Mystical India

Taj Palace , Delhi / Days 2-4 / Deluxe

Surrounded by six acres of lush greenery in Delhi’s Diplomatic Enclave, the Taj Palace features contemporary décor accented by marble and brass. The 422-room hotel offers four restaurants, two bars, and a lounge; fitness center with Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, and spa treatments; outdoor pool; beauty salon; and laundry service. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, in-room safe, mini-bar, internet access, TV, and phone.

Jai Mahal Palace , Jaipur / Days 5-7 / Deluxe

A certified environmentally-friendly hotel and the former home of maharajahs and the prime minister of Jaipur, the 255-year-old Jai Mahal Palace sits amidst 18 acres of beautifully landscaped Mughal gardens. The hotel has several restaurants and lounges, safe deposit boxes, laundry service, badminton, croquet, and an outdoor pool. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, mini-bar, internet access, TV, and phone.

Taj Sawai Madhopur Lodge , Ranthambore / Days 8-9 / First Class

Built in the 1930s by Indian royalty, the Taj Sawai Madhopur Lodge is located just a short distance from Ranthambore National Park. The rustic-style lodge offers a restaurant and bar, croquet, badminton, and outdoor pool. Each of the 30 air-conditioned guest rooms has private bath with hair dryer, mini-bar, in-room safe, internet access, TV, and phone.

Dera Village Retreat , Kalakho / Day 10 / Not rated

Off the beaten track of rural Rajasthan sits Dera Village Retreat, a rustic yet comfortable haven of guest cabins set amidst a series of traditional villages. Sitting on the banks of a seasonal “monsoon” lake, the camp offers a unique opportunity to witness how much of India lives, away from the cities. During our stay we visit a local school, take a camel safari, and meet local Meena tribespeople in their homes. Along with a restaurant, gardens and bonfires add to the retreat’s ambience. Air-conditioned guest cabins have private bath with hot and cold running water and hair dryer. This remote location has no telephone service.

Courtyard Marriott Agra   , Agra / Days 11-12 / Superior First Class

Ideally located near the Taj Mahal, the Courtyard Marriott Agra offers a range of amenities.  The hotel boasts four dining options (including an all-day coffee shop and deli), fitness center, outdoor pool, laundry and dry-cleaning services, and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access.  Air-conditioned guest rooms are among the largest in Agra and feature private bath with hairdryer, coffee- and tea-making facilities, in-room safe, minibar, TV, and phone.

Taj Gateway Ganges , Varanasi / Days 13-15 / Superior First Class

Set amidst 40 acres of landscaped lawns, the Taj Gateway Ganges offers a host of amenities including a restaurant, coffee shop, and bar; laundry and dry cleaning services; astrologer; outdoor pool, croquet, badminton, and yoga; and spa services. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, tea- and coffee-making facilities, mini-bar, in-room safe, internet access, TV, and phone.

Hotel Pullman New Delhi Aerocity , Delhi / 16 / Deluxe

The 270-room Pullman Hotel New Delhi Aerocity is conveniently located near the airport and the local business district.  Hotel amenities include two restaurants, bar, and café; complimentary Wi-Fi internet access; laundry and dry cleaning services; fitness center with spa; and outdoor swimming pool.  Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, in-room safe, tea- and coffee-making facilities, minibar, TV, and phone.

Crowne Plaza Soaltee , Kathmandu / Extension / Superior First Class

The 282-room Crowne Plaza Soaltee stands amidst 11 acres of gardens in the shadow of the Himalayas. The hotel offers several restaurants and a bar; safe-deposit boxes; fitness center with sauna and steam bath; outdoor pool; and laundry and dry cleaning services. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, mini-bar, internet access, TV, and phone.

Club Himalaya Nagarkot , Nagarkot / Extension / Superior First Class

Club Himalaya Nagarkot sits at 7,200 feet and commands spectacular panoramic views of the valley and of the snowcapped Himalayans, particularly at sunrise or sunset. The hotel offers several restaurants and bar, rooftop observatory, indoor swimming pool, fitness center, spa with sauna and massage treatments, and library. Each of the 52 air-conditioned guest rooms features private bath with hair dryer, private balcony, TV, and phone.