India is a multi-faceted, there is more to her than the cows in the middle of the road, the holy men who with the orange clothes pose of the cameras and colorful festivals. Here is a look at 9 beautiful properties in India located near key sights from the mountains of Himalayas to the backwater of Kerala from where you can experience and truly enjoy the blend of Culture, Traditions, Art and Architecture, Nature and the warmth of the people who call it home. These Top Luxury Resorts in India are bucketlist worthy…. don’t you agree? Have you been to any of them??
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Bucketlist worthy 9 Luxury Resorts in India
Oberoi Wildflower Hall in Shimla
Lets start our visit from the majestic mountains of the Himalayas. For many, seeing the Himalayas is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience and even in such remote parts of the world, hotels of outstanding beauty and service are still on offer. Stay at the Wildflower Hall, part of the popular Oberoi Hotels and Resorts group. Situated at 8,250 feet, Wildflower Hall looks like something out of a fairy tale.
For those with an adventurous streak, endless activities such as white water rafting, trekking and mountain biking are available through the hotel, ensuring the most is made from such beautiful surroundings. With stunning mountain views, heated swimming pool and 22 acres of virgin woodland, the Wildflower Hall in the Himalayas is a true escape from reality. Let the staff know and they will pack you a nice picnic to enjoy in the mountains.
Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur
In the vibrant center of Rajasthan, Udaipur is home to opulent palaces and beautiful lakes. Enjoy a stay at the Oberoi Udaivilas, entrance to the Oberoi Udaivilas Udaipur is accessed by an enchanting boat ride over Lake Pichola. The surrounding waters and beautiful pools that surround the hotel create a real sense of calm and luxurious serenity. Courtyards, fountains, reflecting pools, serene cream facades and domed pavilions: if you feel as though you’re in a palace, the effect is intentional
often listed as one of the top luxury Resorts in India set against the dramatic backdrop of the Aravalli ranges and steeped in the romance of the historic region of Mewar.
Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra
No trip to the North of India is complete without stopping at Agra to marvel at the iconic Taj Mahal. The Taj Majal: the ultimate symbol of love, built by a Mughal Emperor for his favorite wife. And The Oberoi Amarvilâs, Agra, with its incomparabl
and one of the best Luxury Resorts in India.
Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur
This spectacular palace – once the largest private residence in the world, and still the principal home of Maharaja Singh, is not only one of Jodhpur’s two top attractions but one of India’s most extraordinary heritage hotels. It took 3,000 laborers 15 years to build and is still the sixth-largest residence in the world. The hotel is managed by the Taj group.
Located on Chittar Hill on the outskirts of Jodhpur city, the silhouette of this enormous palace towers above the old city. Set amidst 26-acre gardens, it’s ideal for those who want a restful holiday rather a city experience. It’s about 20 minutes from Mehrangarh, the city’s top attraction; as Umaid Bhawan Palace is the only other major attraction. While you are unlikely to see the royal family that lives in an adjacent wing, you can go on a guided tour every day at 5 pm. Or you can simply wander getting lost in the many corridors, marveling at the wood paneling, gleaming marble and polished granite. Standing under the enormous main domed rotunda, where every evening at 6 pm Rajasthani musicians entertain hotel guests, feels like you are almost royalty. Down the marble stairs in the indoor pool, are original 1940s zodiac-sign mosaics that are pretty cool. Enjoy daily breakfast at Pillar and Traditional Rajasthani Thali dinner at Risala.
Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai
The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai takes you back in time to wonderful old colonial surroundings reflective of India’s yesteryear. Located in a stunning location by the Gateway to India and overlooking the bay, The Taj Mahal Palace is an ideal choice for travelers looking for a great location and magnificent luxury. At the center of the hotel lies a stunning swimming pool, perfect for a dip after a hard day of exploring the bustling city of old Bombay. A secluded courtyard filled with exotic green foliage lies within the hotel, providing an inner-city oasis for all guests. To pick up tailored suits and shirts without the on-street hassle, a visit to the hotel’s suit shop Burlingtons is a must.
Nearby The Taj Mahal Palace lies an array of quirky and interesting shops that are well worth a visit. Bombay Electric sells clothes, jewelry and trinkets that serve as perfect memoirs for any trip to India. The Good Earth is also just a stroll away, selling beautiful homewares. To see Mumbai from a whole new perspective, head to Aer, Mumbai’s highest rooftop bar. With chic white furniture and atmospheric lighting, this bar is a hidden gem well worth knowing about. Aer is based on the 34th floor of the Four Seasons Hotel in the Worli area of the city and invites non-residents in with a warm welcome.
