India

Luxury Hotels and Tiger Safaris

WHAT WE LOVE 

The grand heritage properties of Royal Rajasthan: Live like a Maharajah in veritable palaces and forts that have been converted into the most lavish properties known to mankind.

Tiger Safaris: Make your way to Ranthambhore, Kaziranga National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, Kanha or one of India's other parks and keep your eyes peeled for one of the most majestic animals in the world.

Snow leopard tracking - So elusive that it was once thought to be a mythical creature, the snow leopard is only found in the very high reaches of the Himalayas above 9800 feet. These animals are so shy and rarely spotted that it’s impossible to know their exact population, but there are thought to be just a few thousand left on the planet. Stay in authentic homestay-style lodging in tiny Ulley and embark on an unforgettable mountainous adventure to catch a glimpse of this amazingly rare big cat.

Hippy lifestyle on the beaches of Goa: Explore the beautiful beaches of the Indian coastline, each unique and special in their own way. Appreciate the influence of hippy culture, the lively nightlife, the abundance of water sports, turtle and dolphin sightings, exotic beach bars, flavorful restaurants, vibrant art galleries and luxury spa resorts.

Houseboat cruises through the backwaters of Kerala: Cast away on a private romantic cruise through the backwaters of Kerala and admire the stunning rural scenery while a private chef prepares an eclectic variety of well spiced gourmet treats.

Private full moon visits at the Taj Mahal: Escape the crowds and visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Admire its magnificent silhouette in the moonlight and sit back and watch as the fleeting sunrise reveals its true beauty.

Traditional and authentic Indian cuisine: Take full advantage for every city you visit will introduce you to unique recipes, exotic spices and local delicacies.

Endless bazaars and markets: Lose yourself literally in the exciting maze of food, handicrafts, fabrics, spices, incense, precious stones, leather goods and so much more.

Yoga, as it was intended: Re-discover yourself in 26,000 year-old yoga in its birth place and attend a spiritual Ganga Aarti lighting ceremony at sunset.

REST & REJUVENATE

NORTHERN CIRCUIT

DELHI

The Leela Palace New Delhi: The Leela feels like a newly built grand palace, an ideal place to feel like a quintessential modern day maharajah surrounded by gilded, glitzy, spare-no-expense opulence. If you’re looking for top end luxury and amazing service, the Leela is where you’ll find it. Picture plenty of Indian cultural influences - ornate elephant statues and enormous chandeliers, huge suites decorated with silk and mahogany. Impeccable service, world famous restaurants including Le Cirque and Megu, a jaw-droppingly gorgeous rooftop pool, and the glorious rooms on the hotel’s Club floors make the Leela one of our favorites in Delhi.

The Oberoi, New Delhi: The Oberoi has a storied history as the glamorous see-and-be-seen epicenter for Delhi nightlife, and was considered the most luxurious hotel in India when it opened in the 1960’s. Now, after a $100 million renovation in 2016, the hotel has massive rooms with white marble bathrooms and spacious walk-in closets, an open air rooftop bar, cigar lounge, heated indoor and outdoor pools, and a modern indoor air purification system to counteract the city’s pollution. The butler service is also excellent. The Oberoi is the hippest option in Delhi and will appeal to younger travelers looking for a cool scene in the evenings.

The Imperial New Delhi: A tastefully elegant heritage hotel with distinct old-world style, the Imperial is a serene oasis and a miraculous escape from the madness of the bustling city. The hotel has a rich history that comes alive through more than 7,000 works of art that are displayed on its walls, and was once even a meeting place for important historical figures including Gandhi and Lord Mountbatten, making this is a great choice for passionate history buffs. The spa and Spice Route restaurant are top notch, and the grounds include seven acres of lush green landscape and the largest pool in Delhi.

JAIPUR

Rambagh Palace: An unparalleled experience awaits you at Rambagh Palace, where you’re served a slice of history and heritage and can expect to be treated like the royals who once owned this magnificent property. Stay in suites that were once sanctuaries for the maharajah, stroll through a labyrinth of expansive manicured gardens, learn yoga from a legitimate guru, and relax in the evening with a horse-drawn carriage ride around the spectacular grounds.

