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Header image courtesy of Scott Dunn
Immense India is rich in culture, wildlife, and vibrant cities. With so much to see, it deserves to be experienced properly. After touring this fascinating country, what better way to end your trip than on a high? Spend the end of a visit living like a royal at a traditional fort, beachside Indian palace, or at a hillside retreat. Here are a few ideas to help you round off your India trip of a lifetime in style.
With a focus on wellness, Devigarh is a perfect escape from it all, set in the Aarvali Hills of Udaipur. Its intimate atmosphere, incredible spa, and breathtaking views from the old Rajput palace make for a relaxing end of a wonderful trip.
Indulge at the spa, run by British brand Ila, where all treatments use natural ingredients sourced from different parts of India. Here you’ll find jasmine fresh from Tamil Nadu and damask rose oil from Rajasthan. The two-hour treatments soothe and rejuvenate, giving you one last pampering before you board your flight.
RAAS Devigarh, NH8, Delwara, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313202, India | (+91) 9587022990
For a back-to-nature experience, Rajakkad Estate is a real hideaway in the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu. With only seven bedrooms nestled amongst coffee and peppercorn plantations, this secret hideaway is perfect if you love the great outdoors. Hike, visit nearby plantations, or watch the resident birdlife from a comfortable chair and be as active or relaxed as you wish.
The absence of WiFi throughout the hotel is a perfect chance to enjoy the last few days of your trip disconnected.
Rajakkad Estate, Manjelparappu, Perumparai, Tamil Nadu 624212, India | (+91) 9487444333 / 897344455
If impressive pools and unspoilt beaches float your boat, then Neeleshwar Hermitage in northern Kerala is for you. After making your way through the sleepy south, head to this quiet respite, widely considered one of the best beach hotels in Kerala.
You can expect outstanding food and service in an unpretentious setting. Spend a handful of nights at least to fully unwind—relax on the seemingly endless beach, try yoga or one of the many rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments, and take in the neighbourhood on the hotel-run backwater cruise.
Neeleshwar Hermitage, Ozhinhavalappu, Kasaragod District, Near Nileshwaram, Padnekkad, Kerala, 671314, India | (+91) 4672287510 / 4672288876
Falaknuma translates from Urdu as “Mirror of the Sky”, and Taj Falaknuma Palace, perched on a hill overlooking Hyderabad is a heavenly way to end a trip through in the south of the country. From the moment you arrive, you’re treated like a VIP. The property brims with grand staircases, glittering chandeliers, Italian marble, and gracious gardens—all part of the unique traditions and history embedded into the 19th century palace that once almost fell into ruins.
Take the Champagne Palace Walk tour with resident historian and learn about the palace’s history and how each room and suite has been carefully restored to its former glory. As dusk falls, sip on jasmine martinis on the terrace of Gol Bungalow—a pavilion that has hosted former British royalty— and soak up the sight of the city’s lights twinkling below. Live spiritual Islamic Qawwali music is performed at the hotel, and the cuisine is exceptional—try its signature Hyderabadi biryani.
Taj Falaknuma Palace, Engine Bowli, Falaknuma, Hyderabad, Telangana 500053, India | (+91) 4066298585
Scott Dunn is a luxury tour operator specialising in tailor-made holidays. We build your holiday around what you want, not our preferences, and we take the time to understand what you enjoy so we can create the perfect holiday for you.
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