10 Must Visit Dream Destinations in India | Luxury Travellers’ Guide

July 16, 2024

There’s absolutely no doubt that India is a diverse country in every sense of the word. Our country abounds in a variety of different landscapes, languages, communities, and cultures, surprising us with something new at every corner. From the snow-clad Himalayas in the north to the long stretches of sandy beaches in the south, in between we find cities, hill stations, natural wonders and monuments of history brimming with stories to tell. Lohono Stays presents to you a carefully curated list of must visit dream destinations in India.

We strongly believe that where you stay can define your trip, and we strive to provide you with impeccably designed villas, luxurious amenities, and a hospitality team par excellence. Come let us explore the 10 must visit dream destinations in India with Lohono Stays.

Udaipur – A Must Visit Royal Destination In India

Udaipur feels like a city crafted in dreams, with its beautifully constructed palaces, maze-like alleyways, and peaceful lake-side pavilions. Rajasthan’s white city has been rightfully titled as the “City of Lakes”, lying serenely around Lake Pichola. History and culture come to life in Udaipur, arresting you in its regal charm and thriving bougainvillaeas. All of these factors come together to make Udaipur a dream destination in India, a choice for family holidays, destination weddings, and honeymoons.

Consider staying at Villa Habu. Our exclusive property on a private island, overlooking Jaisamand Lake, just an hour’s drive away from the city. Udaipur, which is definitely one of the dream places to visit in India. It exudes a sense of luxury yet familiarity, and these come together at Villa Habu, spoiling you with the comforts of life during your stay. 

Pench – Best Private Safari In India

In the heart of India lies Pench, home to a National Park that spreads over 758 square km. Nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts make their way to Pench. Spot the endangered species of the Royal Bengal Tiger, along with the Indian leopard, four-horned antelope, and the Indian bison. Boasting rich flora and fauna, embark on a jeep safari through the lush jungle. Head out for a nature walk on the many trails. 

What better place to base yourself in Pench than Haldu Tola. A Lohono property where each room is adorned with artefacts skilfully designed by Gond artists, drawing from and giving back to the local community. Pench is a must visit dream destination in India. Haldu Tola is the perfect resting place, functioning sustainably using solar energy and locally sourced vegetables, and proudly remaining plastic-free.

Jaipur – Finest Palace Living In India

The “Pink City” of Jaipur is one of the most visited places in India with good reason. Anyone who enjoys history, architecture, or shopping will love Jaipur. From the grandeur of the Amer Fort and the beautifully constructed halls and intricately designed doorways of the City Palace to the Instagram-famous Hawa Mahal and Patrika Gate, Jaipur has so much to offer. The list does not end here, with sites like the Jantar Mantar, Jal Mahal, and Albert Hall adding on. There are also plenty of markets to shop at, and catching the sunset from atop Nahargarh Fort is a must when in Jaipur. 

Experience living like royalty at two of our properties in Jaipur, Srinivas – The Royal Residence and Morbaugh which seek to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan through their architecture, interior decor,  excellent facilities and personalised service. Jaipur is one of the places to see before you die in India and Lohono helps to make this an even better experience! 

Coonoor – Greenest Hill Station In India

Coonoor is a small town in the Nilgiri hills of Tamil Nadu, perched at a height of 1930 metres. It lies in close proximity at a distance of 19 km from the more popular hill station of Ooty. Coonoor is an ideal year-round destination. Large swathes of tea plantations, and walking trails around blossoming flowers at Sim’s Park. The more adventurous can make the 10 km uphill trek to Dolphon’s Nose Viewpoint, or head to Laws or Catherine Falls. 

Coonoor is one of the dream places to visit in India and there are multiple heritage homes sprinkled across the region that are perfect for a staycation. Lohono offers many such homes for our guests, whether the rustic charm of newly-launched Lansdowne, Casa Crystal that located amidst tea gardens, the colonial-inspired interiors of Albany Cottage, or the modern yet graceful interiors of Amani Villas. Lohono Stays leaves you spoilt for choice when in Coonoor!

Srinagar and Pahalgam – Heaven On Earth In The Himalayas

With the Himalayas as the backdrop, Srinagar sprawled around Dal Lake in the Kashmir Valley is indeed heaven on earth. Explore the many gardens around the city or lay back and enjoy a peaceful shikara ride on the lake. Tulips and lupines colour the city in the spring and summer months. Whereas the flaming chinar trees turn the city into a sea of fiery red during autumn. Srinagar is definitely one of the places to see before you die in India. 

Your stay will turn out to be even better if you stay at one of our villas in Srinagar. From Noor, which is ideal for large groups of families and friends to quaint stays at The Red Cottage or The White House at Zanzar. 

