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.
This exciting off-the-beaten-track overland trip takes you on a journey through Karnataka, visiting the key cities of Mysore and Hampi - both with their own world heritage sites.
A warm welcome awaits you at the Sonesta Inns, a quiet haven in the lively town of Candolim.
North India is home to some of the finest and the rarest wildlife and wildlife sanctuaries. The suggested itinerary takes you to the wildlife sanctuaries in North India; Corbett National Park, Ranthambore National Park, Kanha, and Bharatpur National Park. The best time to visit India for wildlife safaris is from October to March.
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.
Taking its influence from Indonesian architecture, guests will discover high-beamed wooden ceilings, open-air courtyards and water features, giving this hotel a serene, zen-like ambience. This unique charm is even further enhanced by Alila Diwa Goa's well-manicured gardens filled with bamboo, palms and flowering frangipani trees.
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.
Hidden away on the hillside and nestling in the Goan jungle, Nilaya Hermitage is an extraordinary getaway, built from local rust coloured laterite stone, complemented with shades of blue and the lush greens of the surrounding forest.
Santana Beach Resort is a charming family-run hotel and a popular choice with British holidaymakers. Perfect for beach lovers, the hotel enjoys direct access to the golden sands of Candolim Beach, where the coastline stretches as far as the eye can see.
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.