The Oberoi Rajvilas: The villas at this peaceful resort have their own walled gardens and private pools, four poster king beds, and some are built in the style of safari tents with lovely canvas canopies. Guests can play croquet, tennis, or golf on the grounds and then unwind at the luxurious spa that sits in its own grand haveli, or mansion.

UDAIPUR

The Oberoi Udaivilas: Like other Oberoi properties in India, the focus here is on height, light, and space to give guests a break from the intensity of India’s famously frenetic pace and massive crowds. The hotel sits surrounded by 50 acres of peaceful trees and nature and has breathtaking views of glistening Lake Pichola. This is a palace more than a hotel, in a way that stands above even the other grand Oberoi properties.

JODHPUR

Umaid Bhawan Palace: Built in the 1930's, the Umaid Bhawan Palace sits above the desert city of Johdpur and amidst 26 acres of lush gardens. Drive through the city in a vintage car with your very own personal chauffeur, hit the marble squash courts for a little exercise, then unwind with a couple's massage and retire to your regal suite at the end of the day.

Chhatra Sagar: Royal Rajput lifestyle combined with breathtaking surroundings makes Chhatra Sagar one of our all time favorites. Committed to a harmonious way of life, settlers of the area still dedicate their time primarily to farming and shepherding. So maximize the opportunity to visit their farms and villages, to learn about their heritage and to later relax under traditional white tents that resemble mini-palaces.

AGRA

Oberoi Amarvilas: Perfectly situated 600 meters from the revered Taj Mahal, close enough to afford uninterrupted views from your bed, yet far enough to escape the urban chaos. Richly furnished suites with private balconies, romantic starlit dining, Ayurvedic spa treatments and beautiful reflection pools all contribute to a sense of culture and much needed relaxation.

southern circuit

MUMBAI

Taj Mahal Palace: Follow in the footsteps of kings and dignitaries at this elegant heritage hotel overlooking the Bay of Bengal and the famous Gateway of India. The Taj Mahal Palace has an atmosphere of old fashioned grandeur and is home to several world-class restaurants. This is Taj Hotels flagship property, and the exceptional level of luxury and service here are unparalleled. The pool is an especially serene oasis, a true retreat from the chaotic city, and the mind-blowing spa will transport you to a state of utter relaxation.

The Oberoi, Mumbai: Famous for its phenomenal service, the Oberoi Mumbai has a gorgeous setting with a prime location along the coastal Marine Drive esplanade, looking out over the Arabian Sea. Indoors, the ambiance is modern and cosmopolitan, with light-filled atriums and contemporary design. Like other Oberoi properties, the Mumbai hotel is intended to be an escape from the urban intensity just outside its doors.

Kerala

The Leela Kovalam Beach: Located in the small coastal town of Kovalum, the Leela Kovalam Beach is a dramatic cliffside beach resort. Both the huge ocean-facing suites with a private balconies and the elegant seaside chalets have views of the amazing sunset and come with a dedicated butler. A private “club” wing has an exclusive restaurant and spa.

Taj Bekal Resort & Spa Kerala: Rooms and suites at the Taj Bekal Resort & Spa are designed with inspiration from the Kettuvallam thatched-roof houseboats that Kerala is famous for, and all have private plunge pools. You have the best of both worlds at the Taj Kerala – access to a secluded private beach and also the river that runs through the property where fishing and boat trips the Ayruvedic spa, fishing and boating trips on the river that runs through the property. Best of both worlds – river and access to a private, secluded beach.

Kumarakom Lake Resort: Kumarakom is a small village on the banks of Vembanad Lake, a body of water connected to the Arabian sea by canals and tributaries. Some of the luxurious pool villas and pavillion rooms at Kumarakom look out over the lake while other face the sea, and all have access to an infinity pool that appears to drop off dramatically into the lake. Yoga and mountain biking, spa treatments, locally caught seafood.

