While I get the appeal of indulging in gelato by the Amalfi Coast or snorkelling in the pristine blue waters of the Maldives, there’s much to discover closer home. The reason why India is such a diverse country is because of our rich history, architectural structures and monuments, natural wonders, and a bounty of culinary traditions and cultures. This year, World Tourism Day emphasises the vital link between tourism and global peace. The United Nations is encouraging us to embrace sustainable travel and deepen our understanding of different cultures—an idea worth considering for your next getaway.
If exploring our country through the local lens is on your radar soon, we’re here to help. Bookmark these luxurious hotels that double up as serene escapades, allowing you to come closer to the neighbouring communities and their lifestyle.
1. A Village Walk by The Kyagar, Nubra (Ladakh)
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Nestled along the ancient Silk Route in Nubra Valley, The Kyagar has long been a timeless haven for travellers, where, for centuries, silk, precious metals, stories, philosophies, and ideas were exchanged. During my visit to the hotel this month, I was delighted to immerse myself in its local charm, from eco-inspired rooms with breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayas to savouring farm-to-table, authentic Ladakhi cuisine.
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One of the hidden gems I recommend is heading for the village walk to the nearby Kyagar village, which is mostly agrarian and is still untouched by modernisation. You must visit the 250-year-old aristocratic Zimskhang home run by three women of different generations. Enjoy butter tea and chhurpi (dried yak cheese) while learning about the Ladakhi way of living.
2. Get Closer To The Rabari Community with SUJÁN Jawai (Rajasthan)
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The only Indian hotel featured in the list of World’s 50 Best Hotels at #43, SUJÁN Jawai (a Relais & Châteaux member) is more than just a luxury lodging in Rajasthan’s Jawai district. The hotel is nestled in a beautiful landscape featuring billion-year-old granite rock formations home to leopards coexisting with the local Rabari communities–an indigenous tribal caste of nomadic cattle and camel herders and shepherds. Besides the game drives, which are famous for leopard sightings, you must go for the guided Rabari walk, where you’ll get to learn about the Rabaris’ traditional clothing and jewellery, their way of life, culinary traditions, and culture.
3. Familiarise Yourself with Local Produce & Kumaoni Culture at The Kumaon (Uttarakhand)
Perched majestically on a ridge, enveloped by the pristine embrace of the Nanda Devi Range, The Kumaon is a 10-chalet luxury boutique hotel offering a tapestry of experiences. From yoga by the cloud-laden hills to nature trails and hikes, The Kumaon is the perfect escape to be one with nature. One of the significant highlights is its culinary program.
Sample authentic regional dishes like Bhatt ki Churkani, Aloo ke Gutke, Fiddlehead Quiche, Bhang ki Chutney, and more, all prepared with local ingredients with an authentic taste of the region. Explore the unique, foraged ingredients that shape the region’s culinary traditions. You can also try The Kumaon’s new jam-making experience, where expert chefs guide you in crafting jams from fresh local fruits like plum, apple, and orange using traditional methods. What’s more? You can then take these homemade jams as a souvenir!
If you feel extra adventurous, take a day-long excursion that descends from Kasar Devi to the Balta village. The route takes you through fruit orchards and old thatched houses, giving an immersive experience of the agricultural practices and lifestyles of the region.
4. Rediscover Goan Culture at The Island Sanctuary (Goa)
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Amidst Goa’s burgeoning nightlife scene, tourists seem to have forgotten the essence of the susegad life the sunny state is known for. If you’re planning a visit to Goa again, try exploring the path less travelled, possibly one of the islands that revive your memories of what Goan culture is all about. Disembark from the Ribandar ferry onto Chorão Island and head straight to The Island Sanctuary, a beautiful Portuguese-style homestay run by couple Praveena and Dean D’Souza. With a rock pool being its highlight, the house is an ideal escape from Goa’s usual hustle and bustle.
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The owners are committed to helping you experience the rich culture of Goa; the homestay only provides breakfast as it encourages you to explore local restaurants and taverns run by the community. For a more immersive experience, spend a morning with a local family preparing a traditional lunch at the Tato Khulagar farm. You can also connect with Goans on wetland trails and visit nearby churches and temples. Beyond the island, curated trips take you to Mayem Lake, Harvalem Waterfalls, and Bicholim Market, stopping at Zantye’s cashew factory to pick up some of the finest nuts. I don’t know about you, but this indeed sounds like something I’d do in Goa.
5. Spend A Day With the Kuttanad Community at Malabar House Fort Kochi (Kerala)
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Another Relais & Châteaux member, this beautifully designed art hotel is home to a carefully curated collection that highlights Kerala’s composite culture. While the hotel boasts comfortable rooms, flawless service, and dining experiences that combine the tradition of South India with culinary innovation, you must consider some of the hotel’s excursions. I recommend the Kuttanad Community Experience, which gives you a peek into the lives of people living by the Kerala backwaters. A boat will take you along the narrow backwater canals of Pulincunnu, where a local will explain the surrounding flora and fauna. Krishna Kumari, an enthusiastic grandmother, will invite you into her 100-year-old home and serve you Kerala specialities like Rice Puttu or Appam with Chicken or Duck Curry on a banana leaf. You can witness the art of toddy tapping high up on coconut trees, relish some fresh toddy, and finally see how the communities practise sustainable duck and fish farming.
