StayZiro Model VillageThe Model Village in Ziro replicates a typical Arunachali village environment. The huts are beautifully decorated, and surprisingly, are equipped with modern amenities. If you are the adventurous sort, you can try the local tribal dishes, but if not, you can have regular simple north Indian fare. A rare chance to experience tribal Arunachali lifestyle without having to ...

StayLakeside Cottages, TamdilThe real reason to stay at these simply furnished cottages is the stunning natural lake, Tamdil--the name literally meaning the 'lake of mustard plant'. Legend has it that there was once a huge mustard plant in the place of the lake, and when the plant was cut off, jets of water flowed out from it, creating a large ...

StayOberoi Amarvilas, AgraA mere stone's throw from the exquisite Taj Mahal, this hotel allows you the luxury of admiring the monument from the privacy of your bedroom or even your rose petal bath. In fact, you can see the Taj from pretty much every corner in the hotel, and not just from a particular room. Dotted with delightful gardens, pools, ...

StayFisherman's Cove, Covelong BeachA luxury beach resort that combines a sense of nostalgia with the allure of the sand, sea and surf, the Fisherman's Cove is just what you need to get away from Chennai's heat and grime. Choose from luxury cottages and elegantly appointed rooms that come with their own private, open garden showers and sit-outs. And go for ...

StayKanker PalaceOnce a residence for British officers, this mansion at the foot of the rocky Keshkal hills became the palace of the Kanker royal family who still live here. You can stay in one of five suites, some with aging punkhas, each with its own verandah. Meals, cooked using produce from the palace farm, are served in the grand dining ...

StayTripura Castle, ShillongTreat yourself to a luxurious stay at this summer home of Tripura's royals, known for being the first heritage hotel in the north-east. Each room of this cosy palace-hotel has wooden interiors and antique furniture. Along with all the usual five-star amenities, the place has an air of history hanging about it that makes it utterly charming. Tel: ...

StayWildflower Hall, ShimlaSet in the midst of 23 acres of lush woods of pine and cedar, this luxury resort has rooms that offer commanding views of the Himalayas and the food and service are truly world-class. But your most abiding memory of Wildflower Hall could be the rejuvenating massages offered at its immaculate spa. Tel: (0177) 264 858; www.oberoihotels.com Moksha ...

StayThe Oberoi Rajvilas, JaipurUnrivalled luxury and indulgence combine with romance and grandeur to make this palatial resort, surrounded by lush and landscaped gardens, one of the finest stay options in the city. The resort offers luxury tents and villas with private pools, which are decorated in colonial style. Don't skip a meal at Rajmahal, their fine dining restaurant that serves ...

StayTaj Banjara, HyderabadIn Hyderabad's uphill Banjara Hills, it's perhaps got the best view--of its own private lake. However, not all rooms are lake-facing, so enquire before you book. Otherwise it's a no-fuss but very comfortable business hotel. The Waterside Cafe's lunch and dinner buffets are huge draws. Tel: (040) 6666 9999; www.tajhotels.comKonaseema HouseboatsKonaseema, the triangular region between the Gautami and ...

StayCalve Welcom heritageWelcomheritage's Calve--located in a restored heritage mansion in Pondy's Tamil Quarter--is both stately and refreshing. It is done up with Athangudi tiles and blue oxide walls, and boasts a restaurant with delicious food, generous portions and reasonable prices. Tel: (0413) 222 3738/222 4103; www.calve.inDune Eco Beach ResortIf spiritualism is not your calling in Pondicherry then we recommend The ...

StayWildgrass Resort, KazirangaLocated outside the National Park, the lodge's architecture is rural and atmosphere understated. Large private rooms look out over gardens verging on the wild and thick bamboo groves. Sit on the verandah under woven bamboo shades and enjoy traditional Assamese cuisine. They arrange visits into the park, treks and jeep safaris, and excursions to tribal villages and tea ...

StayHotel Maurya, PatnaIn the heart of Patna, this is perhaps your best stay option in the city, if not the whole state. Maurya is also top of everyone's mind as this was the first five-star hotel in Bihar, and still has few competitors. The hotel is known for its (rather bizarre) eclectic decor--in the Oriental rooms, for instance, there are ...

StayPalamu Bungalow, NetarhatKnown as the 'Queen of the Chhotanagpur Plateau', Netarhat is famous for the sunrise and sunset views afforded from Magnolia Point. As good a vantage point is this pretty bungalow, surrounded by pine and fruit trees. Go to the observatory to watch the rising sun turn the Koel River into a crimson ribbon. 160 km from Ranchi. Contact ...