Spice Routes Luxury Cruises: Formerly spice trade barges, these luxury houseboats provide first-hand exposure to natural hidden beauty accessible only by water. Seamless service, personalized menus, incomparable peace and quiet and exceptional ambiance are all part of the package.

HYDERABAD

Taj Falaknuma Palace: The royal treatment at Taj Falaknuma Palace begins before you even arrive. A horse drawn carriage delivers you into the capable hands of palace butlers who await at the entrance of this enchanting hotel in the clouds, situated about 2,000 feet above Hyderabad. Holistic spa indulgences, afternoon tea on the terrace, and gastronomic journeys in fine dining at the hotel’s incredible restaurant are not to be missed. Of all the palaces, many tastemakers will agree that Taj Falaknuma is the most impressive.

GOA

The Leela Goa: Situated next to a private beach and spread over 75 acres of tranquil gardens, the Leela is Goa’s most luxurious resort. Royal suites and villas are decorated with furnishings that reflect modern day India as well as Goa’s Portuguese colonial past, with its own private plunge pool and balcony with gorgeous views of the Arabian Sea. The award-winning spa is a must for guests who want to bliss out in complete relaxation mode.

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa: 58 acres of lush gardens surround the villas at Taj Exotica in seaside Goa. Go for a float in the Arabian Sea, Indulge in a massage in a private seaside pavillion, take in the views from your private balcony, or just stretch out for the day on the pristine white sand beach. The incredible service the Taj is known for means you don’t need to lift a finger other than to sip your martini by the pool, but guests who do want a little action can take advantage of games like badminton, cricket, tennis, and golf.

Coco Shambhala: Coco Shambhala is the only luxury boutique hotel option in Goa. With just four villas on the property, this is a much more intimate and relaxed experience than you would have at one of the properties from one of the globally recognized brands. Each villa has its own treetop lounge area, a private plunge pool, and a car and driver at their dispense. A hidden jungle pool and an ayurvedic spa tucked away in a secret garden also make this place really special. The hotel’s restaurant serves local Goal cuisine made by an internationally trained chef who focuses on local produce and fresh seafood.

ANDAMAN ISLANDS

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa: Havelock Island in the Bay of Bengal is a little slice of paradise in the Andaman Islands known for its biodiversity and pristine beauty. Surrounded by mangroves, banana trees and coconut palms, the Taj Exotica’s 72 villas sit on stilts just behind the unspoiled beaches and feature architectural details inspired by local tribal heritage. An Olympic size infinity pool, jungle treks in the stunning rainforest, fruit picking in the orchards, scuba diving and beach picnics are just some of the activities that will keep you busy. This Taj resort is deeply committed to conservation through support for initiatives that keep the entire island plastic-free and a bottling system for rainwater.

other regions

LADAKH

Snow Leopard Lodge: Launch your quest to find the elusive snow leopard from the one and only Snow Leopard Lodge, one of just a handful of homes in a tiny Himalayan village named Ulley in western Ladakh. This is more of a homestay than a hotel, with simple furnishings and amenities, delicious meals and warm communal spaces to spend time with the local Ladakhi family who hosts you. The amenities are basic and you must pack and dress for the elements - it’s the middle of winter at 14,000 feet! The luxury here is the divine setting and the guidance of expert trackers who will give you the best chance at a rare sighting of the shy snow leopards who only inhabit this tiny slice of the world way up in the sky.

The Grand Dragon: The Grand Dragon is an 82-room hotel built with architectural nods to local culture, and stunning views of the surrounding otherworldly Himalayan peaks. This is the first and only luxury accommodation in Leh, which is the gateway to the snow leopard trekking region at higher elevations.

SHIMLA

Wildflower Hall: Wildflower Hal is an Oberoi property nestled in the temperate foothills of the Himalayas, making it a popular summertime destination for adventurous activities like trekking and mountain biking, white water rafting, and horseback riding. This mountain resort was a former residence of a British Lord, and stays true to its colonial past with a billiards room, elegant bar, a huge library, personalized butler service. As incredible as the interiors are, the focus is on the outdoors and you can choose to enjoy spa treatments in the woods or dinners al fresco in a gazebo. Wherever you are at Wildflower Hall, Jaw dropping mountain views are around every corner.

