Ranthambore National Park is fast emerging as a popular glamping destination in India. With plenty of resorts and well-appointed luxury tents promising a delightful stay amidst the wilderness of the region, the nature reserve draws glamping-enthusiasts from far and wide.

 First, what’s glamping?

Glamping, or glamorous camping, is one of the latest travel trends, fast catching the attention of discerning modern travellers. A blend of glamorous stay and camping, glamping ensures that travellers experience nature’s touch without compromising on the comforts of a luxury hotel.

Glamping Experience in Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore National Park is one of largest and most beautiful nature reserves in India. While tiger spotting is the biggest draw of this national park, spectacular scenery and peaceful atmosphere also leave an indelible imprint on the minds of visitors. There are many luxury resorts in and around the park that feature luxury tents for the guests to enjoy outdoor camping. These places offer many modern amenities and personalized service.

Popular Options for Glamping in the Park

The Oberoi Vanyavilas: With 25 luxury tents set amidst lush green gardens, a well-equipped spa, multi-cuisine restaurants, and an array of recreational activities, the Oberoi Vanyavilas promises you a glamping experience like no other. The regal Rajasthani hospitality makes the experience all the more gratifying.

Sher Bagh: This Sujan property is perfect for those who are looking for an authentic jungle experience. Surrounded by lush green forests, the 12 hand-stitched tents feature everything to make the guests feel like royalty. Enjoy drinking and dining at the alfresco bar and embark on a safari arranged by the camp to spot tigers and other exotic animals of the park.

Jungle Niwas: Located in Khiljipur Ranthambore, Jungle Niwas blends modern luxury with traditional Rajasthani hospitality. The unforgettable ambience is well complemented by breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and forests. Furthermore, guests can enjoy romantic meals at its al fresco bar and restaurant, and explore the nearby area on guided walks arranged by the resort.

Apart from its breathtaking topography and tranquil atmosphere, India’s Ladakh is revered for its rich cultural heritage. A number of beautiful monasteries that dot this high altitude region serve as a window to the Buddhist way of life and draw culture enthusiasts from far and wide. The stupendous architectural beauty of these ancient structures leaves an indelible impression upon visitors. Here is a quick rundown on some of the oldest and most captivating monasteries in Ladakh.

Hemis Monastery

This is the largest monastery in Ladakh and is well known for its picturesque location. The monastery is also famous for its age-old museum that holds meticulously preserved sacred Buddhist artefacts. The monastery was founded in 1630 A.D. Inside the monastery, there are plenty of Buddha statues, and beautiful murals and sculptures. Every year, the famous Hemis Festival is celebrated here.

Spituk Monastery

This 11th century monastery is built on the side of a hill, about 7kms southwest of Leh. Also known as Spituk Gompa, it features a beautiful mix of halls, stupas and sculptures. More than a hundred monks stay in the monetary. During the annual Spituk Gustor Festival, these monks perform wonderful dances representing the victory of good over evil. Popular attractions include the Maitreya Temple that houses a massive Buddha statue, and a newly constructed gompa within the monastery complex.

Alchi Monastery

What makes this monastery different from the others in the region is the fact that it is built on flat ground instead of on a hill top. The architectural beauty of this multi-storeyed building is quite impressive. The monastery complex is full of beautiful Buddha statues and various interesting structures. One such structure is the temple of Manjushri, famed for its collection of paintings and sculptures by Rinchen Zangpo, a famous translator of Sanskrit Buddhist texts into Tibetan. The Monastery is said to have been built around the 12th century and is located about 70kms west of Leh.

Phyang Monastery

Surrounded by lofty hills and situated about 17kms west of Leh, this ancient and sacred monastery belongs to the Dri-gung-pa sect of Buddhism. It has a 900-year old museum with a lovely collection of old paintings, murals, weapons and Buddhist artefacts. Phyang Monastery also runs a school, where modern education is combined with Buddhist studies.

If you are planning to visit Manipur, do keep in mind the dates of the state’s enthralling cultural fests.Here are a few of the popular upcoming festivals of this tiny yet captivating Indian state.

Kang and Kang Chingba (June-July)

Kang and Kang resembles the Cart festival of Puri. Celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm, this religious carnival depicts the state’s cultural as well as spiritual magnificence. A humming procession passes through the streets of Imphal, the capital of Manipur, wherein three idols of local deities are drawn by decorated carts. People offer flowers, sweets, and fruits to the deities. Both men and women sing songs, and perform local dance. The procession passes through the entire city, and there is no religious restriction for joining in.

Heikru Hidongba (September)

The festivity of Heikru Hidongba is striking. Its existence has been observed since 984 and 1074 A.D, making it one of the oldest cultural festivals in India.The main highlight of Heikru Hidongba is a boat race that takes place in a moat in Thangapat, Imphal between two local communities. Before the race commences, several socio-religious ceremonies and prayers are performed to bring peace and prosperity to the region.

