Located in the North East of the Indian sub continent, the Buddhist Kingdom of Sikkim shares borders with Bhutan, Tibet and Nepal and is nestled in the heart of India’s Eastern Himalayan range. Sikkim contains an environmental legacy of untouched but incredibly stunning and uniquely diverse landscapes and a cultural mosaic under the looming presence of the world’s third highest mountain, Kanchenjunga.

Himalayan Walking with IndianExplorations.com

Himalayan walking is at the heart of this experience, enabling you to enjoy the villages and rural life in remote mountain regions. Accompanied by local porters and guides, you step out of the modern world, walking between villages that are remote, and staying in traditional village houses, which a local company have spruced up to provide proper comfort without compromising their authenticity.  We will arrange visits to local schools, monasteries and markets to enable you to get a full understanding of the culture of each region, its people, religion and customs. Providing authentic experiences of local life, the walks are the perfect antidote to the frenetic world that most of us live in.

Himalayan Walking with IndianExplorations.com

These usually are three to four day walks. On your first day you will be met by your private guide and driven approximately 5 hours to your house in Sandyang Lee Village near Rinchenpong. The Sangdyang Lee House is beautifully located and offers fantastic views of the Kanchenjunga massif. In the early evening, your guide will give you an introductory briefing about Himalayan walking and your tour after which you will be invited to enjoy an evening around the fire with drinks and a delicious dinner under the stars.

The next day your Himalayan walking begins with a gentle climb along a lush jungle trail, by isolated houses and quaint hamlets along the way. You will find that the local people are ever smiling and very friendly. Pass by the Rangeet River in a lovely valley and continue onto the Magi Darra from where you can enjoy stunning views of the entire valley below. Further ahead is Poison Lake, which also offers fantastic Himalayan views. Close by is the newly constructed Gurung monastery which is also worth a visit. This afternoon we have a delicious picnic lunch arranged for you. On the way back you will have a chance to visit a traditional house that belongs to the Lepchas, who are the aboriginal people of Sikkim.

Awake at dawn the following day to walk up a short distance above the house to watch the sun come up. The sight of the sun rising through the fluttering prayer flags with Kanchenjunga in the background is truly unforgettable.  From here continue on to Rinchenpong Monastery to participate in the early morning prayers which the monks conduct daily. The prayers and chanting are truly fascinating and spiritually uplifting. Drive back to the house for breakfast. Later today you will head to Hee Village to our next house. The route runs along a ridge from where you will be able to get some amazing views. On the way you will pass through the charming village of Bhasmay.

Break the journey and take in the beauty of this region while you enjoy a delicious picnic lunch at a lovely spot. About one and a half hours later you will reach Hee.

After breakfast, the owner of the village house will show you around his village. This is fabulous opportunity to meet and interact with the local people. Continue uphill, through a wildlife sanctuary, to the enchanted lakes- a series of three beautiful lakes one after the on the mountain side. After a picnic lunch, walk along a flat path to a local cave, which the locals consider to be a home for holy spirits.  Radhu Kandu village is our next destination where you will arrive mid afternoon. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy as you desire.

The house at Radhu Kandu is the most special of the three. It is a charming traditional Sikkimese house with two bedrooms and outside toilets and showers. The owner family is lovely and quite entertaining to spend time with. The location is sublime and there is nothing better than having tea in the sit out room which has 270° views of the area. After breakfast, you will continue your Himalayan walking back down to the road head from where you will be driven for approximately 5 hours to Bagdogra where you can board a flight to Delhi.

If you saw the  film, The Darjeeling Ltd. and thought you might like to recreate the adventure, then plan a trip to Glenburn! It was whilst staying on this, the most magical of tea estates, that Anderson conceived the idea for the film. Quite frankly, he could hardly have been anything but inspired.

Set an hour or so from Darjeeling town, the Glenburn Tea Estate is a superb destination for luxury adventure holidays to India as it clings to the foothills of the Himalayas, bordering the kingdom of Sikkim. Kanchenjunga, the world’s 3rd highest mountain, dominates the horizon and two rivers, the Rangeet and the Rung Dung, entwine themselves as they run through valleys. Overlooking it all is the Burra Bungalow, Glenburn’s boutique hotel and former home of the estate manager. The surroundings are spectacular and as you are away from the town, you will never be crowded by other people. The Burra Bungalow has only four rooms and therefore it simply doesn’t feel like a hotel. You are a guest and the attention to details of the staff is second to none. Freshly prepared picnics, afternoon tea and fresh juice appear from nowhere across the estate whether you are trekking the 2 hours down to the river or merely mooching in the garden. The food, ingredients for which are grown organically on the estate wherever possible. The homemade breads and chocolate brownies slip down a treat.

