Kulu
Kulu, cradled in the emerald Beas Valley of Himachal Pradesh, turns a luxury trip into a slow, cinematic journey through the Himalayas. Check into a riverside resort near Raison, where glass‑fronted suites open onto pine forests and the constant murmur of the river. Mornings begin with private yoga decks and locally roasted coffee, as mist lifts from terraced orchards.
Hire a chauffeured SUV to Jagatsukh and the ancient Gauri Shankar Temple, its stone carvings glowing softly in the thin mountain light. Continue to the stately Raghunath Temple in Kullu town, then stroll the Dhalpur Maidan, where traditional markets meet snow‑capped horizons. For curated shopping, visit handloom cooperatives in Bhuntar and Akhara Bazaar to discover fine Kullu shawls, naturally dyed stoles, and intricate “pattu” garments.
Reserve an exclusive picnic at Kais Wildlife Sanctuary, where deodar forests shelter pheasants and barking deer. A guided walk reveals wildflowers, hidden shrines, and sweeping viewpoints with almost no crowds. Later, savor a chef‑led tasting of siddu, trout, and mountain honey at a boutique lodge, paired with local apple cider.
No luxury trip to Kulu is complete without a scenic drive to Naggar Castle and the Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery, high above the valley. As dusk settles, return to your terrace hot tub, watching distant village lights flicker like lanterns along the ridgelines, and feel the Himalayas wrap your journey in quiet, rarefied grace.