UDAIPUR,A DREAM DESTINATION

                                                                                

          UDAIPUR ,a dream destination for a romantic holidays

                                                                                                                 

The razzle dazzle hot spot for Indian honeymooners awaits at Udaipur. Fondly referred as the ''city of lakes'' Udaipur is one the most romantic destinations in India. It casts its spell and everyone gets fascinates by it .It has a perfect blend of rich culture, heritage, royalty all teamed with endless beauty which takes you to a romantic sojourn, hence a promising destination on the national tourism circuit.

                Trapped in the enchanting beauty of the place, I visited the city palace last year. Nestled under the palatial roof there are many places of interests .City palace of Udaipur is the jewel in the crown which dates back to the 16 century is located at the heart of the city overlooking the serene lake Pichola offering a breath taking view. This heritage property of maharaja of Udaipur is a meandering maze like palace known for its intricate mosaics and jharokhas, where the royals lived. The palace exudes royalty from every nook and cranny and the architectural marvel soaked me in the kingly era. It also houses a Vintage car museum,Dawaat e khas,Dawat e aam ,Maharani palace and a Chrystal gallery in its complex and the fact is that this is the biggest crystal gallery in the world and a must visit. There is a cafe as well in the palace complex itself where you can grab a quick bite .It is advisable to take a guided tour to understand the hidden facts about the regal palace better. Light and sound show is an added charm which reinforces a mesmerizing majestic feel in everyone.

                        The tranquil beauty of the lake Pichola provides an exotic eye pleasure encircled on all sides by the magnificent city palace, temples, Jag Mandir, beautiful havelis and well defined Aravalies on the other side gives it a majestic aura, hence adding beauty to the entire scenery. The best way to absorb the grandeur of Udaipur is by taking a boat ride in the evening. The city looks staggeringly beautiful after the dusks when the lights lit up leaving a gleam on the lake and enhancing the city s landscape.

                        An island palace, Jagmandir is not a temple as name but a palace is another epitome of opulence which is by the name not a temple but a palace , dates back to 17 century is a white marble beauty amidst lake Pichola exudes Persian and Rajput architectural marvel. It is 10 min from the mainland to be reached by boat. It features few suites, restaurant and a manicured garden teamed with an awe inspiring view of the city. This palace was built for the royals of Udaipur as a summer resort for leisure and pleasure .This place is perfect to spend a romantic evening dinner amidst the lake to the music of Jal tarang which draws your soul to the splendid yore of the bygone era. Hence this floating paradise is the best known wedding destinations for the celebrities and a must visit.

The garden of maidens as it literally means Sahelion ki bari was constructed by maharana bhopal singh is a exquisite place built for the maids who accompanied the princess to Udaipur .Saheliyon ki bari was one of those places where the maids would make merry,sing dance and indulge in recreational activities .The garden is well equipped with fountains ,kiosks marble elephants and a delightful lotus pool .The fact is that this beautiful garden sets below the embarkment of the Fateh sagar lake hence fountains are fed by the water of the lake gushing through the ducts. Spending time in this garden suffused a soothing feeling of royal grandeur in me.

The charm of Udaipur is incomplete without Fateh sagar lake ,which is situated in the north of Lake Pichola .There are three islands in the lake out of which Nehru Park is the most famous. It is also an ideal place for the family outing as it has a zoo and a boat shaped restaurant .The scenery adds a ethereal feeling to the ambiance, especially during the hours of dusks. A calm boat ride on the lake is a perfect retreat for the tourists.

Perched high on the hill above the city the monsoon palace [Sajjangarh] can be easily seen from the city. As the name suggests Sajjangarh was favored getaway for the royals during monsoons. The palace was built by maharaja Sajjan Singh in the late 19 th centaury and now is restored by the Indian government. The place exudes scenic beauty and from a distance looks like one of those castles from a fairy tale.

Bagore ki haveli is another architectural wonder which dates back to the 18 th century located on the lake Pichola and thus offers splendid view of the lake. The Haveli is a massive structure that now offers a peek inside the Mewari luxury. It houses more than 100 rooms with terraces and courtyards.