Luxury Adventure Holidays to India with IndianExplorations.com

The Estate also has a lodge and campsite that offers accommodation for two families, with its two spacious rooms each with an attached bathroom. Both rooms offer spectacular views of the forest, river and Sikkim on the opposite bank. A large verandah is a lovely place to sit and relax on at any time of the day. Kerosene lanterns are used to light up the Lodge at night and dinner is served according to each guest’s preference – either as a candle-lit meal down by the river, or on the Lodge verandah. Barbeques can also be organized, and a bonfire is always a popular option. Awake the next morning with a cup of tea or coffee served to you in bed, to watch the sunrise, and then wander along the river to catch a glimpse of some of the birds that inhabit the area. Cormorants, wild geese and hornbills are just a few of the birds you are likely to see. Return to the campsite for a hot breakfast and perhaps another refreshing dip in the river, before setting off on the day’s activities. It’s a great place if you are on a luxury adventure holiday  to India as you can do hiking, rafting and fishing. This is definitely a popular excursion, and rafting trips of varying difficulty can be organized to suit everyone. When the water level is high enough, rafting trips start at The Glenburn Campsite, from the River Rungeet, and join up with the River Teesta further downstream.  The trip can also be combined with a hike across the Manjitar Suspension Bridge, a short drive to Malli and then a raft trip down the River Teesta. You can also start the rafting from the picturesque Triveni which you would have looked down upon from the Viewpoint picnic spot on your way here from the airport. This is about an hour’s drive from Glenburn. The rapids along both the rivers are graded between II and IV, and certain sections are only open to swimmers. We use well-trained guides at all times and safety is of the utmost importance to us.

Luxury Adventure Holidays with IndianExplorations.com

Hikes can be arranged and adjusted to suit each guest. All the walking is downhill. The duration of the walk can range from 1.5 hours to 4 hours, and the level of difficulty can range from moderate to tough, depending on the route one takes. The forests contain a rich diversity of birds, butterflies, flora and plant life, as well as animals typical to this habitat. Refreshments will be provided along the way, and a jeep is never far away, should you feel tired and wish to drive down the rest of the way. Guests would really love these scenic walks while on a luxury adventure holiday to India as they are professionally arranged using friendly staff who have excellent local knowledge.

Glenburn with IndianExplorations.com

If you enjoy fishing, a fantastic experience on the river Rangeet can be arranged by Glenburn. The fishing season at Glenburn starts in early October and runs through until about March. A typical catch can range from a Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Golden Mahseer, Snow Trout, Goonch or a Carp.  What a great luxury adventure holiday to India indeed !

The tropical sun-drenched island of Sri Lanka is truly a breathtaking and exotic destination. It’s  an extraordinary destination which offers newlyweds an array of incredible experiences. Ceylon Tea Trails is a new concept which combines boutique luxury with the plantation bungalow experience. Set amidst a working tea estate at an altitude of 5000ft, the four luxuriously appointed Tea Trails bungalows are situated at different points around the beautiful Castlereagh reservoir in the Bogowantalawa region of the hill country, thus making them a perfect place for the newlyweds planning their honeymoon in Sri Lanka .

Honeymoon in Sri Lanka with IndianExplorations.com

The bungalows have 4-5 rooms, each unique in decor and design, provide lavish comfort on an all-inclusive basis. Each bungalow is different, and you can choose to stay at one bungalow or mix your time amongst a couple of the properties. ‘Tientsin’ has six suites, wood panelled rooms and large fireplaces is in high British colonial style and eclectic ‘Castlereagh’ has five suite rooms on a lakeside setting, croquet lawn & pool. ‘Norwood’s’ five suites are reminiscent of a 60’s tropical bungalow while ‘Summerville’ has four suites and offers contemporary elegance and stunning views of the lake.  The privacy and solitude at Tea Trails is perfectly suited for a blissful honeymoon. Long walks through beautiful tea country, evening sipping wine in front of a log fire and being pampered by staff, in room spa treatments and dinning underneath the stars will make for a memorable honeymoon in Sri Lanka.

Honeymoon in Sri Lanka with IndianExplorations.com

You set your own pace here; whether you wish to while away the hours reading in the grounds, lazing by the pool, pampering yourself in the tea spa or trying one of the many activities on offer. Ceylon Tea Trails have teamed-up with a local adventure operator to offer some of the most varied activities in the region. Excursions from guided walks and mountain bike rides to kayaking and rafting are all available on request. The walking opportunities here are superb and all four bungalows are linked by a trail. The pristine trails through immaculate tea gardens surrounded by beautiful valleys and hills are an unparalleled experience if you are on your honeymoon in Sri Lanka.

