India: Wildlife & Culture of the Central Plains

Located on the banks of the River Ken, on the outskirts of the Panna Tiger Reserve, is the luxurious but homely Serai at Toria. The eight traditionally built cottages come with their own private courtyards and verandas. They are traditionally designed with the application of mud and thatched roofs. Features: 8 cottages, outdoor dining, terrace. Room amenities: Ceiling fan, desk, en suite bathroom.

Bordering the Gomti river and spread across 13 hectares of beautiful manicured gardens, the Taj Mahal Lucknow is an elegant hotel reflecting the architecture of the Nawabi era. Graceful pillars and rich tapestries add to its regal character, which is extended to the design of the characterful bedrooms. The hotel offers 110 rooms including four suites, all of which overlook either the beautiful gardens or the swimming pool. The restaurant specialises in delicious Awadh cuisine, a reflection of the rich culinary tradition of the city. Features: 110 rooms & suites, restaurant, bar, swimming pool, spa, reading room, Wi-Fi. Room amenities: Air conditioning, television, minibar, tea & coffee making facilities.

Perched on the Shivala ghats, overlooking the sacred Ganges River, Suryauday Haveli, a 20th-century retreat, was originally built for elderly pilgrims by the royal family of Nepal. Sensitively restored, the 14 simply furnished rooms and suites enjoy spectacular views of the ghats and are ideal for those seeking to absorb the spirit and legacy of the holy city of Varanasi. The restaurant serves vegetarian food only and does not have a menu -guests are usually treated to a daily menu from the chef. The Suryauday Haveli does not serve alcohol.

Conveniently located adjacent to both the international and domestic airport terminals, the Pullman is a modern, comfortable hotel with large rooms. There is also a large shopping mall in close proximity with several restaurants. The rooms are contemporary in design with a good selection of amenities. There are two restaurants, one serving Indian and international cuisine and an Asian restaurant that specialises in Vietnamese and Thai food.

Pride Plaza Hotel Aerocity, New Delhi

Pride Plaza Hotel offers a comfortable stay just 2.5 miles from Delhi International airport. Guests can enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre and spa as well as modern amenities. Features: 385 rooms, swimming pool, restaurant and bar, spa, fitness centre, Wi-Fi. Room amenities: Air-conditioning, minibar, television, hairdryer.

Bandhav Villas

Set on the edge of the Bandhavgarh National Park, overlooking the central Indian wilderness, Bandhav Vilas is a charming, comfortable, wildlife lodge. Each of the 20 spacious rooms is comfortably furnished, elegantly decorated, combines traditional with contemporary style and features a private sit out and courtyard. At Bandhav Vilas, breakfast and lunch is usually served in the main dining room and the menu features a choice of Indian and western meals; there is also an interactive open-air dining experience on most evenings (October to April only). Private dining venues are also available. Other facilities at this lodge include a bar, an outdoor swimming pool, a library with a good collection of books on wildlife and a spa.