IVY GREEN RESORT, LANSDOWNE
Connect with your soul while being nestled in the lap of Mother Nature at Ivy Green Resort in Uttarakhand, overlooking the gorgeous landscape of the Garhwal hills. A short trip to Kalagarh Tiger Reserve awaits you at this majestic location. Spot tigers, leopards, elephants and king cobras as you navigate through the lush greens. The four villas at the resort provide for a comfortable and private stay. There are also two tree cottages that offer a unique blend of modernity and simplicity. They are perfect for young couples looking to spend a memorable holiday without interruptions. Pick among four tour packages-a Weekend package, a Romance package, a Learning/Summer School package and a Long Holiday package- to customise the getaway to your liking. Create special moments and rejuvenate with morning walks around the beautiful cantonment town of Lansdowne, known for its army establishments. Observe as bright streaks of red, pink and orange paint the twilight sky and open up an irresistible view of the Kura range Explore the Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple known for its tranquil setting amid tall pines and cedars. Hop on a boat at the Bhulla Tal Lake surrounded by a shroud of green. Close your eyes and let the stillness spread through your body.
ACCESS
Air : Nearest Airport is Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun.
By Road : It is 270 kilometers from Delhi by road.
By Rail : Nearest Railway Station Kotdwar
ACCOMMODATION: Four villas awaked with wooden paneling and mahogany furniture, and packed with all amenities. Two tree cottages promising a thrilling stay.
ACTIVITIES: Badminton and volleyball are available for sports lovers and many other Activity can be enjoy.
NARENDRA BHAWAN, BIKANER
How would you like to enjoy a royal Rajasthan holiday? Look no further than the gorgeous grand residence Narendra Bhawan in Bikaner, made up of memories of Narendra Singhji, the last reigning Maharaja of the region. Learn about Indian history in each of the guest rooms, a tribute to the Maharaja’s eclectic rastes From Art Deco to the family’s interactions with the Royal Military Academies, the whole place is a toast to glamour, timelessness and elegance. Narendra Bhawan offers some of the most eclectic experiences in the country-from legendary old-fashioned sundowners in the heart of the desert to exploring the hidden nooks and corners of the city, to enjoying the different cuisines of the place next to a pool or at a local house, each experience heightens the whole stay. Dine, drink and devour desserts at P&C, Drawing Room, and Mad Hatter, respectively, indulge in spa treatments at the Clinic or hit the gymnasium; or simply check out the art collection made by local craftsmen and artists at The Gallery, a stay here will be forever etched in memories.
ACCOMMODATION: 82 rooms carefully decorated to showcase India’s past and present prevails
NOT TO MISS At The Night Room, take part in the Museum Dinner where royal, age-old recipes are recreated for guests to experience a king’s meal.
Narendra Bhawan arranges Royal Exploration, where Bikaner’s 500-year-old story is uncovered as guests take a tour of the palaces and forts in the city. The walk ends with a meal at a grand merchant’s residence. Or choose the Merchant Exploration walk that covers the palaces, havelis and temples in Bikaner. In the soft green pastures, found in the desert, the property holds the Narendra Bhawan sundowners for the guests.
ACCESS
Air : Nearest Airport is Nal Bikaner.
By Road : It is 335 kilometers from Jaipur by road , 458 Kilometer from Delhi , 249 kilometer from Jodhpur & 312 Kilometer from Jaisalmer
By Rail : Nearest Railway Station Bikaner & 4.5 kilometer from the Bikaner railway station
GEM PARK OOTY, TAMIL NADU
Fyear long fefforide Rei is an escap the time of British Raj, Ooty is and Promt escapist’s paradise, offering verdant sites and pleasant weather all Madras Presidency and is now a quier little tourist spot with clear skies, mountains and valleys. Located in the heart of the town, Gem Park Ooty is ideal for both business and leisure travellers. Its rooms offer the best of views and come with all the amenities to make your stay comfortable. (Private dining halls, kitchenettes, gorgeous traditional art and separate sitting areas, to list a few.) Indulge in global cuisines at Jade Garden or Toda Cafe and follow it up with a drink at Valley Bar. Gem Park has several gardens, a recreational club, a fitness centre, a spa and a pool, From Gem Park, trek to Doddabetta peak or go for birdwatching. Visit the tea factory or the botanical garden or have a picnic next to Ooty Lake before visiting Thread Garden. Be sure to check out the various Ooty sites that have been featured in many Bollywood films.
ACCOMMODATION: The 95 well- appointed rooms and suites have views of the Doddabetta valley.
