Let's get Personal

Inside, each of the nine suites features private plunge pools and fireplaces set into mud-plastered walls adorned with intricate mirror work that catches and multiplies the desert light. Though separated by geography and aesthetics, these boutique properties speak a shared language of authenticity. As luxury travel in India evolves, boutique hotels are gaining momentum because they offer what large chains often cannot—experiences that are deeply personal, rooted in local context, and thoughtfully curated. They are smaller, have fewer than 100 rooms, which have individuality as their calling card. Like the Old Lighthouse Bristow in Kochi which has been converted into a boutique hotel from a lighthouse. The Haveli Dharampura in Old Delhi, a 14-room Mughal-era building, two centuries old where kite flying is a welcome amusement for patrons: it even bagged a UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation. The Saraca Hotel Lucknow is an Art Deco building built in 1936 and echoes the 'tehzeeb' of Lucknow's kothis. The Sawantwad Palace, built by Khem Sawant III in the 18th century as his royal home in the Sindhudurg foothills; at this art hotel items of Ganjifa art and lacquerware made by skilled local artisans are collectibles; Ooty's British era King's Cliff, that was once the home of Lady Maybn and Lord Reginald overlooking the Blue Mountains with a fireplace in every room; the Sheikhpura Kothi in Haryana built in 1921 which has four poster beds with its own small ceiling fans; the six-suite La Villa 19th-century building serving French classics like leek fondue in Puducherry—the mother of boutique hotels culture in India.
Boutique hotels became popular sometime after the first phase of the pandemic. As the global travel market started opening up and people became more confident about travelling, they started prioritising experiences above comfort. The big hotel chains suddenly seemed impersonal, with a one-size-fitsall worldview. Travellers needed more and with the economy picking up, had the means to splurge on personalised experiences. The last two years have seen the boutique hotel trend skyrocket. Its market size was valued at USD 25.04 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.1 per cent by 2030.

