7 Beautiful Resorts In India To Escape With Your Sibling This Raksha Bandhan

With Raksha Bandhan falling on August 28 this year, the festival comes with a Friday holiday, giving you the perfect opportunity to turn it into a long weekend getaway. That means three days are practically begging to be turned into a sibling escape. And no, you do not necessarily need to fly to Bali or spend 12 hours in traffic to make it count. From restored forts in Rajasthan to sprawling resorts tucked into the Aravallis, these stays make a strong case for replacing the traditional Rakhi ceremony with room-service breakfasts, long drives, spa appointments and the occasional argument over who gets the better side of the bed this Raksha Bandhan. 

7 Best Luxury Stays For A Sibling Getaway This Raksha Bandhan

1. Neemrana Fort-Palace, Neemrana

Who is it for: For siblings who think every family story deserves a royal setting.

You have spent years fighting like two contestants on a reality show, so perhaps it is time you were both treated like royalty. Built in 1464, Neemrana Fort-Palace is a restored heritage property spread across 14 levels, with 92 rooms and suites carved into the historic fort. The property has hanging gardens, swimming pools, an Ayurvedic spa, cultural performances and plenty of corners that make even a mildly photogenic person look like they have wandered into a period film.

Also Read: 8 Forts To Visit This Independence Day For A Journey Through India’s Most Powerful History

2. Taj Damdama Lake Resort & Spa, Gurugram

Who is it for: For siblings who want activities, greenery and absolutely no airport queues.

Set against the Aravallis near Damdama Lake, Taj Damdama Lake Resort & Spa gives you plenty to do once you arrive. There is rock climbing, zip-lining, go-karting, obstacle courses and treasure hunts for siblings who cannot sit still for more than seven minutes. Then there is the resort’s slower side. You can wander around the property, spend time by the pool, book a spa session or simply find somewhere quiet and talk until you realise you have been sitting there for two hours. The property also offers a traditional Haryanvi village dining experience, complete with food cooked on a chulha. 

Also Read: 5 Fort Stays In India To Live Like Royalty Without Leaving The Present

3. Tijara Fort-Palace, Alwar

Who is it for: For siblings who need to disappear from the internet for a weekend.

There comes a point when the family WhatsApp group, Instagram notifications and work emails all begin to feel like background noise. Tijara Fort-Palace is a good place to switch it off. The 19th-century fort-palace sits on a hill in Alwar and has the kind of setting that makes you instinctively lower your voice. Neemrana has restored the property while retaining its historic character, and there is enough here to fill a weekend without turning it into a sightseeing marathon.

Play carrom, try badminton, pick up a book or have high tea. Or do what siblings have been doing since the invention of holidays: lie around and complain about everything this Raksha Bandhan.

4. Hill Fort-Kesroli, Alwar

Who is it for: For siblings who would choose a 14th-century fort over a generic luxury hotel.

Hill Fort-Kesroli has a very keen flex; it dates back to the 14th century and is widely regarded as one of India’s oldest heritage fort hotels. Perched on a hill overlooking the Aravalli countryside, the property feels suitably removed from city life without requiring a week-long leave application. The fort’s old stone walls, courtyards and views give the stay a sense of character that you simply cannot manufacture in a newly built resort.

It is also a lovely option for siblings who have somehow grown into adults with jobs, deadlines and separate lives but still revert to their 12-year-old selves the moment they are together.

Also Read: From Luxe Stays To Rajasthani Flavours, This Jaipur Hotel Is Made For A Memorable Royal Escape

5. The Westin Sohna Resort & Spa

Who is it for: For siblings whose ideal itinerary begins with “nothing” and ends with dessert.

Not every Raksha Bandhan getaway needs sightseeing, forts or a packed schedule. Sometimes you want a resort where the entire point is to stay put! 

The Westin Sohna Resort & Spa is spread across a substantial property and has enough activities to rescue the weekend if boredom strikes. There are swimming pools, cycling, horse riding, cricket, aqua zorbing and stargazing experiences, along with the Heavenly Spa for days when your idea of adventure involves lying face down while somebody fixes your shoulders.

You could spend the morning cycling, disappear for a spa treatment after lunch and finish the evening looking at the stars. Or you could spend seven hours by the pool and call that a perfectly productive day. Nobody needs to know.

6. ITC Grand Bharat, Gurugram

Who is it for: For siblings who want to turn Rakhi into a full-fledged luxury holiday.

If your sibling bond deserves something slightly more extravagant than a box of kaju katli, ITC Grand Bharat brings the big-resort energy.

Set amid the Aravallis near Gurugram, the property is designed for the kind of weekend where you arrive with an overstuffed suitcase and no intention of checking your bank balance until Monday. Golf, spa experiences, elaborate meals and sprawling spaces give you enough options to create your own version of a luxury escape.

And there is something particularly satisfying about spending a weekend doing grown-up things with the person who once tattled on you for stealing the last piece of chocolate. 

7. The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra

Who is it for: For siblings who want to make Raksha Bandhan genuinely unforgettable.

Some trips are worth saving up for, and a sibling getaway with a Taj Mahal view belongs firmly in that category.

The Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra is one of India’s most recognisable luxury hotels, with views of the Taj Mahal from its rooms and suites and architecture inspired by Mughal-era design. The property also has a spa, swimming pool and multiple dining experiences, so the weekend can be as indulgent as you want it to be.

Also Read: Maharani Chamber To Hidden Bars, Curly Tales Gets Tour Of Umaid Bhawan Palace, Home To Indias Richest Royals

Because somewhere between childhood fights, embarrassing school photographs and arguments over who got more pocket money, siblings become the people who know your entire history. And sometimes, the best way to celebrate Raksha Bandhan is to take the long weekend, leave the routine behind and make a new story together.

Cover Image Courtesy: kritisanon/Instagram and NeemranaHotels/website

For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.