Looking for a place to relax and get away from the fast-paced world?  Kerala, India may be the place for you.  A tropical paradise similar to Bali or Tahiti, Kerala is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India.  From cruising by houseboat to yoga and ayurvedic treatments or simply a tea tasting, Kerala has a lot to offer.  Here are the highlights:

Explore Kerala’s Backwaters by Houseboat.  No trip to Kerala is complete without exploring its backwaters, and the best way to do that is by houseboat.  These houseboats are large barges that offer the same comforts of hotels, and provide breathtaking views of untouched and mostly inaccessible parts of rural Kerala.  You can hire a boat for a day trip, or set sale for a week, depending on your schedule and what you want to see.

Ayurvedic Treatments.   Ayurveda is an ancient Indian healing tradition that combines yoga and healthy eating.  Kerala has a lot of Ayurvedic spas and resorts, due to its warm climate and supply of medicinal plants.  Plan to stay at one of these centers for about a week to detox, or just book a simple treatment for an afternoon.

Tea and Toddy.  Tea is one of the major crops of Kerala, so take some time to visit one of the tea plantations for a tea tasting.  Or, if you need a stronger drink, consider checking out a beachside establishment for a toddy – made from fermented coconut palm nectar.

Bathe an Elephant.  One of Kerala’s major attractions is there Kodanad Elephant Sanctuary.  Here, you can feed the elephans, go on safari or even give an elephant a bath!

Take a Spice Tour.  Kerala is also home to a number of spice plantations where you can sample real black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and even vanilla.  Consider taking a cooking class to learn new ways to use these spices too!
 
As you can see, if you are looking for an out-of-the-ordinary vacation, Kerala, India is the place to be.  Let Luxury Destinations Concierge help you plan your trip.  Give them a call at 805-236-4437.

There are many places to visit in India.  One of the most popular destinations is what is known as the Golden Triangle.  The Golden Triangle is the route between Delhi, Agra and Jaipur in northern India.  Its name comes from the equilateral triangle made by these three cities, and the extraordinary religious and historical sights found there.

If you are planning your first trip to India, this is the place to start.  Below are highlights for a trip to each city:

Delhi.  Delhi is the capital of India, and where many start their trip.  There are two parts to the city – Old Delhi and New Delhi – which sit side-by-side in stark contrast to each other.  Explore Old Delhi to get a sense of the history, including the Red Fort, which dates back to the 17th century, Jama Masjid, which is one of the largest mosques in India, and Chaadni Chowk, one of the oldest and busiest markets in India.  Or visit the Swaminarayan Sanstha spiritual center built in 2005, which is dedicated to showcasing Indian culture.

Agra.  Next stop is Agra, home to the Taj Mahal (visit before noon if possible to avoid the massive crowds).  Other sites to see include Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, which is the first mausoleum in India made entirely of marble, or Fatehpur Sikri, which is a city built in the 16th century as a celebration of Emperor Akbar being blessed with a son.  It was abandoned almost immediately, has been a ghost town ever since, and recently has been established as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Jaipur.  Jaipur’s most recognizable attraction is the Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace), overlooking main street.  If you are up for an adventure, visit the Monkey Temple, which is an old Hindi temple where one of the sacred pools of water has been taken over by thousands of monkeys (who are friendly and love to be fed).  Take advantage of Jaipur’s markets and shops, where you will find a variety of locally made items.

Ranthambore National Park.  No trip to the Golden Triangle is complete without a side trip to the Ranthambore National Park and their Tiger Reserve.  Here you can see tigers and other native animals up close and personal.

Ready to plan your trip to the Golden Triangle of India?  Give Luxury Destinations Concierge a call at 805-236-4437.