KI-NRT

The best lodge in Bandhavgarh is Mahua Koti.

SojournsOf

Thanks - agree Samode looks really quirky online. Seems better value though - all safari activities included, they actually serve alcohol, etc.

Banjaar Tola is just that little bit more tricky to fit into our itinerary - even more out of the way than Samode/Mahua Kothi.

Did Taj and &Beyond drop their relationship - I thought it started as a kind of joint venture? And didn't one of the Taj lodges used to be a R&C too?

What was your experience like at Mahua Kothi?

KI-NRT

The partnership was nothing more than andBeyond playing an advisory role. For instance, in the early days many of the Taj guides were sent to andBeyond properties (such as in Phinda) to get trained by professional guides.

There really wasn't a financial component to the partnership, from what I've been told.

Cross-marketing benefits were also meaningful, of course. Not sure why the partnership is not as widely promoted nowadays, although AndBeyond still touts their relationship with Taj on their own websites.

chinmoylad

AndBeyond operates as a travel agent/DMC as well as a lodge operator, hence the promotions on AndBeyond.

vuittonsofstyle

Mahua Kothi was fine - quite comfortable cottages, I just preferred Banjaar Tola!

jiaotze

We just finished a 5-night stay at the two RAAS properties (three in Devigarh and two in Jodhpur). We were blown away by Devigarh. Decor, food, and service were top-notch at both. Devigarh is certainly the more dramatic of the two properties and oftentimes it seems as if one has the whole palace to oneself. Do be sure to stay in the old palace instead of the garden suites. Exploring the palace and enjoying the views was for us much more enjoyable than Udaipur itself.

We loved our Aravalli Suite at Devigarh, but were slightly disappointed by the Heritage Suite at Jodhpur for its lack of natural light (although the service in the hotel is still fabulous). I wouldn't categorize the Heritage Suite as luxury, but it was in the old haveli part of the hotel and had lots of character. BTW, the Stay 5 Pay for 4 special at the RAAS properties is an attractive deal (includes free dinners at each, a bottle of wine at each, free massages at each, a discount on other f&b, and transfers between the two hotels if needed). RAAS will be opening a third property next year near Kangra and is in the final stages of acquiring a couple of more properties we were told.

We also spent a couple of days in Ahmedabad mainly to see buildings by Le Corbusier, Louis Kahn, and Bv Doshi (the winner of this year's Pritzker Prize). We stayed at House of MG, which was charming, but not a consideration for this forum. In Mumbai we stayed at the Tower wing of the Taj. We weren't impressed with the design, style or workmanship of our suite, but one can't complain about the views. It seemed to us that the Taj was best located for a first-time visitor to Mumbai, but we wouldn't stay there next time.

Kimchi278

I'm considering booking Taj Falaknuma and saw you went there. Did you enjoy the hotel? Would you recommend it? Thanks!

stimpy

Here's one for the list...

https://taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj-...t-spa-udaipur/

Taj opens Taj Aravali Resort & Spa, Udaipur ? Tourism Breaking News

Taj has opened its second hotel in Udaipur – Taj Aravali Resort & Spa. Nestled in the foothills of the picturesque Aravali mountain range, the resort is spread across 27 acres of lush landscaped gardens. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), said, “Taj has been instrumental in developing India’s tourism potential in Rajasthan and putting the state on the global map with the iconic Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, since 1970. With the opening of Taj Aravali Resort & Spa, we are enhancing our offering for the global traveller and reinforcing our commitment to Udaipur – the Venice of the East.”
The resort has 92 luxurious rooms, suites and tents with panoramic views of the Aravalis. The design ethos is contemporary with a mix of traditional Rajasthani influences and furnishings inspired by Mewar’s world-class equestrian heritage. The hotel is conveniently located an hour away from the airport.
Anand Nair, General Manager, Taj Aravali Resort & Spa, Udaipur, said, “Taj Aravali Resort & Spa is ideally located to enjoy nature while also staying connected to the pulse of Udaipur’s vibrant character. We look forward to welcoming guests to experience Taj’s legendary service.”
Guests have a choice of distinctive culinary options which include an all-day diner – Tiri; a specialty vegetarian restaurant – Javitri; an alfresco grill – Ridgeview and a bar – Odeypore Lounge.

MacMyDay

After a long, long time putting this itinerary together (with thanks to the FT community), here's where we're going in a few weeks. My second time in India; first without my dad, so he can't complain about being poisoned again.

Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai
Umaid Bhawan Palace
Sujan Jawai
Oberoi Udaivilas
Oberoi Rajvilas
Aman-i-Khas
Oberoi Amarvilas
The Lodhi
Nadesar Palace
Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai

uclabruin82

wow, quite a trip. Make sure to do the fort tour at Aman-i-khas after an afternoon safari!

LinLant

GUWonder

The air pollution is again quite bad, more so around say the Lodhi (due to being in Delhi) than some other of the hotels mentioned on the list.

vuittonsofstyle

I would definitely recommend it - a truly unique palace hotel, built high on rocks overlooking Hyderabad. Equally, Hyderabad is a very different city - home to the mystical Sufis and the best place in India to buy bangles and pearls!

MacMyDay

I thought it would be useful to add pictures to this thread, so I will keep updating this single post with all the pictures from my tour as I go through it.

Umaid Bhawan Palace

Flickr Slideshows (Photostreams)