If there’s one thing I really miss doing in this pandemic its travelling. It’s been almost a year since I last travelled and to be honest it kinda sucks. I have missed booking flight tickets and planning adventures and packing my bags. But that was the need of the hour and the only way to keep us and our loved ones safe.
“The list is diverse and consists of all types of places to all types of properties”
With things getting slightly better and the world resuming travel, everyone is in the hunt of properties they can escape to. There are so many beautiful places and properties in India, that choosing just a handful took me way longer than expected. I have tried to be as diverse as possible including all types of places (sorry if I missed any) from cities to mountains to beaches and all types of properties, from historical importance to tree houses to lodge.
I have shared a list of some of the most beautiful properties in India ideal for a staycation below:
The Belgadia Palace, Odisha
A royal ancestral home turned to a tourist heaven, the Belgadia Palace lets you live like a royalty with the royalty. The royal family opened its home to the public only a couple years back for the purpose of letting people understand and experience their art and culture. The royal sisters and directors Mrinalika and Akshita M Bhanj Deo, firm believers of better tomorrow, train and employ the locals at this luxurious homestay providing a means of income. Not only this, they also provide tours from a tribal and art tourism to a wildlife and nature adventure. Check them here.
Gone Fishing Cottages, Deori
Nestled in the Deori, a tiny hamlet in Trithan Valley, Himachal away from the crowds and groups Gone Fishing Cottages is the ideal getaway when you need relaxation, rejuvenation and some adventure. Hosted by ta family of avid trekkers, this property is a result of their love for road trips. “You could go for short treks or choose to spend your day on the deck basking in the sun or just read next to the river, this place is about slowing down, about deep breathing and about living each moment.” Check them here.
Udai Kothi, Udaipur
I have said this before and will say it again, if there any city in India I love as much as Mumbai its Udaipur.From dreamy corridors to impeccable service to the strategic location, it is perfect fusion of royal and modern. Housing the current ‘IT’ place, Baro Masi (rooftop bar) is a must visit place for a merry night drinking, dancing and eating. You could check my time in the city here. Check them here.
Palais de Mahe, Puducherry
What comes to your mind when you first think of Pondicherry? The flower stacked balconies? The French influence? Or simply leisure? Palais de Mahe is a perfect symphony of all these attributes. With the traditional French accents and locally sourced products like coffee beans, fabric, handmade paper, etc. this property is ideal to unwind at. Check them here.
Abode Bombay, Mumbai
Tucked in the bustling lanes of Colaba, lies the first luxury boutique hotel of Mumbai. Situated above the street hawkers and hustlers, Abode sits in an elegant colonial building whose period features have been lovingly restored and infused with the best of modern design. Just a stroll away from Gateway of India, iconic Taj Mahal Hotel and many more landmarks, Abode is definitely worth checking out. Check them here.
Wildflower Hall, Shimla
Acting as a country escape for British Viceroys and top-ranking British officials, this property has been a getaway for about a hundred years. Converted into the luxurious property it is today, Wildflower welcomes you dark teakwood interiors, hand knotted rugs, fire place and crystal chandeliers that will leave you in awe. From spending hours indoors playing billiard or reading books to your hearts content in their library or enjoying a spa session to mountain biking, enjoying a picnic at the peak or a personalised gazebo dinner, there is something to experience for everyone. Check them here.
Mountbattan Lodge, Udaipur
Rajasthan has more to offer than palaces and forts. This stunning 4 suite lodge is the epitome of luxury offering the richness and beauty of rural Rajasthan alongside. A well kept secret amongst the Aravallis, bordered by the Kumbalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary and the Ranakpur Jain temple at your doorstep. From private pool for every suite to sundowners in the mountains to the leopard and deep safari to horse riding. This place is a must visit for me. Check them here.
The Windflower Resorts & Spa, Coorg
Located in 10 km from Dubare Elephant Camp and 15 km from Bylekuppe Tibetan Monastery, Windflower is the escape we all have been looking for this pandemic. Spread across 25 acres of lush green coffee estate with traditional sloping roofs, stone and wood detailing and the large windows overlooking the lush green estate. One of the 34 remaining biodiversity spots in the world it has a lot to offer with sauna, gravity cycling, meditation points on waterfront, walk-in aviary with rare birds, horse riding, to name a few. Check them here.
Jamtara Wilderness Camp, Madhya Pradesh
Situated in the heart of rural Pench, near the Pench National Park lies the Jamtara Wilderness Camp. As you go towards the village of Jamtara, the modern civilisation starts disappearing. With limited technology and modes of transport the village becomes more independent with making its own jaggery, sugarcane, beans and vegetables. The camp consists of 10 luxury tents surrounded by the tall Arjuna trees and every tent overlooking the jungle. Book yourself a ‘star bed’, a machine that is built tall on stilts giving you the opportunity to view the fields for wildlife and the skies for constellations. That is not all. Head out for a morning or night safari at the park and have a closer look at nature with the animals. Check them here & here.
The Glasshouse on The Ganges, Rishikesh
Taken under their wing by Neemrana Hotels, this property is located alongside River Ganga in the lychee and mango orchards of Maharajas of Tehri Garhwal, and a garden of tropical plants, full of rare birds and butterflies. With the perfect blend of peace and adventure guests are spoilt with experiences like a private Ganga Aarti (must experience), barbecue, white water rafting, cliff jumping, a private sand beach to relax at and much more. Having experienced the Neemrana hospitality before, (check here) I am looking forward to visiting The Glasshouse. Check them here.
Safe travels!
