India
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The film Slumdog Millionaire, has inspired and upped interest in India. This is a rags-to-riches tale of a Mumbai based slumdog orphan who becomes the unlikely winner of India’s equivalent of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?. Seen through his eyes, it takes you across the country telling a story of triumph over adversity while exposing you to the raw power of a country that has kept people coming back time and again, knowing that each time will never be the same as the last.
India is a country of colours and contrasts and we have many tours to the region, immersing you in every aspect of Indian life both traditional and modern.
Delhi with its buzzing streets and exotic culture, the beauty of Jaipur, the back waters of Kerala or the idyllic beaches of Goa. There is also the wildlife such as the Asian Elephant and Bengal Tiger found in numerous National Parks and wildlife sanctuaries. The possibilities and experiences in this magnificent land are endless. We can tailor make your holiday in India for you to take in the sights and sounds of this enchanting country.
Delhi
India’s fascinating capital city is split into Old Delhi and New Delhi. The ‘new’ part dates from 1920, and as well as wide boulevards and green parks it offers the imposing India Gate, India’s impressive Parliament House and two monument’s from Delhi’s past – Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar. Old Delhi was once a walled city and can be explored on a traditional rickshaw. The most famous site is the Red Fort .Outside the Lahore Gate of the fort is Chadni Chowk, a congested avenue heading west that is filled with twisting lanes, small streets and crowded bazaars.
Agra
Agra is renowned as the home of the world’s most famous monument to love -the Taj Mahal.Started in 1631, the Taj Mahal was built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen, it is believed to have taken 18 years to complete.Its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints at sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling white during the day. Elsewhere in Agra is the impressive Agra Fort where you can visit the chambers of this royal residence.
Jaipur
Jaipur is the third point of the famous ‘Golden Triangle’ and is one of India’s most beautiful cities. One of the most photographed buildings in Jaipur in Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, this five storied wonder is in fact just a spectacular façade with overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires. A short distance from Jaipur stands Amber Fort, a marvellous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below.
Mumbai (Bombay)
Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra and the economic powerhouse of India. It is the fastest moving and most affluent city in India. Mumbai is home to India’s fashion industry, Bollywood, the famous Hindi language film industry and where Slumdog Millionaire was filmed.
The Golden Triangle Tour
The perfect introduction to the wonders of north India.The three destinations of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra make up the 'Golden Triangle' and give a fantastic snapshot of the colours and spectacles of India.In a few short days you will be captivated by this vibrant country. This group tour uses the expertise of knowledgeable local guides in Delhi, Jaipur, Fatehpur Sikri and Agra.
From £1082 per person for 5 nights
In Search of the Tiger Tour
The highlight of this tour is two nights spent at Ranthambore. The National park here is one of the finest tiger reserves in the country and although sightings cannot be guaranteed, many visitors have been fortunate to spot these magnificent creatures in the wild. The park, which takes its name from the 10th century fortress which lies within its boundaries, hosts many other species of wildlife including sambar, chittal, gaur and leopard.
From £1120 per person for 7 nights
The Koh-I-Noor – Private Tour
This luxury private tour combines an inspiring itinerary with the opportunity to stay in some of the finest hotels in India. The Oberoi “Villas” are internationally recognised for all-round excellence and unparalleled levels of service. Two nights are spent at The Oberoi Amarvilas, which is located just 600 metres from the Taj Mahal and offers breathtaking views of the monument. This tour also includes Samode, where you can take a camel ride around the fascinating village, then retire to the historic Palace for your overnight stay. The Palace boasts a magnificent setting dominating the village, and is fabulously decorated with 300 year old wall paintings.
From £1807 for 7 nights
Temples, Tigers & the Taj Mahal
The northern plains of India have always provided a vast array of sites, sounds and architectural wonders. In one comprehensive tour, see the bustling bazaars of Delhi and Jaipur, the Taj Mahal at Agra, the deserts of Rajasthan, the bathing ghats of Varanasi and the erotic temples of Khajuraho. The tour also visits Nepal and legendary Kathmandu.
From £2990 – 22 days
So Many Magical Experiences
This tour combines the best that India has to offer – from the deserts of Rajasthan in the north, to the backwaters of Kerala in the south. Visiting Mumbai, the historic caves at Ajanta and Ellora and the beautiful frescoes and havelis in the Shekhawati region, this tour will leave the visitor with a strong sense of the depth and breadth of the history, culture and geography of this diverse country.
From £4190 – 29 days
Kerala and the South – Private Tour
Here in the far south of India, Kerala has a distinctive charm. One of the most progressive states in the nationa, Kerala is renowned for its numerous canals, waterways and lakes which form enchanting and relaxing backwaters. This tour offers plenty of rest and relaxation and includes one night cruising the backwaters on-board a kettuvallam, a traditional southern India houseboat. This is a private tour which departs daily.
7 nights, variable meal basis, from £1121 per person.
Journeys on the Palace of Wheels
For those who enjoy old fashioned, luxurious travel and who consider rail to be the best way to see a country, the Palace on Wheels is perfect. It is considered by many to be one of the top ten railway journeys in the world. The train departs from Delhi every Wednesday. It travels through the regal cities of Rajasthan; Jaipur,Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Udaipur as well as visiting Ranthambhore National Park before a penultimate stop in Agra to view the Taj Mahal and finally, returning back to Delhi.
Travelling overnight, the train arrives in a new destination each day and sightseeing is organised in each place. There are fourteen carriages each with four twin en suite bedrooms. Every carriage has a communal sitting area with a small library and a television which is attended by a butler who will bring drinks and snacks on request. Two additional carriages are located at either end of the train, each having a restaurant, the Maharaja and Maharani which serve Indian, Chinese and international meals. There is also a bar serving a good selection of drinks and many guests gather here prior to dinner to discuss the day's sites. It is a perennial favourite and we strongly recommend booking at least six months in advance. As the train returns to Delhi, it is very easy to continue to Goa, Kerala or the Himalayas.
9 nights from £2899 per person.
The Wild Side
This tour encompasses contrasting aspects of India. Start with an insight in to spiritual traditions with a visit to Varanasi, the religious centre of Hindu religion. On to the wild and erotic temples of Khajuraho. Then into Bandhavgarh National Park and Kanha National Park to search for tigers and other wild animals from your open top jeep. The tour culminates in bustling Mumbai, the commercial and entertainment capital of India. A tour of great variety, giving profound insights into Indian culture, with plenty of time to get close to nature too.
From £1867 for 10 nights
Darjeeling Discovery
Darjeeling is one of the most magnificent hill stations in the world, situated in Sikkim in the far north east of the country. As well as the chance to visit the famous tea plantations, a stay here also offers the chance to see rare snow leopards, and learn about Tibetan culture and Himalayan Buddhism. A highlight is an early morning excursion to Tiger Hill to the glorious view of the sunrise over Kanchenjunga and the great Eastern Himalayas.
From £1751 for 8 nights
Foothills Of The Himalayas
The breathtaking landscape of the majestic Himalayas is the backdrop to this tour. Amritsar is one of the country's most ancient and fascinating cities and the daily flag ceremony at the Wagah border is carried out with great pomp. North east to Dharamsala, one of the most beautiful hill stations of India, and 'new' home to His Holiness, the Dalai Lama and his Tibetan exiles. From Shimla, the former summer capital, you travel to Kalka on the 'Toy Train', a unique experience taking you through lush green valleys and numerous picturesque stations. An exciting and fascinating insight into the Himalaya region.
From £1467 for 8 nights
Land Of The Maharajahs
The theme for this tour is the regal palaces and playgrounds of old, creating cultural, historic and romantic insights. You will find great variety; we include a dinner with an Indian family, majestic monuments, a search for tigers, a taste of local village life and a relaxing evening cruise. Handpicked hotels include The Grand Laxmi Vilas Palace in Udaipur, once a royal guest house for dignitaries and visiting princes. This tour will stimulate all your senses and leave you with incredible memories. Operated as a private tour, the Land of the Maharajahs is available daily in an air-conditioned car (except on game drives).
From £2054 for 12 nights
Fact File
Flying time : non stop to Delhi approx 9 hours
Time difference : GMT +5.5 hours, Delhi
Currency : Indian Rupee
Passport : Your passport will need to be valid for at least 6 months after your date of return
Visas : Required for full British Passport holders, must be obtained prior to departure.
Weather
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | 21 | 24 | 29 | 36 | 39 | 39 | 35 | 34 | 34 | 33 | 28 | 23 |
| Rainfall (inches) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
