Cruises and Houseboats
There are many different ways to explore various destinations in and around India from the water. From the much talked about Keralan backwater tours aboard a houseboat (often complete with not only a captain but also a cook and even a butler), to a romantic stay on a houseboat on Dal Lake in Kashmir (one of India’s most beautiful regions), to cruising down the holy river Ganges in style, picking a route can be a challenge. Covering different budgets and themes, river cruise itineraries can be created to pass by various different cultural landmarks on the banks, as well as stopping at shopping hubs, different ports and places of interest – there really is something for everyone.
Culture & Heritage
Just being in India or it’s neighbouring countries is a cultural experience in itself. On any street anywhere in the country, whether rural or urban, you will be surrounded by customs and heritage. This will usually take the form of a great diverse number of people (many in national dress), a hugely varied range of culinary experiences – from street food to cafes and restaurants and the music you will hear, which could be playing from a balcony or a rickshaw speaker. Then there are the designs you’ll see displayed on a woman’s sari or the works of art in sparkling new galleries, and the dance you’ll see at weddings or during holiday periods.
Family Vacations
Many families choose to holiday in India. Goa and Kerala are the most popular choices as the swimming pools, beaches, wildlife and activities are often geared towards those with little-ones in tow. The north is perfectly doable too, but with a little more planning – the more touristy areas and large hotels of Rajasthan are perfectly used to looking after children and the different requirements that family groups request.
Offbeat Treasures
Not a year goes by without another celebrity couple tying the knot in India or throwing a lavish party at a palace. This is not surprising as the glamour of India lends itself perfectly to big celebrations. Honeymoon plans are made easy by the sheer range of luxury hotels and resorts that can be found in India. Anniversary or birthday parties and events – can be relaxing (perhaps at a spa resort in Goa or Kerala) or active (trekking or luxury safari) or themed around a festival or region. The options are endless.
The main consideration is usually time and how to fit it all in and this is of course where expert Bespoke advice really comes into play…
Royal Rail Journeys
In recent years there has been a resurgence of interest in India’s luxury trains. The Palace on Wheels is probably the best known (departing Delhi and visiting cities like Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Agra) and has interiors that reflect the coaches once owned by former kings of Rajasthan. There are several more options too – since 2009, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels has pitched itself as India’s most luxurious tourist train, then there’s the Deccan Odyssey which visits some of the best sights of Maharashtra, as well as Goa, and The Indian Maharaja, which is a newer, more luxurious version of the Deccan Odyssey. The Golden Chariot snakes through the state of Karnataka and recently added extensions to Tamil Nadu and Kerala too. There’s no doubt that a luxury train ride through India is one of the very best – not to mention comfortable – ways to explore this giant country.
Spiritual Journeys
Each state has its own culture, and within that state the cities, towns and villages will also have their own identity played out through everyday life. With such a bewildering array of cultural choices on offer, it can sometimes help to theme a trip to India – which could be architecture, cookery or festivals.
Forts & Palaces
Just being in India is a cultural experience in itself. On any street anywhere in the country, whether rural or urban, you will be surrounded by customs and heritage. This will usually take the form of a great diverse number of people (many in national dress), a hugely varied range of culinary experiences – from street food to cafes and restaurants and the music you will hear, which could be playing from a balcony or a rickshaw speaker.
Group Journeys
Many families choose to holiday in India. Goa and Kerala are the most popular choices as the swimming pools, beaches, wildlife and activities are often geared towards those with little-ones in tow. The north is perfectly doable too, but with a little more planning – the more touristy areas and large hotels of Rajasthan are perfectly used to looking after children and the different requirements that family groups request.