Ladakh… Family Holiday with a Twist

 

Ladakh is beautiful, unique and incredible! It is something that you have never seen before! A perfect holiday destination in the state of Jammu & Kashmir…BUT I would only recommend a family holiday here to people who think they can handle the moody weather and have older kids. As beautiful as this place is, it is equally rigorous and challenging. The best places to visit in Ladakh with family are Leh and regions. The reasons being, first, it is easy to reach Leh, as there is air services to Leh from Delhi and Jammu. Secondly, during the summer season, the mercury remains steady at 30 degree Celsius, making it quiet a pleasant time to visit. You would like to visit the 800 year old Kali Mandir, perched on top of a mountain; the Shanti Stupa situated right outside the city; and the 17^th century Leh Palace. Thiksey and Hemis monasteries are other prime attractions of Leh. If your health allows and your kids get well acclimatized , you can head out of Leh city and visit the beautiful Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri Lake and Nubra Valley.

 

Kashmir… The Valley of Fun and Adventure

 

A Kashmiri lady, who lives in the same building that I live in, once over a cup of tea said something that urged me to go and visit Kashmir. She said “go to Kashmir, not because several brochures, websites and magazines tell you to, but because you should!” I have never seen beauty so divine and perfect anywhere, but in Kashmir. The amiable people and the heartwarming hospitality add to the charm of the valley. So, what to see in Kashmir?? Well, you have four great destinations for spending holidays in Kashmir; the first is Pahalgam, second is Gulmarg, third is Sonmarg and fourth is Srinagar. Pahalgam is a perfect destination for families  looking to spend some leisure time; there are many hotels and resorts in Pahalgam that offer great value for money. If you have kids older than 8 years, you can go river rafting in Lidder River or skiing in Aru Valley. Angling and leisure walks are other activities you can try out to when in Kashmir.

Gulmarg couldn’t charm you more! Set amidst lofty snow-clad mountains, Gulmarg offers holidayers the time of their life. A major attraction in Gulmarg is the cable car ride to and from Kongdoori and Apparwath Peak. The view from the top is breathtaking! Though, Sonmarg is a bit of an offbeat destination for families, yet it has lot of interesting things to offer. Camping, tent-staystrekking –to Thajiwas Glacier, fishing, and strolls along the lake side stroll are some of the things you can do in Sonmarg. Our fourth destination Srinagar is amongst the best places to go on a summer holiday with family in India. Besides being the state capital, Srinagar is also the cash cow of Jammu & Kashmir tourism. Shikara ride, houseboat stay and water-skiing (if your kids are minimum 12 years of age) are some activities that can be enjoyed with family in Srinagar. For sightseeing, you can go to Mughal Gardens namely, Chashma-e-Shahi, Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Garden, Hazratbal Shrine and Hari Parbat Fort.