Manipur by rajkumar1220/ CC BY

Laiharaoba Festival (November)

Every year on 1st November, tribes of Kuki-Chin-Mizo groups celebrate the gathering of the season’s harvested crop. Offering a chance to get acquainted with interesting Manipuri traditions and to relish exotic tribal delicacies, this annual fest allures tourists from far and wide.The tribes show their gratitude for the local deities by singing traditional folk songs, accompanied by dance and other merrymaking activities. It’s a unique experience to watch them sing and dance to the tune of traditional folk instruments.

Manipur festival by rajkumar1220/ CC BY

Planning an adventure holiday?

Seeking a real encounter with nature? Perhaps, there is no better place than the Himalayas in India. Be it, trekking to explore its pristine mountainous beauty, rafting on the gushing white waters, or camping to experience nature and local cultures – this mighty mountain range offers extraordinary experiences for all. We have handpicked some enthralling excursions that tourists can enjoy in the Himalayas.

Trekking

Trekking is perhaps the best way to discover the Himalayan Mountains at their pristine best. The region features scores of trekking trails that promise a great experience. One of the most popular treks is the one to the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand. Surrounded by lofty hills, the valley is renowned for its exotic fauna and flora, particularly the endemic alpine flowers. The unique topography and high altitude desert in Ladakh also make it a haven for trekking enthusiasts.

White Water Rafting

The experience of rafting in the untamed rivers of the Himalayas is truly exhilarating. Rishikesh is one of the most popular places for rafting in India. Here, the River Ganges has several rapids that delight rafting-enthusiasts of all abilities. Sangam in Ladakh, where the river Zanskar and Indus confluence, also draws adventurers from far and wide. The Zanskar gorge is simply gorgeous, and rafting in the river is the best way to experience the beauty of the region.

Mountain Biking

Soothing breeze, sunny skies, and breathtaking views of mountains, valleys and waterfalls – biking in the Himalayas is an experience of a lifetime. You can choose from a number of exciting routes and untouched terrain that this part of the Himalayas boasts. The Manali-Ladakh route is one of the most popular biking routes in India. The one from Thakurdwara to Ramnagar on the outskirts of Corbett Park is perfect to explore the rugged beauty of the Garhwal region. Foreign tourists can easily hire bikes or just sign up with one of the many companies that conduct such tours.

The mighty Western Ghats in India packs in an array of natural wonders, including many picturesque hill stations that offer a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With summers round the corner, many of you would probably want to plan a trip to these places. Well, here’s our pick of some of the best of such hill getaways in the Western Ghats.

Ooty

Ooty, a picturesque hill station in the Nilgiri Mountains, exudes a cool, pristine aura. This peaceful destination is surrounded by lofty hills, covered with tea plantations and lush forests. Numerous trekking trails through lush tracts of wilderness make it a heaven for adventure freaks, especially trekking enthusiasts. Furthermore, the cycling trails along the forested roads and lush tea and coffee estates provide a refreshing break from the madness of city life. This charming hill station also boasts beautiful lakes, gardens, and viewpoints.

Munnar

This peaceful hill town, located in Kerala’s Idukki District, is perfect for holidaymakers craving serenity in the lap of the nature. Its captivating tea plantations, romantic viewpoints, lovely lakes and waterfalls, and interesting floral life promise a memorable holiday experience. Wildlife enthusiasts are in for a treat as Munnar is near Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, a couple of famous wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala.

Vythiri

This hilly hamlet is a hidden gem compared to its more famous neighbour, Munnar. The fresh air and untamed wilderness of Vythiri is the perfect antidote for the ones suffering from the chaos of city life. Take in the breathtaking views of the Karalad Lake, which is also a great place for angling and boating. For bird watching and kayaking, head to Pookat Lake. A freshwater aquarium and spice emporium near Pookat Lake are other attractions here. The ones who are up for an adventure may trek to the hills of the Vythiri region or go on wildlife tours to the nearby Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.

Kodaikanal

This small hill station in Tamil Nadu is packed full of attractions and remains one of the most popular of tourist destination in South India. Enjoy spectacular views of the mist-clad valleys, visit the nearby lakes, waterfalls and tea plantations, or go on arduous treks – you have plenty of things to do and see here. The cool climate of Kodaikanal makes it a perfect choice for romantic couples and families alike. Some not-to-be-missed attractions here include Kodaikanal Lake, Bryant Park, Bear Shola Falls, the infamous Guna Caves, and Coaker’s Walk.

Mention Kerala and most people think of the tranquil charm of its backwaters and the secluded beaches along the Arabian Sea. True, but India’s southernmost state also has a lot more to enthrall you: the fabulous seafood, a rich cultural heritage, and not to mention, the stunning beautiful hill stations in the Western Ghats. One such hill station in Kerala is Munnar, which is truly the heart of God’s Own Country. In Munnar, a fascinating mix of nature, history and adventure allures holidaymakers from far and wide. Here is a look at some not-to-be-missed attractions in Munnar.

Tea Plantations

If you like tea, you will love Munnar. The rolling hills that surround the town are replete with tea plantations that make for a sight to behold. The lush greenery and the aromatic cool breeze rejuvenate one’s mind, body and soul. Besides, there is a tea museum in Munnar, which chronicles the growth of tea industry in the region. Visitors to the museum can also learn the process of tea making.

