Sacred, serene, soulful, and yet one of the busiest and most colourful cities in the world, Varanasi has always been a crazy amalgamation of extremes. While the sight of burning corpses can be shocking for first timers, the sight of devotees taking a dip in the Ganges river on the same ghat will be one of the purest forms of devotion you will ever witness.
Rightfully called the cultural capital of India, Varanasi is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world with records of settlement dating back to 11th century BC. The holy city has seen several kingdoms and rulers preside over it and the heritage still lives on in the small bylanes. One such marvel of Varanasi’s glorious history is the majestic Nadesar Palace, which has now been restored into a luxurious property that takes you back to a bygone era.
Ideal for
The property is a favourite amongst couples looking for a luxurious stay while unfolding pages of Varanasi’s glorious past. Owing to the varied experiences that one can get within the property, The Nadesar Palace is also well-suited for families as there is always something for everyone!
About the property
Named after the Goddess Nadesari, The Taj Nadesar Palace is undoubtedly Varanasi's most luxurious property that rests peacefully on the banks of the Ganges. The property was originally the private residence of a local maharaja and the Taj Group has carried forward the legacy by using artefacts, furniture and antique pieces that originally belonged to the royal family.
The hotel’s 10 luxurious rooms draw inspiration from marigold and jasmine – flowers offered to the Ganges river by devotees who flock to the city. Be it the palace rooms, the historical suite, or the royal suite, each of the rooms are palatial in design and offer stunning views of the property’s lush green gardens and mango orchards. Each room comes loaded with amenities such as king-sized beds, Wi-Fi, luxurious bathtubs, butler service, 24x7 in-room dining and others.
Cost
A stay for two in the palace rooms at the Taj Nadesar Palace will cost you around ₹40,000 which includes the room tariff, a generous buffet breakfast and Wi-Fi. On the other hand, the suites will cost you around ₹65,000 for two.
Food
The in-house restaurant at the Taj Nadesar Palace aims to bring the best of both worlds right into your plates by offering traditional and exquisite Indian dishes as well as delicacies from around the world. The hotel also offers some specially-curated experiences such as the live Indian BBQ experience and the Banarasi chai experience.
Best time to visit
Summers in Varanasi can get smouldering hot and so the best time to visit the holy city is between November to March. Don’t forget to pack your woollens as mornings and nights can get quite chilly during these months.
How to get here
The closest metro city to Varanasi is New Delhi. Here’s how you can reach here from the national capital:
By flight: There are several daily flights that connect Delhi to Varanasi, starting at approximately ₹3,000. The property is an hour’s drive away from the airport.
By train: Delhi is well-connected to Varanasi through the Indian rail network and it takes about 12 to 14 hours to cover a distance of 750km. The property is a five-minute drive away from the Varanasi Junction railway station.
By road: NH19 connects Delhi to Varanasi and the journey takes around 12 hours one way.
What to do here and around the property
Calm your senses with Yoga Sessions:
Taj Nadesar Palace offers some unbelievable yoga sessions that are curated by trained professionals. These wholesome sessions are aimed to provide complete rejuvenation to the guests and act as the the perfect therapy for the soul.
Pamper yourself with The Jiva Experience:
The hotel also offers what they call their signature Jiva Experiences, a wide array of extraordinary treatments that include aromatherapies, body scrubs and wraps, spa sessions and traditional Indian therapies that will cleanse you inside out.
Experience the surreal Ghats of Varanasi:
The biggest tourist attraction of Varanasi has to be the city’s illustrious ghats. Always brimming with activity, there’s plenty one can do here. Pay your respects at the temples; take a dip in the holy Ganges or go for a sunset boat ride on the river Ganges. Also, the night aarti at the ghats is an experience you should miss at your own risk!
Get to know about the life of Varanasi's weaver community:
The city is known for producing some the best silk woven garments in the country and Banarasi silk sarees have been a rage since time immemorial. Visit Sarai Mohana, the village of the weaver community and watch these masterpieces come to life right in front of your eyes.
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All pictures by Taj Nadesar Palace.