You Must Do in Jaipur
Also Read: Shop Till You Drop in Jaipur

2. Museum(s) & Rooms with Original Historical Artefacts

: Antique Dinnerware at The Dining Hall

: Historical Artefacts at the In-house Museum

Sans the pretentiousness of a museum, the hotel is full of historical artefacts that can be found all around. There are specially designated spaces where things like locks, writing instruments, letter openers and other antique knick-knacks are housed.

The dining hall will dazzle you with its range of 200 year old crockery used by the royals, including the Maharaja and Maharani of Jaipur. The Maharajah’s Pavilion, the Durbar Mahal (Room where court was held), the Swarn Mahal (Golden palace) and the Historical Room all have bits and pieces of history attached to them as private in-room museums. Imagine being surrounded by handicrafts that once tickled the fancy of the Maharajas living in these very quarters.

3. One of the Biggest Chandeliers

One of the Biggest Chandeliers in India

There are chandeliers, and then there is “THE” Chandelier. The chandelier at Raj Palace is one of the biggest crystal chandeliers in India. Set in Swapna Mahal (the dining hall and the name literally translates to dream palace) where multi cuisine meals are served, it is definitely a highlight of the visit. The dining room used to be the formal reception area modelled on great British and French noble houses. The double height ceiling hall has beautiful silver jharokas (canopied overhanging balcony), arched windows, palatial furniture and equally royal food.

4. Living in Heritage Spaces used by Royalty of Yore & Celebs of Today

Heritage spaces – The Courtyard with swing

It is not every day that you get to live in quarters where royalty has lived and where celebrities have dined. Names of the league of Sawai Jai Singh, Maharani Gayatri Devi, Lord Mountbatten, Maharaja Man Singh, Rawal Sangram Singh of the Samode Palace, as well as other international royals have spent time here. Apart from that, today’s royalty, stars and celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Fredrick Forsyth, Elaine Page, Dominique La Pierre and many dignitaries from around the world have slept, dined or been here. Put your name in their hotel records and be on the same page as this celebrated list.

Also Read: Vegetarian Eats You Just Can’t Miss in Jaipur

5. Centrally Located, Yet Far from the Crowds

The Swimming Pool (Image: The Raj Palace)

The Raj Palace is located within the Pink City and close to many attractions such as Hawa Mahal, the bustling markets of Bapu Bazar, Johri Bazar, City Palace and Jantar Mantar. Yet, the hotel is away from the hustle bustle of town as it is tucked in a quiet corner (if you can call such a huge space a corner). It affords you peace and serenity, which is made particularly lovable, with the elegant spa and stunning swimming pool.

Sprawling lawns, in the middle of Pink City

The sprawling lawns are an indulgence in the middle of the city and make it a great choice for celebrations. In the heart of the city, yet away from all the noise, you can spend hours strolling in the lawns and never even want to venture out. Even though the property is huge, any thing we asked for in our room was promptly delivered. So another plus is that the service cannot be faulted.

6. Global Gourmet Meals

The Swapna Mahal multi-cuisine restaurant (Image: The Raj Palace)

Mains, Maharani Thali

: Accompaniments with Thali

: Appetizers, The Maharani Thali

: Desserts, Maharani Thali

The Swapna Mahal serves a faultless thali – The Maharani Thali (queen’s platter), which embraces not just Rajasthani specialties but also dishes from the Royal Principalities like Nepal. From a scroll, the very attentive and always smiling Kaan Singh read out a royal firman (edict) to initiate our meal for the evening.

The Vegetable Gulabi Kebab with beetroot was the melt-in-the-mouth winner in starters while the yummy Dal Rajwada (royal lentils), the chunky Vegetable Jalfrezi (mixed vegetables), the moreish Kofta Shahi Zafrani (dumplings in creamy gravy), the simple Subz Korma Kesariya (vegetables in saffron flavoured base) and the perfectly cooked Sultani Bhindi (ladyfinger) were all delightful. But the Royal Nepalese Potato – a delightful mustard seed tempering with a hint of tanginess – stole the show. Served with a side of salads and Shahjahani Raita, the meal is a vegetarian’s royal delight.

To sweeten the meal, a selection of cut fruits, ice cream and Shahi Jamun (small gulab jamuns or deep fried milk-solids based balls dipped in sugar syrup) were served. Between my friend and I, we could not finish even one Thali. Sumptuous and delicious!

Shikarbadi, The Bar (Image: The Raj Palace)

The coffee shop, The Royal Lounge, offers a variety of international and Indian cuisines. Dosas, paranthas, sandwiches; each was good and served well. The breakfast buffet served here is delicious and consists of a decent range of dishes chosen to please every palette. The bar, Shikarbadi (hunters lounge), is striking in its decor with beautiful wall frescoes and antiques – a royal setting to savour the finest drinks.

