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Literary Hotels: Bucket list these stays for the perfect book-lover holiday!

Taj Falaknuma Palace

ByIANSlife Features

September 9, 2020 (IANSlife With months of lockdown, travellers and avid readers got ample time to read their favourite authors and novels. The trend of virtual book exchange amongst book lovers also saw a rise and reading became fundamental during the quarantine. What could be more satisfying than to turn this passion into a holiday amidst a wide range of books? This International Literacy Day, Booking.com has bookmarked a list of hotels with iconic libraries where you can curl up with any old hardback and read to your heart’s content.  As it becomes safe to travel again, book lovers around the country can reserve a holiday in one of these hotels and explore the unique collection of books their libraries have to offer.  

 

Ananda in the Himalayas, Rishikesh

Nestled in the Himalayan foothills near the holy city of Rishikesh, Ananda in the Himalayas is a haven of tranquility and luxury. Located on a 100 acre Maharaja's Palace Estate, this award winning property offers holistic wellness experiences for the mind, body and spirit. It also boasts of a Maharaja library which shelves over 1000 rare books on ancient medical sciences from the Maharaja’s personal collection. Book lovers can park themselves in one corner and spend hours shuffling through the collection while sipping on a hot cup of tea. Travellers planning a vacation here can also look forward to a complete rejuvenating trip filled with yoga and spa sessions. 

 

Kathiwada Raaj Mahal, Madhya Pradesh

 

KATHIWADA RAAJ MAHAL, MADHYA PRADESH

 

A heritage hotel in the countryside area of Kathiwada, Raaj Mahal Kathiwada is the perfect embodiment of heritage meets contemporary. Nestled amidst 120 acres of privately owned orchards, this mahal was commissioned by Rana Sahib Onkar Sinh Kathiwada as the royal family’s hunting lodge in 1895.  The hotel has a beautiful library which has over 2,000 noteworthy books. This library holds important relevance as it’s been dedicated to Yuvraj Bharat Sinh, the direct descendants of the erstwhile rulers of the princely state of Kathiwada. Travellers can enjoy a quiet read in the morning before heading to explore this Princely State of Jadon Dynasty.

 
Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad

 

TAJ FALAKNUMA PALACE, HYDERABAD

 

If you ever want to visit a hotel that takes it’s literature seriously, Taj Falaknuma Palace shouldn’t be missed. Located in Hyderabad, the Taj Falaknuma palace was built in a restored 19th-century palace offering a great view of the Charminar, minarets and domes in Hyderabad. What makes this hotel special for bibliophiles is the massive and breathtaking Palace library which is a treasure trove of rare manuscripts and over 5000 personal books of HEH the Nizam. You will also find an extensive collection of English, Urdu and Persian books as well as copies of the Quran in this walnut carved library. In fact, there are so many volumes in the Palace library that you would have to read a book a day for at least 16 years to go through the entire collection.

 

Ranvas Haveli, Rajasthan 

 

A bird's eye view of RANVAS HAVELI, RAJASTHAN 

 

Located within the walls of Nagaur Fort, the Ranvas is a spectacular heritage hotel that offers a glimpse back in time, whilst providing guests with the luxury of a modern boutique hotel. History lovers can plan a trip to this magical place which is all things romance and is known for its Mughal architecture. The attraction for book readers is that the library has a collection of books ranging frominternation, Sufi to Mughal literature. Along with the library, even the rooms in this haveli have books of poems by Rumi. Travellers will be transported back in time while running through the pages of history as they reminisce about the rural city of Nagaur.

 

Rokeby Manor, Mussoorie

 

ROKEBY MANOR, MUSSOORIE

 

Located in a district rife with literary history and home to several writers like Ruskin Bond and Steve Alter, Rokeby Manor will make you feel like you are entering a fictional story. This place is a must for travellers who are looking to escape the busy mundane lives and enjoy peaceful silence while exploring the several amenities. Curl up in the chilly weather of this hill station and spend hours reading in the Wilson’s chamber, a library adjoining the restaurant at this hotel. The library with a wooden chamber offers a vast collection of the books from the most sought after writers. So pick up a book and set yourself down for the perfect book lover holiday. 

 

 

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