#gypsycouple

To understand where we are coming from, one needs to understand how we met. Technically the role of fate was minimal and the success can be solely attributed to our parents who set us up for a “date”. In an arranged marriage setting, the process can be divided into 3 very distinct stages,

The family date

The date

The wedding

On our first family date, we were both kind of nervous not knowing what to expect out of a date surrounded by the elders of your family winking and prepping you up for what looks like a done deal to them. However, we managed to get a conversation going and apparently made good enough impressions on each other to move on to stage 2. The date is exactly like a normal date but with an agenda.

Timelines are short and its essential one figures out as early as possible if the person at the other end of the table is a likely contender for Big Boss season eternity. If not, the cycle continues. The coffee shop became a first milestone for our married lives, where the two of us without a common background to begin with, ended up chatting away like old friends till an unlikely ring notified us of the hours gone past. A small but important moment of revelation which told us that “I” was passé and “We” was in vogue. We knew then and there, that we were meant to be forever together. We were soon married and off to our honeymoon, the place where we would truly discover the moment which defined our relationship.

The view of the approaching airport, one so tiny it looked like the plane might overshoot its length before stopping, was gorgeous. The weather was sunny with a hint of grey peeping from behind the glare. On our way to our hotel however, it started to drizzle and fearing the worst we hurried into our hotel for the check-in. Once we had deposited the bags in our rooms we headed out to explore the private beaches of the hotel. The sight which greeted us was out of this world. The sky and the beach looked freshly washed if such a thing is possible and out to greet us was a double rainbow. Rainbows are rare enough commodity where we come from, a double rainbow is more of a myth. The look of utter glee reflected on each other’s faces at the sight of the rainbow made that moment truly Platinum! That single moment removed any shred of awkwardness which remained between us in this newly evolved relationship, sent a spark of understanding between us. We understood how we together were creatures of curiosity and loved our bit of finding something momentous. We both revelled in the act of explorations and while independent, there was a unique joy in sharing it with each other. An unspoken promise was made that moment one of discovering life through travel and that is how my friends, Gypsycouple as you know it came to be.

The moment you find your soulmate like we did, you’ll know that they will be true to you for the rest of your life. Platinum Love Bands are a great way to seal this precious moment – a symbol of forever together & the bond of pure love the moment stands for. Do you have a similar Platinum Moment of celebration? Share them with us as comments, we would love to hear about them.

This post was made possible by Platinum Guild International & ORRA Jewellers.

Jordan is frequently overshadowed by its neighbours and a bit ignored, partly due to the instability in the region. In fact it is a Treasure-chest waiting to be opened by tourists who do manage to get here. Perfectly safe and amazingly beautiful are common phrases used by travellers we know who’ve been there and it seems, well deservedly so. However, like all under-explored destinations, there is…

Bali, the Island of the Gods has become a tourist magnet in the last couple of years meaning that there are numerous guides on how to party hard, top Bali hotels & what to see and eat. However all that means is that the popular become even more popular while the undiscovered remain a cherished secret. One of Indonesia’s 17,500 islands, it still remains the most sought after destination in the…

DAY I 

5.30 P.M.

The old town square is perhaps the heart of the city and one of its most popular and historical areas. Given that it’s filled with dining and drinking establishments of all shapes and sizes, it’s guaranteed to have a sizeable tourist and local population irrespective of the time and day of the week. The astronomical clock is something which is covered during the day walking tour as well, but the evening does add to its charm. Though everything in the city is just a small walk away, the beautiful Charles bridge, literally so, looks enchanting during the night. Adorned with 30 statues, one of which is an effigy of the martyr St John of Nepomuk and legend has it that touching the statue will bring you good luck. A small walk across the bridge is highly recommended.

