Ask anyone their favourite beach destination in India and Goa is still the winner. Goa has seriously moved on.  Forget the happy-clappy scene – now Kate Moss, Mick Jagger and Daniel Craig are all going. All the kaftan-wearing, champagne-sipping thirty something’s are renting stylish, funky houses that equal the places they love in Ibiza and Morocco.

Talk about luxury holiday homes in India and tucked away at the end of a quiet lane, off the bustling main road to Calangute, is Aashyana.  This royally appointed jewel in the crown nestles on the prettiest stretch of Candolim beach, in a lush tropical garden exuding tranquillity. It’s a lovely, intimate little hotel created by a local entrepreneur named Ajai Lakhanpal.  The choice is yours to be pampered in the elegant luxury holiday home, the fully staffed 5 bedroom villa or reside in style at one or more of the three self-contained two bedroom cottages – Casinhas – each complete with an individual, private garden.

Luxury Holiday Homes in India with IndianExplorations.com

A sweeping drive leads you to the entrance villa, a stunning two-storey, five-bedroom luxury holiday home. The spacious veranda spans the entire ground floor, with built-in seating areas in the traditional Goan-Portuguese style. Inside, the contemporary décor offsets select pieces of furniture from the owner’s collection. The luxurious use of materials in the architect designed rooms includes honey-coloured Rajasthani stone, charcoal grey granite and subtle mosaics. Both in the interior and in the external spaces, the essence of Aashyana Lakhanpal is conveyed through an emphasis on tranquillity.

Luxury Villas Goa with IndianExplorations.com

There are three Aashyana Casinhas – Leo, Libra and Capricorn, clustered within the grounds of the main villa and are reached through their independent, wrought-iron gate leading to a delightful courtyard. The whitewashed casinhas are stylish and welcoming, using neutral décor and local features like terracotta-tiled roofs, stone floors and traditional built-in seating. This décor contrasts and highlights the owner’s private art collection. Whichever you choose, this gorgeous holiday home in India awaits you in a breath-taking setting, within a few paces of Candolim’s sun kissed beach.  The shadowy garden, with its coconut groves, lime, cashew and ‘ guava trees, contains a dragonfly-spangled , swimming pool, a gate to Candolim beach,  also a pavilion from which to watch Goa’s stupendous oceanic sunsets.

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Ashyana’s spacious dining area is complemented by an optional garden dining facility for al fresco lunches or candle lit dinners under the stars – unforgettable luxury. The kitchen garden supplies a variety of organic herbs and vegetables and you can also plan an exciting fresh seafood menu with our chef Jagat Singh who recipes are a treat in itself.

Aashyana with IndianExplorations.com

There is an informal gallery where guests may ponder a unique collection of modern Indian art. Lakhanpal, before he turned his home into a hotel, threw it open to any young painters requiring free board and lodging, and in return asked only that each give him a picture. They’re hanging there today, among the most interesting a portrait of Lakhanpal himself by Goa’s most famous son, Mario Miranda. This luxury holiday home comes along with armies of staff on-site masseurs and gourmet chefs -  oh, and the decor is pretty hot, too.  The back of Aashyana Lakhanpal opens up, LA-style, onto a lush garden, the kind of green paradise we all want to find in the hippie idyll.

A shaded path leads up to a classical porch and wide veranda which overlooks an inviting, mosaic tiled 20 meter private pool set to the right of the villa. Both internally and externally the Villa has been thoughtfully provided with easy access to all facilities for wheelchairs if needed. Whether relaxing in the air conditioned luxury of the interior or sunbathing in the sumptuous gardens around the pool, let your senses be seduced by the Aashyana. Delicadeza, a charming Portuguese term, describes a specific sense of style, courtesy and gracious living. I am convinced that your stay at this luxury home in India will be permeated with this sense of delicadeza.