Located on the bank of lake Pichola ,Amrai ghat is a wonderful place for photographers.City palace and lake palace overlook this beautiful ghat ,which means one gets an exclusive view of two palaces from here. Sunset is the best to be here as one can click the captivating hues of dusks.

Since Udaipur is the part of the desert land of Rajasthan, it experiences harsh summers .However it is recommended to plan your vacation during the winter time when you can enjoy the beauty of the city with pleasant weather.

MUST TRY: Ambrai restaraunt at Amet haveli is a must try place perched right in the corner of the lake offers soothing and pleasing ambiance with the best view of the lake specially during the nights when the landmarks are lit up gives a absolutely spectacular view. The restaurant serves delectable array of multi cuisines which tantalize with your taste.

STAY: There are numerous hotels in Udaipur from budget inns to luxurious palaces .If you are not ready to spend to spend much on hotels, then there are options of budget hotels as well as where tariffs start from Rs 500 and go upto Rs 4000 .OYO Rooms are also easily available offering a wide range of hotels in Udaipur under two categories like budgetary and premium. However, if you can afford, try a stay in Lake Palace.

HOW TO REACH:

By air: Reaching Udaipur is not very difficult since it is connected with cities like Delhi, Kolkata Mumbai, Indore and Jaipur by air.

By train: Trains are also running on daily basis from New Delhi and Jaipur. If you want to experience the luxury, then there are trains like Maharaja Express that takes on a two weeks tour to Rajasthan.

By bus: There are deluxe and luxury buses that connects to Udaipur with Delhi, Kota, Jaipur ,Ahmedabad and Indore.

Visit to Udaipur filled me with the feeling of opulence of the bygone era. Away from the hustle and bustle Udaipur is undoubtedly a place that embraces you with warmth, peace and hospitality and proves to be an ideal locale for the honeymooners where they can renew their wedding vows and rekindle their love for each other hence a dream destination for a romantic holidays so hit this beautiful “city of lakes” this vacation and create enduring memories which will be cherished all your life.

    

 

MONACO ,THE LAND OF AFFLUENCE

MONACO, THE LAND OF AFFLUENCE

Want to see the rich and famous? Do you dream about admiring Mediterranean’s serene beauty dotted with exotic beaches, an 80 feet yacht and flash a Ferrari? Well, Monaco[City state] is a new razzle dazzle hot spot for your honey moon. This small country is nestled between France and Italy sits by the Mediterranean Sea, is a benchmark of beauty. A city that lives up to its hype, a homeland of the rich and famous, has a plentiful of luxury yachts docked at the port. The fact that it is close to Nice and Cannes, adds more attraction to the privileged lot of tourists.

We drove from Nice (about 20 km) and took a day trip to Monaco. The city greeted us with the captivating view of the coast side and mesmerizing sky creepers, adding more luxury to the “city of riches”. With multiple stores of Prada, Hermes, L.V. etc. it is considered as the most expensive shopping locations in the world. Monaco is one of the most famous tax heavens and each and every citizen of Monaco enjoy a tax free lifestyle. The best way explore this chic city s nooks and crannies is on foot .When your feet are tired you can opt for hop on hop off bus services. There are many amazing places to see here. It enjoys a Mediterranean hot summer climate and April and October are both ideal months for the vacation as the weather is balmy and room rates are reduced. 

  

Set atop overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the Prince Palace of Monaco is the current official residence of the Prince of Monaco. Since we reached at 11.55 a.m., we were privileged to witness the guard changing ceremony.  Within the vicinity, is a stunning collection of cars from the antique vintage to the Formula 1s, which is worth visiting.

Known for gambling and glamour, Casino De Monte Carlo attracts gamblers from across the world. I visited the casino to view the old style opulent interiors decorated with wall sized fresco, showcasing its luxury quotient. For tourists interested in taking pictures of the casino interiors try visiting it in the morning hours between 10 to 12.One wise fun fact I learned about was that the citizens of Monaco are actually forbidden to enter the gaming rooms of the casino. Strange but true. The ornate gambling house has been featured in multiple "James Bond" movies and is perhaps the most iconic building in the tiny principality. You can enjoy the lush casino garden and wander through the alleyways of the “Metropole” shopping centre. The whole area around the casino together with Hotel De Paris and Café De Paris can be considered as the centre of the activities in “Monte Carlo” which is referred to as the administrative area of the principality of Monaco. This is where the crowd gathers as soon as the sunsets in Monaco some to play and dine in luxury others to marvel at the flashy cars parked in the front of casino.

