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Mandu – A love story

Inder Dugal — Tue, 31 May 2022 10:39:27 +0000

Talking with a friend when we lived in Pune, he mentioned cycling around Mandu Fort. Despite loving history, I had never heard of it but made a mental note. Several years down the road, now in the travel space, I had the option to visit the region and enthusiastically made my way to this incredible site. Located at an elevation of 2,079 feet on the Vindhya mountain range (which in general divides North and South India) the fort and town go on for about 13 km with the Malwa plain on one side and the mighty Narmada and its valley on the southern side. A fairly large settlement, Mandu won the /Best Heritage City award in 2018 and you really have to visit (day trip) to understand why. Founded in the 11th century, the capital of the Malwa region moved here given its excellent natural defences. Several Sultans changed before Dilawar Khan established the Ghuri dynasty and his son Hoshang Shah made it prosperous. His is the first white marble Tomb built in the country and he built it in his lifetime as he felt his descendants would not spare the coin to do it after his death!

Several stories about the area abound, but the most interesting is the love story of Rani Roopmati & Baaz Bahadur. The latter was king of Malwa and was a famed musician. Rani Roopmati was a poet and renowned for her melodious voice and incredible beauty. It all started with a ritual. The queen, followed the daily custom of gazing upon the holy Narmada river before breaking her overnight fast. However, her marital home was not close to the holy river, so she almost starved to death before hurriedly being sent back to her family. She continued to sing in her home and follow her religious rites.

Rani Roopmati Mahal

Legend has it that once he heard her sing, Baaz Bahadur fell in love and asked her to move to Mandu. She agreed to come to the palace on the condition that she was allowed to gaze upon and worship the river daily. Rani Roopmati’s pavilion was built and it still stands beautifully. One can still see the mighty river in the distance. All was going well with an acoustically designed palace and many musical nights, but news of the party and her beauty spread!

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Suryagarh, Jaisalmer is your gateway to the Thar Desert

Team Amber Tours — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 19:30:00 +0000

This Gateway to “Thar Desert” believes in representing a unique way of life, carefully preserving the traditions of the past yet framing them in a modern idiom. The hotel takes the path less travelled and helps you discover secrets of a land that have been long shrouded in myth and legend. With great consideration to comfort, in their specially designed rooms that are cozy with wide verandahs and all modern conveniences, our partner brand shows Jaisalmer as a well-established old city during the SilkTrade Route and with its drives through most magical landscapes to explore villages, ancient watering holes and experiencing a force of nature – the purity of a sunset in the desert that delights the spirit!

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Six Senses Ranthambore – Barwara Fort

Team Amber Tours — Sun, 15 Aug 2021 19:26:00 +0000

Situated in the royal province of Rajasthan, Six Senses Fort Barwara has witnessed a sensitively designed restoration process lasting over a decade. With 2 palaces and 2 original temples within its compound, it also hosts 48 newly designed luxury suites, a spa sanctuary that allows the guests a haven with ample private space, 3 new restaurants all within the walls of this, now preserved, 14th century fort.

Accommodation includes 48 one-bedroom suites, five specialty suites, housed within the historic fort’s walls. Sizes range from 753 square feet (70 square meters) to 3,014 square feet (280 square meters). The ground breaking Sleep With Six Senses standard, developed with acclaimed sleep doctor Michael Breus, features handmade mattresses, cotton bedding that breathes and all the fundamentals for a good night’s sleep.

Dining is Rajasthani-inspired fresh, sustainable cuisine highlighting Indian elements and flavors is the overarching theme of the three dining venues. Respecting the Eat with Six Senses approach, Six Senses Fort Barwara sources local products from the resort’s organic garden and farms in the nearby village. Three Meal Restaurant is located by the 16th century leafy courtyard serving international and Indian specialties. Specialty Restaurant: Intimate dining spaces with the historic domes of the Barwara Fort serve as a regal backdrop. The Inner Courtyard Poolside Grill: Innovative finger food and light menus, served up poolside. Viewing Gallery: As the sun begins to set over the Chauth ka Barwara Mandir Temple, come and find the wine sommelier to tour the vintages, or start the evening as you mean to go on with a pre-dinner cocktail. The Library: Located next to the reception, the lounge offers a respite following a day spent on safari and serves up creative cocktails to cool the heat of a summer’s afternoon.

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