Ecomantra Experiences

08/10/2021

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08/10/2021

10/09/2020

Luxexplore No.4 - Heritage Cities & Palaces in the Golden Triangle of India
*This is Part 4 of the 23 Luxexplore by Ecomantra Self Drive Journeys and Expeditions in India that you would love to do with your family and friends. Slide left for more details or write to us at [email protected]

We begin journey in Delhi, which has always been the preferred capital to govern India and an ancient city in itself. Hindus believe that it was the site of the ancient Indraprastha, the capital of Pandava kingdom during the Mahabharata era. And before the Brits moved the capital of British India here, the Mughals too preferred Delhi as the place to rule Indian sub continent from. We love the food here, its cosmopolitan nature being the hub of embassies and consulates, and its ancient monuments including the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, the world heritage site of Humayun’s tomb and other iconic buildings.

Before we head to the royal city of Jaipur, the city founded by Jai Singh II, and also its present capital to be amazed by its beautiful hill top forts and palaces, we stop over in Neemrana, a medieval fort.

Four World Heritage Sites in the Same Day! The only place in India, you can be amazed by not one or two but four world heritage site is Agra. Beginning your journey in Bharatpur, have a blissful birding in the biting mornings on its wetland.

We than proceed to the planned city of Fatehpur Sikri close to Agra, planned and established by the great Mughal King - Akbar. At Agra, you will be in awe of the mesmerizing beauty of one of the seven wonders of the world - The Taj.
Nearby Red Fort is the fourth world heritage site where you can feel the history in your bones.

We will than proceed for a well deserved rest to ravines of Chambal, which is the only place in India, you can explore in 4 different ways. You can explore this spectacularly beautiful region in a jeep safari, on bicycles, in a boat safari on the river Chambal or on camel backs.

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09/09/2020

Luxexplore No.23 - Chasing the Monsoon in the Eastern Himalayas & west coast
*This is Part 23 of the 23 Luxexplore by Ecomantra Self Drive Journeys in India that you would love to do with your family and friends. Slide left for more information or write to us at [email protected]

The best time to visit this beautiful state aptly named Megh (clouds) Alaya (abode) i.e. Abode of the clouds is the Monsoon. Shillong is known as "Scotland of the East." Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya is just 55 km (34 mi) from Mawsynram, the world's wettest place. Shillong has one of the largest golf courses that is also one of the few natural golf courses in Asia.

Cherrapunjee, meaning ‘Land of oranges’ is the second wettest place on Earth and is famous for its living bridges and huge waterfalls. Over hundreds of years the people in Cherrapunji have developed techniques for growing roots of trees into large bridges. The process takes 10–15 years and the bridges typically last hundreds of years, the oldest ones in use being over 500 years old.

Guwahiti is the state capital with a nice museum and a War cemetery. Ta***ic rites are still practised at the Kamakhya Temple. Pobitura WLS nearby has almost guaranteed Rhino sightings.

Discover Konkan’s scenic coastal beaches unique culture and cuisine. Monsoon is when the locals love to visit the Sahyadris, when rain brings new life to the region and hundreds of waterfalls mushroom all over the place. Wake up to the sunrise on a mountain or sea fort and sunsets on a remote beach. Explore the myriad Konkan, its forests, forts and beaches.

Monsoons are truly magical in Maharashtra. Take a narrow gauge mountain railway to the top of Western Ghats and experience its incredible natural beauty and landscape, one of the richest bio diversity hot spot in the world. Go Glamping or on cross country cycling to numerous forts, ancient caves and forest.

So calling out to all experiential travellers seeking enriching experiences who want to know more to share some love by following us here.

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09/09/2020

Luxexplore No.22 - Tea, Elephants & Riverjourneys on the Brahmaputra in assam
*This is Part 22 of the 23 Luxexplore by Ecomantra Self Drive Journeys and Expeditions in India that you would love to do with your family and friends. Slide left for more details or write to us at [email protected]

The backdrop of Assam’s tea gardens are its rainforests and grasslands, home to the world’s rarest flora and fauna including its most famous citizen, the one horn Rhino sharing territory with Tigers, Elephants, Wild Buffalos, Swamp Deers, Golden Langurs etc. You will be amazed by the wonderful world of wilderness at Manas.

