A City of Palaces In Baroda

Baroda is now popularly known as Vadodara. It is the City of Palaces and home of most powerful dynastic rulers.

Baroda is a medium-sized cultural capital of Gujarat in India. It is situated along the banks of the Vishwamitri River. It now goes under a new name, Vadodara, which means "the city of Banyan trees." It is a small town called Antottaka in the 19th century.

Mughals came to the territory. Gaekwads ruled the place in the year 1949. Sir Sayajirao, a popular king developed Vadodara. The old ruling dynasties of the great rulers still have a big and lasting impact on the city to this day. In fact, a number of brilliant palaces are still standing in the region, attracting people of all ages year round. It has more importantly attracted thousands of visitors from around the world.

Here are the series of palaces constructed under Gaekwad dynasty.

Laxmi Villas Palace

Laxmi Villas was constructed during 1878 to 1890 by Maharaya Sayaji Rao III. It is one of the popular monuments and the grandest palaces in Vadorada. It serves as the royal residence in the heart of the city. It was designed by the British architect Major Mant and Chisolm. An Indo-Sarcenic architectural style was used for the entire structure of the palace. It was graced with mosaic marbles, fine stones and furnishings. There are even collections of bronze sculptures, relics, armory, terracotta and other antiques.

The main rooms and other areas of its 700 square miles of space are open for tourists from Mondays to Fridays (3 to 5 in the afternoon). The very large garden of flowers and trees is deemed as one of the beautiful parts of the palace. The palace also includes an art work museum, a big lake with a number of crocodiles and a zoo.

The palace is technically advanced with regard to modern amenities. Elevators and other interiors have made Laxmi Villas the grandest palace in Baroda.

Maharaja Palace

Mahraja Palace is a series of palaces in Baroda. It was constructed for the Gaekwad family. Sarkar Wada was the first building to be not considered as a real palace. Its 700 acres has a number of buildings like the Moti Baug Palace and the Majaraja Fateh Singh Museum. A number of works by the Royal family are actually displayed, especially the painting of Raja Ravi Varma.

Nazarbaug Palace

Nazarburg is in the Mandvi Clock Tower amidst the western part of India. It was built in 1721 in an old classic style of solid gold and silver guns. Each barrel of these metal components weighs over 100 kg. The palace is primarily used in royal ceremonial occasions. It has a glass palace with millions of mirrors of different sizes called Sheesh Mahal.

Nazarbaug displays works of the master Titian, Raphael and Murillo. Other Indian, Graeco-Roman, Chinese and Japanese paintings are also included in the exhibit.

Makarpura Palace

Makarpura was built in 1870 by Maharaja Khende Rao in an Italian Renaissance style. The palace was renovated by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. It is now used as a defense installation. The palace is the current home of the Indian Air Force that lies beyond military grounds.

Pratap Vilas Palace

This palace is designed in Renaissance architecture. It houses the Railway Staff College. This is the main training ground of Indian Railways. In fact, a mini railway model can be seen inside the palace. The palace entrance has exquisite carvings along with sculpted cedar balconies at Durbar Hall.

Vadodara state was the home of the most powerful and richest people in India. The city continues to promote fabulous palaces that mark the fabulous history of Baroda, India. It became an educational attraction and an important significance to most tourists. The preservation of its design and its history amazes people of all ages year round.

The India Royal palace

Once they were the homes of India's royal families and their courts, now the Palaces we have selected for this very special tour are restored to their former glory and a truly fantastic experience awaits. The Ellison Roberts Royal Palaces of India itinerary is a unique cultural heritage tour through Mogul and Rajput history in the former Princely States of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan. Not only will you enjoy an unprecedented opportunity to take pleasure in the most luxurious accommodation, you will also see the incredible architectural and cultural treasures of India with the help and assistance of the very best expert guides.

With an official population of 18 million Mumbai is the most populous city in India and the second most populous in the world. Mumbai, which changed its name from Bombay in 1996, is a potpourri of Maharashtrian, Gujarati, Parsi and Islamic elements, a city where extremes of wealth and poverty exist side by side. On arrival, you will check-in at your hotel, the Taj Mahal Palace. Located in south Mumbai, with sweeping views of the Arabian Sea and the Gateway of India, the Taj Mahal Palace is the grande-dame of Indian hotels. It is the most elegant, famous and beloved hotel in the city, and guests have included presidents, kings, maharajas and celebrity couples such as John and Yoko.

