Luxury Destinations India is a huge territory, full of so much wealth that you will have to plan several trips to discover them. Whether you come away stirred or fascinated, India leaves no one indifferent. Northern India is home to the “Golden Triangle” formed by the cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. The capital surprises with its cacophony, the coexistence of the old neighborhoods and New Delhi, its Red Fort and its magnificent Jama Masjid mosque. In Agra, the Taj Mahal, a prodigious monument whose construction took place over 22 years, is the emblem of the country. It is at dawn, before the crowds, that this architectural gem shines with beauty. In Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan, you can admire the Amber Fort and majestic pink buildings. Don’t miss the city of Udaipur standing out from the Aravalli Mountains, a captivating city with white houses and a gigantic palace bordering Lake Pichola. Further east, discover Vanarasi, a major Hindu pilgrimage site. Jump on a train alongside Indian families to travel the country and watch the landscapes of valleys mutate into hills and wild jungles. At the foot of the Himalayas, take a breath of fresh air in the middle of the Darjeeling plantations. Observe rhinos in Kaziranga Park, or the elusive tiger in Corbett and Ranthambore parks. Then head towards South India to discover the superb beaches of Goa; the rich religious heritage of Tamil Nadu and the French atmosphere of Pondicherry; the sprawling Mumbai with its unique architectural diversity; the backwaters of Allepey, an interweaving of rivers, lagoons and lakes; the 400 temples of Hampi scattered in rocky nature… Luxury Destinations India: a whirlwind of colors, emotions, life, beauty.
INDIA – GOA
Alila Diwa Goa
STYLE: A unique, tropical and luxurious address with bold contemporary architecture
LOCATION: On the west coast of India, in the village of Majorda, 20 minutes from Goa airport
CAPACITY: 118 Rooms & Suites in the middle of rice fields
MORE: A real invitation to disconnect and relax to follow a detox cure or simply enjoy the exotic natural setting
The Alila Diwa Goa hotel feels like a true haven of peace thanks to its peaceful natural setting surrounded by rice fields, a palm grove and gardens with lush vegetation. The hotel combines traditional Goan architecture with a resolutely contemporary style with high ceilings, flowered patios with water features, terraces and a superb infinity pool blending perfectly into the natural setting. Alila Diwa Goa is a perfect retreat to relax as a couple or family, after a discovery tour of Luxury Destinations India. Well-being is at the center of all the hotel’s attentions, with a wide choice of yoga classes, treatments and massages at the Spa (for young and old), places to relax, such as the infinity pool or the Movie room. The 118 rooms and suites ensure the continuity of this quest for well-being with a decor skillfully combining modernity and tradition and have private terraces with views of nature. Finally, 3 restaurants focus on fresh and fusion cuisine. You can even have your meal in the hotel’s organic garden for an exclusive break surrounded by nature.
EXPERIENCES
- Visit to villages and markets, cooking classes
- Introduction to cricket
- Parachute jump (optional)
- 35 m long swimming pool, spa, yoga, gym
- Kid’s Club & Teen Zone
THE EXTRAORDINARY
Alila Diwa Goa is a spa destination in its own right, with a range of Ayurvedic treatments and massages that will relieve any tension you may have. Another original experience offered by the hotel is a dinner proposal to be enjoyed in complete darkness. This immersion in absolute darkness is very intriguing and allows the palate to discover flavors differently.
ETHICS
Alila Diwa Goa was designed to minimize its environmental impact by using local materials (such as laterite stone) and taking into account the preservation of the surrounding trees and rice fields and the many migratory animals that call it home. The hotel also supports projects in the local community with the Father Basilio Andrade Memorial Higher Secondary School in improving the condition of the school and its infrastructure as well as sponsoring sports equipment for a football club in Majorda.