All in all, every meal was an experience worth having.

Dining & Wining at Royal Heritage Haveli, Jaipur

August 23, 2017

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Built in the 18th century, Royal Heritage Haveli was a hunting lodge frequented by the Royal family. The lodge has since been converted into a family-run heritage boutique hotel and is renowned for the personal touch that comes from the family being actively involved in every aspect of running the hotel. Royal Heritage Haveli’s Restaurant retains a charm that alludes to an era gone by. (Also Read: A Charming Getaway at Royal Heritage Haveli, Jaipur)

Even today, Royal Heritage Haveli continues to entertain you in the traditional style of the yesteryear. And dining at Royal Heritage Haveli is no different. The hotel’s restaurant serves delicious food, still using several of grandmother’s authentic recipes.

From sitting in the bar to dining in the restaurant or going in for a mesmerising, romantic meal in a verandah, you can choose the mood you want. The delicious food, the excellent service and the lovely ambience all bundle up to making dining at Royal Heritage Haveli a great experience.

Fresh & Flavourful Food in a Fantastic Setting

Dine under the 200-year-old Kigelia tree (Image credit: Royal Heritage Haveli)

Kigelia Court Restaurant (Image credit: Royal Heritage Haveli)

At Royal Heritage Haveli, the focus is not just on making food fancy, but on keeping it homely. The food is delectable because it is prepared using authentic heirloom recipes and the emphasis is on ingredients as well. The Kigelia Court restaurant serves Indian and light Continental fare, but specialises in Rajasthani and North Indian cuisine. Only the freshest ingredients from the best local wholesalers and produce from the kitchen garden are used. All these considerations go a long way in ensuring fresh and healthy food you enjoy.

Dine indoors amidst fresco-ed walls or outdoors in the veranda. The open dining area under the two-centuries-old Kigelia tree is the perfect place to chomp on the real flavours of Rajasthan, especially during winters when the nights are cool and the area is beautifully lit up with earthen lamps the soft sounds of santoor and tabla instruments playing in the background. Lunch and dinner can also be served in the courtyard and private meals can be arranged on request.

Also Read: Must Try Foods In Jaipur
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Food-tastic

Rajasthani Thali (Image credit: Royal Heritage Haveli)

If you’re having dinner at Kigelia Court, I highly recommend their Rajasthani Thali. It is essentially a set-meal platter with an assortment of local dishes. The star dish of the thali is the Gatta Curry (chickpea-flour dumpling cooked in yogurt and onion gravy), which was hands down the best Gatta Curry we had on our trip. While I found the Kadhi (chickpea flour curry) to be average, the Ker Sangri (dish made of cooked berries and desert beans) and Dal Tadka are both quite good. Also served in the thali is Paneer Tikka (cottage cheese marinated in yogurt and spices and grilled in a clay oven).

The mains are served with rice, papads, and an assortment of pickles and chutneys. I absolutely loved the Tomato Garlic Chutney but the star pickle was Mirchi ke Tapore (hot and tangy chilli pickle) which eludes replication at home till date.

All this is wound up with a hearty helping of Dal Batti Choorma (cooked lentils served with deep fried balls of flour, clarified butter and jaggery), which is Rajasthan’s most famous and traditional dish.

Paneer Kathi Rolls

: Dal Takda

: Home-made chapattis

: Kulfi

If, however, you’re here for lunch or in the mood for a lighter meal, you might be better off ordering a-la-carte. On our first day at Royal Heritage Haveli, we hit the restaurant soon after checking-in (read about our stay) and ordered a few dishes. I loved the Paneer Kathi Rolls – they are tasty and light as they’re made with homemade chapattis (unleavened bread) instead of fried or oily wraps. Also good is the Bhutta Kebab (mildly spices potato and sweet corn dumplings).

For the mains, we ordered Dal Tadka and Subz along with rice and chapattis. The Dal Tadka is a gem that is high on flavour, something you are bound to order again. Tuck these in, heaped on rice or scooped with home-made chapattis which are soft, hot, fresh and excellent.

For dessert, relish the Kulfi (ice cream made from thickened milk, and flavoured with cardamom) or the Ginger Cake with Jaggery Treacle and Vanilla Ice Cream, both are quite good. They also have several other desserts on the menu, so you won’t be short of choice.

Cheers Galore

Mehrab – The Bar (Image credit: Royal Heritage Haveli)

L to R: White Wine Sangria, Mojito, Watermelon Martini (Image credit: Royal Heritage Haveli)

The hotel bar, Mehrab, is a cozy place with glass arches and mirrors shaped like hunting trophies. They have a good collection of spirits and cocktails with an array of finger food. Though we did not really enjoy the White Wine Sangria which was not cold enough and loaded with fruits, the Mojito was superb. Another great pick was the Watermelon Martini which was quite refreshing.

