Mumbai - Taj Mahal Palace Hotel

Just two years ago India suffered her own 9/11 - referred to as 26/11 when the Taj Mahal Palace hotel was attacked . Today the hotel is replendant once again but with extra deluxe touches such as flat screen televisions within the bathroom mirror . I found my self watching CNN while drying my hair - Is that luxury? - In my book anything that saves time or can put me ahead of the game without wasting my time is a luxurious - So yes - a 'PIM' (Pic in Mirror) TV sure adds to the luxury of a stay at the Taj.

The fine old heritage facade of the hotel

The atrium of the heritage section

If I have one bete-noir when travelling it's searching for those subdued, ambiance enhancing fancy light switches in hotel rooms prior to turning in. Just give me one light switch that does the job and let it be by my bed. The last thing I want to be doing is playing a game of 'find-the-light-switch' hide and seek when I'm tired and just want to go to sleep.

This hotel has finally got it right - congratulations - The Taj Mahal Palace hotel caps the realm of luxury - one switch within easy reach, with other options close by and easy to understand. It's combining little touches that create the best form of luxury.

Oberoi Udaivilas

Oberoi Udaivilas - One of the most romantic spots that I have ever been to. No wonder the rich and famous flock here for proposals, weddings and honeymoons. None of my photos do justice to the place.

It was here that we were serenaded at sunset on a 125 year old Royal Barge where the twinkling city lights surrounded us.

It was also at this hotel that I was finally able to indulge myself with a private yoga class and an Ayurvedic treatment - (Ayurvedic meaning 'science of life' and yuj, Sanskrit for yoga meaning 'to join'). How could I be in India and not personally experience both? Ayurvedic is a system of traditional medicine practised in India, particularly in the south. Now it's all over the world, and here it was 'just' affordable! Amazing - I walked taller and lighter till the long flight home undid all the good.

Taj Lake Palace Hotel

We had dinner at Taj Lake Palace - One of the first palaces to be converted to a hotel. It sits in the middle of Lake Pichola in Udaipur.

Leela Palace Hotel

The ultimate in service and luxury .

Edible silver coated pistachios .

No sun allowed on pale skin.

View of the pool from one of the rooms

Arrival by boat as buses can't access the hotel via the old town as streets too narrow.

Indian Trivia

- Population, a billion people.

- 90% of mariages are arranged,,

- 15% of population is muslin, 2% christian .

- Antique Ambassador cars are a status symbol.First built back in 1957 on the British Morris Oxford III model - this car is still built today with few modifications.

- Local cooking fires burn on cow patties produced in the millions along the roadsides, and throughout the country - creates a dreadful smog.

- The new Nano car, India's equivalent to the SMart car made by Tato costs less than a tuc-tuc .

- There is no state religion .

- Bollywood produces movies in 35 different languages.

- British started the railway system in 1853, now the largest railways system in the world 1.6 million people work for the railways.

- Indians have a passion for movies and cricket.

- Look up to members of their cricket team as gods.

Dhanyavad - द्यान्यवाद - Thank You

My most gracious host and guide at Banjaar Tola - Gil and Payal. Their welcome may not have been officially royal but it sure felt it..........Gil and Payal you gave me memories to be treasured forever, not just of an amazing camp and the best tiger sighting ever, but of the warmth of your hospitality, caring and thoughtfulness - Thank you . Dhanyavad.

Shushil - raconteur numero uno - who lead his eclectic group through traffic jams, cracked his whip in Indiana Jones style and look, click-countered bags, while teaching us so much of his beloved India. A country indeed diverging from it's past.

Not just a guide , but as a Bollywood actor you can see Shushil in James Bond's, Octopussy; and his new movie soon to be released "No one killed Jessica"
and to my guide, Shailendra, from Bhopal - who waited so patiently for my long delayed flight at Jabalpur (3 hours) as the pilot aborted two attempts to land, refueled at the next closest airport, at Nagpur, returning for a third and final successful attempt. ..
The long hours of conversation during our car ride to and from Banjaar Tola - where the base of my Hindu language skills tried to take hold. Forma linge - सी यू अगेन सून.

(I still have the napkin where you outlined the best tour to include your home town of Bhopal)

At Jodphur, a splendid Royal Welcome awaits...both at airport and Umaid Bhawan Palace.

The Maharajah of Jodphur, His Highness Gaj Singhjii II - portrait done in inlaid wood.

Met at Jodphur airport in Royal style with an old Chevy

A royal banquet held in our honor at 'Baradari Lawns' at the Palace.

Left over hunting trophies of leopard and tiger dot the halls of Umaid Bhawan Palace Hotel

More banquet pics...

The Maharajah of Jodphur - His Highness Gaj Singhjii II - Born 1948 came to the thrown when he was just 5 years old. He opened his home, palace and heart to us with an amazing dance performance and lavish evening buffet in the grounds of his Palace.

My bedroom - retro style

This beautiful stately palace - Newest of all Indians palaces built of interlocking sandstone without mortar or cement, started in 1929 completed in 1943. Probably our favourite hotel throughout the trip - The warmth, love and caring of this Palace is not to be missed.

Breakfast on the porch

My driver Lassman Singh

A young entertainer

The impressive entrance hall

My marble bathroom

The Dining room .