Indian Elegance is a collection of private retreats - ancestral homes, forts, hotels, palaces, riverboats, safari lodges and tented camps - all generally owner managed that are the epitome of hospitality, style and personality, each unique and original in it's form and ways, hard to find and hard to leave. Locations are varied and the experience at one or more of them underlines the atmosphere and the unending contrasts that India has to offer to the discerning traveller

AMANBAGH, Ajabgarh,Rajasthan

A caravanserai like abode set in a secluded valley along a medieval trade route of the Mughal empire, Amanbagh is peace, tranqulity and grace personified, with hallmark service and unusual sightseeing in the vicinity. Travellers often wish they had stayed longer.

ANANDA In The Himalaya, near Rishikesh, Uttaranchal

India's first and foremost destibation spa, situated in the hills rising above the Ganges, Ananda In The Himalaya is the fitting reward at the end of a long journey and home for the soul, mind and body. A magnificent setting, with hospitality and facilities to match, and opportunities to explore the fabled surroundings.

AYISHA MAMZIL, Tellicherry, Kerala

Secreted away on the northern Malabar coast, this immaculate private residence looks over the Arabian Sea in and old fishing and spice trading port. It's owner-hosts usher you into another world of little known sights, martial arts and dance forts, and the specialised cuisine of this region.

THE BANGALA, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu

In a little known region of southern India, the centrestage is held by a collection of eccentric yet elegant mansions whose masters were drawn away by the lure of the big cities. One among them, The Bangala, is now attracting travellers with it's atmosphere of another era and unique hospitality.

R/V CHARAIDEW and R/V SUKHAPA, Brahmaputra River, Assam

A nostalgic ode to the lost era of riverboat travel, two simple and superb river vessels,with just 12 cabins each, bring alive the legend and lore of the Brahmaputra, it's peaople,culture and natural vistas. A choice of imaginitive and well planned cruises are on offer from October through April, with unusual shore excursions.

AMAN-I-KHAS, Ranthambhore National Park, Rajasthan

Amanresorts very first footprint in India is a small luxury camp inspired by Mughal tenting design, with Ranthambhore National Park forming the dramatic backdrop. Soothing hospitality and exciting wildlife viewing provide another distinctive dimension to an adventure on the Indian Subcontinent.

CHHATRASAGAR, Nimaj, Rajasthan

Once the private hunting preserve of local nobility, Nimaj is now home to Chhatrasagar, an idyllic tented camp set on a low dam overlooking a reservoir. Chhatrasagar's owner hosts guide you into the heart of rural India, with jeep safaris and walks, birdwatching and heart warming home cooking.

HOUSE OF MANGALDAS, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

The only heritage hotel in Ahmedabad, this boutique hotel is housed in a refurbished 20th century mansion. This environment conscious luxury hotel thrives on its local identity and offers traditional hospitality with a contemporary aesthetic touch.

SHAHPURA BAGH, Shahpura, Rajathan

Shahpura Bagh is a boutique home stay where clients arrive as guests and leave as friends. The 19th century Nahar Niwas , one of the two residencies on the estate, remains the family home, warm and gracious, offering the wonderful experience of traditional personalized hospitality, of being welcomed into the heart of an ancient lineage.

KALMATIA SANGAM, Almora, Uttaranchal

This delightful resort with spectacular mountain views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks is a wonderful place to unwind and be one with nature. The building is an indigenous blend of colonial and Kumaoni architecture with an old world charm.

GLENBURN TEA ESTATE, Darjeeling, West Bengal

Established by a Scottish Tea Company in 1860, the Spartan side of the Scottish inheritance has been left behind with suites that are just delightful. You start the day with ‘bed’ tea – one of India’s finest institutions - and end with hot water bottles.

AHILYA FORT, Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh

The Ahilya Fort rises out of the sacred Narmada River, and was the capital of one of India’s celebrated women rulers, Ahilya Bai Holkar. The Palace is simple and elegant and its ambience has been captured in time with its conversion into a guest residence of unusual charm, where guests learn about the multi faceted culture of Maheshwar.

MANVAR DESERT CAMP, Rajasthan

Manvar Desert Camp provides an unsurpassed experience of Rajashan. Nestled in the desert, with close proximity to the bush and wilderness, experience the aura of the desert, in the comforts of large comfortable camps set up exclusively for you. You stay in large Selous style walk - in - tents with private verandahs and full en-suite facilities.

ROHET GARH, Rajasthan

An established heritage hotel but a family affair, the fortified desert home of the Rathore descendant’s, on the banks of a birdlife-rich lake has been beautifully restored in traditional style depicting traditional Indian scenes.

RAMATHRA FORT, Rajasthan

Located between two well known wildlife reserves, The Fort, the lake and the spectacular country side are the main attractions of Ramathra. Accommodation is in six beautifully designed luxury tents, set against the fort ramparts.

PARADISA PLANTATIONS, Kerala

Find peace and tranquility in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary at this remote, friendly village guest house. The warm and familiar hospitality and the excellent service associated with this unique and peaceful location far away from any noise and pollution with spectacular views of the hills to Periyar Tiger Reserve provides an unforgettable experience,

MARIA RESORT, Kerala

Elegantly designed and furnished with antiques carrying 150 years of history, this secure private getaway has breathtaking views of River Pampa as its frontal view and vast expanse of paddy field in the back. From the traveling family, to adventure seekers or honeymooners, this is the place to getaway for much needed pampering as you make your way through the country.