Royal Heritage Haveli: Khatipura Tiraya, Khatipura Road, Khatipura, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302012, India. P.: + 91 141 408 2121

A Charming Getaway in Royal Heritage Haveli, Jaipur

August 19, 2017

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Built in the 18th century, Royal Heritage Haveli was a hunting lodge frequented by the Royal family. The guests at this lodge were the who’s who of those times. It has since been converted into a boutique hotel owned by Maharaj Jai Singh of Jaipur. This boutique hotel in Jaipur is run by his niece Angelique and her husband Pradip. The place is renowned for the personal touch that comes from the family being actively involved in every aspect of running the hotel.

The quaint hotel has only 14 suites and an apartment. This makes this boutique hotel just right for those looking for a quiet and tranquil stay away from the noise and crowds of the old town. While the charming boutique hotel is ideal for families, it would also be a great option for an extended family travelling together as they could book several rooms or even the whole resort.

Also Read: Shopping in Jaipur – Face to Face with Heritage
Also Read: The Leela Palace Udaipur – Luxury at its Best

First Impressions

(Image credit: Royal Heritage Haveli)

Tucked away from the hustle bustle of the city, the hotel doesn’t loom larger than life at first look. After all, it was a hunting lodge and not a palace. But once you step inside, the ambience of traditional settings and comfort envelops you. A laid back and understated feel abounds giving it an instantly homely vibe. As there are only 15 rooms, there is always ample staff waiting on you. A family run enterprise, its charm grows on you.

Living Quarters

Our Suite: Furnished traditionally with luxurious touches

The bathrooms are decorated with traditional touches but come with all modern day amenities

The rooms, have all been decorated differently, beautifully and luxuriously. In fact, as I entered my room, it seemed to break away from the surroundings. With the traditional interiors, the suite transported me into a bygone era. The rooms come with a lot of personal touches given by Angelique, who has lent a unique personality to each room. The furniture, fabrics and furnishings are all luxurious with traditional decor in the form of tiles, murals, frescoes etc. Our room had a lovely adjoining living room. The bathroom was huge and beautifully done with blue tiles and hand painted frescoes.

Some of the rooms feature arches, hand painted walls and even ceiling murals that lend an air of royalty to the room.

Perfect for afternoon tea or a evening drink

The space just outside our suite

I especially liked the cosy small corners outside some of the rooms, with painted metal chairs, to enjoy your morning coffee or evening wine.

Dining & Wining

Kick off the day regally with a wonderful breakfast that is served in one of the many verandas. Apart from the usual fare of cereals, yogurt, juices, cheese and breads, they also serve Dosa, Pancakes, French Toast, Eggs made to order. We had Rawa Idlis (served with sambar and coconut chutney) which were soft and good. I also had the stuffed Paranthas which were served with plain yogurt, lemon pickle and chilli pickle. While the paranthas were amazing, the pickles too deserve a special mention. Finish off your breakfast with a Masala Chai.

Kigelia Court Restaurant (Image credit: Royal Heritage Haveli)

Mehrab – The Bar (Image credit: Royal Heritage Haveli)

: Rajasthani Thali (Image credit: Royal Heritage Haveli)

: Have a refreshing Watermelon Martini at Mehrab (Image credit: Royal Heritage Haveli)

Royal Heritage Haveli offers a wonderful dining experience even besides the breakfast. Whether you choose to dine alfresco under the old Kigelia tree, or in the dining room, you will have plenty to look forward to. The service is quite good at the restaurant and worthy of a special mention. Several of grandmother’s old recipes are still being used in the restaurant kitchen – no wonder the food tastes home-made and amazing! The restaurant, Kigelia Court is mostly frequented by hotel guests. During peak-season, it is quite packed and makes for a grand dining experience under the big Kigelia. The Bar, Mehrab is open to walk-ins and has a medley of spirits and cocktails. Read a full dining and bar review here.

Spa & Wellness

The pool and spa area (Image credit: Royal Heritage Haveli)

The property also boasts of a marble and sandstone pool and a spa complete with Lapis Lazuli inlay doors. They offer Ayurvedic and Swedish massages that help you unwind and relax.

All in all, the biggest USP of Royal Heritage Haveli is the personal attention and family interaction with all guests. According to them, they want to make it feel homely for the guests and extend to them the hospitality of the royal days. As they put it, “We want to give our guests the comforts of a 5-star, but make them feel like they are coming home”.

