Reasons To Visit India
India's central parks are home to a vast range of species - on any game drive you might see spotted and barking deer, sloth bears, Indian gazelle, numerous bird species and of course the majestic tiger. But India can boast a lot more than this - visitors to the Chambal Sanctuary might spot the rare Gangetic dolphin and the elusive Asiatic lion can be found at Sasan Gir.
Whether it's the bright saris and traditional jewellery worn by Indian women, the colourful mounds of spices adorning market stalls, or the soft, pastel pink of a sunset over Agra, every way you turn in India you are confronted by vivid and beautiful colours.
As Brits we are famously fond of a curry, but anyone who has been to India will tell you that traditional Indian food is in many ways very different. The subtle and expertly blended herbs and spices create an incredibly tasty meal and the variation of flavours and ingredients between each region is remarkable.
India has perhaps the greatest diversity of landscape of any country; from the mighty Himalaya range to arid lunar landscapes in Ladakh, forested foothills, tea and spice plantations, deserts, mangrove forests, vast plains, tropical backwaters and remote islands. You won't have to travel far to feel like you are in a completely different world.
From the Mughal forts of Jodhpur and Gwalior to the palaces of Jaipur and Udaipur, there are majestic buildings in every major city. There are also numerous smaller forts and palaces which have been carefully restored, providing an excellent place to stay and experience regal Indian life as it once was.
India is the meeting place of several different world religions. We can suggest the most important places to visit to enjoy the beauty of ancient Buddhist sculptures or marvel at Hindu temples adorned with the pantheon of colourful gods. Our guides will point out the intricacies of mosque design or explain the meaning of a ceremony in a Sikh gurdwara.
Any trip to India should include at least one journey by train. Rail travellers will experience a glimpse of a bygone era, and an overnight journey offers the excitement of waking in your private car to a new and vibrant landscape beyond the window.
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Indian Subcontinent
A large part of Kerala’s considerable charm lies in the Backwaters, a network of canals that lead off Lake Vembanad.
Locally known as 'kettuvallam', these traditional rice barges are made by tying jackwood planks together with coir rope and then coating them with black resin made from boiled cashew nut...
A stay at Olavipe is a unique way to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the backwaters. As guests of the Parayil Tharakans, a well-connected and prominent Syrian Christian family, you will...
An Audley favourite, this friendly guest house is run by a lovely family who will make you feel welcome. The six traditional Keralan guest cottages alongside the family’s home...
Just a short distance from Kerala's backwaters and located in a quiet part of Alleppey, Raheem Residency is a heritage property situated on an undeveloped beach area.
Serenity offers simple comfort to the traveller who wants to get away from the crowds or to use as a base to explore the surrounding estates and villages.
Overlooking the huge Lake Vembanad, the Coconut Lagoon is surrounded by rice paddies and can only be reached by boat. The stylish and comfortable guest cottages are scattered...
Thoughtfully laid out on the shores of Vembanad Lake, the Kumarakom Lake Resort is set amidst landscaped gardens.
14 days from £2,835pp
13 days from £2,275pp
11 days from £1,550pp
Kerala & South India, 7 miles away
Kerala & South India, 30 miles away
Kerala & South India, 58 miles away
Kerala & South India, 61 miles away
Kerala & South India, 87 miles away
Further reading:IndiaRegions of IndiaWhen to GoHighlightsItinerary IdeasTrain journeys in IndiaPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout IndiaCountry Guides
Other countries in The Indian Subcontinent:BhutanNepalSri LankaThe Maldives