Tours of India

Exploring The Himalayas

From the bustling streets of the Indian capital, to the serene foothills of the majestic Himalayas, this idyllic adventure takes you into the heart of a remarkable country. Beginning in Delhi you'll get a chance to explore something of its regal Mughal heritage, before taking the train on to Kathgodam and the foothills of the Himalayas. Here, amongst the traditional villages of the Kumaoni region you'll then begin an unforgettable journey through the rural communities. Against the spectacular backdrop of the surrounding mountains you'll spend the next few days trekking through forest of cedar and pine, visiting ancient temples and staying in remote hillside villages where traditions and cultures have remained unchanged for centuries. With the ever present mountains for company, you'll then travel on to the stunning Vana Retreat, one of the world's most sumptuous wellness retreats, where you can relax and pamper yourself amongst the mountains of Uttarakhand. Returning to Delhi, you then have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the Sufi culture of medieval Indian before you begin the journey home, a suitably exotic end to an unforgettable and contrasting odyssey.

Tour includes: 3 nights in a Luxury Retreat, 3 nights in a four star hotel, 5 nights in traditional lodges and 3nights in village homes 14 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 8 dinners - Private driver and vehicle - Local English speaking guides for sightseeing on a private basis, including all entrance fees - Private trekking guide - Private guided transfers to and from all airports - Driver/guide's expenses - Train journey in the best available class - Domestic flights in economy class.

Ultimate Rajasthan (Telegraph Tour)

Recapture some of the romance and adventure of India's golden age with a journey through the colourful landscapes of the fabled 'Land of Kings'. Steeped in the legacy of the Mughal emperors and the Rajput princes, you'll travel by private car through the heart of rural Rajasthan, to experience the character and charm of some of the oldest cultural heritage on the Subcontinent.From the bustling streets of Delhi you'll travel first to the city of Agra, home to the iconic setting of the Taj Mahal. Here you will have an opportunity to soak up the grandeur of the Mughal age with visits to the Taj, Agra Fort and the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri, before resuming your road journey on to Jaipur. A guided heritage walk through the famous 'Pink City' is then followed by a chance to enjoy the opulent splendour of the old Marwar kingdom with a stay at the sumptuous Chhatra Sagar. Moving on to the 17th century splendour of Narlai next, you then spend two nights enjoying wildlife safaris and sightseeing amongst the Aravalli Hills, before heading on to the captivating lakeside city of Udaipur, home to some of the finest Rajput-era palaces in India.

Tour includes: Return BA economy class international flights - 1 internal flight - 4 nights four and five star hotels, 6 nights traditional hotels and 2 nights tented camp - 12 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners. - Private vehicle, normally a saloon car for one or two people. - Local English Speaking Guides for sightseeing on a private basis, including all entrance fees. - Private guided transfers to and from all airports - Driver/guide's expenses.The supplement for 5 days guiding with entrance fees is £140 per person

Indian Himalayan Adventure

Considered amongst the most beautiful mountain landscapes on earth, the Indian Himalayas provide the breathtaking backdrop to this unforgettable journey into the wild lands of northern India. Staying at some of the most exclusive hideaways on the continent, the journey takes you by first class train and jeep deep into the heart of rural India.Beginning with a first class train journey into the foothills of the Himalayas, you will travel from Delhi into the beautiful landscapes of the Kumaon Hills, to explore the villages around Kalmatia. Hiking across some of the most spectacular landscapes in northern India you will pass through villages that have changed little in centuries, staying at a succession of unique mountain retreats en route to Jawalbanj.Turning your back on the mountains, you then head into the landscapes of the Corbett Tiger Reserve, one of India's most important tiger sanctuaries. Here you will have an opportunity to track the rare and elusive tiger, before continuing to the banks of the sacred Ganges and the spiritual setting of Rishkesh, 'The Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas'.

Tour includes: 13 nights varied accommodation - 13 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 8 dinners - Private excursions with English speaking guides - Private driver and vehicle - Sightseeing programme including all entrance fees - Private transfers to and from all airports

Classical India Highlights

A classical adventure through the iconic highlights and hidden gems of India's colourful 'Land of Kings', this private journey offers a chance to experience the true essence of India, heading off the beaten track and deep into its rural heartland.This great introduction to India begins with the Mughal highlights of Old Delhi and the Raj monuments of Lutyens new city. From Delhi you then drive to Agra, home to the marble majesty of the Taj Mahal, before heading off the beaten track and on to the wonderful heritage properties of Ramathra and Bundi. You'll visit the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri and travel by train into rural Rajasthan, before moving on to the hustle and bustle of Jaipur.Home to the Palace of Winds and the stunning Amber Fort, Jaipur's mix of colourful chaos provides a stark contrast to Bundi, a town still relatively untouched by the onset of progress, where you can enjoy a visit to the famous palace complex, explore the local bazaar and enjoy a cooking demonstration before heading back to Delhi by train.

Tour includes: 8 nights heritage hotels, 1 night city five star - 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners - Private driver and vehicle - Private guided sightseeing, including all entrance fees - Private guided transfers to and from all airports - Driver/guide's expenses