Falaknuma Palace, a recent addition to the Taj Hotels that owns luxury properties in the Indian Subcontinent opened its doors to discerning travellers looking for sheer luxury. Located in Hyderabad the capital of Andhra Pradesh, it is easily accessible from most other cities by air, rail and road and in many cases is the beginning of a remarkable journey through the Deccan.  Hyderabad is an integral part of the famous twin-city pair of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, which are situated on opposite banks of the Hussain Sagar Lake. Hyderabad has a romantic story behind its birth. Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah, the fifth king of Golconda, founded this city of Bhagyanagar in 1591 for the sake of his lover Bhagmathi. Later he renamed the city as Hyderabad. For guests planning luxury India vacations the Deccan has now become even more interesting  after the opening of Falaknuma Palace.

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The former residence of the Nizam of Hyderabad it was passed on from generation to generation like a precious jewel.  Taj Hotels has infused new life into this celebrated home under the guidance of Princess Ezra, wife of the eighth Nizam. Falaknuma Palace is ready to resume its status as Hyderabad’s most exclusive address in keeping with its storied heritage of hosting visiting royalty, such as King Edward VIII and Russia’s Tsar Nicholas II. Guests on luxury India vacations can now experience the famed Nizam’s hospitality which was once the sole preserve of royalty. It is also known as the ‘mirror of the sky’ because at 2000 feet above Hyderabad, it was built in the clouds and reflects the ever-changing moods of the sky. Set in 32 acres of land guests may select from 60 exquisite rooms and suites, including a Grand Presidential Suite, which were once the private chambers of the Nizam, royal family and state guests, and include the services of a personal butler.

As beautifully worded by Taj Hotels ‘Those who have revelled in its opulence have revelled in its large Venetian chandeliers, rare furniture, grand marble staircases and gurgling fountains, priceless statues, and objects d’art, stained-glass windows, unique sketches and murals encased in ornate frames, a world-class collection of crystal as well as the Mughal, Rajasthani and Japanese gardens personally conceived by the Nizam’. The Palace Library, a replica of the one at Windsor Castle, is a collector’s envy as it is home to the rarest of manuscripts, books and one of the most acclaimed collections of the Holy Quran in the country, all of which were selected and brought back by the Nizam himself.  William Ward Marret didn’t just design a Palace, he created a space dedicated to the art of perfecting pleasure. With many secrets still hidden I would highly recommend to make your own discoveries during your stay at Taj Falaknuma Palace whilst on luxury India vacations.

Hyderabad has some fantastic sights if you are planning a stay at Falaknuma Palace.  A major landmark in the city, the Charminar was built just two years after the founding of Hyderabad. A monument with four graceful minarets, it is often referred to as the Arc de Triomphe of the East. Its central structure soars to a height of 180 feet. The Public Gardens at Hyderabad boast of some of the finest gardens in the country. One of the gardens is located very close to the Hyderabad railway station. This beautifully laid out garden is also home to the State Legislature building, State Archaeological Museum and Jubilee-Hall. One not to be missed is the Salar Jung Museum. It is home to the largest collection of antiques in the world owned by a single person. The museum was named after the Prime Minister of the Nizam, Nawab Mir Tulab Ali Khan who was titled Salar Jung Bahadur in 1853. He used to collect priceless gems of art wherever he travelled. His quest for objects d’art grew into a passion and laid the foundation for this massive collection. The museum exhibits over 47,000 choicest antiques. One of the most famed exhibits is the veiled Rebecca, the translucent white marble statue by Bezoni, an Italian sculptor. Some other valuables include Persian carpets, Chinese porcelain, Japanese lacquer-ware, sculptures, jade, Aurangazeb’s sword, daggers belonging to queen Nur Jehan and the Emperors Jehangir and Shah Jahan.

If you’re partial to your poison, then the Palace also has a staggering collection of the rarest whiskies, single malts, luxury vodkas and cognacs, including Louis XIII, supplemented by an unrivalled selection of the finest handmade cigars from all over the world. Though one might on luxury India vacations, there is a lot to see and sometimes it can be quite overwhelming. A bar with such a collection is always a bonus when you have had a long day experiencing India. The culinary experience at Taj Falaknuma Palace recreates the passionate relationship between monarchs and their cuisines. The Palace offers two restaurants that reflect its European and Indian design influences: Celeste, serving Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, and Ada, featuring fine Indian dining, including a series of dishes taken from past palace banquet menus prepared in the Hyderabadi tradition of slow-cooking. Guests may also enjoy breakfast on the Jade Verandah or take Afternoon Tea in the exquisite Jade Room beneath Victorian-style hand-painted ceilings and Venetian chandeliers. Poolside relaxation includes inventive food and drink in The Rotunda, or guests may adjourn to the unique Hookah Lounge that recreates the romantic ambience of princely India, or opt for a sporting game in the Billiards Room with the Nizam’s personal bespoke billiards table.

