EJ Latitudes 1/08.qxd - Frontiers Elegant Journeys

Nadesar Palace — Varanasi
The holy city of Varanasi (or Benares as it is also known) is the
spiritual capital of the Hindu world and, in our mind, an essential
place to start any trip to India. Situated on the banks of the
Ganges, Varanasi is visited by pilgrims who come to bathe in the
sacred waters, a ritual believed to wash away all sins. To date
there has been a dearth of luxury accommodation, now rectified
by the opening of Nadesar Palace, located in the heart of this
bustling city among mango orchards, marigold and jasmine fields
and offering an opulent serene retreat from the chaos and crowds
of the city. This boutique hideaway is quite simply the most luxurious
place to stay in Varanasi.
Built by the East India Company to house officers stationed in the
ancient city of Benares (now Varanasi), Nadesar Palace was
bought by Maharaja Prabhu Narain Singh in the 19th century to
offer sumptuous accommodation to visiting dignitaries. It has now
been carefully restored by the Taj Group to offer 10 spacious
rooms and suites with large windows overlooking the gardens and
spacious white marbled bathrooms. A full spa with ayurvedic treatments
and yoga complements the accommodation. Nadesar
Palace is all about relaxing and rejuvenating, allowing you to stay a
little longer in this magical city.
Mumbai Update
The tragic events of November 2008 have left an indelible
stain of terrorism on the vibrant Indian port city of Mumbai.
The heartbreaking loss of life and damage to some of its
most significant landmarks took a terrible toll on the city and
its people, yet they refused to be intimidated. It was a true
testament to the courage and resilience of the citizens of
Mumbai when the Taj Palace Hotel Tower Wing and the
Oberoi Trident Hotel reopened their doors to guests on
December 21, 2008. The historic Heritage Wing of the Taj
Palace Hotel sustained major damage but reconstruction has
already begun and the hotel’s owners are committed to
restoring this magnificent property to its former glory.
Although it is not well known as a tourism destination,
Mumbai has much to offer leisure travelers. The city is similar
in many ways to New York City. Located on a group of
islands on the coast of the Arabian Sea, Mumbai is India’s
largest and most populated city, the country’s financial powerhouse,
and home to the thriving Bollywood entertainment
industry. The city is India’s most ethnically and spiritually
diverse as residents have come from all over the country and
other areas of Asia seeking fortune, fame, or simply a better
quality of life.
Visitors to Mumbai have a wide selection of luxury accommodations
and upscale restaurants available to them, along
with a variety of historic and cultural attractions. Oberoi, Taj
Hotels, and Four Seasons all offer 5-star properties in
Mumbai, and other international hotel chains, such as JW
Marriott, Intercontinental, Hyatt and Kempinski, offer excellent
options for those with more moderate budgets. Mumbai
is a paradise for foodies and the current dining scene provides
something for every taste, with choices ranging from
traditional Indian dishes from every corner of the sub-continent
to the outstanding seafood for which this coastal city is
famous. Practically every type of international cuisine can
also be found in the city’s restaurants with Thai, Chinese,
Middle Eastern, and Italian some of the more exceptional
offerings. Visits to the many interesting attractions in Mumbai
could easily fill several days. The city is home to two mustsee
UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Elephanta Caves and
the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway Station, along with
a number of other sites of historic, cultural, or religious significance.
These include the Gateway of India, Rajabai Clock
Tower, Haji Ali Mosque, Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue,
Mumba Devi and Mahalaxmi Temples, Prince of Wales
Museum, Jehangir Art Gallery, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule
(Crawford) Market, and Chowpatty Beach.
Most major air carriers offer flight service to Mumbai’s
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. Onward connections
on India’s domestic airlines are available to almost any destination
within the country, making Mumbai an ideal starting
or ending point for any journey to Incredible India.
Joyce Larkin
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