India
If there’s a satiating ingredient to inspire a zest for life, India’s got the whole recipe. But let the chaos quickly subside and even one of the oldest cities of all time might reveal its vivacious energy starts with a little something called community.
If there’s a satiating ingredient to inspire a zest for life, India’s got the whole recipe. But let the chaos quickly subside and even one of the oldest cities of all time might reveal its vivacious energy starts with a little something called community.
Few countries can claim a story that’s as symbolic in every sense of the word as the one that’s passed down by India. Being the birthplace of four prominent religions and all things modern-day mountain poses; even the spiritual pilgrims to Varanasi will fall short of accounting for its soul-inspiring presence.
Better experienced as a feast for the senses, the kaleidoscope of colours and tumultuous sounds are only ever surpassed by its lip-smacking dishes. Filling everything from its astonishing palaces to its maze of electrifying side streets and tiger-filled national parks; the atmosphere always promises to enrapture.
In pursuit of…
…getting hugged on all sides
Playing host to the biggest human gathering at Kumbh Mela every year, and feeding 100,000 free meals a day at its Golden Temple, there’s not a glue that could hold India together stronger than it’s family-feeling. Whether the ties are of kinship or of kindred spirits, everyone is embraced, and the experiences are those better shared. From visiting a local village to discover what makes rural farming so essential, to a cooking class in a community kitchen – there is always the reminder that home is where the heart (and the full stomach) is.
"India will sweep you up, envelop you, and leave you enraptured."
01
05
A sense of place
Get to know our favourite spots in India, from the crowning jewel of The Golden Triangle to the wild parks that inspired the Jungle Book.
-
![The building, Humayun's Tomb, with a domed roof and a pool of water]()
The North
Opulent by name and opulent by nature, there’s a reason The Golden Triangle remains northern India’s most recognisable crowning jewel. Intermingling the dazzling ruby and quartz-hued architecture with the addictive modern-day bazaars, the blending of past and present is so intriguing, the story doesn’t need to end with a sighting of the Taj Mahal.
-
![Close up of a tiger walking]()
Central India
Where the wild things are. Discover your inner Mowgli in this inspiring birthplace to the ‘Jungle Book’ in this eminent land of national parks. One of the best places to find a tiger in the wild, there are also monkeys, swamp deer, pythons and elephants that are sure to bring all your favourite characters to life.
-
![A view out to sea from a beach with trees]()
The West
The go-to girl for her butter-soft beaches, Goa puts India’s softer side right at its centre; where spiritual yoga sessions are only secondary to its spice-infused flavours. While just an hour’s flight up coast, all energy conserved is quickly made up for in contrasting Mumbai, with its epicentre of fashion, Bollywood, and proudly pulsating lifestyle.
-
![Green hills with trees and a lake]()
The East
In a country so brimming with joy, you’d almost think it’s cheating to name a city after it. But what makes Kolkata so deserving of the title is its unfettered enthusiasm for culture, which peppers throughout everything they do from food to literature. And in applying that same kindness to its surrounding areas, the national parks make homes to rhinos, while Darjeeling is the spot for catching up over some of the world’s best chai.
-
![a person in a boat on a river surrounded by trees]()
The South
It’s not often that a human hand can craft such insurmountable beauty it holds its own against Mother Nature herself. But with the gleaming palaces and ancient ruins of Karnataka casting a bewitching spell that could even beat Kerala’s beach-side beauty spot, there’s just something about the South that exceeds expectations.
01
05
Passages from a journal A fortnight spent in India
Day 2
Day 4
Day 5
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 14
Day 2
Day 4
Day 5
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 14
-
![Indian street vendor preparing food - chapatti, flat bread, Jaipur]()
7pm
We’ve just spent the afternoon getting lost in the heady concoction of New Delhi, learning all the intricate histories of its gemstone sites. Then, in true Indian style, it was back to the grassroots to a Sikh community kitchen to make some chapatis. Everyone has been so welcoming, and it all continues tomorrow with lunch in a haveli with a local family.
-
![Concrete arches and columns at the Diwan-i-Aam monument]()
10:10am
We’re whizzing along on the fastest train in India today, to visit the Agra Fort. Apparently, our guide has some amazing stories about Shah Jahan (who made the Taj Mahal for his wife), which feels truly romantic. So much so, the idea of today even inspired us to take part in a renewal of vows ceremony with a blessing by a Hindu priest this evening.
-
![Sunrise at Taj Mahal on Jamuna river]()
7:03am
There are pinks and oranges painting the skies as we’re overlooking the Taj Mahal at sunrise. The stunning architecture almost looks like it’s glowing, which I must admit creates a bittersweet feeling now knowing Shah Jahan would’ve seen it every day from his prison cell, after our tour yesterday. We’re taking a final moment to let yesterday’s stories settle in, before we’re off to Alwar to experience the village farming.