TIGER SAFARIS

Sujan Sher Bagh: Sher Bagh is a gorgeous Relaix & Chateaux tented luxury camp nestled at the edge of Ranthambhore National Park, known as one of best places for a tiger safari in India. The owners are the Sujan family, who have been involved in the conservation of Ranthambhore since the 1970’s and continue to ensure the guides at Sher Bagh have deep, unparalleled knowledge of the park and the behaviors of the endangered Bengal tiger. Each of the property’s 12 luxurious tented suites have a private heated pool, hot tub on the verandah, and open air “tree shower.” Inside, sepia photographs adorn the walls, creating a general sense of being transported to the 19th century. One of the highlights at Sher Bagh is the delicious classic Indian food. Enjoy an al fresco Thaali (a classic Indian dish) as you sit around the campfire under the stars and tell stories from your day full of adventures in mystical Ranthambhore.

Oberoi Vanyavilas: After a day spent searching for tigers in Ranthambhore National Park, your spacious, air-conditioned luxury tent at Oberoi Vanyavilas will be a welcome place to unwind and reflect on your thrilling adventures. Each tent includes a canopied king size bed, clawfoot bathtub, writing desk and comfortable sitting area, situated within a wide, lush garden area for maximum privacy. Oberoi properties are known for their incredible hospitality, the best fine dining and excellent spas. Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort is no exception to this incredible level of luxury despite its remote jungle location.

Jamtara Wilderness Camp: Jamtara is the only safari camp situated in the remote village on one edge of Pench National Park, one of India’s premiere tiger reserves. The property is now run by the grandson of Kailash Sankhala who was famously known as “The Tiger Man of India” for his work in protecting tigers. Today, expert naturalists who will help you feel closely connected to the flora and fauna you’ll see on game drives which could include sloth deer, leopard, jackal, and wild boar, in addition to the elusive Bengal tiger. Roll up the front of your tent and let the outside in, or sleep out in a star bed to really take in the solitude of your surroundings. This is rustic luxury – all of the benefits of feeling the jungle with your senses while still having access to a full bathroom, hot water, privacy and comfort.

Mahua Kothi, Bandhavgarh Safari: An expansive area of over 400km2 with the ideal geographic positioning allows the Bandhavgarh Wildlife Sanctuary to host roughly 250 species of birds and 22 different species of mammals, including the iconic tiger. And if you're hoping to pair this more natural and rustic experience with a little luxury and comfort, you've come to the right place. Choose between 12 private suites at the intimate Mahua Kothi lodge and indulge in the perfect blend of nature and relaxation.

The Jawai Leopard Camp: Down to earth with a subtle touch of opulence, the Jawai Leopard Camp may just be exactly what you're looking for. Partake in a leopard safari, relax by your private pool or at the Sujan spa, and dine in an expansive white tent under a star-speckled sky before retiring to your suite.

WHAT TO KNOW

India's weather is extremely varied so most would agree that the best time to visit the majority of the country is during the cool, dry season between the months of November and March. September, October and April are also great months to travel, temperatures are still warm but they are not as scorching as during the summer. If you are looking to make your way to the mountainous areas however, the season starts in April and extends through September. All in all, India has a little something for everyone, every day of the year.

With regard to tiger safaris, we recommend that you plan your visit between the months of January and March to maximize your chances of seeing a vast array of wildlife. That being said, the larger range of October through April also guarantees great animal sightings and an all-around unforgettable safari experience.

Being a subcontinent, India is incredibly vast and there is a lot to do and a lot to see in a relatively short amount of time. Most start off with the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra and Jaipur) and then the options are endless. From Delhi, either head north to the Himalayas, or south to the shores of Goa or to the backwaters of Kerala. From Agra, head central to Madhya Pradesh and Bandhavgarh National Park for a tiger safari.

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