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Asia, Luxury Journeys, Make Travel Matter

Meet the female riders of Jaipur’s Pink City Rickshaw Company

March 3, 2023 by Luxury Gold No Comments
Pink City Rickshaw

In the Rajasthani capital of Jaipur, in India, the colour pink is a part of life. Upon arrival, you’ll see it everywhere – predominantly splashed across the city’s regal architecture. The latest addition to the Pink City’s signature colour scheme are the custom-designed, eco-friendly rickshaws driven by local women for Pink City Rickshaw.

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Asia, Luxury Journeys

Uncovering India’s cultural riches, with acclaimed historian Rana Safvi

February 28, 2023 by Luxury Gold No Comments

There’s no better way to discover the real India than by meeting those who know her best. And few know her like the renowned writer, scholar and local historian Rana Safvi.

Journey with us to India on a Founder’s Collection and you’ll enjoy an intimate dinner with Rana at Sana-Di-Ge, where she will teach you about her studies of Indian culture and how they relate to present day life in India. Dine on the finest seafood, share experiences and delve deep into the heart of this fascinating country.

We spoke to her to find out more about what Luxury Gold guests can expect when they dine at her side in Delhi.

Discover this on: Imperial Rajasthan

Read more: Exclusive travel encounters: Founder’s Collection

One of India’s most revered minds

Described as a ‘a schoolteacher-turned-veteran writer on premodern India,’ Rana Safvi is one of India’s most acclaimed writers and scholars.

Rana’s authored work focusses on documenting the many monuments, shrines and structures that shine a light on India’s fascinating and extensive past. Through these she tells the story of India’s heritage, with a particular focus on architecture relating to the sultanates that ruled parts of India from the 13th century onwards. “I love interacting with people and showcasing my work and my country,” Rana tells us. “So, I am very excited to be meeting with Luxury Gold guests, and to share my love for India’s monuments and the stories and history around them. This country has such a unique culture and heritage it will be a delight to share stories with guests, and to help them get to know the real India.”

Always inspired and intrigued by her country, Rana began her writing career later on in life. Inspired by her time as a teacher, of her work she has said “The idea was to write narrative history that everybody could relate to, and therefore help reduce misinformation.”

For travel inspiration: India destination guide

 Related content: From off-grid trips to nostalgic getaways: the top luxury holiday destinations for 2023

Making her mark on literature

Rana first emerged as a writer in 2004 when she started her blog ranasafvi.com, which has grown into an archive of cultural, literary and historical heritage. In 2015 she published her first book ‘Where Stones Speak: Historical Trails in Mehrauli.’ The book takes you on a walk through the oldest of Delhi’s seven cities, Mehrauli,. describing the religious diversity of its monuments, each a living memory of an era dissolved in history.

Rana is also a regular contributor to various national newspapers and magazines and is a much-sought after speaker at conferences and seminars. A skilled translator, Rana has also translated original Urdu works for today’s audience.

Related content: The Most Colorful Cities in the World

Unravelling India’s complex and diverse past

 

Through her work, Rana is always keen to communicate that India’s past was diverse and complex. She documents not only Islamic, but Hindu and Buddhist monuments, including the oldest architectural remains of the earliest rock-cut caves.

She has also documented dargahs (shrines built over the graves of revered religious figures), and Delhi’s Jain and Hindu temples. This runs against the narrative that India’s Mughal-era Muslim rulers destroyed such structures.

Rana explains that in recent years, changes to historical curriculum in schools is serving to erase premodern or medieval Indian history from the public domain. This includes the renaming of road, stations and even whole cities. She aims to counter revisionism with ‘accessible’ accounts, as she documents India’s often-overlooked Muslim, Jain and Buddhist monuments.

Culture through cuisine

Passionate about food and its links with culture, Rana is also researching the food history of her country. She’s contributed many articles on the subject, participated in conferences and is currently part of a University of Sheffield project called Forgotten Food. For this she has contributed a chapter on Qorma, Qaliya and Awadh cuisine, for a food anthology which became a bestseller.

Related content: From London to Tokyo: Where to sample the world’s best street food

A deep message to take away

“If guests could take one learning home from their visit to India to share with friends and family back home it would be the country’s rich heritage and culture,” Rana says. “There are so many layers, deeper than what you can see on one visit or read in guidebooks. It is important to be open and inquisitive, and to seek out the lesser-known stories and monuments. From here you can start to uncover the true India and understand all her wonderful complexities.”

Related content: Meet the ladies of the Pink City Rickshaw

For the opportunity to meet Rana Safvi for yourself, take a look at our Imperial Rajasthan luxury guided tour. To see more exclusive encounters that we have in store on our journeys, read about our Founder’s Collection. Spend time with the people who have shaped the history of the places you go. Meet European nobility, legendary locals and celebrated icons. Curated by our founder, the late Stanley Tollman, these are his friendships from across the globe brought to you through exclusive meet and greets.

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Asia, Luxury Journeys

Looking to rekindle the romance? This luxurious Udaipur hotel ticks all the boxes

February 13, 2023 by Luxury Gold No Comments

Sumptuous rooms, decadent dining and panoramic lake and mountain views – welcome to the Leela Palace Hotel in Udaipur, India. This five-star establishment offers everything you could wish for in a romantic luxury hotel and so much more.

