Even though India’s royalty had lost its power back in 1947 but the modern-day maharajas are still influential and very much present in modern times. What really comes to your mind when you hear the world Maharaja or a Nawaab? Grandeur, palaces, Rolls Royces, finest jewelries or an opulent lifestyle? Well, it’s a mix of all of this, minus the control of lands. Especially a wedding in a royal household is a pompous affair – elephants in gold headdresses and camels adorned with intricate embroidery, grand processions, 5,000 plus people in their regal attire, golden throne and everything luxurious.

Excited? With Touch Down India’s India unique experiences, meeting a royal family over high tea is not impossible at all. Before that, know a little about the few royal families that are still exists in the 21st Century continuing to carry their royal legacy.

1. The Wadiyar Dynasty: The Wadiyar Dynasty was an Indian royal dynasty that ruled the Kingdom of Mysuru from 1399 to 1947. Yaduveera Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, 23-year-old, is the present Maharaja of Mysore.

2. Royal Family of Jaipur: Padmanabh Singh of Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur is the current King of the city of Jaipur, the pink city, as it is widely known in the world outside. The young King spends most of his time playing polo, studies liberal arts, walk the ramp and travel the world. Portions of the City Palace, the residence of the Royal Family of Jaipur is still open to public.

3. The Royal Family of Jodhpur: Maharaja Gaj Singh is the present King of Jodhpur that owns the world’s largest private residence – the Umaid Bhawan in Jodhpur. If you are staying at Umaid Bhawan, you can also join in the royal family for high tea and listen to the old stories of royalty and valour.

4. The Royal Family of Bikaner: Princess Rajyashree Kumari, former shooter and Arjuna Award winner is the current heir of the Royal Family of Bikaner in Rajasthan. They currently operate Lalgarh Mahal, the heritage hotel where you can book a stay and get straight transported to the royal times gone by.

5. Sisodia Dynasty, Mewar: Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar is the current king of Udaipur; the dynasty are Chattari rajputs of the Suryavanshi lineage who ruled over the kingdom of Mewar in Rajasthan. The most interesting part is that the Sisodias claim their descent from Lord Rama (hero of the Hindu epic Ramayana) – who was from the Raghav (Raghuvanshi) clan of Suryavanshi dynasty. The family owns many heritage hotels and resorts including the Jag Mandir Palace on Lake Pichola.

6. The Royal Family of Rajkot: Yuvraj Mandhatasinh Jadeja is the current King of Rajkot in the state of Gujarat known for their investment in biofuel development and hydropower plants.

7. The Royal Family of Ladakh: Nyima Norbu Namgyal Dey, the king of Zangla, and his wife, Tashi Deskit Angmo, the gyalmo or Rani sahiba of Mulbek in Ladakh comes from the Namgyal dynasty, living a very humble life in the current times.

8. The Gaekwads of Baroda: Samarjitsinh Gaekwad is the current heir of the Gaekwads of Baroda that own nearly 2,000 acres of prime residential, commercial and industrial real estate, including 600 acres around the magnificent 187-room Laxmi Vilas Palace. And, how can one miss the 10 hole golf course in the palace.

Travel with Touch Down India to meet these Royal families and get a close look at how beautifully they have still preserved their ancestral heritage in the current modern times. Well, meeting them is itself an honour.