India is a mystic land and has so many things that a traveler can discover. The best part about India is its rich history; the stories of Indian Kings and queens who lived and died for their kingdom is rather amusing. Even more amusing is to read about the secret lives of these kings and queens, their palaces, their summer retreats, their leisure activities, their traditions and their interest in art and architecture.

© copyright 2004
by Mark Patrick

When I started on a one month long tour to India, I had no idea what was in store for me. 
I was not even sure why I planned on a tour to India. May be I was just too fascinated by the lifestyles of the Indian Maharaja’s and wanted to see and experience for myself their lives and their palaces. My interest in Indian palaces and forts grew by reading books like ‘India Style’ by ‘Monisha Bharadwaj’, ‘The Indian Princes and their States’ by ‘Barbara N. Ramusack’, ‘The Indian Subcontinent’ by ‘Alison Arnold’ and ‘Indian temples and palaces’ by Michael Edwardes. 

The Lalitha Mahal Palace in Mysore

My trip to Mysore was to reflect on my travel itinerary that needed that I visit those places that had a rich heritage and culture. Mysore was just one of them. When In Mysore I decided to stay in the ‘Lalitha Mahal Palace’ which is by far one of the most exotic palaces that I have come across in my life. This palace was built way back in 1921 by a king named ‘Wodeyar Krishna’ and was designed by ‘E W Fritchley’ who was a famous English architect. 

Today this palace is maintained by the India Tourism Development Corporation and they have done a good job with it. The exterior of the palace looks show white where as the interiors are almost as good as new. All rooms of this palace over-look the beautiful Chamundi hills and give the visitor a breathtaking view of Mysore city. 

The palace offers all facilities that one can expect from a five star hotel that include swimming pools, golf grounds, health club, lounges and a shopping arcade to get all your souvenirs. This palace gave me a glimpse of the lavish life that that kings would have lived back then. 


Fern Hill Palace in Ooty

Ooty located in southern India is India’s well known tourist destination. When in Ooty I decided to stay in the Fern Hill palace hotel that has a history dating back to 1840. Back then it was used by the British as their summer resort. This palace hotel has more than 50 rooms that also include hotel rooms and cottages. Although the palace is quite old, it is well maintained and has everything that can make anyone feel like a maharaja. 

This exotic palace coupled with the pleasant atmosphere of the hill-station gave me something that I could cherish for life.

Bolghatty Palace in Cochin

Cochin in southern India is considered the pearl of the Indian Ocean and lives very much to its reputation. When in Cochin I decided to stay in Bolghatty Palace which was used as a British governor’s residence when India was colonized by the British. The Kerala tourism development corporation has renovated this magnificent piece of architecture bringing it back to all its glory. 

The palace has five spacious rooms and six cottages. The rooms have been renovated beautifully, not to destroy their essence. The art work is as good as new and the portraits seem to talk back to you. It almost looks as if time stood still in the palace since it was built way back in 1744. 

Lake Palace in Udaipur

My next destination was Udaipur in Rajasthan situated in the western part of India. The Lake Palace in Udaipur is one of the most exotic hotels that I ever stayed. The hotel is located in the middle of the blue waters of lake Pichola and practically looks floating in water from a near by fort. 

Built way back in 1754 by Maharana Jagat singh, the palace is today maintained by the Taj group of hotels and offers the prefect ambiance for a romantic stay. The palace has 85 beautiful rooms along with special suites and fascinates everyone with its lustrous marble pillars, ancient paintings and unbelievable works of arts including glasswork. I almost felt like staying in a fantasy island with my room overlooking a refreshing lily pond. 

Udaipur also has many other palace hotels but none can be compared to the Lake Palace. I was also fascinated by the ‘Laxmi Vilas Palace’ which was once a guest house to serve British guests. 

Bikaner house (Bharatpur House) In Mount Abu

Mount Abu in Rajasthan is another hill station that fascinated me. Mount Abu has a host of palace hotels as this was a favorite hill station for the Maharajas. I decided to stay in the Bikaner House palace which is located in one of the most scenic locations in Mount Abu. This palace built in 1893 was used as a summer residence for the ancient kings. 

The palace is well maintained and has spacious rooms that have ancient paintings and art work. The rooms overlook mystic hills that look so much in peace with them-selves. It almost gave me a heaven on earth kind of an experience. 

