LUXURY GETAWAYS

Top 5 Hotels in India That Are Destinations in Themselves

Ankita Sharma Sukhwani

Last updated: Oct 22, 2019

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See

Madikeri: Abbey Falls, Raja's Seat and Bylakuppe (a Tibetan settlement)
Wayanad: Meenmutty Waterfalls, Pookot Lake, a perfect spot for picnics

Do

Udaipur:Visit City Palace and look out for the world’s largest private collection of crystals
Wayanad: Visit the 300-year-old Varambetta Mosque, old Jain temples and the Pallikunnu Church in Kalpetta

Shop

Upaipur: Camel leather bags and bandhini dupattas at the Bada Bazaar
Goa: At Ingo’s Saturday Night Bazaar for junk jewellery and t-shirts

Filmy

Darjeeling: The song sequence of Kasto Mazza from the Vidya Balan, Sanjay Dutt and Saif Ali Khan starrer Pareneeta was shot on Darjeeling’s toy train.
Udaipur: A song sequence in "Hum Saath Saath Hain" featuring Saif Ali Khan and Karisma Kapoor was shot in Saheliyon Ki Bar

Click

Darjeeling: A selfie with views of the Himalayan expanse at a height of 2,134 metres as a backdrop from the Darjeeling Ropeway

Want To Go ? 
   

Looking for some inspiration to escape the grind of everyday life? Head to these unique hotels which are nothing short of ‘heavens on earth’ and make your friends go green with envy. A check-in on Facebook here is mandatory!

1. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, Rajasthan

Over two centuries old, the Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur is located in the middle of Lake Pichola and is among the most romantic hotels in the world. You can arrive at Sardar Ghat by boat, where you will be greeted with a shower of rose petals and will be escorted under a sequined umbrella to the palace.

taj lake palace udaipur

From sparkling wines and personalized menus to dedicated butlers, everything at the Taj Lake Palace spells royalty. Dine on the Gangaur, a 150-year-old boat or enjoy a beautiful candlelight dinner at Mewar Terrace. Take a heritage walk to know the history of the palace and don’t forget to click a selfie at the shooting location of the James Bond film, Octopussy. You can even treat yourself to a session at the hotel’s Jiva Boat Spa on the serene waters of Lake Pichola. The hotel will make you feel like a royalevery step of the way.

Price: Starting at INR 21,200 per night*

Book Your Stay at Taj Lake Palace, UdaipurBook Your Stay at Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur​​

Read more: Have You Gone Glamping at These Wildlife Resorts in India Yet?  

2. Glenburn Tea Estate & Boutique Hotel, Darjeeling, West Bengal

Set on 1000 acres of private forest, with two meandering rivers, Glenburn offers a truly unique holiday experience. Started in 1859 by a Scottish tea company, Glenburn Tea Estate & Boutique Hotel is situated in the midst of a tea estate. 

Glenburn Darjeeling

While you are here, take the Tea Experience to learn how your favourite brew is made, go for an afternoon of fishing or hiking around the estate, or opt for an exciting cooking class. If you’re looking for a laid back holiday, grab a cup of coffee and watch the sunrise, spend a cosy evening by the fireplace or borrow a book from the in-house library.

Price: INR 36,500 per night (including transfers, meals, laundry and nature walks)*

3. Hill Fort Kesroli, Alwar, Rajasthan

The oldest fort in India, Hill Fort Kesroli is as royal as it gets. Built in the 14th century by the Rajputs, the fort was conquered a number of times in its lifetime, till it finally became a part of the princely state of Alwar. Considered as one of the best heritage hotels in the country, Hill Fort Kesroli gives you the opportunity to experience the regal past of India.

Hill-Fort-Kesroli-Alwar-Rajasthan

The mahals here embody princely elegance along with the comforts of a modern day resort. Watch the sunset as you stroll through the beautiful mustard fields, enjoy camel rides with your family or indulge in a colourful evening of folk dance around a bonfire.

Price: Starting at INR 3,552 per night*

Book Your Stay at Hill Fort KesroliBook Your Stay at Hill Fort Kesroli

Read more: A Spa-cation at These Luxury Resorts Will Leave You Oh-So Rejuvenated!

4. Vivanta by Taj, Madikeri, Karnataka

Vivanta by Taj is set in the heart of a 180-acre rainforest and is one of Coorg’s most premium properties. As soon as you enter, you will be greeted by never-ending hill views, stretching into the horizon. Leave all your worries behind as you spend time lounging by the pool, taking pottery or cooking classes, or indulging in relaxing massages at the in-house spa.

For the adventure seeker, the resort offers off-road biking, ziplining, hiking and golf. The hotel also boasts of three restaurants and a poolside bar for you to unwind.

Price: Starting at INR 24,000 per night*

Book Your Stay at Vivanta by Taj, MadikeriBook Your Stay at Vivanta by Taj, Madikeri

5. Vythiri Treehouse Resort, Wayanad, Kerala

Vythiri Treehouse Resort is an exquisite jungle hideaway, set in a lush tropical rainforest. Experience the soothing balm of jungle sounds as you stay 80-feet above the ground in a beautiful treehouse. An eco-friendly resort, the tree houses use solar energy as the power source and have a supply of natural spring water from the surrounding hills.

Vythiri-Treehouse-Resort-Wayanad-Kerala

If you are scared of heights, you can book a stay in one of the cottages overlooking the stream. Spend some time at the stream fishing or test your will walking the rope bridge to the café every day. An experience so close to nature, this unique place is definitely worth flaunting on your social media profiles!

Price: Starting at INR 20,000 per night (including breakfast, lunch and dinner)*

Book Your Stay at Vythiri ResortBook Your Stay at Vythiri Resort

Read more: 4 Treehouse Resorts in India for a Relaxing Stay Amidst Nature

*Prices may vary