Relax on a tranquil river
Welcome to the enchanting network of lagoons, lakes and rivers that run along the coast of Kerala - the famous Backwaters. Here is where you can sit back and enjoy the cluster of islands, gaze at the stunning birds and soak in the idyllic village life that surrounds the lake.
Staying on the houseboat is an absolute must to get to know the local customs and culture of Kerala. The houseboats come with all comforts of a cozy bedroom, living room, air-conditioning, and en-suite bathrooms. A stay here will reward you with a surreal sunset over the horizon and some delicious traditional Kerala cuisine. A houseboat cruise is nothing short of a magical dream
The Evergreen Saga of Love: Taj Mahal
Famous all over the world as a man-made wonder, the Tajmahal is so much more than simply being furbished with astounding sculptural and compositional beauty. It is known as a Poem written with Marble, and you will explore just that - up, close and personal. The very walls of this majestic tomb sings of the never ending love of two lovers, who breathed for each other, lived for each other and died to stay with each other. Come say, 'Waah Taaj!'with us.
Gallop Through a Historical Landscape
"On the back of a horse, you will find paradise", - Stella A Walker
The magnificent breed of Marwari horses await you as you traverse through the various terrains of Rajasthan. Explore the enthralling Aravali mountains, charming countryside, exuberant villages and ancient routes all while perched, on a horseback.
Watch the vibrancy of snake boat races
Kerala hosts some exciting boat races and during the Onam (harvest) festival they are a spectacle to watch. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race on the Punnamda lake, near Alappuzha, is one of the most popular and competitive of the races. It was Jawaharlal Nehru the first Prime Minister of India who was the chief guest at the first race in 1952 and since then the trophy is named after him.
These boat races have been a part of Kerala’s heritage since about 650 years ago when disputes between local kings were settled by boat races. The biggest canals here become a vibrant setting for the regatta of the snake boats or Chundan Vallams that take part in these races. This race brings to you the fervour of the locals towards their culture and lets you peep into their age old customs and traditions.
Let’s cook the Indian way!
Tasting different cuisines and flavours is an inseparable part of travelling. But if your love for food goes beyond just tasting but also knowing the origins of the meals, a cooking class during your holiday is the perfect indulgence.
From sourcing ingredients at the local markets and interacting with the vendors, the cooking journey begins from the basics. Your chef will take you through the culinary stories, get you acquainted with the fragrant spices and methods intrinsic to Indian cuisine.
The cooking workshop helps you learn about local dishes and traditions and savouring the experience for a lifetime!
A holistic and historic morning awaits you!
Experience true wellness as you stretch your body and mind, gazing at the milky white tomb of love as the morning sun peeks out of the clouds.
Enjoy a one-hour yoga session on a lush green mound overlooking the Taj Mahal. Yoga, practiced since ancient times in India, is not only a way to keep oneself healthy and fit, but is also a way of life. This session will cover basic Asanas, Dhyana and Pranayam all while you witness the shimmering pear-shaped dome of Taj Mahal as the sun rises tinting the sky with dramatic hues.
Embark on a journey inwards as you admire an architectural masterpiece!
Take on the streets of Jaipur in a Tuk Tuk
Jaipur is a beautiful blend of modern and traditional and to savour this magnificent city, take a tuk-tuk ride.
Go through the winding paths, bustling bazaars, witness the old and new architecture and enjoy the vibrancy this Pink City exudes all in a humble tuk-tuk. Feel like a local as you experience the culture first hand and dive into the history and heroic stories of Jaipur.
Enjoy an extra-OAR-dinary ride on Lake Pichola
Udaipur, the most romantic city in India is surrounded not just by iconic palaces but also the serene Lake Pichola.
A shikara ride on the lake offers enchanting views of the mountains and is dotted with historical monuments along its banks. Situated in the middle of the lake is the famous Taj Lake Palace Hotel, restored to its pristine glory and is a heritage masterpiece.
The view of the sublime sunset over the lake is truly captivating and the palaces reflecting in the waters makes it a perfect way to enjoy the beauty of Udaipur.
A stay where its all about you
Imagine a hotel where you can enjoy all the luxuries just for yourself and each element is customised as per your taste. Welcome to Single Key Heritage Hotels.
They are the epitome of privacy where there are no other guests in the hotel but you. A personal entourage to welcome you, splendid comfortable rooms and a staff dedicated to cater to all your needs. Single key hotels not just make you feel special but allow you to spend some quiet quality time with your family or friends as you experience hospitality of a different league.
ANSWER THE CALL OF THE WILD
Enter the heart of wilderness and spot
The exotic Big Cat wandering amidst Breath –taking scenery in the majestic National Parks of Central India
Paint your hands the Indian way
Take in the subtle fragrance and cooling sensation on your palms with a traditional Mehandi or Henna design session.
While henna owes its origin to the Arabic name for ‘Lawsonia inermis’, the word Mehandi is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘mendhikā’. This small shrub, whose leaves when dried and grounded into a paste, give out a rusty-red pigment, suitable for making intricate designs on the palms and feet. The dye has a cooling property and no side effects on the skin.
Applied during auspicious occasions like weddings, festivities and celebrations, in recent times Mehandi artists have received a lot of recognition for their art.
Meet the vibrant turbans of India
History and culture are woven in the very fabric of turbans in India. This humble headgear has many looks across the country and is a matter of pride and respect. The practice consists of tying a long, generally unstitched cloth, in a set manner of wrapping in folds.
There are two primary variants:
a) safa which is 8m - 10m in length, and 1m in width; and
b) paag or pagdi, which is around 20m in length, and 20 cm in width.
