India
Coimbatore
Coimbatore, the gateway to the Nilgiri hills, is perfect for luxury travel and attractions, blending business-city energy with serene landscapes. Check into upscale retreats like Vivanta Coimbatore or The Residency Towers, where marble lobbies, rooftop pools, and curated concierge services set the tone for indulgence. Begin at Marudamalai Temple, perched on a hill, reached by a scenic drive fringed with tamarind trees and monkey-dotted bends. Private guided pujas at dawn bathe the granite sanctum in golden light, while panoramic views of the Western Ghats unfurl below. Continue to Perur Pateeswarar Temple, famed for intricate stone carvings and music-filled evening rituals; hire a heritage guide to decode the Chola-era sculptures. Reserve a chauffeured car to the Adiyogi Shiva statue at the Isha Yoga Center, where steel and sky meet in a dramatic 112-foot visage. Sunset meditation sessions and spa-style ayurvedic treatments complete the spiritual-luxury pairing. For nature, take a bespoke day trip to Valparai or Kotagiri, gliding past emerald tea estates, mist-laced gorges, and forested hairpin bends. Many estates offer private tastings, colonial bungalows, and chef-crafted plantation dinners. Back in the city, explore Brookefields and Prozone Mall for designer labels, then finish with artisanal South Indian cuisine at fine-dining spots offering tasting menus, wine pairings, and refined versions of idli, dosa, and Chettinad curries.