If there was a “Royal experience” or “Royal Hotel” to stay in our this, our first trip to India and Rajasthan, we did it without any qualms. ex-Marine and Travels With Sheila have stayed in Tibetan homestays where the “bathroom” was out in a pasture with horses and cows. Dealt with pit toilets. Gotten bitten by bedbugs in Turkey. Slept on the floor in Kashgar Airport all night when a flight was cancelled. Pretty much, been there, done it…And, thoroughly enjoyed a little pampering for a change.

One of the major highlights staying at Castle Mandawa is the “Royal Repast”. Kesri Singh led us and the other guests out onto the expansive lawn of the Castle for dinner. Comfortable bolster cushions, rugs and padded areas were set up for the guests to sit and recline while lights illuminated the area.

With a flourish, the music began with drums and flutes (or what I refer to as snake charming music) and servants bearing torches and food began their procession out on the lawn. What I would give to have had a camcorder in those days! The lead servant who carried torches had such charisma and charm, along with impressive mustachios, that I fell in love with him on the spot.

Dish after dish appeared for the guests to help themselves, buffet style. Back in our “olden” travel days, neither one of us was familiar with Indian food but we learned quickly. And, to this day, Samosas remains one of our favorites. Think Mexican empanada and you’ll be very close. The vegetarian version is usually a spicy, potato stuffing inside crisp flour dough, deep fried and served with chutney.

We sat there in a happy food coma and alcoholic haze, looking at our little tower suite window glowing in the dark…View image, and thought, “Do we really have to come back to reality?”

 
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