Royal Heritage Haveli: Khatipura Tiraya, Khatipura Road, Khatipura, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302012, India P: + 91 141 408 2121

Vegetarian Dining at Samode Haveli, Jaipur – Meals Fit for Royalty

August 14, 2017

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Kid Friendly Factor –
Vegetarian Friendly Factor –

A luxury boutique hotel that was once a haveli to royalty, Samode Haveli bears striking overtones of the era gone by. As the royal family of Samode still resides in a part of the heritage hotel, the vibe is very blue blooded. I have written before about my stay at this haveli (palace), where I got to experience the resplendent heritage and splendour of Jaipur. The regal palace has equally sumptuous dining that will make you feel like a pampered prince or princess. Not just hotel guests but tourists also put Samode Haveli dining on their to do list in Jaipur. The food doesn’t disappoint on any count and leaves you wanting to visit again.

Dining Overview

Dressed up for a feast. With such great food and hospitality, no wonder that Samode Haveli is a popular venue for weddings and feasts

Whatever I say about the food will be an understatement; every meal that I had at Samode Haveli was fantastic. Understandably, Samode Haveli’s restaurant is a popular hangout for the hotel guests as well as tourists. A lot of tour groups think of it as a mandatory stop for the true-blue experience it affords. The food is simply outstanding and the restaurant has a luxurious vibe – all markers for a wonderful dining experience.

The Dining Room: Delightful setting for delicious food

The chandeliers, the opulent upholstery, the striking pictures and paintings, all come together to make for a regal ambience. Add to that food that is traditional and made from authentic recipes, coupled with international delicacies and you get a meal you’ll truly relish. Samode Haveli also hosts lavish buffets for occasions ranging from weddings to feasts for various events to everyday lunch.

Also Read: Live Like a Maharajah at Samode Haveli, Jaipur
Also Read: Must-try Vegetarian Eats in Jaipur

Breakfast That’ll Tickle Your Palette

On a cool morning, enjoy your breakfast outdoor

When you wake up to a meal that tickles your palette, you know your day is going to be just great. Samode Haveli dining makes sure your breakfast is just that. I was greeted by a nice big spread with vegetarian options galore. After enjoying some fruit, bread and yogurt from the buffet spread, I opted to have a Dosa (fermented rice pancakes), which was made fresh to order and tasted great. Teaming it up with Indian style Cold Coffee, it really did make for a great way to start my day. There were several other Indian and Western breakfast dishes available – paranthas, pancakes, idlis, just to name a few.

Delightfully Varied Lunch Buffet

: The Lunch Spread

: Fresh Home-made breads

: Aubergine Raita

Enjoy a lunch buffet or order off the menu

When you are back from a half-day shopping spree, chances are hunger pangs are at their strongest. Perfect time to attack Samode’s lunch buffet! I started with a delicious Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup paired with some excellent home baked breads. I then went on to feast on some delicious Indian food. My favourite dishes from the meal were Kadhai Paneer (soft cottage cheese cubes cookedin a gravy) and Dal Makhani. While the Aloo Tadka (dry spiced potato dish) and Gobhi Tamatar Adraki (cauliflower with a tomato-ginger tempering) were both above average, the star dish was definitely Aubergine with Yogurt.

Continental dishes on the day’s menu were Baked Spinach and Corn, Stir Fried Mixed Vegetables and Farfalle Al Pomodoro, all tasted great.

The buffet was very varied, with over a dozen mains alone. Add to that different types of salads, pickles, breads and a huge variety of desserts, and I had a lavish spread to choose from. No wonder there were around 300 non-resident tourists who had come to Samode specially for lunch.

Dinner That Encapsulates the Region’s Cuisine

Outdoor setup for dinner

The Rajasthani Thali (Other than the one meat dish, everything else in the Thali is vegetarian, making it an excellent choice for vegetarians)

Nothing wraps up a day like a good old-fashioned Rajasthani thali. Samode haveli dining is incomplete without a taste of their Rajasthani thali that encapsulates the region’s cuisine. It is simply great paired with a glass of white wine.

On offer in the thali were are dishes like Ker Sangri (dish with desert beans and dry berries), Dal Lahsuni, Aubergine Raita and more. The Gatta Curry (chickpea-flour dumpling cooked in yogurt and onion gravy) was amazing and I loved the yogurt flavour. Another dish that still brings back yummy memories was the Gwar Fali (cluster beans with sliced garlic, cumin seeds and tomato tempered in mustard oil with lemon juice added). Chef Surendra Singh mentioned that the dish was smoked to give it added flavour – worked very well in my opinion. What won me over, though, was the Lahsuni Palak. The dish was a simple preparation of blanched spinach, tempered in mustard oil with cumin seeds, garlic and spices, and it tasted oh so good.

The dishes are served with rice, Makka Roti (corn unleavened bread) and Bejar Roti (Indian flat bread made with a mix of 5-6 grains), which are all fresh, home-made and excellent.

The thali size is huge, so if you’re not a big eater, please ask them beforehand for smaller servings of the dishes, to avoid wastage. It is so enormous, I could barely finish half the thali.