INDIA – RAJASTHAN
Aman-I-Khas, in the footsteps of Kipling
STYLE: A unique and exclusive luxury camp with modern and colonial design, where textiles play the immaculate white card
LOCATION: On the edge of the Ranthambore National Park, in Rajasthan, three hours drive from Jaipur
CAPACITY: 10 luxury tents in the heart of nature
THE ADVANTAGES: A true refuge for aesthetes in the heart of wild nature, ideal for going on safari in the footsteps of the last great Bengal tigers
The name Aman-i-Khás comes from the words “aman” meaning “peace” and “khas” meaning “privileged”, as the Aman stands out from its competitors with its dedicated and personalized butler service. The Aman I-Khas property was originally an ancient hunting estate of the Maharajas of Jaipur. It is an ephemeral and nomadic luxury camp, nestled in nature, on the edge of the Ranthambore National Park which is renowned for being one of the best wildlife observation spots in India. The camp has 10 luxury tents, set up each year from October to April, the best time to observe the famous Bengal tigers. The tents are inspired by Mughal camp tents. They are very spacious with more than 100 m² and all have a veranda open to the outside, as for the interior, it is inspired by a sober and chic colonial style with teak furniture. The restaurant, also set up under a tent, offers Indian and Western dishes prepared by the Chef with a selection of vegetables, fruits and herbs from the organic garden coming from the estate, which you will enjoy in a subdued atmosphere, in the light of the candles.
EXPERIENCES
- Go on a sunrise safari aboard a jeep to observe wildlife and follow in the footsteps of Bengal tigers
- Camels ride at sunset
- Take a private outdoor yoga or meditation session
- Book an Ayurvedic massage in the Spa tent
- Relax at the camp swimming pool
THE EXTRAORDINARY
After a day of safari and to experience an even more memorable moment, what do you think of relaxing in a space set up around a wood fire, dining in the fresh air under the stars and observing the wildlife? You may have the chance and the great privilege of admiring the animals that come to quench their thirst at the nearby watering hole.
ETHICS
The Aman-I-Khas is located in a preserved natural setting and only opens its doors for a few months of the year (from October to April) so as not to interfere too much in this protected environment and to allow the vegetation to regenerate in peace.
INDIA – RAJASTHAN
Six Senses Fort Barwara
Six Senses Barwara is a splendid 14th century fort, aptly converted into a sanctuary of hospitality and well-being by the Six Senses group. Originally owned by the Rajasthani royal family, it faces the Chauth ka Barwara Mandir temple. The historic fort has been carefully preserved and converted to house two restaurants, a bar and lounge, a 2,800 m² spa and fitness center, two swimming pools and 48 suites within the original walls of the site. The landscaping reflects the royal history of the fort through the integration of traditional gardens and water features.
STYLE: A classic Indian atmosphere borrowing from the history of the place, but also resolutely contemporary
LOCATION: In Rajasthan, 3 hours’ drive south of Jaipur
CAPACITY: 48 Suites
MORE: A luxurious stopover in a majestic fort in the heart of the Rajasthan, which combines heritage and modernity
EXPERIENCES
- 2 Swimming pools, 2,800 m² Spa, Gym
- Cultural discovery of neighboring villages (markets, temples, forts…)
- Cooking lessons
- Astronomical observatory, open-air cinema
- Excursion to Ranthambore to observe tigers
THE EXTRAORDINARY
The 2,800 m² Spa and fitness center are located in the Women’s Palace. It offers a wide range of Ayurvedic treatments, meditation and personalized well-being programs based on the preventive principles of oriental medicine. Used are a range of local, homemade essential oils, mud, clay, gels and plant oils, all blended with love and care for their therapeutic energies.
ETHICS
From the responsible restoration of the palace to the local Barwara community, its lake and its landscapes, Six Senses takes care of its entire environment. It is not only about minimizing negative impacts, but also about positively innovating. The environmental and social sustainability policy emphasizes energy efficiency, water and waste management, social commitment, protection of natural environments, air quality and noise control.
Luxury Destinations India – RAJASTHAN
Jawai, a Relay House & Castles
The Sujan Jawai luxury camp has only 10 tents, all open onto wild nature offering a magical and confidential immersion in the heart of the steppes of Rajasthan. The spacious tents in light colors are soberly decorated in a colonial spirit, with elegant furniture mixing leather and steel. They have terraces offering magnificent views of untouched nature and granite hills. The main attraction of Jawai is the leopard which lives freely there. There are around forty of them in the surrounding bush that you will try to spot, accompanied by experienced trackers and guides to follow in their footsteps. The camp is also minutes away from the Jawai Bandh, one of the largest water reservoirs in Rajasthan, which attracts wildlife and many species of birds including flamingos and Antigone cranes. At Sujan Jawai Camp, meals are organized according to the rhythm of safaris and excursions and also according to your wishes: no schedule, no constraints. You can choose to have lunch either in the restaurant under the tent or picnic in the bush and in the evening, have your dinner around a campfire under the stars.