The journey through India is never ending. For most travellers North India meant a journey through the Golden Triangle visiting the iconic Taj Mahal and beautiful palaces in the colourful city of Jaipur. You can make it a memorable experience by trying to explore the rich heritage and diverse cultural influences of northern India by taking a tour that encompasses the holy city of Varanasi and the intricately carved temples at Khajuraho.
Varanasi is the spiritual heart of India – a seething throng of pilgrims, holy men, Saddhus and tourists, all gathered to give praise to the Holy Ganges. Combine that with a trip to the erotic temples of Khajuraho and Gwalior, a city with a remarkable ancient palace, temples and cenotaphs. Having backpacked through the subcontinent I always dreamt of luxury holidays to North India and finally embarked on one such journey. I boarded the Shatabdi Express, a fast train between Delhi and Gwalior. On arrival, a cheerful guide drove me to the beautiful Usha Kiran Palace where I was welcomed in true Gwalior tradition. Enter at this 120-year-old palace, which has played host to the King of England and is now a heritage hotel. Set amidst 9 acres of beautifully landscaped lawns, this regal palace, rich in history, is outfitted with artistic stone carvings and delicate filigree work. I visited the majestic Gwalior Fort on the day I arrived to experience the Son et Lumiere show. Replete with every contemporary amenity, its original architecture, meticulously restored, every dining moment at the Usha Kiran Palace is truly reminiscent of living as royalty. After a sumptuous breakfast I went on a guided visit to Gwalior Fort and the Archaeological Museum in the morning. Don’t miss the many giant Jain carvings hewn into the cliff sides leading to the fort. In the afternoon I wandered to the Palace Museum which is next door to your hotel. I continued my journey through this fascinating part of North India to visit Orchha and pretty village known for its outstanding palaces and temples set along the River Betwa.

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For someone going on luxury holidays to North India, Orchha doesn’t offer the Oberoi’s or the Taj’s but trust me, it’s a great stopover between Gwalior and Khajuraho. En route I stopped at Datia Fort which can be seen from miles around. After spending a day walking through the fairly less explored town of Orchha, I travelled by road to Khajuraho which is famous for its temples dating back to the 10th and 12th century. The Khajuraho temples were built over a span of 200 years, from 950 to 1150. The whole area was enclosed by a wall with eight gates, each flanked by two golden palm trees. There were original over 80 Hindu temples, of which only 25 now stand in a reasonable state of preservation. My stay was at the Grand Temple View, the only luxury hotel within close proximity to the Western group of temples. For anyone visiting Khajuraho this is probably the best property to stay and guests have an option of choosing a temple view room to make their stay even more memorable. The roads are quiet here so you can hire some bikes and explore the more remote temples. The evening comes alive with the Son et Lumiere show at the main complex.

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After being templed out, I travelled by air to Varanasi the Hindu religious centre. I knew this was the highlight of my trip and my wish came true when I checked into the grand Nadesar Palace. Your search for luxury holidays in North India ends here. Situated in one of the oldest living cities of the world, on the banks of the river Ganges, Nadesar Palace has hosted royalty, statesmen and celebrities since 1835. The name Nadesar is derived from the Goddess Nadesari, whose shrine is located in the front of the Palace. Set amidst verdant gardens, mango orchards, marigold and jasmine fields, Nadesar Palace is a haven of peace and tranquillity. Works of art from the Maharaja’s collection decorate the walls of the Palace’s 10 luxurious suites. Embellished with original pieces of furniture refurbished to recreate the atmosphere of a bygone era, the décor of the rooms is intended to evoke the colours of marigolds, jasmines, and pale pink lotuses that are offered to the holy Ganges. Dining at the Nadesar Palace is an indulgent experience starting with breakfast on the sun-kissed veranda; a spiritually inspired plated meal at lunch in the dining room, and a barbeque dinner by the poolside.
Early in the morning I was taken to the Ganges for a boat ride at sunrise when you can witness people performing their morning rituals along the ghats. The boat ride was followed by a walking tour of the old city. If you aren’t tired it’s worth visiting Sarnath which is supposed to be the place where Buddha gave his first sermon. In the evening I visited the Dasaswamedh Ghat to experience a religious ceremony. It’s simple and an experience not to be missed.

