Luxury Adventure in Bhutan

Apart from being known for its unique culture largely influenced by Buddhism and slow pace of life, Bhutan is known for its serene beauty. A stunning Himalayan landscape ranging from snow-capped mountains, steep valleys, winding rivers, gorges and lush hillsides makes Bhutan a paradise for hiking and trekking, rafting, fly fishing and much more. There are different types of treks to choose from based on intensity, namely, arduous high-altitude trails, easier ones through alpine valleys, lush forests, and villages as well as those based on the type of the sights that focus on natural beauty, those that include more cultural sites, or treks that offer a combination of both. Although, irrespective of the options, guests would be able to behold some of the most spectacular vistas in the world. Rafting, too, is a fabulous way to explore the country through its rivers. Kayaking and rafting are mainly done in its six major rivers and their tributaries- Wang Chhu, Sunkosh, Puna Tsang Chhu, Mangde Chhu, Kuri Chhu, and Dangme Chhu. Guests would enjoy braving rapids while gliding past monasteries, local villages and Bhutan’s trademark remarkable countryside. Archery, the national sport of Bhutan, can be enjoyed by guests from any of the luxurious accommodation options in the country. They will be equipped with bows and arrows that are made up of bamboo and are sharpened through the edges by skilled craftsmen. An expert will take them through the rules and regulations and, if they are uninitiated in the sport, the expert will guide them through the basics. 

To include these in your Bhutan itinerary, write to us.

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The forbidden kingdom of Mustang

With some of the world’s tallest peaks gracing its skyline, Mustang in Nepal has an otherworldly charm comprising stupendous landscapes. This ancient “Forbidden Kingdom” is frequented by pilgrims, adventure seekers, and nature lovers, and is one of the last strongholds of Tibetan life on the planet. From deep gorges to breathtaking valleys, 8000-meter tall mountains to high-altitude deserts, the region’s awe-inspiring panorama is another reason for its increasing popularity among discerning travellers. Walking along the banks of Kaligandaki River is truly a wonderful experience, as is following ancient foot-trails that was once part of a trade route. Travelers will come across traditional Tibetan style hamlets and mountain villages that are unique in its history, heritage, culture and architecture. They will also find vestiges of the kingdom that once was in its crumbling remains of fortresses, unexplored cave complexes, royal palaces, Buddhist monasteries – a treat for the historically and the culturally inclined.  

Lo Manthang (3,840 mts/ 12,598 ft), the walled capital of Upper Mustang, is home to the Loba people, the original inhabitants of Mustang. Jomsom, on the other hand, is the administrative capital of Mustangs and is inhabited by Gurungs and Magars. Our travellers will enjoy partaking in treks, mountain biking, hikes to villages and exploring them, meeting locals and getting to know about their ways of life, and unearthing the rich millennia-old history.

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Tête-à-tête with Tribes of South India

Yet another way to get a taste of India’s cultural and ethnic diversity is through the indigenous tribes interspersed across the country. Discerning travellers will be introduced to their unique way of life, enigmatic culture, societal rules and ethos, irrespective of the destination. In South India, the tribal community and their essence has a significant presence. From the hills of Wayanad and Nilgiri to the lush forests of the Kanyakumari region, from warrior tribes to snake catchers who are also well-practiced in voodoo and magic to herbal medicine practitioners, there is much to explore down south.

One such tribe is the Kurichiars of Wayanad who have left an indelible in India’s history. They were not only well known for their military prowess but also for their knowledge of herbal medicine which they source from the forests. Guests will enjoy interacting with a member of this tribe and hear stories and legends from the past, and learn about their martial practices. They will also find about the rare herbs from the forest used to heal diseases. Among those, leaves of Eucalyptus are especially significant and its oil is used to heal and number of ailments. Later, they will meet a tribal chief who will cook a delicious dish of spicy fish curry cooked bamboo stems and firewood.

To have this included in an itinerary, write to us.  

