Incredible India

Taj Voyages curates handpicked experiences and exclusive destinations to create an unforgettable holiday in India, designed especially for you. Embark on the journey of a lifetime with Taj Voyages and explore the rich and vibrant colours of Incredible India.

Ambika is an award-winning travel writer who explores exciting places for international brands including Lonely Planet, National Geographic Traveler & Taj Voyages

SURRENDER TO UDAIPUR’S ROYAL ROMANCE In the heart of Regal Rajasthan is a city of enchanting beauty and splendid palaces surrounded by deep blue lakes and rugged hills. Udaipur’s delicately carved havelis, twinkling lights and glittering lakefront ooze a timeless romance that is sure to sweep you off your feet.

CITY OF LAKES AND LIGHTS Udaipur’s romantic landscape transports you to a magical world. This medieval city founded in 1595 is set among tranquil lakes and ringed by hazy purple Aravalli’s. Its placid waters, gently gliding boats, and graceful havelis make Udaipur look like a delicate watercolour. Also known as the Venice of the East, this Lake City originally grew on the banks of lovely Lake Pichola. The majestic City Palace and Fort rise from the edge of this lake in breathtaking splendour. As twilight descends, take a boat ride to enjoy a panoramic view of the city and its iconic heritage buildings. As you glide along the lakefront festooned with soft, fairy lights, an evening breeze will ruffle your hair and you can feel your spirits soar.

CROWN JEWELS The sprawling City Palace and Fort complex was built by successive Mewar rulers over a staggering four and a half centuries. The royal family of Udaipur continues to occupy a section of the premises while the rest is open as a museum for guests. Reserve an entire afternoon to explore a series of exquisite palaces, examine royal heirlooms and lounge in leafy courtyards before finally enjoying a sundowner with a sunset view of the lake and then heading for a thrilling evening Light & Sound show. Be sure you don’t miss the priceless, antique crystal ware in the Crystal Gallery and the Maharaja’s Vintage Car Collection, which includes beauties like a 1934 Rolls Royce Phantom II in mint condition.

TIMELESS TAJ Taj Lake Palace is possibly the most romantic hotel in the world, originally built in 1746 as the royal retreat for Maharana Jagat Singh II. Its exotic location on an island in the middle of a lake and grand interiors made it the perfect backdrop for the Bond movie Octopussy. This floating vision in marble boasts of breathtaking views, signature restaurants, a sumptuous spa and world-class hospitality. This luxury property is designed to pamper your every whim and give you a taste of true-blue royalty.

SENSORY EXPLOSION The atmospheric old city is a labyrinthine of narrow lanes, honking scooters and cubbyhole shops selling everything from silver jewellery to cloth bags, colourful mojaris, leatherbound notebooks, statues, and artefacts. These winding alleys are a delight to explore with their antique homes and whimsical wares. However, Udaipur’s truly unique craft are Mughal-style miniature paintings created on versatile mediums like paper, cloth, wood and glass. Enroll for a quick class and try your hand at painting a canvas or buy one to carry home.

A TASTE OF ROYALTY Udaipur’s vibrant lakefront is lined with cheerful al fresco and rooftop cafes. For a romantic dinner, pick from the lakeside restaurants on Hanuman Ghat, which have uninterrupted views of the lake and the fort, glowing golden against a starlit sky. Most restaurants are multi-cuisine, and some have regular screenings of Octopussy. Unwind on a deck next to an inky blue lake with a glass of sparkling wine, as you catch stray notes of music drifting on the water. For an authentic Rajasthani meal, look no further than the traditional, all-you-can-eat thali at the Garden Restaurant. This is not a meal but a crash course in the mind-boggling richness of Rajasthani cuisine and hospitality. COURTLY DELIGHTS Be sure to catch Dharohar, a daily live show featuring swirling, whirling song and dance recitals by local folk artists. This unforgettable experience takes places in the Neem Chowk courtyard of the 18th-century Bagore ki Have- li, where similar performances were held for the royal family in the days of yore. Also, take the time and visit the Monsoon Palace on Banswara hill, 10 km from Udaipur, located in the middle of a wildlife sanctuary. Originally named Sajjan Garh, this former hunting lodge has a sweeping, semicircular terrace that juts out above the surrounding forest and offers a vantage point for watching flaming orange sunsets sink into the hills and trees. This tranquil, scenic retreat is ideal for whiling away an afternoon and enjoying a lazy game of Scrabble with your partner.