GOA
Renowned for its miles and miles of long, sandy beaches, tropical, palm jungle, before rising up into the Western Ghats. Situated half way down India’s west coast, on the Arabian Sea, Goa is alive with both Eastern and Western culture as a result of thousands of years of Hindu and Muslim rule, followed by centuries of Portuguese colonialism, before being absorbed into the Indian Union. The legacies of the Portuguese can still be clearly seen today in the form of beautiful white churches and cathedrals dotted around the countryside and villages. Towards North Goa is the Taj Complex which comprises the Aguada Hermitage (luxurious one and 2 bedroom villas high on a hill overlooking Calangute Beach); the Fort Aguada Beach Resort (a main block with excellent bedrooms or separate cottages, on the side of the hill surrounding the old fort); or the Taj Holiday Village (charming cottages just a few yards in from the ocean and set in pretty gardens). Close by is Pousada Tauma, a small, stylish hotel in the middle of town but just a 5 minute drive from various beaches. Comfortable rooms with modern Mediterranean style furnishings surround a leafy pool. Further north is the delightful Siolim House, a pretty old Portuguese Mansion with just 7 spacious rooms surrounding an inner courtyard alive with bougainvillea. This can also be rented in its entirety as a private villa. A few minutes drive from the beach, it is quiet and peaceful. Twenty minutes inland from here is the Nilaya Hermitage. With just 13 stunning bedrooms set into the cliff face and a facing out over miles of tropical jungle, the food, furnishings and atmosphere here are second to none. In Goa’s far north is the recently opened Terekol Fort, a sister hotel of the Nilaya Hermitage and designed in very much the same, chic style. This extraordinary place is perched high on a hill top, overlooking the water. South Goa now boasts two excellent but large hotels. The relatively new Taj Exotica has been very well done and comprises rooms in a low rise main block and a series of 2 and 4 bedroom cottages and villas. A grassy lawn leads directly onto a long stretch of golden beach. Close by is The Leela, Goa another superb hotel sandwiched between a lagoon and white sand beach. The individual cottages overlook either tranquil lagoons with landscaped islands, the scenic golf course, or the Arabian Sea.
Goa is easily accessed by air from Delhi, Mumbai (Bombay), Bangalore, Cochin and Chennai (Madras). Also via a long but stunning road journey from the Deccan Plateau.
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TRIVANDRUM...
Trivandrum is the capital of Kerala, one of India’s greenest states which hugs the Malabar Coast on the south-western most tip of India. Here you tend to find the odd long stretch of beach, interspersed with small, rocky coves which are private and sheltered. The beaches have a more wild and rustic feel to them than in Goa and many are still dominated by local fishing communities. Surya Samudra, close to Kovalam, sits on a small promontory overlooking 2 very pretty bays. This excellent property comprises brilliantly re-constructed traditional wooden Malayali cottages, spread around a palm grove. The cliffside swimming pool, a charming al fresco restaurant, a cliff top yoga pavilion and excellent new spa provide more than enough to keep you occupied. Coconut Bay Beach Resort is a private beach resort near Kovalam, consisting of nineteen comfortable deluxe cottages, each with a fantastic view of the sea. Ayurvedic programmes are available as well as a superb Yoga pavilion with an expert instructor on hand. A short distance up the coast, towards Alleppey is the Marari Beach Resort, a charming hotel with cottages scattered around a large palm grove, just a very short walk from an endless stretch of golden beach. The cottages are entirely modern in design and are comfortable and well furnished. Some have their own small, walled garden and swimming pool which are perfect for those seeking a little more privacy. The large pool is glorious.
Trivandrum is easily accessed by air from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Cochin. It is also easily reached by road from Cochin and ‘the backwaters’.
CHENNAI...
Chennai, formerly known as Madras and the seat of power for the British East India Company, lies on the Coromandel Coast, facing the Indian Ocean. The whole coastline here is one long expanse of beach, most of which is still unexploited and remains the domain of small fishing villages. |
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Just south of Chennai is Covelong, a wonderful, windswept beach which is home to the Fisherman’s Cove hotel. Run by Taj Group, this excellent hotel has a main block with views over the pool and out to sea; a selection of small cottages in the palm grove and spacious villas literally on the beach. For those not inclined to lying on thebeach, the stunning shore temples and rock carvings at Mahabalipuram are just down the road.
Covelong is accessed by air from Delhi, Vishakapatnam, Bhubaneshwar, Kolkata, Mumbai, Trivandrum, Bangalore, Kochi. It is also easily reached by road from Chennai and Pondicherry.
ANDAMAN ISLANDS & LAKSHADWEEPS...
The Andaman Islands lie in the Bay of Bengal. They are covered in thick jungle forest and mangrove swaps line the water’s edge. This undisturbed paradise is rich with wildlife and easily explored by boat. The Andaman Islands have restricted access with the Primitive Tribal Reserve areas being out of bounds completely. The Hotel we suggest is the Bay Island hotel in Port Blair, the capital. The management is keen on conservation and it is considered the best hotel. Transport to the beach is easily arranged and the diving opportunities are endless. The Lakshadweeps are glorious coral atolls lying just off the Malabar Coast. Each tiny island is surrounded by its own, glassy lagoon, some are only a few metres long. As a result of the lack of exploitation, the coral reefs here are thriving and the sea is pristine. Bangaram Island Resort is run by the Casino Group and is a gem of an island. The facilities are kept relatively simple to ensure the continued balance of the delicate eco - System.
Fly to the Andamans by air from Kolkata and Chennai to Port Blair. Access to the Lakshadweeps is by air from Kochi to Agatti, followed by a 1 hour boat ride.
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THE MALDIVES
Lazily stretching across the equator the 1190 coral islands and atolls of the Maldivian archipelago lie contentedly in the azure embrace of the Indian Ocean. The powder - sand beaches, crystal-clear lagoons and spectacular breezes and the balmy temperatures to complete the picture of Robinson Crusoe serenity … a magical heaven on earth.
Please contact our specialists for our extensive portfolio of luxury retreats. Fly to the Maldives by air from the UK, India and Shi Lanka..
SRI LANKA...
Sri Lanka, is described by many as being a microcosm of South India. It boasts glorious hill country and quirky hill stations; fascinating ancient sites; vast areas of tea plantations and high plateaus; tropical jungle and wildlife reserves; and its friendly people have a very relaxed approach to life. However, it is also home to some exceptional beaches scattered around its long coastline. Being so small it is an easy place to discover. It also makes a good place to visit after a tour to India as it is so close and has good flight connections.
Access to Sri Lanka is by air from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Trivandrum & Kochi.
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