-
![Aerial view of the astronomical instrument at Jantar Mantar observatory]()
10pm
We’ve just got back from our meal this evening, trying out some of the finest delicacies at Suvarna Mahal. We’ve been chatting all about the stars and planets after our tour around The Jantar Mantar, which was almost eclipsed with the amazing conversations we had with the hotel’s current custodian. Religion, history and all things Rajasthan – it’s been a learning day for sure.
-
![Inside of the Hawa Mahal or The palace of winds at Jaipur India. It is constructed of red and pink sandstone]()
11:18am
Just when you think this pink city can’t get any more vibrant, we’re heading out to meet some local students to learn more about the practice of organic agriculture in their village. We’re imagining the story of the colourful fruits and vegetables already, which we’ve even been promised we’ll get to taste with a farm-to-fork food lunch.
-
![Houses with blue roofs on stilts on the beach in Goa]()
9am
Beaches, relaxing, and great food – this is Goa. We’re winding down in the sun and finally letting all that Golden Triangle energy release from our fingertips. Then, we’re off for a meal at Cavatina Cucia – it’s meant to be one of the best places to taste the flavours of the world here in India’s sunshine state.
-
![A close up of glass bottles with brown labels with the words Spirit of India Feni]()
4:59pm
Our final day today and we’re feeling very grateful for having been caught up in all of India’s chaos. The clash between the finest palaces and friendly street experiences is unlike anything we’ve experienced before, which makes everything feel even more rounded. And now, to let it all sink in, we’re off for a tasting of the local delight, feni – where bottles date as far back as 1946.
0:00
It’s essence...
VIBRANTVIBRANT
VIBRANT
VIBRANTVIBRANTECCENTRICECCENTRIC
ECCENTRIC
ECCENTRICECCENTRICROUSINGROUSING
ROUSING
ROUSINGROUSINGThe leading line-up
India
Extraordinary
experiences
-
-
![Tall brown brick monument of Qutub Minar]()
Taking in the ancient sites on a half-day tour of New DelhiVisit the red stone and marble-covered Qutub Minar with intricate carvings and verses from the Qur’an, before heading on to visit the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent.
-
-
-
![A line of large cooking pots with a man behind looking into them]()
Try your hand at preparing food in the community kitchen of a Sikh TempleLocated in the heart of Delhi, The Gurudwara Bangla Sahib feeds an immense over 35,000 people every day for 365 days a year. Making it a great spot to learn how it all happens, and support the action by making some chapatis.
-
-
-
![Five silver spoons filled with assorted-color powders]()
Enjoy a cooking class with Ms Anchal BhallaHaving been cooking in the kitchen since she was seven years old, Anchal Bhalla is an expert on all things home-grown food, with all classes teaching the intricacies of India’s unique food culture.
-
-
-
![A close up of small colourful flowers with a small ornamental Ganesh]()
Renew your wedding vows with a blessing by a Hindu priestTaking place at the beautiful Jodha Mahal temple, couples are guided through a traditional ceremony to re-tie the knot with an exchange of fresh flower garlands.
-
-
-
![Building walkway leading out towards a big building that has a domed roof]()
Visit the mesmerising Taj Mahal at sunriseA marvel in marble renowned for its stunning symmetry, this seventh wonder of the world is best experienced during the beauty of sunrise.
-
-
-
![Two brown cows laid and looking to the camera]()
Meet locals in Alwar to learn about the daily farming of cows and buffaloHead out in a jeep for a tour of the surrounding villages during the fascinating herding hour, before sitting down for chai and chatting with local village friends about your experience.
-
-
-
![Stainless steel teapot being poured into small drinking glasses]()
Meet the current custodian of DeraMandwa hotel to discuss Indian culture and insightsA proud inheritor of this special legacy, Jaipur Thakur Durga Singh ji is a true connoisseur of Rajasthan’s art, history, and culture. Sit down for a cup of tea and enjoy sharing the stories that span religion to food and flora to folk art.
-
-
-
![A line of people planting green rice seedlings in a flooded field]()
Visit a community of students and organic farmers in JaipurEnjoy a half-day eco-experience getting insight into the rural life of students, villagers, and farmers, whose organic farms are positively supporting local communities in the village. Finish with lunch together, tasting all the farm-to-fork delicacies.
-
-
-
![A close up of a bottle of Peoples Lager from Goa brewing company]()
Take part in feni tasting and pairing sessions in Goa at India’s first-ever Alcohol MuseumDedicated to the local delight feni, this beach village museum tells the tale of centuries-old alcohol making processes. With a Goan-style tavern and unique storage vessels, the feni cellar even has bottles of cashew and coconut feni as old as 1946.
