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Destinations
India
Why we love India
Food, food, and more food! Foodies will delight in trying every kind of dal, dhokla and pani puri, or learning how to cook an authentic curry. India’s flavours will take your tastebuds on an adventure of their own.
The buzz of the bazaars and markets: With the help of our local hosts and guide, mingle with locals (and the odd cow) as you weave in and out of passageways lined with fruits, spices and handicrafts. Just make sure you leave room in your suitcase; you’ll need it.
The wild locals: Our luxurious safari camps are a hotspot for some of the world’s most majestic animals. Tiger, one-horned rhino, Asiatic lion, we’ve got them all in India
The vibrant arts and crafts scene: As part of your private journey, block print your own textiles in Jaipur, Rajasthan or take a contemporary ceramic workshop in Chandigarh. India’s creative heritage will leave you feeling very inspired. We can even tailor-make an entire textiles journey if you have a deep interest.
A total reset: It’s the birthplace of yoga, meditation and Ayurveda; if you’re looking for a spiritual awakening, or simply want to relax among beautiful surroundings, let us know and we can make specialist recommendations
Places to visit
Calcutta & the Northeast
Calcutta and Northeast India reveal a fascinating mix of cultures, landscapes, and histories, where colonial heritage meets ancient traditions and stunning natural beauty. In Calcutta, explore temples, churches, synagogues, and lively markets that tell the story of a diverse past, while in the Northeast, discover Assam’s tea plantations, Nagaland’s hill tribes, and Buddhist monasteries in Gangtok. Wildlife lovers can venture into Kaziranga National Park to spot Bengal tigers and the rare one-horned rhinoceros, or ride the famous Toy Train through lush forests and up to Darjeeling’s atmospheric hill stations. With its vibrant people, spiritual depth, and breathtaking scenery, this region is one of India’s most captivating journeys.
Central India & Tigers
Central India is a land of wilderness and wonder, where vibrant cities and ancient temples give way to some of India’s finest national parks. From Mumbai’s glittering skyline and colonial heritage to the legendary tiger reserves of Kanha, Pench, Bandhavgarh, and Satpura, this region offers world-class safaris without the crowds. Here, Bengal tigers roam meadows and forests, leopards slink through the undergrowth, and rare wildlife from sloth bears to pythons thrives in landscapes said to have inspired Kipling’s Jungle Book. With expert naturalist guides, exceptional lodges, and a perfect blend of wildlife, culture, and history, Central India promises an unforgettable safari experience.
Kerala & the South
Kerala and South India invite travellers to slow down and savour a region of dazzling diversity, where palm-fringed beaches, tranquil backwaters, and verdant tea and spice plantations create landscapes as soothing as they are vibrant. Along the Malabar Coast, Cochin’s Chinese fishing nets and colonial heritage reflect centuries of trade, while the Western Ghats offer fragrant tea estates and sweeping views. In Tamil Nadu, towering gopurams and intricately carved temples such as Madurai’s Meenakshi Amman showcase India’s rich spiritual traditions, balanced by French charm in Pondicherry. Karnataka adds glittering cities, UNESCO-listed Hampi, Mysore’s royal splendour, and wildlife-rich Coorg and Nagarhole, ensuring South India delivers culture, history, wildlife, and natural beauty in equal measure. We can design tailor-made holidays to Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka with private drivers and guides as standard.
Ladakh
Ladakh, the “Land of High Passes,” is India’s most breathtaking Himalayan frontier, where lunar-like landscapes, rugged mountains, and crystal-clear lakes create an otherworldly escape. From the Nubra Valley’s sweeping sand dunes to the turquoise waters of Pangong Lake, Ladakh’s natural wonders offer a true retreat into wilderness and serenity. Rich in Tibetan Buddhist heritage, the region is dotted with ancient monasteries such as Hemis, Thiksey, and Lamayuru, while vibrant festivals fill villages with music, dance, and ritual. With its unique culture, dramatic scenery, and the chance to spot the elusive snow leopard, Ladakh is a once-in-a-lifetime journey into India’s wild and spiritual heart.
Rajasthan & the North
Rajasthan is one of India's largest states, and along with other parts of northern India such as Delhi and Agra, it offers an introduction to this vast country, perfect for those wanting a quintessential slice of India. Think ornate palaces, peeling havelis and jeep safaris in search of tigers. Our tailor-made trips to Rajasthan, which are all completely bespoke, carefully combine its stupendous colour, gentle chaos, sophisticated culture, and history with your specific interests and how you like to pace your holidays.
From the morning flower markets of Jaipur’s 'Pink City' to the serene lakes and quiet corners of Udaipur, and from the golden sands of the Thar Desert to the blue hues of Jodhpur, Rajasthan has some seriously big hitting destinations, even by global standards. However it's the quieter villages and small towns across Rajasthan and northern India that have our heart, such as Shahpura, Bundi, Deogarh and Chambal to name just a few. It's by including these small lesser known destinations, paired with specialist local hosts, that unveils a more local, a more genuine and definitely a more authentic side of India. This part of India is complex and the potential is endless, our specialists know India inside out and can design a tailor-made trip to India based very specifically on your likes, your interests and your budget.