One more palace hotel which fascinated me in Mount Abu was the Sunrise palace which is situated in one its highest points. This palace hotel was built somewhere in the year 1920, and is quite popular with couples looking for a romantic getaway. 

Nilambagh Palace in Bhavnagar

My objective of visiting Bhavnagar, a relatively lesser known tourist destination in western India was to stay in the famous Nilambagh Palace. Built by Maharaja Bhavsinghji in the year 1723 this palace looks like a piece of architecture in itself. The palace is surrounded by lush gardens and has 18 AC rooms and 5 cottages. The rooms are spacious and offer an extremely luxurious stay. The room in which I was put up overlooked beautiful lawns down below; and I could hear the birds chirping and the wind blowing mildly over me. The whole atmosphere was so tranquil; it really took me to a different world. 

The best part about the palace was the way it has been designed and maintained. All rooms had antique furniture, beautiful chandeliers and belgian mirrors. Then there was this striking swimming pool that has been designed like a roman bath with marble steps and white walkways. Taking a dip in that exotic pool which was specifically meant for the maharajas was I thought a true privilege. 

The palace on Wheels

The ‘palace on Wheels’ is not a hotel or a palace, but a maharaja style train that is run by the government of India for tourism purposes. I was recommended to make this train journey by a fellow traveler and believe me; I was glad I took his advice. 

This train is designed for the purpose of giving its voyagers a taste of ancient India and covers all major destinations and heritage spots in Rajasthan. Starting from Delhi (the Indian capital), the train takes you to all major destinations in Rajasthan that include Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Agra and back to Delhi in a seven day journey. I really got a good insight about the tales of Indian kings and queens and their lifestyles at the end of these seven unforgettable days.

The interiors of the train look no less than a five star palace hotel and that goes for the rooms too. The rooms are comfy, contain artistic furniture and include a private bath; now what more could you ask for? 

When boarding my plane back home, there was a strange nostalgic feeling that had crept over me. But I was glad of one thing; I had lived out my dream of living like an Indian Maharaja. 

About the Author
http://www.bizbrim.com is an information portal that offers quality information on topics like outsourcing, mortgage, education, email marketing, affiliate marketing, hotels and travel. (c)2004 bizbrim.com. 

Save Big Money On All Your Travel Needs
Special Bargains on air faire, and travel accessories.
YES!  Dealers Are Wanted.

World travelers should remember the threat of malaria when making their plans. Estimates show that around 107 territories present a major risk for contracting the disease. These territories include: Africa, Asia (including the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East), parts of Eastern Europe, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Columbia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Panama, parts of Central America -- and many islands in the South Pacific.

Exploring caves on the web 
Seven Wonders Scenic Tours  
The World's Luckiest Diamond Finder 
Caretaking STRETCHES your travel dollar.  

On the 20th day of June in the year 1819 the steamship Savannah arrived at Liverpool from the United States. When the Savannah approached the English coast with her single stack giving forth volumes of dense black smoke, it was thought by those on shore that she was a ship on fire, and British men-of-war and revenue cutters set out to aid her. When the truth was known, consternation reigned among the English officers. They were astonished at the way the craft steamed away from them after they had rushed to assist what they thought was a ship in distress.

Is Your Company Listed? 
Family-Friendly Insurance Company Web Sites 
 

London has miles and miles of adventure, from the distant past to the rocketing future.
The History of London Bridge:  London Bridge today is not the same London Bridge that crossed the Thames when it was first built. Peter, a priest and chaplain of St. Mary's of Colechurch, began the foundation of the original bridge in 1176 to replace a wooden bridge (expensive to maintain and repeatedly burned down) that had first been built by the Romans.

Southend-on-Sea is Essex’s largest town and its close proximity to London makes it a popular tourist destination year after year. Better still, it is located in the south east of the country in an area widely regarded as the driest part of Britain.

Southampton -- Set on the coast of Hampshire, south of Winchester, this is a place that abounds with a fascinating heritage. The Romans, who established it as a seaport, founded Southampton approximately 2,000 years ago. This was the port from which the ill-fated Titanic had set sail on her maiden voyage in 1912. Even though the place was affected during the Second World War, Southampton has grown sturdy with huge docks built for the cruise industry. The core of the modern city is now based around the City Centre.

