One of India’s most bespoke and specialist destination management companies, the team at our partner Periplus are deeply knowledgeable on every corner of this stunning country.

With a large curated collection of experiences, including discovering India’s key and most well-known locations with local guides, Periplus also connects travellers with local artists, writers and a range of experts, all deeply talented and passionate around Indian culture.

With the ability to craft tailored trips to suit any type of traveller, and allowing them to discover the magical heart of traditional life across India, a host of new hotel openings in India offer guests more choice, from boutique city hotels to remote luxury lodges and characterful homestays.

Madhya Pradesh

The Oberoi Vindhya Vilas near Bandhavgarh National Park has opened with 19 tents and 2 villas, combining safari access with Oberoi’s signature service. Meanwhile, The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace, due to open in summer 2025, is a restored 19th-century Bundela palace with 66 rooms set on 70 acres. Found close to the Panna National Park and Tiger Reserve, it’s also well located for visiting the UNESCO-listed Khajuraho temples.

Rajasthan

In Jaipur, Niravi is a new 21-room boutique hotel with a pool, bar, and restaurant, run by the experienced team behind Anopura and Jalakara. It’s centrally located and well-reviewed by local partners. Padmaa Haveli, also in Jaipur, is beautifully restored and close to City Palace, but access is via a narrow lane with some excitable activity from the local monkeys, which is worth noting for guest expectations!

In Udaipur, Arq by The Leela offers three exclusive villas, two 1-bedroom units with lake views and a larger 2-bedroom villa set in a quieter green space. All feature private plunge pools and will be available starting the next festive season.

South & West India

Amaraanth in South Goa is a boutique property with 12 suites, landscaped gardens, a spa, and a cocktail-focused bar, close to Varca-Fatrade Beach is a 7–8 minute walk away. For those seeking something less extravagant, Casa Jaali offers a relaxed, sea-facing stay with local character and nearby shacks and cafés.

In Fort Kochi, Kara has reopened as an 8-room boutique hotel occupying restored Portuguese-era buildings, which now features a restaurant, gallery, and retail space, and is ideal for culture-focused travellers.

Near the Ellora Caves, Dhyaana Farms is a new five-room farm stay with one villa, locally sourced food, and plenty of outdoor activities. Run by experienced travel professionals, it fills a long-standing gap in Aurangabad's accommodation options and, thanks to being an active farm, offers incredible farm-to-table dining.

Northeast India

The Postcard Durrung Estate is a boutique tea estate stay, around 3.5 hours from Guwahati and an hour from Kaziranga and Nameri parks, and well suited to nature itineraries in Assam.

On Majuli Island, Niribili Homestay offers simple but well-equipped accommodation and serves local Assamese cuisine.

Varanasi

Nilay House, near Assi Ghat, is a four-room guesthouse with clean, compact rooms and a fresh design. It’s a strong choice for travellers seeking a well-kept, mid-range stay in the old city.

Ladakh

House of Rumbak is a rare luxury lodge in Rumbak village, making it a viable base for snow leopard tracking in winter. Meanwhile, Willow by Postcard is set to open in Stok village from April 2025, bringing another high-end option to the region.

Himalayas

Sitara Himalaya is a Relais & Châteaux property located just beyond Manali, with 10 spacious suites, a wellness wing and curated hiking experiences, as well as views across the Peer Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges. Ideal for those looking to go on local hikes, this location is the perfect spot to discover the mountains.

Update for travel advisors on Periplus

Exciting news – a new addition to the Periplus website enables clients and travel advisors to access itinerary information and experiences, as well as imagery and video content. Find out more in the Partner Log In area here.

From jungle lodges to boutique beach retreats: the top Indian hotel openings for 2025, according to Periplus

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