A Jewel in the desert
Gorbandh Palace, Jaisalmer

Address :
1 Tourist Complex, Sam Road, Jaisalmer 345 001
Rajasthan India
Tel: +91 2992 243801-10 Fax: +91 2954 242349
Tel: Reservations +91 5258008 Fax: Reservations: +91 294 2528012
Email Reservations: crs@udaipur.hrhindia.com
General Manager: Mr. B.P. S. Hada

Jaisalmer is a desert city of exceptional beauty and history and a visit to Jaisalmer is a must for any traveller. A honey-coloured fort remarkable in its structure emerges from the flat dry sands, soaring upwards. This is one of Rajasthan's most enchanting cities - sublimely beautiful and as the sun sets the sandstone buildings emit a lustrous glow that gives Jaisalmer an appropriate sobriquet, the 'Golden City'. Today, the city is a lively hub from where one can trek across beautiful stretches of sand, go on camel safaris deep into the desert, or paradoxically, enjoy visiting the nearby lakes and reservoirs.

Extracts from Shriji’s diary

Taking professionalism to the next level

Princess Bhargavi’s New Venture

What the media is saying

Built of soft-yellow sandstone, the fort is the principal structure in the city. It was constructed at the site of what was once the watering hole and resting-place on the Indo-Persian trade route. Built by Rawal Jaisal, in the 12th century this fort is architecturally unique to India, with its labyrinthine interiors.

Location
Located away from the bustle of the city but within easy access to the city of Jaisalmer, The Gobandh Palace Hotel provides a tranquil hideaway for the discerning traveller.
In India, there is an ancient Sanskrit adage: "Atithi Devo Bhava". Treat a guest as if he were God himself. The Gorbandh Palace Hotel unequivocally exemplifies this dictum. Built for comfort and leisure using traditional styles of architecture the concept of the hotel was inspired by the influences of the desert.

Accommodation
Consists of 64 Rajasthani-style air conditioned deluxe rooms and 3 luxury suites. Attention to detail creates a soothing blend of harmonious spaces. This yellow sandstone building boasts a large central swimming pool around which the rooms are located.

Fine dining
The hotel's main restaurant serves an eclectic cuisine of Rajasthani delicacies as well as Indian and Continental meals. This variety offers the visitor a multitude of choices ranging from the succulent delicacies particular to this dessert kingdom to the light meals offered at hotel Coffee Shops. Lunches and dinners are also served at the poolside and dining can be organised, on request at the Chandani Terrace and for groups on the Bageecha lawns.
Special dinners with folk dance and music can be arranged for both groups and individual travellers at the Sam Dunes.

Shopping, sightseeing excursions and events
Folk music for which Jaisalmer is famous can be enjoyed by campfire under open skies at night and this legendary 'Golden City's' teeming bazaars, ancient forts, desert tribes and rugged landscapes offers a storybook vision of one of India's most appealing destinations. In narrow winding lanes, you see camels, desert gypsies, wandering cattle and children playing. Chunky rustic silver jewellery, colourful embroidery and mirror work, brightly coloured tie-and-dye fabrics, rugged looking camel-skin mojri slippers, traditional shawls, rugs, and woodcarving are found in the medieval bazaars of this enchanting town.
The yearly desert festival takes place every year in February and lasts over three days. Approximately 2000 to 3000 foreign visitors come to Jaisalmer for this festival which attracts as many as 15000 Indian nationals who come from far and wide. The camel fair is a major attraction with dancing, camel races and music.

How to reach Jaisalmer
By Train: There are daily trains to Jaisalmer from Jodhpur, which is well linked to all the major cities by the network of trains such as Agra, Jaipur, New Delhi, Mumbai and many more.
By Road : Distances
Jaisalmer to Jodhpur: 285 km
Jaisalmer to Bikaner: 333 km
Jaisalmer to Jaipur: 621km
By air: The nearest airport is Jodhpur

General weather conditions
The best season to visit Jaisalmer is between October and February when the average day time temperature is around
23 degrees. Lightweight clothing is recommended with a woollen shawl or wrap for the evening.

The General Manager
Mr. B. P. S Hada was born and educated in Udaipur. He joined HRH Group of Hotels in 2002 after working as a trainee at the Lake Palace Hotel. He became Assistant Manager at Shiv Niwas Palace working there for three years before being appointed General Manager at Gorbandh Palace in 2003. The Gorbandh Palace currently employs around 100 staff dedicated to caring for their guests. Hada recalls that he always wanted to work for HRH Group of Hotels as he believes it is not only a leader in the industry but uniquely provides opportunities for all those who are willing to work zealously. His goal is to contribute to the success of the HRH Group.

Extracts from Shriji’s diary

Polo Tournament
Taking time out of his busy schedule, Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar attended the first polo match organised by The Maharaj Prithi Singh Foundation in commemoration of His Late Highness to support and encourage young polo players. The 8 goal tournament that took place on the 19th March attracted a large gathering of polo aficionados. Shriji escorted Her Highness Rajmata Sahiba Gaytri Devi of Jaipur to the game.