7 P.M

It is a shame if you miss out on a cultural initiation when in Prague. Arguably the best way to do so would be the Prague Ghosts & Legends Walking Tour (or a similar tour by some other name). Normally about an hour and half long, the tour takes you through the twisting back streets and narrow alleyways visiting mythical monuments like the headquarters of the Knight Templar in Prague and haunted churches. Though probably not as scary as the dedicated ghost tours, this one is for the entire family with the right mix of history, culture and horror to keep everyone on their toes.

8.30 P.M.

Head on to Lehká Hlava, our choice for the best vegetarian food in town. The place serves a mix of Mexican, Italian and Czech food, ideal after the long (and scary) walk which should’ve helped your appetite. The “small clear head” taster plate and the simple green salad with honey-lemon dressing is what we recommend, but the other starter and main course options are just as good. After you’re done, you have an option to head over to Hemingway’s bar for a brief introduction Absinthe and how to drink it the correct way, or picking a barely-pronounceable Trdelník from the vendors in the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. The Trdelník is a traditional pastry made from freshly-grilled dough covered with sugar and ground walnuts and a must have in Prague.

Insider Tip

The food stalls at the very touristy Old Town Square can be a bit pricey. Going a bit off the route will save you a few korun and probably taste a lot nicer too.

DAY II

 9.30 A.M

Photo Credits | Bistro Sisters

Photo Credits | Bistro Sisters

Make your way to the Bistro Sisters for an early morning caffeine kick start and a spot of breakfast. We’ve heard that their “chlebicky” (traditional open-faced sandwiches) especially the option with red beet puree with goat cheese, radishes and cream cheese is a local favorite. The stylish, chic but extremely friendly café can be just the thing to have you prepped up to start the day.

10.30 A.M

Prague offers some of the best walking tours we’ve been on. There are numerous options to choose from based on your time constraints, but we would recommend one which takes you to the Prague Castle, The St. Vitus Cathedral, Kafka’s birth house, the old-new synagogues and the Jewish cemetery.  However if you’re in the mood to go exploring yourself, we have some interesting ideas for you as well. Take a tram from Korunovacní to Ujezd where the funicular railway will take you up to the top of Petřín Hill, which is the summit of one of the most popular parks in Prague, Petřínské Sady. The Petřín Tower which literally towers over the park offers some of the best views of the city given its high vantage point. After your morning fix of shareworthy photos and selfies, you can head towards the Bludišté, a beautiful labyrinthine hall of mirrors. The Prague Castle, a UNESCO Heritage site, is just a short distance away and a must see. Of course you can cover all the above mentioned places on your own, but it simply isn’t the same without someone to guide you around.

12 P.M

If you’ve decided to skip the walking tour, head over to ‘Lesser Town’ or Malá Strana. Picturesque is the word that comes to your mind when visiting these quarters, recognizable by its beautiful Baroque architecture and quaint cobbled side streets. If you feel like a late lunch, grab a cherry cake or a meringue kiss from Cukrkávalimonáda’s patisserie on your way. If you have some time at hand, it’s well worth visiting the farmers market at Holešovická Tržnice , which offers quite a range of trinklets, street fashion, souvenirs and more. The products are much cheaper than the ones available at the more touristy locations and make for a good bargain. 

1:30 P.M

If you’re in the mood to have a light lunch head over to Bistro Zahrada for an organic/ gluten free lunch – they offer outdoor seating as well if the weather is nice and the cakes are scrumptious. Alternately you can visit Estrella, which offers a more robust menu, good food and great service. The daily specials are always interesting and it’s a worthwhile pick if you’re in a mood for a proper lunch.

3 P.M

After lunch and so much outdoor sightseeing, the afternoon calls for some indoor sightseeing in museums (and art galleries if you like). The Museum of Alchemists & Magicians of Old Prague isn’t as fascinating and magical as its name sounds but makes for an interesting visit. The presentation is flashy but is in tune with the theme given that occult practitioners & magicians who tend to be a little sensational themselves.  The Sex Machines Museum might not top everyone’s list but should be if only for the bragging rights. That it is the only museum of its kind in the world makes it a must visit for the vaguely curious, couples on the road and solo backpackers alike. Families might want to give it a miss to avoid uncomfortable questions by curious kids. If your quota of weirdness is still not full, you might want to head over to the Museum of Historical Chamber of Pots & Toilets. We discovered a similar one in Delhi, but this one has quite the collection too.

