Special Theme Events

TRADITIONAL WELCOME - The warmth of Indian hospitality & the custom of welcoming guests is as old as the time itself. On arrival, as you step into the hotel, ladies in traditional local costumes greet you with flowers & perform the "aarti" ceremony. After having your fore head anointed with traditional red "tikka" relax with non-alcoholic welcome drink.

MAHARAJA WELCOME - As was in the past, when the victorious Maharaja returned from the war, a stunning tableau of decorated camels & elephants unfold before you on the lawns of the palace hotels. Ladies in Rajasthani costumes perform traditional garlanding, "aarti" & "tikka" ceremony while the music of the "Shahnai" welcomes you. Afterwards relax with gin based welcome drink. Available in JAIPUR.

THE MOGHAL THEME - Go back to the historically fabled world of the great moghuls. "Chobedar" (gatekeepers) usher guests to the "Daawat - khana" (dining room). Hostesses clad in silken, flowing shararas (skirts) & "chunnis" (veils) welcome the guests with flowers & "attars" (perfumes) in a traditional style. Flamboyant folk dances herald a sumptuous spread of mughalai delicacies, served in a manner befitting royalty. Available at NEW DELHI, AGRA & CALCUTTA.

RAJPUT WEDDING - A traditional Rajput wedding ceremony where the group members participate as the "Baraat" (the bridegroom's family and friends who form the wedding party) and the bride's party. The baraat party arrives with a local band, complete with "mashaals" (torches). The hosts (bride's party) receive the baraat party and the wedding ceremony is performed under a decorated "mandap" (pavilion). The "meena bazaar" ( a colorful bazaar for the ladies) also forms an integral part of the setting. A festive buffet meal, laid out for both the parties in the illuminated palace- hotel, is accompanied by Shahnai music and folk dances. Also accompanying the ceremony is the traditional "mehendi" (henna) application for the ladies, which is considered auspicious at the time of an Indian wedding. Available at JODHPUR, JAIPUR & UDAIPUR.

BARADARI DINNER - This gala is held on a cool, open terrace under a starlit sky. Earthern lamps & " Mashaals" (Torch) lend a rustic view to the terrace. Relax, as royalty would on soft satin mattresses with cushions & bolsters. Enjoy a superb Rajasthani sit-down "Thali"( a traditional plate) meal while folk dances perform for you. Available at DELHI, JAIPUR & UDAIPUR.

MEWARI TERRACE THALI DINNER - On the Mewar terrace of the Lake Palace, a traditional vegetarian feast, culled from the robust cuisine of Mewar (historical battle ground for Rajasthan) is regally served to you. Available at LAKE PALACE UDAIPUR for a maximum of 25 people.

THE GANGAUR BOAT CRUISE - The Gangaur boat is the actual (antique) royal barge of the house Mewar. The barge is decorated in a regal way and lit up to resemble a fireball from a distance in which the guests are taken around the mystical Lake Palace. A group of as many as 25 can enjoy dinner served in the boat, while upto 35 people can be served cocktail on board. Available at LAKE PALACE UDAIPUR.

THE LAKE PALACE EXTRAVAGANCE - This theme is a combination of a royal welcome, a cruise with cocktails on the gangaur boat, and a dinner at lily pond with sitar played to set the mood. This is topped off with folk dance & fire work display. Keeping in mind the capacity of the gangaur boat this function can be done for group of maximum 35 people. Available at LAKE PALACE UDAIPUR.

GOAN CARNIVAL THEME - Join the tradition of a royal welcome, which is a part of Goa's rich Portugal heritage. Where revelry, song & dance, great food & good wine come beautifully together. Discover the joys of Goan cuisine at a delightful buffet dinner. Available at GOA.

GRAND ISLAND CRUISE - A sun dappled, scenic cruise to IIha de grande, a secluded, unhabited Goan island, where you can snorkel fish & enjoy a picnic. The cruise starts at 9 am & return at 5 pm. Available at GOA.

SEA FOOD BARBECUE ON BEACH - Dine under the starlit sky on succulent lobster, jumbo prawns & other local sea food delicacies which form a part of a delightful barbecue set up on a lovely stretch of Goan beach. Guest may also cook their own food on skewers over a camp fire. A local musician captures the moments on his guitar strings. Available at GOA.

KUNBI FISHING VILLAGE THEME - Fishing villages are a part of Goa's rich cultural heritage. A local Goan fishing village is created on the grounds of the hotels. This forms a perfect backdrop for a charming evening in a very rustic atmosphere. Artisan display their skills while the village dancers whirl to the music of the local bands. Available at GOA.

MOONLIGHT BOAT CRUISE ON THE BACKWATERS OF KERALA - Guests are ferried aboard on a spacious, specially decorated boat for a delightful moonlight cruise on the backwaters of cochin. South Indian culinary surprises are served. A thrilling fireworks display on an island off the backwaters of cochin concludes a wonderful evening. Available at COCHIN.

TRADITIONAL SOUTH INDIAN DINNER - A traditional meal, like the one served in a traditional South indian home, is laid out on the banana leaves which are in turn placed on copper thalis (plates). The cuisine of south indian are distinctively different & varied from North India. Savour delicacies of the coastal areas of Mangalore & Karwar and the famed Chettinad cuisine is one of the few non- vegetarian cuisines of South India. Available at MADRAS, COCHIN, BANGALORE & COVELONG (MAHABALIPURAM).