Luxury Holidays to North India with IndianExplorations.com

The palace has a beautiful spa that brings guests the essence of traditional royal wellness and therapeutic experiences. Blending ancient Indian wisdom with contemporary therapies, the Jiva Spa offers Indian rejuvenation therapies ranging from aromatherapy massages, time-honoured treatments, body scrubs and wraps.
My memorable journey through some of the most interesting cities and a fantastic luxury holiday to North India had come to an end. It was time to head back to the capital New Delhi.

In 2004 the founders of Shakti saw that an increasing number of sophisticated travellers were seeking something beyond five-star luxury and great monuments – something simpler, which would take them off the well-trodden paths and closer to India’s landscape, her people and their living cultures. In response they developed the village walks in Kumaon, Sikkim and  very recently in Ladakh a perfect answer for tourists keen on walking holidays in Himalayas.

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One of the perks of working for a tour operator is the opportunity to visit such off the beaten track locations and to experience great products designed by the gurus of travel. In 2007 I had the pleasure of going on a 4 day village walk through the Kumaon hills in the Western Himalayan, a region unknown to people outside of India. Shakti, who fell in love with the region is extremely grateful for this as they were able to pioneer the village walks concept in an unspoilt part of India. The walks have been carefully designed for travellers who are planning walking holidays in Himalayas and would prefer not to compromise on their creature comforts yet see places off the beaten track. You follow the villagers’ own ancient footpaths, which meander among pine forests and terraced fields of rice and wheat.

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The journey from Delhi to Kathgodam was adventurous but interesting. I was met by my guide at Kathgodam and was driven to Almora from where the walks begin. On arrival a lovely Kumauni family greeted me to my first village house. Shakti’s Kumaon village houses have been renovated to make them cosy and comfortable, yet to keep their simple charm and authenticity of living in a Himalayan village house. The friendly families promise a comfortable stay and a delicious meal during your stay. The bathrooms are outside (not en-suite) with western toilets and the adjoining shower rooms have slate tiles and showers are taken (in local tradition) using brass buckets and mugs filled with hot water that our staff have boiled for you.

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Over the course of four days we walked through pretty villages, stretches of pine forest, descended into scenic valleys, explored several architectural marvels from the 8^th – 12^th centuries dedicated to Hindu gods and goddesses. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at the villages of Alai and Kana before reaching Jwalabanj. The village women’s saris are a flash of vivid colour as they go about their daily tasks – just as they have done for centuries. The children stare, shy at first sight of rare strangers in their world – wreathed in smiles as they run towards you with cries of ‘Namaste!’.  If you feel that you have walked enough by the time you have reached Jwalabanj your itinerary is completely private and flexible and if you wanted to, you could spend your afternoon sitting outside reading a good book and admiring the scenery. As night falls, the village men prepare a delicious, home-cooked meal over the wood fire and, later, you sit in the moonlight, the stillness broken only by the sound of a dog barking in a distant valley.

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The true icing on the cake is your stay at 360 Leti which is a luxury camp set in a world class location and facility. You can combine it with the village walks as I did. After the final night in Jwalabanj Village House, you can be driven 4 hrs to the road head, and walk 1.5 hours to the camp. This amazing property has four cottages with teak floors – all en-suite and with private sit outs and glorious views.  Aesthetically designed to absorb the surroundings the communal living/dining area have glass walls, enabling maximum enjoyment of the views around. October – March is great for walking holidays in Himalayas as it offers the best views. The wild cherry trees come into blossom in Oct/Nov and then Dec/Jan can become cold at night, however, a time when the mountain views can be at their best.