STYLE: A luxury camp with a modern colonial inspiration
LOCATION: Near Jawai Bandh lake, between Udaipur and Jaipur, in Rajasthan
CAPACITY: 10 luxurious tents set in a raw granite setting
MORE: A unique location to live in harmony with the nature and observe the leopards and flamingos that live in freedom
EXPERIENCES
- Take a safari by jeep or on foot to track the leopard, go hiking, ride a bike
- Visit the Kumbalgarh Fort, classified as a UNESCO heritage site, discover the temples of Ranakpur
- Go and meet the inhabitants of neighboring villages, watch for the many species of birds
- Enjoy the infinity pool, relax with a massage, take an outdoor yoga or meditation class
THE EXTRAORDINARY
Sujan Jawai invites you to explore the region according to your desires and tastes through varied and personalized activities. We invite you to go hiking to experience a privileged encounter with the Rabari nomadic shepherds, who live in total harmony and peace with the native fauna and flora. This hike may allow you to come across one of the 55 leopards in the reserve.
ETHICS
The Sujan hotel group is an important player in sustainable development, by implementing awareness programs in the respect and conservation of wildlife, as well as in programs dedicated to the local population. He employs locals, trains them and financially supports schools in neighboring villages. As for the cuisine, the dishes offered in the restaurant are prepared with fresh produce from the camp’s vegetable garden or from nearby farms. Sujan also supports research projects on leopard conservation.
Luxury Destinations India – MADHYA PRADESH
Baghvan – A Taj Safari Lodge
It is on the edge of the Pench National Park, in the heart of a jungle, that the Baghvan lodge is nestled. The Pench National Park is renowned for being home to many wild species, some of which are endangered, such as the tiger, the leopard, the wild dog, but it is also home to numerous antelopes and a multitude of birds. The park has a special aura since it is said to have inspired the author Rudyard Kipling for his famous “Jungle Book”. Baghvan, literally “tiger forest”, is a luxurious and intimate lodge where you can recreate Mowgli’s adventures during safaris alongside experienced naturalist guides to ensure a true connection with nature and memorable face-to-face encounters with the wildlife. With only 12 bungalows, with discreet 1950s charm, the lodge provides tailor-made service, tasty cuisine, thrilling safaris and well-deserved moments of relaxation.
STYLE: An intimate lodge with a retro 1950s Indian atmosphere
LOCATION: In the south of the state of Madhya Pradesh, near the Pench National Park
CAPACITY: 12 Bungalows overlooking the forest and a dry river bed
MORE: Ideal for discovering the jungle and go in search of tigers, but also Indian wolves
EXPERIENCES
- Safari in 4X4, guided safari on foot in the ‘nullah’ (dry river bed) to follow tracks and observe birds
- Exploration of a bat nesting site near the lodge
- Bike ride to the village of Pachdhaar
- Cooking class with the Chef
- Swimming pool, spa
THE EXTRAORDINARY
For literature lovers or simply Disney fans, exploring Pench National Park means trying to recognize the plant and animal species that may have inspired Kipling in the writing of his iconic work, The Jungle Book, starting with a pack of wolves, the one that welcomes Mowgli at the very beginning of the adventure.
ETHICS
Baghvan was built in harmony with its environment near the Pench National Park, one of the densest wildlife parks in the country. The Taj hotel group is an important player in sustainable development, it sets up awareness programs for wildlife conservation, and actions dedicated to developing the well-being of local communities, such as the provision of smoke-free cookers. to reduce wood consumption by 45%.
Luxury Destinations India – RAJASTHAN
Sujan Sher Bagh – Ranthambhore
It is at the gates of the Ranthambhore National Park reserve, in the heart of the jungle, that the Singh family has set up the Sher Bagh luxury camp. Ranthambhore Park, once the Maharajah’s hunting ground, is renowned for being one of the best places to observe wildlife in Luxury Destinations India, particularly tigers. Safari enthusiasts will enjoy this intimate camp of just 12 luxuriously appointed white cotton canvas tents, in the 1920s English colonial style, with handcrafted rosewood and teak furniture. Each tent is a hymn to elegance and the feline. The restaurant offers delicious Indian and Western dishes prepared in a clay oven with vegetables, fruits and herbs from the estate’s organic vegetable garden. You can dine either in the restaurant or outside in the camp, under the stars, for a romantic and peaceful moment.