ACTIVITIES: Enjoy time at their Ayurvedic spa, the fitness centre or take a dip in the pool. Gem Park Ooty has a play area to keep the kids occupied.
ACCESSIBILITY: They have specially designed rooms for the differently-abled.
DINING: At Jade Garden, guests can enjoy Szechuan, Cantonese and Hunan cuisines from China Toda Cafe serves South Indian, Mughlai and continental food while you savour panoramic views of the valley and enjoy the live band’s performance. Have a drink at Valley Bar or enjoy a night out at Aliens, their pub.
ACCESS
Air : Nearest Airport is Peelamedu Coimbatore ( 56.2 KM from Airport )
By Road : It is 2 kilometers from Ooty city by road .
By Rail : Nearest Railway Station Udhagamandalam Railway Station
MALABAR ESCAPES, KERALA
Then you consider the establishments that Malabar Escapes chose to fashion into some of Kerala’s finest W boutique hotels-an 18th-century Dutch building an early 20th-century estate bungalow, a former Dutch East India Company building, and a houseboat that was earlier a rice barge you find a great blend of the old with the new. It all began when Touku Iriarte and Joerg Drechsel were ambling about Fort Kochi and stumbled upon the building that eventually became The Malabar House. The duo overlooked every tiny detail to ensure that antique style met contemporary aesthetic seamlessly. After its success, there was no stopping them-first came Serenity at Kanam Estate, which boasts a tropical setting, followed by Trinity Fort Cochin, nearby The Malabar House. The wooden hull of a rice barge was converted into Discovery Houseboat on Lake Vemhanad, which was given a tropical look, beautiful suite and an engine to cruise along Kerala’s bountiful backwaters. Finally, Purity at Lake Vembanad was added to the ensemble. Unlike the others, this boutique hotel is an entirely new construction, but it sits at the mouth of the lake with promises of a breathtaking vista. Taken together, Malabar Escapes has garnered great acclaim and won plenty of accolades. Of these, The Malabar House and Purity’s selection as members of Relais & Châteaux, a prestigious fellowship of boutique hotels and gourmet restaurants, is a highlight.
ACCOMMODATION: The Malabar House has 17 rooms and suites; Trinity Fort Cochin has 8 suites done in a tasteful contemporary style; Purity at Lake Vembanad has 14 rooms, many of which face the lake, Discovery Houseboat on Lake Vembanad has 1 double bedroom with a living room; and Serenity at Kanam Estate has 6 rooms.
ACTIVITIES: Across Malabar Es- capes’ properties, there are plenty of curated outdoor activities that introduce the guest to local people, traditions, customs, cuisines and art. There is also a lot on offer for those interested in yoga, cooking and Ayurveda.
DINING: Expect Keralite food infused with local flavours, cooked in modern techniques, across the five boutique stays,
ACCESS
Air : Nearest Airport is Kochi ( 36.2 KM from Airport )
By Road : It is 6.2 kilometers from Kochi city by road .
By Rail : Nearest Railway Station Ernakulam Junction (South) 12 KM
NEERALAYA, HIMACHAL PRADESH
A n ideal riverside property located by the banks of the Beas, Neeralaya is not just an integration of the two concepts of safeguarding the natural surroundings and preservation of the Western Himalayan architectural values, but so, so much more. Located in the town of Raison, close to the more famed towns of Kullu and Manali, Neeralaya is a little piece of Himalaya history. The property preserves and exhibits the traditional style of house-building found in this part of the country, something which is now almost extinct. An ideal getaway to be close to nature or wait to hear the call of the mountains, it’s the perfect spot to rest, recuperate or acclimatise. Enjoy breakfast by the roars of the Beas, or bonfire and barbecue on a chilly night. Children can raft in-house and dip their toes in the river while adults can keep busy playing badminton or various board games.
ACCOMMODATION: Five cottages are operational. Neeralaya has eleven rooms to offer.
FOOD AND FRUIT: If you come at the right time, you can enjoy picking and relishing fruits grown on trees in the property. From plums to apricots, peaches to strawberries, enjoy them all. The property also offers delicious Himachali cuisine apart from an array of global selections.
ACTIVITIES: In-house river rafting, basketball, badminton, cricket and wall tennis apart from trekking and day trips to Manali
ACCESS
Air : Nearest Airport is Bhutnar ( 23 KM from Airport )
By Road : It is 15 kilometers from Kullu city by road .
