“Heritage” hotels: there are many such establishments in India and particularly in Rajasthan. They are found in cities as well as in the countryside, in ancient forts or palaces of Maharajas. They are often part of a process of protecting Indian heritage. These accommodations offer the traveller a stay worthy of a thousand and One Nights tale, at affordable prices. Do not miss the Havelis: these magnificent residences bordered the old Silk Roads and allowed caravans to enjoy food and shelter. These Havelis are organized around an interior courtyard, where trade took place. The refined and opulent atmosphere promises you a real journey through time. Some of the finest you will find in Jaipur and Udaipur.
This fairly recent hotel concept meets a demand that was virtually non-existent before. Unlike the large, overly classic hotel chains, these hotels offer a different experience. They are smaller and only offer a few rooms. With a neat style and decoration, often contemporary, they are havens of peace in the big Indian cities. The welcome is personalized, the atmosphere pleasant, the privacy found. Boutique hotels are often found in trendy neighbourhoods and have their own identity.
Sleeping with locals is a unique experience in India. Opportunities are growing more and more across the country. Traditionally, it is in the Himalayas that you will have the best chance of staying with locals. But elsewhere in India, more and more families welcome travellers and transform their homes for the occasion. A privileged moment to discover the countryside, understand local customs, spend time with women and children or learn to cook. Shanti Travel supports these initiatives which often have significant economic benefits for families.
During a trekking in India, you do not sleep in a refuge like in the Alps. The adventure takes place in a mobile camp with a whole team accompanying you. Every evening, during the itinerant hike, you set up camp in a dream location, often near a stream. There are also fixed camps. In Ladakh and Sikkim, they resemble military accommodation and are often the only possibility there. In Rajasthan, the camps resemble the Saharan tents that are sometimes found in Morocco. They offer all the comforts and allow you to be installed in the middle of nowhere.
In the national parks you can sleep in luxury eco-lodges. The price justifies the exclusivity as well as the comfort of the place, fully in line with the nature that surrounds it. In other regions such as Tamil Nadu or Rajasthan, these eco-lodges can take the form of small villages included in a process of protecting local resources. We pay attention to water, electricity and staff of the establishment. The food served often respects the principles of organic farming. Stay at least two nights in this type of accommodation to immerse yourself in this type of place, often participatory where meetings are at the heart of the stay.
Large hotel chains such as Oberoi, Taj or Hilton, as well as luxurious independent palaces, offer an extraordinary stay. It is also a way to take a break from the Indian chaos and recharge the batteries. The restaurants of these establishments are often excellent addresses. In Delhi and Rajasthan, 5 star hotels are numerous and are sometimes a nice mix between luxury and "Heritage" hotels. We can mention the Imperial of Delhi, the Lake Palace of Udaipur or the Samode Palace of Jaipur.
Choose your accommodation:
Accommodation contributes a lot to the quality of your stay in India, discuss it with your travel expert.