While India’s cultural settings—its exquisite forts, shrines, temples and Taj Mahal—claim all the headlines, its natural treasures, from the shores of Goa to the mountain tops of the Himalayas, capture the essence of this vast and diverse country.
India’s main cities also offer groups a variety of outdoor venues, from rooftop restaurants to palace gardens.
“Every major city for MICE in India has ample outdoor venues,” said Sandhya Haridas, assistant director of India Tourism, Los Angeles Office. “Most of the major cities also have adventure activities and heritage sites in the vicinity to explore.”
Experiences in the North and Central states include taking rickshaw tours and walking food tours in Old Delhi, ziplining in Neemrana, bird watching in Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary or Keoladeo National Park, desert camping in Jodhpur, wildlife viewing in Ranthambore and river rafting in Rishikesh, according to Haridas.
In the Western and Southern states groups can take a boat ride to the Elephanta Caves in Mumbai, tour Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad, try microlight flying in Bengaluru and go waterskiing in Goa.
“Yoga sessions would also be a great way to engage in a group activity, or play a round of golf at any of the signature golf clubs across the country,” she said.
Delhi
At the time of its construction in the 17th century, Old Delhi was considered one of the most prosperous and beautiful cities in the world. Despite today’s whirlwind pace, the mystical side of Old Delhi lurks in its 400-year-old web of alleys, all ready to be explored on foot or by bike with companies like DelhiByCycle.
“DelhiByCycle offers an exhilarating glimpse into the life and times of the great Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan and the 1,500-acre expanse of his capital—Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi),” said Pravin Tamang, general manager of PEAK DMC India. “With the smell of brewing tea and simmering breakfast curry, you see a mind boggling co-existence of the past and the future, competing for your attention.”
Bike tours also pass many of the city’s highlights, such as the Red Fort.
For a respite from the city’s streets, Lodi- The Garden Restaurant in Delhi’s capital of New Delhi, mirrors the serenity from the adjacent Lodhi Gardens, a peaceful heritage park popular with locals and visitors, according to Tamang.
Housing numerous trees more than a century old, Lodhi Gardens feature 16th and 17th century Mughal architecture and decorated tombs.
Another outdoor venue, The Waterside Bar at upscale hotel ITC Maurya, New Delhi offers pool-side space for cocktails. Meanwhile, The Oberoi, New Delhi is slated to reopen in January 2018 with a rooftop bar available for groups.
The convention hall at The Ashok hotel is popular for meetings and conferences, as are the MICE facilities at properties such as The Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi; Le Meridian New Delhi; and Hyatt Regency Delhi.
Two hours from Delhi, Flying Fox offers zipline adventures over the 15th century Neemrana Fort-Palace as a day trip for groups, with views of the Aravalli Range.
Far north, Rishikesh and other mountain areas are the perfect adventure spots for river rafting and tubing as well as trekking.
A few hours south of Delhi, Agra, home to the Taj Mahal, is a magnet for group excursions. One outdoor venue, Sky Deck Restaurant, offers views of the Taj Mahal and serves as a window to the ancient Mughal era. The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch or high tea.
Agra is also home to the Jaypee Palace Hotel and Convention Centre, which opens its terrace gardens for up to 500 people.
Mumbai
Groups can take a break from the congestion of Mumbai, India’s largest city, with excursions on Mumbai Harbour, home to the iconic Gateway of India stone arch, built by the British Raj in 1924.
To experience Mumbai from the water, Aquasail 360’ Sailing offers teambuilding options and charter boats in the harbor.
PageBreakThe company Boat Booking India has an extensive fleet of boats and yachts on charter in Mumbai as well as its other location in Goa. Other water sports activities through the company include sailing, kayaking and parasailing.
For another waterside setting, Sun-n-Sand Hotel has a waterfront location on Juhu Beach, offering a large outdoor courtyard area, landscaped gardens and a poolside feature overlooking the Arabian Sea.
Rajasthan
The tourist mecca of Rajasthan offers a wide choice of convention centers throughout the state’s well-connected cities including Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur.
In Jaipur, known as the Pink City for the color of its architecture, hot-air ballooning over sites such as the Amer Fort is an option for groups.
“Attendees can absorb the unique colors and sound as they blend beautifully with the historical forts and hidden palaces nestled among the Aravalli Range,” Tamang said.
Near Jaipur, Samode Palace has been host to royalty, celebrities and artists over its 475-year history. Groups can organize dinners at the palace and use its outdoor space.
Scenic Udaipur is a group hot spot, with options for adventure and serene settings on Lake Pichola.
“Taking a boat cruise around the freshwater lake during sunset is one of the most blissful and relaxing things to do in Udaipur,” Tamang said. “Enjoy the crisp final few rays of sunlight as they hit the lake giving it a glimmering reflection.”
Sunset Terrace overlooks Lake Pichola and the surrounding ring of Aravalli mountains and is a prime venue for cocktails and themed dinners.
Also on the lake, Jagmandir Island Palace, sometimes referred to as a swarg ki vatika, or garden of heaven, offers space for cocktail receptions, themed-dinners and banquets, which can include folk dancers and fireworks. Options also include performances at the Garden Courtyard or sit-down banquets at Kunwarpada Lawns.
The pool deck at Shiv Niwas Palace, built in the early 20th century, in the reign of Maharana Fateh Singh, is another group lakeside option.
For desert adventure, Jaisalmer is the setting for desert camel rides over the dunes, as well as desert Jeep rides at sunset, both of which can be organized by PEAK DMC.
The company can also arrange outings to Bishnoi village, near Jodhpur, a home for Bishnoi tribes who follow an eco-friendly sect of Hindu religion and are known for their love for animals. Village safaris can pass wildlife such as deer and antelope.
Bengaluru/Hyderabad
Heading south, the tech and business hub of Bengaluru is home to the Hotel Royal Orchid, spread across a tranquil three acres. Groups can use its lawn and 4,000-square-foot Poolside Lounge in addition to indoor venues for group receptions.
Bangalore Aerosports, one of India’s dedicated Microlight Flying Centers, can offer attendees a chance to take over the controls.
Hyderabad, a burgeoning information and tech hub, is home to the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) and the Shilpakala-Vedica, one of India’s largest convention centers.
For a dinner under the stars, the Taj Falaknuma Palace’s Gol Bungalow features open space topped with a stained glass dome.
Bollywood buffs can tour the 2,000-acre Ramoji Film City studio complex. The venue offers themed events and organizes musical performances, fashion shows and other events for groups.
On the horizon in Hyderabad, ITC is opening ITC Kohinoor, slated for April 2018. The luxury hotel will be located in the heart of the New Business District overlooking Durgam Cheruvu lake. The hotel will offer 290 guest rooms and suites.
Chennai/Goa/Kochi
Chennai, capital of the state of Tamil Nadu, is home to popular beaches such as Marina Beach, as well as the Chennai Convention Centre. Outdoor venues include the lawn at Kailash Resort as well as SPP Gardens, which is divided into six landscaped areas and can host group events.
Blessed with expansive beaches, forests, off-shore islands, pristine rivers as well as its Indo-Portuguese architecture, Goa is a water sports hub with options that include sailing as well as waterskiing.
Goa is also home to various five-star resorts like Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa, Taj Exotica and The Leela. It also offers the International Centre Goa, which has outdoor space.
In Kerala, the city of Kochi is home to the Bolgatty Event Centre, located on 15 acres overlooking the Kochi seaport and Arabian Sea, with lawn space for 3,000.
