Why India: For the colour and culture of Rajasthan, the chance to see a tiger in the wild in either Bandavgarh or Kanha National Parks, and the west coast’s sleepy Indian Ocean.
Capital: New Delhi
Getting there: There are regular direct flights from London to Delhi and Bombay with several major airlines including Air India, British Airways and Virgin. Flying time from London to Delhi takes 8 hours and 45 minutes, and from London to Bombay takes 9 hours and 15 minutes.
Time: GMT plus 5 hours and 30 minutes.
Try not to miss: The culture and history of Rajasthan, whose extravagant forts, palaces and temples are famous throughout the world, and a legacy from the aristocratic Maharajas that once ruled this semi desert landscape. Unmissable sights in Rajasthan include the Taj Mahal, the Amber Fort and the 14th century Jain Temples at Ranakpur situated in a peaceful valley through the Aravali hills. If possible time your visit to coincide with either the Pushkar Fair in autumn or the equally absorbing Nagaur Fair in February, where thousands gather to witness colourful stockmen plying their trade, accompanied by cattle, camels and horses. Rajasthan is especially well served by the quality and variety of accommodation available to the visitor, ranging from the most extravagant palaces and forts to historic family houses.
The great forests of central India that are home to the last of the sub continent’s once flourishing populations of wild elephant, tiger and rhinoceros. Three of the best places in which to glimpse a sight of the iconic wild tiger are in Bandavgarh and Kanha National Parks or at Ranthambore tiger reserve, where we work with lodges offering high standards of comfort and service, and with guides who have a proven track record of providing their clients with regular tiger sightings. The Himalayan foothills in the north are also spectacularly beautiful, divided by deep forested valleys whose fast flowing rivers are home to mighty mahseer fish.
Kerala lies between the Deccan Plateau in the south west and the azure Indian Ocean. The pace of life throughout this rural region of palm trees, lagoons, lakes, rivers and canals is noticeably slower and more laid back than other parts of India, making it the perfect antidote to the dust and bustle of Rajasthan. Further north, the beaches of tropical Goa have retained the charm and ambience that made this region so attractive those seeking an alternative lifestyle in the sixties.
Visas: UK passport holders require visas for India, which must be obtained prior to travel.
Please contact us to discuss your own unique, tailor-made itinerary