Zafar Hai interviews Shriji
The Taj Group of Hotels have commissioned a documentary directed by Mr. Zafar Hai. The programme is being made for telecast and the Taj Group In House channel. The documentary features interviews with royalty on their former palaces, now hotels, under management contract to the Taj Group Mr. Zafar Hai visited Udaipur on the 23rd March to interview Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar on his recollections of Jag Niwas (now The Lake Palace Hotel) as it was, as a private palace, in the days of his childhood. Princess Bhargavi Kumari Mewar was also interviewed on the changes that have taken place in more recent times.

Times Now Channel interviews Shriji
On the 24th March, Shriji participated in the Mumbai Chat show : Life Like That, for Times Now Channel, presented by Ms. Geetanjali kirlosaar when she spoke to him about Royalty in today's India. Indian royalty has been through an interesting phase in the last 50 years and has now come a full circle. Geetanjali asked Shriji what is it like to be a royal in this day and age and, of even more interest to viewers, what is it like to have been borne as a royal and to adapt that royalty to 'meld' with contemporary India.

Annual Conference on Economic policy and reform
Shriji participated in the Stanford Mirror Conference from 30th to 31st March, in Jaipur. Meeting at its annual conference, The Stanford Centre for International development discussed various matters relating to economic policy and reform from the Indian perspective.
The objective of the conference is to engage with State Governments and initiate links with government departments and local researchers in the areas of
1. Energy: “Increasing availability of power through loss reduction”
2. Water: “Maximization of resource use-efficiently”
3. Telecommunication: “Using ICT for development:

Royal Wedding
Shriji attended the wedding ceremony of Kr. Anant Shekher Singh son of Smt. Manorama Singh and Shri K. P. Singh of Tikri with Maharaj Kumari Rajivini Jhala daughter of Rajmata Swarupa Kumari and His late Highness Maharaj Rana Indrajit Singhji of Jhalawar. The ceremony took place on Monday, April 3rd.

Birthday celebrations in Delhi
Shriji attended special birthday celebrations in Delhi on the 9th March of His Highness Maharaja Sahib Dr. Karan Singhji of Jammu and Kashmir . The celebrations took place at the Mauryan Sheraton and included a performance by Malavika Sarrukai a national and internationally acclaimed Bharatanatym dancer.

Book launch in Mumbai
The launch of Ila Dev Pal's book 'Returning…An Indian Odyssey took place in Mumbai on Thursday, 6th April 2006 at the Rooftop Rendezvous, the Taj Palace & Tower. Shriji was the guest of honour for the occasion and launched the book. Shriji also read aloud some of the verse from the book.

The Lake Palace Hotel’s Annual Day Function
Shriji attended the annual day function at The Promenade on the 25th April organised by the Lake Palace Hotel. Staff participated in a cultural evening of dance and music providing an evening's entertainment for the audience.
Awards were presented, by Shriji, for the best performance as well as the employee with the longest service record and best sportsperson of the year. All employees and their families gathered for dinner at The Promenade after the award presentation.

Board Meeting of J K Industries
Shriji visited J.K. Industries factory to attend the company's board meeting at Kankroli on 28th April 2006. J. K industries is a large corporate manufacturer of tyres that is at the fore front of developing new technologies. Currently they have three plants located in Rajasthan

Wedding celebrations in Udaipur
On 21st April 2006 Shriji attended the wedding celebrations of Raj Kumari Bindu, daughter of Mah and Rani Udaiveer Singh of Banswara to Bhanwar Virender Singh, son of Kunwar Sahib Kalyan Singh Ji of Baghsuri.
On the same day, Shriji also attended a reception and dinner at Hotel Lakend, Fateh Sagar Lake, Udaipur to celebrate the marriage of Amishi, daughter of Kamal and Shashi to Vikram, son of Smt. Bina and Shriman Vimal Ji Lalwani

Shriji stresses the relevance of balancing the past with the present
As Chief Guest at a special ceremony that took place on the 23rd April 2006, Shriji reminded those present at The Talent Veneration Ceremony that balancing the past with the present is the only way that society can move forward successfully. The event was organised by The Kshatriya Talent Development and Research Institute, Ajmer.
The occasion was presided over by Mr. Dilip Singh, a judge from the High Court and Mr. B. P. Singh, Honourable Member of Parliament was Special Guest. 110 talented Kshatriya students from different grades of education were honored on this auspicious occasion.

Taking professionalism to the next level

Princess Padmaja Kumari Mewar graduated from Tulane University, New Orleans, USA in May 2003 with a degree in International Relations and a minor degree in Business Studies. Her aspiration was always to follow her father into the hospitality industry and her varied and extensive work experience has reflected her vision for herself.
Padmaja's most recent work opportunity was conducted at the Four Seasons Hotel, New York (October 2004 March 2006) where she underwent a rigorous training in many areas of the hospitality sector. In turn, she has worked at Front Desk, Reservation, Spa and Special Services. She has also individually managed the Top 100 guests of the hotel. This role permitted her to liaise with all divisions of the hotel allowing her the opportunity to grasp the functionality of several key departments.
Inspired by her father, Padmaja has chosen to return to Udaipur and into the fold of the HRH Group. “For me, the hospitality industry stands as a metaphor of a 'Perfect World'. The idea being, the guest receives flawless service and all his requests are met promptly.”
Her endeavor is to uphold traditions, and at the same time run the business successfully and gainfully, executing the core standards of excellence that will be reflected in successful operation, improved service to guests and profitability.