Guwahiti is the state capital with a nice museum and a War cemetery. Ta***ic rites are still practised at the Kamakhya Temple. Pobitura WLS nearby has almost guaranteed Rhino sightings.

Its always tea time in Assam, tea capital of the world with 800+ gardens that produces the largest volume of tea from a single region in the world. Experience the tea planter’s life at Sonitpur and Silghat, an important tea centre, and an access point to Nameri National Park in the foothills.

Kaziranga, one of the best protected national park and a world heritage site is a heaven for nature lovers. The tall grass shelters the big five including the one horn Rhino, Tigers, Gaurs, Leopards and Elephants

Jorhat is one of the two centres of the Assam tea industry, surrounded by tea estates. Close to here, the Tea Research Institute makes a fascinating visit. Majuli, closeby is the world’s largest river islands and centre of culture in Assam

Sibsagar is the old capital of the Kingdom of Assam, The Kings, of Thai stock, were converts to Hinduism, and their substantial remaining places and temples are an amalgam of Indian and S.E. Asian styles.

You can do Assam Differently in an overland drive or on luxury river cruise ships. Either way its amazing.

So calling out to all experiential travellers seeking enriching experiences who want to know more to share some love by following us here.

07/09/2020

Luxexplore No.21 - Tea, Tribals & Wildflowers in the Land of the Rising Sun
*This is Part 21 of the 23 Luxexplore by Ecomantra Self Drive Journeys and Expeditions in India that you would love to do with your family and friends. Slide left for distance map to state capitals from the destination and the route map, which is followed by quick photograph backed details on each destination along with destination , accommodation and outfit details. For more information write to us at [email protected]

Arunachal Pradesh in the North East is the The Land of the Rising Sun and the first place in India to see the sun rise, so early risers can get an early start in Mishmi Hills. Fall in love with the Mishmi hills and interact with simple tribal living.

Go for a safari in the unique Dibru Saikhowa national park for an opportunity to view all the 5 big mammals, the endangered one-horned rhino, leopards, tigers, elephants and gaur. Watch out for the Hoolock Gibbon – India’s only ape found in these dense forests.

Go birding on boats in the last surviving intact national parks of Chongkham and Namdapha. The Namdapha park has about 425 bird species with many more to be recorded from work in the higher areas

An exciting, true life expedition journey into India’s tribal north – east and down one of the world's greatest rivers.Your journey begins with a ferry boat ride at Dibrugarh on the mighty Brahmaputra, and up the densely forested river valley from the plains of Pasighat.

The Subansari “Gold River” is the biggest tributary of the Upper Brahmaputra and has a run of 170 km in Tibet, 250 km in the Eastern Himalayas and 86 km in the plains of Assam before joining the Great Brahmaputra at the mystic confluence of Majuli – the largest inhabited river island in the world.

So calling out to all experiential travellers seeking enriching experiences who want to know more to share some love by following us here.

06/09/2020

Luxexplore No.20 - Tea, Train & Tigers in the Eastern Himalayas
*This is Part 20 of the 23 Luxexplore by Ecomantra Self Drive Journeys and Expeditions in India that you would love to do with your family and friends. Slide left for distance map to state capitals from the destination and the route map, which is followed by quick photograph backed details on each destination along with destination , accommodation and outfit details. For more information write to us at [email protected]

Go on long walks, visit a few monasteries, check out the ruins of an ancient capital city and be awed by the amazing vistas of the majestic Himalayas. In Spring, Rhododendron are in bloom and daytime temperatures are pleasant here in the Red Panda region of Sikkim.

