HotelsChoosing your

TAJ GROUP OF HOTELS HRH HOTELS RESORTS & PALACES The Taj Group began in 1903 when J N Tata opened his HRH Hotels Resorts & Palaces are some of the finest first hotel, the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower in Mumbai. examples of heritage hotels. Their nine superb properties Architecturally superb and unashamedly luxurious it set are spread through Deogarh Mahal Le Colonial standards of comfort and service that have been the Taj western Rajasthan, in Group philosophy ever since. With 60 hotels in 45 locations Udaipur, Gajner (Bikaner), Heritage Hotels across India, plus a further 15 properties worldwide, Taj Kumbhalgarh, Ranakpur A Heritage Hotel’s history, style and ambience will greatly add to your India experience. Hotels have won international acclaim, and have become and Jaiselmer. With Here we highlight a few of the many fine heritage properties that are recommended in this brochure. a byword for excellence in dining, business facilities, beautiful traditional decor interior design and world-class, personalized, service. and ambience reflecting their regal past, HRH Samode Palace Fort Chanwa OBEROI GROUP OF HOTELS pride themselves in For five years voted Fort Chanwa is an exceptional example of elegant, symmetrical Since 1934 the Oberoi Group has been synonymous with providing great comfort, the best Heritage Indian architecture, with ornately carved latticework, friezes and prestigious hotels, providing service, luxury and quiet attentive personal hotel in India, the intricate Jharokas. Built in the 1800’s it reflects a turbulent past, efficiency that is second to none. Under the “Oberoi Hotels service and fine cuisine. Samode Palace is the but is now a superb stopover between Jodhpur and Udaipur. and Resorts” and “Trident” brands the Group is recognized Experience the warmth quitessential palace Its facilities include 45 elegant rooms, swimming pool, jacuzzi, internationally for all round excellence, with 27 hotels and of Rajasthani hospitality hotel. Meticulously croquet lawn, sauna, health club and fine multi-cuisine restaurant. 3 luxury cruisers in five countries. New properties in Agra, in royal surroundings. restored, its beautiful Jaipur, Udaipur, Shimla and Ranthambhore have redefined decoration and Le Colonial the meaning of luxury and excellence. TRIDENT HOTELS furnishings provide Le Colonial, near to St Francis Church in Fort Cochin, dates Samode Palace Part of the Oberoi Group, regal comfort, from 1506. Vasco de Gama stayed here and it was the Dutch CGH EARTH Trident Hotels have transporting you back to a time of Rajput splendour. The Durbar Governor’s residence for 150 years before the British took it For five decades CGH Earth hotels in Kerala and India’s established a reputation Hall and Hall of Mirrors are perhaps Rajasthan’s finest. It is a over. Five centuries have been superbly restored in a veritable south have provided luxurious accommodation and fine for excellence, quality place to escape the outside world, where the tranquil gardens, museum of artifacts from the colonial past, reflected in service without compromising the environment or local and value. These five courtyards and swimming pools help you relax. the decoration and funishings. communities. Each property has a very individual ambience star hotels combine state of the art facilities with warm, in harmony with its surroundings and nature. CGH Earth friendly service and relaxed environment, making them Ahilya Fort Shahpura Bagh properties in Cochin, Kumarakom, Periyar, Marari Beach, an ideal choice for leisure travellers. Trident’s eight Situated high above the banks of the sacred Narmada River, a stay Midway between Jaipur and Udaipur, Shahpura Bagh is a Palakkad, Gokarna and Bangaram Island provide an ideal hotels are located in Mumbai, Chennai, Bhubaneshwar, at Ahilya Fort is an experience straight out of the 18th century. 30-acre estate of verdant green tranquility built in 1630. hotel network for touring. Cochin, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur and Gurgaon (Greater Delhi). Built in 1766, it was the home of Ahilya Bai Holkar one of India's A summer residence of the rulers of Shahpura, it is now a celebrated women rulers. Sympathetic renovation has combined fine Heritage Hotel. its original atmosphere and charm with modern comfort and Five beautiful suites and convenience. Hospitable, friendly service and fine cuisine ensure four double rooms with a memorable stay. en-suite bathrooms are complemented by Deogarh Mahal beautifully appointed The exquisite Deogarh Mahal was converted into a hotel by the public areas and present owner, Rawat Nahar Singh. Its 50 rooms are individually enhanced by authentic decorated using stained glass, colourful fabrics and antiques. Rajasthani cuisine. Furnished in traditional style they are complimented by modern Surrounded by lakes facilities. The cuisine is exceptional, with most ingredients being in a green landscape grown and produced locally. The seasonal fruit juices and jams it is ideal for those are renowned. The imposing regal splendour of Deogarh is offset seeking relaxation by the family’s welcoming friendly hospitality. and escape. Fort Chanwa Historic Clubs

When the British ruled India, far from home they found themselves in need of recreational facilities. Within the confines of strict etiquette and selective membership, clubs were established across India for the military garrisons and civil service. Some have survived and now offer accommodation for non-members to experience the atmosphere and ambience of The British Raj.