By Rail : Nearest Railway Station Chandigarh 251 KM
THE KHYBER HIMALAYAN RESORT & SPA, GULMARG
There’s a saying for Jammu & Kashmir’s Gulmarg, whatever , as it is Paradise, every season of the year! be the season, once you get there, it is a sight to Perched atop, at an elevation of 8,825 ft. in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas in Gulmarg, is the uber luxurious hotel-The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg. Spread over seven acres in a pristine pine valley and built with locally sourced pine and slate, the resort is designed in a style true to the architectural heritage of Kashmir. It is a 10-minute walk from one of the highest golf courses in the world, and a stone’s throw from the Gondola, the highest ski lift in India. Gulmarg’s unique backcountry skiing slopes make it one of the best places to enjoy the activity. Snowfall begins around mid-December and lasts until early April. Summers too are great for adventure activities like mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking-the most exhilarating being the hike to the frozen Alpather Lake at 13,780ft
After a fill of the outdoors, unwind and experience luxurious and holistic spa treatments or just soak in the sunshine from your private balcony in the day or stargaze in the night-it’s entirely up to you. Warm up with Kashmiri tea or kahwah while you marvel at the picture-perfect outdoors or take a dip in the all-weather indoor swimming pool. Other indoor activities include billiards, snooker, a play area for children and a home theatre with the latest films.
ACCOMMODATION: All 80 rooms, 4 luxury cottages and the Presidential Cottage offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Affarwat peaks or of rolling meadows. The interiors draw upon Kashmir’s rich heritage of craftsmanship.
DINING: Ample choices including global fare at Cloves, teas, coffees, tisanes and kahwah at Chaikash, the tea lounge, tales and more at Calabash, the sheesha lounge; and dine with a view at Nouf, the terrace restaurant
WELLNESS: Experience Proversce in Gulmarg at The Khyber Spa by L’OCCITANE. Choose among signature treatments specially crafted with home-grown seasonal flora, combined with original L’OCCITANE products and pure water from Himalayan springs
ACCESS
Air : Nearest Airport is Srinagar ( 65 KM from Airport )
By Road : It is 15 kilometers from Kullu city by road .
By Rail : Nearest Railway Baramulla 52 KM from Srinagar
FLAME OF FOREST, KANHA NATIONAL PARK
tiva call for photographers, artists or just about anyone who wishes to commect with nature. Flame of Forest at Kanba National Park invites an intimate few to romance the wilderness and watch the jungle come to life. Stay at one of their four cottages that afford gorgeous views of the sunset over the river, king-size beds, daybeds in the verandahs, and an outside shower. Go on a jeep safari to see if you can track down the tigers or simply identify the 300 species of flora and fauna that grace Kanha. The morning safaris are escorted by trained guides. At night, soak in the warmth of a campfire while enjoying sumptuous home-cooked meals. In the morning, have a light breakfast and walk around the peaceful riverside. Then enter the Yoga Shala, an open space where yoga practitioners help you navigate through the stresses and hassles of daily life. The property also organises walks into nearby tribal villages and markets. Part of the lodge is a social enterprise called HATHI (hathi.ch), an initiative providing skill training to indigenous women. The products they manufacture are sold at the lodge and abroad. At the heart of the initiative are workshops for and with local women, for health and hygiene during the menstrual cycle. Truly responsible tourism, at Flame of Forest guests can surrender themselves to nature and experience life in the best possible ways. Try and share this dream with them.
ACCOMMODATION: Their four cottages come with personal courtyards and verandahs with stone floors and handpicked furniture that blends seamlessly into the jungle.
ACTIVITIES: Apart from the safaris and yoga, they conduct nature walks and immersive sessions in a tribal village and market.
ACCESS
Air : Nearest Airport is Jabalpur-JLR ( 150 KM from Airport ) , Raipur -RPR (140 KM from Airport )
By Road : It is 260 KM from Nagpur ,438 KM from Bhopal , 125.2 KM from Jabalpur & 181.8 from Raipur Chhattisgarh
By Rail : Nearest Railway Gondia ( 151.2 KM ), Jabalpur ( 128 KM )
HAMIRA, PUNJAB
Hamira, Punjab, the ancestral home of the Maharaja of Kapurthala, Sir Jagatjit Singh’s nieces palaces balance of froyal luxury and languid pleasures. Built in a Lutyens-style architecture, this was considered modern when it was first built in the 1950s. Since then, all additions radiate style and simplicity. Each suite is well-appointed with high ceilings, precious artefacts and beautiful views. The house has central air conditioning, and verandahs turning into lush gardens. Guests can request bonfires at the property to light up their nights. And if you are spending a few days at Hamira, make sure you see Wagah, the Indo- Pakistan border, or make way to the Golden Temple in Amritsar. You can also spend a day taking in the French architecture of Kapurthala.
