India - Taj and tigers

With so many options for a tailor made trip, the options for a truly unique experience in India are compelling.Take a look at some of our recommendations below:

2 Night Nepal and Mt. Everest – The highlight is the Everest flight, a sparkling clear journey across the world’s highest peaks including Everest. In addition visit Pasupatinath and the famous Lord Shiva temple Hindu cremation ground, Bouddhanath, the 2500 years old Buddhist stupa prior to seeing Bhadgaon and its famous five storied temple of Nyatapola.

3 night elephant safari in Corbett – Nestling in the foothills of the Himalayas, the Corbett National Park is India’s first National Park and the first sanctuary to come under Project Tiger; Corbett supports a variety of vegetation making it the ideal habitat for the tiger and its prey. The best way to see wild life in Corbett in on elephant back. An Elephant safari allows travel deeper into the wilderness and to get very close to wild life without scaring the animals away.

Tailor made Rajasthan – Rajasthan’s kingdoms are an enduring legacy to India’s history. A land endowed with invincible forts, magnificent palaces and waves of sand dunes and serene lakes. No other region in the country assembles the many paradoxes of India. Jaipur, the pink city presides over the fascinating desert state and its people: surrounded by rugged hills, each crowned by a formidable fort with beautiful palaces, mansions and gardens dotted throughout its precincts. Highlights include the Amber Fort by elephant safari, the `Palace of Winds’, otherwise known as Hawa Mahal and the City Palace, which is an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways.

Pushkar camel dair – One of Rajasthan and India’s most famous festivals. Held in November, this 3 day religious and cattle attracts thousands of visitors from all parts of the world. Held in the small and beautiful town of Pushkar, deep in the Indian state of Rajasthan.

Visit SOS village – While driving from Agra to Delhi you can visit SOS children village, the world’s largest private child welfare organization operating 400 villages in 131 countries. SOS villages provide needy children stable homes and the prospect of an independent future. Interact with the children and their mothers and see how this organization is helping needy children to have a stable and an independent future.

Cooking demonstration in Bedla Palace – The residence of Kuwar Vijay Singh Bedla, enjoy a cooking demonstration of famous Karan Cuisine followed by dinner.

Jaipur by vintage car – In one of the cars built for the Maharajas between the start of 1919 you will embark on a unique safari of the Red city.

Visit the Ranthambore project – In 1981 six women came together to start an organization that dealt with the problems of traditional artisans in contemporary India. Dastkar’s retail outlets where artisan groups sell their products directly to the customers have been invaluable in giving crafts people a first hand knowledge of contemporary forces and consumer tastes.

Diner with Begum Fauzia – Visit the colonial bungalow of the Nawab and Begum of Loharu, the 8th Nawab of Loharu who plays an active role in Indian politics. The house has an old world charm and excellent food. Enjoy your meal whilst interacting with the members of the royal household and others.

Yoga – Yoga originated in India several thousand years ago. The methods of classical yoga include ethical disciplines, physical postures, breathing control and meditation. Learn why so many people are using yoga for stress relief and how you can use it to improve your life.

Themed evenings – What better way to immerse a group into the history of India than to celebrate in classic Indian style:

• Colours of India – Traverse the corners of this colourful subcontinent in one splendid unforgettable evening. After a traditional welcome ceremonies tap your feet to the pulsating ‘Bhangra’ from the North, the swan-like ‘Manipuri’
dance from the East or Passion-stirring ‘Rajasthani’ dances from the West.

• Moghul Theme – Slip back into the grandeur and glitter of the Mughal era. Chobedars” (gate keepers) usher guests to the “daawat-khana” (dining-room). Hostesses clad in silken, flowing “shararas” (skirts) and “chunnnis” (veils)
welcome the guests with flowers and “attar” (perfume) in the traditional style. Flamboyant folk dances herald a sumptuous spread of Moghlai delicacies.

• Maharaja Welcome – As was in the past, when the victorious Maharajas returned from war, a stunning tableau of decorated camels and elephants unfold before you on the lawns of the palace hotel. Ladies in Rajasthani costumes perform the traditional garlanding “aarti” and “tika” ceremonies while the music of the “shehnai” welcomes you.

• Durbar Evening at Samode Palace –The evening starts with a procession on Camel carts through the village streets of Samode accompanied with a local band and Marshals. The group enters the Palace for a Royal Welcome
by decorated horses/ Camels/ local musicians along with women who are all in traditional attire. The front facade of the Palace is beautifully illuminated. Dinner, folk dances and fireworks light up the evening.

• Bollywood Evening – Step into the sets of the Blockbusters of the Decade. Into the garishly colourful and wildly fascinating world of Indian cinema. With a scene straight out of a typical Hindi movie, a lavish dinner of spicy fare under the spotlights and a drunken medley of Hindi film songs.

Elephant Polo – Get astride an elephant like a maharaja and play a game so royal, the start is celebrated by a royal military brass band. While the pounding of nagadas (huge Indian drums) heralds your arrival, you are welcomed by tableaux of camels, elephants and ladies in traditional attire.