India

India is hard to describe on just one page, it’s almost like a continent within a continent!  There are experiences around every corner, huge varieties of culture, cuisine and scenery and has long been a favourite travel destination. With a long history, this is one of the world’s great civilisations and had thriving cities from as far back as 2500BC along the Indus River Valley. Spiritual inspiration has always been at the heart of India and with thousands of temples in all regions and the high Bhuddist monastaries in the Himalayas, this is a cultural journey like no other. Spas and yoga retreats can be found all over India.

Climates obviously vary a lot from one side to another in India.  Mostly the best time to visit is October to March when it’s comfortable during the day, with plenty of sun and cooler nights.

For the first time visitor to India, it is all too easy to try and fit in too much!  Most people return again and again, so rather try and make each trip full of quality experiences rather than just quantity!  India has an amazing range of terrains from the huge central plains to the mighty Himalaya mountains and natural forests and reserves which are home to amazing varieties of wildlife including plenty of options for tiger safaris. To the south there are the beaches of Goa and Kerala and around Rajasthan are sands of a different kind as the arid desert stretches in all directions.

Getting around India, there is a great train network and many options for group travel which can include transport by everything from elephants to rickshaws!  There are several luxury trains such as the Maharjah’s Express or the Palace on Wheels.

A good place to start is with a visit to the Golden Triangle.  This comprises of Delhi, Jaipur (the pink city) and Agra with other stops in the deserts around Rajasthan.  Extend these tours with visits to wildlife sanctuaries or hill stations or travel to the coast and have some down time on a beach. Kerala is a gorgeous state in the far south which offers fabulous seafood and culture along the jungle lined backwaters of it’s watery landscape.

The Taj Mahal at Agra is of course probably one of the most iconic sites in India and it’s advisable to try and get there at first light, before the crowds, when the best views are to be had of this incredible piece of architecture.

To the north, exlore the tea estates and toy trains into the Himalayan foothills or venture further into other countries and regions such as Nepal and Bhutan.

Ask me for a tailor made quote for a holiday to India or about joing a escorted tour, adventure or wildlife holiday to this fascinating country.