Missed Magnetic Fields and looking for another royal retreat to jam out at The Ranthambore Music Festival, to be held at the Nahargarh Palace hotel in Ranthambore, is your best bet. Slated from December 27 to 29, it&rsquos a two-night-three-day music and cultural fiesta.
The artist lineup is impressive and diverse, featuring star performers who cut across genres. Traditionalists can enjoy Nathulal Solanki on the nagada and singer Mame Khan&rsquos soulful strains, while lovers of indie are likely to line up for Peter Cat Recording Co. and their frontman Lifafa, as well as the Arko Mukhaerjee Collective. The other notable names are flautist and singer Rasika Shekar, Urdu-blues artist and DJ Sameer Rahat, Goa-based singer-songwriter Ditty, Funk Assassin, and Mumbai rap icon Naezy.
The festival champions wildlife conservation and the preservation of dying musical forms. The performances will take place in the palace&rsquos central courtyard, which has a swimming pool and stepwell-style architecture in striking white. Nahargarh Palace is four kilometres from Ranthambore National Park, and other than music, visitors can enjoy wildlife safaris, stargazing, local food, an art auction and photography opportunities. Packages for staying inside the Palace suites are sold out, but seasons passes are still up for grabs.
The festival pass is for Rs 2,500 and can be bought on the official website. For the uninitiated, the portal also lists transit information, partnering opportunities and cultural experiences to try while in Ranthambore.