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India.com

10 hours ago

• India.com

Budget-Friendly Dehradun: How To Explore Without Opening Your Wallet

Dehradun, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, is a city full of charm, history, and natural beauty. But here's the best part—you don't need to spend a single rupee (or dollar) to enjoy it! Whether you're a traveler on a budget or just looking to experience the city differently, Dehradun has plenty of free attractions that will make your visit memorable. From lush forests and ancient temples to colonial-era architecture and peaceful walking trails, here's how you can explore Dehradun without spending a dime. a Leisurely Walk at Rajpur Road Rajpur Road is the heart of Dehradun, lined with old colonial-style buildings, boutique shops, and stunning views of the mountains. Walking along this road in the early morning or late evening is a treat—cool breeze, chirping birds, and the charm of an old hill town. If you go a little further, you'll find the famous Rajpur Trail, a scenic walking path that takes you through dense forests and offers breathtaking views of the Doon Valley. A perfect way to soak in the beauty of the hills without spending anything! Rajpur Road is one of the oldest streets in Dehradun, dating back to the British era. Rajpur Trail is about 4 km long and leads up to Old Mussoorie Road. Best time to visit: Early morning or evening for cool weather and scenic views. Tapkeshwar Temple One of the most serene places in Dehradun, Tapkeshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located inside a cave. What makes it special? A natural spring drips water onto the Shiva Linga continuously, creating a mystical and peaceful atmosphere. You can sit by the riverside, meditate, or simply admire the beauty of nature. The temple is free to enter and a great spot for those who love history and spirituality. The temple is believed to be over 1,000 years old. It is built inside a cave where Guru Dronacharya (from Mahabharata) is said to have meditated. The temple is busiest during Mahashivratri but remains peaceful throughout the year. the Forest Research Institute (FRI) A visit to Dehradun is incomplete without seeing the grand Forest Research Institute (FRI). The stunning Greco-Roman-style building is surrounded by lush greenery and vast gardens. While the museum inside has a small entry fee, the campus itself is free to explore. You can walk through its neatly manicured lawns, admire the old British-era architecture, and even have a small picnic under the shade of century-old trees. The place is often used as a shooting location for Bollywood movies, so you might recognize it from the big screen! FRI was established in 1906 by the British and is one of the oldest forest research institutes in India. The campus covers 450 hectares, making it one of the largest green spaces in Dehradun. Movies like 'Student of the Year' were shot here. in the Views from Lachhiwala Nature Park If you're a nature lover, then Lachhiwala is the perfect free escape from the city's hustle and bustle. It's a beautiful forested area with walking trails, scenic riverbanks, and plenty of fresh air. You can walk around, take photos of the lush surroundings, or just relax by the streams flowing through the park. Though there's a paid section with artificial pools, you can easily enjoy the natural beauty without spending a single rupee. Lachhiwala is part of the Rajaji National Park buffer zone. It's a popular sunrise and sunset viewpoint. Great spot for birdwatching, especially during winters. Robber's Cave (Gucchu Pani) Robber's Cave, also known as Gucchu Pani, is one of Dehradun's most fascinating natural wonders. It's a long, narrow cave with a river flowing right through it! Entry is free, and you can wade through the cool water, explore the rocky formations, and enjoy the peace and quiet. The cave is believed to have been a hiding place for robbers during British rule, which is how it got its name. A fun, free adventure that combines history and nature! Robber's Cave is about 600 meters long. Water disappears underground at certain points and reappears further ahead, a natural phenomenon that amazes visitors. Best time to visit: Summer afternoons when the cool water provides a refreshing break from the heat. Through Paltan Bazaar No visit to Dehradun is complete without a walk through Paltan Bazaar, the city's busiest and most vibrant market. Even if you're not buying anything, just walking around and absorbing the sights and sounds is an experience in itself. You'll see street vendors selling fresh fruits, shopkeepers calling out their deals, and the smell of spices filling the air. If you love photography or people-watching, this place is a goldmine! Paltan Bazaar is one of the oldest markets in Dehradun, dating back to colonial times. Famous for woolen clothes, spices, and handicrafts. Located near the historic Clock Tower, another must-see spot in the city. a Sunset at Maldevta For a quiet and breathtakingly beautiful end to your day, head to Maldevta, a hidden gem just a short drive from the city center. It's a peaceful riverside spot surrounded by green hills, perfect for watching the sunset. You can sit on the riverbank, dip your feet in the water, or just enjoy the fresh mountain air. It's one of those places where time seems to slow down, and the best part? It's absolutely free! Maldevta is a lesser-known destination, making it perfect for a peaceful outing. Great for stargazing at night due to minimal light pollution. Ideal spot for a short hike or a relaxing afternoon. Final Thoughts Exploring Dehradun without spending money is not only possible, but it also gives you a deeper connection with the city's culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you're wandering through old streets, exploring caves, or just soaking in the breathtaking scenery, there's no shortage of experiences waiting for you. So put on your walking shoes, carry a bottle of water, and get ready to discover the best of Dehradun—without spending a single dollar!

New Indian Express

14 hours ago

• New Indian Express

Let's get Personal

Inside, each of the nine suites features private plunge pools and fireplaces set into mud-plastered walls adorned with intricate mirror work that catches and multiplies the desert light. Though separated by geography and aesthetics, these boutique properties speak a shared language of authenticity. As luxury travel in India evolves, boutique hotels are gaining momentum because they offer what large chains often cannot—experiences that are deeply personal, rooted in local context, and thoughtfully curated. They are smaller, have fewer than 100 rooms, which have individuality as their calling card. Like the Old Lighthouse Bristow in Kochi which has been converted into a boutique hotel from a lighthouse. The Haveli Dharampura in Old Delhi, a 14-room Mughal-era building, two centuries old where kite flying is a welcome amusement for patrons: it even bagged a UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation. The Saraca Hotel Lucknow is an Art Deco building built in 1936 and echoes the 'tehzeeb' of Lucknow's kothis. The Sawantwad Palace, built by Khem Sawant III in the 18th century as his royal home in the Sindhudurg foothills; at this art hotel items of Ganjifa art and lacquerware made by skilled local artisans are collectibles; Ooty's British era King's Cliff, that was once the home of Lady Maybn and Lord Reginald overlooking the Blue Mountains with a fireplace in every room; the Sheikhpura Kothi in Haryana built in 1921 which has four poster beds with its own small ceiling fans; the six-suite La Villa 19th-century building serving French classics like leek fondue in Puducherry—the mother of boutique hotels culture in India. Boutique hotels became popular sometime after the first phase of the pandemic. As the global travel market started opening up and people became more confident about travelling, they started prioritising experiences above comfort. The big hotel chains suddenly seemed impersonal, with a one-size-fitsall worldview. Travellers needed more and with the economy picking up, had the means to splurge on personalised experiences. The last two years have seen the boutique hotel trend skyrocket. Its market size was valued at USD 25.04 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.1 per cent by 2030.

