My affair with Delhi winter has always been of love, all love, and never hate. So, when the long weekend knocked on my door on a cold January morning, I was not ready to leave the city. The snow-capped Himalayan mountains did allure me for a while, but there is nothing quite like walking the paved streets of Lutyen's Delhi in a blanket of fog. Sipping on mulled wine in an al fresco diner in the heart of the city and having spicy dimsums warm my insides, to beat the bone-chilling cold. Winters in Delhi might not be much compared to the winter wonderlands of Himalayas but they sure are magical.
In an effort to make the most out of the long weekend, I started looking for options that would offer me a much needed retreat without taking me away from the city.
The ITC Maurya on Sardar Patel Marg is a city icon! Marking the entrance of Delhi's diplomatic area, the hotel has grown to be a part of the city's cultural and historical landscape. I, too, have often stared at the pagoda-like structure of ITC Maurya and wondered about the royal treatments its guests are privy to. So, on my stay at the grand icon, I was more than happy to have my expectations surpassed. Despite the heights of luxury that it contains, ITC Maurya managed to make me feel at home. From the warm and welcoming staff to its Mauryan dynasty inspired interiors that are steeped in history, the ITC Maurya is a pinnacle of Indian hospitality. The remarkably modern amenities do not vanquish the pride ITC Maurya takes in India's powerful past.
About the property
The muted exteriors of ITC Maurya had me completely unprepared for the explosion of colours, symbols and murals inside. After checking in, it took only a glance of the lobby to put me under the spell of the majestic mural of Krishen Khanna. The mural was painted on-site and depicts the circuitous nature of life. Watching me completely enchanted by the artwork, a staff member came ahead and told me, "Look for yourself in the mural." Slightly confused, I asked him what he meant, he said that it is believed that if looked closely, everyone can find themselves reflected in 'The Procession of Life'.
Following the profound rendezvous the manager took me around other artworks such as glass paintings of Arthashastra by M.F. Husain, Sanjay Bhattacharya’s painting of Ashoka's face and a peninsular depiction of Mumbai in a Rajesh Pullivar artwork. All the artworks fall in sync with Maurya history, the central theme of ITC Maurya. After fully absorbing the culture capsule that the place was, I was suddenly hit by the mind-blowing fact that the accumulative cost of the art in ITC Maurya is greater than the cost of the centrally located property. Naturally, after a sensory overload I needed to munch down my shock. Luckily for me, some of Asia's best restaurants are located within the property.
Food
Having splurged in some of the finest restaurants in the city, I was slightly ashamed of admitting to my partner that I had actually never been to Bukhara, one of the best rated restaurants in the world. So, in an effort to compensate for depriving my palate of the world's finest dal makhani, I resolved to visiting every restaurant in the property. Here's a quick overview of the myriad cuisines offered at ITC Maurya.
Bukhara
Renowned all over the world for its Dal Bukhara, this fine dining restaurant is a delectable manifestation of Mughlai culture reflected in India's north western cuisine. Don't leave without having the 'Dal Bukhara' with 'Naan Bukhara' and definitely make a reservation before visiting.
Dum-Phukt has singlehandedly managed to keep the royal Mughlai cuisines alive. From following ancient cooking techniques to maintaining the integrity of flavours, Dum-Phukt, is a must have culinary experience. Don't leave without digging into the iconic 'Dumphukt Biryani', 'Gulab ki Kheer' and 'Kakori Kebab'.
The Pavillion
Apart from being a 24-hour one-stop-shop for foodies, the Pavillion is also known for having one of the most decadent breakfast spreads. After hearing tremendous reviews of the breakfast buffet, I couldn't wait to get my hand on it. Don't leave without trying the breakfast buffet, and if you aren't spending the night then book a table for the Sunday brunch.
As the evening approached, I found myself craving a nice drink. Given the great bars in ITC Maurya itself, I didn't really have to go too far. The Golf Bar, other than having charming colonial appeal and a beautiful wooden bar, also serves drinks on-the-house to its resident guests till 8pm. The incredible combination of ambience and free drinks had me declaring this visit to ITC Maurya my favourite staycation. If you are at the Golf Bar then don't leave without trying their delicious sangria and handcrafted coffee.
The Waterside Bar at ITC Maurya is also a picture-perfect spot to have some drinks. If you aren't looking for a proper meal or want a quick shot of sweet dessert after dinner like I generally do, then head to either Fabelle Chocolate Boutique or Nutmeg -- The Gourmet Shop.
Ideal for
Travellers who want a break from long journeys and are in search for a retreat within the city. Take either your friend or partner along, the property will delight you just the same.
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Cost
The starting price of an Executive Club Room at the ITC Maurya is ₹16,500. The Executive Club Room Exclusive costs ₹18,500 per night and the Tower Room, a spacious suite with a separate living room, massage chair and walk-in wardrobe, costs ₹21,000 per night.
Best time to go
It is a universally acknowledged fact that winters are the best time to visit Delhi. But if you are in the city during summers, then spending an entire weekend eating and drinking your way through the ITC Maurya is a good idea as well.
Getting there
Being the capital of India, it is fairly easy to reach Delhi and then ITC Maurya. Given the landmark status of the hotel, all taxi and auto drivers are familiar with the location. If you are taking the metro, then either get off at the Dhaula Kuan metro station on the airport express line or Lok Kalyan Marg on the yellow line of Delhi Metro.
All images are credited to and are a property of ITC Hotels.
In association with ITC Hotels.
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