Dholpur

From Orchha we continue on to Jhansi which is a large industrial city.  We make our way slowly through the city to the train station.  Here we board the Taj Express train for a two hour journey to Dholpur.  We take note how smooth the train ride is.  There is condensation on the windows and the sun is low so it is very difficult to see the scenery.  Unfortunately the train car smells of mothballs which is assaulting on the olfactory senses.  

Women waiting in the train station

We arrive in Dholpur at dark.  From here we take a bus to the Raj Niwas Palace Hotel which is an oasis in a very congested city. According to our guide, during the time of the British Raj, the princes of India were treated royally to ensure their loyalty to the British regime.  The Princes built opulent palaces using British architects.  At the time of Indian independence the British negotiated a lifelong living expense for the princes to maintain their luxurious way of life.  However, in the 1970’s, the Indian government withdrew these payments.  In order to maintain and retain these properties, many of these palaces have been transformed into hotels. The Raj Niwas Palace is one of these hotels.  Reception and meals are in the main palace.  The rooms are in villas on the grounds.  Each of these villas has a courtyard with a pool and big suites with high ceilings and marble floors.  The palace and the rooms must have been designed for occupation at a warmer time of the year as overnight we are very cold.  We sleep in our clothes including coats.  Harry even wears his hat.

In the morning we walk around the grounds and take a tour of the main palace.  There is beautiful tiling and amazing antiques including a very large music box.  There are many family portraits and old photographs.   

Exterior of Raj Niwas Palace

Early morning light

Sitting room with family portraits