Hyderabad is the capital and the most populous city of Andhra Pradesh. It is known as the City of Pearls and the City of Nizams. In many senses, Hyderabad, high on the Deccan Plateau, is the meeting ground between North and South India. The city has a culture that is distinct from the rest of Andhra Pradesh, showing Islamic influences and a courtly presence imparted from its period as the capital of the Nizamate. This is more evident in the old city. Recently Hyderabad's culture and attitudes have taken a turn towards ‘modernity'. However, it is good to keep in mind that the city is still a deeply conservative place and to dress appropriately, especially in the old city On arrival, you will check in at your hotel, Falaknuma Palace.

On arrival in Jaipur, you will be met by the Ellison Robert's representative who will assist and transfer you to your hotel, Rambagh Palace, a living legend of Rajputana history. Symmetrical design, airy verandas, and front lawns dotted with peacocks – a destination spread over 47 tranquil acres of verdant, ornamental gardens; Rambagh Palace is a masterful amalgamation of Rajput and Mughal architecture with astonishing interiors. The palace was lovingly built by the Maharajas of Jaipur. Once the residence of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II and his queen, Maharani Gayatri Devi. Gracious hospitality, stepped in tradition, completes the royal lifestyle experience & evokes the splendour of Royal India at its best.

Perched high above the desert capital of Jodhpur, Umaid Bhawan Palace is the last of the great Palaces of India and one of the largest residences in the world. Named after Maharaja Umaid Singh, grandfather of the present Maharaja of Jodhpur, this golden-yellow sandstone monument was conceived on the grandest possible scale, in the fashionable Art Deco style of that time. After 15 years in construction, the 347-room palace was finally completed in 1943, and has served as the principal residence of the Jodhpur royal family ever since.

On arrival in Udaipur, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, The Lake Palace. Built in 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II. Set against the backdrop of the Aravalli Mountains Lake Palace spreads across a four-acre island. Royal Butlers, descendents of the original Palace retainers, look after all your comforts and ensure that you are treated like Royalty.

mirates Palace Hotel Abu Dhabi: Epitome of Luxury

Emirates Palace Hotel Abu Dhabi: Epitome of Luxury

Posted: Nov 26, 2010 |Comments: 0 |

Emirates Palace Hotel Abu Dhabi is a captivating landmark that's a marvel to behold for all those who venture through its wonderful gates. All the fancies and all the racy imagination come to life as senses are treated to an amazing and extraordinary experience. Take in the air of luxury that fills every corner of this serene paradise!

Located in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, the majestic Emirates Palace is an iconic landmark and is one of the most imposing hotels in Abu Dhabi. Emirates Palace Hotel Abu Dhabi is known to offer a selection of amazing services and amenities to families on vacation as well as to business executives.

Constructed to the uppermost feasible standards of luxury and technology, the Emirates Palace is located in a delightfully landscaped park with palms and fountains; while the hotel's architecture portrays the varied landscapes of the desert. The hotel also features a private beach and boasts of more than 100 inspiring domes that sparkle like pure gold in the sun.

The interior décor of the hotel is traditional yet trendy with the predominant usage of gold and marble along with state-of-the-art technology.

Recreational and Leisure facilities

Emirates Palace Hotel is second to none when it comes to the availability of recreational and leisure facilities that promise fun for families and private time with the partners.

• The hotel's Anantara Spa offers revitalizing body treatments in a tranquil Moroccan – Thai inspired back drop.

• Apart from a private, white sandy beach, guests have access to the hotel swimming pool that incorporates a pool bar, separate Jacuzzis and a covered children's pool area.

• Emirates Palace Hotel features four floodlit tennis courts as well as a Padel Court with a cushioned hard court surface.

• The hotel features a children's playground that is equipped with slides/swings and organises various activities like face painting, and a host of land and water based activities.

• Emirates Palace offers an array of shopping outlets that sell jewellery items, clothing accessories and watches as well as writing accessories.

Accommodation

Emirates Palace Hotel Abu Dhabi features a splendid range of incredible rooms and suites. Each of the special rooms and suites at the hotel indulge guests with grand opulence.

The décor inside each room and suite is an amazing fusion of traditional imperial splendour and the latest technology. Guests at all rooms and suites enjoy in room entertainment systems, air conditioning, LCD screens and private balconies. Emirates Palace Hotel Abu Dhabi's range of rooms and suites is quite diverse and one of the most sophisticated among various hotels in Abu Dhabi. The choices for guests include Palace Suites, Khaleej & Khaleej Deluxe Suites, Royal Khaleej Suites and Grand Rooms.

