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Delhi Redefined
Once dismissed as a staid, cultureless city of bureaucrats, traders, and refugees, India’s capital has slowly reinvented itself as a vibrant metropolis—and a destination in its own right
Top of Their Game
The national parks of Madhya Pradesh are home to nearly a quarter of India’s remaining tigers, as well as a host of other exotic creatures. And while the big cats are increasingly elusive these days, comfort is guaranteed at a quartet of luxury safari lodges
Regal Rajasthan
The forts and palaces of India’s “land of princes” recall an age of grandeur once savored by maharajas—and with many of these historic properties having been converted into hotels over the years, visitors can also get a taste of Rajasthan’s storied opulence. Here are some of our favorites.
Mountain Magic
Cradled in the highlands of southwest Karnataka, Chikmagalur is cultivating a reputation for its cool climate, verdant mountainscenery, and growing range of lodgings. But for one caffeine aficionado, the main perk of any visit is the coffee
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| > | Departments | | | Letters from Readers | | | Publisher's note | | | Gypsy Tales| | Desert Oasis
Bringing tented luxury to the edge of Rajasthan’s Thar Desert, The Serai (91-11/2374-3194; the-serai.com; doubles from US$520) is set to open in September with 21 lavish canvas-topped suites nestled amid khejri trees and scrub.
Heritage
High Tea
When British game hunter J.D. Munro first arrived in Munnar in the 1870s, it wasn’t the tigers that impressed him so much as the potential for growing England’s favorite brew.
Tour
Sighting the Bullet
Easy riders will not want to miss the opportunity to witness Bullets in the making on a tour of the Royal Enfield (Thiruvottiyur High Rd.; 91-44/4204- 3300; royalenfield.com; by appointment only) motorcycle factory on the outskirts of Chennai.
Adventure
Wired Up
Set on a plateau above the Rajasthani town of Alwar, the Neemrana Fort-Palace is circled by pigeons and the occasional bird of prey —and now, daredevil tourists.
Museum
Très Sikh
India’s Sikh community will be showcased as never before when a state-of-the-art museum opens in Punjab’s holy city of Anandpur Sahib this November. The Khalsa Heritage Complex (khalsaheritagecomplex.org) will become the first such institution in India dedicated to a single community, and promises an interactive, multisensory experience far removed from the yawn-inducing, exhibit-led approach of traditional museums.
Cruise
Water Park
Known for its design-oriented properties across India, The Park Hotels group is taking its boutique stylings to water.
Art
Summit Talk
Celebrated Indian sculptor Anish Kapoor once said that “Work grows out of other work, and there are very few eureka moments.” Those involved in the India Art Summit (indiaartsummit.com; August 19–22) may beg to differ.
Design
Divine inspiration
Drawing theirinspiration from Indian mythology and history, Mumbai-based mavericks Design Temple (designtemplestore.com) eschew staid travel accessories in favor of quirky, yet practical, products for when you’re on the go.
Traveler's Check
Come January 2010, Cox and Kings India will operate the new Maharajas’ Express (rirtl.com). The train will run between Mumbai and Delhi, and Delhi and Kolkata on seven- and eight-day trips. While it remains to be seen whether the onboard comforts are fit for a maharaja, the prices certainly are: cabins start at US$800 a night.
Lodgings Update
Making its Indian debut, Alila Hotels & Resorts will open Alila Diwa Goa (65/ 6735-8300; alilahotels.com) on Goa’s Majorda Beach in November.
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| | | Books | | | | | India Ink
For insights into the subcontinent, start your reading with these six titles.
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