Air Partner Magazine A/W 25 US - Flipbook - Page 64
INDIA UNVEILED
T H E K E R A L A B AC KWAT E R S
On India’s southwestern coast lies Kerala, a tropical paradise aptly
nicknamed ‘God’s Own Country’. Here, palm-fringed banks, emerald
rice paddies, and verdant forests frame life along the backwaters
– a stunning labyrinth of canals, rivers, and lotus-dotted lagoons
spanning over 500 miles of waterways. Exploring is best done
aboard a high-end houseboat, allowing you to sip tea, spot wildlife,
and watch the sun set over these soothing lands from the comfort
of your veranda. Onboard dining celebrates Kerala’s distinctive
gastronomy, where coconut, curry leaves, and fragrant spices take
center stage. Be sure to sample the divine seafood curry dishes
for a taste of the region’s bounty.
Sumptuous 昀椀ne dining at
Rambagh Palace Hotel.
For a more anchored stay, Kumarakom Lake Resort, one of India's
昀椀nest resorts, provides the perfect blend of tradition and indulgence.
Its Presidential Suite features a private in昀椀nity pool with far-reaching
lake views, while the award-winning spa o昀昀ers world-class Ayurvedic
therapies and rituals delivered by master practitioners.
S P I R I T UA L VA R A N A S I
Regarded as India’s spiritual capital, Varanasi draws millions of Hindu
pilgrims each year to Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the holy waters
of the Ganges, where rituals are carried out to cleanse the soul and
purify sins. Life here revolves around the sacred ghats – the broad
stone steps leading to the river – where ceremonies unfold daily
against the backdrop of magni昀椀cent temples and lively streets.
Varanasi’s maze of winding alleys reveals over 3,000 temples, a city
awash with timeless traditions, and the intoxicating scent of incense
at every turn. At dawn, the city stirs to the sound of conch shells and
chants, as sa昀昀ron-robed priests lead prayers on the riverbanks.
By dusk, the atmosphere shifts for the famed Ganga Aarti: a powerful
ceremony of 昀椀re, rhythm, and devotion, where 昀氀ames dance on
the holy river and chants rise into the night sky. Experiencing this
spectacle, whether from the ghats or aboard a private boat, is
profoundly moving. After a day of spiritual immersion, retreat to the
tranquil Taj Nadesar Palace for its sophisticated suites, sumptuous
spa treatments, and menu of re昀椀ned Indian fare.
A high-end wooden houseboat
on the Kerala waterways.
© Kumarakom Lake Resort