STYLE: A confidential address with a nostalgic safari atmosphere from the 1920s
LOCATION: On the edge of the Ranthambore National Park, in Rajasthan, three hours’ drive from Jaipur
CAPACITY: 12 luxurious tents in the heart of the jungle
MORE: Ideal for exploring the jungle and observe wild tigers
EXPERIENCES
- Go on safari aboard a 4X4 in Rantambhore Park alongside naturalist guides
- Go on a birdwatching hike
- Discover the Ranthambhore Fort, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Visit the surrounding villages, take a cooking class with the Chef
- Be pampered at the Spa, the Sher Bagh Jungle Spa, relax by the pool
THE EXTRAORDINARY
Far from the crowds and accompanied by specialized guides, you will experience safari moments within the Kela Devi Sanctuary for a day. In addition to antelopes and other mammals and birds, perhaps you will have the chance to come across an Indian wolf or brown bears? You can also be accompanied by a photographer specializing in wildlife and immortalize this day of safari in photos.
ETHICS
Sher Bagh is committed to protecting the environment and raising awareness among its staff and suppliers about the use of natural, traditional and organic growing methods on the basis of a “plastic-free” policy. The hotel grows its own organic fruits and vegetables. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, heating and electricity are powered by solar energy and fuels from waste.
Luxury Destinations India – RAJASTHAN
Sujan The Serai – Jaisalmer
It is far from the hustle and bustle of the city of Jaisalmer, in a landscape of dunes and steppes as far as the eye can see, that the ephemeral camp The Serai is set up every year, from October to April, which is made up of 21 spacious white canvas tents. The tents are inspired by the royal caravans of Rajputana and are luxuriously appointed and decorated in an elegant colonial style. Each of the tents has its own terrace and some have a private garden and a small swimming pool. The restaurant, also housed in a tent, offers Indian and Western dishes cooked over a wood fire and prepared with organic products grown on site. Depending on your wishes, you can choose to dine either in the restaurant, in a subdued atmosphere, by candlelight, or away in the camp, under the stars and enjoy the magical and serene atmosphere of the desert. The Serai is a wonderful place in the heart of the desert, an ideal camp from which to admire the dunes of the Thar Desert, discover the surrounding villages and observe the desert fauna.
STYLE: A temporary luxury camp with a modern and colonial design
LOCATION: In the steppes of north-west Rajasthan, 1 hour from the mythical city of Jaisalmer
CAPACITY: 21 luxurious tents in white cotton canvas
MORE: The Jaisalmer region is the perfect place to admire the dunes, the superb sunsets and to venture into the desert to discover the desert fauna
EXPERIENCES
- Take a camel ride, spot desert birds (bustard and spotted eagle)
- Visit the medieval city and fortress of Jaisalmer, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Discover the abandoned village of Kuldhara, explore the shepherd villages
- Be pampered at the Spa, cool off in the swimming pool
THE EXTRAORDINARY
Live the unique experience of the “Thar sundowner”: at nightfall, you will go for an unforgettable camel ride in the Thar desert, then you will stop on one of the dunes to contemplate the sublime sunset and its nuances of color, while sipping an aperitif. An unforgettable magical moment!
ETHICS
The Sujan hotel group is an important player in sustainable development, implementing awareness programs in the respect and conservation of wildlife, as well as in programs dedicated to the local population, such as employment and training staff from neighboring communities.
Luxury Destinations India – MADHYA PRADESH
Taj Pashan Garh – Panna National Park
The Pashan Garh lodge was built in the heart of a teak forest along the Ken River, covering more than 70 hectares. This region is renowned for being home to one of the most important protected reserves in Luxury Destinations India, the Panna National Park. Moreover, the lodge is ideally located on the edge of the park to ensure unforgettable safari days in the park alongside experienced guides and aboard a 4X4 vehicle with open roof, to track various animals such as leopards, hyenas , wolves, jackals, monkeys, reptiles, antelopes and more than 250 species of birds. For a day, you can also explore the famous temples of Khajurâho, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. The lodge has just 12 cottages, all built of stone and inspired by local architecture, with interior decoration mixing various materials such as marble, leather and raw stone. Each cottage has been carefully decorated with black and white canvases that echo the wildlife of the region and other details that reference the erotic sculptures of the Khajuraho temple, located a few kilometers from the lodge. From your private veranda and gazebo, you can enjoy the breathtaking view of nature and a waterhole where you may have the chance to observe some animals drinking.