5 P.M.

It would be tough to beat the above list with anything remotely normal so we would recommend heading over to the Lennon wall, which takes a bit of negotiating a maze of narrow alleyways to reach and is a graffiti laden wall dedicated to John Lennon. Surprisingly, the history isn’t about the city’s fascination with music but as a symbol of Czech youth’s resistance against the previous communist regime which banned a slew of things including pop music. A fitting and interesting end to our proposed tour. Should you still be in town and have some time at hand, head over to the Beer Spa Carlsbad, the most popular spa of its kind in Prague. Reservations are not mandatory but recommended to not have you miss out on the one of its kind experience while in this city.

This concludes our itinerary for this wonderful city. If you have some suggestions or recommendations of things to do to add to the Prague guide, please feel free to mention them in your comments.

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An erstwhile fiefdom it is still managed by the royal family who have converted part of the fort into a luxury boutique hotel. The rooms retain their charm of their glorious years and though part of it the hotel looks dated, it is quite in tune with its theme. The royal family lives in another part of the fort but are readily accessible should you be in need of anything including a conversation. The feeling of staying at one of their palatial suites with a view of the river, is incomparable and frankly breath-taking.

The fort is not as grand and large as its counterpart in Chittorgarh nearby but still manages to provide a safe sanctuary for the people who call it home – all 5000 of them. The streets are narrow but the people we managed to see on the road were all with wide grins on their face, happily working at their chores. The fort was restored and converted into the luxury hotel as recently as 2006 and the Royal family still live in an adjoining wing, easily accessible and always welcoming.

The countryside around the Fort at first glance reminded us of Scotland. The region is hilly, the weather misty and cool and the erstwhile forests have given way to vast meadows and farmlands giving it a very similar feel. The river is infested with crocodiles which can be often seen sunning themselves on the banks or mistaken as floating logs of wood until you see a snout breaking the water and finally realize your folly. It is quite impossible to believe you are in the desert state of Rajasthan while you’re staying there and is easily one of the best hotels we’ve managed to stay in till date. It was love at first sight and we will be coming back for more.

Rooms & the View:

We were booked into the Mewar suite which is the biggest suite available at this hotel. Big is actually an understatement while describing the room which has a bed room with two balconies overlooking two rivers, has a small dining room with a fantastic view leading to a living room and a bathroom which had a wet and dry area with a chair in the middle of it. We couldn’t fathom the reason why a chair was placed there but we assume it might be for guests like us who might get tired moving about in the room.

Given that we were the only guests at the time of check-in the entire floor was ours for the duration of the stay. Which meant sole access to the common lounging area complete with sofas and sitting areas which might have been made for the princesses to relax. All the windows had tiny patterns of coloured glass and with the sunlight streaming in created a magical effect. The bed room had a huge four poster bed underneath a giant dome with some kind of paintings on it but was rather bare boned except for that. However the alcoves within the walls and the side tables offered enough space to place the water and our belongings for easy access. The main hero of the room was not the bed (although it was among the comfortable one we’ve slept in) but the balcony and its view. We’ve talked about the fabulous view from the room at some other places we’ve stayed at but this view was out of the world. It is too much of a task ever for writers like us to describe a scene which has us standing in a restored fort looking out of jharokha in a balcony of a luxurious room, staring at a wide expanse of water which is the Chambal river surrounded by a green meadow with the far horizon shrouded in mist. That we were welcomed by gusts of wet wind promising of rain as soon as we opened the balcony door just made it seem all the more dreamy.

