Where to Stay in India

With a country that boasts of a dizzying variety of landscapes, languages, culture, beliefs and lifestyles, it is only justifiable, to have an equally varied choice of accommodation that suit the need of a backpacker and the refined taste of a comfort-loving tourist as well.

From grand old palaces to tourist bungalows, health spas to home stays, India offers tourists an excellent array of staying options that go with every taste and budget.

Here is a quick guide to where all you can stay while on a trip to India.

In the Lap of Luxury
India’s upscale luxurious hotels are at par with the best in the world. There are some renowned hotel chains that take the business of hospitality very seriously and thus provide services second to none. Be it the luxurious suites and rooms, state-of –the-art conference facilities, shopping arcades, multi-cuisine restaurants, swimming pools, fitness centers or the added amenities like personal butlers, if you wish to live in style, you very well can in these super chic hotels. Some names that instantly come to mind while talking luxury are The Taj group, Oberoi group and the Welcome group of hotels.
To know a little more on destination specific luxury hotels, you can check, Luxury Hotels

Living Maharaja style
If you have always been fascinated with the life of Kings and Queens, you can experience the same royal life by staying at the many forts, palaces and havelis (homes) that have been modernized, restored and converted into plush luxury hotels, for tourists like you. From the moment, you enter these erstwhile royal residence, you are transported into a world where grandeur knows no boundaries. You can stay in rooms that originally belonged to royalties, eat in dining areas of the Kings, even get pampered with rose petal baths, grand elephant rides and folk dance performances especially choreographed for you.

In the state of Rajasthan, that literally means the place for Rajas or Kings, these kinds of heritage hotels are in plenty and so are the royal memories to take back home.
To know more visit, Heritage Hotels

Comfortable and Affordable
The four and three star hotels offer a scaled down version of the royal luxury and are less expensive. The professionalism, level of comfort, cleanliness and services though are not compromised. What a tourist most enjoys with these kinds of hotels is the joy of exploring a new destination and coming back in the evening to a spic and span room, relaxed atmosphere, with personal attention given by the hotel staff.

Almost all these hotels have restaurant serving delicious meals, gift shops, business centers, and sometimes, extensive gardens for hosting parties or for simply dining outdoors. The affordability and the service quality, make these  Three & Four Star Hotels a preferred choice for many who are traveling with their family

Simple living
If you are not one of the big spenders when it comes to accommodation, there are numerous small hotels near bus stands and railway stations that provide rooms, which are simple and inexpensive. These hotels mostly have basic facilities like a dining area, Indian or Western style toilets, and rooms with ceiling fans. Some also give additional facilities like free Internet.
For lesser-known travel destinations, the tourist bungalows run by the state tourist department too are a good option. Moderately priced, they offer both independent rooms with attached bathrooms as well as dormitory accommodation.
You can fine out more here Budget Hotels

In the Inns
Legacy of the British period continues in the form of inns called Dak Bungalows in India. These have basic facilities and mostly used by government officials.

Through advance booking you can book yourself a room that is clean, cheap and conveniently located mid way to a destination or at a location where there are not many hotels.

Homely Comfort
In certain states such as Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Goa and Madhya Pradesh, family cottages and old mansions have been partially or completely converted into guesthouses. The quality of the rooms, service provided, location, pricing etc. varies and it is advisable to first see all the rooms before making your selection.
Home stays are a nice option to understand the lifestyle of the region from close quarters. An added advantage is that home owners can act as guides revealing insider information about shopping, sight seeing, transportation etc and provide scrumptious home cooked meals.

Many known companies like Mahindra have standardized the system of houseguests ensuring a pleasant stay.

Living the Ascetic Way
Religious centers like Ashrams or monasteries provide visitors a nice room on single or sharing basis if asked for and that too for free. Donations made are always welcome and it is wise to abide by the rules of the house if living here.

The atmosphere without doubt is peaceful and meditative with some glorious views of the landscapes to add on to the spiritual bliss.

Jungle Life
Camping in the forest has become one of the big draws for tourists visitng national parks or sanctuaries. You even do not need to pack yor own camping gear as there are plenty of adventure companies offering just that.From simple tents to luxurious swiss camp resorts, the range and service provided varies with the money you are ready to spend. For more information go to, Adventure

Holistic Health stays
With the rising interest in yoga, Ayurveda and herbal treatments, many special hotels have mushroomed all over India that are exclusives health resorts. Massage therapy, reflexology, aromatherapy, meditation, whatever the need you can detox your body and soul the way you wish in these Spas and hotels.

Youth Hostels
These are good options if you are with college friends, or on your own. The room rates are pretty low though members of the Youth Hostel Association around the world get priority bookings.

Diverse staying options for a diverse country called India.

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