Indian hotels that are destinations by themselves

Neetu George, November 5, 2017
There are hotels that are an experience!

There are hotels that provide you with a comfortable abode. Then there are hotels that are an experience! With elements of the destination woven into them, they give you an authentic feel of the place you are traveling to. They have a ‘larger than life appeal and make your stay a memorable one. Take a look at our favorite destination-themed hotels in India.

Vythiri resort, Kerala

Type – Jungle resort

Where – Wayanad, Kerala

Nearest airport – Cochin (approx. 270 km)

What’s fascinating - Treehouses (including a child-friendly treehouse)

Perfect for - Honeymoon, ecotourism

This eco-friendly jungle hideaway is set beneath an enormous canopy of lush tropical rainforest. With its rustic cottages, treehouses, and a gurgling stream, this resort lets you connect with nature.

The Himalayan, Himachal Pradesh

Type – Victorian-style resort

Where – Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Nearest airport – Bhuntar (approx. 50 km)

What’s fascinating – Gothic castles

Perfect for – Honeymoon, family holidays

Designed in the Victorian, gothic style and situated at a height of 2000 meters, the Himalayan is an opulent address in Manali. Perched amidst apple and cherry orchards, this resort faces the breathtaking snow-capped mountains and cascading waterfalls. If this is not romantic, we don’t know what is.

Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur

Type – Rajput-style resort

Where – Udaipur, Rajasthan

Nearest airport – Udaipur(approx. 15 km)

What’s fascinating – Royal Kohinoor suite, private dinner at the lakeside dome

Perfect for – family holidays, honeymoon, destination weddings

Located on the bank of Lake Pichola, the Oberoi Udaivilas is synonymous with grandeur. Sprawled across fifty acres, which includes a twenty-acre wildlife sanctuary, this luxury hotel stands tall on 200-year-old hunting grounds of the Maharana of Mewar. Stay here for a brush with royalty.

Kumarakom Lake Resort, Kerala

Type – Backwater resort

Where - Kumarakom, Kerala

Nearest airport – Cochin (approx. 50 km)

What’s fascinating – Luxurious backwater cottages

Claim to fame – Prince Charles celebrated his 65th birthday here. This was featured as one of the most luxurious holiday destinations in the world by the BBC.

Perfect for – Honeymoon, destination weddings

A seamless fusion of the traditional architecture of Kerala and contemporary designs, Kumarakom Lake Resort is a premium backwater resort. The rooms, villas, and cottages here definitely guarantee a holiday in the lap of nature.

Khyber resort, Gulmarg

Type – Hill resort

Where – Gulmarg, Jammu, and Kashmir

Nearest airport – Srinagar (approx. 56 km)

What’s fascinating – Facing the snow-clad Himalayas

Perfect for – Winter family holidays, honeymoon

Spread over 7 acres of a sylvan coniferous forest, the Khyber Himalayan Resort is the epitome of romance and luxury. Overlooking Asia’s finest slopes, you should ideally stay here with your loved ones. Fix yourself a cup of hot chocolate and you are sorted.

Taj Exotica, Goa

Type – Beach resort

Where – Goa

Nearest airport – Goa (approx. 15 km)

What’s fascinating – Panoramic sea views, private dining, afternoon tea

Perfect for – Honeymoon, beach weddings

Taj Exotica is the right place to enjoy the languid and laid-back life of Goa. Spread across 56 acres of lush greenery, this Mediterranean-style resort will envelop you with tranquility. The old-world architecture and pristine beach are guaranteed to give you a feel of Goa.

Amanbagh, Rajasthan

Type – Heritage resort

Where – Rajasthan

Nearest airport – Jaipur (approx. 100 km)

What’s fascinating – Mughal-inspired mansions

Perfect for – Family holidays, destination weddings

Reflecting the splendor of the Mughal era, the Amanbagh resort is an opulent address in Rajasthan. With luxurious suites, huge pavilions, and Mughal-inspired mansions, this heritage resort has a grandeur that is hard to match.

The Tamara, Coorg

Type - Eco-friendly resort

Where - Coorg, Karnataka

Nearest airport – Bangalore airport (approx. 265 km)

What’s fascinating – Luxurious cottages

Perfect for – Family holidays, honeymoon

Spread across 180.02 acres and situated at a height above 3,500 feet, the Tamara is an exquisite eco-friendly resort. Nestled amidst huge coffee, cardamom and pepper plantations, this is the perfect place to do some soul-searching.