Being a hub for the super cars like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porches etc, the streets are known to conduct the prestigious annual F1 grand prix race event. I too grabbed the experience of an exhilarating drive with thrilling speed style and power along the Grand Prix circuit marking the highlight of my trip.

Another most popular attractions is the Larvolto beach which is pebbly than sandy .This exotic beach is a perfect place for young couples to spend leisure time and indulge in the activities like swimming in the clear blue water ,parasailing, surfing and scooter ride. This beach is sure to drag your heart and soul to the world of tranquility.

Lovers of all things marine may enjoy a visit to the Oceanographic museum which is devoted to the marine science.

Monte Carlo Harbour Located at La Condamine in Monaco is a place where rich and famous dock their expensive yachts, visitors will find the royal vessels belonging to the prince of Monaco .The best way is to relax at the water front café where you can enjoy the swanky yachts moored up and scenery in a glamorous setting.

In Monaco you can easily find accommodation of all types ranging from budget B & B to the ultra luxury hotels .For the visitors looking for best hospitality and leisure can opt for Hotel De Paris which ensures to keep you well cocooned in its lavishness.

Enjoy the breathtaking aerial views of the French Riviera on the Helicopter tour from Monaco to view some Monaco’s top attractions from sky such as Prince’ s palace ,Monaco grand Prix race track. And an incredible bird eye views of the stunning Mediterranean coastline as you fly above the ocean and Monaco. 

It is a spell binding world of romance in the lap of luxury and leisurely pursuits, a locale stuffed with adventure, scenic beauty and a chill out place all rolled into one which is just apt for the new couples to indulge their senses in serenity.

How to reach: Nearest airport: Nice, further by road 20km.

Must do: Luxury car drive, Helicopter ride, gambling, private cruising on Mediterranean Sea.

Note:

1. Look out for the dress code, before opting for fine dining.

2. Requirement for the international license if going for a self drive.

3. No separate visa required schengen visa works.

4. Any basic purchase is exorbitant (e.g. 250 ml coke can cost around €7 [INR 500])

THE TAJ MAHAL,A BEAUTY BEYOND WORDS.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        The Taj Mahal ,a beauty beyond words

Just 2 hours from Jaipur , a perfect escape teamed with an out of the world experience awaits you at Agra,The Taj Mahal which is an unspoilt paradise on earth, is a heaven of beauty. This grand monument is a definitive address of royalty and heritage which was undoubtedly slated as one of the seven wonders of the world and now honoring UNESCO world heritage site and a pride of India.

Leaving Jaipur on a early summer morning we turned on to the Agra road and swept through the "Ghat ki guni" tunnel on NH 8 ensuring a calm and serene long drive till Agra. I visited the monument of love last year having a sole aim to admire the beauty of the magnificent mausoleum, which has enchanted the world for almost five centuries now.

We marked our presence in Agra first coming to “Ram babu Parathe wale”which is the oldest and known eatery as the” paratha king of Agra”. The menu is well crafted with varieties of finger licking parathas served in all possible combinations of veggies, fruits and dry fruits which tantalize your taste buds thus a treat for the foodies. Parathas are flavorsome crisp as ghee is a generously used ingredient. Papad ka Paratha is a must try. Another famous offering that this historical city of Agra brings for the tourists is “Petha”a sweet dish to pamper your sweet tooth.

We first visited the Taj Mahal on a full moon night under the canopy of star lit sky from a distance. The minute I laid my eyes on the white marble beauty, I was mesmerized with my heart awestruck and exuded with reverence. It looked peerless in its full glory under the dazzling moonlight as the moon rays fell on the white marble gave it a faint silvery glow adding life to the ancient charm which looked nevertheless magnificent peaceful and admirable. This staggering beauty was worth capturing not only in your cameras but also deep down in your memories.

