Intimate, comfortable and often eccentric in the best of ways, India is dotted with charming hotels that reward those who stray 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.
1.The Chalets Naldhera, Himachal Pradesh
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.
| Photo courtesy: Chhatra Sagar |
2.Chhatra Sagar, Rajasthan
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.
| Photo courtesy: Amanbagh |
3.Amanbagh, Rajasthan
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.
| Photo : Shakti |
4.Shakti 360 Leti, Uttarakhand
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.
| Photo courtesy: Forsyth Lodge |
5.Forsyth Lodge, Madhya Pradesh
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.
| Photo courtesy: Patan Mahal |
6.Patan Mahal, Rajasthan
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.
| Photo courtesy: Sukoon |
7.Sukoon, Jammu and Kashmir
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.
| Photo courtesy: The Himalayan |
8.The Himalayan, Himachal Pradesh
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.
| Photo courtesy: Soulitude in the Himalayas |
9.Soulitude in the Himalayas, Uttarakhand
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.
| Photo courtesy: Tree House Hideaway |
10.Tree House Hideaway, Madhya Pradesh
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.
| Photo courtesy: Orange County |
11.Orange County, Coorg
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.
