Image credit: Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa
Golf vacations are on the rise, and India’s top resorts are taking notice. Championship courses are drawing in a new wave of travellers keen to improve their game, advance their skills, or unwind between tee times. Driving ranges are busier, pro sessions are booking out, and curated golf getaways are fast becoming the new luxury escape.
It’s not just the professionals anymore. From Delhi to Goa, more Indians are embracing the sport with the quiet determination of Shubhankar Sharma or Aditi Ashok. According to the Golf Industry Association’s 2024 report, the country’s golf travel industry is growing at 20 percent annually, with junior golf seeing a 40 percent spike, proving that the sporting activity is no longer a niche.
Also, read our guide to the best luxury golf resorts in the world, which will make every game memorable.
Best time to plan a golf resort vacation in India
Image credit: Sugar Golf/Unsplash
Wondering when to plan a golf resort vacation in India? Unlike many Western countries where golf is mainly a summer sport, the ideal time to visit India and its golf courses varies across regions. Summers are extremely hot, making the outdoors challenging, while the monsoon limits play due to heavy rains. As a result, the prime golfing season in India falls between October and March, when temperatures are mild and courses are in their best condition.
Top golf resorts in India
ITC Grand Bharat, A Luxury Collection Retreat, Gurugram
Image credit: ITC Grand Bharat
Set at the foothills of the Aravalli Range, ITC Grand Bharat is home to South Asia’s only 27-hole Jack Nicklaus signature course. The 18-hole Championship course splits into the precision-focused ‘The Ridge Course’ and the long-hitters’ ‘The Valley Course’, while the scenic 9-hole Canyon Signature Executive Course is considered one of the most scenic stretches of green in the NCR. Its expansive practice facilities include a 350-yard driving range with grass bays, a large putting green, and dedicated chipping and bunker areas. Certified coaches are available for all levels.
Address: Hassanpur Tauru, Gurugram, Haryana 122105
Website
Book your stay at ITC Grand Bharat via Agoda
Book your stay at ITC Grand Bharat via Booking.com
Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa, Gulmarg
Fancy teeing off at the world’s highest 18-hole course? Just a brisk 10-minute walk and a scenic gondola ride away from Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa (Gulmarg’s first five-star hotel), you’ll find yourself playing in the clouds at the Gulmarg Golf Course (2,690 metres). From Instagram-teasing views of the Pir Panjal range to snow-kissed Affarwat peaks, the resort offers the thrill of golfing with a side of distractingly gorgeous landscapes.
Also, check out our guide to the best time to visit Gulmarg to plan your trip.
Address: 29RP+R2, Hotel Khyber Rd, Forest Block, Jammu and Kashmir 193403
Website
Book your stay at Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa via Agoda
Book your stay at Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa via Booking.com
The LaLiT Golf and Spa Resort, Goa
Image credit: thelalit.goa/Instagram
If you want your golf vacation to be as exciting as you are about the sport, look no further than LaLiT’s distinctive golf experience. With its internationally accredited Double ‘T’ 9-hole links course (the only one of its kind in Goa), it is designed to challenge golfers with 27 gentlemen’s tees, nine ladies’ tees, and the course plays to a par of 36 and is supported by professional caddies and deluxe golf carts.
Go for the resort package, which includes breakfast, flexible check-in options, and a 10 percent discount on dining and spa services. Green fees apply once at up to INR 1,000 (HKD 91), with equipment rentals and additional services charged separately. The course operates daily from 7 am to 6 pm.
Address: Raj Baga, Palolem, Canacona, Goa 403702
Website
Book your stay at The LaLiT Golf and Spa Resort Goa via Agoda
Book your stay at The LaLiT Golf and Spa Resort Goa via Booking.com
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa
Image credit: Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa
The Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa, is one of the most prestigious addresses in South Goa, located alongside a sprawling stretch of green with a 9-hole course reminiscent of the Mediterranean. A stone’s throw from palm-fringed beaches, the space is designed for a leisurely round, offering golfers a relaxed setting with far-reaching views of the Arabian Sea.
Address: Calwaddo, Benaulim, Goa 403716
Website
Book your stay at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Goa via Agoda
Book your stay at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Goa via Booking.com
Karma Lakelands, Gurugram
Image credit: Karma Lakelands
Looking for a golf escapade that’s close to Delhi, eco-conscious, and professionally designed? Check, check, and check. Karma Lakelands’s 9-hole boutique golf course, designed by Phil Ryan of Pacific Coast Design, is one of the most recommended addresses for a full 18-hole experience amidst lush, landscaped greens. Facilities include a driving range, professional instruction, and a well-equipped Pro Shop with brands such as Taylormade and Adidas. Weekday green fees start at INR 2,400 (HKD 218) for nine holes and INR 3,200 (HKD 291) for 18 holes, with higher weekend rates. Juniors, members’ guests, and walk-in players are all accommodated, and golf carts, caddies, and rentals are easily available.