As the dawn broke, my most awaited sojourn to Taj Mahal began.The Taj Mahal stands serene and perfect amidst the surreal natural surroundings of manicured gardens with its mirror reflection on the pools,tall trees by the sides ,located on the bank of river Yamuna completed the post card scenery while a mosque and a guesthouse are also in the vicinity. The dome is the crowning glory of the Taj while the four Minarets frame the tomb on each corner of the plinth enhancing its pure elegance. To understand the history and its hidden facts about the 15^th century monument better,we decided to take up a guided tour .The explaination about its architectural features engulfed my mind in the royal yore of the bygone era. Various facts were unfurled. The Taj incorporates both Persian and Mughal architecture using white marble with semi precious stones studded amazingly by 22000 skilled workers to make the kings dream a reality. It took 22years to complete this symbol of eternal love where the emperor too lies buried reunited at last with his beloved Mumtaz. No cost was spared to make the most beautiful monument the world had ever seen. The most interesting hidden fact about it was it shimmered silvery white in the moonlight, pink at the dawn and ivory white at the noon showcasing various moods of the women, in particular emperor’s queen. The engineering marvel includes the fact that it is earth quake proof and was built without the use of modern technologies.

Walking further, the monument looked even more huge and majestic with intricate carving work and semi precious stones adorning the ancient walls. Each corner was echoing with royalty while rich history was oozing from every nook and cranny this left me in a spell bounding trance. I realized no photographs or words will match up what architectural marvel i had seen. Shahjahan and Mumtaz s tomb is placed inside under the massive dome but honestly outside is way more interesting than inside! To keep the enduring memories of the Taj mahal with you can buy souvenirs which are sold right near the exit gate.

Blessed with the most recognizable symbol of Indian heritage,it attracts admirers across the world .But, what many of us don’t know is that there is more than one way to view this awe inspiring masterpiece that is from Mehtab bagh which is at the back of the Taj mahal beyond the river Yamuna promised a spectacular view ,revealing another set of treasures. The most interesting concept about this memorial is that it is symmetrical from all four sides. Admiring the Taj mahal under the moonlight as well as from back and front was absolutely blissful which soaked me in the legends and lore of its rich past and truly a beauty exaggerated beyond words which I yearn to see yet again.

However, there are certain things to remember:

·   It is advisable to carry a water bottle with you because it takes hours to admire the beauty and you won’t find anything inside.

·   Food, bags, diary ,pen newspapers, mobiles and selfie sticks are not allowed to carry with an exception of cameras.

·   Carry your ID proof as it checked at both at the ticket counter and at the entrance to the complex.

·   While viewing the Taj mahal in the moonlight you are only allowed to take cameras and it is advisable to choose later batches to view the monument as the moon may not always be high enough or visible clearly during the early batches.

·   To avoid the rush it is advisable to visit the Taj in the morning hours and it remains closed on Fridays.

“The white marble beauty enliven my senses in a divine thought that the Taj mahal is a heaven bought on earth”

                  

   

SOUL HEALING PLACE IN THE LAP OF SATPURAS,PANCHMARHI

Soul healing place in the lap of Satpuras

Panchmarhi is the only tourist retreat in Central India ,at an altitude of 3500 feet bustling with tourist , touts and has a strong presence of army base .It is a walkers paradise and a favorite destination for trekkers, as it unfolds the natural beauty ,making it popular among tourist. Blessed with very rich flora and fauna with many nature spots lush greenery breathtaking view waterfall, mountains ,stream and rich and rare wild life.

It was an unplanned weekend trip to the Queens of Satpura. We booked our resort one day prior and surprisingly got reservation in the royal Victorian suite of Golf view. I waved goodbye to my home town [Kareli] and started my journey overlooking the plains which ended near Matkuli ,a small village, which marks the start of Satpura National Park and a divergent road towards Nagpur.

On the way I got a breathtaking view of Satpura ranges enveloped in smog, as it appeared fromdistance.it was only after few miles from there, ranges were apparently seen covered with lush green blanket. Further driving, the highway blend into narrow serpentine curve bending into another. Our car passed through dense forest of sal and bamboo ,ensuring a calm and serene drive till Panchmarhi.