STYLE: An exceptional lodge with modern comfort combining stone, earth and marble, in the heart of a lush tropical forest
LOCATION: In the north of the state of Madhya Pradesh, in the jungle near the Panna National Park and the “erotic” temples of Khajuraho
CAPACITY: 12 terracotta and stone cottages with jungle views
MORE: Ideal for going on safari in one of India’s largest game reserves
EXPERIENCES
- 4×4 safari, ornithological walks or boat trips on the Ken River
- Discovery of the temples of Khajuraho, visit to the town of Panna, swimming in the Pandavas waterfall
- Cooking class alongside the Chef, unusual dinner on a palanquin pulled by oxen
- Swimming pool, spa
THE EXTRAORDINARY
The Pashan Garh lodge is probably the best place to track leopards with experienced and passionate naturalist guides. In addition, the Panna National Park is also home to the Bengal tiger where there are around 35 individuals. This sanctuary also houses a tiger conservation project.
ETHICS
The lodge was built by three hundred stonemasons from Rajasthan to create a refuge that blends perfectly with nature. The Taj hotel group is an important player in sustainable development, it sets up awareness programs for wildlife conservation, and actions dedicated to developing the well-being of local communities such as local employment.
Luxury Destinations India – KERALA
The Malabar House – Kochi
Malabar House is more than a boutique hotel: it is a true “hotel-museum” housing a collection of recent and old works of art celebrating the history of Kerala and India. The hotel is located in the historic district of the fishing town of Cochin and houses 17 rooms and suites with contemporary and colonial styles. Malabar House is also home to one of the best restaurants in the country with its restaurant, The Malabar Junction, which offers innovative and traditional cuisine based on the best local produce and ingredients. The house also offers authentic cultural experiences to immerse yourself in the daily life of the inhabitants of Kerala on foot, by bike, by tuk-tuk or aboard a barge which will take you along the water to discover the backwaters for which the region is famous. Programs focused on well-being are also offered through yoga retreats and high-quality Ayurvedic treatments to pacify the body and soul.
STYLE: The house reflects the composite culture of Kerala, a clever blend of modern and ancient
LOCATION: In the historic city of Cochin, in the state of Kerala, southwest India
CAPACITY: 17 Rooms & Suites within of a historic building dating back to 1755
THE ADVANTAGES: Ideal for a yoga retreat and benefiting from Ayurvedic treatments in an oasis of tranquility in the lush region of Kerala
EXPERIENCES
- Explore the city on foot, by bike or by tuk-tuk
- Stroll and discover the spice and antique markets
- Take the ferry to explore the church on Vypeen Island
- Explore the backwaters of Kerala aboard the hotel’s eco-friendly houseboat
- Swimming pool, spa, yoga
THE EXTRAORDINARY
The hotel’s Purespa Spa is a temple of well-being with treatments inspired by ancestral Indian techniques to heal and soothe your body and soul. It is more than a well-being program, it is treatments that rely on the harmony of body and mind to help you tone up, relax and treat stress-related disorders, back pain, rheumatism, etc.
ETHICS
Malabar House has been restored in a way that respects the history of this old colonial residence as well as the construction of their exotic and ecological houseboat which will take you to discover the Backwaters of Kerala.
FACTSHEET
ENTRY & SECURITY
- Visa required
- Passport valid for at least 6 months after the visa expiry date
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate for travelers coming from an infected area
CLIMATE
- Rainy season (monsoon) from June to October, except on the South-East coast where it occurs from October to December
- Cool season from October to mid March, with pleasant temperatures in most regions
- Hot season from mid March to June, the temperature becomes stifling
TIME DIFFERENCE
- India is at GMT+5:30
- In summer, +3h30 time difference
- In winter, +4h30 time difference
LANGUAGE
- Hindi is the national language
- English is official language, widely spoken in tourist areas
- 22 languages are recognized by the Indian Constitution
HEALTH & VACCINATION
- Updating the vaccination record
- Anti-malarial treatment in certain regions
- Zika virus transmission zone
CURRENCY
- The currency is the Rupee
- 100 INR = 1.11 € (April 2024)
ELECTRICITY
- 220 volts
- Variable type sockets
- Bring an adapter
TIP
- Tipping is not obligatory but is appreciated
- 150 rupees / person / day for drivers
- 300 rupees / person / day for guides
As this information is subject to change, we invite you to consult
the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Luxury Destinations India by Delighted Journey