Travel Guide

You’ve seen the Expedia.com commercials with the couple in the beachside bungalow with mosquito nets… and the thought of going on vacation to stay in a tent gives you the creepy crawlies already. Not to worry, you won’t need a sleeping bag and a bottle of Off! for this exotic vacation. When was the last time you stayed in an air-conditioned, 790 square-foot tent with wooden floors, embroidered interior canopies, private gardens, outside deck for sunbathing, king size four-poster bed, freestanding rolltop bath and separate shower? And just to make sure you don’t feel like you’re “roughing it,” your tent comes with a DVD player and minibar.

It’s seems contradictory that the words “luxury” be used to describe a tent but at the Oberoi Vanyavilas, located between the Aravali and the Vindhya mountain ranges in South-Eastern Rajasthan, India, the concept is far from novel. Nestled among 20 acres of landscaped gardens, lemon and mango trees, and lakes and fountains, are 25 tents, bordering on one of the most extraordinary wildlife reserves in the world, Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve, which is home to the majestic Indian tiger, as well as deer, leopard, and crocodile.

Now, before you think that this is an isolated retreat, consider the fine dining options and extensive spa services available. In the Dining Room and Inner Courtyard, Executive Chef Saurav Banerjee and Indian Master Chef Arjun Singh Yadava present an impressive spread of Western, Thai and Indian cuisine from a revolving menu. The exquisitely decorated restaurant features hand painted frescoes of flowers and animals by the celebrated miniaturist Mohan Singh Kumawat. Outside is the walled terrace of the Inner Courtyard which is lit at night by a massive log fire (camp fire songs optional).

As with any quality resort, there is a spa, where you’ll find steam rooms, showers and private therapy suites and a long menu of spa treatments, massages, facials, manicures and pedicures. Try the stimulating Indian Spice Wrap and a delicious Orange Wrap. All the massage and aromatherapy treatments are aimed at relieving stress and promoting a deep sense of relaxation and wellbeing. And for fitness buffs who can’t miss a workout, there is an exercycle, rowing machine, steppers and a treadmill, as well as an outdoor heated pool.

Grandly protruding into the Indian Ocean, India is more of a continent than a country. This subcontinent covers every topographical wonder, from white sandy island beaches and tropical forests to high deserts and soaring mountain ranges. Discover 5,000 years of human history, beginning with one of the oldest civilizations of the Indus River Valley who merged with Aryan invaders around 1500 B.C.E. to create the classic Indian culture that still thrives today. With 26 World Heritage Sites sprinkled about the country, it is easy to be immersed in the intricacies of local culture in nearly each of the 28 states and 7 territories.

Thriving Cities and Clashing Cultures: The Beauty of the North

The northern region of India is an assorted mix of cultures, traditions, languages and arts. The vulnerability of this area to outside invaders throughout history has been both a blessing and a curse, bringing with the turmoil unique external influences and inspirations. The capital city of New Delhi, with its mix of four major religions, 7 reigns of power and 2500 years of history, is a prime example of coexisting realities. Wind your way through Old Delhi and be surrounded by remnants of the Mughal Empire, including the largest mosque in India, the Jama Masjid, and Humayun’s Tomb, a 16th century landmark of breathtaking Mughal architecture that would later be echoed in the Taj Mahal. New Delhi is almost a different world with its imperial architecture and broad stately boulevards. Colonial influence is abundant since the British declared Delhi the capital during their rule. The Taj Mahal is also in the north, about 200 kilometers from Delhi. This is the most iconic demonstration of Mughal construction and should not be missed.

A Light into the Heartland: Travel India’s South

Travel to the more culturally homogenous south of India and witness thousands of years of the caste system still in practice despite the more modern structure of India’s government. With its alluring tales of trade and independence, Goa is one of the most popular destinations along the Indian coastline. Among Goa’s ancient ruins stands the Vittala Temple, a monumental tribute to the capital city of the primeval Vijayangara Empire. Most notable are the temple’s musical pillars that represent different musical instruments. Goa’s intricate architecture and independent culture are also products of 450 years of Portuguese colonial rule. In the south, the traveler will also encounter a plethora of biodiversity and protected wilderness areas. The Western Ghats Range is classified as one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots where Silent Valley National Park protects India’s last tract of virgin tropical evergreen forest.

When to Travel to India

Despite the gargantuan size of this subcontinent, there are distinct seasons during which travel anywhere in the country can be extraordinarily uncomfortable and stressful. From April to October, temperatures soar above 90F (45C) and humidity escalates to unbearable levels. October also marks the end of the monsoon season during which the southern and coastal regions are plagued with torrential downpour. The rest of the year is very pleasant and mild with consistently warm weather in the south and rather chilly evenings in the north between December and February.

A traveler might wonder where to begin in a foreign country that is slightly smaller than the size of the United States with over 5,000 years of recorded history. The wonderful advantage to traveling China is that there is no right or wrong place to start. China’s fascinating past is written all over its 23 provinces,* 5 autonomous regions and 4 municipalities. The Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau are also part of China’s government under a “one country, two systems” law.

Greater Than the Great Wall: Travel to China’s Many Wonders

China is a mecca for human-made and natural wonders. The southern Tibetan border is home to the world’s tallest peak, Mt. Everest. Take in the inspiring Himalayan view then head north and travel through the majestic Three Gorges, a 120-mile stretch of plummeting cliffs along the Yangtze River. Stand in the middle of the largest plaza in the world, Tiananmen Square, at the heart of the capital city, Beijing. While in Beijing, visit the Imperial Palace and find out why it is known as the Forbidden City. Then, venture south to discover a true artistic Qin Dynasty treasure in Xian, where over six thousand Terracotta Warriors are arranged in battle formation on 14,000 square meters of land.

Hong Kong and Macau: Another Way to Experience China

These two regions are governed with a significant degree of political and commercial autonomy and are China’s most prominent examples of the fusion of cultures brought about by colonialism. While travel to these provinces provides a very different experience from the rest of China, they are by no means lacking in worldly wonders or the authentic Chinese lifestyle.

Hong Kong came under British rule in 1841 after centuries of British involvement in the silk and tea trade. The expansion and modernization of this global port city attracted commercial and cultural influences from all corners of the world. China regained sovereignty over the British colony in 1997 but agreed to leave the democratic government structure intact. What has resulted is an unparalleled bastion of progressive ideas, pioneering technology and architectural phenomena like the world’s three longest bridges.

Thirty-five miles west of Hong Kong across the Pear River delta, the enclave of Macau is perched on a peninsula surrounded by small islands. Portugal had established sovereignty over Macau in 1887 after a history of heavy trade and navigation in the region. The Portuguese finally ceded all authority back to China in 1999. The sophisticated blend of Chinese and Portuguese art, architecture and cuisine define Macau’s truly enchanting character. In Macau it is commonplace to enjoy an espresso and pastry for lunch and Dim Sum for dinner, accompanied by a fine Portuguese wine.

Be sure to set aside ample time to explore Hong Kong and Macau as part of your itinerary to travel China!

* It should be noted that China considers Taiwan to be its 23rd province; however Taiwan essentially functions as an independent nation and is not easily accessible from mainland China.