Places to Visit This Summer – A must Read.
The Earth has again made a full circle round the sun to reach that position in its orbit when humans living on the Indian subcontinent run a skeltar to find relief from the sweltering heat in most parts of the country. Fortunately for all of us, India has its mountains and beaches which offer the most rejuvenating summer retreats that anyone may ever dream of. Exhausted by our everyday routines, we all wish to immerse ourselves in the creature comforts offered by sterling hotels and resorts nestled deep into the nippy nooks of the many amazing summer holiday destinations across India.
How you choose your summer getaway depends on a lot of priorities you may have. Having checked backpacking and trekking destinations off your list in earlier years, you may now wish to enjoy luxury with your loved ones in tow. It is delightful to spend some days without having to follow a standard routine and enjoy a luxurious summer holiday to get your mojo back on again. In this article, we have tried to curate a list of 6 Summer Holiday Destinations in India for a Luxurious Break. Let us know how many have you already visited and which one would you want to go to in the next available dates.
The Wildflower Hall, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
The first on the list of Places to Visit This Summer is The Wildflower Hall.
At one time, this Himalayan resort was the residence of Lord Kitchener in the British era. The original structure is more than a hundred years old and was restructured in the year 1995 after a fire gutted some parts of it. The property spans over 23 serene acres of pristine forest. Being located at an altitude of 2500 meters, this property offers unparalleled views of the beautiful tourist town of Shimla.
A short drive of 13 kilometers through beautiful hilly roads will take you to this resort from Shimla in 45 minutes. The property has 85 guest rooms and offers an eclectic mix of activities such as hikes, mountain biking, archery and horseback riding to keep you engaged. The indoor heated swimming pool and the temperature controlled pools outside are just what you need to soothe your nerves after a long day of fun and frolic.
If you are waiting to head back to the hills for a post Covid 19 bounce back vacation and looking to explore other nearby tourist attractions with a historical touch, don’t forget to visit one of the most beautiful villages in the world, the Charabra village. Bustling with heritage buildings pertaining to the British era, the village is only an hour’s drive away from the airport in Shimla. It’s a wonderful place for all the city dwellers who are looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
In a nutshell, The Wildflower Hall, Shimla, is a wonderful hotel in Shimla. Fly down this summer to this place to experience unmatched luxury that no other property would ever be able to match.
The Glenburn Tea Estate, Darjeeling, West Bengal
Known as the “Queen of Hill Station” in West Bengal, India, Darjeeling has its own old word charm and luxury is serious business in this quaint town on the banks of river Teesta. The Glenburn Tea Estate has enviable and undisturbed views of the mighty peak of Kanchenjunga. Each of the 8 suites are attired with antiquities and have access to terraces, verandahs and gardens for you to have a leisurely stroll or to enjoy a hot cuppa.
When you are done with a tour of the tea estate, you can find solace in the sprawling lawns, or go for a massage therapy. Hiking, fishing and day trips can also be organized if time allows. You have to be there to believe that nature and solitude can be such lovely companions. The estate is two hours drive from the Bagdogra Airport and an hour’s drive from Darjeeling city center. Book a ‘bangla’ at the Glenburn Tea Estate to experience a luxurious summer escapade this holiday season.
Banasura Hill Resort, Wayanad, Kerala
Spread across a massive 42 acres, this Resort is located in Pulinjal in the Wayanad district in Kerala which is the most scenic location in the Western Ghats. The area enjoys a tropical wet climate as the hills offer an escape from the brutal Indian summer at least till May end. The resort is easily accessible by road. The nearest airport is Kozhikode, which is about three hours drive to the resort.
The resort offers five types of accommodation ranging from earth rooms, two variations of suites, villas to Log huts. There is a waterfall (Meenmutty) and a dam (Banasura Sagar) nearby and a trek to the Banasur hills is much recommended. You can never have enough of their lip smacking traditional delicacies and would never want to leave the spa for want of ‘more’ relaxation. This eco-friendly luxury resort is what you must experience if you need ‘me time’ in an ultra relaxed manner. Give yourself a rustic luxury summer retreat to break away from the usual.
Ananda in the Himalayas, Narendranagar, Uttarakhand
The idea for this one of a kind wellness retreat was conceived about two decades ago to offer tired bodies and souls a luxurious and invigorating holiday experience. The property exudes subtle luxury owing to the fact that it was the residence of the former Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal. You may choose from five different kinds of accommodation available to choose from such as valley view, garden view or a combination of both.
The spa is the actual temptation here which you would like to give in to time and time again. With a combination of ayurvedic, yogic and international wellness practices, the spa provides a holistic approach to a relaxing holiday. The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant, Dehradun which is only about 40 minutes away. This summer you would not need to travel far to have the most luxurious spa holiday as this gem is only 5 hours drive from Delhi too.
The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, Rajasthan
When there is a mention of luxury, it is inevitable to mention the Oberoi’s name. Though each of their luxury properties are unique and mesmerizing in their own way, this expansive property spanning over 50 acres is something to experience for your own. Located on the banks of Lake Pichola, the Oberoi Udaivilas is the epitome of grace and luxury combined with care and perfect hosting. Their rooms have a glorious view of their perfectly manicured gardens and serene poolside. Some rooms also have a semi private pool access. The inhouse spa is a treat to your tired self after a long day of sightseeing across the picturesque lake town. The hotel offers pick up and drop off to the Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur which is at a distance of 23 kilometers.
The Lalit Grand Palace, Srinagar, Kashmir
True to its name, this erstwhile residence of the royal family of Jammu and Kashmir, has royal charm written all over it. It is surrounded by the Zabarwan mountain range and has a majestic view of the Dal lake too. The 113 guest rooms are all furnished in a royal style with some having four poster beds and walnut bar cabinets. If the setting was not enough, you would definitely lose your heart to the all weather indoor pool which is just what you would require after a hectic day of traveling and sightseeing. The heritage property is only a 40 minutes drive from the Srinagar International airport.
I am sure our compilation of the Most Luxurious Summer Holiday Destinations in India has you bewildered. Why not choose the one you find the least interesting off this list and then keep raising the bar of expectation until you have visited all six?
Luxury is a personal interpretation for each individual with an increase in discretionary spending and people being more open to exploring the not so routine tourist attractions. If you have worked hard, you must party harder. This is only a little peek into the innumerable luxurious vacation options that India has in its folds. India is not just a country of vivid colors and diverse landscapes but is also blessed with the extravagance of the best resorts that are fulfilling for your long weekends in every sense.
Keep an eye out on this space to look for more.