Address: NH-8, Sector 80, Gurugram, Haryana 122002
Website
Book your stay at Karma Lakelands Gurugram via Agoda
Book your stay at Karma Lakelands Gurugram via Booking.com
Oxford Golf Resort, Pune
Image credit: Oxford Golf Resort, Pune
With panoramic views of the Sahyadri hills, Oxford Golf Resort houses one of India’s finest golf academies and an 18-hole, 7,020-yard, par-72 championship course designed by Phil Ryan of Pacific Coast Design in 2009. The course is consistently ranked among the best maintained in Asia.
Facilities include a two-tier driving range and structured coaching for all levels, from private lessons and junior camps to elite development programmes and corporate packages. This resort’s extensive list of services also includes tailored day clinics, express group schools, and long-term instruction under its ‘Evolve’ and satellite coaching plans.
Address: Mumbai-Bangalore Highway, Next To Crystal Honda Showroom, Bavdhan, Pune, Maharashtra 411021
Website
Book your stay at Oxford Golf Resort Pune via Agoda
Book your stay at Oxford Golf Resort Pune via Booking.com
The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences, Gurugram
Image credit: The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences
The Leela Ambience Gurugram, the Ambience Greens course, boast a well-kept 9-hole layout. Designed by Nelson & Haworth, the Hawaiian firm known for sculpting courses with a certain je ne sais quoi for natural terrains, this track features water hazards, challenging pin placements, and roughs that keep you alert. Whether you’re easing into the game with a 45-minute intro session or booking a full round with a coach, the course caters to all levels. If you are a guest at the hotel, you can take advantage of the 20 percent off on green fees, club rentals, and shoes. Also, when in Gurugram, do not miss out on exploring the Leopard Trail.
Tip: You can email the hotel to learn more about the experience or book it during your stay.
Address: National Highway 8, Ambience Island, DLF Phase 3, Sector 24, Gurugram, Haryana 122002
Website
Book your stay at Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences via Agoda
Book your stay at Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences via Booking.com
St. Regis Goa Resort, Goa
Image credit: The St. Regis Goa Resort
With sweeping views of the Arabian Sea, this 12-hole, par-3 course at St. Regis Goa Resort is one of the best golf spots for families, beginners, or those looking to sharpen their short game. Open from 9 am to 6 pm, the coastal layout pairs breezy seaside holes with a casual, walkable design. A putting green, gear rentals, and lessons are available, and kids play free, making it one of the few courses in Goa to welcome all ages.
Address: Mobor, Cavelossim, Goa, 403731
Website
Book your stay at St. Regis Goa Resort via Agoda
Book your stay at St. Regis Goa Resort via Booking.com
What to know before booking a golf resort in India
Image credit: Yuri Efremov/Unsplash
If you are travelling outside the peak season or close to the monsoon months, it is advisable to check with the resort in advance to avoid disruptions due to weather.
Green fees often do not include carts, caddies, or rental clubs, so it is important to confirm the total cost and ask about any exclusive experiences that may be available.
Luxury resorts generally restrict course access to in-house guests, so you should secure your tee time when booking your accommodation.
As a resort guest, you may be eligible for special golf packages that include added services or discounts.
Shop the best travel experiences here
(Feature image credit: Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa/Unsplash)
Related | The World’s Most Remote Golf Course And Others That Are Worth The Journey
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
We may earn an affiliate commission when you shop through links on our site.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Are there golf resorts in India that cater to both golfers and non-golfers?
Yes, many golf resorts in India provide facilities and activities for non-golfers, including coaching sessions and professional training.
Do golf resorts in India offer golf lessons for beginners?
Karma Lakelands, Oxford Golf Resort, and Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa all offer golf lessons for beginners.
Can I rent golf equipment at Indian golf resorts?
Yes, more resorts in hotels will have the option for guests to rent any necessary equipment.
Are golf resorts in India family-friendly?
Yes, golf courses in India are usually open for all family members with some even specifying designated areas for juniors.
Written By
Sneha Chakraborty
Sneha Chakraborty is a journalist and photographer covering how travel intersects with food, culture, ..Read Moreand identity. Her reporting has appeared in National Geographic Traveller India, Lonely Planet, Conde Nast Traveller, Vogue India, and Hindustan Times, where she spent two years on staff as a correspondent covering travel and culture. She is an alumna of the University of Westminster`s Westminster School of Media, Arts and Design. Currently based in Delhi, she grew up in various cities across India and has lived in Amsterdam, and London. Read Less