The very name Kerala, conjures up images of lush greenery, seemingly endless backwaters, mystic peaks and pristine beaches, making it truly God’s Own Country. Listed a must visit destination by leading travel magazines, Kerala offers its visitors an amazing variety of tourist spots to see and explore. Whilst on a Kerala family holiday do include a stay at the Paradisa Retreat thatis set against the backdrop of Cardomom Hills, on their organically grown coffee and spice plantation. The Maharajas of Travancore chose this setting in the pristine hills of Kerala for their summer palace. Paradisa is a place where you can experience warm sunny mornings that end with cool, starry nights, birdsong, greenery and peace. This place is really paradise, owned and managed by the lovely Simon Pauluso who is good company. There are eight cottages built in antique Keralan style. In fact, all the wood for the buildings come from reclaimed antique Keralan houses.  The bathrooms are often open, and the rooms all have the antique Keralan doors, so whilst quite dark inside, they all have tremendous views of the mountains and plantation – and each has either writing desk and outside verandah so one can drink in the views. Whilst on a Kerala family holiday, food is top on the list and at Paradisa it iss wonderful, and there is also an informal sitting area again offering good mountain views.

Paradisa with IndianExplorations.com

There are magnificent trees and birdlife, and a lovely swimming pool overlooking the hills.  A wonderful start to the Kerala family holiday is to practice yoga next to the pool as the sun rises in the mornings while your children go on some gentle scenic walks. During the day, bicycle rides to the local tea factory or a safari through the famous Periyar tiger reserve can be arranged. For those who want to spend the day at the retreat, there is plenty to do on the plantation itself.  A trek through the plantation is an education. See the cultivation and harvesting of coffee, cardamom, cloves and pepper or your chef can teach you how to cook any dish on the menu that you particularly like.

Kerala Family with IndianExplorations.com

Cruise languidly along the Keralan backwaters in a floating wooden hotel and watch the world go by. Kerala is famous for its backwaters – the beautiful, palm-fringed network of canals linking towns along the Arabian Sea and inland. These waterways are still used today by boats ferrying cargoes of spices, fish and newspapers, not to mention locals propelling little dug-outs to visit friends or tend fields

Luxury Kerala Houseboat with IndianExplorations.com

And you can join this picturesque fleet by boarding a luxury Kerala houseboat. These are traditional country boats built from bamboo and jackfruit logs lashed together with coconut fibre, converted into comfortably furnished houseboats. You can board at any backwater dock and spend a day or two cruising to your destination.

Your favourite part while on the luxury Kerala houseboat will be waking up and watching what feels like a living film;  young children brushing their teeth by the shore, women washing clothes, ducks floating by, the duck farmer smiling and waving. The sleeping areas are spacious and plywood-partitioned, with curved bamboo ceilings, arched windows and rush-mat floors. The odd section of dark wood paneling is offet by soothing cream walls, and the occasional splash of lime green or zingly yellow is provided by the cushions and throws. Some of the boats have 2 or 3 bedrooms (each with an ensuite bathroom) with a choice of comfortable double or twin beds. The boats also have covered outdoor areas (lit by lanterns after dark), whose wicker sofas are scattered with luxuriously squashy cushions, and wooden tables for dining while you watch the world float by. The Honeymoon Houseboat has a greater emphasis on privacy as you can access the deck area at the front of the boat from the room.

Luxury Kerala Houseboat with IndianExplorations.com

At sundown, it’s time to moor and make way for local fishermen and their boats. Some of their nightly catches perhaps pearl-spot or prawns may appear on your plate at dinner or lunch, seared and seasoned with local spices. On board the luxury Kerala houseboat the chef will also prepare delicious chicken and creamy vegetarian curries in his kitchenette which is where the superbly chilled beer is kept!. Food is tailored to preferences, so you can ask for dishes to be as spicy or as mild as you like. Meals are set appetizingly on the supper table in the lounge, where one of the helpful crew will have raised the window’s bamboo flaps to frame the shimmery sunset. Breakfast – tea, fresh juices, fruit and pancakes – is taken on the deck as you set off on another magical meander down the waterways.

Surya Samudra Kovalam is the living expression of Kerala’s ancient and vibrant civilisation. Spread over lush green acres of landscaped tropical gardens and insulated from the busy tourist seaside, this tranquil paradise sits on top of a cliff overlooking pristine beaches by the Arabian Sea and is an ideal retreat for a Kerala luxury honeymoon.

