MURThank you for your response to the earlier post on the best hotels/resorts for team building in South India. We continue our journey to the North of the country in search of the best locations for conducting leadership retreats and team building programs. As earlier, we have kept the same criteria in mind while selecting our top 10, which include quality of banquets and accommodation, connectivity from major cities across the country amongst others. Below are our list of top ten hotels in North India for conducting team building programs (in no particular order)
1. Vivanta by Taj, Srinagar
The famous poet Amir Khusrau wrote about Kashmir – “If there is a paradise on earth, it is this, it is this, it is this.” The drive from the airport to the hotel itself gives you ample proof of this quote! With improved connectivity by air and rail, Srinagar is now back in vogue as a high end destination for corporate team building. Perched on a small hill overlooking the Dal Lake, Vivanta by Taj offers – views of the Dal Lake which can literally take your breath away.
Source: VivantabyTaj
Coupled with excellent service and large banquet facilities, this is easily one of the best options for teams based out of the North. Conducting an Incredible Race to explore the beautiful city in a fun way is one of our favourite team building activities at the venue – in this exciting team challenge, teams armed with GPS devices navigate the city solving multiple team challenges, including Shikara Rides across Dal Lake and visiting the Dachigam National park!
2.Atali, Rishikesh
Positioned as an activotel (a unique blend of activities + hotel facilities), the Atali Ganga is one of the rising stars in the list of excellent venues in the North. Ideal for small groups of up-to 35 people, Atali offers a host of activity options including Survival Challenge (the resort has a very safe and high quality ropes course) and mountain treks.
Source: ataliganga
The Rafting Challenge is one of our most popular activities at the venue and gives an opportunity for groups to enjoy the adrenalin rush of rafting and later reflect on the experience to take back the learning to the work place.
3.Taj Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
One of the most magnificent royal palaces in Jaipur, stepping into the Rambagh Palace transports you back to a different era in time! Luxurious accommodation and excellent service make this one of the best options in Jaipur for team off-sites (albeit at a higher budget!). Flexible conference options and huge outdoor area are an added bonus. This also happens to be one of the favorites for senior management groups with a multi-cultural population.
Source: tajhotels
4.Ananda Spa, RIshikesh
Arguably one of the most beautiful resorts in India, Ananda in the Himalayas has been one venue which never disappoints.
Source: AnandaSpa
Known for its excellent spa treatments, the resort also offers lifestyle activities which offer a refreshing option for corporate groups seeking an escape from the corporate grind. The huge lawns provide ample opportunity for conducting exciting outdoor team building activities and the vast area of the resort (claimed to be more than 100 acres) makes it a favorite destination for us to set up a Geocaching Challenge. Conference facilities are small but good, making it an ideal venue for senior leadership off-sites.
5.Jaypee Manor, Mussorie
Source: Jaypeehotels
Well-connected from Delhi through road and rail, Jaypee Manor is our favorite venue in Mussorie for conducting team building programs.
The short distance from the Dehradun airport also makes it accessible from other cities in the country. The large banquet halls also make it an excellent option for large groups of 100+ participants. One of our personal favourites is to conduct a Cooking Challenge on the cozy environs in the property!
6.Fairmont, Jaipur
Nestled amongst the majestic Aravali Hills, Fairmont Jaipur is one of our favorite venues in in the North for conducting large group team building programs. The Ball Room here can easily host groups of 500+ participants! Interesting activities around the resort include hot air ballooning, elephant picnics, bike trails and city tours with shopping and sightseeing.
Source: Fairmont
7.Oberoi, Wildflower
Located in the lovely hills of Shimla, the winding drive from the city center to the hotel gives you a sneak peek of the amazing experience awaiting you at the hotel. Set in the backdrop of the magnificent Himalayan ranges, world class hospitality is one of the X-Factors of the Oberoi Wildflower.
Source: Oberoihotels
The beautiful pine and cedar woods surrounding the property offers the opportunity for taking long walks and treks in the tranquil atmosphere. Conference facilities are small but excellent, making it an ideal get away for senior management teams and small groups. Adventure activities including white water rafting are available a short drive away from the property.
8.Jaypee Palace, Agra
Situated a bit away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the Jaypee Palace is one of our favorites in Agra. Huge outdoor lawns and big banqueting facilities make it is one of the best venues in the North for large groups of 200+ participants.
Source: Jaypeehotels
The flexible banquet options also make it a good option for conferences where multiple breakaway rooms are needed for sub-teams.
9.Westin, Sohna
For corporate groups based out of Delhi, Westin(Sohna) is an excellent option at a 1.5hr distance from the city. The connectivity from Delhi airport also makes it a popular venue for team off-sites involving participants flying in from other geographies. The beautifully landscaped lawns and greenery of the resort add to the charm of the experience. Banqueting facilities have been enhanced and the resort is now a popular destination for larger groups of up-to 100 participants as well.
Source: westinsohnaresort
The hotel has also ramped up the activity options available for guests and some of the popular experiences include a small but well maintained high ropes course and fitness sessions including Yoga and TaiChi.
10.Lalit Palace, Srinagar
Surrounded by mountains and overlooking the picturesque Dal Lake, the renovated Lalit Palace hotel (originally the Gulab Bhavan) epitomizes the beauty of Kashmir. Close proximity to the Golf Course and major sightseeing attractions in Srinagar is one of the USPs of the hotel.
Source: thelalit
Banquet facilities are excellent and flexible, adding to its suitability as a team off-site destination in the North.
Which are your favourite properties in the North for conducting team off-sites? Do join the conversation…