StayHotel ImphalThis ITDC hotel is the lone spot of 'luxury' in otherwise simple Imphal. Situated north of the Old Palace, Hotel Imphal has several wings of spacious rooms overlooking a manicured lawn. The hotel, conveniently located, also serves authentic Manipuri cuisine. The Manipur Tourism Office is here so you can take any problems right to them! On Dimapur RoadTel: (0385) ...

StayThe OberoiThe Oberoi, overlooking the Golf Club on one side and Humayun's Tomb on the other, is a luxury hotel located in the historical heart of the city. The hotel's exquisite interiors, impeccable service and fine cuisine add up to a combination that is hard to match. Don't forget to make your spa appointment or tuck in at 360o restaurant ...

StayThe Claridges, SurajkundSet in sylvan surroundings, The Claridges Surajkund, overlooks the Surajkund Lake Complex. Thanks to its location, it allows you to indulge in local sightseeing, while keeping you cocooned from the noisy, urban life. The Claridges experience comes complete with its multi-cuisine restaurant Oasis, the lounge bar, Azure, and a spa, set to open in August, spread over 15,500 ...

StayHouseboats in SrinagarImagine staying in wood-panelled rooms on a boat, floating on the waters of the Dal or Nagin. Doesn't it sound heavenly? All the houseboats in Srinagar are marked by personalised service, usually from the owner and his family. Our pick are Butt's Clermont Houseboats located in Naseem Bagh in Srinagar. Tel: (0194) 242 0325Hotel Highlands Park, GulmargLocated just ...

StayIsta AmritsarJust 15 minutes away from the Golden Temple, the beautifully landscaped gardens and water bodies give the hotel a sense of space. You can dine at Collage, the all-day restaurant offering cuisines from across the world, or at Far East, the Chinese and Thai restaurant. The spa here is part of the iconic destination spa, Ananda in the Himalayas, ...

StayAnanda In The HimalayasThe property of the former Maharaja of Tehri, Ananda In The Himalayas, above Rishikesh has been rated among the best spas in the world. The serene surroundings act as part of the therapeutic process. Yoga, meditation and divine massages help revive the spirit and tackle those knotted, tired and stressed-out muscles. Tel: (01378) 227 500; www.anandaspa.com The ...

StayWild OrchidStay at a clutch of cottages that lie between the sea and the hills of Havelock. Built with wood and decorated with shells, bamboo and cane, they come complete with a gently swinging hammock in your verandah. Feast on fresh snapper from the Andaman Sea at the Red Snapper restaurant or down a mean margarita to the strains of ...

StayITC Royal Gardenia, BangaloreThe refreshing architecture of this new hotel tries to bring inside a bit of the outdoors, so much so that the hotel has no front doors at all! The talking points are the four drip-irrigated vertical gardens, 10,600m-tall steel structures, each embedded with up to 1,500 plants. Tel: (080) 2211 9898; www.itcwelcomgroup.inTata Coffee Plantation Trails, KodaguLocated on ...

StayZuri Kumarakom Resort & SpaOn the banks of Lake Vembanad, this 18-acre resort comes with all the frills of a five-star property--plush villas with private pools, cottages and deluxe rooms in tranquil landscaped setting. And the energetic, courteous staff will charm you such that you will remember their names long after you have returned from the heart of Kerala's backwater ...

StayTaj ChandigarhThis centrally located hotel is one of the best stay options in the city. Taj Chandigarh also boasts some of the most popular restaurants in town. Dera restaurant is a great place to sample the non-vegetarian cuisine of Punjab and North West Frontier. Opt for Black Lotus if you want Oriental food or chill out at the Lava Bar ...

StayGinger BhubaneswarThe latest addition to Bhubaneswar's gamut of hotels, Ginger Bhubaneswar is perhaps the best choice for business travellers. It is also the best budget hotel in the city and has 101 smart and basic rooms with all the modern facilities. Apart from that the hotel has meeting rooms, a gym, state-of-the-art self check-in kiosk, all geared to make your ...

StayTuophema Tourist Village If you want to experience the rural Naga life, book yourself into the Tourist Village at Tuophema, located 41 km from Kohima. It is like walking into a time warp. You get to stay in a traditional styled Angami Naga hut with modern amenities, eat at the community kitchen, sit around the hearth and sip locally brewed ...