Rajasthan, the land of deserts, lakes and everything spice — not to forget the palaces, royalty and king-like vacations. Venturing off the beaten path always has you winning something. For example, skip the traditional Udaipur sightseeing, pack a picnic basket and drive off to one of the lesser known lakes — spend an afternoon with bun-omelettes and tranquility. Similar to this experience, is a luxurious 4-suite wildlife lodge right in the middle of Udaipur and Jaipur.
Flanked by the Aravalis and set right by the Kumbalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, the Mountbatten Lodge is a boutique property best suited for a stay involving some wildlife safaris, visits to historical Ranakpur temples and a boatload of pampering!
Colonial India, ruled by the British (yes, we know all about those times) was a sight to fathom — rich palaces, fancy cars and luxurious wildlife drives. The Mountbatten Lodge is built in exactly the manner to exude this richness, reflecting a strong penchant for wilderness and luxury. Think — stylish dinners, private pampering in spas, attentive staff tending to your every whim and a generously abundant manner of living.
With just 4 suites, the lodge caters to guests in the most supreme manner — set in two bungalows, each with its own private pool, verandas and sun decks. Extravagant lunches laid out under banyan trees, dinners served in a royal manner — flavours tantalising tastebuds — dreamy meals, dressy ambiance and activities tailored to your interests. Choose from Indian cuisines galore, or something international for a comfort meal.
A pro tip? For locally sourced, organic produce, this is the ideal property to be at. All their ingredients are sourced from nearby villages and farms — making your dining experiences wholesome. After dinner, head to the Lodge Bar to sample Reggie’s (the owner of the lodge) personal jazz collection — don’t shy away from some of their excellent cocktails!
For those looking to escape, the property provides tranquility unmatched — an intimate paradise. The peaceful ambiance transports you back to The Raj — owing to its architecture, elegant design and attention to detail; not to forget the excellent staff that makes your stay a memorable one. Take a jeep safari, visit a local village, opt for an elephant safari, or a special night safari — the concierge tailors experiences to make your stay unforgettable. A weekend getaway from anywhere in Rajasthan, or the unique top-notch break in-between touring Rajasthan’s extraordinary cities — right in the lap of luxury.
The best kind of sightseeing is the one that is unplanned. Wake up from your night of excellent sleep to a choice of safaris — horseback, elephant-ridden or in a jeep spotting leopards, bears and deer. If wildlife is not your thing, fret not. There is so much more to do! Choose from village visits, temple visits, a private tour of the Kumbalgarh Fort or a sundowner in traditional, colonial, luxurious manner.
On your next visit to Northern India, make sure to add this to your list — sit back and enjoy some Rajasthani royalty, transport yourself to an era of Colonial Raj with vintage paraphernalia, all this at the Mountbatten Lodge — one of our favourites in Rajasthan.
Written By Mohit Gupta
Week 32, Aug ’19