Hyderabad and the Deccan is worthy of plenty of exploration in its own right and the Falaknuma Palace will certainly be on the top of my list when I plan my next luxury India vacations.

It was only when the band turned up that I realised this wasn’t going to be an ordinary train journey but I was going to open a new chapter on Indian luxury train travel. The band – five fellows playing trumpet and assorted other instruments  followed us from the coach that had deposited us outside Bangalore train station to a special waiting room.

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As we walked in, a smiling girl smeared red dye on my forehead and put a garland. And then, in the distance, across the platforms, I saw her: dressed in imperial purple, sitting perfectly still while all around her chaos swarmed. She was the Golden Chariot, a 19-carriage luxury train that was to be my home for the next week as it traversed the southern state of Karnataka from Bangalore to Goa. The Golden Chariot is Karnataka’s answer to Indian luxury train travel and has 11 passenger coaches, each named after the different dynasties that ruled in this region. It departs from cosmopolitan Bengaluru  and the luxurious Golden Chariot train travels through Mysore, Srirangapatna, the scenic Nagarhole National Park, the historical sites around Belur, the world heritage sites near Hampi and Pattadakal, and the golden beaches of Goa.

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The beauty of the Golden Chariot is that every little detail is arranged – so its passengers can enjoy their Indian luxury train travel without any of the hassles. It may be a train, but it offers a bird’s eye view of Karnataka – gliding above the state, swooping down at certain points before soaring ever onwards. It had been a dizzying adventure of gods and nature, palaces and temples; an incredible odyssey into India’s past that will stay with me long into the future.

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Rajasthan is probably the most popular destination while planning an India luxury holiday. The topography of the Rajasthan region consists of sandy plains interspersed with craggy hills, a stark contrast to Amanbagh’s setting which is an oasis of verdant greenery. Deriving its name from aman, meaning ‘peace’ in Sanskrit and bagh, meaning ‘garden’ in Hindi, Amanbagh lies within a walled compound once used by the Maharajah of Alwar to site his mobile hunting camps in search of the elusive tigers known to roam the nearby hills. Long since abandoned, the trees and vegetation continued to thrive due to a reliable source of underground water. The resort is very much a modern day ‘Mughal Palace’, conceived in the present, but paying homage to the architecture and design of India’s golden age.

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In the countryside surrounding Amanbagh there lies evidence of a lost empire whose historical ambition still echoes in the remains of grand architectural ruins. Excursions on a cultural trail within a 30km radius of Amanbagh include visits to the nearby Ajabgarh Fort and Temple which were built in 1635 and are connected by an underground passageway. Ajabgarh is named for its founder Ajab Singh Rajawat, the grandson of Madho Singh, founding ruler of Bhangarh. Moghul Emperor Akbar the Great is said to have stayed in Ajabgarh during the inauguration of Somsagar, a reservoir lake in the hills behind Ajabgarh.

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Shah Jahan, famed creator of the Taj Mahal, was entertained here at a chhatri erected specially for him by Ajab Singh when the former was passing through this valley to join his son, Aurangzeb, on a campaign against the Maharajah of Orchha. Ajab Singh’s grand-aunt, Jodha Bai of Jaipur was married to Akbar, the grandfather of Shah Jahan.

Whilst on an India luxury holiday do visit Ajabgarh’s finest present day attractions – the fort and the old temple, dedicated to Shri Raghunathji. Built in 1635 AD, it features a 24-pillared open courtyard and a marble façade. This temple once housed a statue a Lord Rama and the Goddess Sita, bejeweled with precious stones. It was unfortunately stolen. The temple and Ajabgarh fort are connected by an underground passage originally designed for use by the royal ladies so they could enter the temple in complete privacy.

Excursions to Ajabgarh from Amanbagh can be organised during the day on foot, by camel and horseback, or in the resort’s open jeeps. During the warmer months you can travel via camel or open jeep to a candle-lit dinner in a chhatri ruin near Ajabgarh. This overlooks the lake and mountains with the fort perched above. What a fantastic way of ending a dream India luxury holiday!!!

Situated at 8,250 feet in the magnificent Himalayas, Wildflower Hall is a fairytale luxury resort set in 22 acres of virgin woods of pine and cedar. The former residence of Lord Kitchener, rebuilt to a new magnificence, Wildflower Hall recreates the grand style of the colonial era. It is a picturesque 45-minute drive over a 13 km distance through forested hills from Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. The resort is a serene and relaxed getaway offering an unforgettable experience while on a luxury India honeymoon on a grand scale. From its vantage point on top of a knoll, the hotel looks out onto a magnificent vista of rugged mountains, snow-clad peaks, verdant meadows and cedar forests.  Wood panelling and original artwork create an aura of old world charm. Teak wood floors, hand knotted rugs and rich furnishings complemented by spectacular views make the rooms very special retreats. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 !

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 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.