Surya Samudra with IndianExplorations.com

If you long to luxuriate in a peaceful, exotic beachside setting then Surya Samudra is for you. It is set in 20 acres of landscaped gardens with polished dark-wood cottages, reconstituted by local craftsmen from 100-year-old traditional Keralan homes and are surrounded by coconut plantations. Perfect for a Kerala luxury honeymoon they are set well apart and perch on a hillside overlooking the Arabian Sea. The beaches are naturally secluded, keeping the hustle and bustle of the world outside at bay.There’s also a delicious jade-coloured infinity pool with underwater sculptures which segues into the ocean below, plus a dedicated Ayurvedic spa and cliff-edge yoga platform for reducing you to a puddle of serenity. Just like their guests, the cuisine they serve is from all over the world – with the added delight of local delicacies. Whichever you choose, Oottupura, the all-day dining restaurant, or Kanal, the grill, you will enjoy a view of the sea at all times. And, of course, you can always let your hair down at our poolside bar – Madira.

Kerala Luxury Honeymoon with IndianExplorations.com

Surya Samudra is a beautiful and luxurious cliff-top resort with glossy heritage cottages, an Ayurvedic spa, restaurants and an infinity pool looking out over the stunning sea – indeed a perfect setting for a Kerala luxury honeymoon.

Kerala Luxury Honeymoon with IndianExplorations.com

Journey by houseboat between coconut forests and lotus-filled lagoons on Kerala’s peaceful rivers and canals should be on the top of your list whilst on a luxury Kerala holiday.

Luxury Kerala Holiday with IndianExplorations.com

A  recent addition to taking in your wider surroundings is MV Apsara that offer an exotic experience that couples the comfort of a boutique hotel stay with luxurious cruising. Witness Kerala’s rich heritage in style. Providing unparalled standard perfect for a luxury Kerala holiday, the cruiser is built on two levels. The Apsara consists of eight rooms, a galley, dining area, a sundeck and a picturesque forward seating area.  It offers contemporary and modern amenities offering inspiring design, innovative dining and sensuous entertainment.  The tented spa offers Ayurvedic and international treatments. The dining area and salon, situated on level 1, with their grand décor create an ambience of luxury. The corner sofas with cushions and tables on level 2 provide ample space for guests to sit back and enjoy the panoramic view of the backwaters. The impeccable services extended to the guests combined with the enhanced display of sophistication makes your luxury Kerala voyage memorable.

Luxury Kerala Holiday with IndianExplorations.com

The itinerary is superb and extremely interesting. On day one, the Apsara sets sail and heads to the north of Vembanad Lake, sailing through Taneermukkam, famous for the salt water barrier dam and its ancient temple. The next day you set sail through Punnamada Lake which hosts the Annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race. Past the finishing point, you dock at Kanjipadam village with its rice fields, little houses and constant gaggle of geese and ducks. And there’s the 100 year old temple of Shree Bhagavathy Kshetram which hosts a 5 day annual cultural Ulsavam (festival).  During this luxury Kerala holiday you will be transfered to rice boats and weave your way through the picturesque, narrow canals in Chambakulam, known for its annual snake boat races and the oldest market. You will also get a chance to walk through the paths and lanes of this craft and coir village and also visit the St. Mary Florence Church built in 1870.  The cruiser then proceedes to the Pamba River, also known as Dakshina Ganga – the Ganges of the South. A traditional Kerala astrologer on board reveals your planets and the influence on your life. Allow him to chart your past and your future based on the traditional science; or just watch the play of the sky, the water, the birds as you sail back. There are, of course, the relaxing on-board activities arranged just for you.  Day three and four includes sailing via Punnamada jetty and Chithira Kayal to arrive at the uninhabited Padiramnal Island, home to over 90 local species and 50 migratory boards. You will return to the Vembanad Lake where your nostalgic luxury Kerala journey comes to and end.

Luxury Kerala Holidays with IndianExplorations.com

Enjoy your luxury Kerala holiday in a perfect eco-setting – a pleasant escape to the lap of nature.

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.

Luxury India with IndianExplorations.com

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.

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.

Privacy with IndianExplorations.com

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.

Malabar House with IndianExplorations.com

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.

Luxury Holidays to Kerala with IndianExplorations.com

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.

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.

Aman Bagh with IndianExplorations.com

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.

Amanikhas with IndianExplorations.com

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.

Luxury Holidays to India with IndianExplorations.com

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.

Luxury Holidays in Kerala . The common perception of a luxury Kerala holiday is balmy backwaters, boutique resorts, palm-fringed beaches. Of course Kerala has these – and in superlative abundance.