Close to Srinagar is Pahalgam, drawing visitors with its rolling meadows and crystal blue lakes. Rightfully nicknamed the “Switzerland of India,” hike through valleys, hills, and gushing rivers, surrounded by snow-clad mountains and thick grooves of pine forests. The adrenaline junkies can go river rafting, while devotees can set out for the Amarnath Yatra. What better way to experience one of the must visit dream destinations in India than a stay at Hill Retreat, a Lohono property that is tranquil and evokes a sense of nostalgia, located just a stone’s throw away from the Lidder River. 

Jim Corbett – Best Safari Spot In India

India’s oldest national park at Jim Corbett, now part of the larger Corbett Tiger Reserve is spread over an area of 520 square km. It is a popular tourist spot in India because of the Royal Bengal tiger, Indian elephants, the hornbill, and several species of migratory birds that call the Park their home. You can spot these animals on wildlife safaris organised by the park, or even go camping, rock-climbing, and river-rafting.

For the best Jim Corbett experience, stay at Homstead. A Lohono property located 18 km away from the National Park, yet seated in the lap of nature. Here, there is always something to do. Whether it’s stargazing, riding ATVs, or slowing down in the jacuzzi at the end of your day as you explore one of the dream places to visit in India. 

Mussoorie and Kanatal – Must Visit Hill Stations In India

Mussoorie, most lovingly called the “Queen of Hills,” sits on the foothills of the Garwahal Himalayas. A true dream destination in India, you can enjoy the crisp and clean mountain air in Mussoorie, with panoramic views of the Himalayan range. Leisurely walks around Mall Road, Company Garden or a picnic by Kempty Falls give way to more activities up at Gun Hill Point and Lal Tibba. Consider staying at one of our four properties in Wakefield Estate, Ivy Cottage, Airyland Estate or Soni Estate, each of them coming with their hilltop location, old heritage architecture and design, and the warmth of old summer cottages.

Abandoning the busy streets of Mussoorie and any hints of urbanity, head 38 km away to Kanatal. It is a small village, totally off-the-grid. Which is why it is one of the dream places to visit in India. Return to a simple life with rudimentary experiences walking through grasslands, forest trails and apple orchards, immersing yourself in nature as you go fishing by the streams and enjoy a clean organic diet away.

Coorg – Dream Destination In The South Hills

Coorg is a hamlet that lies perched on the Western Ghats in Karnataka. Also known as Kodagu, Coorg is surrounded by gentle rolling hills, gushing waterfalls, and aromatic coffee plantations. The hills of Coorg are often covered by a blanket of mist. That makes it an ideal destination for couples, families, or friends alike. With options for both relaxation and a more active break. 

Lohono seeks to elevate your time in Coorg — a must visit dream destination in India. Thus, presents Whispering Waters, a villa located 10 km away from Madikeri town, lying nestled within the Hematala estate. The area is known for growing coffee and spices. While the villa comes with wooden furniture and colonial-style interiors and delicious Kodavu cuisine prepared by the in-house chefs. Similarly, NP Villa bears a timeless elegance and serene charm with a natural water stream and luxuriously decorated rooms. 

Bhimtal

A sister to the more popular Nainital, Bhimtal is a lake town that is less frequented but equally beautiful. Sitting graciously in the mountains, you can spend your time in Bhimtal rowing on a wooden boat on the lake, and exploring the aquarium built on the island at the heart of the lake. There are more water bodies in the region to explore such as Victoria Dam and Nal Damyanti. 

If you wish to move further away from the crowds of the popular hill stations, visit Bhimtal and consider staying at Sambhal House, a Lohono Stays villa situated amidst the woods, that offers an uninterrupted view of Bhim Taal and the mountains, providing you with a warm and cosy place to rest during your time here. 

Goa – Best Beach Destination In India

India’s “Sunshine State” is definitely one of the dream places to visit in India. Endless stretches of sandy beaches right from North to South Goa, towering coconut and palm trees growing at all angles, history coming alive at forts and churches, the pastel houses of Fountainhas, flea markets to shop at and quaint villages where you can truly live the “susegaad” life, the list is endless.

Lohono has a large number of must-visit villas in India. Spread throughout the state, experience Goa beyond the beach shacks and parties, and seeks to encourage travellers to take a slower and calmer approach. Choose from our wide range of villas, whether you’re looking for a property that is beach-front, hilltop, or on the banks of a river. Our villas in India bring together the Goan-Portuguese aesthetic with modern amenities and bespoke services curated by our team.

While our list of the must visit dream destinations in India is in no way exhaustive, we hope that we have inspired you to plan your next trip. Whether it’s to the historical cities of Jaipur or Udaipur, the hill stations of North and South India, or the laid-back state of Goa.

No matter where you pick, we hope you choose to stay with Lohono for a truly elevated experience of your dream destination in India.