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Shakti Himalaya: an Extraordinary mountain retreat

Shakti Himalaya: an Extraordinary mountain retreat

Shakti Himalaya is, perhaps, the most visionary, innovative, luxurious and exclusive Himalayan product in existence.  For those who seek space, peace and natural beauty, Shakti offers a rare opportunity to discover compellingly beautiful and remote regions of India.  Over the past couple of years the hugely dedicated, passionate and committed Shakti team have been...
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Indian hotels: Taj Mahal Hotel, Mumbai

Indian travel: A view of the Taj Mahal Palace hotel in Mumbai

First opening its doors in 1903, Taj Mahal Hotel, Mumbai was originally the brainchild of Jamshetji Nusserwanji Tata, known as ‘the father of Indian industry.’ This 565 room Indo-Saracenic masterpiece, commanding a prominent view of the harbour, has a special place in the hearts of the Mumbaikars, not least of which because of its...
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The Best Indian Guidebooks for your suitcase

The Best Indian Guidebooks for your suitcase

Indiaphile reviews a selection of the latest Indian guidebooks (1) India Culture Smart – The Essential Guide to Customs and Culture – Culture Smart! provides essential information on attitudes, beliefs and behavior in Indias, ensuring that you arrive at your destination aware of basic manners, common courtesies, and sensitive issues. This inside knowledge will...
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5 places to stay in Delhi, India

5 places to stay in Delhi, India

So you’ve arrived in Delhi, now where do you stay? Indiaphile offers a how to guide for finding a room in the capital of India. The first thing to know about accommodation in Delhi is that it’s expensive. With the country’s economy still climbing, and the Commonwealth Games imminent, rooms in the capital are...
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Samode Haveli Hotel, Rajasthan, (Golden Triangle)

Interior shot of the Samode Haveli Hotel, Rajasthan

Samode Haveli Hotel, Rajasthan is an Indo-saracenic town-house that’s perhaps ultimate place to stay within the walled city of Jaipur. This 200-year-old city mansion enjoys an unbeatable location and an interesting history, with 30 tasteful rooms of various sizes furnished in original Rajasthani antiques. Home to some stunning murals and frescoes, and with a...
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Indian travel reviews: Udai Bilas Palace in Rajasthan

Indian travel: Udai Bilas dining room

In the second of our profiles of Rajasthani Palace hotels, Indiaphile looks at Udai Bilas, Dungarpur, in the southernmost part of the state. Udai Bilas Palace dates from the mid-19th century, when Maharawal Udai Singhji-II, a great patron of art and architecture, built a sumptuous palace of bluish grey local stone “Pareva” overlooking the...
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Indian travel reviews: Heritage hotel Devi Garh in Rajasthan

Indian travel: Fort-Exterior-at-Dawn_big

Encompassing most of the Thar desert, Rajasthan is India’s largest state, and also one of its most romantic. Home to the blue city of Jodphur, the golden city of Jaisalmer, and the dusty pink capital of Jaipur, Rajasthan is a beguiling mix of rural India and a modernising society anxious to shrug off its...
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Yoga Magic: a unique yoga retreat in Goa, India

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Over 15 years as a travel writer, there are few places I’ve enjoyed so much, or visited so often as Yoga Magic, a unique eco and yoga retreat in Goa, India . From the first time I went there I felt at home and have delighted, on each visit since, in seeing it grow...
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