Up there in untouched pristine landscape, you will stay in Lachung to go on an overland safari to the Sacred Gurudongmar Lake at 17000 feet. Beside the Lachung monastery, Day Trips to Yumthang, Yumesamdong and Mt.Katao are a favourite with families

Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim and your base to visit the Rumtek monastery. In the evening the city centre becomes a pedestrian zone only

Extend your journey to the queen of hill stations - Darjeeling, your base for a tea tourism experience and the temple of mountaineering in India. The world heritage site of Darjeeling Himalayan mountain railway is loved by both adults and children with equal enthusiasm.
Nature lovers will love to take in the views of the Kanchenjunga mountains while bird lovers will enjoy blissful birding in the Neora valley national park. End your journey by living the tea planters life at a tea bungalow in Duars from where you will learn how your morning cuppa tea is grown, plucked, cured and packed.

So calling out to all experiential travellers seeking enriching experiences who want to know more to share some love by following us here.

28/08/2020

Luxexplore No.3 - Walks, Tigers & Mystic Mountains in the Land of the God
*This is Part 3 of the 23 Luxexplore by Ecomantra Self Drive Journeys and Expeditions in India that you would love to do with your family and friends. Slide left for distance map to state capitals from the destination and the route map, which is followed by quick photograph backed details on each destination along with destination , accommodation and outfit details. For more information write to us at [email protected]

Explore offbeat destinations like Ramgarh, Bhimtal, Lohagarh etc. in Kumaon. Drink in 180 degree views of Himalayan landscapes from all our destinations.
Corbett is the capital of forest experience in Uttarakhand and from here blissful birding are a must do experience. Go on jungle safari or an Elephant safari to experience wildlife at close quarters.
At Nainital stay in unique lodges on the riverbank or overlooking the lake that has something for everyone in the family. Discover long walks, soft to expedition grade treks and surprisingly numerous ancient temples scattered in pristine forests like at Jaageshwar. Discover heritage home stays or camp in Almora.

Luxexplore’s Garhwal journeys are irresistible for their Himalayan walks and river adventures. Explore offbeat destinations like Chakrata, Landsdowne and Rishikesh in Garhwal are a must see. Drink in 180 degree views of Himalayan landscapes from all our destinations.
Stay in amazing river adventure lodges or luxurious forest lodges in elephant territory. Go white water river rafting on the Ganga, glamping and experience the wilderness and nature at its best, straight from the front seats.
See ancient churches and temples against the back drop of the Himalayas, more surreal in the winter when laden with snow

So calling out to all experiential travellers seeking enriching experiences who want to know more to share some love by following us here

27/08/2020

Luxexplore No.2 - Train, Orchards & Colonial Hill Stations in Western Himalayas
*This is Part 2 of the 23 Luxexplore by Ecomantra Self Drive Journeys and Expeditions in India that you would love to do with your family and friends. Slide left for distance map to state capitals from the destination and the route map, which is followed by quick photograph backed details on each destination along with destination , accommodation and outfit details. For more information write to us at [email protected]

Beginning your journey in the summer capital of the British empire with its pleasant climate, pine forests, colonial buildings and the mall road
Stay in the rich green valley of Kullu, the cradle of the river Beas, among apple orchards, green alpine meadows and tranquil lakes. Visit an offbeat part of Manali, staying in a luxurious native home and your base for GHNP and 4 X 4 overland visits to cliff top temples.
Take a bike and pedal your way past high passes or simply choose a day-adventure on gentle routes. For those seeking adventure, the Trans Himalayan tracts of GHNP & Kinnaur, the highest village areas in the world are perfect to fill the soul.

Explore Kangra, one of the most picturesque valleys of the lower Himalayas and western Himalayas only tea growing region. Visit this green and luxuriant valley, easily accessible from the plains of Punjab and yet sheltered by the sublime Dhauladhar range.
Enroute to Chamba stop in Mandi, renowned for its eighty one, old and exquisitely carved stone temples. Dalhousie, an old colonial hill station is famous for its views and a favourite hill station of the Punjabis.
Visit an offbeat part of Himachal by car or in a narrow guage railway, staying in a heritage villa or country manor in Kangra and your base to explore the Tibetan exile town of Dharamshala and Mcleodganj

So calling out to all experiential travellers seeking enriching experiences who want to know more to share some love by following us here.