The ice cream that followed the meal was seriously good. It was a local specialty made with dates and jaggery. Delightfully different!

I had several wonderful meals on my trip to Jaipur but the dining experience at Samode is definitely one of a kind – something you should absolutely do on your trip to Jaipur.

Samode Haveli: Gangapole, Jaipur – 302002, Rajasthan, India. Tel: +91-141-2632407 / 370, 2631942 / 068

The Leela Palace Udaipur – Experience Luxury at its Best

July 13, 2017

Kid Friendly Factor –
Vegetarian Friendly Factor –

(Image Credit: The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts)

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. If you’re going to travel to Rajasthan, do it right. Among other things, that means living like a maharajah. In Jaipur, go for a heritage haveli, and in Udaipur, splurge and go for The Leela Palace Udaipur, one of the three most popular luxury hotels at Lake Pichola (Oberoi Udaivilas and Taj Lake Palace being the other two).

We had a sensational stay at The Leela, soaking in Rajasthan’s regal exuberance. Here are 7 reasons to plan a stay at this super luxury resort :

1. Cream of the Crop

With such views, why wouldn’t it be? (Image Credit: The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts)

How often can say that you stayed in one of the best hotels in the world? Yup, The Leela Palace Udaipur has been ranked among the best in the world by biggies like Tripadvisor and Travel + Leisure. On Tripadvisor, it ranks as #1 not just in Udaipur, but in India. The hotel has been voted #7 among the Top 10 Best Resort Hotels in Asia and has ranked #34 in the Top 100 Hotels in the World, in the prestigious Travel + Leisure USA World’s Best Readers Survey.

With rankings like these, you really can’t go wrong.

2. Picture Perfect Setting and a Dreamy Approach

Picture perfect setting (Image Credit: The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts)

Dreamy Approach: Arrival by gondola (Image Credit: The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts)

Located in the City of Lakes, this dreamiest of hotels overlooks the Aravalis, Lake Pichola and City Palace, making for a picture postcard setting. Your stay begins with a gondola ride across the lake whence you get to enjoy these beautiful views. The Leela Palace Udaipur makes for a striking sight even from afar, a fairy tale setting for a true blue Mewar experience! If a stay at this place doesn’t leave you starry eyed, nothing will.

Wait, it gets better! Since all the rooms are lake-facing, you get to wake up to some of these serene views every morning.

3. Luxury Meets Tradition

Opulence Galore: The beautifully furnished lobby area

Tradition Galore: A corridor with hand-painted murals

The Leela Palace Udaipur is truly reminiscent of the royalty of the bygone era. The moment you step inside the lobby, the opulence and grandeur sweeps you off your feet. You can also see a reflection of local arts and crafts throughout the hotel. Think beautiful paintings, embroidered fabrics, metal inset wood work and small touches that imbue a sense of the local. Every single piece of décor and painting is simply beautiful and ornate.

The awesomeness continues in the rooms, which are aesthetically done up with local artisanal work adorning the room and the walls.

: (Image Credit: The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts)

: (Image Credit: The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts)

: (Image Credit: The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts)

The Grand Heritage Lakeview Room: The awesomeness continues

Suite Bed Room: Waking up to the views I mentioned in #2 (Image Credit: The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts)

4. Varied Experiences

Rajasthani music and dance performances (Image Credit: The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts)

There are wonderful Rajasthani folk music and dances in the evenings, not to be missed. The hotel also offers small tours – for ₹500/person (approx. SGD 10/person), we went on a guided tour of the hotel’s common spaces and artwork, and learnt about the history; after which we were taken on a sunset cruise. They also offer Destination Dining, and spa and yoga sessions.

Also Read: Kumarakom Lake Resort, Kerala: Fit for Royalty
Also Read: Samode Haveli Jaipur: Live Like a Maharajah

5. The Leela Moments

If you love to gorge on good food every now and then, absolutely buy The Leela Moments – Breakfast & Lunch/Dinner. We paid around ₹2700/night (under SGD 60) on top of the room rate, for 2 meals for 2 – a sweet deal indeed, especially since the food is obviously pricey. The deal isn’t limited to specific dishes either, you can order anything from the menu. We obviously wanted to try a variety of dishes, so we asked the staff for smaller portions to avoid wastage, and they happily accommodated. And boy, did we binge eat!

6. Food Fit for a Queen (or King), Served with a Side of Breathtaking Views

View from the Sheesh Mahal (Image Credit: The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts)

Enjoy delightful food at one of the many restaurants at The Leela Palace Udaipur! You can head to Sheesh Mahal for authentic Indian fine dining. The Library Bar is great for a pre-dinner drink – it is well stocked and comes with the complete literary ambience created by dark wood panelling, fireplaces, fine art, books and artefacts.

