India Unique Escapes

Unlock some of the many secrets of North and South India, while staying at these properties carefully chosen for their uniqueness, be it their wild location, relaxed ambience or their ability to provide an authentic royal experience.

If you’re travelling through North India, and you want to get off-the-beaten-track, consider venturing out into the wilderness. Few visitors would know that the rocky hills between Jodhpur and Udaipur in Rajasthan are home to a luxury safari-style camp known as Jawai Bandh. This superb tented camp offers Jeep safaris in search of wild leopards, temple tours and visits to traditional villages.

Another option is Jamtara Wilderness Camp in Pench, the national park in the subcontinent’s geographic centre that was the setting for Rudyard Kipling’s classic novel, Jungle Book. Here, you can sleep on a “machaan” or starbed, open to the skies as well as search for tigers in the lush forest.

For an insight into contemporary royal Rajasthani life, consider Shahpura Bagh, a noble family estate in a tranquil lake setting where homecooked meals and authentic hospitality can be enjoyed.

In South India, slip into the shoes of a maharajah at Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad. This vision of marble belonged to the Nizam of Hyderabad and is now a sumptuous five-star hotel. For more low-key luxe, choose either The Leela Kovalam or Purity at Lake Vembanad, both which offer an insight into peaceful southern Indian life as well as a plethora of Ayurvedic therapies.