Restaurants and Bars

Emirates Palace Hotel's dining options are equally fascinating and inviting. Hakkasan is one of the world's most popular, Michelin star restaurants and is known for its unique take on modern Chinese cuisine. The hotel's other restaurants and bars include:

• Le Vendôme Brasserie

• Sayad

• Mezzaluna

• Le Café & Caviar Bar

• Havana Club

• Cascades

• Diwan L'Auberge

• Anar Restaurant

• Las Brisas

• Etoiles Abu Dhabi

• BBQ Al Qasr

• Mezlai

• Breeze Lounge

• The Palace Ceremony

Visit Rajasthan Palaces with Golden Triangle Tour

Posted: Aug 17, 2010 |Comments: 0 |

The Golden Triangle Tour is the best option to visit known attractions of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Golden Triangle Tour Packages are the most popular tour packages in India because it covers some of the enchanting destinations of India in short durations and at affordable costs. The cities that are covered in this package are known worldwide for its grandeur, glory & history which never fail to enthrall visitors during their visit to these places. Along with this tour package several other destinations are clubbed so that tourists can enjoy other enchanting destinations along with this tour. Among many such packages one of them is Rajasthan Palaces with Golden Triangle Tour which gives tourists a chance to explore some of the popular palaces of Rajasthan. Some of the popular palaces which can be visited with this tour packages are:

City Palace:

This is one of the most famous tourist attractions and a major landmark in Jaipur which was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. It is beautiful palace which is known for its impressive series of courtyards, gardens and buildings. This palace showcases the perfect blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architectures that make it one of the grandiose architecture of this place. Inside the complex there are several palatial structures like Mubarak Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Mukut Mahal Shri Govind Dev Temple and City Palace Museum which are renowned for its design, decorations and constructions.

Lake Palace:

This is among the most famous attractions not only of Udaipur but also for the Rajasthan. It is one of the most quixotic palaces in the midst of Lake Pichola with the backdrop of the beautiful Aravalli Ranges. This is among the most beautiful palaces of the world where one can experience the royalty and opulence of bygone royal era. It is white marble palace which was built by Maharana Jai Singh II in 1746 as a summer resort for the royal families. The columns, terraces, fountains and well laid gardens are features of that adds extravaganza to this grand structure. Khush Mahal, Phool Mahal, Ajjan Niwas and Badal Mahal are some known attractions of this palace that fascinates visitors with its stained glasswork, crystal work, carved arches and exotic paintings.

Umaid Bhawan Palace:

This is the last palaces of India and among the largest residences in the world sprawled over an area 26 acre. It is carved out of golden-yellow sandstone that adds elegance to this mega structure which was built by Maharaja Umaid Singh. This palace is designed by the renowned Edwardian architect Henry Lanchester. The construction and decorations of this palace showcases the fine blend eastern and western architectural style. The Throne Room (housing fascinating Ramayana murals), museum, swimming pool, marble squash courts, wood-paneled library and billiards room are some of the zztourists during their visit to this palace

Buckingham Palace is the Venue for Pomp and Ceremony in London

There is a place in London called Buckingham Palace which is the London residence of the British monarchy and is one of the most recognisable landmarks in London. The original house was commissioned by John Sheffield, the Duke of Buckingham, in 1702. In 1703 Queen Ann granted him the land at the corner of St James's Park and Green Park. It became a royal residence when Buckingham House was sold to George III in 1762 for £28,000. It was later transformed into Buckingham Palace by George IV and his favourite architect, John Nash (1752 -1835).

Queen Victoria, the young daughter of the Duke of Kent, was living in Kensington Palace with her widowed mother and she became the first monarch to reside permanently in Buckingham Palace, three weeks after she acceded to the throne in 1837.

Today, Buckingham Palace is not only a royal palace, it is also the working office of Britain's constitutional monarchy. It houses the offices of those who support the day-to-day activities and duties of The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh and their immediate family. It has 775 rooms, including 19 State rooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices and 78 bathrooms.

The Royal Household provides exceptional support and advice to The Queen, enabling her to serve the nation and its people. It employs approximately 1,200 staff across a wide range of professions, including catering, housekeeping, accountancy, secretarial, media relations, human resources, art curatorship and strategic planning. The Royal Standard flies over the palace when the Queen is in residence.

Its State rooms are regularly used by The Queen and members of the Royal Family for official and State entertaining. Each year the Palace entertains more than 50,000 guests to banquets, lunches, dinners, receptions and the Royal Garden Parties.