Attukad Waterfalls

Located about 9kms from Munnar, this scenic waterfall is best explored during or after the monsoon season. It’s a nice place to spend some peaceful moments in the lap of nature. The lush forests that surround the waterfall boast an enchanting variety of flora & fauna.

Blossom International Park

This fantastically manicured park is spread over an area of 16 acres and is dotted with beautiful patches of flowers and plants, water bodies, tree houses, ropeways and playgrounds. It is about 3 km from Munnar and is a famous tourist attraction of the area. The park is home to many rare species of flowers and plants. Facilities for activities such as boating, cycling and roller-skating are also available at the venue.

Exciting Treks

Lofty hills and thick forests around Munnar make the destination a trekker’s paradise. Choose any of the trekking trails that lead to Kodaikanal. Top Station, about 35 km from Munnar, is an ideal point to start the excursion. Making their way through the hilly terrains and thick forests, trekkers come across spectacular sceneries of tea plantations, gushing waterfalls and tranquil lakes. Wildlife enthusiasts would be glad to know that the famous Chinar Wildlife Sanctuary is just about 50kms from Munnar.

Echo Point

As the name suggests, this is a place, where you can hear the echoes of your voice. Surrounded by lush green hills, very close to the Matupatty Dam and Kundala Lake, Echo Point is a photographer’s dream destination! Take a walk up the lush trails of the nearby hills, try boating in Kundala Lake, or just enjoy the scenery and serenity – Echo Point is definitely worth a visit during your holiday to Munnar.

India is slowly finding its feet as one of the most popular eco-tourism destinations in the world, with holidaymakers being increasingly drawn to its wildlife reserves, rainforests and parks. Many hotel and resort chains across the country are also gaining popularity for their emphasis on eco-tourism. Travellers planning to visit India would do well to take a look at hotels that rank high for maintaining sustainable environmental practices.

Shergarh Tented Camp, Kanha National Park

Situated in the heart of the Kanha National Park, one of the finest game reserves, Shergargh is a perfect place to stay at when visiting the jungle. The camp is a three-hour drive from the Mukki Entrance gate of the park and features six units of sumptuous tents with mud-finished verandas. This beautiful establishment has its own water reserve that is replenished throughout the year by natural springs.

Location: Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Banasura Hill Resort

The simple way of life at Banasura compels guests to reconnect with nature. It is one of the best eco-resorts in Asia and has been featured by a number of renowned international magazines. The resort offers four types of accommodation facilities, namely Suites, Log Hut, Twin Villas and Earth Rooms. Each comes with its own distinctive character and personality.

Location: Wayanad, Kerala

The Park Hyderabad

Relatively a new entrant to the club of global eco-friendly hotels, The Park Hyderabad is a stunning luxury hotel that truly raises the bar for contemporary boutique hotels in India. The spectacular exteriors are designed to maximize the use of natural light, thus reducing the need for electricity. The Park Hyderabad has seven rooms and suites that showcase the epitome of modern luxury.

Location: Hyderabad, Telangana

Coconut Lagoon, Kerala

Set amidst gorgeous natural settings beside the Lake Vembanad, Coconut Lagoon can only be accessed by boat. If you are looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of metropolitan life, it cannot get better than this. Coconut Lagoon boasts exquisite pool villas with indescribably picturesque views. Ayurvedic spa is another speciality of this place.
Location: Kerala Backwaters, Kerala

Hospitality has since time immemorial been a part of India’s social fabric and this tradition has been zealously upheld by the country’s hotels, especially the luxury ones. Many of these hotels are located amidst serene natural surroundings in some of the most popular holiday destinations. Here is our pick of three such fabulous properties.

Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

This regal hotel in Udaipur is famed for its opulent architecture and unique location in the heart of Lake Pichola. The majestic Aravallis in the backdrop add to the marvellous aura of the hotel.  This erstwhile royal palace is now owned by the prestigious Taj Group. Taj Lake Palace finds a special place in the hearts of gourmets with its legendary multi-cuisine restaurants. From traditional Rajasthani meals to Chinese cuisines and other inter-continental delicacies – the hotel has it all.

Oberoi Vanyavilas, Sawai Madhopur

The Oberoi Vanyavilas boasts a splendid location near the Ranthambhore National Park. The royal hospitality and attention one receives here is almost at par with the thrill of experiencing the park’s vibrant wildlife. This 20-acre lush property offers many delights. Head to the observation tower to enjoy captivating views of the bordering forest and maybe even spot wildlife. Dining in a magnificent setting, traditional prayer ceremony, rejuvenating yoga session and a walk around their torch-lit pathways are some of the other experiences that you will cherish for long.

Fragrant Nature Kollam

A stay in Fragrant Nature Kollam is a mesmerising experience, especially for the ones seeking a rejuvenating experience far away from the city. The rooms, with excellent lake views, are as sophisticated as they come and feature amenities ranging from air-conditioning to satellite TV, mini-bar and Internet connectivity. Two fantastic restaurants, Sandhya and Anna Rasa, offer a world of delicious flavours. There is a special pool for the little ones too.