Park Hyatt in Goa
Located in the most idyllic area of Southern Goa, Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa offers unparalleled hospitality and exotic appeal. Relax in the most extensive spa in Goa, or practice yoga in its birthplace. Lounge under a brilliant white umbrella on the sweeping curve of the wooden deck. Visit one of the pristine beaches for which Goa is renowned, perfect for sunbathing and water sports.
Head out of the hotel to explore the region’s rich cultural heritage, and spend the day at the Anjuana Flea Market, bargaining over local crafts. Or, visit the nearby spice plantation to whet your appetite for authentic Goan food at Casa Sarita, traditional Indian cuisine at Masala, fresh pasta at Da Luigi, or seafood in the open-air Palms. From the lagoons and gardens that surround it and the traditional Indian art and dark-wood furniture of your room, to the scent of spices hanging in the air, Park Hyatt Goa offers a home away from home you’ll never forget.
Leela Palace in Bengaluru
Bangalore as is used to be called by the British, is the third-largest city in India. Bengaluru is one of the few metros in the country with an expansive green cover, it is hard for one to miss the many gardens, and joggers’ parks in the city. An adopted home to a large number of people coming from various parts of the country, Bengaluru the IT hub of India has become a preferred destination for various kinds of individuals including college students and IT professionals. To fully enjoy the idyllic calm of the hotel, insist on a Garden View suite. The garden, with its small, waterfall-fed lagoon, and enclosed by the hotel, is outstandingly soothing.
Leela Hotel Group has some of the Best Luxury Resorts in India.
While you are at it, add to your list Tipu Sultan’s summer palace—an Indo-Islamic fortress that serves as a museum for historic insights. Complete your visit to Bengaluru by picnicking or walking around the lavish gardens of Lalbagh and Cubbon Park. Start your shopping adventure from the 100ft Road, a stone’s throw away from The Leela Palace Bengaluru, where international, national and local brands come together, making it a shopaholic’s paradise.
Leela Palace in Chennai
The largest of the four metropolitan cities in India, Chennai is a vibrant gateway to the south Indian culture. Chennai is known for the infectious exuberance of its Tamil-speaking people and its wonderful cosmopolitan way of life. Also known as the Detroit of Asia—the auto hub of India—Chennai displays a mix of cultural heritage blended in by the Portuguese, Dutch, French and the British. Chennai has a tropical climate, but being on the coastline, it is humid throughout the year. With mainly two seasons in a year, Chennai can get hot in summers; however, monsoons (October to December) bring respite. One of the best Luxury Resorts in South India.
Places to visit in and around Chennai are many. Pick from a colonial fort, its beaches, churches and temples, water sports and amusement parks, shopping centers and street markets, fine-dining and luxury hotels. And the Leela Palace, the only property in Chennai by the sea is a perfect place to experience Chennai from. Among the tourist places in Chennai, Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO Heritage Site, is a must-visit. Head to the 6th century Hindu temple for Lord Shiva at Mylapore, the early 19th century Thousand Lights Mosque or the 16th century Roman Catholic Church at Santhome. Fort St. George, the first British fortress in India, promises an assortment of stories—real and fictional—for the history buff.
Vivanta by Taj in Kovalam
Fondly referred to as the ‘God’s Own Country’, Kerala is a paradise from a traveling point of view. Voted the best destination in Asia by World Tourism Awards, Kerala tours offer breathtaking diversity. There are bounties to be discovered and explored in Kerala. Kerala is renowned all over the world for its pristine backwaters.
A ride onboard the pampering Kettuvallams (the houseboats) is a serene yet luxurious experience. Kerala is also one of the important ecotourism destinations in India. With salubrious hill stations, beach, backwaters, Ayurveda and rich cultural and architectural heritage, Kerala is certainly a dream destination. Indulge in a fusion of pleasure of luxe and beauty of nature at Taj Green Cove Resort & Spa Kovalam. Savor the view of backwaters of playful waves of the sea. Munch in culinary delights in the restaurants or rejuvenate in the Spa. While you are there don’t miss out on a boat ride on the backwater in a houseboat.
(Pictures belong to the individual Hotels mentioned)
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Updated May 2019
These some of the most exotic hotels in india.