In 1853-55, Queen Victoria commissioned the construction of the Ballroom due to the lack of a room large enough to entertain her guests. Today, the Ballroom is used for State Banquet, normally held on the first day of the visit, and other formal occasions such as the annual Diplomatic Reception attended by 1,500 guests and as a concert hall for memorial concerts.

The State Dining Room is one of the main State Rooms where distinguished people have dined, including the 24 holders of the Order of Merit as well as presidents and prime ministers.

The Music Room has seen the christening of four of Queen Elizabeth II's Royal babies - The Prince of Wales, The Princess Royal, The Duke of York and Prince William, by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

During the second World War, Queen Victoria's chapel was bombed and it was rebuilt as the Queen's Gallery. Regular exhibitions take place at the Queen's Gallery to enable the public to see one of the finest private collections of art and antiques in the world.

The Royal Mews provides road transport for The Queen and members of the Royal Family by both horse-drawn carriage used for royal pageantry, and motor car. The Royal Mews is where the State vehicles are housed and maintained. The most magnificent of all is the 230 year old Gold State Coach used for Coronations. There are other splendid carriages used for Royal and State occasions, State visits, Weddings and the State Opening of Parliament.

The Guards Museum is a repository for artefacts belonging to the five regiments of Her Majesty's Foot Guards namely Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots, Irish and Welsh Guards. Along with the two regiments of Household Cavalry, they make up Her Majesty's Household Division responsible for the guarding of the Sovereign and the Royal Palaces.

One of London's main tourist attractions is the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. These are ceremonial guard changings at four royal palaces, namely Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace, Whitehall and Windsor Castle, where the New Guard relieve the Queen's Old Guard.

The most popular Changing of the Guard is in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace. Visitors enjoy the pomp and ceremony and the band playing for about half an hour while the New Guard is briefed. The Changing of the Guard takes place at 11.30 every day in summer, every other day in winter, and lasts about 30 minutes (weather permiting).

During August and September when The Queen makes her annual visit to Balmoral Castle in Scotland, the Palace's nineteen state rooms are open to visitors.

Popular Forts And Palaces In India

India is a rich country of varied culture and history written in golden words. It is a country which has innumerable forts, palaces, havellis and other monuments which till date very well showcases the erstwhile legacy and grandeur of the princely states ruled by the mighty rulers. These magnificent forts and palaces are the fine example of architectural marvel of the earlier craftsman. At the very first sight you will be mesmerized by their awesome beauty they have. If you peep into these majestic and sprawling forts and palaces of India, you will find yourself amidst of the royal ambiance of the bygone era. Today most of these forts and palaces are converted into the heritage hotels, so that you can experience the princely lifestyle

Most of the Indian states are blessed with these architectural masterpieces. Among them the most fave destinations of both international and national tourists are Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Andra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Beside Rajasthan which has largest number of forts and palaces, forts and palaces built in other states also helps in enhancing the glory of India. Some of the popular forts in India are Agra fort, Red Fort, Delhi, Amber Fort, Jaipur, Gwalior Fort, Golconda Fort, Hyderabad and some beautiful palaces in India are City Palace, Lake palace, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur and last but not the least Mysore Palace, Mysore.

Agra Fort: For most holidaymakers, the city of Agra is synonymous with Taj Mahal. But Agra has much more tourist spots to offer. For instance, Agra fort, a World Heritage Site, is merely 2.5 km northwest from the elegant Taj Mahal, is also situated on the bank of the river Yumuna. The construction of the Agra fort was started on 1156 A.D and finished on 1605 A.D. It has housed to all the major Mughal Emperors namely Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jehangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangazeb. The main part of the fort was built by Akbar but Shah Jahan has built most of the buildings inside the fort. The fort has a wall made up of red sandstone. This wall has two gates namely Delhi gate and Amar Singh Gate. The later gate is the only way to enter the fort. The fort has a pillared Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience) which was built by Shah Janan in 1628 and two beautiful mosques known as Nagina Masjid & Mina Masjid. Some of the palaces inside this fort are Jahangiri Mahal, Macchi Bhavan, Khas Mahal, Shish Mahal, Shah Jahani Mahal, Rang Mahal and Shahi and Musmman Burj .