Get inspired
Swap the guidebook for a good story
Feel it to believe it. Personalised to you, our luxury India itineraries are packed with the kinds of experiences you won’t find in the guidebook, but they’ll fill page after page of your own travel journal.
Stays we love in India
Plan your trip
Weather in India
Governed by a spectacular monsoon, India's climate is nothing short of theatrical and changes year round. From the sultry, dusty plains of Rajasthan to the cool, mist-kissed hill stations of the Western Ghats, and from the snowy peaks in Ladakh to the tropical beaches of Goa and Kerala, it's impossible to summarise its weather in one sentence. Please read on to find out more.
Curated experiences in India
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.
On our radar
Step inside Kot Dunara
Owned and run by the Thakur family, Kot Dunara is a simple but beautiful ancient heritage homestay in rural Rajasthan that allows access to a remote and beautiful corner of this part of India. Include this as part of your tailor-made itinerary, and learn about artisans, craftsman and try the art of Rajasthani cookery in the most authentic way. Staying in rural ancestral homes is one of our favourite ways to immerse ourselves in Indian life.
On the ground
Get up close
Experience the vibrant pulse of India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives through these intimate glimpses from the ground—where ancient temples meet sun-warmed sands and every frame tells a story.
Need to know
Biryani – fragrant rice layered with marinated meat and aromatic spices
Butter Chicken – creamy tomato-based chicken curry with rich, velvety sauce
Masala Dosa – crispy fermented crepe filled with spiced potato mixture
Dal Makhani – rich and creamy black lentil curry slow-cooked with butter
India has incredible linguistic diversity with hundreds of languages spoken across the country. However, here are the main languages:
- Hindi (official language of the union government, spoken by about 40% of the population)
- English (associate official language, widely used in government, business, and education)
1. Bundi, Rajasthan
A quieter counterpoint to Jaipur, Bundi is a town of faded blue houses, ornate stepwells, and the mural-filled Garh Palace that sprawls dramatically above the bazaar. Its old-world atmosphere feels largely untouched by mass tourism.
2. Chettinad Mansions, Tamil Nadu
In the heart of Tamil Nadu, the Chettinad region is scattered with palatial ancestral homes built by wealthy merchant families, blending Indian and European design. Many lie semi-abandoned, their courtyards and tiled halls whispering of past opulence.
3. Chola Temples, Tamil Nadu
While most visitors head straight to Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple, the UNESCO-listed Chola temples of Thanjavur, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, and Darasuram showcase sublime Dravidian architecture and sculpture, with far fewer crowds.
4. Chandni Chowk’s Spice and Silver Lanes, Delhi
Beyond the headline Red Fort, Delhi’s old city lanes brim with sensory immersion: Khari Baoli, Asia’s largest spice market, is an intoxicating mix of colour and aroma, while the adjoining Dariba Kalan lane glitters with handcrafted silver jewellery.
India is huge so weather varies, but for most of the country September to April is the most comfortable months to travel, apart from Ladakh which is best May to September.
Flying from the UK to India
Flying from the UK to India is surprisingly quick and easy - just 8-10 hours direct from London to Delhi or Mumbai with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic (which offers great Premium Economy), and Air India! Even getting to smaller cities like Jaipur is simple with Etihad's frequent Abu Dhabi connections, and Emirates whisks you to Cochin via Dubai in no time. With such short flight times and regular connections, it's practically a hop across to India - just grab your visa beforehand and you're all set!
Flying from elsewhere in the world
From the US, it's about 14-17 hours with one stop (usually through Europe or the Middle East), while Australia has flights taking around 10-12 hours with connections through Southeast Asia. Southeast Asian neighbors like Thailand and Singapore have quick 3-4 hour hops, and from Europe's major cities like Paris or Frankfurt, you're looking at just 7-9 hours direct. The Middle East is practically next door with 3-4 hour flights from Dubai, Qatar, or Kuwait!
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Trip Ideas
From relaxing beach escapes to cultural adventures and wildlife encounters, our trip ideas are designed to spark your imagination. Whether you’re planning a short getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime journey, we’ll help you find experiences that match your style, pace, and passions.
Meet our experts
Speak to our India experts to help you plan your trip
Ready to experience the real India? Our specialists have travelled from the bustling streets of Jaipur to the backwaters of Kerala, uncovering experiences that go far beyond the typical tourist trail. They'll understand what draws you to India and craft something that's entirely your own. Ready to start planning? Get in touch and let's design your incredible Indian journey.
Choose your adventure
Speak to one of our team to get started. After all, your travel journal won’t write itself.
