I want to travel in

December

January February March April May June July August September October November December

With your private guide, you’ll experience the beauty and history of this iconic monument up close. Built in 1630 by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal stands as a symbol of love and devotion.

Twenty thousand craftsmen worked for twenty-two years to create this architectural masterpiece. Its perfect symmetry, detailed inlay work, and timeless design continue to impress visitors from around the world. The Taj Mahal remains one of the most recognised and admired wonders of the world.

As you paddle through these interconnected waterways, you'll see daily life along the banks; fishing boats, small homes and locals going about their routines.

The quiet waterways offer a chance to observe traditional Kerala life up close while experiencing the calm of these ancient canal systems that have shaped the region's culture for centuries.

Begin your evening with a heritage walk through the enchanting streets, where softly illuminated façades create a magical, almost cinematic atmosphere. Starting at the iconic Clock Tower, your guide will lead you through the old city, pointing out its architectural gems and sharing fascinating stories of the past.

Next, wander through the vibrant stalls of Sadar Bazaar, the bustling heart of the old town, where colors, scents, and sounds offer a sensory feast. Continue your journey to the striking Stepwell complex, a marvel of historic design and craftsmanship. Conclude your evening at leisure with dinner at a rooftop café, enjoying sweeping views of the city and the relaxed, timeless ambience of Jodhpur.

Begin your journey with a guided walk through the fields, where each turn reveals a new story of resilient desert flora, sustainable farming practices rooted in tradition, and a community living in harmony with the land. Afterwards, savour a multi-course, plant forward dining experience that transforms the farm’s seasonal harvest into thoughtful, pre plated creations, each dish reflecting the soil and season, designed to surprise and delight.

As the day slows, recline on a charpoy beneath a straw canopy, watch kites wheel across the desert sky, trace drifting cloud formations, or simply listen to the stillness of the fields, allowing time to stretch, breathe deeply, savour fully, and connect with the land before returning to your hotel.

Known for its striking cobalt blue interiors and Mughal-inspired design, it offers a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere that feels both romantic and timeless. The menu celebrates classic Italian cuisine, with fresh handmade pasta, flavourful antipasti, and a well-curated selection of wines and cocktails, including their much-loved signature creations.

Guests can choose between the elegance of the indoor dining space or the magic of the garden pavilions, making it a perfect setting for an evening out. With its blend of style, substance, and a touch of old-world glamour, Bar Palladio has rightly become one of Jaipur’s most sought after destinations for a memorable night.

Visit the revered Govind Devji Temple, where devotees congregate for morning prayers and chanting, then explore the bustling wholesale flower markets where turbaned traders deal in fragrant rose and marigold garlands.

Pause at traditional chaiwallah stalls to savor local tea and engage with residents in authentic conversation.

Enjoy this cultural exchange while you learn skills and techniques of blending and preparing spices to create authentic Jaipuri cuisine.

You can enjoy snacks, a house tour and the chance to learn about the family's customs and traditions as you get hands-on in the kitchen. Enjoy the meal you have prepared together and conclude with Indian tea or Masala Chai.

Start at the magnificent Jama Masjid, then navigate narrow alleys by cycle rickshaw, passing ornate havelis and centuries old shops. Discover an authentic attar shop showcasing handcrafted fragrances stored in delicate cut glass bottles. Wander through Kinari Bazaar's dazzling displays of silk sarees and colorful bangles, before immersing yourself in Khari Baoli spice market's intoxicating blend of cardamom and chilies.

Your morning continues with a traditional haveli rooftop, where you'll fly kites while savouring crispy golgappas and aromatic kebabs. Find tranquility at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, joining volunteers in the communal Langar Hall to serve meals and experiencing the profound lesson of selfless service. The day concludes with a scenic drive through New Delhi's grand colonial landmarks: the stately India Gate, majestic Rashtrapati Bhawan, and imposing Parliament House.

Masks hold deep significance in Sri Lankan culture, used in performance and ritual with ancient beliefs in their healing and protective powers, making this craft an authentic connection to local spiritual traditions. Your host teaches fascinating age-old techniques using "Kaduru," a light wood traditionally favoured for mask carving, whilst sharing stories from generations of craftsmen who have preserved these methods. You can choose your preferred experience - carving only, painting only, or combining both techniques to create a complete handcrafted piece that showcases exclusive craftsmanship skills.

Your host's background in traditional arts, beginning with parents who worked in Ambalangoda's batik industry, brings authentic knowledge of Sinhala motifs and ornamental styles that inform mask design and decoration. The workshop reveals how this ancient craft connects to Sri Lankan beliefs and rituals whilst allowing you to create a personal souvenir of your time in UNESCO World Heritage Galle Fort. This cultural experience includes all materials, tools, refreshments, and your finished mask, with light, cool clothing recommended for this hands-on encounter with traditional Sri Lankan artistry.