The earliest evidence of the element is available from a 2nd century BC statue of the Kushana period, depicting a woman wearing a turban. However, the modern turban is around 300 years old, and is worn now by men only. Each community has its own unique style of wearing the turban.
It also has many practical uses – protects the wearers' head from extreme temperatures, used as a pillow, a mattress, or a rope to draw water from wells.
The dazzling evenings of Mumbai
Mumbai as a city comes alive at night, especially some of its architectural gems and beach side promenades.
The city is dotted with charming yellow and black taxis and they will be our companion through the experience. We begin at the landmark of the city i.e. Gateway of India built in the Indo-Saracenic style set against the beautiful backdrop of the sea. Marvel at the beautiful Taj Mahal Palace hotel right opposite which symbolises luxury and has been home to many celebrities. We shall then visit the iconic CST Station, an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture in India. As it lights up in the evening this building is nothing short of a dream. We then pass by the beautiful Asiatic Library steps and the Queen's Necklace - Mumbai’s beachside promenade that looks like a jewel all lit up at night.
An evening sauntering in Mumbai is incomplete without savouring its lip smacking street food. Chowpatty is one one the famous spots in the city to see the street food culture taking over the beach. Gorge on some yummy dishes like Pav Bhaji, Pani Puri, Dosa, Vada Pav and much more all made in safe and hygienic conditions.
Mumbai by Night is an experience to know the pulse of the maximum city and blend into its local culture and cuisine.
Say ‘I Do’ once again, in India
Want to say those beautiful wedding vows to each other again?
Welcome to India where couples can renew their wedding vows with an auspicious blessing by a Hindu priest at a beautiful temple. Next we adorn the hands of the bride with Mehandi by a skilled artist. It is the traditional art of painting with henna for ceremonial use. The couple then gets into their beautiful Indian wedding attire.
Adorned in traditional kurta pajamas and a sari, the couple will be guided through a traditional ceremony and will re-tie the knot with an exchange of fresh flower garlands. It will truly be a cherished memory lasting a lifetime!
Strut around in Jaipur like true royalty
To witness and feel how grand the life of kings used to be in the land of Rajasthan, hop on a vintage car ride. With a history of Mughal emperors ruling Rajasthan, vintage cars were a regular feature during social gatherings.
Vintage cars are the pride and treasure of India’s legacy. Explore the Pink City of Jaipur in a fancy and comfortable vintage car with a private driver as he takes you through the landmark spots around the city. Albert Hall, Hawa Mahal, Birla Mandir, Jal Mahal and the spectacular Amer fort all await your majestic arrival.
Get ready to bask in the glory of this magnificent automobile as you explore the rich culture and heritage of Jaipur.
Take an expedition on the Ganges
Enjoy the milky rapids amidst the landscape of lush forest and mountains as you wade through the Ganges for a White Water Rafting adventure in Rishikesh.
After putting on the necessary equipment and listening to a safety briefing, you are ready for the ride. The flow of the river through rugged and uneven terrain, offers some fun and exhilarating rapids with names such as Initiation, Double Trouble, Hilton and Terminator. For motivation, look down at the turquoise waves of the holy river as you meander between the mountains with silver beaches glistening under the sun on the side.
If you are hungry for more, get into the water to try body surfing or cliff jumping. An adventure nestled at the foothills of Himalayas is truly a special experience.
Let spirituality take over you
Varanasi is the city of Lord Shiva, the god of creation and destruction, it’s believed that anyone who dies here will be liberated from the cycle of reincarnation.
The enchanting thing about this mystical city is that its rituals fill the air as they take place on the riverside ghats and create a magical sight. The Ganga aarti on the holy river, is a blissful experience. The candle lit flames against the night sky and sounds of the rhythmic chanting enveloping the atmosphere is truly divine. Witness morning or evening aarti at the ghats and soak in this intense city that attracts Hindu pilgrims and foreigners alike.
Integrating Ayurveda Into Our Lives
Did you know the holistic wellness and healing system of Ayurveda originated in India more than 3,000 years ago.
Ayurveda is all about balance. It recognises and promotes the need for harmony within the various elements of our body and around us. It aims at preventing and relieving diseases in the body and mind through self-observation and self-care. Based on this ideology, integrating Ayurveda into our 21st century lifestyle is not about a total shunning of all that is ‘modern’. It is about finding space to blend in the ayurvedic elements in our modern lives.
Join us to uncover the history and practices of Ayurveda in India. Make time for yourself and indulge in Ayurvedic treatments such as massages, detox routines, yoga, herbal recipes and much more to help heal your body, mind and spirit.
Traverse through the country’s most spectacular spiritual corners and embark on a healing journey which is in-sync with nature.
Track the Leopard in Jawai
Looking for an adventure in India? Jawai in Rajasthan offers you that, at its best.
Nestled in the Pali district of Rajasthan, it is the perfect destination for those who enjoy scenic views, wildlife and bounties of nature. The Jawai Leopard safari is the most stunning experience you will have here. It is also a winter paradise for migratory birds.
Jawai’s unique location, wild grasslands and luxurious safari camps offer an unparalleled experience of an offbeat Rajasthan.
Savour a biking trail in Rajasthan
Pedal away within the ‘land of royalty’ and explore the vibrant markets, serene countryside, calm deserts, rustic villages and the unique culture of Rajasthan. Enjoy the contrast between the royal and the rural, the opulence and the simple all done at a relaxed pace for you to soak in the experience of it all.
High quality bikes await you as you traverse the terrain of Rajasthan. And while you acquaint yourself with this historic landscape, a support vehicle is kept handy at all times so that you can opt for mechanised transport in case of rain or whenever you want a break from cycling.