Luxury Honeymoon in Sri Lanka with IndianExplorations.com

Romantic candle lit dinners on the verandahs or in your private gardens at Ceylon Tea Trails is something to look forward to while you are on your honeymoon in Sri Lanka. Food and drink is included in the price and the standard very high. Although there is a menu, meals can be tailored to suit guests tastes. The wine is new world and excellent quality. If you are out all day a wonderful picnic hamper is packed and sent with you, so you can enjoy your lunch wherever you are.

Honeymoon in Sri Lanka with IndianExplorations.com

You can also enjoy the ‘Tea Experience’ – where you follow the production process from plucking your own tea leaves right through to brewing them for your very own ‘cuppa’. However, while the theme is tea, the emphasis is very definitely on luxury. Ceylon Tea Trails is a hotel by which standards many others are judged, with a proven record of delivering spectacular experiences time and time again. A truly superb destination for a honeymoon in Sri Lanka.

Everyone wants to get away from their hectic life to a place where they can relax and see places they have heard before. I recently came across one such location off the beaten track. Nandadevi is an exclusive heritage estate – an invitation for people with a love of the Himalayas and nature. Guests may step back in time and enjoy their Himalayan Holidays in simplicity coupled by style and sophistication.

Himalayan Holidays with IndianExplorations.com

Between 1805 and 1947, the British ruled Kumaon and established their administrative capital in Almora. With a keen eye for the best spots and a great sense of style and good taste, the British discovered Binsar, with its unparalleled natural beauty and sweeping views. Set at 7500 ft in the heart of Binsar Sanctuary, the NandaDevi property was the residence of a succession of District Magistrates from 1856 to 1945, after which it passed into the hands of the Shah family of Almora who owned a store providing groceries and wines to the British. Against a 700 rupee wine bill, Mr Van Renen handed over the property to Shyam Lal Shah who in turn sold it to Vivek Datta, a philosopher turned gentleman farmer from an aristocratic Delhi family, and his Belgian musicologist wife Marie in 1956, exactly a hundred years after it was built. It provides a unique Himalayan holidays experience, where the awe inspiring peaks in an unbroken chain of 500 kms can be contemplated up close. The wild beauty of virgin Himalayan oak and rhododendron forests surrounding the estate urge you to connect with nature, explore its secrets, and return to time and again.

Himalayan Holidays with IndianExplorations.com

Nandadevi Estate is located in the core area of Binsar Sanctuary, which is under the management of Corbett National Park. There are only 5 properties in the higher reaches of Binsar Sanctuary, and they are all separated by kilometres of thick forest. The property, 20 acres of land, comprises of terraced fields and a 155 years old heritage bungalow – originally built by a British administrator in 1854. What makes the Nandadevi Estate one of the most beautiful places in the world, is not only its views but the harmonious way in which the property is naturally set with its own five hills, each with exquisite views, and its terraced fields which once were a thriving farm and apple orchard, and are gradually being restored to their original state a few acres at a time. All efforts have been made so that guests have the unique experience of stepping back in time and enjoying the simplicity coupled by the sophistication. The entire estate is at the disposal of the guests along with the estate staff making it a relaxing Himalayan holiday.

Luxury walking Holidays Himalayas with IndianExplorations.com

The Estate has two Bungalows – The Goralkot Bungalow, built in the mid nineteenth century, is steeped in history and atmosphere and has been restored in a typical colonial style with wide verandahs, bay windows, and high ceilinged rooms with plenty of light and space. The whole structure is made of stone and wood. The rooms with four poster beds and their arched wooden ceiling and bay windows are furnished with priceless antiques from the Raj.  The Writer’s cottage was originally a barn located in the middle of the apple orchards and farm and was converted into a cottage in the mid 1980’s. An Italian writer called Tiziano Terzani, an icon in Europe as much for his writing as for his philosophy, stayed in the cottage for five years and wrote his most celebrated book there. The cottage is double storeyed and has a wraparound verandah from which views of Nandadevi, framed between two hills, views of Panchachuli and the Nepal Himalayas are visible. Done in pinewood and stone, the cottage has picture windows in every room and sunlight throughout the day.  Built around the concept of light and space, each room, including the bathrooms, have breath-taking views making it a perfect retreat for a Himalayan holiday.