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Some of my experience of Leti is the early mornings that cast a pink glow over the snow-covered peaks; Energised by the crystalline air, you may already be out walking with your guide, through the ancient rhododendron forests. Or you may choose to linger over a long, slow breakfast. As the sun rises higher, the achingly pure light casts sharply defined shadows. Eagles soar and swoop on the rising thermals. There’s no sound, other than the breeze and an occasional snatch of birdsong. Mesmerised by the beauty, you may simply sit and stare. Or you might pack fishing gear and a picnic lunch and hike down to the river at the base of the valley. There are long walks, dipping into the glacial waters if you can hack it, and guides with informed chat about everything from local micro-societies to fungi facts.  In the evening you gather around the lodge fireplace, before an astonishingly delicious dinner cooked by their exquisite Tibetan chef, served by candle light.

I strongly believe that one cannot have rewards without effort and more so on walking holidays in Himalayas. The location is superlative. The effort to arrive enhances the experience and the hospitality is overwhelming. It’s hard to put into words the experience you would have but I am certain that it’s a place that one hopes everyone would have the good fortune to visit once in their lifetime.

Luxury Kerala Holidays -

Kerala can now offer a fantastic experience to the discerning traveler. Nowhere in India will you find a more gentle and relaxed state than Kerala; tucked away in the south west corner, between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats. I recently visited this land of coconuts which is criss-crossed by rivers and waterways. After working hard throughout the year as everyone does, I was looking for a beautiful journey and Kerala just ticked all the boxes. Planning such a trip wasn’t easy as I was interested in staying in hotels that offer more then simply the comforts of an exotic hotel. I wanted to see the best of Kerala’s culture and art in a contemporary yet timeless setting. My search ended at Malabar Escapes. If you are looking for luxury Kerala holidays I can promise that there isn’t a better place than the experiences that Malabar Escapes offer.

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In 1997 they opened their first property the Malabar House, a 20th century bungalow at Fort Cochin. Word of mouth quickly spread the message and with the success they added Privacy then Serenity, Trinity and finally Discovery, our houseboat. The properties are at a distance that makes it a perfect circuit for a luxury Kerala holiday with minimum road travel.  Not very far from Malabar House is Trinity, a three suite contemporary design inset in an old building. Giving the feel of a contemporary apartment, it’s ideal for those who want more privacy than they’d get staying at a hotel. It is ideally located for walking through Fort Cochin. Once you enjoyed the sightseeing, antique and curio shopping at Jew Town travel to Privacy at sanctuary bay, a secluded and personal setting right on the shore of Lake Vembanad which is a perfect gateway to the pristine backwaters. There is no place more stylish to cleanse yourself than this peaceful retreat. Privacy has two bungalows each having their private sit outs and verandahs overlooking Lake Vembanad. The pool is half way between the two bungalows. For guests hungry for a bit more activity they keep mountain bikes to explore the surroundings or sail along the shores of the lake using their dinghy’s. If that’s not enough, take a cruise on the luxury houseboat discovery which is a traditional hull of a wooden rice barge with contemporary tropical architecture. Malabar Escapes believes in customizing your experience and therefore one can spend as many nights as they want on this boat to explore the backwaters, a self supporting ecosystem of lakes, canals and estuaries that connect many villages.

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The land of coconuts is also famous for its rubber estates and spice plantations. A perfect inclusion in your luxury Kerala holidays would be a visit to Serenity which is on a hill top en route Periyar. Serenity at Kanam estate is an intensely private villa hotel surrounded by rubber estates and tropical spice gardens.  This 1920’s estate bungalow has fully retained its heritage ambience and blends into an unspoiled rural setting. Each room has period furniture with verandahs and sit outs. During your stay enjoy a visit to the spice plantations, spend a day with the elephant or pamper yourself with an ayurvedic massage.

Kerala houseboats with IndianExplorations.com

The most recent addition is Purity a superbly crafted villa overlooking the Vembanad Lake. All rooms have a terrace overlooking the Vembanad Lake. Just 50 kms from Fort Cochin, it’s being promoted as a spa destination and will offer 3 to 14 day retreats.  Previously known as Casa Del Fauno, it was recently acquired by Malabar Escapes and after being refurbished the superbly crafted purity will offer unique experiences to its guests. It will also be the departure point for acclaimed houseboat, Discovery.