Red fort: Red fort of Delhi is also known as the Lal Quilla. This fort was constructed by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1639 A.D. Due to its architectural brilliance and significant history, it has acquired the status of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2007. The art work in the fort is known as Shah Jahani style which is blend of Persian, European, and Indian art work. Some of the importan buildings inside the fort are Diwan-i-Aam, a large pavilion for public imperial audiences, Nahr-i-Behisht, a stream that runs through the center of each pavilion, Zenana which comprises Mumtaz Mahal now turned into a museum and lavish Rang Mahal, Khas Mahal which contains suites of bedroom, prayer rooms, varanda and the Mussaman Burj, a tower. Moti Masjid and Hayat Bakhsh Bagh, an imperial garden.

Amber Fort: Amber fort is located at a distance of 11km from Jaipur. It was the ancient citadel belonged to Kachhawaha clan of Amber before they shifted their capital to the Jaipur. In the 1592 Raja Man singh I has started its construction. It was built in white marble and red sandstone. It is fine blend of both Hindu and Mughal architecture. In contrast to outer look, its interior is very soothing. It is decorated with fine paintings and mirror work. Kali temple also known as the Shila devi temple, Diwan-i-aam, Ganesh pol and Jai Mandir are some of the noteworthy attraction of Amber fort. To reach this fort which is situated atop a hill, an elephant ride is the best option.

Gwalior Fort: Quoted by Mughal emperor Babur as the "pearl in the necklace of Hind", Gwalior fort was situated on an isolated rock. It was constructed by Raja Man Singh Tomar . It has two parts, a Main Fort and Gurjari Mahal, which was later addition to the fort. It was built by the king for his beloved wife. This fort is one of the largest fort in India and its architecture is very unique because it has Chinese influence as the Chinese dragons are crafted at the hilt of the pillars. It has some beautiful temples such as Saas bahu ka mandir, Teli ka mandir, a Sikh Gurdwara and a mosque.

Golconda Fort: Golconda fort is situated at distance of 10km from Hyderabad at the western outskirts of the city. It was built by the Kakatiya rulers in the 13th century but renovated by Qutub Shahi kings into a magnificent and massive fort. This fort is located on a hill 400 feet above the surrounding plain. The main attraction of the fort is its system of Acoustics which means if you clap your hands at the entry gate, it can be heard at the Balahissar gate. The outer wall of the fort is 10 km long. The main gate of the fort is known as the Fateh Darwaza or Gate of Victory. The Balahisar Darwaza is the most impressive gate of all. The Golconda Fort comprises of a palace, a parade ground, Toli mosque, an armory and two temples namely Taramathi Gana Mandir and Premathi Nritya mandir. More than 380 uneven stone steps starts from the Balahisar Darwaza to the fort.

City Palace: .One of the significant monument of Jaipur is the outstanding City Palace. It was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh during his tenure. The complex covers a huge area, divided into a series of gardens, courtyards and buildings. The palace premises shimmers with a number of buildings like Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Mukut Mahal, Maharani's Palace, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.

Lake Palace: Lake Palace was built in between 1743 to 1746 A.D by Maharajah Jagat Singh II. It is situated on the picturesque lake Pichola in Udaipur city of Rajasthan. It is now converted into a luxury hotel. It was earlier known as Jag Niwas Palace in accordance with its builder.

Umaid Bhawan Palace: It is the largest private residence in world having 347 rooms. Its construction was started by Maharajah Umaid Singh in 18 November 1929 and finished on 1943. It was located on Chittar hill due to which it is also known as Chittar palace. This sprawling palace is spreads over 26 acres of land. It is now divted into three parts. One part as the private residence of Jodhpur's royal family, one part is converted into a heritage hotel runs by the Taj Group of Hotel and the last part is served as museum comprises of paintings, arms ,swords and other artifacts of Jodhpur's Royal family.

Mysore Palace: Mysore Palace is situated in Mysore in Karnataka state. It was initially built by the two ruler of Muslim dynasty, Haider and Tipu. But after their downfall, rulers of Wodeyars dynasty has rebuilt it and has added some more beautiful palaces and temples to it. The architecture of the Mysore Palace is a blend of Hindu, Muslim, Rajput and Gothic style of architecture. Some of the important ad unique rooms within the palace are Ambavilasa or Diwne-i-khas, It was used by the kings for the private audiences. Gombe Thotti (Doll’s Pavilion), it is a gallery of traditional dolls belongs to the 19th and 20 th century, Kalyana Mantapa, a marriage hall, a durbar, an armoury. There are some beautiful temples within the palace complex namely Someshvara Temple, dedicated to God Lord Shiva and Lakshmiramana Temple, dedicated to God Lord Vishnu. This palace is the main venue for the Mysore Dasara festival.