THARU VILLAGE EVENING - The Tharus's are a tribe who were among first settlers in the inner region of Nepal. Their life style & culture is is brought alive on the grounds of Annapurna. "Rakshi" a local alcoholic drink helps wash down the ethnic food of the tribe. Artisans displays their skills while Tharu dancer twirl to the music of tribe & make the evening a memorable one. Available at KATHMANDU.

INDIAN DANCE PERFORMANCE - India is famous for its rich & diverse classical dance form. One can choose from Bharatnatyam, Kuchipuri, Odissi, Kathakkali, Kathak, Mohiniyattam, Manipuri or other folk dance performances.

MARTIAL ARTS PERFORMANCE - The martial arts are believed to have originated in South India. "Kalaripayatu" is the local traditional martial art form was first practiced. The performance will include various authentic forms of armed and unarmed combat. "Silambam " is the ancient art of staff fencing. Most silambam martial art exponents were the bodyguards of the kings. Available at COCHIN, MADRAS & COVELONG (MAHABALIPURAM).

FIRE WORK DISPLAY - A spirited extravaganza of dazzling fireworks light up the night sky.
HYDERABADI CHOWKI THEME - This traditional form of eating popularised by Nizam of hyderabad, comprises of dinner served on chowki, which is a low table around which four or five people are seated in the cushions. The cuisine is traditionally Hyderabadi & is accompanied by " Quawali " or "ghazal" musical performance. Available at HYDERABAD

PICNIC BRUNCH AT THE QUTAB SHAHI TOMBS - The Qutab Shahi tombs commemorate the rulers of Qutab Shahi dynasty who were the founders of state of hyderabad. The entire complex consists of ten tombs interspersed with well laid out gardens. Apart from being a popular tourist attraction these tombs offer the best specimens of the architecture of that period. Available at HYDERABAD.

DASTARKHWAN - LUCKNOWI DARBAR THEME - Transporting you to the era of the Nawabs, two adorned tuskers salute you at the main entrance of the hotel, from where the ladies are carried in " Palakis " (Palanquins to the main hall. The dining area "Dastakwan" denoting the bounty of the table offer guest the culinary delights of Lucknow - a region to belong to which was the highest qualification a cook could hold. Accompanying the dinner, will be a live ghazal performance. Available at LUCKNOW.

COSTUMES - Special ethnic & traditional costumes are available on hire for the participants of Jungle Experience, Rajput Weddings, grand Rajasthani Soiree. The hotel can also provide make-up kit. Available at JAIPUR.

A JUNGLE EXPERIENCE - We take you back in time to a typical jungle hunting camp. Guest are driven in open jeeps to the camp-site on the sprawling lawns of the palace where they are welcomed by tribal chieftains. The call of the wild & the sound of the jungle are complemented by tribal singers & dancers. Torches & oil lamps lend a rustic charm to the sites. The food is cooked on spits over a camp-fire. An elaborate display is set up in front of the hotel. A fire cracker banner with words SAVE WILDLIFE round off magnificent evening. Available at JAIPUR & KHAJURAHO.

GRAND RAJASTHANI SOIREE - This popular theme is a combination of the Royal Welcome & Rajasthani Folk Dance. An elaborate barbecue is set up on the lawns of the palace. A grand fire works display is arranged. Available at JAIPUR, JODHPUR & UDAIPUR.

DARBAR THEME - Guests with traditional "Pagris" & "Chunnis" are welcomed with showers of rose petals & "attars" (Perfumes). Traditionally attired attendants serve a sumptuous meal in silver thalis on "bajots" (Low Table) to guests seated on mattresses. Available at DELHI, AGRA, JAIPUR, JODHPUR & UDAIPUR.

VILLAGE FAIR THEME - A village setting is created with bamboo huts, benches & stalls. Villagers mingle with guests & display their traditional skills of Doll making, puppet making, pottery, "pichwai paintings & other crafts. Entertainment includes "bandarwala" staging show, a palmist, a snake charmer, "kachi ghori" & "dhamal" (a performance with dummy horse, dancers & singers) Available at DELHI, CALCUTTA, AGRA, VARANASI, JAIPUR, JODHPUR, UDAIPUR, BIKANER, JAISALMER, KHAJURAHO, MADRAS & BANGALORE.

A PICNIC TO REMEMBER - This theme conjures up the spirit of a Moghul camp set up to celebrate a battle victory. On a lush green lawn of the TAJ KHEMA is a tableland overlooking the famous Taj Mahal, colour "khemas" (decorated tents) are set up. Guests are welcomed by soldiers attired in the costumes of mughal dynasty amidst fanfare that befits a victorious warrior. Relax on the mattresses laid out on the lawns Mughalai delicacies are served. Local artisans display their skills while musicians & dancers perform.

THE LILY POND DINNER - Under the stars beside the picturesque Lily Pond at the Lake Palace, a sumptuous buffet consisting of variety of Chinese, Continental & Indian Specialities and desserts are served. Accompanying the meal are Indian Classical Music & Folk Dance performances. Available at THE LAKE PALACE UDAIPUR.