Bangalore

Guests aboard The Golden Chariot will have the unique chance to see Southern India at its best, with gorgeous scenery and traditional culture unfolding before their eyes. Guests can choose between two seven-night journeys, both of which include excursions, meal stops and overnight stays in exotic locations including jungle resorts, ancient temples, wildlife reserves and shopping destinations. On-board comforts within the carriages named after mighty Indian dynasties include cozy cabins decorated with a dash of historic style and fitted with all the mod-cons where guests can retire after a long day’s exploring. A choice of two restaurants will keep diners’ palates happy with menus full of delicious delights suitable for vegetarians and more meaty eaters. Active passengers can get their exercise fix in the well-equipped gym, while those who prefer to relax can peruse the treatments on offer in the spa or simply unwind with a carefully crafted cocktail in the bar car.

For a glimpse of life as royalty, stay at the grand, palatial fortress that is the Leela. Set within nine acres of landscaped, manicured gardens punctuated with stone sculptures, lotus lily ponds, and waterfalls, each of the Leela’s 357 rooms feature broadband internet and wi-fi, a mini bar, in-room safe, satellite television, and plush beds. Dining options include the Javamar, an opulent, luxurious eatery that offers traditional northern and southern Indian cuisine; Citrus, a crisply decorated, vibrant restaurant that serves Mediterranean fare, including pastas and wood-fired pizzas; Zen, a tastefully designed venue serving Asian specialties, including dim sum, yakitori, and many others; and the Library Bar, an outdoor bar set in a plush, opulent country-club setting. Amenities include a fully-equipped spa, gym, and outdoor swimming pool. The Leela Palace Bangalore lies 28 miles (45 kilometers) from Bangalore airport (BLR).

Set on a luxurious, sprawling compound far from the chaos of downtown Bangalore, Clarks Exotica features 132 comfortable, tastefully furnished rooms and suites. All rooms include high-speed Internet, satellite channels, LCD televisions, and views of the surrounding, manicured gardens or the lush Nandhi hills – once a summer retreat for officials of the British Raj. Dining facilities include Blue Alps, an elegant fusion restaurant that serves a range of cuisines from around the globe, as well as Illusion, an upmarket bar overlooking an infinity pool. Clarks Exotica also features a fully equipped gym, complete with free weights, exercise machines, and personal training; in addition, there is a full service spa and salon specializing in the latest treatments, facials, and massages. Clarks Exotica is located a short, twenty-minute drive from Bangalore International Airport.

A true spiritual oasis in India, the boutique yoga retreat Shreyas Resort is spread over 25 acres of landscaped gardens. Accommodations at Shreyas are, in accordance with its philosophies, designed with serenity and tranquility in mind: there are garden cottages surrounded by trees and surrounding private, walled courtyards; poolside suites located adjacent to an infinity pool and Jacuzzi; and a three-bedroom cottage for large groups. In addition to its extensive menu of yoga classes, Shreyas’s spa offers a range of massages, including Balinese and Thai, Ayurvedic rejuvenations, and various scrubs and masks. The resort’s delicious cuisine is completely vegetarian, tailor-made to each guest’s specific needs and requirements, and alcohol is not served or permitted on the grounds. Repeat guests are frequent and many cite the property's warm, welcoming atmosphere as the main reason for returning. Shreyas is approximately 1.5 hours from Bangalore airport (BLR).

Set amidst twenty acres of gardens, this luxury hotel in central Bangalore was the city’s first hotel. Constructed in 1887, the Taj West End has been meticulously preserved throughout the decades, and remains a fine example of colonial-era luxury, opulence, and hospitality. Each of the Taj’s ninety-one rooms feature twenty-four hour room service, electronic safes, mini-bar, a plasma television with satellite channels, telephones with an international calling capability, and queen size beds. On-site restaurants include Blue Ginger, which serves refined, elegant versions of classic Vietnamese food within a tasteful, atmospheric setting; Masala Klub, which features light, refreshing twists on traditional north and south Indian dishes; Mynt, which offers refreshing, authentic Mediterranean cuisine; and Blue Bar, an open air bar located in the gardens adjacent to Blue Ginger. Other amenities include a business center, a fully-equipped fitness center, swimming pools, and a full-service spa. The Taj West End is located approximately 45 minutes away from Bangalore airport (BLR).