Golden triangle tour

THEMES:

The Mughal

Although it is difficult to organize anything to top the magnificence of the Taj Mahal, this evening the group will enjoy a Magical Mughal Night. This theme takes you back to the fabled world of the great Mughals. "Chobdars" (Gate keepers) usher guests to the "daawat-khanna" (venue of the function). Hostesses clad in silken, flowing "ghaghras" (skirts) and "chunnis" (veils) welcome the guests with flowers and "attar" (perfume) in the traditional style. The gardens will be beautifully decorated with flowers and lights. You are invited to recline on satin cushions, while you soak in the soft strains of live Indian classical music. Savour your favourite drink as the music changes to keep time with the Kathak dancers on the marble dance floor. Dinner is a mouth-watering simmering, sizzling assortment of barbecued meats, Mughlai style. An option can be provided for the guests to slip into Mughal costumes to get a real feel of this unforgettable evening.

Samode Palace

Samode Palace is one-hour drive from Jaipur, the old havelis and their paintings are full of character. At the head of the enclosed valley is the remarkable Samode Palace, now converted into a hotel. The Palace is fabulously decorated with 300-year-old fine Shekhawati style wall paintings (hunting scenes, floral motives etc.), which still look almost new. Around the first floor of Durbar Hall are magnificent kiosks decorated like Sheesh Mahal. From here you look down through screens into the grand Durbar Hall itself with its huge chandelier suspended from four large rings in the ceiling. From the village gate you will proceed to the palace on camels and camel carts accompanied by soldiers holding fire torches to greet the group in a royal procession. The sounds of drums and horns will fill the air as the buses arrive at the venue. As the guests enter the gates of the palace flower petals are showered on them and girls in Rajasthani costumes garland everyone as they enter. A traditional turban will be tied to the head of the male guests. The entire area is illuminated in a magical way to make it look like a fairyland. Special entertainment of folk dancers is arranged and a lavish dinner is laid out. (Depending on the number of pax and availability, dinner can also be served on solid silver plates) The evening is brought to an end with a beautiful display of fire-works.