One can’t work in travel and not have noticed the protests in Spain regarding over tourism, Venice now charging entrance fees etc. Both Shoba and I have been around in travel for over 25 years and have seen first hand the impact that over tourism has had on many destinations in India and Nepal. When combined with a population of 1.4 billion, it can seem that India gets it from all sides! Growth in the popularity of destinations from the international as well as domestic traveller, marketing just focused on a small number of destinations, insufficient planning for the growth and little consideration for the local population have all taken their toll the best-known destinations.
So, how can this be avoided?
From the start, many of the hotels chosen to be RARE partners have been located in more off beat destinations. These are in locations surrounded by land that is privately owned or managed and therefore can’t be overdeveloped. They are all personally run by local families who have always had an affinity with the local communities. They all provide a wonderful insight into their particular regions and stories of India, its trials, tribulations and triumphs! Imagine a small fort with just 12 rooms, a tea estate stay with just 8 rooms, a farm stay in the shadow of Ellora all surrounded by acres of land, small villages and spectacular scenery.
On a personal note, I started to include these special stays in my itineraries when I was a tour operator back in the early noughties. Initially clients needed to be coaxed into spending three nights in an unknown destination because more often than not, they are the places they will not have heard about, but without fail, every client came back and said they were the highlight of their holiday.
Here are this months’ top picks for offbeat stays to introduce an element of calm into India’s more popular itineraries:
New to RARE: Dhanya Farms, Ajanta Maharashtra
Tucked away in the lush greenery of the countryside, Dhyaana Farms is an off-grid, barefoot luxury farm stay, having just five rooms and being spread over 14 acres of land. Dhyaana is a fully organic farm, with healthy, natural living and protection of the environment being an integral part of their philosophy (it’s even entirely powered by the sun!) and they also work closely with the local farming community, which forms the basis of all their sustainability initiatives. Activities include pottery, guided hiking excursions, yoga, jeep rides to explore the picturesque villages to meet and interact with the locals on an off-roading trip and of course yoga.
This is the perfect off-beat place to stay when visiting Ellora (20 mins) and Ajanta (2.5 hours) and, it also connects well with Nashik!
History Café and Riverside Chateau, Kerala
Cranganor is a quaint, riverside resort where every room enjoys views of Kerala’s longest river, the Periyar. Located near a sleepy village and in the vicinity of the Muziris Heritage Project a stay here is made up of sumptuous local cuisine, fresh catch of the day from local fishermen, walks to the local markets, ancient synagogues, church fetes, temple festivals, boat races, cycling along the vast paddy fields and to simply sit and relax by the river.
Located just 20kms from Kochi International airport, it provides a wonderful first or last stay on any Kerala itinerary.
Windermere River House, Kerala
Nestled on a two-acres of lush tropical gardens on the banks of the Periyar River and surrounded by evergreen forests, The River House invites exploration and discovery of some of the world’s most diverse ecosystems. Birding, forest treks, kayaking, cycling are some of the activities on offer. Though more often than not, having indulged in the home-styled meals, most guests simply engage in unhurried walks, a dip in the pool overlooking the tranquil river, and reconnect with nature being surrounded by the melodious call of birds.
This is the perfect stop over between the better-known destinations of Kochi and Munnar.
Chanoudgarh, Rajasthan
Definitely one of Rajasthan’s best kept secrets, this stunningly restored 300-year-old fortress is the epitome of Rajputana elegance. To step through its doors is to be captivated by its blend of history, architecture, and traditional Rajput warm and personalized hospitality. Step out of the hotel, you are immersed in the epitome of rural Rajasthan. Head out on a village walk or jeep safari, far away from mainstream tourism and where the locals, whether nomadic shepherds or women working in the fields, offer you a glimpse into their world. It is a magical experience which forms the highlight of many an itinerary.
It is ideally located to provide a two or ideally a three night stay between Jodhpur and Udaipur.
Ramathra Fort, Rajasthan
Ramathra is a small, beautifully resorted fort, sitting at the head of a broad valley, which offers spectacular views over the countryside which can be enjoyed form it’s ramparts. It offers the opportunity to saunter into the local villages and surrounding farms to meet and interact with the locals and experience just what makes rural Rajasthan so special. In addition, there are nature walks, boat rides on the Kalisil Lake and jeep rides to explore the rewilded countryside. Accommodation is in a choice of rooms in the fort or luxury tents in the grounds.
Ideally located for a stop-over between Agra and Jaipur or before or after visiting Ranthambhore.
This is just a small collection of the off-beat stays which are part of RARE. Do contact us if you’d like to discover hotels in other regions.
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