Introducing Australia   It is located in the Southern Hemisphere and it is over twenty times the size of the United Kingdom has the lowest population density in the world, with only two people per square kilometre, has more than seven thousand beaches (more than any other country) and covers three time zones. It is also the sixth largest country and smallest continent on the planet. 
The Gold Coast of Australia features 40km of sandy immaculate beaches and is located 70kms south of Queensland's capital city, Brisbane, and 947kms North the capital of New south Wales, Sydney. It has an estimated population of 480,000 and is Australia's sixth largest city.
Stunning Katherine Gorge, the major attraction of Nitmiluk National Park in the Northern Territory of Australia, is an absolute must see. Katherine Gorge shows that the most impressive experiences in the Australian Outback don't cost an arm and a leg, don't have to be shared with a kazillion other tourists, and they don't require any special preparations.

New Zealand is a country comprised of two large islands and many smaller islands in the southwestern Pacific Ocean and is noted for its geographic isolation. The Tasman Sea separates Australia to the northwest; to north are Fiji and Tonga. The total area of New Zealand is 268670 sq. km, which is slightly less than Japan but a little more than the United Kingdom. The country has extensive marine resources and the fifth largest Exclusive Economic Zone in the world. Meaning New Zealand can claim over four million km2 or more than 15 times its land area for exploration and use of marine resources.

The History of the Balearic Islands:  The Balearic Islands have been inhabited since prehistoric times, around 5000 BC, and there are many Cyclopean remains. These show the communities constructed dwellings of stone. There is evidence of primitive agriculture including the keeping of domesticated animals. Jewelry, pottery and tools appear to have been manufactured. Later they were frequently visited by Phoenician traders. In 654 BC the Carthaginians founded what is today Ibiza city. Roman occupation followed and they were in turn evicted by the Visigoths.

Samoa, southseas paradise beckons to the modern traveler.

The discovery of "the cave of John the Baptist" not far away from Jerusalem was a great journalistic drama. Archaeological news easily lights the imagination. Remember the movie series of Indiana Jones. Is it true that John the Baptist began to baptize his followers in this cave? Let us go over the facts, and find out.
Indiana Jones and the Cave of John the Baptist 

Traveling Asia is something that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. When you travel to Asia, there are so many things to see and do; make sure that you plan your trip in advance. However, remember to leave some free time in you itinerary, because when you travel Asia, you want to make sure that you have the flexibility for an occasional adventure. 

World of the Geisha:  The function of the geisha is to provide men with learned but carefree conversation, song and dance, and cup after cup of sake. Unlike the common lot of prostitutes, they are expected to receive rigorous training in their gei, or "art". Their dress is elaborate and expensive, and thus their services do not come cheap. And sex is not a service, or at any rate not the foremost service, that they offer.

Taiwan:  Political struggles aside, the island and people of Taiwan are worth visiting. Travelers who seek a contrast between traditional Asian culture and modern Asian development need look no farther than Taiwan to satisfy their traveling needs.

North Korea:  As an independent kingdom of "Morning Calm" for much of the past thousand years, Korea was occupied by Japan in 1905 following the Russo-Japanese War. Five years later, Japan formally annexed the entire peninsula. Many Korean village leaders still speak fluent Japanese. After the terror of World War II liberated it Korea was split almost in half on the 30th parallel with the northern half coming under Soviet-sponsored Communist domination.

The City of Life, Hong Kong 

The Southern Islands of Thailand 

Thailand Holidays:  Thailand means “the land of the free”.  It lies in the heart of Southeast Asia. It is one of the most beautiful places in the world and one can only experience the exotic beauty of the place when you get there. The fresh air kissing your face when you walk on the beach, the mouth watering dishes and the rush and madness in the market is something you will perhaps not get to see anywhere else.

India is a mystic land and has so many things that a traveler can discover. The best part about India is its rich history; the stories of Indian Kings and queens who lived and died for their kingdom is rather amusing. Even more amusing is to read about the secret lives of these kings and queens, their palaces, their summer retreats, their leisure activities, their traditions and their interest in art and architecture.

Africa, land of mystery.  Actually, we have quite a bit of knowledge stored here on the African Continent and we want to share it with you.

Back to our Front Page