26/08/2020

Luxexplore No.1 - Old Monks, Sacred Lakes & Powder Puff Peaks of Kashmir & Ladakh

*This is Part 1 of the 23 Luxexplore by Ecomantra Self Drive Journeys and Expeditions in India that you would love to do with your family and friends. Slide left for distance map to state capitals from the destination and the route map, which is followed by quick photograph backed details on each destination along with destination, accommodation and outfit details. For more information write to us at [email protected]

“The popular Leh to Manali Road is usually only open from mid-July to mid-September when the skies are clear and temperatures are moderate. This is one of the world’s great adventure road safari - the Himalayas and Ladakhs high altitude landscape is almost lunar.

As Himalayas becomes more accessible, be one of the lucky few to visit one of the highest national park with the elusive high altitude mountain leopards, or experience an overland safari by driving across high Himalayan passes to explore Ladakh’s snowcapped peaks.

‘Gar firdaus, ruhe zamin ast, hamin asto, hamin asto, hamin ast’ Mughal Emperor Jahangir
If there is ever a heaven on earth, its here, its here, its here’ is what the emperor said when he first set his foot in Kashmir. And millions of travellers who visited Kashmir have agreed that truer words were never spoken.
Explore this paradise on earth beginning your journey at Srinagar, your base to visit its iconic lakes, Mughal gardens and Dachigam National Park. Later we proceed to the lush green valley of Pahalgam and end this heavenly journey by skiing on the powder puff snow of Gulmarg”

So calling out to all experiential travellers seeking enriching experiences who want to know more to share some love by following us here or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=10lbe6rg2980a&utm_content=1ycw449

21/08/2020

IV. Select Special Places to Stay
When you choose an experiential journey, you are always accommodated in a special place to stay based on the accommodation ambience and style you seek or the destination offers. Choose from Luxe for Less, Chic and Ultra Chic.
a. Luxe for Less Journeys - Stay in Eco Camps, B&B’s and Luxury Hotels & Resorts
Self-Drive & Self Guided Journeys
These are value for money yet very comfortable DIY self drive journeys that are designed by Luxexplore tour leaders who will pre-book your transfers, hotels, must see & do tours and activities, and hand you a tour guide leaving you with the freedom to pace each day the way you like. Here you stay in 3 to 4 star grade rooms.
b. Chic Journeys - Stay in Private Villas, Grand Hotels & Resorts, and Cruise Ships
Premium Journeys. Daytime Guided
These are stylishly journeys without any compromise on creature comforts. You will be staying in 5 star grade rooms. These are fully assisted by knowledgeable local guides who are with you from dawn to dusk. Post 5’O clock in the evening, you are free to explore the destination and dine on your own.
c. Ultra Chic Journeys - Stay in Safari Camps, Private Estates, Grand Heritage Palaces, and Luxury Trains & Yachts
As Good as it Gets. 24/7 Guided
These are for guests who want the best in class luxurious hotels and traveling in private chauffeur driven cars. These are almost always fully assisted by expert Trip Leaders who are with you and for you 24/7 to guide you, ensure your safety, even dine with you and ensure that you have fun.
*This is Part 4 out of 6 in the Luxexplore series that unravels every decision making criterion that goes towards creating an informed experiential journey with 1 infographic every day.
*It will be followed by 23 Luxexplore Journeys in India.
So calling out to all experiential travellers seeking enriching experiences who want to know more to share some love by following us here or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/…

21/08/2020

VI. Modes of journeys & expeditions
There are so many different ways to explore a destination. You can join the herd in a coach or opt for a small self guided or guided tour on your own on foot, bicycles, bikes, Segways, cars, jeeps, boats, camper vans or motorhomes based on availability and suitability of that terrain for that mode of discovery.

*This is Part 6 out of 6 in the Luxexplore series that unravels every decision making criterion that goes towards creating an informed experiential journey with 1 infographic every day.

*It will be followed by 23 Luxexplore Journeys in India.

