Page 694 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

692  TR A VELLER ’ S NEEDS

Dharamshalas and
Ashrams
Religious centres, among
them dharamshalas, ashrams,
gurudwaras and monasteries,
offer basic but clean
accommodation all over the
country. For most, prior booking
is not essential and a stay is
often free, although donations
are appreciated. It is wise to
abide by the rules of the house
and not offend any sentiments.
Some ashrams in the older Luxury camp site at Pushkar during the annual camel fair
sections of towns usually provide
only a mattress on the floor, Reservations can be made Other services include
which should suffice if the stay through Wild World India, massage therapies, such as
is just for a night. Be prepared to or through travel agencies. aromatherapy and reflexology
share rooms and bathrooms. Camping is not allowed inside and meditation. Usually, a
Popular ashrams such as wildlife sanctuaries, and as a strict diet is part of the spartan
Sri Aurobindo Ashram and rule, it is not safe to venture regime, although rules at the
the Sivananda Ashram have out for unguided walks. top-end resorts are flexible.
branches spread across the Tented camps are provided The Oberoi Group and Ananda
country. Bookings must be made by operators who organize are world-class spas. An entirely
in advance. Their head offices adventure tours, such as river different accommodation is
can be contacted for details. rafting on the Ganges (see p189), provided on board Kerala’s
In Ladakh, many monasteries or those that specialize in kettuvallams. These traditional
run hotels fairly close to their camping holidays (see p728). rice boats are luxurious and
premises. Lamayuru Monastery Check the arrangements in provide a unique experience
Hotel is among the best and advance, as some may not provide of the scenic backwaters. Trips
has a great setting within the mosquito nets or mineral water. can be organized by Tourindia.
compound (see p142). In Rajasthan, some hotels offer
guests the option of staying
in luxury tents set in spacious Youth Hostels
National Parks and gardens. During the Pushkar and India has an outstanding
Camping Sites
Kumbh melas (fairs), the state network of youth hostels.
National parks and wildlife governments provide tented Though these offer rooms at
sanctuaries usually have forest accommodation on site. very low rates, they also tend to
rest houses with basic facilities. be packed. Members of the Youth
Since most of these are often Special Hotels Hostel Association of India
reserved for forest officials, many and Youth Hostel International
of the larger parks have private The rising interest in holistic get priority bookings, but non-
resorts located on their periphery. health and well-being has members can get a room for a
The most popular among these spawned a number of exclusive higher price. Both room and
are in Ranthambhore (Sher Bagh), health spas and specialized dorm-style accommodation is
Corbett (Infinity Resorts), Kaziranga resorts. The most popular are available. The YMCAs are better
(Green Village Resort) and those that offer yoga and herbal equipped, though more expen-
Nagarhole (Kabini River Lodge). treatments such as Ayurveda. sive and located in fewer towns.
Touts
Visitors with no prior bookings
should contact tourist counters
at the airport, railway station
or bus stand to avoid being
harassed by touts, who also
operate as taxi and auto-
rickshaw drivers. Many are very
persuasive and offer incredible
discounts, all for a commission.
Some, however, are genuinely
helpful, and if there is no other
option, keep the driver waiting
Riceboat or kettuvallam, Kerala backwaters until you are sure about the

692-693_EW_India.indd 692 26/04/17 11:50 am
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Practical template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.7)
Date 5th March 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm