11 STUNNING INDIAN HOTELS YOU PROBABLY HAVEN’T STAYED AT BUT SHOULD

Intimate, comfortable and often eccentric in the best of ways, India is dotted with charming hotels that reward those who go off the beaten path. From futuristic glass boxes to historic hideaways, these charming alcoves of hospitality are as much worth a visit as the destination itself. Let’s have a look at some stunning hotels to stay in India that might just fulfill all your fantasies!

The peace of the countryside, the star spangled night sky and alfresco dining are some the luxuries offered at Chhatra Sagar, an intimate retreat situated two-and-a-half-hours east of Jodhpur. Thirteen luxury tents are pitched on a 100-year-old reservoir that manages to capture the essence of the Rajput lifestyle.

Location: Village and Post Office Nimaj, District Pali, Rajasthan 306303

Prime features: Luxury tents, romantic settings, waterfront property

Things to do: Kabila Safari, cultural walk in the village, jungle safari around Nimaj

How to reach: Nearest railway stations to the resort are located at Beawar (35 km), Marwar (65 km) and Pali (83 km); while nearby airport is at Jodhpur (130 km). From outside, taxis and cabs are easily available.

A quiet retreat on the outskirts of Jaipur, Amanbagh is a verdant oasis of palm, fruit and eucalyptus trees. Rose-tinted walls, domed cupolas, pool pavilions and shaded courtyards echo the palatial elegance of the Mughal era, offering you a pampered, royal stay.

Location: Village Ajabgarh, District Alwar, Rajasthan 301027
Prime features: Ayurvedic Spa, hammams, library, gymnasium, swimming pool, lush gardens

Things to do: Jungle safari, forts, temples and ruins exploration, camel safari, ghost hunting at Bhangarh

How to reach: Jaipur railway station is the closest railhead serving the resort. Visitors can take taxis from outside the station.

Nestled in a thickly forested mountain spur and inspired by Swiss chalet architecture, The Chalets Naldhera can truly be described as a home away from home. Every room has spectacular views—the misty morning clouds, the patch of forest with imposing cedar trees, and the immaculately manicured lawns.

Location: Shimla – Tatapani – Mandi Road, Durgapur, Shimla, Naldehra, Himachal Pradesh 171007

Prime features: Spa, swimming pool, revolving restaurant, activity centre, lush green gardens, hill views

Things to do: Trekking, golf course, river rafting, one day excursions to Mashobra, Carignano and Kufri

How to reach: Shimla airport, Jubbarhatti is the nearest to the resort.

The jagged white peaks of the Hiramani glacier bear down on you from the north, while to the east, Nepalese snow-caps twinkle in the glittery distance—Shakti 360 Leti is all about living in the lap of solar-powered luxury. Four futuristic glass, wood and stone cabins are perched on a stunningly remote mountaintop that commands knockout views of the north-western Himalayas.

Location: Leti Village, Bageshwar, Someshwar Road, District Almora, Uttarakhand

Prime features: Eco friendly, views of Himalayan peaks, lush greenery

Things to do: Birdwatching, trekking, hiking, picnics, camping, nature trails, mountain walks

How to reach: Kathgodam railway station is the nearest railhead to the resort, which is about 90 km away. Roads leading to the resort are also pretty amazing, so one can easily plan a road trip till here from Delhi, Gurugram, Dehradun and Chandigarh.

A stunning, personalised wildlife retreat on the fringes of the Satpura National Park, Forsyth Lodge promises to bring you closer to India’s spectacular wildlife. Ride on top of an elephant for an hour-long trample through the jungle, stretch out on a charpoy on the porch of your private cottage and revel in evening bonfires while swapping safari stories—the serenity that surrounds you is bewitching.

Location: No.14/1, Village Bijakhori, Sohagpur, District Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh 461771

Prime features: Jungle resort, lush greenery, wildlife

Things to do: Jeep safari, jungle walk, canoe safari, dusk drive, camping, tribal village exploration

How to reach: The nearest railhead to this jungle resort is located in the city of Bhopal which is about 200 km away while Bhopal airport is the nearest airbase serving the city.

At Patan Mahal, history lovers will be thoroughly fascinated as they uncover tales of battles and discover hidden trap doors and secret tunnels. A privately owned heritage property that exudes an irresistible rustic flavour, Patan Mahal is a good place to get a taste of old-world Rajasthani hospitality.

Location: V.P.O, Tanwaravati Teh: Neem Ka Thana, Patan, District Sikar, Rajasthan 332718

Prime features: Outdoor swimming pool, 12thcentrury property, green lawns

Things to do: Village walk, trekking, exploring forts, ruins and temples, nature walks

How to reach: Jaipur Railway Station and Jaipur Airport are the closest to the resort, located at around 120 km and 140 km away, respectively.

Kashmir’s beauty can leave you astounded and in the midst of all that splendour exists one tiny, wondrous place to stay. Sukoon, a houseboat originally built in 1979, sits in a quiet spot at the end of a row of shikaras on Dal Lake—the looming snow-capped peaks shining in the distance and charming lotuses floating at arm’s length.

Location: Kabootar Khana, Near Rani Mahal, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001

Prime features: Luxury houseboat, pine wood flooring, Dal Lake views, sun deck

Things to do: Shikhara rides and nature walks

How to reach: Nearest railway stations serving the resort are Udhampur (231 km), Katra (280 km), Jammu (300 km) while Srinagar airport is the closest airbase.

Tucked away amidst orchards of cherry and apple, The Himalayan echoes the romance of a bygone era in the mountains. Built in the Victorian Gothic Revival style and perched at an elevation of 2003 m, the luxury resort is perfect for indulging your indolent side.

Location: Hadimba Road, Kullu Valley, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131

Prime features: Orchards of cherry and apple, mountain views, gorgeous architecture

Things to do: Angling, camping, Jeep safari, paragliding, nature walks, trekking, skiing, mountain biking, rock climbing

How to reach: Kathgodam Railway Station is the closest railhead to the resort and several cabs and private taxis are available from outside the station.

Fresh mountain air, spectacular snow-studded views, long nature walks and warm hospitality—Soulitude in the Himalayas has just the right amount of ambience for a laidback vacation in the hills. Miles away from the chaos of the city, this hillside vacation home offers a luxurious getaway in the lap of nature.

Location: Gagar, Bhowali-Ramgarh-Mukteshwar Road, Ramgarh, Uttarakhand 263132

Prime features: Hillside property, close to Nainital, lush garden, serene surroundings

Things to do: Nature walks, day excursion to Nainital, trekking

How to reach: Kathgodam Railway Station is the closest railhead to the resort and several cabs and private taxis are available from outside the station.

For travellers who like their accommodation secluded, natural and rustic, Tree House Hideaway in Bandhavgarh offers all this and much more. Perched high into the trees of a 21-acre private jungle are five private thatched tree houses that merge splendidly into the surrounding greenery.

Location: Umaria-Badhavgarh Road, Umaria District, Vijarhia, Madhya Pradesh 484661

Prime features: Luxury tree house, lush gardens

Things to do: Nature walks, wildlife safari, camping, birdwatching

How to reach: Jabalpur Airport and Jabalpur Railway Station are the closest to the resort, both 180 km away.

Perfumed with the subtly intoxicating aroma of coffee and spices, Orange County is ensconced a lush 300-acre plantation. Nestled amidst the cool rolling hills of Coorg, the resort is designed to help you forget the chaos of city life—here the only sounds you will hear are the chirping of birds and the blowing of wind through the infinite trees. (Text by: Reva Vidyalankar)