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As we mop up sweat at the Homegrown office - no seriously, we don’t have a working air conditioner in our office so be grateful - not to mention battling the Bombay heat along with its tag-team partner, humidity, our minds are often in faraway lands as we dream of azure water bodies. Summer makes people cranky and drives escapists to more pleasant realms lined with swimming pools and poolside bars. You know how one thing leads to another with us and the virtual world; turns out our imaginations falter in the face of reality when it comes to this one, though. It’s mind blowing the sort of pools our varied Indian geography is home to, from those that enjoy picturesque views of the mountains to temperature controlled Infinity pools and watery havens fringed with foliage that make you lose all sense of time.
Whether you want to float disgustingly drunk within their perimeters or...float disgustingly drunk within their perimeters, here are a few unbelievable pools across India that you NEED to take a dip in this summer.
Where: Shimla
It’s almost surreal how beautiful the infinity pool at Wildflower Hall is with its postcard-like backdrop. Located at a height of 8,250 feet above sea level, this outdoor infinity pool is connected to the heated indoor pool so you don’t freeze, and swimming laps will never be the same again once you’ve resurfaced in this pool to the snowcapped Himalayan ranges towering in the distance, dotted with cedar and pine trees. The clincher’s the outdoor jacuzzi in the Oberoi property that we guarantee you’re not going to get out of till your fingers look like prunes.
Where: Kochi, Kerala
Overlooking Kochi harbour and its backwaters, Vivanta by Taj Malabar is located on Willingdon Island. Its infinity pool, Aquarius (no really, they named it) is a gorgeous water body that looks like it’s actually meeting the waves at the picturesque Kochi harbour, making for the perfect little waterside haven you could get lost in.
III. Alila Diwa
Where: Majorda, Goa
Break the mould the next time you’re in Goa. Alila Diwa Resort in Majorda houses an infinity pool that rubs shoulders with the lush green paddy fields surrounding the hotel and is a great break from the generic sandy beach getaway. The ‘Terrace Room’ or ‘Loft Room’ here has some magnificent views of the gardens as well, so get ready for blue waters and green living.
Where: Kerala
No seriously, we swear that picture is real. Fringed with palm trees, the pool at the Kumarakom Lake Resort is located right on the banks of the lovely Vembanad Lake and offers you the experience of unwinding in almost unfair luxury. If you’re a ‘water’ person, you’re going to have tons of options here, with recreational activities like backwater cruises, water sports and more to indulge in.
Where: Tamil Nadu
The Kurumba Village Resort is located smack in the middle of the Nilgiri Mountains in Tamil Nadu, nestled between Ooty and Mettupalayam, and the infinity pool here - which stretches out into the lush green valley - is a place made of rainbows, butterflies and late afternoon swims. Oh yes, and tranquillity too.
VI. Swissotel
Where: Kolkata
Swissotel Kolkata. Source: holidaycheck.comThe best of Swiss hospitality and rooftop lounge indulgence come together in this 5-star luxury hotel in Kolkata. The blue waters call out to you from your perch way up and, between dips in the luxurious pools, there are breathtaking views to be had all the way to Kolkata airport. Daytime swim or night-time swim? Be greedy and choose both.
VII. Beyond Vineyard Resort
Where: Nashik
Did someone say weekend getaway? Located near the Sula Winery, the pool at this resort is a great place to swim or just laze around at to get away from the madness of city life just for a little while.
VIII. The Leela Palace
Where: New Delhi
Surrounded by grand embassies and consulates, the diplomatic quarter is housed in The Leela Palace, New Delhi. A 10-minute drive from India Gate and Central Secretariat, and 20 minutes from Red Fort, this has to be one of the most centrally located city pools on the list - not to mention the architecture splendour which is jaw-dropping. Definitely worth the experience.
IX. Park Hotel
Where: Hyderabad
Modern chic is the word when it comes to the swimming pool at the Park Hotel, Hyderabad. The violet hues play with the light over the water at night and the view of the Hussain Sagar lake from the infinity edge is pretty stunning.
Where: Goa
The vibes (sorry, we’re out of pool-friendly vocabulary) in this pool are almost maddening. The sweet fragrance of medicinal plants waft in the vicinity, and the peace here is characteristic of relatively untouched lands, away from unruly crowds and swamped in a soothing silence. This is a pool for those who enjoy quaint experiences.
Where: Kerala
Mountain and sea meet in a watery celebration at these clifftop pools, cradled between sprawling beaches and a commanding view of the breath-taking Kovalam coastline. Two luxurious pools overlook the Arabian Sea adjoined by the poolside bars as heady wingmen.
XII. Trident
Where: Gurgaon
Gurgaon doesn’t exactly inspire the most nature-friendly imagery but this place at its epicentre proves us wrong with the serenity and freshness that it offers. The gardens, courtyards and the reflection pool is a perfect spot to unwind and is rejuvenating to say the least while The Pool Bar in Gurgaon also offers an extensive range of cocktails and spirits, along with delicious appetisers.
XIII. Oberoi Amarvilas
Where: Agra
The pool at Oberoi Amarvilas personifies luxury, aglow with soft yellow lamps and tasteful stone architecture. Temperature controlled and offering shaded and open areas, you’re likely to feel like a royal yourself as you wade into the rich waters. A visit at this hotel itself is something to put on your bucket list, with a driveway that is framed with lush, native trees and flaming torches, leading to a Mughal-style quadrant with cascading fountains and an arched passageway.
XIV. Vivanta by Taj
Where: Madikeri
You’re going to be spoilt for choice with this one. Vivanta by Taj, Madikeri, is the pool fanatics’ dream, with a whopping three pools within the premises, located in the heart of a 180-acre living rainforest. You can soak in their plunge pools or unwind in their climate-controlled indoor swimming pool ‘Celsius’ which enjoys spectacular views. If you’re an outdoor person, though, you’ve really got it made - the open air swimming pool is nestled in verdant greenery and floating on your back in the woods and under the stars is something we all need to do at least once (a year).
XV. Oberoi Udaivilas
Where: Udaipur
Typical Oberoi design with reflection pools, fountains, gardens and breathtaking Indian palace architecture. Throw a gorgeous view of the Udaipur lake and azure temperature controlled swimming pools into the mix... what are you still waiting for? Summer’s here and it’s time to lose all sense of time.
XVI. Orange County
Where: Kabini
Located right at the edge of the lake, this is an Infinity pool you’re going to find very hard to leave. Whether you’re soaking in the sun at the Pool Lounge or hanging out in the pool, the Kabini sunset is going to get you eventually and you’re always going to be tempted to stay for another.\
[This article was pure torture to write without a functioning air conditioner in our office so do us a favour and don’t make it a worthless effort. Get on a goddam plane and thank us when you dive into one of these beauties!]
