Where To Travel This Raksha Bandhan: Boutique Escapes For Meaningful Sibling Time
This Raksha Bandhan, move beyond the usual gifts and give your sibling something more enduring: time, memories, and shared stories in beautiful spaces
Raksha Bandhan is no longer just about tying a rakhi and exchanging sweets for many, it's become an opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones. And what better way to celebrate the sibling bond than by escaping the city for a few days of relaxation, indulgence, and meaningful connection?
Whether you're planning a nostalgic trip down memory lane or looking to start a new tradition, here are five handpicked boutique and luxury escapes across India that offer the perfect setting for a celebration that's both intimate and unforgettable.
1. Sariska Lodge, Rajasthan
If you're seeking an experience that's rooted in nature, nostalgia, and quiet luxury, look no further than Sariska Lodge. Located on the edge of Rajasthan's Sariska Tiger Reserve, this newly built boutique property offers a raw, immersive connection with the Aravalli wilderness – without compromising on comfort.
Perfect for a long-weekend escape from Delhi, Sariska Lodge combines wildlife experiences (including safaris and birding), heritage walks, and curated sundowners with a distinctive old-world charm. The lodge's dining celebrates regional flavours, with ingredients sourced from its own organic garden and nearby villages. Expect intimate spaces, thoughtful service, and an atmosphere that allows genuine downtime with your loved ones.
For siblings who love art, history, and contemporary design, The Postcard on the Mandalay Hall in Fort Kochi is a perfect pick. The hotel's timeless spirit comes from Mattancherry, a neighbourhood that has seen the comings and goings of civilization – seen through its churches, temples, mosques, and synagogue rubbing shoulders with colonial buildings. In this storied setting, you'll find five rooms – or galleries, given the hotel's art influence – carefully put together by the architect Tony Joseph and curated by Bose Krishnamachari.
This restored heritage property beautifully blends luxury with local culture, offering curated art collections and personalised services. Enjoy exclusive experiences such as classical music and dance performances, houseboat cruises, heritage walks, and a culinary journey through Kerala's rich flavours etc. Spend your days exploring the neighbourhood's antique shops, galleries, and rain-drenched cafés, and your evenings dining on hyperlocal cuisine in art-filled spaces. The rain in Kochi is not a dampener – it's a mood. And this property lets you experience it in the most atmospheric way. The rain in Kochi is not a dampener – it's a mood.
3. Jim Corbett Marriott Resort & Spa, Uttarakhand
For those who enjoy both the outdoors and the indulgence of a full-service resort, Jim Corbett Marriott Resort & Spa delivers the best of both worlds. Situated on the banks of the Kosi River and surrounded by lush forest, it's a luxurious base from which to explore the famed Jim Corbett National Park.
While the monsoon may restrict core safari zones, the forest itself is a visual treat during this season. Waterfalls spring to life, the foliage is dense and alive, and the property's own wellness offerings – from spa treatments to riverside yoga – come to the fore. If you're looking for a nature-focused escape without sacrificing creature comforts, this one's a winner.
4. Mayfair Darjeeling, West Bengal
Located against the rolling hills and mist-covered tea gardens, Mayfair Darjeeling brings together colonial charm and Himalayan serenity. Originally a summer home for royalty, this heritage property is ideal for those who want to slow down, sip hot tea on breezy verandahs, and enjoy storytelling sessions over crackling fireplaces.
The monsoon in Darjeeling adds a cinematic layer to everything – clouds drifting through pine trees, the smell of wet earth, and the distant sound of toy train whistles. With warm hospitality, a cosy spa, and access to sights like the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Peace Pagoda, it's a place where time feels elastic – perfect for meaningful conversations and shared nostalgia.
5. Ahilya by the Sea, Goa
For those who think Goa is only about parties, Ahilya by the Sea is a revelation. Located in a quiet corner of Dolphin Bay near Nerul, this boutique hotel is elegant, soulful, and full of character. With Portuguese-inspired architecture, lush tropical gardens, and infinity pools overlooking the Arabian Sea, it's designed for guests who value tranquillity and intimacy.
The monsoon paints Goa in vivid green, and Ahilya's quiet luxury makes you want to stay in – reading by the window, sharing long meals, or walking through the rain-washed gardens. It's a place that invites bonding – whether over seafood thalis or sunset swims.
This Raksha Bandhan, move beyond the usual gifts and give your sibling something more enduring: time, memories, and shared stories in beautiful spaces that's both intimate and unforgettable.
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July 29, 2025, 08:44 IST
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