Nights 1, 2 & 3: The Oberoi, New Delhi New Delhi, India Located close to the city center, The Oberoi, New Delhi, overlooks the prestigious Golf Club on one side and Humayun’s Tomb on the other. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, this elegant hotel is a favorite of sophisticated travelers. The 2005 Zagat Survey of Top International Hotels, Resorts and Spas ranks The Oberoi, New Delhi, among the top three hotels in India. Guestrooms are artfully decorated in contemporary Indian style. Pamper yourself at the spa or take advantage of the open-air swimming pool, which is lighted in the evening.
Night 4: Radisson Hotel Varanasi Varanasi, India Conveniently located in the center of the city, the Radisson Hotel Varanasi is a relatively new first class hotel. Welcoming guest rooms offer a coffee / tea maker, iron and ironing board, hairdryer, international direct-dial telephone, Internet access, in-room safe, and cable TV. During leisure time, enjoy the swimming pool or the fitness equipment in the on-site health club.
Night 5: The Grand Temple View Khajuraho, India Set amidst lush green surroundings close to the western group of the temples of Khajuraho, The Grand Temple View enjoys an ideal location. Comfortable guest rooms feature such welcome amenities as air conditioning, coffee / tea maker, iron and ironing board, free in-house movies, satellite and cable TV, international direct-dial telephones and refrigerator. During leisure time, stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens, have a dip in the pool or indulge yourself at Rejuve – The Spa. Panna, the multi-cuisine restaurant and Mahua, the hotel bar, are sure to please.
Nights 6 & 7: The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra Agra, India The luxurious Oberoi Amarvilas is located just 600 meters from the world’s most famous monument, the Taj Mahal. Moorish and Mughal in architecture, it is surrounded by terraced lawns, reflecting pools and pavilions that are reminiscent of the days of princes and emperors. The readers of Condé Nast Traveler named The Oberoi Amarvilas to the prestigious 2006 Gold List and the readers of Travel + Leisure rank it as one of the world’s best hotels.
Nights 8 & 9: The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur Jaipur, India Everything about this distinctive and truly elegant hotel evokes images of the opulent lifestyle of India’s legendary Rajput princes. Impeccable service, lovely grounds, gracious ambiance and sumptuous accommodations are sure to delight even the most sophisticated traveler. The readers of Travel + Leisure consider the magnificent Oberoi Rajvilas to be the number one hotel in all of India, according to the publication’s prestigious list of the 500 best hotels in the world. The readers of Condé Nast Traveler awarded the hotel a place on the Gold List 2006.
Nights 10 & 11: The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur Udaipur, India Capturing all of the splendor and romance of a royal era, palatial The Oberoi Udaivilas sits on the shores of Lake Pichola. Udaipur is a city renowned for its palaces, and this splendid hotel evokes the Rajasthan-era of grandeur once enjoyed by royalty. It’s beauty, convenient location and wonderfully leisurely atmosphere have earned it a coveted place on the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2006.
Nights 12 & 13: Le Méridien Cochin Resort Cochin, India Nestled among 25 acres of coconut groves and backwater rivers, Le Méridien Cochin Resort is a luxurious retreat just minutes from the center of the “queen’s necklace on the Arabian Sea,” Cochin. Here, you’ll find European flair and international hospitality served with a warm Indian smile. Spacious, sunny guest rooms feature Le Méridien’s signature comfort with separate bath and shower stall, remote-control TV with satellite channels, in-room movies, hairdryer, bathrobes and slippers, CD player / radio, air conditioning, iron and ironing board, coffee and tea maker and refrigerator. Seek rejuvenation at the award-winning Ayurveda Spa, work up a sweat in the top-floor fitness center with its breathtaking views, or take a dip in the outdoor swimming pool. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood at the Lagoon restaurant or a candlelight dinner in the Treasure Trove restaurant, you’re sure to enjoy your dining experience. Have high tea in the Library Lounge or enjoy traditional Kerala musicians there in the evening. The cozy Jules Bar also offers evening entertainment.
Nights 14 & 15: Kumarakom Lake Resort Kerala, India Known as the “land of green magic,” Kerala is a lush and beautiful area on the coast of southwest India. It is here that the lovely Kumarakom Lake Resort beckons with the perfect blend of elegance and tradition embodied in its freestanding villas set amidst 25 acres of greenery at the edge of Lake Vembanad. Peace, tranquility and true relaxation abound.
Nights 16 & 17: The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Mumbai (Bombay), India Since opening its grand doors in 1903, The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower has graciously hosted heads of state, royalty, celebrities and international business leaders. Long a Mumbai landmark, this impressive hotel artfully combines Florentine, Oriental and Moorish architectural styles. Its harbor side location in the heart of the city makes it the perfect place from which to explore Mumbai. The readers of Travel + Leisure have deemed it one of the 500 best hotels in the world, and it holds a coveted place on the Condé Nast Traveler 2006 Gold List.