Some nice places to Stay in India and Nepal
Please contact me for more details, and suggested itineraries that can include some of these fine places.
India
 The Judge’s Court, Himachal Pradesh
I saw this wonderful country manor and met the owners before renovation had been completed some years ago. I was most impressed with the property, the village, (now a Heritage Village), and the surrounding area. Your hosts, Vijay and Rani Lal leave no stone unturned in providing for your needs. Contact me for information on how to include this in an itinerary.
Fort Nalagarh, Himachal Pradesh
At the entrance to the foothills and Kullu Valley, Fort Nalagarh is a delightful small fort, overlooking the village and countryside. Each room of this 15th Century fort is individually decorated, and there is more than an overnight’s stop worth to see. It is also a few hours drive towards Judge’s Court. There is a fine route linking Nalagarh, Judge’s Court, Dharamsala and Taragarh, the summer residence of the Prince of Kashmir.
The Weclom Heritage Group of Heritage Properties
This hotel group has banded together a range of Heritage properties, mostly palaces, of all sizes to increase their exposure and booking facilities.
Palace Kawardha, Chhatisgarh – in the heart of India
120 kms north of Raipur. This has long been a favourite of mine. An exquisite remote palace with a wealth of cultural and wildlife close-by. Five suites make a visit here exclusive.
CGH Earth Group of Hotels, Kerala
Formerly known as the casino Group, this family-run business has created some of the most imaginative and eco-friendly hotels in Kerala. It is possible to have a complete tour linking their hotels, and to finish, a special Ayurvedic stay in an old palace.
Rohetgarh Fort, Rajasthan
A short drive from Jodhpur, a quite unexpected treat becomes evident just a short drive through a small town. The outer walls are decorated in a traditional welcome style, and beautifully-styled architecture and interiors.
Alsisar Haveli, Jaipur, Rajasthan
You will receive a warm welcome from the staff and the owning family of this well-presented yet small palace in Jaipur.
Shahpura House, Jaipur, Rajasthan
A pristine hideaway in the middle of Jaipur is simply elegant and very comfortable.
Samode Palace and Haveli, Rajasthan
The palace has won the ‘Best heritage Hotel’ award for many years. It thoroughly deserves the award, with stunning decoration, slick and unobtrusive staff, and excellent food.
Samode Haveli is the town house of the Samode family, and is richly decorated. Step inside, into a peaceful haven.
Laxmi Vilas Palace Bharatpur, Rajasthan
A very nice place to stay when visiting the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.
Karni Fort Bambora, South Rajasthan
My first sight of this lovely fort was of the plans for reconstruction/renovation. When I visited I saw the results of an inspired dream.
Fort Rajwarda, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
When staying in Jaisalmer, enjoy the wonderful Fort Rajwarda and the most pleasant hosts.
Glenburn Tea Estate, West Bengal, Darjeeling Hills
An idyllic setting by a stream, and in a tea estate in view of Mount Kanchenjunga, make this a really special place.
Kipling Camp, Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
The pioneer of quality stay and park viewing in Kanha has been a favourite of mine for 20 years.
Malabar House Hotel, Cochin, Kerala
This historic house has been turned into an outstanding bijou hotel with antique furnishings and the best quality food.
Orange County Coorg, Karnataka
An elegant and stylish resort with a wide range of outings available.
Dholpur Palace
An outstanding royal house that is about an hours drive south of Agra. There is plenty to see, if you can drag yourself away from this palace.
Dungarpur Palace
Udai Bilas Palace, Dungarpur is situated by a fine lake, with an infinity swimming pool looking out over the lake. Large rooms, great food, and the fabulous old palace to visit.
Tiger Trails Maharashtra
A new location for wildlife, and tiger observation. Situated in its own 23 acre forest adjoining the Tadoba National Park, in the state of Maharashtra, this pristine, eco-friendly lodge provides exclusive wildlife observation.
Sri Lanka
The Dutch House-Bandarawela
A boutique villa in the true sense of the word. Three bedrooms, an indoor pool, and set in its own 2 acre private space in the southern hill country of Sri Lanka.
Amanwella
This is a modern, clean-lined, exclusive beach-side villa. The setting, style and service are impeccable.
Amangella
Situated in the heart of the historic Galle Fort, this resort is a tranquil place rich in architectural splendour, with aged and highly polished teak floors, and every comfort imaginable.
Nepal
Temple Tiger Jungle Lodge
Set within the Chitwan National Park, the lodge consists of thirty individual, comfortable cottages. The facilities are all modern, the food fine, and they have their own elephants upon which you can explore the jungle.
The Shanker Hotel, Kathmandu
A former palace, set in a quiet spot, close to the Royal palace, this hotel oozes culture with its fine woodcraft.
The Malla Hotel, Kathmandu
The Yak and Yeti Hotel, Kathmandu
Fishtail Lodge, Pokhara
Begnas Lake lodge, Pokhara
Fulbari Hotel, Pokhara
Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu
Quite the most atmospheric hotel I have seen. A life-long passion for the recovery and future maintenance of the Newari art of fine woodwork means that the hotel has the finest examples set into the structure. Modern, yet containing the ancient spirit of the famous craftsmen.
Walking Tours in the Sub-Continent
These are walking tours that are day walks without trekking and staying in tents or tea-houses. Return to your hotel for a shower and soft bed each night. Walkers will be accompanied by guides, and packed lunches provided.
Nepal
Kathmandu Valley
Besides the main attractions of the ancient cities within the Valley, you don’t have to go far out to see the real villages of Nepal.
Base hotels in Kathmandu, Nagarkot, and just outside the Valley, provide good spots to contemplate and prepare for the next day.
Pokhara
Pokhara is the starting point for most of the well-known treks in western Nepal. However, there are many good walking opportunities, and for an ideal base, the Begnas Lake Resort is highly recommended.
India
East India
Just an hour away from Darjeeling is the Glenburn Tea Estate. There are now a few well-appointed cottages, and walking tours take in the local atmosphere. Morning views of Mount Kanchenjunga are a wonderful sight at the beginning of the day.
Dun Valley
In the Himalayan foothills, the Dun Valley, and Dheradun lie between two mountain masses, and it has been found to be the meeting point of two branches of many bird species from the West and East. Walking and cycling tours can be arranged in the valley environment.
Village Ways Walks
In the foothills of the Himalayas, you set out from the historic colonial estate at Khali to walk from mountain village to village. You stay in specially created village guest houses.
Walking tours in Rajasthan
Based in small palaces, village walks see the life of rural people.
Sri Lanka
Based in converted plantation bungalows in such places as Bandarawela, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya, there are many eco-friendly walks in a superb climate. Return to graceful accommodation and great food. These are perfect for individual or small groups.
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