A country of 1.3 billion people and 1.3 million square miles can never be seen in one trip – or even in several. Best to select a target and enjoy the carnival of colour and controlled chaos which defines it – Delhi with its Victorian architecture; Goa and its lovely beaches; rising Kolkata (Calcutta) with a food scene that surprises; calmer Kerala, all waterways and houseboats in the dreamy south; glorious Rajasthan with its temples and palaces in Jaipur and Jodhpur. Even these only scratch the surface of a truly sensational destination.
Must see: India's biggest and most populous metropolis, Mumbai lives up to its image as a maze of culture, clutter and charm. This is the glamorous home of Bollywood, but my lasting memories of the city are more humble – shopping for shirts and saris in Colaba, drinking tea in Iranian cafe Britannia & Co, savouring the sunset upon Chowpatty Beach.
In this two-week privately guided holiday, you’ll experience the southern state of Tamil Nadu, with its deep-rooted religious beliefs, incredible temple sites, remote plantations and the coastal regions of Pondicherry and Mahabalipuram.
From the lush green valleys of Darjeeling’s tea gardens, travel overland to marvel at Sikkim’s superb landscapes and a spectacular view of the Himalayas. Visit the exquisite nurseries in Kalimpong before crossing into Bhutan’s southern border at Phuntsholing. Head north to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.
Explore Cochin’s colonial buildings and Fort Cochin’s narrow streets. Learn all about tea at the Munnar tea plantations, join a boat safari to explore Periyar’s wildlife. Learn to make your own stationery, indulge in an Ayurvedic massage before relaxing on one of the glorious beaches of Kerala, truly God’s own country.
Explore some of northern India’s most famous cities. Take a walk into the old city of Varanasi, witness an Aarti on the banks of the Ganges, see erotic temples, visit Orchha's temples before spending time in India's famed Golden Triangle. This itinerary allows you to experience Northern India's greatest monuments, culture and traditions.
The South Indian style of temple architecture is called the Dravida Style of Temple Architecture. The Vimana and the Gopurams characterise this style of architecture. As with all our India holidays, this is a private tour with your personal driver/guide and can be amended in any way to incorporate your specific interests.