They have recently revived the farm and four acres of land have been planted with vegetables and crops slowly we will bring the property back to its former days when there used to be 4000 fruit trees and substantial agriculture. The property also has a cowshed housing five milk cows, a bull, two riding horses, a few sheep, and chickens. Guests can order their meal fresh from the vegetable garden or dairy and watch the cows being milked. The farm, providing fresh dairy and poultry products and a range of local and exotic vegetables and fruit, ensures guests will enjoy Indian and Continental cuisine cooked to their taste and requirements in the bungalow kitchens.

They have a range of activities like hikes and bird watching in the Sanctuary, camping, horse riding, and mountain biking and day treks inside the Sanctuary as well as visits to nearby places of interest. However, the breath-taking surroundings and the luxuries of old world comforts and home grown, home cooked food will make it hard for guests to move out. Having said that I am sure guests who decide to go on Himalayan holidays want to explore the countryside and for those walks in Binsar Sanctuary ranging from easy strolls to day treks with picnic lunches can be arranged.  For guests who love riding, Horse riding along the old British horse trails in the Sanctuary can be organised. If you want to taste a bit of culture excursions to Almora to visit the Nanda Devi temple, the Old Bazaar and the main production unit of Panchachuli Women Weavers can be arranged.

It’s a unique concept and a one of a kind Himalayan holidays experience.

If asked – where are the best tiger safaris in India, then this is one story which convinces me that Corbett must rank as one of the best places to view them in relative privacy. There were five of us in the jeep, including two experienced local guides and of course it had to be the least experienced who spotted her – a striped beauty watching us from the pebbled bank of a channel of the Ramganga River in Corbett Tiger Reserve. We were the first jeep there and the tigress felt too exposed as more vehicles arrived. Suddenly, with the effortless power of her kind she was up the bank, across the road and floating gracefully off into the jungle. It was February and the undergrowth under the towering sal trees had thinned out, so we watched her for a satisfying minute or more before she melted into the bush. We had just arrived off the train from Delhi that morning. As we drove the two hours along the more or less deserted roads of early morning, my excitement mounted. In common with so many of my generation I had been an avid reader of Jim Corbett’s adventures in these foothills. And here we were driving through the towns and villages that had once been his stamping grounds – Haldwani and Kaladhungi and Ramnagar. This was mythic country!

Tiger Safaris in India with IndianExplorations.com

The heart of Corbett Tiger Reserve is the beautiful valley of the Ramganga River, winding through narrow, forest clad hills, its course punctuated by deep pools that are the haunt of golden mahseer – one of the worlds most prized game fishes – and giant goonch a catfish as big as a grown man. And basking on the banks are the long sleek shapes of gharial – a rare fish-eating crocodilian endemic to the Subcontinent. To enter this zone of Corbett requires an overnight booking in one of the old forest resthouses dating from the Raj era that are picturesquely located about half-a-days ride apart. Our luck is in from the moment we pass the gates. A cock Kalij pheasant, elegant in black and white plumage with gaudy scarlet eye-patch struts his stuff at the very edge of dense, moist undergrowth. As we near Dhikala where ancient sal trees shade the jungle, we encounter a wonderful heard of elephants – mothers and calves. And then immediately after lunch the splendid lady in stripes. Could it get any better? It could. Ritish Suri, our expert guide and owner of the award-winning Camp Forktail Creek, has booked an elephant for us. No sooner had we clambered aboard and headed into the dense high elephant grass, than we picked up the fresh tracks of another tigress. The chase was on and suddenly there she was – a slim elegant figure disappearing into the grass.

Tiger Safaris in India with IndianExplorations.com

As we turn back a Pallas’ Fish eagle wheels low over our heads. The sun is beginning to sink into the hollow hills and it was time to head for the splendid isolation of our magical resthouse in the middle of tiger country – and a hot cup of tea.

Tiger Safaris in India with IndianExplorations.com

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.

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.

Walking in Himalayas with IndianExplorations.com

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.

Walking Holidays in Himalayas with IndianExplorations.com

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.

Walking Holidays in Himalayas with IndianExplorations.com

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.

360 degrees Leti with IndianExplorations.com

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.

Walking Holidays in Himalayas with IndianExplorations.com

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.

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.

Bhutan Holidays – this is a once in a lifetime journey that I think everyone should simply do! Bhutan is a small kingdom which simply enwraps you – and most people who are lucky enough to travel there, feel it is even a life changing experience. The incredible awe inspiring scenery, the gentleness of the people, the atmosphere of the country as a whole – it somehow puts everything into perspective.

Have a sneak preview at this video I found. I think it is superb and the music is too! It gives a tiny insight to this fascinating country!