The room has no TV or gigantic tubs to soak in or probably the frills you would associate with a luxury hotel  (except for a state of the art Lavazza coffee make which frankly felt out of place in the room) but still felt luxurious. The sofas could’ve been a bit more comfortable and there could’ve been more strategically placed plug points to cater to the technology toting smart travellers but frankly those are inconsequential and manufactured whining’s to dispel the hypnosis of this place. To say it as it was, we were charmed out of our wits.

Service:

There is no polished hospitality management graduates to welcome you in. No hierarchical blue/red/green tape to go through when you need something done. Because, wait for it, there are no managers. That ridiculous (or was it incredulous) face you might be making reflects ours when we heard about it. The property, small as it is, is run by two brothers from the lineage of the Royal family of Bhainsrorgarh. To give each guest the personal attention they deserve and to give this place a feel of a homestay (albeit a royal one) rather than a hotel, they’ve done away with the concept of managers and employ mostly local staff from the region (we found that most of the resident staff was from villages in Madhya Pradesh hardly a few hours away). In an interesting mix of technology and practicality, each room is provided with a remote buzzer connected directly to the kitchens where the staff congregates. This ensures prompt response and does away with the needless concept of an intercom system which would serve no incremental purpose. Our personal experience with the system was faultless but we can see it running into issues when the hotel is fully booked, given the limited staff at hand. The staff are warm, eager and aim to please, disappearing into the shadows when not needed and magically appearing at the softest call. However, the two brothers, either of whom might be your host during your stay, are a notch above. They are wonderful company, will take special attention to your needs and ask for feedback and opinion with open frankness as if you were a family friend and not a guest. We felt it odd that a luxury hotel was positioning itself as a homestay experience while looking at their website, but a stay there will convince you there’s merit to their thoughts and leave wishing your other stays were like this.

Food:

The food served here is totally Indian with a bent towards local Rajasthani cuisine. We had an assortment of dishes throughout our stay with no curry repeated and every meal a unique spread in itself. That in itself was a remarkable experience. The food was yummy, less oily than we expected and frankly had us waiting eagerly for the next meal. The only thing we feel could be improved is a little pro-activeness from the chef/staff in checking if the menu agrees with the guest. Although we did not face any major issues, a fixed menu cannot cater to everyone and a prior discussion can ensure that the chef has enough time to prepare the changes and the guests are satisfied with their meal. That said, the food was the best we had during our trip and can understand why so many of the reviews complement the food so much. A bit of advice, the local food can be a bit heavy on the stomach for guests not used to it and a measure of modicum in stuffing yourself with it, can ensure a smooth and fulfilling trip with the ability to enjoy the other meals. The meals are served on the roof which has one of the best views we’ve enjoyed during a meal and the candle light dinners can be incredibly romantic.

Activities:

The owners have created a range of activities to enjoy during your stay but unfortunately we weren’t able to experience most of them given the bad weather. However time passes by in a jiffy and we feel we could’ve easily extended a day. A boat ride to a small island on the river for a picnic is one of their best activities and should not be missed. Done in a small rowing boat early in the morning, the experience can be incredibly romantic. A small hike round the periphery of the fort leading through the Chhatri’s (cremating grounds of the Royal family) and onwards to a hanging bridge which leads you to the farmlands on the other side of the river is another small activity which is again highly recommended. The views from the hanging bridge of the fort walls and the birdlife around is quite marvellous. A short ride or a hike to the Baroli/Badoli temple complex should be done. The best part about the excursion being that there are hardly any visitors there. The only people to give you company would be the temple priest and a couple of guards from the ASI (Archaeological Survey of India). The temples, most of them now in a semi ruined state, are eight in number, dedicated to Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga, Lord Vishnu & Lord Ganesha. The temples said to be built during the 9th-10th century are one of the earliest temple complexes in Rajasthan.