Privacy in Kerala with IndianExplorations.com

So much so that several blogs can and probably will be devoted to Kerala backwaters and beaches! What a lot of people don’t know is that Kerala is an absolute paradise for nature lovers, walkers, birders, cyclists and kayakers. The birding and wildlife is absolutely outstanding. In the lowlands a famous bird sanctuary is the Salim Ali Sanctuary,Thattekkadu. This is one the last extensive patch of lowland rain forest left in Kerala and is a haven for over 300 species of birds including such rarities as the Ceylon Frogmouth, Peninsular race of the Jungle Owlet, Mountain hawk-eagle, Jerdon’s Baza and much more. A charming and comfortable tented camp called Hornbill is situated just opposite the sanctuary across the Periyar River. They keep kayaks at camp and that is a thoroughly enjoyable way of exploring this lush landscape of rain forest and emerald paddy fields with the high ranges of the Western Ghats in the background. As you venture into these you are offered a wonderful choice of converted homes, plantation bungalows and purpose built resorts many tucked away in quiet, remote valleys or ridge commanding magnificent views.

The Malabar House in Kerala with IndianExplorations.com

One of our favourites is a place called Paradisa Resort owned by Simon Paulose. From the cottages – restored heritage wooden Kerala homes – and the dining room you look out over a superb mountain landscape of forest, tea and coffee plantations and spice gardens. Even the cardamom and coffee estates which require the shade of rainforest giants, are a haven for birders and the local walking trails where you may be guided by a tribal guide can reveal a colourful wealth of birds, butterflies, dragonflies and plants. Back at Paradisa you can cool off from the mid-day heat in the charming swimming pool designed in the shape of Simon’s wife’s foot (or so the story goes!) or work off cricks and stiffness with an Ayurvedic massage. Paradisa also serves superb food – traditional Kerala specialities and they also organise classes for this interested in learning about the unique flavours of Kerala cooking, that distinguish it from other south Indian cuisines.

Luxury Holidays to Kerala with IndianExplorations.com

Not far from Paradisa is one of India’s great tiger reserves – Periyar – with its herds of wild elephants and immense habitat diversity that supports the greatest variety of birds, insects, reptiles and probably mammals of any park in south India. For the intrepid walker and wildlife enthusiast the real joy of Periyar is in the buffer forests where you can experience an absolutely amazing rain-forest trek – but that is for another blog!

Tiger Safaris and Goa

Possibly the best area to see tigers anywhere is the clutch of reserves that span the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh (and parts of neighbouring Maharashtra) that occupies the rugged heart of the subcontinent. With relatively low population densities and the largest absolute area of forest, this region – about the size of France – supports 8 tiger reserves of the total 30 that exist across the entire country. The habitats range from moist to dry deciduous jungles and each of the reserves offers a unique experience due to the differing scenery, habitat, surrounding cultural and historic attractions. Some of the reserves like Satpura also offer a unique model of tourism with a greater emphasis on walking safaris and enjoyment of the entire eco-system that the tiger occupies rather than just a tiger centric experience. While it is possible to visit all the parks of this region in one trip, we strongly advise limiting the number of parks to a maximum of 3 with at least four nights spent in each. If you are into walking and enjoying wildlife in a quiet undisturbed manner then Satpura should be part of any mix of parks where Forsyth’s Lodge offers very comfortable accommodation, excellent guiding and a unique wilderness experience. But as anyone who has a bit of experience knows, safaris can be hard work. By the end of two and a half weeks the lodge swimming pools simply don’t cut it for relaxation and thoughts can turn to vegetating by a beach somewhere.

Tiger Safaris in India with IndianExplorations.com

Goa lends itself perfectly to this role.  Despite the growth in charters this traffic remains pretty localised and huge swathes of coastal Goa remain quiet and charming, with a wonderful selection of beautifully restored boutique resorts and getaways. Some of them are so jealous of their seclusion that they won’t even tell you where they are located until you actually pay for the booking! The sea in Goa is always warm, the food is a delicious mix of Indian and Portuguese and because of it’s Portuguese association the state is exempt many of the excise and customs duties on alcohol that bind the rest of India. You guessed it – cheap and good booze. Which doesn’t mean that Sun, Sea and booze is the sum of Goa’s attractions. The colonial past has left a huge number of beautiful buildings, charming villas and distinctive villages; thriving markets offer some wonderful shopping and the wildlife – particularly the birds – are nothing short of spectacular. People forget that backing the Goa coast is a high range of mountains – the Sahyadris of the Western Ghats which are clothed in wet and rain forest teeming with a colourful array of birds and other wildlife. A couple of lovely camps and lodges allow you access to these treasures and the opportunity to experience the contrast and diversity of Goa. Hmmm, trying to think of a good title for a safari and Goa holiday – Tigers & Vindaloo? Perhaps not…

Goa with IndianExplorations.com