So calling out to all experiential travellers seeking enriching experiences who want to know more to share some love by following us here or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=10lbe6rg2980a&utm_content=1ycw449

19/08/2020

V. Duration & Type of Journey
a. Duration of Travel
Whether its the regular long haul trips that you seek to travel or maybe you cannot spare too many days, you can grab a quick, refreshing Luxexplore 4 Days and 3 Nights Weekender, Youth Camp, Corporate Offsite or a quick Wellness break.

If exploring the destination at length is important, choose the Luxexplore Long Haul Journeys and Expeditions by clubbing 2 or more destinations to create a bespoke Luxexplore long haul Journey in an iconic destination.

b. Luxexplore Journey Types
Whether its a private journey or you wish to tailor-make a bespoke journey, or perhaps join a few like minded travellers on a Scheduled Journey or an Expedition, a Luxexplore journey is a classic way to travel using a self drive automobile. It is usually planned to the tee but sometimes unplanned or impromptu journey away from home, and covering many points as per your preferences or duration before you reach back home again is fun too.

*This is Part 5 out of 6 in the Luxexplore series that unravels every decision making criterion that goes towards creating an informed experiential journey with 1 infographic every day.

*It will be followed by 23 Luxexplore Journeys in India.

So calling out to all experiential travellers seeking enriching experiences who want to know more to share some love by following us here or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=10lbe6rg2980a&utm_content=1ycw449

18/08/2020

IV. Select Special Places to Stay
When you choose an experiential journey, you are always accommodated in a special place to stay based on the accommodation ambience and style you seek or the destination offers. Choose from Luxe for Less, Chic and Ultra Chic.

a. Luxe for Less Journeys - Stay in Eco Camps, B&B’s and Luxury Hotels & Resorts
Self-Drive & Self Guided Journeys

These are value for money yet very comfortable DIY self drive journeys that are designed by Luxexplore tour leaders who will pre-book your transfers, hotels, must see & do tours and activities, and hand you a tour guide leaving you with the freedom to pace each day the way you like. Here you stay in 3 to 4 star grade rooms.

b. Chic Journeys - Stay in Private Villas, Grand Hotels & Resorts, and Cruise Ships
Premium Journeys. Daytime Guided
These are stylishly journeys without any compromise on creature comforts. You will be staying in 5 star grade rooms. These are fully assisted by knowledgeable local guides who are with you from dawn to dusk. Post 5’O clock in the evening, you are free to explore the destination and dine on your own.

c. Ultra Chic Journeys - Stay in Safari Camps, Private Estates, Grand Heritage Palaces, and Luxury Trains & Yachts
As Good as it Gets. 24/7 Guided

These are for guests who want the best in class luxurious hotels and traveling in private chauffeur driven cars. These are almost always fully assisted by expert Trip Leaders who are with you and for you 24/7 to guide you, ensure your safety, even dine with you and ensure that you have fun.

*This is Part 4 out of 6 in the Luxexplore series that unravels every decision making criterion that goes towards creating an informed experiential journey with 1 infographic every day.

*It will be followed by 23 Luxexplore Journeys in India.

So calling out to all experiential travellers seeking enriching experiences who want to know more to share some love by following us here or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=10lbe6rg2980a&utm_content=1ycw449

17/08/2020

III. Choose Your Preferred Landscape

When you choose an experiential journey, you are always accommodated in a special place to stay and in your favourite landscape.

Whether you are a beach bum or a mountain man, or love cities or hate them, or want to get far from the madding crowds into the forests and countryside, we have just the landscape that you love and we make it very simple to find journeys as per your preferred landscape in this journey.

1. One Fine Day in Ultimate Urban Utopia.
2. One Fine Day on Breathtakingly beautiful bays & beaches of the World.
3. One Fine Day in the High Hills & the Himalayas.
4. One Fine Day in the Wonderful World of Wilderness.
5. One Fine Day in amidst World Wonders of the World.
6. One Fine Day in the Charming world of an idyllic Countryside.