End Notes & Tips:

Bhainsrorgarh is now officially our favourite recommendation for non-mainstream Rajasthan and for anyone in the mood for R&R.

The road leading from the main highway to the fort is single lane and can be a bit bumpy, however the destination is well worth the journey. The road coming in from Kota is supposedly in a better condition than the one coming from Chittorgarh.

Ask for top floor suites for the best rooms and views. The deluxe rooms do not share the great views and if budget is not a constraint, the suites are highly recommended.

Fact File:

Bhainsrorgarh Fort is 50 Km (Roughly 1 Hr) from Kota and about 250 Km (Roughly 4 Hours) from Udaipur & Sawi Madhopur (Ranthambore).

The best time to visit would ideally be just during the monsoons when it is green beyond imagination and the river is full. However from our personal experience the roads are in a bad shape in the season and the trip can be avoided. Given that the summers are hot and the lack of a swimming pool makes it quite uninhabitable, Oct to March remains the best season to experience the property.

Bhainsrorgarh is great for couples looking for romance or even solo travelers wanting some peace and quiet. You can book a room at their website for the best prices

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However the most captivating essence of the rooms are the views they offer. In 1828, Lieutenant Colonel James Tod, then political agent to the Western Rajput States, described the city in his Annals and Antiquities as the “most romantic spot on the continent of India”. It is easy to see why. The icy white Lake Palace best known for its cameo in the 007 blockbuster Octopussy is one of the most searched Indian monument after the Taj Mahal and can be seen in its full glory with a backdrop of the Aravalli’s from the rooms. Through the little touches of luxury, its heritage shines through without looking old or dated and hints that we are in a hotel which is many notches above the rest.

Grounds & Accommodation:

Situated within the City Palace complex, the hotel is as exclusive as they come. One has to pass through numerous checkpoints and guards wanting to see your security pass (yes, all guests get one per room) before you’re ushered in to your hotel. The most convenient way to explore the Palace grounds is through the golf carts offered as a complimentary service to the guests of Fateh Prakash & Shiv Niwas Palace. The hotel was once a palace and it looks the part with its luxurious interiors, plush sofas and frames after frames of the royal family. Check-in is a smooth and somewhat embarrassing affair with us being garlanded on arrival and but the welcome drink and the wet towels offered helped hide the blush. We were then asked to fill a customary document with our particulars and were then escorted to our room for a brief tour highlighting the presence of the mini bar, the room service menu and the breakfast timings. Our first impression of the room was a big wow.

The living room and the bed room was separated by three small arches, there were big TV’s in both the areas, though who would want to watch TV in a room with such a view, was beyond us. The interior designer might know their stuff a bit though, given that they had added in a small sitting area by the window which was by far our favourite part of the room.

The bathroom offered a similar view should one wish to soak in the views while relaxing in the generously large tub. The minibar was well stocked and as with all minibars generously priced. Guests are provided with a small fruit basket daily as well as a small box of yummy cookies in the afternoon and chocolates in the evening. The bed is gigantic and among the softest we’ve had the pleasure of sleeping upon. Given the rigours of our urban 9 to 6 lives it was definitely a great way to get some much needed beauty sleep in.

Dining:

Fateh Prakash offers access to what is arguably one of the most scenic restaurants in Udaipur, the Sunset Terrace. Though it is thronged by tourists during the evening and quite understandably chaotic, we enjoyed our breakfast in peace and quiet. The breakfast spread is huge with both Indian and continental offerings available and with the serene waters of the lake for company. We can see how the place gets its name and quite rightly the sunsets should be spectacular with a glass of bubbly in your hand to go along.

