Tailor Made Holidays in India: Highlights

Take a riceboat cruise in Kerala

Hiring a converted rice barge is one of the most relaxing ways to explore the backwaters. Children play as you drift slowly along the narrow palmfringed canals, and locals can also be seen washing, fishing and going about their daily routine. Boats are moored around sunset so as not to disturb fishermen’s nets in the evening. Your personal chef will prepare a delicious, freshly cooked meal which is served onboard.

Read more about: The Backwaters
 
Take an evening boat ride on the Ganges in Varanasi

One of India’s holiest sites, Varanasi can be a sensory overload with teeming narrow lanes, a multitude of temples and the bustling ghats lining the banks of the Ganges. In the early evening the ghats or bathing steps come alive as hundreds of pilgrims congregate to worship. Young priests from nearby ashrams perform their daily rituals, whilst conch shells and bells create a cacophony of sound. Worshippers light flickering lamps which are cast onto the river, and float away forming patterns on the holy waters. Impressive from land the spectacle is hugely impressive from the river accompanied by the gentle rhythmic splash of the boatman’s oars.

Read more about: Varanasi
 
Experience the magic of sunrise at the Taj Mahal

One of the world's most famous buildings, the Taj Mahal is the ultimate monument to love. Visited by millions every year the Taj is often bustling with people, but it is possible to enjoy this beautiful construction in relative peace. Enter the grounds at dawn and sit in a tranquil corner and wait for the spectacle to begin. As dawn breaks and the chattering starlings welcome the day, the morning light plays across the inlaid mosaics and incredibly fine carved inscriptions of the Koran that adorn the monument, turning the white marble a delicate pink.

Read more about: Agra
 
Experience the festivals of Ladakh

Surrounded by arid high altitude deserts and in the shadow of the Himalaya, the landscape and Buddhist religion is more akin to neighbouring Tibet. Each year the monasteries of Ladakh transform themselves from peaceful religious havens into the focal point for celebration as the monks, dressed in ornate costume, re-enact the story of the monastery’s foundation. Away from the monastic festivities, the streets and markets bustle with seasonal traders while archery competitions are cheered on by enthusiastic spectators. The festival season culminates in the month-long Leh festival before this incredible region succumbs to the snows.

Read more about: Leh
 
Go on a tiger safari

At 300kgs the tiger is without question the king of India’s jungles. Resident in a number of national parks, this impressive beast can be seen from the comfort of a vehicle but the thrill of looking into those fiery yellow eyes is enhanced when your vantage point is the gently swaying back of an elephant. Affording greater visibility and a seemingly more adventurous experience than a vehicle, the surprisingly bristly back of the elephant brings the mahout and guests wonderfully close to the natural environment ... even if the first glimpse of Kipling’s Shere Khan can make the heart pound!

Read more about: Ranthambhore National Park
 
See the magnificent palaces of Rajasthan

Some of these are real highlights, especially Deogargh, Devigarh and Samode. You can explore these immense former Royal palaces built in the 18th century to see how the present owners have retained the beautiful Rajput architecture and the original interior frescoes and mirror work, experience the luxurious lifestyle in which Maharajas once lived in these beautiful surroundings and enjoy their superb cuisine. These properties have many courtyards and rooftop terraces where you can truly escape and immerse yourself in the peace and quiet.

Read more about: Dungapur
 
Stay in the floating palaces of Udaipur

For lovers of James Bond the floating palaces on Lake Pichola will forever be the home of Octopussy, but the fictional headquarters of Mr Bond’s nemesis are in reality the luxurious surroundings of the Lake Palace Hotel. Isolated in blissful tranquillity, this gloriously romantic hotel appears to hover above the lapping waters, overlooked by the imposing City Palace on the eastern shore. The Mewar terrace is the perfect setting to enjoy a drink or a sumptuous meal after a day exploring the markets and shopping stalls of the city as the sun sets behind the majestic Aravalli Hills.

Read more about: Udaipur
 
Take a sedate ride on the Darjeeling Mountain Railway

The Darjeeling Mountain Railway is also known affectionately as the Toy Train. It passes right through Darjeeling on its journey and from here you can take a scenic ride on the train to the nearby town of Ghoom, which takes about 1 hour. Chugging along almost at walking pace, the Toy Train is the ideal way to take in the stunning views of the mountains and also gain a close-up look of the Darjeeling streets as the train passes right through the middle of the town.

Read more about: Darjeeling
 
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