*This is Part 3 out of 6 in the Luxexplore series that unravels every decision making criterion that goes towards creating an informed experiential journey with 1 infographic every day.

*It will be followed by 23 Luxexplore Journeys in India.

So calling out to all experiential travellers seeking enriching experiences who want to know more to share some love by following us here or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=10lbe6rg2980a&utm_content=1ycw449

16/08/2020

II. Who are You Traveling With in This Journey?

Whether you are traveling solo or with your traveling companion, or with your friends & family, we can help you choose a journey that just perfect for the occasion. Perhaps you are traveling with your teammates and seek a perfect destination for a corporate meeting, offsite, incentive or product launch, we can help you select one that can accommodate all of you in great style and even deliver the total event for you.

1. Solo Travellers - All you need to travel is you. So solo travellers will love the scheduled journeys, also known as fixed date departures. Meet new people, make new friends, travel together, explore new destinations and don’t pay for a room all by yourself when you can split the cost with a new friend. You focus on the fun, we will do everything else.

2. Family of 2 - It takes two to Tango. If Romantic trips is what you are looking for then we have curated some of the most private special places to stay and unique experiences that will make your journeys forever memorable. Our guest remember what we created and delivered 2 decades back and still travel with us:)

3. Have Kids Will Travel - Have Kids Will Travel? We got news for you: you don't have to give up comforts to escape to nature. Stay in our chosen beautiful lodges thats right on the waterfront or deep in the forest or high up in the hills, a fun, frolicking family friendly place that has something for everybody including the kids.

4. Friends & Families Small Groups - Let’s all go. You and spouse, the kids, sisters, brothers and parents to join you on this one amazing experiential get togethers. No road is long with good company. Join heritage city tours, do day trips & participate in workshops. Stay in special places, see sites unseen beside the typical & do unique enriching experiences when you explore the destination with us, quite a few of these are in really remote places.

5. Girls Getaways - This is a girls only holiday where the girls get together in a great destination for a hen party and a pretty break with other girls.

15/08/2020

I. Whoever you are, we have a Journey for you

1. The Purists
2. The Adventurers
3. The Sun Worshipping Hippie Foodies
4. The Explorers
5. The Digital Nomadic Yogis
6. The Wild Mowglis

Perhaps you are the Purist who loves culture, or the Adventurer who seeks thrilling activities in all destinations.

We have great places for the Sun worshipping, beach bopping Hippies who loves the beaches, pubs and loves to party. And we have included everything under the sun for the explorer who is sure to see and do all must see & do wherever they go.

We love the trendsetting digital yogi traveller seeking peace and utopia, and have great day trips for these citizens of the world who cannot be defined by state or countries.

*This is Part 1 out of 6 in the Luxexplore series that unravels every decision making criterion that goes towards creating an informed experiential journey with 1 infographic every day.

*It will be followed by 23 Luxexplore Journeys in India.

So calling out to all experiential travellers seeking enriching experiences who want to know more to share some love by following us here or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=10lbe6rg2980a&utm_content=1ycw449

14/08/2020

Because we travel for many reasons…

A journey is not just about stay, meals and airport transfers - You want to explore the destination, see amazing places & do extra ordinary adventures. And you want to celebrate your special days in style, learn something new and rejuvenate your body, mind and soul.

That’s why we have gone beyond the ordinary to make your journey extraordinary.

Presenting Ecomantra’s personalised on the fly, all inclusive journeys and expeditions that has something for everyone in your family.

Because we travel for many reasons and the reasons keeps changing every time time we travel, we at Luxexplore have collated our 20 year of experience & expertise building & operating eco lodges, heritage city tours on Segways, and eco journeys and expeditions to create a system that empowers you to create your own bespoke journey in 6 insanely simple steps.

Explore the world differently – a world where extra ordinary experiences has been created and curated by Ecomantra’s highly experienced experiences designers to create a bespoke personalised journey for you and your family. All you need to bring is your imagination.

Do more. Do it your way. Extraordinary, all inclusive soulful journeys. Experiences included.

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