Most anticipated Hotel openings in 2016 across India

  InterContinental, Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort Global hotel chain InterContinental Hotel Group(IHG) has launched its first luxury beach resort in Mahabalipuram. With InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort, IHG marks the debut of InterContinental Resort in India. The 105-room property is located near the UNESCO world heritage site of Mahabalipuram and offers ocean front suites and rooms along with three food and beverage options http://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/gb/en/chennai/maamr/hoteldetail Chumbi Mountain Retreat Resort and Spa, Sikkim Experience Sikkim's blessed places of refuge and sanctity – in the Chumbi Mountain Retreat Resort and Spa. It is the newest luxurious addition to the Chumbi Group of Hotels owned by filmmaker and hotelier Ugyen Chopel. Featuring every possible contemporary convienience blended with a traditional ambience for the guests to get the feel of quintessential Sikkimese culture and tradition as they relax in the serene comfort of a lush, luxurious five Star setting, for a unique enriching experience. http://www.thechumbimountainretreat.com/index.html   Taj, Santacruz Mumbai Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, a subsidiary of Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) today announced the opening of its luxury hotel in Santacruz, Mumbai. "The property offers spacious rooms, which begins with 580 square feet for the base rooms. It is very spacious even in by international standards," Taj Santacruz General Manager Pankaj Sampat. Located just off the Western Express Highway, the hotel also offers a vantage point of access, with proximity to the city's financial and entertainment  centres. Having 279 rooms and suites, this new addition takes the number of luxury properties of the group to 23 globally. https://taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj-santacruz-mumbai/           Conrad, Pune Scheduled to open in 2016, the Conrad Pune is an iconic structure in the heart of Pune’s dynamic central business district and only minutes from major corporations, key government institutions and premier residential neighborhoods. Experience the finest shopping, dining and entertainment, all just moments away. The Conrad Pune will also be within easy reach of popular tourist attractions like the Aga Khan Palace, Shaniwar Wada, Poona Club Golf Course and the Royal Connaught Boat Club. http://conradhotels3.hilton.com/en/future-openings/index.html Lubua, Lucknow Lebua Lucknow is a Luxury Boutique Heritage property, located in central Lucknow and conceptualised as a sprawling traditional bungalow with a huge lush green lawn. It reflects and personifies the "Art Deco" architecture prevailing in the early 1900's. All 41 rooms represent a stunning piece of art, reflecting quintessential Lakhnavi heritage of living spaces opening onto courtyards & terraces that will take each guest back to an era when Lucknow was synonymous with an ostentatious lifestyle nurtured in its sprawling kothis and havelis. Lebua Lucknow’s ambience and hospitality will enrich and deliver the perfect Lucknow experience and will make for a perfect retreat to this wonderful ‘City of Illusions' http://www.lebua.com/lebua-lucknow The Oberoi Sukhvilas, Chandigarh An exquisite luxury spa resort surrounded by over 8,000 acres of protected natural forest. With verdant views on all sides, our elegant resort is a delightful harmony of traditional Indian architecture, aesthetically landscaped gardens and beautiful water features. The spa at The Oberoi Sukhvilas occupies a secluded space surrounded by the forest on three sides. Embellished with elegant glass, fire and water features, the spa is a spectacular setting to experience massage therapies, Ayurveda, hydrotherapies, a steam, an ultraviolet sauna, a Turkish Hammam and a Roman tepidarium. Accommodation is arranged in small clusters to afford privacy for couples, and convenience for families or small groups travelling together. Dining options include speciality and multi-cuisine restaurants, with indoor and al fresco seating. The Oberoi Sukhvilas is located thirty minutes from Chandigarh city centre and a 45 minute drive from the airport. The Oberoi Sukhvilas will open in the third quarter of 2016. http://www.oberoihotels.com/hotels-in-chandigarh-sukhvilas-resort/ Alila Fort, Bishangarh Opening in 2016, Alila Fort Bishangarh is a heritage fortress lovingly restored & transformed into a luxury resort. The original fort is left intact, with much care given to ecological restoration and the reconstruction of new residential areas, to recreate the courtly flavour of Shahpura’s royalty. The grandeur is felt in its stark and inherent simplicity that has withstood the test of time through its fortification. Perhaps the only warrior fort that has been converted into a heritage resort, Alila Fort Bishangarh is a unique example of the Jaipur Gharana architecture influenced by both the Mughals and the British. The two-metre thick ancient walls around the fort have openings for firearms and turrets (known as burjs) as battlements. A completely new structure is created above and outside the old fort to house five different styles of royal suites and the lavish public areas. http://www.alilahotels.com/fortbishangarh W Retreat & Spa, Goa Opening Sept 2016. A private beach, exuberant local culture, visionary design and fabulous accommodations define India’s most exotic hideaway. http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels/property/overview/index.html?language=en_US&propertyID=3723 The Westin, Kolkata Rajarhat Opening September 1, 2016. Located close to the International Convention Centre and the airport, this energising retreat is ideal for business and leisure travellers. http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?language=en_US&propertyID=3274 Le Méridien, Delhi NCR (Noida) Opening September 1, 2016. Amid a bustling business district’s offices and entertainment, this downtown hotel boasts upscale restaurants and inspiring accommodations. http://www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien/property/overview/index.html?language=en_US&propertyID=3886 Sheraton, Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center - Opening December 1, 2016. Offering a host of amenities and comforts, this hotel is near multinational IT and Fortune 500 companies, as well as cultural treasures. http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?language=en_US&propertyID=3809 If there are more 5 star / luxury hotels opening in 2016 in India, feel free to message/reply here or tweet on @IndianTouristB Posted 4 weeks ago by The Indian Tourist