You'll have the privilege of learning the ancient method of rolling cinnamon sticks by hand, which is still in use in some villages today. You'll also enjoy a cup of homemade cinnamon tea with its warm, spiced flavour. During this intimate and very local experience, you'll also watch a local toddy tapper skillfully climb the Kithul palm to collect fresh toddy, in exactly the same way his family has done for generations.

If you'd like, you'll also have the opportunity to taste this traditional drink - the toddy's rich molasses-like flavour has a gentle fermented tang, offering a bold contrast to the mild cinnamon tea. Both drinks have been part of this southern community for centuries. One of our village hosts will guide you through this very local and authentic experience, which takes around 2 hours. Wear something cool and comfortable.

Each section offers a different view of the island’s hill country, with paths leading through tea plantations, forests, and historic landmarks like the Nine Arch Bridge. Designed to be completed one stage at a time, each walk begins early, allowing for a return to your hotel for lunch.

Unlike the more commonly visited monasteries for male monks, this visit focuses on a centre devoted to women in spiritual practice. Sri Lanka’s Buddhist tradition has deep roots, and the presence of nunneries highlights the continued legacy of Mahapajapati Gotami, the first woman to request ordination from the Lord Buddha. Today, female practitioners continue that path, dedicating themselves to study, meditation, and religious service. During the visit, a local guide will lead participants through the grounds, explaining the foundational aspects of Buddhism and the role of the nunnery within that context.

Visitors will explore areas such as meditation halls, gardens, and sacred structures including a Bodhi tree, stupa, and image houses. The setting offers a peaceful environment that reflects the values of mindfulness and simplicity. The guide will provide context for the symbolism found throughout the site and explain how these elements are used in practice by the women who live there. The experience includes a chance to speak directly with a bhikkuni about her lifestyle, beliefs, and daily routine. This conversation allows for a personal understanding of Buddhist practice from a female perspective and offers an opportunity to reflect on the values that guide this way of life.

As you ascend Aradhana Gala, you’ll be captivated by stunning 360-degree vistas of the surrounding landscape. Accompanying you is a resident monk, a hermit monk who dedicates his life to meditation and spiritual practice in solitude. He will share enlightening insights into meditation and the core philosophies of Buddhism, answering your questions along the way. You’ll explore the monks’ almshouse and discover hidden areas of the Mihintale temple that are often overlooked by visitors.

To conclude this enriching experience, you’ll sit down with the monk to enjoy herbal tea and traditional Sri Lankan snacks, creating a moment of connection and reflection. This journey is family-friendly and suitable for children aged eight and above. Remember to wear sturdy walking shoes for a comfortable ascent!

Starting at the Moon Bastion near the fort entrance at 9am or 4pm, you'll follow clues that lead you through the historic streets of this 16th-century fortification, originally built by the Portuguese in 1588 and later strengthened by the Dutch and British. Each clue reveals different aspects of the fort's past and present, from its military significance to its current role as a vibrant multi-ethnic community that blends European and Sri Lankan cultures within its ancient walls.

This self-contained world offers plenty to discover as you navigate between historic buildings, ramparts, and local businesses, learning about the fort's evolution from defensive stronghold to living heritage site. The hunt concludes with a cold treat as your reward, making this educational adventure suitable for all children and adults alike.

Enter through the newer, now main, gate and climb a short flight of stone steps to take in sweeping views of the fort’s interior, the vast Indian Ocean beyond, and the iconic cricket ground. Your host will bring the past vividly to life with tales of the fort’s construction, colonial struggles, and brushes with destruction. Wander along cobbled streets lined with intriguing buildings, from well-known landmarks to lesser-known gems tucked away in quiet corners.

Spanning 150 acres, this walking tour offers a carefully curated route, providing a captivating insight into the fort’s rich tapestry of religion, architecture, colonial history, daily life, and the impact of the 2004 Tsunami. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this immersive experience is sure to deepen your appreciation for this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Approximate duration: 1.5 hours.

Guests have the rare opportunity to be guided by the village chief himself on a walk through the ancestral jungles of his tribe. As you explore the forest together, he’ll share generations of knowledge, from the use of medicinal plants to the location of ancient hunting grounds and cave dwellings.

This immersive experience offers a profound and respectful insight into the traditional way of life of Sri Lanka’s original hunter-gatherers — a culture deeply rooted in the rhythms of the natural world.

As you travel through calm waters surrounded by lush greenery, you’ll arrive at the only home on the island. The family will show you how they carefully hand-roll each cinnamon stick, a skill passed down through generations.

In their simple mud hut, you’ll see the entire process up close. Afterward, enjoy a traditional meal featuring local dishes that highlight cinnamon, including curries and sweets. The family will explain the importance of cinnamon in their lives and culture. This experience provides a genuine insight into the local traditions and the art of cinnamon production.

At its heart stands the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, grown from the southern branch of the original Bodhi Tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. Surrounding it lies a monastic complex of immense historical significance, with sophisticated urban planning, advanced hydraulic engineering, and monumental architecture that once supported populations exceeding 100,000, making Anuradhapura one of the ancient world’s great cities.