ACCOMMODATION: There are three suites and two deluxe rooms at the main house. The Annex has four additional deluxe rooms.
ACTIVITIES: Take a dip in their pool or have a meal at The Table. You can also take a stroll through the gardens or spend the day reading at the library
WELLNESS: At the outdoor Spa Gazebo, guests can indulge in blissful massages and yoga sessions conducted by experts.
ACCESS
Air : Nearest Airport is Ludhiana Airport (81 KM) , Pathankot Airport (97 KM) , Chandigarh (176.6 KM)
By Road : IKartarpur , Kapurthala , Jalandhar , Jalandhar Cantt.
By Rail : Nearest Railway is Kapurthala
WELCOMHOTEL PINE N PEAK, PAHALGAM MEMBER ITC’S HOTEL GROUP
Imagine spending a hill vacation in a manor. Did you? Now, turn it into a reality with WelcomeHotel Pine In Peak perched stop of the Rajwas R plateau, snuggled between pine trees and cozy paths and views of the snow-capped mountains. Pahalgam’s only luxury retreat can also be a great golfing holiday for avid fans of the sport with the Pahalgam Golf Course right next door! With elegant and aesthetic heated interiors, indulge in authentic Kashmiri cuisine at the WelcomCafe Lolaab or dig into deelish grilled delights at Gulistaan. And why not sip on Kahwa looking at the snow-covered peaks from Saahil Tea Lounge? The hotel offers adventurous activities like trekking and rafting but for the not-so-faint hearted, try the indoor games. Part of the ITC Hotels group, at WelcomHotel Pinen Peak, enjoy a winter break like no other!
ACCOMMODATION: 60 centrally heated rooms, 3 suites and 3 luxury cottages.
DINING: Try authentic Kashmiri delights at WelcomCafe Lolaab.
DAY TRIPS: Aru Village, Tulian Lake, Amarnath Cave, Kolahoi glacier, Srinagar.
ACCESS
Air : Nearest Airport is Srinagar International Airport ( 90 KM )
By Road : Aru, Road, near Amusement Park, Pahalgam , Jammu and Kashmir
By Rail : Nearest Railway is Srinagar Jammu & Kashmir
HILL FORT-KESROLI, ALWAR
Where is little that at compels you to stop and stare in awe while traversing the Delhi-Jaipur Highway than T Neemrana Hotels Neemrana Fort-Palace. And if you decide to stay, prepare to luxuriate in a 15th-century fort converted into a magnificent heritage hotel. The Aman Nath-led hotel chain’s repertoire in creating immersive hospitality experiences while keeping the original architecture intact has helped it become a unique and much adored brand. One of its many offerings, Hill Fort-Kesroli, with a history that goes back to the 14th century, is no different. 10kms away from Rajasthan’s Alwar city, built on a hill nestled in mustard fields, it provides an ideal winter escape for those enamoured by history or in need of tranquillity. Just take stock of its history: believed to have been built by the Yaduvanshi Rajputs who converted to Islam and became known as Khanzadas, it was conquered first by the Mughals and then the Jats, before the Rajputs regained the fort in the 18th century. Kesroli’s restoration process took three years (1995-1998) but helped bring the scenic interior gardens, furniture both indigenous and colonial and authentic furnishes, patinas and backdrops to the fore. As for the rest of it, a 360-degree view of the hills and the fields, a terrace pool with the sundeck and a spa, and culinary expertise both local and international, make a stay here unforgettable. This hotel also promotes Rajasthani music and folk dance on weekends.
ACCOMMODATION: There are 36 rooms, each with a unique name (Shri Mahal, Neelkanth Mahal, Mynah Mahal, etc), a differently themed decor and location on one of four floors. It goes without saying: they are quite homely, spacious and attractive.
DINING: A mostly North Indian selection with certain continental and oriental offerings. The hotel prides itself for its homegrown vegetables, salads and produce.
ACTIVITIES: The fort is located close to Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary, Jaisamand Lake, Neelkanth temples, Pandu Pol and Kankwari fort, among other attractions. It has Rejuvenation, which is a spa facility, and a swimming pool.
ACCESS
Air : Nearest Airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport ( 130 KM )
By Road :from Delhi ( 175.6 KM ) , taxi services also available from Delhi
By Rail : Nearest Railway is Alwar (14 KM )