Colourful Jaipur is the first planned city of India, and ideal for a luxury holiday. It is a Royal city of palaces and forts, swaying elephants and blue pottery, bright lacquer bangles and block printed fabrics.
A city soaked in history
Jaipur, soaked in Rajput and Moghal history, has the architecture that reflects its past glory:
• Hawa Mahal, Palace of the Wind, was built in 1799. It was specially built for the royal ladies to look at the Jaipur streets without being seen
• City Palace, the royal residence which now houses the royal museum
• Jantar Mantar, an observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh about 275 years ago
A short ride away from the city brings you to…
• Amber Palace within the Amber Fort was the residence of the Kachhwaha Rajputs; it is a classic blend of Moghal and Hindu architecture, in a combination of white marble and red sandstone.
• Nahargarh Palace was the summer residence of the royal family and a retreat for the Maharanis of the time
• Jaigarh Palace was the weapon-producing centre. It has an interesting armoury museum and is renowned for Jai Ban, the largest cannon in the world.
The bustling bazaar entices and beckons with handicrafts, dazzling silver and precious stone jewellery, cool handloom and tie and dye fabrics, camel hide footwear and soft woollen rugs and multi-hued carpets.
With Delhi and Agra, Jaipur forms a travellers’ famous North Indian Triangle.
Coorg or Kodagu (based in Karnataka, India) is a lush green, tranquil and scenic spot.
A heavenly abode for nature lovers
Spread over more than four thousand square kilometres of hills, forests, tea and coffee plantations it makes an ideal destination for a relaxed, stress-busting holiday.
Nature lovers will enjoy long walks through the coffee plantations, trekking in the hills, angling for the mahaseer fish in the Cauvery backwaters of Valanoor and the white river rafting in the Upper Birapore River.
Attractions
• Madikeri Fort: It was built in the nineteenth century and houses a prison, a temple and a small chapel.
• Raja’s Seat: Small pavilion on the western end of Madikeri that has a view of the valley and the magnificent sunset.
• Nagarhole National Park: It’s at the foothills of Brahmagiri Hills, is home to animals like deer, wild boar, elephant and the bison and the peacock and jungle fowl.
• Abbey Falls: They are set among cardamom and coffee plantations.
Dubare: Forest Department’s elephant training camp
It’s the Forest Department’s elephant training camp. The wild elephants are caught with the help of the local Kurbas and tame elephants. Within six months, they start working for their mahouts in the day and give rides to visitors in the evenings.
Friendly people and delicious cuisine add to the charm of Coorg. It’s an ideal family holiday destination with something interesting for everyone!
The Lakshadweeps, meaning “hundred thousand islands” are India’s only coral islands. They consist of a group of thirty-six islands and islets. The island beaches are made of coral sands, and the shallow lagoons are calm and safe. The coral reefs keep the outer sea swells at bay. There are many opportunities for exciting sightings of huge sea turtles and frolicking dolphins.
Bangaram is the only island which hosts visitors. Breathtaking coral reefs, sparkling blue lagoons, silvery white beaches and lush green coconut palms surround the small picturesque island. The teardrop shaped Bangaram Island is an ideal getaway for sun and sand lovers. Leisurely walks on the beach, a short boat ride to watch the hermit crabs and magical sunsets shimmering up the sea.
Bangaram offers scuba diving, kayaking, deep-sea fishing and snorkeling to the adventurous. A recently discovered shipwreck makes deep sea diving interesting and exciting. Delicious coastal and local island cuisines use coconut and the daily catch of fish and seafood. Fusion and international food is served, too.
A Lakshadweep holiday is sure to unwind you and send you home recharged!