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For someone planning luxury Kerala holidays, each of these properties have an idyllic setting and comforts beyond the Teflon hospitality. Malabar Escapes promises to enrich your life by offering experiences for all senses.

Tiger Safaris in India -

A fantastic initiative to save the tiger was launched yesterday by Aircel, a company renowned for its mobile service in India. It partnered with a respected and reliable news channel called NDTV to provide a platform to tiger conservationists for issues to be raised, engaging key stakeholders in discussions and providing concerned citizens an opportunity to voice their opinions and contribute to the cause.

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The king of Bollywood Mr. Amitabh Bachchan joined the initiative as the campaign ambassador and showed his support for the cause by spending an entire day in the pristine forest of Pench. The setting was the beautiful Bagh Van lodge that is on the top of everyone’s list when it comes to tiger safaris in India. NDTV-Aircel ‘Save Our Tigers’ initiative set the agenda for the campaign through a LIVE TELETHON to engage all the key stakeholders and tiger experts to voice their opinion on what needs to be done to protect the tigers. The highlight of the campaign was live, non-stop programming for a day dedicated to tigers, with the aim of creating public outcry and helping to raise funds to protect our tigers from extinction.  Over a million people pledged their support to this cause including famous personalities from the corporate and political world.  Several famous artists played music including Shankar Mahadevan who did a live performance at Pench to help raise funds for such a worthy cause.

In Delhi and across the whole nation children from different schools participated and staged shows to raise funds and to generate awareness to save the tiger. It was a great platform for some like Bittu Saihgal who bring with them huge of amount of experience in wildlife to connect to the masses and tell them why we should strive to save this wonderful animal.  It was really an interesting day in the history on Indian wildlife as you could see the entire nation coming together for such a worthy cause.  Many felt that this could actually bring India together as the cause had nothing to do with religion, caste or creed.

In a single day the Save the Tiger campaign was able to raise £600,000 which in real terms meant 35 rapid response teams who will be equipped to protect our tigers and respond to any emergency in and around our tiger parks. For this they have partnered with Wildlife Conservation Trust (WCT), an NGO which endeavours to strengthen the protection of forest ecosystems and mitigate climate change by working towards Forest Protection, Training and capacity building of forest personnel, Motivation of forest personnel, Health and education of communities living along forest periphery and strengthening NGOs and individuals working in the field of wildlife conservation.

For a tiger safari in Pench, staying at Bagh Van Lodge or any of the other lodges in Kanha, Corbett, Satpura or Bandhavgarh, contact IndianExplorations.com, the wildlife specialists!

Luxury holidays to India

Luxury,  as easy as it sounds is in fact extremely difficult when you actually try to define it.  During my visit to Rajasthan in July 2009, I came across the Aman Resorts, a chain of luxury resorts scattered not far away from each other in the colourful state of Rajasthan.  Since 1988 when the flagship Amanpuri opened in Phuket, Aman has established three resorts in India redefining luxury holidays to India.

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It’s difficult to express the guests experience at Aman as it ticks all the boxes. It offers an intimate and discreet experience while providing the highest level of service. Each resort and setting is unique, but certain elements characterise all of them — a beautiful natural location, outstanding facilities, exceptional service and a small number of rooms to ensure exclusivity and privacy.  From the garden estate Amanbagh set in the foothills of the Aravallis built in a haveli style to the wilderness camp Aman I Khas that sits on a gentle slope on the fringes of Ranthambore National Park against a backdrop of hills each leaves an impression, an indelible mark. Their newest addition is Aman Delhi just minutes from the grandeur of Rashtrapati Bhavan and the peaceful Lodhi gardens. It completes the triangle for someone in search of luxury holidays to India. The design of the resort is contemporary, complemented with Indian touches such as hand-made rugs and jaali screens. Spacious suites afford guests the opportunity to relax in enveloping comfort.

