Royal Repast

Neeti Chopra experiences the splendours of a bygone age at Usha Kiran Palace, Gwalior

Usha Kiran Palace, Gwalior Jayendraganj, Lashkar, Gwalior-474 009 Madhya Pradesh, India. tel: (91-751) 2444 000-05 email: ushakiran.gwalior@tajhotels.com Tariff: Rack Rates from September 1, 2004 till August 31, 2005 Superior: Single: US$ 140, Double: US$ 150 Deluxe: Single: US$ 165, Double: US$ 175, Royal Suite: US$ 250 (luxury tax: 10 per cent)

The ruins of the past tell their tales but when restored they re-enact that age. To experience this, head for the recently restored Usha Kiran Palace in Gwalior. Maharaja Jayaji Rao Scindia built this original palace 120 years ago, near the ancestral home of the Scindia Gwalior dynasty. Retaining the majestic charm of the palace in the trademark Taj style, Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces has created a blend of classic and contemporary luxurious rooms, a rejuvenating Jiva Spa, swimming pool and special theme based dining options.

In the tradition of palace residences, each room has its own distinctive décor that sets it apart. Indian style divans are designed for lounging amidst silken cushions. And spacious in-suite bathrooms invite personal indulgence. Most of the superior and deluxe rooms overlook private courtyards or sunlit corridors. Canopied four-poster beds, Chanderi silk spreads and framed photographs of the royal family envision the past. The splendour is most evident in Suraj Niwas and Chand Niwas, the two royal suites on the rooftop. Here luxurious furnishings and white marble baths with antique Venetian mirrors and mother-of-pearl mosaics speak of regal refinement. Delicate Mughal arches frame verdant views and private terraces offer a vantage point overlooking the spectacular Gwalior Fort and the Jai Vilas Palace.

The food options here reflect a medley of history - the hearty fare of Maratha warriors, refined delicacies from the Mughal court, Nepalese delights from Gwalior's Maharanis and Continental fare from the days of the Raj. The multi-cuisine Silver Saloon restaurant serves a rich choice of these cuisines and is the starting point of many culinary excursions. Dramatic table settings in tangerine and magenta, lit by shaded lamps and silvers sconces, set the stage for gourmet adventures. When nature beckons, opt for alfresco dining at The Courts, under garden umbrellas in a palm-shaded court or in the verandah, overlooking vistas of greenery. For aperitifs and sundowners, retire to the comfort of the Bada Bar to savour a selection of the finest European wines and spirits.

For conferences, meetings, cocktail parties or a formal banquet, Usha Kiran Palace has The State Room, the pillarless banquet hall that can accommodate 90 people theatre style. It is distinguished by a tradition of regal hospitality and impeccable service that makes any occasion truly memorable. Antique glass chandeliers, Venetian mirrors and lofty ceilings in The State Room create an impressive backdrop. Designed in a minimalist style, the Jiva Spa gives a flavour of the royalty and exquisiteness of the ancient healing wisdom of India in a new and contemporary setting. The spa, located in the garden, is dedicated to the art of well being. Here in the midst of nature, guests can enjoy a range of traditional Ayurvedic treatments employing healing herbs and aromatic oils, designed to rejuvenate the body from head to toe. The Jiva spa is the only spa in the world with live musicians, who will serenade guests with soothing strains of Indian classical music during their treatments.