We absolutely loved the multi-cuisine food at The Dining Room, especially our dinners. This is where #5 comes in handy. We tried dishes from 3 different cuisines (Indian, Indo-Chinese and Thai) on the first night itself. The Paneer Tikka and Anjeer (dates) Tikki were to die for. The Stir-Fried Noodles and Vegetables Kung Pao were fantastic too. My favourite dessert was Salted Caramel, although, the Chocolate Temptations was definitely more decadent. The Dining Room also serves a delightfully varied Buffet Breakfast in the mornings including several popular Indian breakfast dishes that are cooked fresh to order.

7. Amazing Staff and Unparalleled Service

When you first reach the hotel, you are welcomed by the staff, in traditional Indian style with Puja Thalis and a showering of rose petals. This is just the beginning – you can look forward to plenty of pampering.

The staff to guest ratio is incredible and we always felt outnumbered. We were assigned a dedicated butler who really gave us the royal treatment all through (thank you Lokesh).

On the first night of our stay, I limped into the restaurant for dinner as I had injured my foot. Our server noticed that the limp was fresh and was quick to get me a crepe bandage and ice packs without me even having to ask (thank you Karan).

All in all, the staff at The Leela Palace Udaipur are exceptional and will go to great lengths to make you feel special right from the word go. In fact, they make feeling royal normal, like it is your right.

Room Rates

Hotel rates can vary a lot in Rajasthan depending on the season. We paid around ₹25,000/night (approx SGD 530) for a Heritage Lake View room, inclusive of a couple of meals and 2-way airport transfers (in the low-season). However, you can expect to pay much more in the peak season.

Getting There

Most travellers from Singapore visit Udaipur as part of their Rajasthan tour. Scoot offers a direct flight from Singapore to Jaipur, 4 times a week. The flight is approximately 5.5 hrs. A domestic flight from Jaipur to Udaipur is under an hour. The Leela Jetty is a 40- minute drive from Udaipur airport. From the jetty, you’ll take a short gondola ride to The Leela Palace Udaipur.

Bonus: More Images, in case you need some more persuasion

: (Image Credit: The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts)

: (Image Credit: The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts)

: (Image Credit: The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts)

: (Image Credit: The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts)

Live Like a Maharaja at Samode Haveli, Jaipur

July 10, 2017

Kid Friendly Factor –
Vegetarian Friendly Factor –

Living like royalty is a quintessential part of your visit to Jaipur. So, before my recent trip to Jaipur, I started searching for a heritage haveli (palace) where I could get to experience the resplendent heritage and splendour of Jaipur, and came across the gem that is Samode Haveli.
After my stay here, I can highly recommend this luxe haveli where everything from the rooms to the décor to the food and service were excellent.

The Haveli

Samode Haveli was built 175 years ago as a residence of the rulers of Samode (a village near Jaipur). Located in the hustle bustle of old Jaipur, the mansion is steeped in history and has a distinctive regal air about it. Not surprising, as the royal family of Samode still resides in a part of the old haveli, they have converted the rest into a boutique luxury hotel.

I did have an ‘unsure’ moment when my pick-up car started going through small, not-too-clean lanes and headed through an approach road that was, let’s just say, less than perfect. I wondered then if I’d picked the wrong place. But my fears were quickly laid to rest as I reached the haveli and was greeted by the beautiful entrance (picture below).

The entrance gate and hallway

Seating area near the Reception

The former royal apartments have been converted into deluxe rooms and suites, with en-suite bathrooms having been added at a later date (surprising but true, even royalty didn’t get private bathrooms in the 1800’s). This means that the rooms haven’t been built on a set template sans any personality. (As is evident in the pictures below) each room is unique, with a distinctive character and has been decorated in a manner that suggests a personal touch.

Deluxe Suite: Age-old pictures of Samode royal family adorn the walls (Image courtesy: Samode Haveli)

Deluxe Suite: Understated elegance and luxury. (Image courtesy: Samode Haveli)

Deluxe Room: Case in point! Each room has a distinct character. (Image courtesy: Samode Haveli)

The rooms and suites are replete with rich furniture and furnishings and spell understated elegance and luxury. My room was beautifully done up in Rajasthani haveli style opulence, and appointed with all modern-day amenities. Age-old pictures of the Samode family adorn the walls, further reflecting the history and culture of Samode, while at the same time adding to the authenticity. For me, it is these personal touches that set it apart from the run of the mill hotels. By the way, if you want to go all out, book yourself into the Sheesh Mahal Room (Palace of Mirrors).