Location:

The location is quite unbeatable when you consider that the City Palace is right at your backyard. If you wish to go beyond the doors, a quick golf cart ride later you can find yourself at the Tripoliya gates which lead to a small marketplace and the very famous Jagdish Temple, about 100 metres ahead. If you’re in the exploring mood, you can take a short walk through the smaller lanes, packed with shops selling clothes, accessories and paintings and plop down in one of the small café’s on the way. The ghats are all reachable by foot and provide a peek at the real Udaipur. If you’re not in the walking mood, the tuk-tuk’s are available at every crossing and uber/ola on every phone. However do remember to haggle before jumping in a tuk-tuk as the rates quoted are more likely than not very inflated especially if they see you exiting the city palace complex. In our experience, it’s best to start at about 50% of the rate quoted and work up.

Ending note & Tips:

We stayed at the spectacular premier suites but the lake facing dovecote rooms can provide equally enticing views should budget be a constraint. One should always go for the continental plan given the huge breakfast spread on order. Plus having the breakfast in the sunset terrace is an experience in itself. Though there is no swimming pool at Fateh Prakash, guests can use the one at their sister hotel, Shiv Niwas Palace which is a short 5 minute golf cart ride away. However the timings are a bit odd and better checked with if swimming is on your mind. The views from all lake facing rooms should be similar but try to get a room on the higher floor for a better experience. For restaurant visits or a trip to the monsoon palace call up an uber/ola. The rides are cheaper and faster than the ones called up by the front desk.

Fact File:

Fateh Prakash Palace is right at the edge of Lake Pichola and in the heart of the city of Udaipur. It offers a choice between 21 Dovecote rooms and 44 Dovecote Premier Suites.

The best time to visit would be just after the monsoons when the lakes fill up and/or in the winters when it is much cooler. However given its close proximity to the state of Gujarat, it has evolved into a yearlong tourist destination.

We stayed in one of the top floor premier suites however, to our knowledge all lake facing rooms share a similar view and only differ in the size of the room and possibly the amenities on offer (Not bath tubs with lake views)

Fateh Prakash is great for couples given its romantic setting and families given the easy access to all the sights and should be in the consideration set if you’re looking for a luxurious stay in this beautiful lake city. You can book a room at their website for the best prices

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The story goes that the region was once a popular hunting ground for the British officials and this particular clearing was where the camps were set up especially for one prominent British official, Mountbatten. The verdant forest still covers the property and being up in the mountain beyond the cluster of hotels that have come up near the very popular Ranakpur Jain Temples means that you get to enjoy the place as it is meant to be, in peace and serenity.

The location was deemed quite dangerous as recently as 6-7 years ago because of the close proximity to the Garasia tribals who would shoot arrows at and loot unsuspecting tourists passing through post sunset. However initiatives by the local government and the owners have put an end to it and made it safe even for guests who would prefer to walk down the road and enjoy the countryside. Indeed the green cover on both side of the road, coupled with the pleasant climate up in the hills makes for a great walk down the usually lonely motorable road.

The Green canopy which surrounds the property extends into it as well albeit in a more controlled fashion. Indeed, the property has a small stream running through it as well as a small pond with lotuses blooming and frogs croaking. An ancient Banyan tree however is the place of preference for most guests who prefer its shade while having lunch. The small bridges, grey stone buildings and the dining halls with hints of neo-classical/greek revival architecture sound all over the place but come very well together. The interiors are opulent and have been decorated with memorabilia’s, antiques, photos and the like from the owner’s personal collection. The owner, Mr. Reggie Singh, the Grandson of the erstwhile Maharaja of Jodhpur, is quite affable and frankly great company for relaxed evenings to get you settled in. The music which plays during your meals as also in the bar area during the evening is personally curated by him and is fantastic. So much so that we had half a mind to request him to share it with us. Talking with him is part of the experience which Mountbatten provides and an experience it is. Where else would you be so relaxed having a light cup of tea or a drink in the company of Royalty?

