India
Cooch Behar
Cooch Behar, in northern West Bengal, offers a regal escape for luxury travelers seeking history, calm landscapes, and curated travel and attractions. Base yourself in an upscale heritage-style hotel near the city center, where polished wooden interiors and attentive service set the tone for a royal retreat. Begin at the iconic Cooch Behar Rajbari (Cooch Behar Palace), a red-brick Indo-Saracenic marvel. Stroll through its grand halls, admire European-style columns and Italian tiles, then wander the manicured palace gardens at sunset for golden-hour photography. Nearby, the Cooch Behar Museum displays royal artifacts, portraits, and textiles that reveal the princely state’s opulent past. For serene moments, visit Sagar Dighi, the vast lakeside heart of the town. Commission a private shikara-style boat ride, then sip artisanal tea at a rooftop café overlooking the water and city skyline. A short drive away, Madan Mohan Bari Temple welcomes guests with intricate white facades and rhythmic evening aarti; hire a local guide to uncover stories of the Koch kings and devotional traditions. Nature lovers can reserve a bespoke excursion to Rasikbil, a birding paradise edged by forests. Travel in a chauffeured SUV, pause at quiet viewpoints, and end with a picnic laden with regional delicacies. Return via Baneswar Shiva Temple, where the peaceful pond and ancient shrine add a contemplative note. Round out your trip with curated shopping for handwoven textiles and brassware in the main market, followed by tasting authentic Bengali thalis and melt-in-the-mouth sweets in refined restaurants before a final lakeside walk under the stars.