Go all out and book yourself into the Sheesh Mahal Room (Image courtesy: Samode Haveli)

Opulence galore at Sheesh Mahal: Bath and Corridor

Samode Haveli’s location is another reason for a stay here (as if we needed another reason). The hotel is located right inside the Pink City, making it the perfect base to explore the attractions within the walled old city. For someone like me who loves to admire old architecture, shop for knick-knacks at roadside stalls and visit prominent landmarks like City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal, the ease of being just a tuk tuk ride away from all these was a deal clincher.

Rajasthani Architecture: One of the several courtyards

Also Read: Food Fit for Royalty at Samode Haveli Jaipur
Also Read: Top Things to Do in Jaipur

Facilities at Samode

Samode Haveli offers the usual facilities, with a pinch of beauty and a dash of grandeur. The gym overlooks the pool, so you can work out while enjoying the view. Or if you want to be lazy, lounge around in the poolside pavilions while your little ones splash around in the adjoining wading pool. If you’re ready for some pampering – head over to the spa to relax and rejuvenate.

Exquisite pool area

: Poolside Bar

: Striking designs all around

Whatever else you do, do head over to the hotel’s Living Room, which, to me was an attraction in itself. Everything from the rich red furnishings, to the artefacts and chandeliers, to the hand-painted murals on the walls and ceiling, screams royalty. The Living Room has books and games to keep you busy but chances are you might just be too busy admiring the room and taking pictures to have time for anything more than a glass of wine.

With beautiful hand painted murals, plush furnishings and ornate decor, the Living Room is an attraction in itself

Living history – exquisite ceiling murals, hand-painted in the 1800’s

Living Room: Hand-painted murals on the walls

Dining at Samode

Whatever I say about the food will be an understatement; every meal that I had at Samode Haveli was fantastic. A travel agent told me that Samode’s food is better than Taj’s and I believe him. Understandably then, Samode Haveli’s restaurant is a popular hangout for the hotel guests as well as tourists. A lot of tour groups think of it as a mandatory stop for the true-blue experience it affords. The food is simply outstanding, the restaurant has a regal ambience because of grand chandeliers and paintings of maharajahs that adorn the walls.

The Dining Room: Delightful setting for delicious food

One of the outdoor dining areas

Afternoon tea is a treat on the airy veranda and the beautiful fountain courtyard serves a-la-carte meals throughout the day, including Rajasthani and International cuisine. Private meals and candle-lit dinners can also be arranged. Samode’s lunch buffet serves North-Indian, Rajasthani and Continental fare. The Aubergine Raita, Dal Makhani and Ker Sangri are drool worthy. The delicious Rajasthani Thali that I had for dinner has now become my idea of what defines Rajasthani cuisine.

In fact, the food was so good that I can’t do justice to it in a single paragraph – it deserves a whole article by itself, so here it is.

Lip-smacking Rajasthani Thali at Samode Haveli – Absolutely drool worthy (Image Courtesy: Samode Haveli)

All in all, Samode Haveli was an experience I highly recommend for everything from the stay and hospitality to the food.

You can expect to pay around SGD 180/Deluxe Room or SGD 220 for a Deluxe Suite. Do note that hotel prices in Jaipur vary depending on season and can go much higher during the peak season, so book early.

Getting There

Scoot offers a direct flight from Singapore to Jaipur, 4 times a week. The flight is approximately 5.5 hrs. Samode Haveli is approximately 30-40 mins by car from Jaipur International Airport.

Kumarakom Lake Resort, Kerala – Good Enough for Prince Charles, Good Enough for Us

April 5, 2017

Kid Friendly Factor –
Vegetarian Friendly Factor –

Paradise on Earth

Kumarakom is a cozy little island in India’s favourite tourist destination – Kerala. Situated about 85 Kms from Kochi airport, Kumarakom has been listed by National Geographic Traveler as ‘one of fifty paradises on earth’.

And for good reason! Hopping across Kerala, having already enjoyed the beauty of a resort next to the sea in Cherrai; having shopped for silk sarees in Kochi; and having enjoyed the lovely scenery, the lovelier weather and the tea plantations on the hill-station of Munnar; we were not expecting to be blown away. But we were oh so wrong!

As we entered Kumarakom, we saw several hotels, more big names than we had seen in any of the other cities. As we checked into Kumarakom Lake Resort and took a short walk around the premises, I knew we were in for something special. And I was absolutely right. Over the next 3 days, I understood why Kerala is called ‘God’s own country‘.

The Resort

Kumarakom Lake Resort is built on the serene backwaters of Kerala and is nothing short of paradise. The natural beauty and tranquility of the place is simply breathtaking.

The luxurious villas, the pristine grounds, the infinity pool that seems to meet the lake, the helpful and courteous staff, and the outstanding service levels all add to the experience.

The architecture of the resort deserves a special mention too. The rooms and villas have been reconstructed from 16^th century traditional homesteads of Kerala by transplanting them from their original locations and painstakingly reassembling them on site. The result is a stunning resort that blends Kerala’s traditional architectural charm with luxurious, modern comforts.

