A sought-after destination for holidays, India is larger than life in many ways, with a population of over a billion to its busy streets and eclectic fashion. Amidst the chaos, India is also a luxury travel destination, with a mix of old-world charm and modern sophistication.
Known as the ‘Land of the Maharajas’, the palaces that have survived the test of time since colonial times have now (at least most of them) been converted to luxury hotels and resorts. From the Taj Mahal in Agra to the decadent palaces found in Rajasthan, opulence and grandeur can be found in abundance in India.
Luxurious places and experiences in India
1. Enjoy your Dinner at The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur, Rajasthan
The Oberoi Rajvilas situated in Jaipur also makes the list of luxury travel guide of India for its fine dining and drinking. The Oberoi Group of Hotels is well-known for their high service standards all across the country. This particular hotel is no exception. It offers world-class gourmet dining with an exotic spread that will leave you spoilt for choice. From Indian to International cuisines, the chefs that prepare these scrumptious meals are widely recognized for their culinary skills.
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Enjoy a meal for two while you are served some of the best wines in the world. The Surya Mahal and Raj Mahal is the perfect place for Indian cuisine. While you dine, you can enjoy traditional Indian music. The impeccably high standards of service will make your experience a memorable one. Also, you can avail of the round-the-clock in-room dining facility where you can have your favorite cuisine delivered to your suite.
2. Go Tiger Spotting and Stay a Night at Aman-i-Khás, Rajasthan
The luxurious Aman-i-Khás has been listed in luxury travel guides about India as it is considered by many as the best place for tiger spotting. If you love adventure, this luxury wilderness camp is the right place for you. Forests and grasslands will surround you as you dwell in big, palatial tents. The tigers here are the main attraction. Safety will not be compromised as you will be given a tour by expert guides who will help you navigate the terrain and give you the adventure you deserve.
Also, various bird species that can be spotted. After a day of touring and adventure, you can relax on your very own personal deck outside your tent. Enjoy the company of your fellow visitors or just relax and unwind with the stars in the sky for company.
3. Get a Relaxing Massage at the Taj Green Cove in Kerala
The Taj Green Cove in Kerela is considered as one of the best for anyone who wishes to get a luxury massage. Known as one of India’s finest, this beach resort spreads across a whopping 10 acres. It has small and intimate cottages with a private balcony overlooking the entire resort. Soak up the sun and enjoy the sand while you also avail of a rejuvenating massage that will relax your body and cleanse your soul.
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The resort also has palatial suits and private villas with their very own sun deck in addition to a private pool. The Taj Green Cove is the perfect getaway for newly-weds as well as those couples who want to get away from the stresses of everyday life.
Known for its famous massages, a full-service spa offers powerful spa treatments. Preferred among visitors is the hot coconut massage which will help exfoliate your skin.
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4. Bathe like a King at The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra has been listed on a host of luxury travel guides of India as the place with the most luxurious bathing experience. The hotel possesses over 50 rooms with a few luxury suites. Each room in the hotel has a spacious bathroom as well as an open terrace. Nothing gets more luxurious than that.
There is only one master suite in the entire hotel which has its very own living, dining and dressing rooms. The bathroom has a huge bath tub which is made of the finest white marble. While you relax your body in the bath, you can also bath salts to enrich your bathing experience. There is the option of availing of the rose and milk bath which will help sooth your skin. To top it off, you can visit the spa to have a relaxing massages with the latest techniques.
5. Experience Splendor and Luxury at Taj Lake Palace Udaipur, Rajasthan
Considered as one of the leading hotels in the world, Taj Lake Palace located in Udaipur, Rajasthan has a sophisticated charm that sets it apart from other landmark hotels in the world. Each room is iconic and styled differently, thereby making it unique and exclusive. You will never be in want for much as the services rendered in the hotel are world-class.
From fine dining to luxurious river boat rides, your stay will be nothing short of magical. This luxury hotel is also considered as the most romantic hotel in the world, and for good reason. The entire hotel is beautifully located on Lake Pichola.
6. Luxury Spot for Gaming: The Leela Goa Cavelossim, Goa
Luxury travel guide of India also rank The Leela Goa Cavelossim, Goa as the best luxury place for gaming. The hotel houses super-spacious and grand hotel rooms that have a view of the sea below. Also, it offers personal butler services, ensuring that you will never be in want for anything. Since Goa is considered by many as the party destination, this hotel also has a disco along with two bars.
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Apart from all the other great amenities, this stay is most famous for its gaming facilities. For golf lovers, get you clubs ready as the hotel possesses a 12-hole, par 3 golf course. Additionally, it also houses a round-the-clock casino which has slot machines, roulette as well as derby games. For those who like to take a gamble, there is no other place like this in India. Enjoy sunny Goa and all it has to offer at the Leela Goa Cavelossim.
7. Luxury Floating Residences: Kumarakom Lake Resort Kottayam, Kerala
If you enjoy being surrounded by cool water, then the Kumarakom Lake Resort Kottayam in Kerala is just the right place for you to visit. Listed as the best place for floating residence on many luxury travel guides of India, this resort provides the perfect reason for you to indulge in luxury. It comprises of around 45-50 villas and suits that have their very own swimming pool. The view that the resort offers of the lake is stunning, providing visitors with a peace of mind.