We have chosen five notable examples that you may wish to include in your itinerary. Do request details. Gymkhana Club – Chennai (Madras), Wellington Gymkhana Club - Ooty, High Range Club – Munnar, Taj Green Cove Resort - Kovalam Cochin Club - Cochin, Tollygunge Club – Kolkata (Calcutta) 6 7 Choosing your Historic palaces, manor houses, royal Deluxe & Super Deluxe guesthouses and other historic properties INDIA INDIA INDIA 5-star Deluxe hotels offer excellent accommodation and amenities, which will Deluxe S Deluxe Deluxe Deluxe S Deluxe S Deluxe First Standard First First Standard that have been converted into hotels are Standard Hotels referred to as “Heritage Hotels”. Each is AGRA KANHA NATIONAL PARK PERIYAR include central air-conditioning, swimming unique and they vary in terms of quality, The Oberoi Amarvilas Banjaar Tola Spice Village pool and a choice of restaurants/cuisine. Chit van Jungle Lodge prices, standards, service and facilities. Trident Agra POLLACHI Service will be personal and attentive, The Gateway Hotel KANNANKARA (Vembanad Lake) Shenbaga Vilasam and all facilities normally associated with We strongly recommend that Heritage Taamara AMRITSAR PONDICHERRY this category can be expected. Includes some properties be considered for inclusion Hotel Ista KARAIKUDI *The Promenade in your itinerary. AURANGABAD The Bangala *Maison Perumal Heritage Hotels. Super Deluxe hotels provide Taj Residency KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK POSHINA even higher standards of refinement and luxury, In wildlife parks accommodation will BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK Diphlu River Lodge *Darbargarh reflected in their tariff. Wild Grass Resort PUSHKAR be in jungle lodges and tented camps. Mahua Kothi King’s Lodge KHAJURAHO The Orchard First Class Some are run by private companies, Taj Chandela BHARATPUR Pushkar Bagh 4/5-star hotels provide good, air-conditioned KOLKATA others by the government. The Bagh RAMATHRA *Oberoi Grand accommodation with choice of restaurants. BANGALORE *Ramathra Fort Taj Bengal Most will have a swimming pool. Includes We have designed the accompanying Taj West End RANTHAMBHORE KORTA some Heritage Hotels. Although classified as BHOPAL The Oberoi Vanyavilas chart for easy reference and to aid you Korta Escape *Taj Sawai Madhopur Lodge *Noor-Us-Sabah First Class, some lodges and camps in or near in selecting your hotels. It lists KOVALAM Tiger Den BIKANER national parks are not strictly comparable properties specified in the itineraries Taj Green Cove THANJAVUR (Tanjore) *Laxmi Niwas Palace to 4/5 star properties. in this brochure. Many of the hotels The Leela Kempinski Ideal River View Resort CHAMBAL KOZIKODE (Calicut) SAMODE belong to well known groups like the Heritage (Markedwithan*inthechart) *Mela Kothi Kadavu Resort *Samode Palace CHENNAI Taj and Oberoi, plus many independent KUMARAKOM SHAHPURA Heritage Hotels are former forts, palaces, royal properties. Should you be interested in Taj Fisherman’s Cove Coconut Lagoon *Shahpura Bagh town houses, guesthouses and other historical The accommodation you choose specific hotels not listed here, we will be COCHIN Taj Garden Retreat SHIMLA properties. Each has a unique character. will make a real difference to your happy to discuss them with you. Brunton Boat Yard KURUMBADI *Wildflower Hall (Mashobra) Furnishings are often family heirlooms, Kurumba Village Resort *Oberoi Cecil experience and enjoyment of India. Taj Malabar and together with distinctive architecture, *Le Colonial LEH THALASSERY Hotel standards and styles vary Hotels in the chart have been broadly Malabar House Kangla Chenn *Ayesha Manzil reflect their noble past. They provide excellent considerably. The choice is large, classified into 5 categories, mainly DARJEELING