HRH Group of Hotels participate in travel conventions
- ITB, Berlin 8-12 March 2006
Nearly 7,500 exhibitors from 190 countries -- including cities, hotels, airlines, train lines, and package-tour companies participate in ITB Berlin
The exhibition attracts 10,000 exhibitors and represents a full spectrum of global tourism at all levels attracting tour operators, booking systems, travel destinations, airlines, hotels and rental cars. The men and women meeting at the ITB in Berlin shape the way we may travel in the future and provides an excellent opportunity for HRH Group of Hotels to meet colleagues and contract business for the forthcoming season.

- 13th Annual SATTE convention, New Delhi
HRH Group of Hotels participated in the annual Saate convention. As India emerges as a major travel and tourism player, New Delhi is becoming a focal centre of this change. New airlines and new routes are providing unprecedented connectivity. Inbound travel last year grew 15% while outbound galloped to over 6 million and is expected to cross 10 million by the end of 2007. Reflecting this huge growth curve SATTE promotes inbound, domestic, regional and outbound travel and tourism.

National Seminar on 'Indian Classical Music and Mewar' held at The Durbar Hall, Fateh Prakash Palace
Mahant Murli Manohar Sharan Shastri inaugurated this seminar jointly sponsored by Maharana Kumbha Sangeet Kala Trust and the Ministry of Tourism & Culture, Government of India jointly. The message of the symposium held the view that Dhrupad Dhamar and the music of Meera, both originating from Mewar, are the incomparable inheritance of Indian classical music.
Dhrupad Gayaki flourished in Mewar and the rulers of Mewar extended exclusive patronage to the Dagar Family, pioneers of the Dhrupad tradition. HLH Maharana Bhagwat Singh hosted the Dagar brothers in Udaipur in the late 1950's using the occasion to record their performance. In 1999 Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar started a major restoration project digitally restoring the collection of the Maharana Kumbha Sangeet Kala Trust using the latest technology. This unique collection is perhaps the best anthology of the great Dagar Gharana of music. CD's are available to purchase at the City Palace Museum and at al leading music stores in India.

Illustrious classical musicians perform at The Zenana Mahal
Two eminent performers entranced an audience of some 200 guests at the Zenana Mahal on Monday 24th April
Ustand Zia Fariduddin Dagar is descended from an illustrious family of Dhrupad musicians one of the most respected names in the history of Indian classical music today.
Baha'ud'din began his training under the tutelage of his father at the age of 11 and represents the twentieth generation of the Dagar parampara of the Dagarbani school of Dhrupad music.

Princess Bhargavi’s New Venture

Aashka a souvenir and lifestyle boutique has recently opened at the Manek Chowk, City Palace Complex. Conceptualised by Princess Bhargavi Kumari Mewar of Udaipur the boutique's endeavour is to provide an expression for indigenous artists and craftsman from where every visitor can take with them a memento, as a joyous reminder of their trip to Udaipur.
Aashka as the tag line suggests will house life style products. The souvenir section will house things that are relevant to Mewar and its history and artefacts particular to the region as well as mini replicas of what you see when you tour the museum.
Princess Bhargavi is in the process of putting together a much larger selection for this unique boutique. A jewellery line, fine textiles and stationery products are in production, as we go to print, as are beauty products in gift size packaging provided by the reputed Forest Essentials company. Also to be on the shelves soon is a range of organic products of India. All the products are hand picked and of superior quality.
In keeping with her impeccable foundation, Princess Bhargavi says of her boutique - "The premise behind this boutique and its products is to be synonymous with elegance and uncompromising individuality the world over.”
Anokhi
Anokhi was established in Jaipur in 1969 as a response to the dying traditional trade of hand block printing. Since then through constant innovation in design development,using both contemporary and traditional designs, Anokhi has reached across the world.
Headquartered in Jaipur , Anokhi now has 16 shops in India. The Udaipur shop was opened in March 2006. It is considered one of their prettiest shops with a full range of clothing in cottons, silks and linens in stylish wearable designs. Stock also includes home furnishings, throws, sarongs and scarves.

Anmol Gems has opened its second shop in the City Palace Complex in the Arcade. Much of their merchandise, designed in house, typifies the traditional setting of Rajasthani jewellery known as Kundam. Pendants and earrings, made with precious stones set in gold incorporate intricate enamel work on the underside of the ornament. The shops also sell classic Indian Jewellery as well as a selection of modern designs. Amnol Gems has a shop at Shiv Niwas Palace that opened in 1993, Udaipur and the Gorbandh Palace, Jaisalmer.

What the media is saying

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For further information on the contents of this newsletter please contact
Mr. Lokesh Mansukhani at media@udaipur.hrhindia.com

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