However, if you wish to experience greater luxury, then you can opt for a houseboat cruise. Almost 80 feet long, these houseboats are fully air-conditioned, which comes along with a living room, dining room as well as a kitchen (hence being a house on the water). Boatmen navigate the waters for you while you relax and unwind.
You can hire a personal chef on board to whip up famous delicacies to whet your appetite. Spa treatments are also available on board as well.
8. A Luxurious Tiger Safari: Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan
The Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve is the best place to go for a tiger safari. Listed on luxury travel guides of India, this place is a great option for those who wish to seek adventure. Considered by many as one of the largest national parks, this reserve is home to some to the royal tigers of India.
You can experience life in the outdoors by staying in one of their 25 luxury tents that are elegant and spacious. Experienced guide will be take you through the tiger safari. You do not have to worry about safety as all the necessary precautions will be put in place much before the safari even begins. After a day of adventure, you can relax by pampering yourself to a spa treatment as a fitting end to a long day.
9. Go Luxury Yachting in Goa
Luxury yachting in India is a new concept which is slowly gaining momentum. Popular in the West, the concept of yachting is definitely meant for those who enjoy the finer things in life and are not afraid to meet the expenses.
The luxury travel guide of India informs us that luxury yachting for the elite will soon be introduced in India by the end of the year. This experience will be well worth your money, as you sail the high seas in comfort.
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These yachts are especially designed for those tourists who enjoy a casual traveling experience. Also, the yachting experience will also be open to weddings and parties. Groups can also charter one of these luxury yachts for board meetings.
10. Unwind at the Wildflower Hall Spa, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
The Wildflower Hall Spa, Shimla is also a staple on the luxury travel guide of India, and for good reason too. Shimla has always been synonymous with peace and tranquility; therefore, it is only fitting that a spa will help further that experience. Surrounded by mountains, embrace the spirit of the Himalayas.
With a setting so wonderful, you can then indulge yourself in luxury by availing of the spa treatment at the hotel. The therapists will ensure that they do their best to soothe your weary body with the best treatments possible. The ritual followed is steeped in Indian tradition and have been in practice for countless number of years. This, along with the incorporation of Indian techniques will surely give you the rest and relaxation you need.
The spa suites and pavilions on offer provide a breathtaking sight of the lush green forest that surrounds the hotel in addition to a spectacular view of the Himalayas. After your spa treatment, you can get rid of your tension in one of the hotel’s few heated pools.
11. Travel Through Rajasthan with Royal Rajasthan on Wheels
Rajasthan has always been synonymous with luxury and opulence. Therefore, the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels is a fitting tribute to the land of palaces and maharajas. The train service which is listed on many luxury travel guides of India will take you on a 7-day tour of the best of Rajasthan, while providing you with all the comforts that money can afford. The starting point of this luxurious ride on wheels is Delhi, where you will progress through famous cities in Rajasthan.
During the journey, you can enjoy the services of a personal butler who will provide all that you need to make your journey a pleasurable one. The interiors of the train have a contemporary yet traditional design. While on your journey, you can choose from a wide array of delicious meals and fine wines. The beds are draped with the finest silk and the cushions here exude a certain warmth.
12.Take a Trip on the Golden Chariot Luxury Train Experience from Bangalore
The 7-day journey on the Gold Chariot Luxury Train which starts from Bangalore will provide an experience you will surely not forget. Take a historic ride through some of the most famous places in the Southern part of India. As you relax and unwind, take in the sights and sounds of the beautiful scenery that will unfold outside your window. The plush interiors will make you feel right at home.
Even while your journey progresses through the South, you can choose from a bevy of scrumptious food options that will be delivered to you by your very own personal butler. The train is replete with all modern amenities; however, the spectacular view on offer will ensure that you will not require a television. For your on board entertainment, you will witness dance performances and live music shows. What better way to travel in style and see beautiful India than on a luxury train ride!
13. Pay a Visit to Umaid Bhawan Palace, Rajasthan
The Umaid Bhawan Palace is considered as among the last great surviving palaces in India. Situated above the vibrant city of Jodhpur, this palace spreads across over 20 acres of lush green gardens. The palace is a fine mix of traditional India and the modernity of the West. This juxtaposition makes it a favorable travel destination for India as well as foreign travelers.
The interiors of the palaces are decked with mural and paintings that follow the Art Deco style and exudes luxury and opulence in a minimalist way. The palace also house over 50 suites and rooms combined which overlook the sprawling green expanse.
You can avail of a tour of the city of Jodhpur in one of the palace’s many vintage cars along with a personal butler. A dinner beneath the stars can also be arranged along with music to complement the wide spread of food on offer.
14. Party the Night Away at Marbela Beach Resort, Goa
The Marbela Beach Resort in Goa will help you experience heaven on earth. Officially declared by many of its visitors as one of the chicest hotels in Goa and listed in numerous luxury travel guides about India, the resort provides just the right amount of tranquility without compromising on the Goan party experience.
With a more contemporary feel that the other resorts in India, it possesses lux interiors that are sleek, modern and sophisticated. The suites and rooms at the resort offer a stunning view of the wide expanse of water.
Therefore, let the cool breeze greet you every morning as you wake in picturesque Goa. For private dinners and parties, makeshift tents can be set up on the beach by request. Also, you can experience the famous Goan nightlife at the disco which is open to all guests at the resort.