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Exploring India

How to Spend Your Time

Because India is such a large country, we recommend not trying to take on too much in one trip. It is worth considering when it is you want to visit, what kind of holiday you would like and how much you would like spend to help decide where to visit.

The classic ‘Golden Triangle’ itinerary is often a popular trip for the first time visitor, and is also ideal if you are short on time. This trip includes some time in Delhi, where you can enjoy the hustle and bustle of the capital and really soak up the rich history and culture of India. Followed by Agra, home to the spectacular Taj Mahal, and vibrant Jaipur. The ‘Pink City’ is the capital of Rajasthan and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2019.

It is popular to extend this trip to include more of Rajasthan. Experience the colour and unique charm of each city, perhaps venturing to Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Udaipur, in contrast to the region’s beautiful and peaceful countryside. Alternatively you may like to head further east and include Varanasi, one of the oldest and most sacred cities in India, or the incredible food culture of Lucknow. 

Adding some time in the southern states, such as Kerala, onto a trip through Rajasthan is a wonderful way to get a feel for the drastically different landscapes, traditions and local cultures across the country. Or a visit to south India makes a wonderfully relaxing holiday in its own right – think drifting along the palm-fringed backwaters, lazing on the golden beaches and strolling through rolling tea plantations. 

For something a little different, the foothills of the Himalayas can be a fascinating trip. Visit Dharamsala and Mcleod Ganj, home to Tibetan communities and the Dalai Lama, Amritsar, where the beautiful Golden Temple glimmers, and the hill station of Shimla which is a thoroughly interesting insight in to British Colonial times (and an opportunity to experience the iconic ‘Toy Train’).

For a tropical beach break, the palm fringed shores of Goa are a good choice for sun, sea and sand with a relaxed bohemian vibe, whilst still being within easy reach of elsewhere in India. Located in the southern half of the country on the western coast, Goa is great as a beach add-on to a cultural tour or as a stand alone beach holiday in itself. An ideal combination is to spend a few days in Mumbai before heading south to Goa via an easy domestic flight. Having the opportunity to explore and experience the city streets of Mumbai before relaxing on a tropical beach provides a wonderfully balanced trip.

If you are looking to experience the ultimate exotic hideaway, the Andaman Islands are India’s hidden paradise. Still fairly untouched by tourism, the remote Andaman Islands are home to some spectacular beaches, world class diving and thick exotic rainforest with an abundance of wildlife. Staying in one of our favourite boutique hotels, a holiday to the islands will provide a total escape from modern life and a chance to immerse yourself in raw and beautiful nature.

Delhi
The gateway to many north India trips, Old and New Delhi are full of history and charm and it is an exciting place to explore. More
Agra
Agra is home to one of the most iconic buildings in the world, the Taj Mahal. Visiting this monument at sunrise is a truly magical once in a lifetime experience, and one that must not be missed. More
Jaipur
The capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur is a riot of colour and rich in fascinating history. Stroll around the magnificent Amber Fort and marvel at the intricate facade of the Palace of the Winds. More
Ranthambore National Park
Search for the majestic Tiger and enjoy the peaceful landscape of rural Rajasthan. Fantastic accommodation options and a high population of Tigers makes Ranthambore a brilliant addition to north India tours for wildlife enthusiasts! More
Jodhpur
The blue hue of the city's old town, imposing Mehrangarh Fort and bustling markets makes Jodhpur one of the most colourful and characterful cities in Rajasthan. A selection of properties ranging from rustic traditional Haveli's to luxurious palaces make for a wonderful stay. The Blue City is the perfect backdrop for atmospheric photographs, so be sure to keep your camera handy! More
Jaisalmer
Known as The Golden City, and for good reason. Jaisalmer city and Fort rises out of the honey hued sands of the Thar Desert, and along with elaborate and intricate architecture it is one of the most atmospheric cities in north India. A camel ride into the surrounding dunes for a night under the stars completes the magical experience. More
Udaipur
The romantic lake-side city of Udaipur has a more relaxed pace than other cities, so is the perfect last stop on any Rajasthan tours. The picturesque Lake Pichola, the iconic Lake Palace, seemingly floating in the water, and the stunning hillside as the backdrop create the perfect setting for a lazy evening, cold beverage in hand, watching the sunset. More
Mumbai
Vibrant and exciting, Mumbai is a city of extremes. The home of Bollywood and the rich and famous, it is also home to one of the largest slums in Asia, Dharavi. A tour around Mumbai highlights the iconic monuments and rich culture, and gives a wonderful opportunity to get under the skin of the city and gain an insight into local life. More
Goa
Beaches lined with colourful shacks, golden sands, tropical Palm Trees and a relaxed, bohemian vibe is what you can expect to find in Goa. Head to north Goa for more of a buzz, central Goa to explore the relaxed capital of Panjim, and the less built-up south for a little more seclusion and peace. More
Fort Cochin
Relaxed and historic Fort Cochin is a wonderful place to explore, enjoying the beautiful sights of the Chinese fishing nets, colourful fishing boats lining the shore, coconut stalls sitting under the dappled sunlight and, if you're lucky, the odd sighting of the river Dolphin. More
Munnar
Travel inland from Kerala's tropical coast and you discover the hill station of Munnar, nestled within lush green tea plantations and breathtaking scenery. Spend your time walking through the country side and enjoying the view, learning how tea is picked and processed and gaining an insight into the local way of life in the hills. More
Thekkady
Thekkady is the location of Periyar National Park, a must for wildlife enthusiasts visiting Kerala. Enjoy Jungle treks into the park and keep your eyes peeled for Sambar Deer, Giant Squirrels, Monkeys and Wild Boar amongst impressive bird life. More
The Backwaters
Experiencing life on the backwaters is often a highlight of trips to Kerala. Drift down the waterways on a traditional Houseboat, or choose from a number of wonderful properties to stay in to enjoy this serene way of life, a total contrast from Indian cities. More
Marari Beach
The beautiful and peaceful Marari Beach is a wonderful way to end a trip in Kerala, relaxing on the vast golden sands and dipping your toes in the warm Arabian ocean. The setting of Kerala's tropical coastline is the perfect relaxing end to a tour of this region where you can just enjoy the surrounding nature. More
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands
You can expect to find stunning white sand beaches, azure waters, world class diving and exotic jungle on these remote islands in the Bay of Bengal. It can be a little more of a challenge to reach the islands, but it is more than worth it for the secluded tropical hideaway that awaits. More
Wayanad
The alluring rainforest covered mountains of Wayanad are spectacular and a must for nature lovers. Home to coffee and spice plantations, it makes a wonderful scenic change from the exotic beaches and tranquil waterways found on the coast of northern Kerala. More
Nileshwar
Nileshwar in northern Kerala is home to a beautiful coastline and peaceful waterways. Less touched by tourism than elsewhere in India, visitors to this region benefit from an off the beaten track experience of traditional houseboat cruises and village life on the waters edge. More
Varanasi
Located on the banks of the sacred River Ganges, Varanasi is one of Hinduism's seven holy cities. An incredibly spiritual, historic and culturally rich city, a visit to Varanasi never fails to be a memorable one. Witness daily rituals on the water's edge and navigate the tangle of narrow lanes weaving through the city, too narrow for cars to pass through. More
Lucknow
Lucknow is the capital of Uttar Pradesh and full of magnificent architecture and fascinating history. The city is also very well known for it's delicious cuisine, unique to the region. More

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