Jewels of South Asia

Jaypee Siddartha

New Delhi, NCT

Jaypee Siddartha might feel slightly outdated but it offers excellent value in a city where prices of the top hotels can be astronomical. Well located in the commercial centre of New Delhi, its facilities include outdoor pool, fitness centre and two restaurants.

Hotel Grand Imperial

Agra, Uttar Pradesh

The Grand Imperial Hotel in Agra is a boutique heritage hotel and the only genuine century-old heritage hotel operating in Agra. Thirty luxury rooms with period furniture in the heart of Agra, plus pool, health club and spa.

Dera Mandawa

Jaipur, Rajasthan

A calm retreat away from the clamour of Jaipur, this heritage property has been built in a traditional style, with Rajasthani arches and awnings. Rich colours and furnishings provide an authentic Indian atmosphere. Eleven guest rooms and a personal feel.

Pal Haveli

Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Pal Haveli is perfect for travellers who want to be conveniently placed to explore old Jodhpur. The open-air restaurant has great views across the city. Rooms in this mid-range hotel are simple, but light and airy.

Manvar Desert Camp

Manvar, Rajasthan

Manvar Desert Camp offers a/c cottages and a swimming pool in the heart of Rajasthan. Every evening after sunset there is cultural programme with traditional musicians and dancers. Open October to April.

Fateh Garh

Udaipur, Rajasthan

This graceful property is a short drive out of the city and provides a tranquil retreat after a busy day. A quality hotel with large, characterful rooms, attractive pool, good quality spa and a stunning aspect in the hills.

Sigiriya, Cultural Triangle

Roo Mansala is a six-room hotel set in a quiet countryside spot just a short drive from Sigiriya town. The hotel boasts magnificent views of both Sigiriya Rock and neighbouring Pidurangala Rock, and offers a good-sized swimming pool, restaurant and guided nature trails.

Kandy

Centrally located in Kandy town, Radisson Hotel Kandy offers 122 stylishly-designed rooms with fantastic amenities for an affordable price.

Bandarawela, Hill Country

The Dutch House is a two-bedroom villa perched on a hillock overlooking Bandarawela town at a distance and surrounded by mountains. Set on a two-acre garden filled with fruit trees and flowering plants, this highly-praised boutique property is flourishing again under new Sri Lankan owners.

Udawalawe, Tissa and Kataragama

Kithala Resort, a three star hotel, lies in the deep south, in the town of Tissa. Wildlife enthusiasts will be particularly taken by its restful location close to the Tissmaharama reservoir. From your private balcony, relax on colonial-style cane chairs and watch an array of birds in the nearby rice fields, as well as the timeless rituals of paddy farming.

Rekawa, South Coast

Buckingham Place is a highly appealing boutique hotel on a five-acre estate overlooking the tranquil Rekawa lagoon in the deep south. This is a peaceful spot in a relatively undiscovered part of Sri Lanka, a stylish 11-roomed hotel, contemporary in design with tasteful interiors.

Galle Fort, Galle Coast

41 Lighthouse Street is a charming three-bedroom villa tucked away inside Galle Fort. Offering a spacious living area, beautifully designed rooms, an exquisite swimming pool and well-maintained courtyard, this villa is a much sought-after sanctuary.

Meerufenfushi, North Male' Atoll

Meeru is one of the larger resorts in The Maldives, but this mid-priced resort wears its size well and provides an excellent range of facilities in a relaxing atmosphere.

Sigiriya, Cultural Triangle

Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most majestic, awe-inspiring and stunning historical locations in the world, built in the 5th century AD by ‘mad’ King Kasyapa.

Polonnaruwa, Cultural Triangle

Sri Lanka’s medieval capital from 1073 until the late 1200s, the ruins of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa are incredibly well-preserved and include magnificant granite sculptures of Lord Buddha.

Anuradhapura, Cultural Triangle

Discover the majestic remains of Sri Lanka’s first capital, originally built in the 4th century BC, the ruling place for over 100 Sri Lankan kings. You can explore these extensive ruins by bike.

Kandy

Tradition relates that a sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha was brought to Sri Lanka in 4th century A.D. and has been enshrined in the Dalanda Maligawa, or Temple of the Tooth, since the late 1500s.

Kandy

Praised as one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world, the train ride winds out of Kandy and up through the Hill Country, providing panoramic views of the spectacular tea-covered hills.

Yala National Park, Yala

Yala National Park, situated in the south-east corner of the island, is home to the greatest variety of Sri Lanka’s wildlife including the island’s big game – elephants, leopards and sloth bears.

Galle Fort, Galle Coast

Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site originally built by the Portuguese before it was further developed by the Dutch and British, covers nearly 4sqkm and houses a range of old colonial buildings.