Feel Like Royalty As You Partake In These Luxury Sports

There are sports and then there are the sports of kings! You’ll sure feel like one as you partake in these luxury sports while enjoying a luxurious holiday in Jodhpur and London. Trust us, it’s hard to choose which!

Polo in Jodhpur`

Also known as the ‘King of Games’, polo has been a royal sport enjoyed by Maharajas and princes since as early as 3100 BC! Favoured by the kings of ancient Persia, the Arabs, Mughals, Mongols and the Chinese, polo has since come to be known as a royal sport. If you wish to enjoy polo in its splendor, head to Jodhpur, the Blue City where you can get the best out of this game. Sitting at the feet of the mighty Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur is home to nobility and luxury. Head to the Jodhpur Polo Ground to view matches played by India’s premier polo teams from Delhi, Kashmir and even Kenya! Owned and maintained by Maharaja Gaj Singh, a connoisseur  of equestrian sports, the Jodhpur Polo Ground is one of the country’s finest turf for the sport. Maharaja Gaj Singh’s son Yuvraj Shivraj is a talented polo player himself—despite a handicap.

Price

The Jodhpur Polo and Equestrian Institute boasts of two grassy polo fields, stables that can accommodate forty horses and three paddocks. Guests who wish to play polo can use the grounds. You can also access the school for horses and a wooden horse can also be provided if you wish to practice. If you’re a beginner, lessons can also be arranged with experienced players and coaches. Fees for Guest Players (Per person) Horse Hire for Practice per Chukker or Stick and Ball Session: USD 25 Horse Hire for Tournament: USD 50 Tournament Club Fees: USD 100 One Hour Coaching Session: USD 35 For more information please visit the official website. If you wish to watch a Polo match follow the schedule here.

Where to Stay

Jodhpur is synonymous with the Umaid Bhawan Palace and what better place to stay if you want to feel like royalty than a palace itself? One of the world’s largest private residences, the Umaid Bhawan Palace has been divided into three parts- a royal residence for the erstwhile Jodhpur Royal Family, a heritage hotel managed by the Taj Group and a museum showcasing the 20th century history of the royal family. Other than that, there is also a gallery displaying the most striking automobiles owned by the royal family. Enjoy your stay at the plush Vivanta by Taj and experience what it feels like to be a Maharaja! Choose from between a Premium Temptation Suite, a Pool View Superior Charm room, or the Garden View Superior Charm room.

Price

Premium Temptation Suite: Rs. 35, 000 per night Pool View Superior Charm Room: Rs. 14, 500 per night Garden View Superior Charm Room: Rs. 13, 500 per night Room Amenities: Complimentary Breakfast| Complimentary Wi-Fi for two devices| EIectronic Safe Hotel Amenities: Fitness Centre| Beauty Salon| Babysitting| Doctor on Call| Currency Exchange| Airport Transfers| Travel and Tour Desk| 24 Hours Room Service

Food

Jharoka Dinner at Mehrangarh Terrace Dine on the hotel’s terrace while enjoying a stunning view of the Mehrangarh Fort. Accompanying your delicious meal will be traditional Rajasthani music and dance. Covered in flowing satin, feel like royalty as you are seated on a gaddi and served a delicious Rajasthani thaali.

Lawn and Poolside Dining Enjoy a romantic evening in this alfresco dining option by the pool. Relax by the sunken pool barbeque, sip a few drink and savour a bite from the live food counters. A few delicacies you can try here are Tawa Vegetables, Dahi Kebab, Naan, Patthar ke Gosht and Tandoori Chicken.

Latitude All day dining, here’s where you can sample some of Jodhpur’s most lavish breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets. Don’t forget to taste the famous Laal Maas, Jodhpuri Dahi Kebabs and Methi Murg.

The Good Earth Jodhpur’s finest Chinese Restaurant, The Good Earth is a great place to enjoy authentic Oriental food in a relaxing ambience. Some of the must-try dishes on their menu are Szechwan Vegetables, Imperial Prawns in Szechwan style and the Sizzling Fish Hunan Style. 

Ola Enjoy a drink with your loved one at Ola, the lounge bar. Complete with a warm ambience; where you can enjoy some amazing cocktails such as the Jodhpuri Cooler, Yellow Scorpio, Green Sea Mojito and other spirits and liquors.

Getting There

There are regular flights and trains to Jodhpur from major Indian cities.

Must Experience

Mehrangarh Fort

Sitting atop a hill, overlooking the Blue City, Jodhpur’s Mehrangarh Fort is one of the largest and most magnificent forts in India. Climb to the top of this massive fort and discover that the Blue City is indeed blue. Rich in history and Rajput architecture, the Mehrangarh Fort is a brimming with history and legend and is a must visit! 

Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park Spread over 70 acres of what was once a barren wasteland, the Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park was created to preserve the natural ecology of the region. Located right next to the Mehrangarh Fort, this rock park is home to many native plants like Cacti, Gundi, Bui, Kair and Googal among others. Apart from admiring the plants in the park you can also trek down the Gully Trail and then hike up a hill. If adventure is your thing then try the Flying Fox that ensures you enjoy an eagle’s eye view of the park. Can’t wait? Book your flights and hotel in Jodhpur now!

The Royal Ascot in London

One of the most glamorous events on London’s social calendar, the Royal Ascot is where the world’s rich and famous love to be seen. Replete with celebrities, fancy hats and designer wear, the Royal Ascot is Britain’s most popular racing meet, not only for horse-racing enthusiast, but also for those who love spotting celebrities. Dating back to 1711, the Royal Ascot is rich in history and tradition and is attended by all members of the Royal Family including Her Majesty the Queen. The Royal Ascot has three different kinds of enclosure, each offering a unique experience:

Royal Enclosure

Established by King George IV in 1822, the Royal Enclosure is the most luxurious Royal Ascot experience.  Back then access was only possible if one had a format invite by the king where he would entertain his friends in regal style. Till date the Royal Enclosure remains an exclusive experience only possible if one is a member. In the Royal Enclosure you can experience, firsthand, the poise and splendour that is associated with the Royal Ascot. You can secure a place in the Royal Enclosure through an invite by a member, or by booking a table at one of the many fine dining restaurants in the Royal Enclosure. Entry Fee: Entry for members only.

The Grandstand

Another great place to view the races is from the Grandstand. With a relaxed, yet posh ambience, the Grandstand is located close to the Parade Ring, giving guests a chance to watch the horses being paraded before heading for the races. The Grandstand also boasts of some great restaurants, bars and music—ensuring you’ll have a memorable day. Entry Fee: USD 90 upwards.

The Silver Ring

The Silver Ring is a very vibrant venue to enjoy the Ascot. Guests seated in the Silver Ring will be the first to witness the Royal Procession as the Queen passes by. Apart from that, guests in the Silver Ring also get a fine view of the racehorses as they thunder past. There are many great food and drink options in the Silver Ring, enabling guests to enjoy great cuisine without the formality involved in other enclosures. The best part? Once the races end, the party begins with a live house band creating the perfect ambience. Entry Fee: USD 37 onwards For more information visit the official website.

Food

There are numerous fine dining restaurants at the Royal Ascot where you can enjoy a delicious meal along with the races.

Windsor Forest Another preferred dining option at the Royal Ascot remains the Windsor Forest. With commanding views of the Winning Post and the Royal Procession. Cost: USD 1700 per person onwards (prior reservations are required).

Panoramic Living up to its name, this restaurant offers panoramic views not only of the Straight Mile, but also of the Berkshire countryside and even beyond. The chef, twice Michelin-starred Phil Howard is renowned for his unconventional take on traditional British food. Cost: USD 1800 per person onwards (prior reservations are required).

Trackside This is the perfect restaurant for racing enthusiasts. With a forty-metre-balcony adjacent to the racing track, this is the best place to enjoy a luxurious meal without missing the action. Cost: USD 1200 per person onwards (prior reservations are required).

The Queen Anne Rooms This historic and stylish restaurant offers diners a view of the Ascot’s Grandstand and the Plaza Lawns. The perfect dining option for small groups. Cost: USD 500 per person onwards (prior reservations are required).

Getting There

There are daily flights to London from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Bengaluru.

Must Experience

Regent Park

Get in touch with nature at Regent Park. One of London’s finest parks, Regent Park offers you a lot of fun activities- right from boating, an open-air theatre, playing fields, a pub, an ice cream shop and even the London Zoo. Spend a summer’s day in Regent Park admiring the Roses in Queen Mary’s Garden and getting away from the hustle and bustle of London. 

The Big Ben London’s most iconic building; the Big Ben needs no introduction! Pack in more by taking a 15-minute-walk down Whitehall and viewing the Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square and 10 Downing Street. 

Natural History Museum One of London’s finest museums, the Natural History Museum houses exhibits some extraordinary samples from various segments of natural history, the most popular exhibit being the Diplodocus Skeleton. Another popular exhibit is the Dinosaur Gallery, with an impressive animatronic T-Rex. It is also recommended to visit the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum, which are next door. Entry to the Natural History Museum is free, though there is a charge for some temporary exhibits. 

Visit a Pub No visit to London is complete without a pop inside a traditional British pub. Most pubs in London serve traditional British food along with your drinks. Enjoy a late afternoon beer and don’t forget to order a plate of Fish and Chips while you’re at it! Book your flights and hotel to London now!