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Aman excursions are a class apart. I was particularly impressed by their walks that can be combined with culture trails.  At Aman Bagh the resort can arrange day trips to the Pink city of Jaipur and walks to the surrounding countryside.  The experience at Aman I Khas is focused on wildlife viewing. Having said that they also arrange visits to the Old City and Khandar Fort which is one of Rajasthan dramatic ruins. Not very far from the resort is the Banas River, an ideal spot for a picnic style lunch. The pools are fringed by water grass and decorated with lilies, creating an excellent feeding ground for wading birds and other water fowl. Guests can enjoy a half-day excursion to this birder’s paradise, strolling the banks of the river with a naturalist. At Aman Delhi they arrange off the beaten track tours to the Moghul city of Shahajanabad or to several private galleries that regularly host art exhibitions of paintings, pottery, sculptures, photographic art and prints by many up-and-coming artists.

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The Spa at Aman Resorts is a class apart. It provides a refined and peaceful environment in which to relax. Using organic Aman products created from pure and proactive ingredients, traditional treatments as well as henna art, local specialities are on offer.

Tiger safaris in India – On my recent visit to India, I visited the Tadoba National Park, an amazing undisturbed wildlife reserve in Central India.  The name ‘Tadoba’ is the name of the God “Taru”, praised by the tribal’s which live in the dense forests of Tadoba and Andhari region. Various legends have been woven around this mystical place. In the 17th century the tribal Gond king ruled from the fortress of Chanda, which still exists today. When he would travel to his outlying districts, through the forest of Tadoba, the message of his arrival would be transmitted by an engineering marvel. There were rock pantheons erected every hundred yards. Over these were drawn inter-connected ropes which rung a bell at the end. The soldier had just to tug the rope at one end and the bell would ring 50 kms away, signalling the approach of his majesty. Many of these rock pillars can still be seen along the Tadoba to Chandrapur road.

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Tadoba is a comfortable three hour drive from Nagpur, a city famous for its oranges. The 620 sq.km park is dominated by bamboo forest which is a great habitat for a wide range of wildlife including the prized royal Bengal tiger.

Tiger Safaris in India with IndianExplorations.com

I visited the park in March which tends to be a great time for tiger safaris in India. The park is open throughout the year but remains closed on Tuesday. On arrival I received a truly warm welcome from Mr. Amrut Dhanvatey who owns the lodge there and has been instrumental in getting Tadoba on the map. Tiger Trails lodge offers clean comfortable accommodation. Through friendship with the local tribal’s and protection from cattle grazing, they have managed to bring back the natural forest, planted over millions of local fruit trees and Bamboo, created waterholes and ponds, and given employment to several local tribal’s directly and indirectly.

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The Tiger Trails estate has few water holes that are overlooked by machans (a work of art by tribal’s) which can be used by guests day and night. Amrut has some really interesting experiences to share about the times he spent on the machan particularly one where the machan felt apart and he managed to fall into the water and even a tiger, who had been hiding from the rain underneath the Machan, with a startled roar of annoyance rushed off into the night.

The park gates are right next to the lodge as its shares the boundary wall with the buffer zone.  Whether it’s at the park gate or inside the park, a pleasant surprise is the occasional noise of any other jeep. You literally get feeling that you are in a private game reserve. This is probably unheard of if you ask anyone who has been on tiger safaris in India.

I spent two days at Tadoba and was fortunate to get three safaris during my stay. Tadoba made me proud by showing off what it had to offer. Amrut always said that be patient and nature will unfold in front of you and I must say he was right.  I saw a mother and four cubs, three sloth bears, an adult male tiger and two leopards during my stay. To top it all, on my last safari we saw an adult male tiger making a kill and guess what, we were the only jeep viewing the entire episode. What more can a wildlife reserve offer you? I must say that it was very much down to our driver Lahu who was also a fantastic tracker. As he grew up in that area, he knew the park like his backyard. After spending time here I was convinced that this was the next big thing for wildlife enthusiasts who were interested in tiger safaris in India.

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