India 10.01.2025 TransIndus
Taking the road less travelled and getting just a little off the beaten track opens a world of new adventures, luxury, peace and solitude to refresh the mind, body and soul. We take you on a journey through some of India's lesser-known adventure paths, perfect for those looking to explore unique authenticity and breathtaking landscapes without the crowds.
Pepper Trail & The Hills of Wynard
Wayanad, a UNESCO-inscribed biosphere in Kerala, offers a serene escape into a world of misty hills, cascading waterfalls, and dense forests. Known for its organic tea, coffee, and spice plantations, it is a paradise for nature lovers and food enthusiasts. This tranquil haven, rich in wildlife, numerous varieties of birdlife and peaceful landscapes, provides the perfect setting to relax and reconnect with nature. Among its many eco-friendly retreats, the Pepper Trail Resort stands out as an exceptional and luxurious choice for an immersive experience.
Nestled within a 200-acre plantation producing tea, coffee and spices, Pepper Trail invites guests to indulge in the tropical profusion of Wayanad’s mountains. At its heart lies the lovingly restored 140-year-old McKenzie Bungalow, once the residence of Scottish planter Colin A. McKenzie; several Tree Bungalows in the tree canopy offer a tranquil vantage point to savour the sights and sounds of the surrounding forest, perfect for birdwatching and a selection of handsomely styled independent villas with private pools and gardens.
Ladakh and The Stok Palace
Stok Palace, the official residence of King Raja Jigmed Wangchuk Namgyal, showcases Ladakh’s rich heritage and vernacular architecture. The heritage wing and Queen’s apartments, adorned with 200-year-old murals and antiques, or Chulli Bagh’s cosy rooms with stunning views are also available. The regal dining hall and breakfast terrace offer spectacular vistas of the Indus Valley, making Stok Palace a luxurious base from which to explore this fascinating part of India.
One of India’s most isolated and culturally unique regions, often called ‘Moonland,’ is a starkly beautiful region with 8,000m peaks and barren landscapes. Sealed off to the outside world until 1974, it feels like a lost kingdom, where the Ladakhis thrive on glacial meltwater, farming barley and apples along riverbanks. Starting in Leh, explore its ancient mud-brick town and looming monasteries like Thiksey and Hemis Monastery and the serene Shanti Stupa. This fantastic corner of India should not be missed, with breathtaking valleys, cosy hotels, enchanting villages and enriching cultural activities.
Experience Ladakh & Stok Palace
Luxurious River Cruising in Assam
Experience the magic of river cruising in India with a luxurious journey along the Brahmaputra River, with a backdrop of looking Himalayan mountains as you glide past scenic landscapes in your elegant cruise ships, past ancient temples, and unique riverine islands with ecosystems of their own, lush Tea Gardens, vibrant and fascinating Assamese villages to experience various crafts including silk production. The adventure culminates at Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and wildlife haven where the rare one-horned rhinos, wild elephants, tigers, and vibrant birdlife are on game drives. Enjoy Assamese cultural performances, village visits, and peaceful verandahs overlooking mustard fields between safaris. A perfect blend of luxury, wildlife, and cultural immersion awaits!
A handful of well-known and established cruise companies operate beautiful ships along the Bhramaputa, including our favourite three: The Pandaw, Assam-Bengal-Navigation Company, and Antara Cruises. Each offers a remarkable level of comfort, hospitality, and care despite operating in one of the most remote locations in India, close to the world's roof.
Hampi: The Achutharaya Temple
Set amidst a surreal landscape of red-brown boulder-strewn hills, banana groves, and palm canopies, Hampi's UNESCO World Heritage Site is a treasure trove of history and breathtaking ruins. Once the glittering capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, it traded with the Romans, Greeks, and Arabs and was once thought to be the largest and most significant city in the then-known world. Tragically destroyed in 1565 by invaders from the Deccan Sultanates, today, the city’s temples and ruins, including the majestic Virupaksha Temple and the iconic Elephant Stables, stand as haunting reminders of its former grandeur. For stunning views, climb Matanga Hill at dawn to witness the sunrise over the ruins or explore the Tungabhadra River’s sacred waters and hidden shrines sculpted into massive boulders.
Our pick of places to stay is the luxurious Evolve Back Kamalapura Palace, a regal retreat inspired by the Vijayanagara Empire. Guests can enjoy opulent suites, private pool villas, and a mix of authentic local and international cuisine. It’s the perfect base to immerse yourself in Hampi’s timeless charm.
The Mansions of Chettinad
The mansions of Chettinad, Tamil Nadu, offer a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Chettiar community, once prosperous traders and bankers. Built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, these homes blend European, Southeast Asian, and Tamil architectural styles. They feature sprawling courtyards, pillared halls, and rooms designed for specific functions.
Visalam House, a 1930s Art Deco mansion turned heritage hotel by CGH Earth, stands out with its high-gloss wood furniture, limewashed walls, and elegant period charm. Guests can enjoy Chettinad’s distinctive cuisine, relax by the pool, and explore the region’s fascinating merchant homes and traditional lifestyle.