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Explore quaint Narlai

Nestled amid the arid terrains of rural Rajasthan between Jodhpur and Udaipur, lies Narlai – a holy hamlet with hills and forestland surrounding it and where ox-drawn carts are still one of the preferred modes of transportation. Wildlife here is bountiful and diverse, as is the landscape. Discerning travellers will enjoy exploring the rocky outcrops, verdant lushness and tranquil waterbodies. A 17^th-century Country Manor converted into a luxurious boutique resort, Rawla Narlai shines like a beacon in this magical hinterland. Guests will want to spend two perfect days here and relish the quintessential Rajput hospitality ameliorated by exclusive extras comprising luxurious rooms and suites reflecting local ethos and grandeur, varied dining options that are as rustic as they are gourmet, and sought after amenities.

Narlai is also ripe for leopard sightings; guests can partake in a safari and spot the beautiful cats in their natural habitat. Later, if they so desire, they might enjoy a climb inside the hollow cavity of a humongous granite rock-mass to an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. While on a village tour by foot or onboard a jeep, guests will observe flocks of sheep and cattle being herded by the red-turbaned Rabari tribesmen. The perfect end to the perfect day would be in the form of dinner which promises to be a unique affair in a magical lamp-lit stepwell while being serenaded by local folk musicians.

To include Narlai in your Rajasthan itinerary, write to us.

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Inside the suites of Taj Lake Palace

The iconic Taj Lake Palace sits in the middle of Udaipur’s Lake Pichola, like a white emblem of grandeur, Rajasthani heritage and its rich past, in Rajasthan. Once a pleasure palace of Maharana Jagat Singh II of Udaipur, this 18^th-century white marble palace has since been restored to its former glory and converted into this luxurious hotel. Its interiors are as stunning and as elaborate as its history. The suites, especially, are a fond nod to its extravagant days bygone comprising awe-inspiring décor, traditional nuances, and stained glass windows that afford marvelous views of the neighbouring City Palace, Aravalli Hills, Machla Magra Hills and Jag Mandir. They are a mélange of Rajasthani and European grandeur, and are embellished with wooden lattice and araish work ceilings with discrete niches. Suites like Rang Mahal, Sandhya & Sisarma Darshan are the epitome of leisure and luxury, and are bedecked in local artwork and fabric. The Royal Suites, on the other hand, are named Basant Bahar, Machla Magra, Jag Mandir Darshan & Aravali Darshan and are uniquely designed – perfect places to bask in the glow of the setting sun and in tranquil vistas of the rippling lake. The beautiful chandeliers in each of these suites, too, are an echo of the past and if one listens carefully, they can still hear the chinks of champagne flutes during those royal soirées. Apart from these, there is the understated yet elegant Khush Mahal famed for its famous antique swing suspended by decorative gleaming brass chains, and stained glass windows, Jal Tarang that showcases the breathtaking waters of Lake Pichola against the backdrop of Aravalli Hills, Sarva Ritu (All Seasons Suite) that is adorned with beautiful furniture, and the Sajjan Niwas, built around 1880 by Maharana Sajjan Singhji, decorated with frescoes of Lord Krishna. The Chandra Prakash Suite (Luster of the Moon Suite) exhibits a play of colours with softly-lit golden-yellow chandeliers and lamps, “sculpted marble, fine fretted screens, floor inlaid with yellow, diamond-shaped tiles and the ceiling embellished with frescoes”. Maharana Bhopal Singh held court in this room in the 1930s!

In addition, guests enjoy staying in Udai Mahal that pays tribute to the illustrious Maharana Udai Singh II with original miniature paintings, brocade paneling and antique ivory inlaid chairs adding to general aura of the place, in the grand Sarva Shreshtha, and in Mayur Mahal (Peacock Palace) known for its glass mosaic peacock motifs.

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The women of Kathakali

Kathakali, a classical dance form originating from Kerala, is a spectacular expression of art that portrays stories, folklores and mythology. It is a mélange of music, vocal performance, hand and facial gestures, unique garb and, dramatic and exaggerated make-up. Although a profession dominated mostly by male artists, a Kathakali troupe in Kochi decided to break all the gender barriers and establish themselves as India's first and only all women's troupe. These talented women, when our guests visit them, will regale them with stories of their struggle, the stereotypes they had come across, balancing their professional and family lives and much more, over cups of tea. Guests will also learn about the nuances of their art form, the elaborate makeup absolutely necessary during a performance, the beautiful costumes they don and the significance of each mudras (hand gesture).

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