Mint

15 hours ago

• Mint

Views of heritage architecture all tangled up in Darjeeling

Gift this article "Did you know that the older name for Darjeeling was Dorje-ling, or the land of thunder? When the British arrived, they couldn't pronounce the original name and called it Darjeeling—a name that stuck on," says our tour guide, Rahul Thapa, as we travel from the pristine tea estates of Kurseong to the main town of Darjeeling. Locals such as Thapa are worried that the picturesque hill station nestled in north Bengal may soon acquire another name, 'Taarjeeling", due to the proliferation of entangled wires dangling across the main town. In fact, this quip has become a popular joke with which guides and taxi drivers greet tourists. "Did you know that the older name for Darjeeling was Dorje-ling, or the land of thunder? When the British arrived, they couldn't pronounce the original name and called it Darjeeling—a name that stuck on," says our tour guide, Rahul Thapa, as we travel from the pristine tea estates of Kurseong to the main town of Darjeeling. Locals such as Thapa are worried that the picturesque hill station nestled in north Bengal may soon acquire another name, 'Taarjeeling", due to the proliferation of entangled wires dangling across the main town. In fact, this quip has become a popular joke with which guides and taxi drivers greet tourists. As someone who has visited Darjeeling earlier—my last visit being nearly 14 years ago—the statement seems like hyperbole. That is until I reach Darjeeling's Mall Road. Landmarks such as the Planter's Club (now renovated) and the Darjeeling Clock Tower, which had once stood tall, framed by mountains all around, today seem to be peeking out from behind a veil of tangled wires. Views of exquisite neocolonial and Gothic architecture, with a smattering of beautiful Art Deco elements here and there, are impeded by shops and restaurants under construction. During my last trip, I remember sitting on the deck of the famous Keventers cafe, enjoying unimpeded views of the mountains and of the Gothic churches. Today, the wire is as much part of the landscape. This observation is shared by many travellers to Darjeeling such as Sibendu Das, a Kolkata-based corporate content writer and culinary explorer, who has been visiting the hill station since his childhood. 'The buildings here are so rich in heritage value. But you can't view even the most obvious ones in their glory as there are wires going through the town. Try photographing one of them— you will find political posters, meshes of wires and under-construction buildings everywhere," says Das, who visited Darjeeling just last month to traverse the entire Unesco World Heritage toy train route from New Jalpaiguri Station to the main town. Darjeeling is not alone in being a victim of rampant haphazard urbanisation. Most of the hill stations across India have witnessed a drastic alteration in their landscapes—from charming havens with heritage architecture to dense urban sprawls packed with build ings of all shapes and sizes, incongruous to the laidback pristine beauty of these towns. Darjeeling has always held a lot of charm for history buffs and Satyajit Ray fans—the director based a story from his famous Feluda series here and shot some of his films in this town. This has attracted both domestic and foreign tourists. The Darjeeling Clock Tower That the town is turning into a concrete jungle saddens Sailesh Sarda, the fourth generation of his family to run Nathmulls Tea and a premium tea room in Darjeeling. 'Tourism is the backbone of our economy. But today, if you open a window expecting to see the mountains, you are greeted by incomplete construction," he says. Sarda moved out of Darjeeling to an adjoining village, located 40 minutes away, to escape this urban chaos. Also read: Planner: 5 events that make this weekend musical For those, who want to experience the old world charm of Darjeeling, there are still some stellar heritage structures, which often fall under the radar. Take, for instance, the house of pioneering industrialist Butto Kristo Paul—a mansion, with ornate wooden framed windows and traditional entrance, built between 1900 and 1910. A visit to the house of Chittaranjan Das, a freedom fighter and political activist popularly known as Deshbandhu, is also recommended. His home was witness to several historical events and the backdrop to films such as Sanyasi Raja featuring Uttam Kumar.'The film was based on a real incident from colonial times, when a zamindar was believed to have died. Several years later, he returned and there was a long legal battle to determine if the man who had come back was real or fake. The event that started it all—the zamindar dying on an evening marked by rough weather, his body disappearing—took place in Chittaranjan Das's house in Darjeeling," adds Das. Darjeeling has so much to offer for those interested in colonial and post-colonial history. It remains to be seen how the hill station will take the route of mindful development and manage to keep the wires away from its heritage structures and natural beauty. Topics You May Be Interested In