Luxury Weekend Getaways: Explore India’s Best UNESCO Sites in Style

Keen on an engaging date with Indian history on your next quick getaway but don’t want to drown your day visiting monuments? Also wary of compromising on luxury while there? We’ve drawn up an exciting list of Indian UNESCO sites beyond the monuments and matched each one of them with a plush hotel for you to stay at. From national parks and railways to iconic architectural marvels, there is so much you can choose from, for your next lavish heritage vacation. 

UNESCO site worth visiting: The Kaziranga National Park in Assam

The national park that hosts two-thirds of the world’s exotic one-horned Rhino population, has earned itself the status of an UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to the exemplary conservation efforts in preserving this endangered species. A trip to Assam calls for exploring the vast expanse of this national park that is also home to wild buffaloes, Asiatic elephants, Royal Bengal Tiger and 15 other protected species. 

Book Your Flight to Assam

We suggest you stay at: Vivanta by Taj, Guwahati

​

The highlight of Vivanta by Taj in Guwahati is its imposing façade, and architecture borrowed straight from the cultural ethos of Assam. The hotel’s design is inspired by the aesthetics of Rang Ghar, a popular royal amphitheatre of the Ahom dynasty. The Gamocha pattern and bamboo cane interweave incorporated in the interiors, Xingkhap murals adorning the room walls and 1,008 sacred bells hanging in the lobby make the place look like an urban sanctuary, where history meets modernity. Kaziranga national park, at about 200 kms away from the hotel, makes for a memorable day-trip. Request the hotel to arrange a private taxi for you to visit Kaziranga and start early in the morning to make the most of the elephant or jeep safari there. Afterwards, you can head to Behora and Bokakhat, which are known for their lush tea gardens. At Bokakhat, visit historic temples and monasteries, Kakochang Falls, and the Numaligarh ruins at Deopahar. 

Book Your Stay at Vivanta by Taj, GuwahatiBook Your Stay at Vivanta by Taj, Guwahati

UNESCO site worth visiting: The Great Himalayan National Park in Manali

​

Surrounded by imposing mountain peaks on three sides and interspersed by Beas, Jiwa, Sainj and Tirthan rivers, this national park is a hit among nature lovers and trekkers. Owing to its significance in biodiversity conservation, it earned the World Heritage Site tag in 2014. You can hope to spot Himalayan griffon vultures, golden eagles, raptors, lammergeyers, the endangered western tragopan and more than 50 species of migratory birds. If you feel up to some trekking, you can explore famous trails such as the Neuli-Sarangarh loop, Sainj-Tirthan valley, Neuli- Sainj valley, JiwaNala- Parvati River valley and Gushaini-Tirthan valley. To truly soak up the experience of being in the lap of nature, you’d need an entire day to explore the expanse of this national park spread over 750 square kilometres. 

Book Your Flight to Kullu

We suggest you stay at: The Himalayan Resort and Spa, Manali

The Himalayan Resort and Spa perched at a height of 2003 metres, is a haven rather close to the Great Himalayan National Park, tucked away amidst pristine snow-clad mountains and plunging waterfalls. Built in Victorian Gothic Revival style, the interiors of the resort are accentuated by elaborate clover trelliswork and coffered wood ceilings. The property is divided into two parts – the main wing or The Castle, and The Cottage. All the rooms are equipped with modern-day amenities, along with a fireplace and four-poster beds lending them a rare antique charm. The hotel’s in-house spa amid cherry and apple orchards is designed to pamper its guests. 

Book Your Stay at The Himalayan Resort and Spa, Manali

UNESCO site worth visiting: Nilgiri Mountain Railways in Ooty

​

A part of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre of Mountain Railways of India, this mountain train connects Ooty to Metupalaiyam, running through the glorious Nilgiri Hills. The 46-kilometre track includes 250 bridges and 16 tunnels, and offers an up-close glimpse of the rocky terrain, tea plantations, ravines and forested hills. The Swiss-made steam locomotive and the blue and cream wooden carriages with enormous windows make this toy train a delightful sight by itself. The train leaves the Mettupalayam station at 7.10 am and arrives in Ooty at 12.00, and starts its return journey to Mettupalayam at 2.00 pm. Covering 46 kilometres in over 5 hours, this train journey is akin to a prolonged joy ride. Tickets for first and second class travel can be pre-booked or you can just hop on with an unreserved ticket for INR 15 at the last moment. 

We suggest you stay at: WelcomHeritage Ferrnhills Royale Palace, Ooty

Situated on a 50-acre estate, the WelcomHeritageFerrnhills Royale Palace is a heritage hotel set up in the summer palace of the Mysore Maharajas. The hotel building sits majestically amid sprawling lawns, with a stunning view of tea gardens and a lush green valley. The hotel has 19 regal suites, a magnificent heritage ballroom, Jacuzzi-fitted baths and a multi-cuisine dining area. The interiors are done up in Burmese teak, and the papier-mâché ceilings further enhance its aesthetic appeal. 

Book Your Stay at WelcomHeritage Ferrnhills Royale Palace, OotyBook Your Stay at WelcomHeritage Ferrnhills Royale Palace, Ooty

UNESCO site worth visiting: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai

A visit to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) is recommended for witnessing gothic architecture in its full grandeur, which reflects in many Mumbai landmarks. Declared a ‘World Heritage Site’ in 2004, the CST is synonymous with the advent of railways in India. The exteriors of the building, with a mix of spires, domes, turrets and gables, are exceedingly imposing for a three-storeyed structure. The interiors too are adorned with animal and floral patterns, with the central dome housing a 14-foot-tall Progress Statue. Spend some time strolling down Colaba Causeway for shopping and chilling at some of the iconic cafes like Leopold and Mondegar. Take a trip on one Mumbai’s locals to get an up-close feel of the city’s lifeline.

Book Your Flight to Mumbai

We suggest you stay at: ITC Grand Central, Mumbai 

Mumbai has a curious quality of straddling two distinct worlds, and this ethos is starkly evident at the ITC Grand Central that combines the city’s remnant Victorian charm and colonial past with its modern present. The architecture of this luxury hotel is a blend of British colonial style and modern contemporary design. All 242 rooms and 19 suites in the property have been tastefully furnished to recreate a fabled grandeur complemented by luxurious comforts. 

Book Your Stay at ITC Grand Central, MumbaiBook Your Stay at ITC Grand Central, Mumbai

Exploring one of these UNESCO destinations could be the perfect way to spend a long weekend, and you’ll surely return home with a lot of stories to tell. Plan your trip now – your luxury heritage vacation is just a short flight away!