holidays in india
Experience Asia : a land of diversity, colour, and mind-blowing sights. From the dizzying heights of the Himalayas to the verdant tropical islands, Asia offers a wealth of natural variety at every turn. Let the spirituality of this region rub off on you at temples, monasteries and sacred sites and be enveloped by its age old traditions and mysticism. Sample the zingy flavours of some of the best cuisines in the world at a street side café, on a rooftop restaurant overlooking an emerging cityscape or beachside with your feet wedged firmly in the sand. The Indian Subcontinent, Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, Srilanka and South East Asia are our specialist regions. Our professionals share an absolute passion for the destination and assist in tailoring the best Holiday in India & the subcontinent
INDIA : From the mighty peaks of the Himalayas to tropical island paradises, from teeming colourful cities to sleepy hill stations, India has diversity like no other place on Earth. Our India travel specialists use their unsurpassed experience of its landscapes, cultures, cuisines and peoples to create superb tailor-made Holidays in India
This is a country travellers fantasize about - exotic, oriental, ancient India. It is also modern, booming, chaotic India. Between the two lies a wealth of delights - the charm of a golden civilisation still alive and kicking after centuries and to be glimpsed as you turn the corner of a palace or a fort; as you hear the sweetness of the flute in the misty northern hills and the deep rhythm of the sitar at a mesmerizing performance; as you drive past the captivating sound of temple bells that ring out loud amidst the noise of a daily ritual prayer; as you wander into monuments adorned with precious stones - unguarded, still splendid; as you lie deeply relaxed drifting to music, massaged by the strong yet gentle touch of ayurveda healers.
Holiday in India offers the magnificence of a varied landscape that spreads itself out from the mystical Himalayas to the warm serenity of the backwaters of Kerala, from the deep mysterious Sunderbans to the brilliant colours swirling around the deserts of Kutch. Travel here takes you from country-sized bustling cities to forgotten mud-hut villages around rich monuments in locations where empires once existed. A trip to India is what travel stories are made of. It’s not just the places and the sightseeing that travellers relish, but also the festivals, the art and craft, the people, the cuisines, and of course, the shopping. And we haven’t even talked about the warmth, hospitality and friendliness yet.
North India : Glamorous and beguiling, North India crackles with energy and colour. Nothing compares to the splendour and romance of Rajasthan, spilling over with ancient temples and Mughal monuments. You have vibrant and exciting cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Calcutta, blissfully cool tea plantations, the soaring Himalayas and some of the world’s most outstanding luxury hotels – from historic havelis to Royal Palaces.
Best time to visit North India is between November through March – cool, crisp weather. Delhi and the northern plains can get rather cold as can parts of Rajasthan’s deserts. Ladakh in the winter months is inaccessible. Adventure trips like white water rafting and sanctuary visits are seasonal. For trekking and visits to the Himalayan region April to November is best.
South India : The tropical south has a different pace to the rest of India – it is slow and soothing, much like the backwaters of Kerala. Renowned for its welcoming people, lush scenery, delicious food and distinctive gopuram temples, South India is the perfect destination if you are looking for a relaxing, yet culturally stimulating escape. These spiritual cliff-backed beaches are ideal for a meditative break and some of India’s finest Ayurvedic medicine is practiced in the laid-back spas and resorts of this region.
The region is generally pleasant throughout the year with the monsoons bringing some relief from the heat. The North-East monsoons last from June to September. The best times to visit would be between October and March.
East India : Is as exotic and oriental to India itself, as India is to the world. Largely undiscovered by overseas travelers, mysterious to the rest of India, rich in a culture uniquely arresting and mystical in the wealth of forests and rivers and mountains – East India is a journey worth the wait.
The states of West Bengal and Orissa, and the ‘seven sisters’ make up East India. A traveler’s conversation with West Bengal and especially with Kolkatta can turn into a lifelong relationship. From the Himalayas to the Sunderban mangroves, this is a land of magical landscapes that continue through the length and breadth of the ‘seven sisters’, the seven states of the East - Assam, Nagaland, Tripura, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh. Arunachal Pradesh means the land of the dawn-lit mountains. From Mount Kanchenjunga to the Bengal Tiger, the toy train at Darjeeling, scones and tea at the plantations, rhododendron wines and wildlife sanctuaries, pagodas and monasteries, nature walks and trekking trails, raging rivers and overwhelming rainfall – this is a land for the lover of nature and a seeker of the soul. Sikkim is a little state tucked away between Nepal and Bhutan, a trekker’s paradise and a Buddhist retreat with many monasteries and an elevating panorama.
The climate of the region is affected by the Himalayan system and is generally warm and humid with the high temperatures ranging from 35c to 40c. The upper reaches of the hills can get quite cold. Heavy rains occur between May and September. The best times to visit are October to April.
West India : Commercially the West of India includes some of the most progressive regions of the country, yet the coastal states of Gujarat and Maharashtra are steeped in the rich cultural traditions of the past. Goa, often referred to as the Ibiza of the East, is famous for its tourist-friendly outlook and the spectacular beaches, which attract hordes of visitors from every corner of the globe.
Mumbai – the Hollywood of India – is a melting pot of cultures. The Ajanta and Ellora caves, about 30 km from Aurangabad, are a World Heritage Site, renowned for the fine, rock-cut architecture – must see destination. With a long coastline and bustling ports, Gujarat has been on the sea route for centuries and the legacy of its varied and strong heritage still continues to vibrate through the people, the way of life, the dance, the music, the architecture, the arts and crafts. Ancient palaces speak of princely states and royal kingdoms, the temples reflect the glorious faith of the people, the lively fairs and festivals display the unbeatable spirit. The landscape of this state is equally diverse, lush forests, wildlife sanctuaries, sandy beaches and the salty desert in the North, the Rann of Kutch.
Since the hippies discovered the tiny coastal state of Goa in the 60s, this beach haven has attracted tourists from all over the world. On one side there is the mesmerizing coastline, on the other the rolling hills. ‘Susegad’, loosely translated as ‘take it easy’, is what life in Goa is mostly about, and is quite distinct from the rest of India.
Best months are October to March - the weather is perfect, the world comes down to Goa and its one long party. Goa in the monsoons is a delicious treat as well, so July to September is a different experience altogether – you have the place to yourself and there is a romance about the season, which is indescribable.
A trip to India is what travel stories are made of. It’s not just the places and the sightseeing that travellers relish, but also the festivals, the art and craft, the people, the cuisines, and of course, the shopping. And we haven’t even talked about the warmth, hospitality and friendliness yet.Read a little about this large sub-continent: the travel stops in the North, East, West and South of this indescribable country. And you could link into some useful travel information on the following pages which will help you plan your Holidays in India.Our travel specialists will recommend and help you plan itineraries and schedules depending on what you want to see and do. Our tour itineraries offer a wide variety for diverse customer and exclusive products for Holidays in India.