After checking- in to the resort ,we then headed to the Bison lodge and bought the pass which ensures the entry to all the places of interest. Since I had 24 hours to soak the natural beauty, without squandering a moment we drove towards Bee fall, and trekked down about 1.5 km amidst thick shady forest forming a canopy .On the way we found a narrow water flowing stream which flew through the manmade concrete steps, which later plunges in to the main waterfall. We took a snack halt on one of the rock in the middle, with our tired feet dipped into ice cool water giving a soul-healing feeling. We then marched downwards and heard the gushes of water tumbling down around 35 meters, dragging me to high spirits. Seeing this majestic pristine waterfall, I could not stop myself from taking a divine bath, which was indeed a very rejuvenating experience ever.

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The trekking uphill till our car was little exhausting, and by this time we heard our stomach growling and hurried to Nandanwan, a basic restaurant with friendly atmosphere, having a wide range of delicious Indian meals.

After relaxing in the resort for a while we then left for Bada Mahadev temple is in a large cave around 60 feet long with water dripping on the Shivling as well as inside the cave. There is a small pond inside the cave where devotees and Sadhus take a dip during Nagpanchami and MahaShivratri. The cave of Goddess Parvati is situated nearby. As we walk ahead from the cave of Goddess Parvati, up the hill, we saw a large Trishuls covered with black cloth. I am presuming this denotes KaalBhairav.

In the evening, we went to Dhooparh, the way had hairpin bends picturesque with mesmerizing view of valleys and mountains and also bisons and wild deers. It is the highest peak in satpuras offering panoramic view of mountains and valley around. We were here to see the beautiful hues of sunset, as the sun dipped in to the horizon, hence making a photographers delight.

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However there are more places of interests to see like Apsara fall, Handi khoo, Pandav caves, Jata Shankar but due to packed schedule I could only visit few.

Golf view resort, undoubtedly is the best resort in Panchmarhi. Our suite had a Victorian theme with colonial ambience which stood a class apart. The garden was lush green with beautiful landscape. I personally loved the breakfast buffets spread in the open. The fact is that the property is vegetarian, made my experience even better.

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The climate of Panchmari is pleasant except winters. Advisable to visit between October to May .

When it comes to accommodation, this tourist destination as many options to offer .Starting from budgetary to luxurious stay, tourists get many options to choose from. Few of the accommodation facilities include MPTDC.

Panchmari is perfect place for naturelover,trekkers and for relaxation. It is worth every penny you spend.

Things to remember:

1. Do not make a trip during Shiv ratri ,Nagpanchmi as it is very crowed that time and monsoons.
2. Advisable to take sports shoes,painkillers,pain relief sprays.
3. Carry something to drink and munch since it is a trekkers bliss.
4. Carry change of clothes when visitng water places.
5. Beware of monkeys.

Nearest railway head is Piperiya around 47 km.

Nearest airport is Bhopal around 195 km.

“The gushes of water from the waterfall,the sky lit up in the shade of orange and red,the never ending meadows is still persistently flashing in my memory ,the lovely hill station crowned in Satpuras is enough to imprint a mesmerizing pictures in my mind"

Written Jun 17 · 

NEEMRANA FORT ,GLIMPSE AT THE GLORIOUS PAST

NEEMRANA, GLIMPSE AT THE GLORIOUS PAST

Keeping in mind my affinity towards heritage, my husband I chose Neemrana fort and Palace in January this year for our 9th anniversary celebration. It is a Fort, Palace, Heritage hotel and a destination – all rolled into one. It is a nice weekend getaway for Jaipurites, around two and a half hour (147 km) from Jaipur by Delhi Jaipur highway [NH 8].The forts dates back to the 15 centaury and is crowned on the Aravalies and is built on 11 levels. It was built and refurbished from 15th to 19th century, which means the place has incorporation of architectural styles from the Rajputs to the Mughals.
    