Accomodation & Service:

There are just 4 rooms in the property for guests which makes the experience extremely private. A single villa houses all the 4 rooms, each with a different décor but very similar amenities. Four poster beds, huge living rooms, open showers, huge tubs and to top it off a beautiful plunge pool for lazy summer evenings. There was nothing we would’ve wanted more from a room which frankly could’ve been mistaken for a villa if we didn’t know better. In keeping with the colonial theme, there are no geysers in the room and hot water baths would require a bit of prior notice, especially for early morning showers. The gas heater takes about 15-20 minutes to send hot water up to the rooms and unless you’re on a hurried timeline, was not a problem. The best and worst part about the property is the lack of connectivity. Mobile networks are impossible to catch, there is no intercom and the absence of Wifi seems quite painful for the first 15 minutes or so.

A small bell is laid out on a table as the de-facto means of communication. It’s as if someone handed us a magic lamp and every time we rub it, the genie magically appears out of nowhere fulfilling our every wish. The analogy isn’t quite far behind once you experience it. The marvellous Daul ji with his huge moustaches is omnipresent and take about half a second to respond. In the rare chance of his absence Mr. Chauhan the guardian of this sanctuary is always there to lend a hand. We’ve been treated to very high levels of service in our travels and are quite a challenge to impress. But impressed we were with the sheer efficiency of this seemingly pre-medieval mechanism. Each one of the staff members we encountered were highly trained in the art of hospitality, some polished, some rustic but overall smooth as a clockwork. The “Ji Hukum’s” still resound through our minds when we look at the pictures or remember the place.

Food:

Frankly we were a bit disappointed initially when we sat down to what we thought was very simple fare for a place of this caliber. However a few bites in, it begins to sink in how apt the food is for the place. You do not come to a place like this to gorge on unhealthy food rich in oil and butter but to relax and enjoy. The food is completely in tune with the surroundings, light, non-oily and non-spicy and is best for keeping the tummy in good spirits throughout the journey. The food served was mostly Indian fare but should you prefer a more continental offering, the chef seemed well adept at dishing out some of that as well. Personally, we would had appreciated it a bit more if they had asked us for a preference or dietary restrictions before serving the meal. It is not essential nor is it a norm but it definitely would’ve given them a brownie point if they had. However we will be back to have that missed lunch under the Banyan tree!

Ending notes & Tips:

Their 3 dogs can be really playful and will jump all over you if they take a liking to you. Usually that’s not a bad thing but for Nirali who already has a mild fear of anything with a sharp set of fangs, it was quite a frightening experience (and a muddy one, given how the dogs had been splashing about in the post monsoon puddles around the property). However for someone who loves dogs, the sight of the bounding dogs with their tongues lolling out can be quite cheering.

Be prepared to be completely cut out from the outer world once you’re inside the premises. Except for a small area near the banyan tree, it is near impossible to catch a network anywhere inside the premises which might cause a few hiccups for those waiting for some important business calls. However why anyone would bring their business with them at such a location will probably be beyond us.

The small stream passing through the property looks inaccessible but can be reached through a small makeshift pathway near the banyan tree. If you’re a bit daring, you can go down to the stream and dip your foot in the cool clean waters for some natural therapy. And it makes for a wonderful photo-op as well.

Fact File:

Mountbatten Lodge is 10 Km (Roughly 20 Mins) from Ranakpur Jain Temples and about 100  Km (Roughly 2 Hours) from Udaipur.

The best time to visit would be just after the monsoons when it is green beyond imagination and/or in the winters when the climate is better. We would imagine the summers to be cool as well given the forested surroundings and give a worthy excuses for a dip in the beautiful plunge pool, making it a round the year property

We stayed in one of the two top floor suites with a private plunge pool, however, to our knowledge all suite options come with similar décor and only differ in its layout (The ground floor rooms are interconnected suites sharing a swimming pool)

Mountbatten is great for couples looking for some alone time, families come to spend some time together or even solo travelers wanting some peace and quiet. You can book a room at their website for the best prices

We were guests of Mountbatten Lodge, Ranakpur but as always our opinions and experiences are unbiased, untarnished and entirely our own!

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