India
India is a visual treat; a country alive with colour and charm. From the bustling markets of Delhi to the holy ghats of Varanasi and the fertile backwaters of Kerala, its imagery is timeless. On the trail of the magnificent Bengal tiger, Ranthambore and Bandhavgarh National Parks ensure some of India’s best sightings.
Rajasthan
The Rajasthani cities of Jodhpur and Jaipur are made up of colourful buildings and busy bazaars, overlooked by imposing forts, accessed by a steep walk or on elephant back. Romantic Udaipur is a beautiful place to watch the sunset or take a boat trip on Pichola Lake. Further west is the fortified city of Jaisalmer, gateway to the Thar Desert beyond. Rajasthan is also home to Ranthambore National Park where you can safari in search of tigers.
HIGHLIGHTS: Camel rides, safaris, village visits, desert camping.
Mysore
Mysore is home to India’s largest Maharajah’s Palace; originally built in the 14th century, it is an opulent mélange of Hindu and British architecture. Famous for incense production, the smells of sandalwood, jasmine and lotus permeate the streets and market places. Overlooking the town is Chamundi Hill where the enormous monolithic sculpture of the sacred bull Nandi, can be found half way up.
HIGHLIGHTS: Museums, art galleries, shopping, yoga classes.
104 Agra
The Taj Mahal is Agra’s biggest draw: a majestic marble icon glistening in the rose hue of the morning sun. In fact there are so many aspects to this magnificent building that it is worth several visits to appreciate its full impact. It should not be forgotten that the city also boasts several other attractions as reminders of the great Mughal Empire including Agra Fort and the Baby Taj, which was actually built before the Taj Mahal.
HIGHLIGHTS: Rickshaw ride to the Taj Mahal, boat trip on Yamuna River.
Varanasi
One of the holiest cities in India, Varanasi is a Hindu pilgrimage site on the banks of the sacred River Ganges. The western edge of the river is packed with devotees washing in the ghats or lighting funeral pyres for public cremations. Watch from a boat as the captivating rituals begin at sunrise and then venture inland to experience the hustle and bustle of Varanasi’s old alleyways.
HIGHLIGHTS: River trips.
Kerala
Wedged between the Cardamom Hills to the east and the Indian Ocean to the west, lie Kerala’s famous backwaters. The network of fertile waterways is a lifeline for remote communities who fish, irrigate their soil and move around on its channels. Spend time on a converted rice barge drifting peacefully between traditional stilt villages - you can be assured of a warm welcome!
HIGHLIGHTS: Canoeing, cycling amid tea plantations, village visits, rice barge cruise.
Goa
Goa is famed for its idyllic, palm-fringed beaches surrounded by lush paddy fields and coconut plantations. But there is so much more to discover. Old Goa was the Portuguese capital until 1843; now an UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is home to many grand colonial mansions, whitewashed cathedrals and chapels. Nearby Panaji is a wonderful, quiet town with colourful, low-rise houses with tiled roofs . The perfect place to try Goan cuisine.
HIGHLIGHTS: Swimming, water sports, church visits, museums.
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