The unparalleled grandeur of the Leela Palace is an ode to the Land of the Mewars, the region of Rajasthan where the hotel is located. Traditional artisanal crafts and exquisite embellishments inspired by the rich cultural heritage of the area adorn the rooms. Scenic views of the city, tranquil Lake Pichola and the Aravalli mountains make for amazing vistas. It is truly one unforgettable romantic stay.

For travel inspiration: India destination guide

The art of the hotel

@theleelapalaceudaipur

Every inch of the Leela Palace hotel is a masterpiece. Inspired by the royal grandeur of India, the hotel is steeped in culture and history. As you stroll amongst hand-carved marble lotuses and silver elephants, the contemporary decor blends seamlessly with traditional architecture. Thekri, a Mewari art form that uses intricately chiseled mirrors on plaster, is the main theme of the palace interiors.

Embroidered fabrics mix throughout with dark wood furniture. Here you can see the Tarkashi work – the art of setting brass wires, strips and motifs in wood to make handcrafted furniture. You can also book (at extra cost) an Art Walk of the Palace, where an expert will reveal the treasures to you and provide fascinating insights into culture and history.

Discover this on: Imperial Rajasthan

The Maharaja Suite

@theleelapalaceudaipur

If you are going all out to rekindle the romance, then why not take the best room at this most romantic luxury hotel? Although it comes with an eye-watering price tag, the Maharaja Suite is worth dreaming of. This royal choice features plush interiors adorned with fine art and artifacts. During your stay you will be waited on hand and foot by your personal butler. Built into the suite, for the discreet comfort of its distinguished guests, is a massage parlor, a spacious plunge pool and sprawling courtyards.

At 3,585-sq.-ft. the vast suite comes with a living room, study, dining area and master bedroom with a separate walk-in wardrobe. The king-size bathtub and jacuzzi as well as the separate shower stall and water closet only add to the feel of luxury.

Related content: Our top 10 hand-picked luxury hotel stays for 2023

The Grand Heritage Lake View Room

@theleelapalaceudaipur

Maybe a more realistic option for most luxury travelers, the other rooms and suites at the Leela Palace hotel, while smaller, are no less impressive. Wake up to tranquility in one of this romantic luxury hotel’s Grand Heritage Lake View rooms. Elegant, contemporary interiors are adorned with traditional Rajasthani art and craftwork by local artisans, and exquisitely embroidered fabrics lure you to relax.

Superbly comfortable beds and all the expected amenities of a five-star hotel combine for a romantic luxury getaway. Rooms with a balcony offer panoramic romantic views of the lake and mountains. This is the perfect spot to sip champagne and relive years, stories and moments gone by.

Related content: The personal touch: our top 5 curated luxury travel experiences for 2023

Exquisite dining

@theleelapalacehoteludaipur

Offering the best in Indian fine dining, the hotel’s Sheesh Mahal restaurant showcases the most exotic and exquisite flavors. The perfect luxury hotel for Valentine’s Day, dine in the warm open-air, overlooking the lake and under a glittering night sky. Using recipes mastered in royal kitchens, Sheesh Mahal mirrors the traditional essence of the kitchens of India. Along with contemporary nuances, the local flavors are elevated to their authentic best. Under the glow of candles, the restaurant invites you to enjoy the nostalgia and romance of a bygone era.

The Library Bar

@theleelapalaceudaipur

The perfect date venue, drop into the Library Bar to sip a romantic cocktail or fine champagne. Choose from time-refined cognacs, single malts and vintage wines. Choose the bar to spend one-on-one time together whilst enjoying the wood paneling, fireplaces, fine art, books and collectible artifacts that adorn the walls. Sink into one of the comfortable couches and pick from the finest selections of whiskies and liquors from around the world. Or step out into the courtyard to enjoy Rajasthani folk music and dance performances every evening.

A sublime location

@theleelapalacehoteludaipur

The Leela Palace hotel makes the most of its lakeside location, with sublime views across the waters of Lake Pichola and panoramic views of the rolling Aravalli Mountain ranges. Despite this tranquil locale, the hotel is in the city center so the sights of Udaipur are within close reach, making this a perfect destination and hotel for your honeymoon. The spectacular City Palace, the floating Lake Palace and the Indo-Aryan Jagdish Temple are all romantic spots to visit.

Related content: From off-grid trips to nostalgic getaways: the top luxury holiday destinations for 2023

The Spa

@theleelapalacehoteludaipur

A serene getaway to wellness and relaxation, the Leela Palace Hotel spa is worthy as a destination in itself. This tented spa complex features eight luxury tents, with a yoga and meditation tent, as well as therapy suites with private pools. Here clients are offered a holistic experience to recharge the body, mind and soul.

Guests of the spa can also enjoy a Temple ritual. This takes place daily at Lord Shiva’s 16th-century Omkareshwar temple in the Palace Garden. If you are looking for the best luxury hotel for couples then, with this amazing spa, the Leela Palace is the perfect location to relax together.

Related content: Expert selected: the 4 best hotel spas you can visit with Luxury Gold

 

If you are looking for an extra special travel experience, whether to rekindle the romance or just treat yourselves then India is a fantastic destination. Stay in this romantic luxury hotel and many more worldwide on our limited-edition guided journeys.

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