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With the help of GPS we reached the Fort ,the entrance itself gave me a royal feeling, the guards all dressed up in traditional dresses and fort ‘s view from the bottom gave me majestic shadow to start  my journey up through cobbled path, right from the Reception. There are various categories of room ,each room in the fort and palace are unique – some are large and luxurious, others are tiny but airy, some expensive some just right for the budget international travelers. The rooms given named as “mahal’’ like Aman mahal,Gagan mahal, Hari mahal. Apparently, my husband and I choose Neelam mahal which was on the seventh floor .It was quaint room situated on the old part of the fort with thick walls and tiny windows that open to the mountain side ,showcasing the grand living experience. My room opened to royal courtyards garden and is ideally situated. Restaurants, cafes, both pools were steps away. If you need high tech stuff then, this is not hotel for you. Rooms do not have T.V., bathroom have 100 years ago look. The rooms are locked using paddle style, the furniture evokes old times and it works perfectly as a part of whole concept. Each and every room has its own beauty, theme, style and décor.

After relaxing in my room for a while, we went to explore the fort .I decided the fort palace was all I wanted to see that winter noon as I just had 24 hours to absorb the beauty of the majestic palace. The whole complex was full of flowers, bushes and trees. I loved the true maze of staircase, terraces, hidden courtyards, walk-able roofs, hanging gardens, and hallways. As I walked around I saw various part of the fort each more charming than other. I loved exploring and roaming around the fort for photography from different angles. I also discovered many nooks and crannies that transported me different time period and many secret tunnel type passages that lead to different part of the fort .I loved the passages that starts at Badal mahal and leads to Hawa mahal balcony. I was getting carried away by the nobility of the ancient times.

Around sunset they served snacks in one the courtyards near the canon, which reflected the glories of the past. I loved the pakoras, cakes, cookies, which was served with tea. The fort looked picturesque in the sunset. There were amenities like spa, gym, three restaurants, two swimming pools ,[one heated] and amphitheater. There was also a baoli [water reservoir] depicting the ancient past. After the sunset, they had live performances in the amphitheater for the guest’s entertainment. There are different artist performing every day ,luckily Katthak dancer Archana Singh performed that night and left the audience spell bound .At night the fort looked even more beautiful with all lamps lit  adding grandeur to the ancient charm.

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After the cultural program, for the gala dinner we had to walk on the rocky stairs uphill to reach the dinner area around hanging garden. The buffets had a spread of Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisines .We ate to our hearts content and went down for a walk and captured some of the most beautiful memories under the moon light where the staff in one of the courtyards had planned for a complementary cake for our Anniversary to mark the occasion. Such a celebration of my anniversary left a glorious queenly feeling  in my heart .
                             
The royal stay at the fort palace would have been indeed incomplete without a drive in the vintage car, so decided to take a vintage car ride of around 2 km in the village of Alwar, which reminded me of the ancient medieval era. Another interesting adventure, was the Fire fox zipping provided by the fort palace, which is longest zipping in India .To enjoy 4oo m zip line over this beautiful fort around the Aravali hills, we had to trek about one km uphill .The view of the fort from the top was  admirable opulent and worth capturing in your cameras.

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One of the most interesting hidden facts I liked about this fort palace was that the new architecture was so amazingly designed that it blended with the Mughal era. It is a perfect place not only for celebrations or relaxation but also for Destination weddings too. My experience in one of the oldest traditional heritage resort was authentic and out of the world which is must visit.

However, there are certain things to remember while going to Neemrana fort are

• You must carry your id proof with you.
• There are no medicine shops near Neemrana fort so if you are travelling with kids make sure you have some medicines with you.
• The place is not advisable for small children and people who have health problems as there are many staircases to climb throughout the fort.
• They have rooms in almost all range starting from Rs. 3000 and goes up to Rs. 25000 per day .Every room has its own beauty and differentiating factor so you got to research for kind of room you like.
• Rooms can be booked online only and try to book well in advance else you may not get your desired room.
• There is no intercom in the room so you will be kind of communication capped. So you may keep the STD landline number of the resort to communicate with them.