LUNI UDAIPUR personal service in superb surroundings. *Fort Chanwa *Taj Lake Palace especially in big cities, ranging from based on price and standard of rooms, *Windamere Most Heritage Hotels are in Rajasthan, but The Oberoi Udaivilas basic to super-deluxe. In smaller facilities, hygiene and service. Heritage Glenburn Tea Estate MADURAI some have now opened in other areas including The Gateway Hotel *Fateh Prakash Palace locations the choice can be limited. Hotel classification is based on these DELHI Trident Udaipur South India. Standards and facilities vary. MAHESHWAR Devra qualities and their history. They are Taj Palace *Ahilya Fort VARANASI Standard The hotels specified for all itineraries also noted by an asterisk in the chart. The Imperial MANALI The Oberoi The Gateway Hotel have been chosen to provide varied Standards can vary within each category Manali Resort 3/4-star hotels provide adequate air- *The Claridges WAYANAD examples of what is possible in terms and also with the passage of time. *Oberoi Maidens MANAS NATIONAL PARK conditioned accommodation and modestly Bansbari Lodge Tranquil Resort of standard and ambience. Hotels We are happy to offer advice on hotels DEOGARH good food. Comfortable accommodation MANDAWA *Deogarh Mahal at reasonable prices. constitute the major element of a tour when planning your holiday. *Castle Mandawa cost and the category of the hotels DEVIGARH MARARIKULAM NEPAL *Devigarh Palace Basic (Not listed in the chart) you choose will reflect this. Marari Beach Resort KATHMANDU DHARAMSALA 1/2-star properties provide basic MUMBAI Yak&Yeti Chonor House accommodation and food. These hotels are Note: Houseboats in the backwaters (Kerala) have been categorized as Standard in the accommodation Taj Mahal Palace & Towers CHITWAN chart. All are air-conditioned and comfortable. Standards may vary a little from boat to boat. GANGTOK The Oberoi Machan Paradise View Resort suited to one-night stops where nothing else is Royal Plaza MUNNAR NAGARKOT available. Includes some lodges and camps in Nork Hill Windermere Estate Club Himalaya Resort national parks with basic facilities. Probably GUWAHATI Casa Del Fauno POKHARA Ambady Estate not air-conditioned, they may have fans. Dynasty Fishtail Lodge MYSORE Hot water may not be available all the time. GWAILOR Windflower Spa Resort *Usha Kiran Palace NAGARHOLE Boutique Hotels & Home Stays IDUKKI SRI LANKA Cicada Kabini Very individual, Boutique hotels, sometimes Mayapot Orange County COLOMBO overlapping with Heritage Hotels or Home INDORE NALAGARH Cinnamon Grand Fortune Landmark *Fort Nalagarh BENTOTA Stays, are increasingly interesting options. JAIPUR NEEMRANA Taj Exotica Often privately owned and run, emphasis The Oberoi Rajvilas *Neemrana Fort Palace DAMBULLA can be on hospitality and local knowledge, NIMAJ *Rambagh Palace Heritance Kandalama gastronomic experience or distinctive décor. *Jai Mahal Palace Chhatrasagar KANDY Trident Jaipur *Nimaj Fort Earl’s Regency A fascinating and enjoyable alternative to a K Country Villa OLAVIPE MOUNT LAVINIA larger hotel. We are happy to advise you. *Samode Haveli *Thekkanatt Parayil *Mount Lavinia JAISALMER ORCHA NUWARA ELIYA Higher Grade Rooms and Suites Fort Rajwada Amar Mahal Tea Factory Many hotels offer higher-grade rooms or suites. JODHPUR PALAMPUR The tours in this brochure are based on using *Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace *Taragarh Palace Taj Hari Mahal PANNA MALDIVES standard rooms in each hotel category. We will *Bal Samand Lake Palace Ken River Lodge be pleased to advise on room up-grade options KALIMPONG PELLING Vivanta by Taj - Coral Reef and supplemental cost. The suites in many Silver Oaks Norbu Ghang Resort Taj Exotica & Spa heritage properties reflect their royal past. Kadavu Resort 8 9