Gwalior Day 2
Thursday 15 January
15.01.2009 - 15.01.2009
21 °C
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Bannisters in India
on bannfam's travel map.
Is lovely to be able to pull curtains back and see gardens outside. Also there are green parrots and mongoose on the grounds. Talked to an english couple at breakfast, given the lady our last two books to read. They are over for indian version of their son's wedding.
Walked round to the real Palace, not far. Built in a big square, we finally relented and hired a guide, turned out he was the manager of the complex. In the women's wing first, an indoor swimming pool only for women, 12ft deep with two diving boards, one on a bridge. A lot of the stuff was presents given to the maharajahs over the years, also stuffed tigers, rhino and buffalo heads they had shot. Another arms collection. Amazing Belgian glass chandeliars, furniture, a cut glass fountain. The hall (durbar) was amazing, largest first floor hall in India, 580kg of gold leaf, two huge chandelairs that they tested the weight with 8 elephants walking up a 1km long ramp onto the roof. Cut glass railings on banisters. under the hall was the dining area with train that carried drinks and cigars, electric, would stop when someone lifted a carriage up. One table veg, one non-veg. One hall on the side had 2 billiard tables, on the other side indian eating area on cushions.
Rebecca back to hotel, rest to find internet. 2 workers from hotel saw us and helped find internet.
Smattering of room service for dinner tonight.
Posted by bannfam 19.01.2009 00:36 Archived in India Tagged family_travel
