About India
A country by name, India is land of diversity. The land is divided based on geographical, climatic and cultural features.
North India:
It is the most varied and visited region in India with its regal mountain ranges, fertile plains, deserts and the forests. Rajasthan is the most regal, colourful and vibrant.
Golden Triangle – Delhi, Agra and Jaipur a visual treat which can added with off the beaten track to many hidden gems, desert camps, unique rural country side and miniature forts. Most of the tours begin at the capital city of Delhi before heading off-either on the most sought after route of the “golden Triangle”, the forts and palaces of Rajasthan, Varanasi – one of the oldest living cities of the world! Or to the Himalayas to explore the Buddhist monasteries and hill stations of Dharamsala “the home to Dalai Lama”, Shimla the erstwhile summer capital of the British Raj, along with the spectacular Golden Temple in Amritsar.
Travel further to the mythical land of Leh – Ladakh to explore the ancient monasteries and mountain villages nestled high up in the Himalayas.
The Tropical south offers a laid-back gentle introduction to India. The fertile state of Kerala – known as the “God’s own country” is a natures paradise, with its coconut palm-fringed beaches, tea and spice plantations, paddy fields and lush waterways! Kerala is very popular for wellness, spa and Ayurveda!
North of Kerala lies Karnataka, home to amazing ancient cultural sites, forests and beaches. The major sites here are Bangalore – the Silicon Valley, Mysore with its famous palace and the beautiful temples at Belur, Halebid, theancient colossal ruins at Hampi, Aihole and Pattadakkal – known as the cradle of Indian architecture.
Tamil Nadu is famous for its ornate Hindu temples. Chennai – the capital city is known as the gateway to South India and leads to Pondicherry – the French colonial city, the temple cities of Thanjavur with its 1000 years old Brihadishwara temple and the beautifully ornate temple at Madurai!
This region holds the largest population of the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. The prominent wildlife parks to discover are Bandhavgarh National Park, Kanha National Park, Satpura National Park, Panna and Pench National Park.
For a luxury holiday one can choose from a wealth of wilderness accommodations from the Taj luxury tented camps, to the world class boutique lodges such as Samode Safari, Jamtara and Sarai by Toria.
Further Central India offers an authentic chance to go off the beaten track and discover rural and tribal central India – which is rich in the textiles and handcrafts.
The east India perfectly showcases the country’s rich tea heritage and unveils the many facets of this diverse country. Travel to the Hooghly River and explore Kolkata, the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal, which was also the first capital of British India. Sample the heady mix of flavours synonymous with Bengali cuisine. Learn a word or two of Bengali, the most widely spoken language of this region; and immerse yourself in picturesque Darjeeling – a spectacular area of tea plantations, established in the 1860s. In Darjeeling experience the celebrated UNESCO world heritage mountain train.
Be sure to make a stop at Assam’s Kaziranga National Park, where you can view a plethora of wildlife, including endangered species.
You can also experience luxury cruise adventures which will take you to the interiors with an opportunity to see the life of the people up & close.
This part of India also holds an area of improbable diversity including the sacred Buddhist places where Buddha gained enlightenment.
West India:
Bounded by the scorching Thar Desert and cooled by the Arabian Sea, West India is rich in natural resource. Along with Mumbai the commercial capital, connect Goa – for its beautiful palm fringed golden beaches! For luxury holidays, one can choose between luxury beach resorts to colonial mansions turned boutique hotels.
It is also famous for the UNESCO world heritage sites of Ajanta and Ellora dating back to 1st & 2nd Century along with the lesser known wildlife park of Tadoba National Park, a dense forest, now considered one of the best in which to spot the illusive Bengal Tiger.
Apart from the well-trodden tourist trails, the state of Gujarat is known for the last remaining habitat of Asiatic Lion as well world’s largest salt desert. The arid salt plains and marshes of Kutch are home to some of extraordinary tribal villages famous for its exquisite textiles, handcrafts and beautiful wildlife of with the largest population of Indian Wild Ass.