THE GRNDEUR OF VENICE, VENETIAN MACAU

The hotel is no less than a “Mini city”, with striking structure that stands out. The Venetian Macau is the must do experience if you are heading to Macau! Not only because it has world‘s biggest casino but it boasts a resort and is the ultimate luxury experience — with the theme — Venice which gives you a feel as if you have been transported to Venice. It is not only a hotel which offers luxury suits, but also complete shopping, entertainment and dining.

THE ROYAL ,VENETIAN MACAU

GRAND LOBBY AT VENETIAN

Three years back I had visited Venetian Macau, to experience a leisure stay. I was amazed to enter this massive edifice, the entrance and the lobby was grand indeed with the majestic art work in ivory carving, contemporary interiors and ceilings well painted that truly pledges to deliver an impressive architectural marvel. Seeing this plush ambiance, it took my breath away and walked slowly to fully adapt the Venice feel. There are two main areas –the tourist area and the Casino area .In the tourist area there are European styled buildings, canals and plaza.

Once I was checked in, I made way to room with help of a map presented by the concierge, as the hotel is vast. Surprisingly it features 3000 suits, 300 boutiques,35 world class restaurants, first class entertainment ,Asia s premiere spa ,luxury Venetian theater ,kids play zone ,swimming pool, cabanas and golf course all well amalgamated with the touch of luxury.There are various types of suites offering sumptuous services as per the catagory like Bella suite,Rialto suite,Verona suite ,Royale suite and Famiglia suite. Apparently my husband and I booked the “ Royale suite” which was spacious and cozy in two levels with split in between the sleeping and living areas with all the possible amenities and bathrooms with lavish Italian marble .We had a sweeping view of the city, punctuated with eye popping skyscrapers, taking luxury to a new level. The fact is that the Venetian smallest and cheapest suite is also larger than the most of the family rooms of the other Asian luxury hotels. The hotel leaves no requirements unaddressed and peppers with good services.

ROYAL SUITE ROOM AND BATH ROOM

Venetian, has very artistically created a small replica of Venice — the entire shopping mall has an artificial sky and it is done so well that it looks real, hence proving it the most amazing thing and the center of attraction. The food court, the shopping area and the Grand Canal with the gondola rides which is another added attraction, are set under this massive atrium. The canal system provides a round trip on any of the three canals in the gondolas. My ride on the Venetian gondolas was an authentic one, as the sailors sang the French songs and played guitar, which drove my spirits to the fantasies of Venice. The floor is cobblestone paved with shops front facades are like individual buildings, exuding the charm of the “Miniature of Venice”.

THE MINIATURE OF VENICE

Though, I am not a casino player, yet I was thoroughly entertained walking around the casino which frankly drained me of my stock of energy with the sheer large floor. The gamblers pour in all over the world to play the jackpot, which features 800 gambling tables and 3400 slot machines and is awake all night, therefore making it the high light of the hotel.

The duty-free shopping experience is awesome with an over abundance of international brands under one roof right from LV and Rolex to H&M to Zara for the shopaholics. There are few affordable shops like souvenir, accessories and gifts shops as well.

To please the palate of the international travelers, there is an array of multi cuisine restaurants which caters delicacies. But if you looking for ultimate Indian fine dining experience in Venetian, look no further than the “Golden Peacock” restaurant, a perfect place where your senses would be engulfed in the enticing aromas of the freshly made Indian curries . “Confeitarie”, is a charming patisserie that serves home made fresh pastries and chocolates where you can satiate your sweet tooth.

Overall what I loved about Venetian is that it is classy and designed to impress, and the fact is that it has everything inside it! Just being inside it is already a grand, lavish experience that appealed to my senses. Staying here has certainly pushed my standards for luxury hotels higher than they already were. Hence it is an “Epitome of Opulence “where the bouquet of unique experience awaits for you in the mini city of Venice.

However, there are certain tips to remember:

Bring suitcases with wheels, as you are expected to cart your luggage to and from your suite.

Ask the taxi driver to drop you at the front gate as there are more staff at the check in counter, hence the time in the queue is lesser.

Advisable to take the map from concierge and explore the place on your own because the staff mostly speaks Mandarin and Cantonese.

"This princely piece of palace adorned with elegance and richness ,honoring Venice’s royal touch,drove my heart to the glories of Europe”

Written Jul 24 ·