Getting Around India

Within a region we travel mostly by private car with your own driver. Across the country we use domestic flights to save time over long distances, and we include India's wonderful trains where they add to the experience. Both the roads and the railways have come on enormously in recent years, with new highways and expressways and upgraded trains making journeys far easier, more comfortable and more efficient than they once were. We tailor the mix to your route.

Yes. India has an extensive domestic network linking all the major cities and many smaller ones, which is invaluable in a country this size, and we weave these into your itinerary where they save a long drive. Do note that domestic flights usually carry a lower baggage allowance, often around 15kg, so it pays to pack light. If you do need more, additional baggage is easy to pay for, normally at check-in.

India's railways are an experience in themselves. We love including the right train leg at the right moment, from the famous hill toy trains such as Darjeeling to comfortable mainline journeys, and there are luxury trains too for those who want them. We choose these carefully rather than for the sake of it.

Yes. India is home to some of the world's most celebrated luxury trains, such as the Maharajas' Express, the Palace on Wheels and the Deccan Odyssey, which travel in real style with fine dining, comfortable cabins and off-train excursions. They make a wonderful centrepiece to a trip, or a journey in their own right. We can also weave in shorter scheduled or private rail legs where they add to the experience, and we will always advise honestly on whether a particular train earns its place in your itinerary.

It is possible, but India is complex, and arranging it well takes a great deal of time and local know-how. Red Dot designs the whole thing for you and provides full support on the ground, 24 hours a day, which takes out the stress and the guesswork.

We would not recommend it. Driving conditions take real local experience, which is exactly why a private driver makes such a difference.