Luxury vacations in India

Luxury travel in India is the difference between a mass produced, machine made pashmina that you buy in a Delhi bazaar and the handwoven, wild goat hair ones that you get from a small Kashmiri village. The latter is tailor made, finely crafted, multi layered and takes time. Our India luxury vacations reveals journeys that not only take you to the three famous points on India’s Golden Triangle, but to many of the hidden glistening gems at its heart. Travel with an expert guide who reveals the complex layers of history behind a Maharaja’s palace, the complexity of Mughai cuisine or the history of fine arts such as in Royal Art Collections. Stay in a palatial heritage hotel in the heart of Kerala’s Ghat Mountains or beautiful backwaters, and immerse yourself in authentic Ayurvedic tradition. Or head to the heart of the Himalayas in Kashmir and be wrapped up in the prettiest of panoramas. And, of course, pashminas.

It’s not all heavenly heritage hotels in India, but on a luxury vacation you are almost definitely going to sleep in at least one of these historic buildings. They are the crème de la crème of Indian accommodation, although not exclusive to the Bollywood or Hollywood stars of this world by any means. Although they do all have a film set feel about them, with red carpets, Oscar worthy settings, balconies worthy of serenades. Stay in the summer palace of the Maharajas of Travancore, nestled in Kerala’s Cardamom Hills with traditional wooden houses scattered around their elegant grounds. Or at Ajit Bhawan in Jodhpur, a palatial former residence of Maharaj Dhiraj Sir Ajit Singh Ji, opened by his son. These hotels are exquisitely furnished, often with the family’s personal artifacts.

There are other quirky overnight options for luxury vacations in India. First, stay on a houseboat as it glides through the beautiful backwaters, remote villages and inland tropical idylls of Kerala. Second, you can sleep under the stars in a luxury safari camp at Kanha National Park, popular for tiger watching safaris, but with a wealth of other wonderful wildlife sounds keeping your imagination ticking over as you doze off. Last but not least, sleep on board the Maharajas’ Express train as you travel like royalty through northern India. With 14 luxury cabins on board, a fine dining carriage and a bar with games room, this is one class act.

This is one of the most fun ways to be a responsible tourist – so leave plenty of room in your suitcase. When traveling with a luxury tour operator they will know all the quality places to buy excellent quality crafts, genuine handmade silks, teas, spices, jewellery or even a fine art sculpture. And if you want to make donations to local schools and hospitals, seek the advice of your tour operator because it may be possible to buy what is needed locally, and then donate it, thus supporting local shops and traders too.

The best time for a luxury vacation in India depends on the region you are visiting. Herein lies the joy of a tailor made vacation as you discuss options with local experts. The Golden Triangle is molten hot from Apr-Jun, so best stay clear. Many national parks famous for tiger safaris are closed during the July-mid Oct monsoon, although experts say this is the best season for Ayurvedic rejuvenation in Kerala. Monsoon does not hit the north as badly as the south, however, with Aug temperatures more like a European summer in Rajasthan. And mountainous areas are freezing in winter months.

Many luxury hotels and lodges boast impressive environmental and social credentials, from supporting tiger conservation efforts to keeping the Kerala backwaters pollution free. You can still support the local economy in many local ways, from having your own local chauffeur, supporting local education projects and by adhering to strict, responsible wildlife watching guidelines