-
Destination essentials
SEASON
Flight
Time difference
Currency / Language
FROM THE Reading room
RELATED ARTICLES-
![A Cliff Top Retreat In Santorini]()
Looking up, looking out
Standing at the foot of a colossal mountain or volcanic island can inspire awe and challenge our understanding of the world. We find the places that turn the gaze outward and upward, removing the focus from you to something bigger, something transformative...
-
![Green Dumplings on Black Plate]()
Relax, refuel, restart
Health and happiness; they’re what we all seek, but the path to finding them isn’t always easy. For centuries, different cultures have been using food to unlock the secret to living well, through local ingredients, diets and remedies. Follow in the footsteps of master practitioners to find the key to a better you.
-
![Yaowarat china town in Bangkok]()
Tasting history
Grand, theatrical feasts can resurrect the pomp and ceremony of vast historical empires while private meals can unlock a door into a quiet, spiritual way of life. So many of Asia’s rich cultures and traditions find their clearest manifestation in their cuisine.
-
![The Sistine Chapel ceiling filled with high renaissance artwork from Michelangelo]()
Travel with sovereign-style treatment
If anyone is known for travelling in style, it’s our Royal Family. We thought we’d take some inspiration from the set of royal travel trendsetters and search our well-curated address book for the most regal of residences – from real-life palaces to private retreats.
-
![Forest dining]()
Dinner with a view
The tinkle of glasses, the trickle of laughter and plates of local delicacies; sharing stories over wine and fine food as the sun sets has to be one of the most soothing parts of travelling. Imagine this scene but move your table to the most breathtaking landscapes for a meal you will never forget.
-
![Temple ruins]()
Access granted in Asia
When it comes to special trips, Asia is often top of the list. Chaotic and modern, spiritual and spellbinding, it has an intoxicating mix of culture, food, and unique experiences.
01
06
Get in touch your way…
We customise every trip to you and our quotes are bespoke. We’re here to offer advice, recommendations and answer your questions.
-
Online
-
Talk to us
-
In person
-
Online
-
Talk to us
-
In person
01
09
Asia
Despite the jetlag and plane journeys that can eat up two days in one, some places are just worthy of the long-haul; and when it comes to the likes of Asia distance really does make the heart grow fonder.
-
![Angkor Wot temple as the sun sets behind it]()
Asia
Cambodia
ExploreCambodia exudes a mysticism that’s hard to emulate, the not-so-secret ingredients of which come in the form of its extraordinary jungle ruins, Khmer villages, buttery beaches and cities of old-meets-new.
-
![Two boats with red sails on water with a city in the background]()
Asia
Hong Kong
ExploreGoing way beyond its famed cuisine, Hong Kong serves up a feast for the senses; from the fascinating skyline and lively street markets to a surprising amount of green spaces.
-
![A green field with trees and mountains in the background]()
Asia
Indonesia
ExploreWhere rice paddies trip down hills and a gateway to wellness is opened to all; the secrets of sacred peace are whispered throughout the land in Indonesia.
-
![A green rice paddy hill with mountains stretching into the distance]()
Asia
Laos
ExploreStep back to a time of oxen-pulled ploughs and sleepy market towns within the pretty panoramas of Asia’s best kept secret.
-
![An adult and a baby orangutan climbing a tree]()
Asia
Malaysia
ExploreWith a fusion of Asian cultures, rainforests that mingle with beaches and two skyscrapers standing watch over the capital city, the answer to where to find it all is surely Malaysia.
-
![Looking up at a walkway bridge with people crossing at Singapore airport]()
Asia
Singapore
ExploreIn the time that it takes to utter its name, Singapore’s probably transcended your idea of the future; but what makes it all so special is its consistent attention to tending the roots that it came from.
-
![Three people fishing from stilts in the sea]()
Asia
Sri Lanka
ExploreBringing everything from timeless temples and caramel-scented tea fields to its very own Big 5 favourite, this admirably humble teardrop country is making much more of a splash in the ocean.
-
![Two boats from the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market with one having fruit and another with hats]()
Asia
Thailand
ExploreIts popularity has risen like the tallest temple tower and images of its Buddha-flanked streets, corrugated rice paddies and otherworldly beaches are bountiful. So it could be argued that, nowadays, Thailand is in no need of an introduction… perhaps.
-
![A woman on a bicycle riding through Bac Son Rice Field]()
Asia
Vietnam
ExploreHistorically, travellers may have unwittingly overlooked Vietnam for its neighbour across the Gulf of Thailand, but with its mesh of bustling cities, hill tribe communities and beautiful coastlines, this resilient country is turning the tables.
01
09