The Meandering Pool

We stayed in the Meandering Pool Villas, and each villa has direct access to the 250-meter long meandering pool, so good luck trying to keep the kids out of water. My kids (and their dad) spent hours splashing around while I lazed on the recliners in the alcove. The villas are arrayed on both sides of the pool, but they have been landscaped carefully, with enough plantation along the pool, to ensure that each villa has its privacy. The interiors are tastefully furnished and the open-roofed bathrooms are set in small courtyards and equipped with modern rain showers.

Heritage Villas with Private Pool

Fit for Royalty – The Presidential Villa

The resort offers 6 different types of rooms and villas, including Houseboats and a Presidential Suite that literally has the royal seal of approval. No, I’m not exaggerating – Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla spent Prince Charles’s 65^th birthday at Kumarakom Lake Resort, in 2013. Well, if it’s good enough for royalty, it’s good enough for me!

The Houseboat

We spent a day and night on Kumarakom Lake Resort’s 2-Bedroom Houseboat. Floating over the backwaters of Kerala was sheer bliss – an experience not to missed. Very highly recommended!

I spent almost the entire day just sitting at the front of the boat, watching the trees and the small villages just go by. Evening brought with it lots of mosquitoes though, so we grudgingly had to go inside. The interiors, although small compared to the spacious villas, are well equipped, so we weren’t in want of anything.

The staff and service aboard the boat were great and we were all fans of the chef by nightfall – all meals were simply outstanding.

The Food at Kumarakom Lake Resort

Restaurant with a View

For the 3 days that we were there, we had all our meals within the resort – chances of anyone wanting to step out would be close to zero. We breakfasted every morning at Ettukettu, and the buffet was a large spread with both local and western food, with plenty of vegetarian options – more items than anyone could possibly even taste. Most of the food tasted beyond good, regardless of cuisine.

The restaurant has an extensive menu serving Continental, Chinese, North Indian and traditional Kerala cuisine – the local cuisine wins hands down. But I can confidently say this – whatever the cuisine, even vegetarians will be spoilt for choice.

The resort also has a seafood restaurant and a traditional tea shop, which is the perfect place to soak in the resort’s ambience in the evening, over a cup of tea.

Activities at Kumarakom Lake Resort

Top Activity: Admiring the Resort

The most popular activity seemed to be just admiring the natural beauty of the resort, and trying to capture it on camera. Besides that, there are a few water activities that the resort offers – Backwater Cruise, Sunset Cruise, Water Sports, Speedboat and Banana Boat rides – we were just too busy “doing nothing”, to partake in any of these. However, the kids did try their hand at Pottery making, and the grown-ups played a few rounds of billiards.

For those looking to pamper themselves, the resort has a wonderful luxurious Ayurvedic Spa that offers a plethora of massages and beauty treatments – so you can choose how best to spoil yourself.

Getting There

Tiger Air and SilkAir offer direct flights from Singapore to Kochi. The flight is approximately 4.5 hrs. Kumarakom Lake Resort is a 1.5-hour drive from Kochi International Airport.

Also Read: Leela Palace Udaipur: Experience Luxury at its Best
Also Read: Der Westerhof, Germany – Bavarian Hospitality with Stunning Views of Lake Tegernsee

Category: India

The Grand Vibe at ITC Grand Chola

The Rooms at Grand Chola

Dining at Grand Chola

Experiencing the Grand Chola Facilities

Wait, there’s more…

Fast Facts First:

1. Grandeur of the Next Level; 15000USD/night Gold & Silver Rooms

2. Museum(s) & Rooms with Original Historical Artefacts

3. One of the Biggest Chandeliers

4. Living in Heritage Spaces used by Royalty of Yore & Celebs of Today

5. Centrally Located, Yet Far from the Crowds

6. Global Gourmet Meals

Fresh & Flavourful Food in a Fantastic Setting

Food-tastic

Cheers Galore

First Impressions

Living Quarters

Dining & Wining

Spa & Wellness

Dining Overview

Breakfast That’ll Tickle Your Palette

Delightfully Varied Lunch Buffet

Dinner That Encapsulates the Region’s Cuisine

1. Cream of the Crop

2. Picture Perfect Setting and a Dreamy Approach

3. Luxury Meets Tradition

4. Varied Experiences

5. The Leela Moments

6. Food Fit for a Queen (or King), Served with a Side of Breathtaking Views

7. Amazing Staff and Unparalleled Service

Room Rates

Getting There

Bonus: More Images, in case you need some more persuasion

The Haveli

Facilities at Samode

Dining at Samode

Getting There

The Resort

The Houseboat

The Food at Kumarakom Lake Resort

Activities at Kumarakom Lake Resort

Getting There