This October sees London’s V&A Museum launch its exhibition dedicated to the Indian Maharajahs - Maharaja: the Splendour of India's Royal Courts (10 October 2009 - 17 January 2010). It is set to amaze and inspire, so why not catch the exhibition then head to India for a taste of the real thing? Bales Worldwide is launching a number of new options from October that will allow you to experience the extraordinary culture of princely India first hand.
From a journey through imposing forts and palaces, to luxury under canvas, a crop of chic new hotels, to the renowned Pushkar Camel Fair – these options cater to the needs of all of your inner Maharajahs!
For a true taste of life as a Maharajah opt for Bales new 12 day Maharajahs and Moghuls holiday which is priced from £2350 per person.
Rajasthan is one of India’s brightest jewels - a vast desert province where Rajput princes ruled for centuries in extravagant splendour. The trip starts with a few days in Delhi before travelling on to Agra to take in the Taj Mahal for the magnificant Mohabbat and Taj Show at dusk and a champagne breakfast at the Taj Khema the following day. Proceed for a river safari in the National Chambal Santuary and an overnight stay at the Chambal Safari Lodge.
The journey continues to the pink city of Jaipur for a tour around the city in a vintage car once owned by one of the Maharajahs of Rajasthan and then on for hi-tea with a member of the Royal Family of Jaipur in the City Palace. The next day you will enjoy an Elephant safari in Dera Amer behind the hills of the Amer fort and a Silver Thali Dinner poolside at the Samode Haveli followed by fireworks. The final experience of the holiday will be a Jeep safari to explore the Samode Village which will end at the Dunes of Samode where an torchlite cocktail dinner will be served by a private bulter.
The trip costs £2350 per person (based on two sharing) including all flights, accommodation, most meals, an experience local guide, transfers and sightseeing. Click here to see the full itinerary or call our experts now on 08456 345 114 to find out more.
Romantic Rajasthan Under Canvas
Escape the tourist trail in romantic Rajasthan and stay in a series of luxury camps that surpass all expectations. This trip really is fit for a Maharajah!
Start in Jaipur, at the stunning Samode Bagh camp located in the beautiful Mughai gardens near the Samode Palace. From here, head to rural Rajasthan to stay at Chhatra Sagar tented camp. This tranquil haven has 11 exquisite tents overlooking a lake teeming with wildlife - marvel at the hand painted floors and enjoy some of Rajasthan’s finest cuisine. On day 6 transfer to the wonderfully peaceful Deogarh Khayyam camp, set on the shores of a beautiful lake in the Arvalli Mountains. From this tranquil waterside location, head to the heart of the desert and the Manvar Desert Camp. Set amidst the sand dunes between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, this camp offers spectacular sunsets, fabulous local dancers and musicians, plus the opportunity for a camel ride or jeep safari.
Your final location is the fabulous Wilderness Camp west of Rohet, which comprises of just six exclusive tents surrounded by dunes and scrubland. Relax in the colourful and sumptuous dining area, unwind over wonderful meals and enjoy unspoilt star-gazing.
Prices start from £1,995 per person between 1st October and 10th December based on two sharing, including all flights, accommodation, most meals, sightseeing, excursions and transfers. Click here to see the full itinerary or call our experts now on 08456 345 114.
Get the Hump in Pushkar for the Camel Festival – 24th October 2009
No Maharajah is complete without his herd of camels! Depart 24 October for a 10 day extravaganza focused around the world famous Pushkar Camel Fair. The small town of Pushkar plays host every October/November to hundreds of thousands of pilgrims, who gather to bathe in its waters and celebrate the full moon of Kartik Poornima. This occasion is also one of the largest camel fairs in all Rajasthan, a marvellous blend of noise, colour and glittering finery.
As well as two days in Pushkar during the height of the camel fair, the itinerary also includes three nights in Jaipur, an excursion to Amber, and two nights in Jodhpur and Rohet. Explore the ‘Palace of the Winds’, glimpse traditional rural life in the Bishnoi villages, and gaze at the ornate carvings of the Shila Devi Temple. The camel fair itself is a riot of sound, colour and scent, that is truly a once in a lifetime experience.
Prices start from £1,765 per person based on two sharing, including all flights, accommodation, most meals, sightseeing, excursions and transfers. Click here to see the full itinerary or call our experts now on 08456 345 114.
New Maharajah Friendly Retreats
To live like a true Maharajah, choose from the crop of chic new hotels opening up across this fascinating county, many of which are available from October 09.
The Rajasthan city of Jodhpur is home to two new openings this year - The Raas and Mihir Garh. The first is a 39 bedroom lovingly restored haveli in the heart of the old town, complete with pretty gardens and a swimming pool. The modern and sophisticated rooms incorporate Jodhpur stone, black granite, white, steel and spots of Jodhpur blue. Mihir Garh is a new luxurious boutique hotel located in a desert wilderness south of Jodhpur. The spectacular mud fort, blends understated luxury with earthy elegance and has just nine suites with terraces to enjoy the unspoilt and enchanting desert vistas.
The Raas room rates are yet to be finalisted while the Mihir Garh costs from £230 per room per night for the Black Buck Suite. Both hotels are bookable as part of a Bales tailor made itinerary.
If you’re looking to make like a Maharajah and head to a nature reserve then Forsyth's is the place for you. This pioneering new lodge aims to introduce responsible wildlife tourism to a remote and wildly beautiful tiger reserve in the Satpura National Park. The lodge features 12 simple but comfortable cottages, surrounded by pristine jungle that is home to tigers, leopard, wolf, wild dog, jungle cat and leopard. The lodge offers traditional jeep safaris, wonderful boat safaris on the Tawa Dam and elephant-back game rides. Forsyth’s is priced from £640 per person for a three night stay based on two sharing a twin room for travel in October and November 2009. This includes transfers to/from Bhopal, full board and activities at the lodge - unlimited tea and coffee, laundry, Indian wines, spirits and beer, Game drives, Wilderness Walks, 1 elephant safari (subject to availability), all wildlife viewing activities by jeep, walking safari, boat, elephant (one hour per day), hides. To find out more call our experts now on 08456 345 114.
