THE LUXURIOUS SIDE TO INDIA TRAVEL
The hospitality industry in India is evolving quite rapidly. No longer are international tourists forced to accept mediocre (by international standards) accommodations in exchange for a wealth of cultural and historical experiences. In fact, today's visitor to India can pick and choose from numerous high-end hotels and resorts, dine in Michelin-rated restaurants scattered across the country, and travel about the diverse landscapes in luxury train, car or via private jet.
India's larger-than-life character is now more accessible than ever - and hoteliers, restaurateurs and other service industry professionals have taken strides to create a luxury Indian travel experience that is second to none. Let's look at how luxury travel to India is changing today.
TRAVEL WITHIN INDIA
There are thousands of miles of train tracks snaking across the expanses of the Indian sub-continent, but most international travelers today aren't interested in packing in tightly with hundreds of others in a crowded commuter train. Rather, they are increasingly drawn to luxury train lines, such as the Deccan Odyssey
. The Deccan Odyssey is one of the most luxurious trains in India and features 21 "luxuriously appointed" coaches, as well as dining, lounges, and even a health spa. Each of the coaches is inspired by different royal eras of Maharashtra and are fully-equipped with air conditioning, internet, personalized amenities, and more.
FINE DINING
There are nine Michelin-rated restaurants located across the nation of India, but there are also hundreds of terrific places to eat within most of the major cities there.
The Bangala restaurant serves classic Indian Chettinad dishes and serves food on top of large, glossy banana leaves. The Hotel Shadab in Hyderabad delivers stunning examples of local flavor and culinary designs. The main dish there is biryani, a mixture of rice and curry, with either meat or vegetables.
Bukhara in New Delhi was founded in 1977 and serves Northwestern Indian cuisine that is a big draw for meat lovers. A range of savory dishes are eaten by hand using flaky paratha bread. International travelers are now able to sample a wide range of Indian dishes and delicacies when exploring different regions of the country.
LUXURY HOTELS
Visitors to India can choose to stay in a real palace
that once housed members of the royal family. Or, travelers to India can opt for accommodations in a world-class hotel in the heart of one of India's major cities. Still others can feel the exhilaration and allure of staying in a luxury tented camp near the legendary Ranthambore National Park, safely nestled away within earshot of the sounds and smells of the jungle. The hospitality industry in India is evolving quite aggressively, with luxury accommodations now a requisite in many parts versus a nicety.
One of the most important considerations to make when planning a luxury Indian getaway is the travel company you choose to handle your itinerary. Select an organization with decades of experience in the area, a penchant for creating exquisite and unique cultural and wildlife adventures, and an eye for style, class and sophistication. Having the right travel company on your side will add to the authenticity of what is sure to be an unforgettable journey.
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India is growing by leaps and bounds, and the nuanced interplay among the various cultures, regions and attractions within this massive nation is something that must be witnessed firsthand.
