The Magnificent Ruins of Hampi

“One destination that truly left me spellbound was Hampi in Karnataka. This UNESCO World Heritage site was once the capital of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire. My first foray to Hampi, last month, was as exciting as it was educational. Hampi is dotted with breath-taking temples and monuments of immense cultural and historical significance; Vitthala Temple, the Stone Chariot and the stunningly carved musical pillars deserve particular mention. Heaps of giant boulders perch precariously over miles of undulating terrain, their rusty hues offset by jade-green palm groves, banana plantations and paddy fields. As a historian explained the little details to me, it was like being transported to the bygone centuries when Hampi was a veritable hub of trade, commerce, and immense prosperity. As I traced medieval history in Hampi and the neighboring Badami and Aihole, I discovered that artifacts found here predate even that of the Vijaynagara Empire, way back to 3rd century BC! Besides exploring the ruins and temples of Hampi, I would advise visitors to enjoy a coracle ride on river Tungabhadra after a walk along its stunning shores. Direct daily flights to Jindal Vijaynagar Airport, 35 kilometers south of the ruins, mean that Hampi has never been more accessible. Evolve Back Kamalapura Palace played the perfect host with their warm hospitality and excellent culinary creations.

Next year, guests can have a superb experience on 11th and 12th January during Hampi Utsava; these two-days of cultural extravaganza will have grand classical music programs, renowned artists performing myriad art and dance forms of Karnataka, the monuments of the erstwhile Vijayanagara Empire becoming even more stunning during the Light and Sound Show and so much more.

All in all, as TIMES proclaims, Hampi ought to be high up in the bucket list of every bespoke traveler for 2020.”

– Rajesh Khanna, Executive Director - Sales & Marketing

Back to top

Revelations in Kerala

“Like every year, a family vacation was on the cards and Kerala was a foregone choice. The much awaited trip started in Kochi (Cochin), the melting pot of culture, cuisine, religion and history. This potpourri is reflected in the architecture as well as the religious establishments, namely, the innumerable churches, temples and a beautiful synagogue. We called CGH Earth’s Brunton Boatyard home for a couple of nights where we were the lucky recipients of unparalleled hospitality. Located in the popular hub of Fort Kochi, the heritage hotel overlooks the harbour and the sea, and serves local cuisine which is a seamless mélange and influence of Syrian Christian, Jewish, Dutch, Portuguese and the Malayali communities. A few must-dos in the city would be to attend a Kathakali performance, explore rural life in the nearby Kumbalangi village, enjoy a meal in the vibrant Malabar House, see the local fishermen at work with their Chinese Fishing Nets and bask under the myriad hues of the vermilion sun during a sunset cruise. Munnar was a yet another revelation with its rolling hills, sublime climate and countless tea estates. We had the pleasure of staying in Spice Tree, a boutique resort which finds itself amid the Bison Valley and Kannan Devan ranges. Two days were spent luxuriating in the enthralling ambiance, waking up to the sounds of a diverse avifauna and being pampered by the kind people of Spice Tree. Visiting some of the tea estates, partaking in a spot of tea-tasting, walking to the Dolmens are a few things which you just can’t leave Munnar without indulging in! We managed to squeeze a day in Thekkady. Our time, here, was spent popping by local spice and coffee plantations, spotting sambars, deers, bisons, buffalos while exploring Periyar National Park and traversing the nooks and crannies of CGH Earth’s Spice Village – a green haven near the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. Tucked between the imposing Vembanad Lake, backwaters, canals, and picturesque villages, Kumarakom is the epitome of “heaven on earth”. We spent a joyous three days exploring India’s longest lake on board a houseboat, rode a canoe just like a local on a rainy morning reveling in villages and village life, savored sunsets and relished seafood and tender coconuts. The swansong of our trip, this idyll transcends all expectations; time stands still here, blanketed by an air of innocence. Such an experience can only be enhanced by a few days spent in CGH Earth’s Coconut Lagoon.”

– Anyatama Ghosh, Manager - Marketing

Back to top

A Lesser Known Rajasthan

“While Rajasthan has always been a frequently opted holiday destination for travel-lovers from around the world, we have constantly strived to increase the perimeters of the more popular places. Although cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer etc have their own charm, monuments and monumental history and culture, Rajasthan’s essence can also be seen in its rural heartland. Bundi was the first haul in our itinerary whose history did not fail to mesmerize us. Taragarh Fort stands tall decked in beautiful murals whereas Garh Mahal exudes local architecture and has a stupendous view of the city. We were lucky to witness the elaborate works of art in Chitra Mahal’s Chitrashala with its miniatures, frescoes and much more. With 30 rooms, a pool and a multi-cuisine restaurant, Hadoti Palace would be one of the best choices to stay, while in Bundi. Later, we proceeded towards Bhainsrorgarh Fort. Located at an hour’s distance from Kota, we had made this boutique heritage hotel our base as we explored the stunning topography of Kota. Udaipur was our next stop; visiting Chittorgarh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, en route is definitely recommended. A favorite among travelers, the city of lakes has much to offer to the discerning as well. Partake in a Jal Sanjhi painting workshop, enjoy a city tour, opt for a sunset cruise in Lake Pichola, or visit the temple town of Ranakpur. We went north from here to the leopard country, Jawai. SUJÁN's Jawai and Bera Safari Lodge are a couple of amazing options to suit the refined tastes and preferences of our guests. This time, however, Amritara Jawai Sagar was our host and they did not fail to pleasantly surprise us. The Rabari tribes and their herds of animals dot the arid region, as do the leopards that “peacefully coexist” with the locals. Guests get to unearth more about this symbiotic relationship when they drive around the region on a safari and have an experience like no other!”

– Nitin Mathur, Deputy General Manager - Operations

Back to top

Seeking Shangri-La in Bhutan

“With a population of a mere 800,000 people, Bhutan’s main cities are all situated in valleys – Thimphu, Punakha and Paro. We spent two nights in each place to get a proper flavor. Thimphu, Bhutan’s charming capital, is the seat of the government as well as the monarchy. Fringed by dense forests of blue pine, modern day Thimphu is on a building spree but continues to hold on to its old world charm by not having any traffic lights. The locals still wear the traditional Bhutanese garb and the sight of colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze is a common one. Lush and pristine Punakha is surrounded by terraced rice fields in myriad shades of green and sits at the confluence of two gushing rivers – the Po Chhu (Father River) and the Mo Chhu (Mother river). It is also home to Punakha Dzong, the country’s most important and most magnificent fortress-monastery. Another must visit in Punakha is Chimi Lakhang, the temple of fertility. Dedicated to the memory of a 15th century monk known as the Divine Madman, Drukpa Kinley was known as much for his spiritual prowess as his love of wine, women and song.  We started late one afternoon, when dark clouds were low in the sky with more than a hint of rain and a strong breeze. As at many places in our trip, we were the only foreigners there and we had this glorious panorama to ourselves. It is difficult to describe the moment now that it is over but I will say that I felt awed at being able to have this experience – a recurring feeling throughout the trip. The highlight of our time in Paro was climbing Tiger’s Nest. For those who ask, climbing Tiger’s Nest is not easy – it takes a reasonable amount of fitness (and a stronger will-power) to make it all the way. The warm glow of achievement at having made it will, nevertheless, stay long after the journey is done."

– Sudarshana Sengupta, Senior Manager - Operations

Back to top