India Safari: Royal Rajasthan

Pass through Mughal style architecture; under the gold domed roof, past elephants, water bodies and into the refreshing ambience of the Bellevue Restaurant at The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra. Naturally lit through large windows, sparkling with spotlights and bespoke glass panels, Bellevue is furnished with long sofa seating and intimate tables upholstered in vibrant turquoise leather. Vintage black and white photographs of Agra's Mughal monuments adorn the walls, while dark sandstone and white marble tile the floors. It is well know that the Mughal emperors were patrons of lavish food. Akbar had very extravagant food habits, Aurangzeb preferred vegetarian cuisine, Babur's kitchen displayed central Asian influences, while Humayun preferred Iranian flavours.

Nestled behind carved wooden door panels, waiting to be discovered, Esphahan is punctuated with Mughal style sandstone and marble stacked pillars; a demure, softly lit Indian speciality restaurant, subtly adorned with hand painted wall frescoes and tasteful Mughal inspired designs. Candles glow upon intimate table arrangements and a traditional musician plays soft, live music upon the stage. The fine dining menu features recipes passed down from the Mughal emperors' kitchens and inspired by their adventures on the Northern frontiers: perfectly marinated kebabs, slow-cooked to enhance subtle flavours, with spices specially blended to suit individual guests' palates, rich Mughal curries and soft Indian flat breads, handmade by the tandoori chefs and served piping hot on traditional, burnished metal plates.

Located on the ground floor of The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra, The Lounge is a charming space to visit in the early morning, afternoon or late at night. Guests can enjoy picture-perfect moments as they bear witness to the play of light and shadows upon the Taj Mahal at different times of the day, without leaving the comfort of the hotel. The lounge is brightly lit from above by a magnificent crystal chandelier hanging from a Mughal style, gold domed ceiling, and is filled with natural light that flows in through large windows that frame the Taj Mahal view. The interior is tastefully decorated with handpicked brass figurines that sit upon ornate gold fretwork shelves, and is bright with sparkling mirrors and vibrant turquoise washed wood.

The Oberoi Amarvilas is home to the only bar in Agra that has uninterrupted Taj Mahal views. From the large windows that naturally light this relaxing space, guests can see the world famous tribute to eternal love in its full splendour. For those interested in an alternate aspect, behind The Bar is an oil canvas depicting the layout of the Taj Mahal. The comprehensive bar menu includes classic Martinis, single malts, American whisky, gins, rums, tequilas, cognacs, champagne cocktails, classic cocktails, Oberoi signature cocktails and mocktails, Oberoi signature iced teas and speciality coffees, all served to perfection from noon until midnight.

Adorned with royal and martial portraits, the interiors of Risala at Umaid Bhawan Palace are ambient and characterful. Enjoy recipes straight from the royal kitchens over spectacular views of the garden, city and Mehrangarh Fort. The fine-dining restaurant offers the best Continental and Indian Fusion cuisine in Jodhpur.

Set in a lovely colonnaded veranda, Pillars at the palace overlooks the spectacular city of Jodhpur spectacular Jodhpur city, Baradari Lawns and Mehrangarh Fort. The open-air diner offers pre-plated meals, snacks, Rajasthani delicacies, full meals and teatime delicacies. Perfect for an early breakfast or a late sunset meal.

Experience soothing music and a unique sports-themed environment at Trophy Bar. Immerse in artefacts and wildlife trophies collected by Maharajas, and examine an original six-foot elephant tusk. In the regal ambience, relish an extensive selection of finger foods, alcohol and Cuban cigars.

Threesixtyone is a bright, spacious all-day dining restaurant in Gurgaon that affords uninterrupted views of the hotels reflection pool and lush green wall through a vast facade of immaculate glass. At Threesixtyone Restaurant at The Oberoi, Gurgaon, gourmet theatres hold centre stage at live Japanese, Chinese, Indian and wood-fired pizza show kitchens. The wine library houses an expansive range of international fine wines, and freshly baked goods are made throughout the day. Guests can dine indoors, or al fresco at the waterside deck, or even host an exclusive dinner in the private dining room.

Named after the flower that never fades, Amaranta is a chic minimalist fine dining restaurant with intimate seating arrangements and exceptional personalised service. Indian food comes full circle in an all new progressive menu at the contemporary Indian restaurant: Amaranta at The Oberoi, Gurgaon. Timeless Indian recipes and authentic flavours blend seamlessly with unexpected pairings and presentations for a thoroughly modern dining experience. Guests on a tight lunchtime schedule will enjoy the specially curated express luxury lunch menu. Budding sommeliers can wrap their taste buds around our degustation wine paired menu or the amaranta a la carte menu.

The Piano Bar at The Oberoi, Gurgaon serves classic and signature cocktails, and boasts an international wine collection of over 200 labels, which can be savoured in the exclusive wine room while enjoying uninterrupted views of the hotel's reflection pool and listening to live piano. Unrivalled by other luxury hotels in Gurgaon, the adjacent Cigar Lounge is first of its kind in India. It is classically furnished with soft leather armchairs and offers a range of hand rolled cigars and private humidor lockers for guests to store their Cubans. Together, they offer a wonderful space to relax with a single malt, an aperitif, a digestif, a light snack or coffee.

The Oberoi Patisserie & Delicatessen at The Oberoi, Gurgaon is a charming space unique amongst hotels in Gurgaon. Gleaming glass cases sit filled with delectable handmade cakes, pastries, breads, cheese and charcuterie. Fantastic chocolate sculptures sit beside seasonal specialities, and jars of handmade pickles and honey line the walls. Soft leather armchairs invite guests to relax and enjoy views of the hotel's reflection pool, while savouring a glass of wine, a cup of tea, coffee or a light snack. Guests can learn how to melt, mold and fill delectable chocolates that they can take home with their own chef's hat, apron and gift box from the professionals.