FIRST TIMER TOURS INDIA

There were 671 Maharajas in India in 1971 when the erstwhile “princely” order, a colonial hangover from the British Raj, was abolished. Finding themselves deprived of their state-sponsored perks and privileges, these Maharajas transformed their palaces into luxury heritage hotels, cultural attractions, and museums.

You can now enjoy a regal sojourn in the palaces and mansions of these Maharajas.

The best places to do that are Jaipur, Udaipur, and the Himalayas. Remnants of a bygone era of Rajas and “princely states,” these palace hotels offer you a glimpse into the splendor of what was the royal way of life.

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Home to some of the most heavenly secluded beaches in India, the Southern Indian state of Kerala, “God’s Own Country,” has a massive coastline spanning 589 kilometers—10% of the total Indian coastline. But it also has a floaty mystical secret.

The serene backwaters of Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Kollam in Kerala are serenading treats for unhappy hearts.

Enjoy the backwaters with a leisurely private boat cruise as it floats through an enchanting labyrinth of waterways through lush green vegetation, fluttering coconut trees, and picturesque fishing villages.

Heartbroken by the death of his beloved wife Mumtaz, the Mughal Emperor built the Taj Mahal, one of the greatest architectural wonders of the world, as a homage to her.

India’s most visited monument— the quintessential Mughal ode to love— the Taj Mahal took 22 years to build with a workforce of 22,000 with skilled artisans brought in from as far as Central Asia and Persia.

Watching the sun rise over this magnificent symbol of love with your ‘Mumtaz’ is one memory you will cherish for the rest of your life.

There are 106 National Parks and 564 Wildlife Sanctuaries in India which make up 3.73 % of its total land mass. Teeming with thousands of birds, mammals, reptiles and fish species, these parks and sanctuaries offer thrilling adventures for wildlife enthusiasts.

Spot the Royal Bengal Tiger in Ranthambore (Rajasthan), Asiatic Lion in Gir (Gujarat), Leopards in Madhya Pradesh, Black Panthers in Kabini (Karnataka), One-horned Rhinos in Kaziranga (Assam), and other exotic animals like elephants, sloth bears, hyenas, mongoose, jackals, and Indian and snow leopard.

Taking a holistic (mind as well as body) and natural plants-and-herbs-based approach to healing, the classic 5000-year-old Indian tradition of Ayurveda is the oldest medical system in the world. 

Derived from ‘Ayur’ (life) and ‘Veda’ (the knowledge of), Ayurveda aims to achieve not just healing but also a rejuvenation of the mind and body with a combination of massage therapies, organic diets and yoga exercises.

The best Ayurveda-oriented spa retreats can be found in Kerala in the Indian South, and the mystical north of India in Rishikesh and Ladakh.

The ‘Palace on the Wheels’ is a luxury Indian train service that takes you on an eight-day royal escapade into the famous “Golden Triangle” tourist destinations like Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Agra, and Delhi. Aboard the opulent train, you will find spacious deluxe cabins, two posh restaurants offering national and international cuisines, personal butlers, hospitality lounges, a spa and onboard 5-star service.

Like the circulatory system in the body, the Indian Railway System is an unbelievable marvel that keeps all of India connected and running. The ‘Palace on Wheels’ is an Indian train experience unlike any other elsewhere in the...

With a coastline that spans almost 7500 km, India has not just the tropical ‘touristy’ beach paradises of Goa and the Andamans islands which attract millions of tourists from all over the world, but it is also home to some off-beat secluded idyllic hideaways.  

The Lakshadweep collective of 36 uninhabited islets off the coast of Kochi (Kerala) gives you a chance of a lifetime to have an island all to yourself. The Hidden caves and lagoons of Mahabalipuram Beach in Tamil Nadu are a spelunking cave-exploring paradise full of prehistoric mysteries. Gokarna in Karnataka and Puri in Odisha are some...

The ‘OG’ of mountains on the planet, the Himalayas are the highest and most formidable mountain range in the world. In the Indian stretch of the Himalayas lies the third highest mountain in the world the Kanchenjunga (8586 m), Nanda Devi (7816 m), Kamet (7756 m), Santoro Kangri (7742) Saser Kangri (7672) and a dozen other 7000+ meter peaks. Soar over these towering peaks with an unforgettable helicopter ride.

Thanks to a resurgent economy that is consistently registering some of the highest growth rates in the world, India’s middle and upper-middle classes are expanding. As living standards improve drastically, Indians are now on the lookout for high-end luxury, fashion and retail therapies. Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, Bengaluru and Kolkata are now home to the trendiest chic boutiques, jewelry stores and top-end brands.

 As one of the oldest continuous civilizational-state, India is a land of fabulous cultures and traditions. Immerse yourself in its innumerable cultural experience. Take part in the festival of colors, Holi. Visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Stay at an Indian Palace. Visit Agra. Light candles in Varanasi. Head to Ladakh for the Tibetan Losar festival.

A historical intersection point for three magical realms through the ancient Silk Road—Persia, Central Asia and Hindustan—Delhi is a fusion and melting pot of cultures, languages, history and heritage. The nation’s capital is home to some of its most important landmarks like the Red Fort, The India Gate, Qutab Minar, Chandni Chowk, the National Museum and the Akshardham & Lotus temples.

But nowhere is Delhi’s fusion of cultures and traditions more evident than its marvelous cuisine which borrows the finest influences from these magnificent parts of the world.

Explore Delhi’s old-war Mughal charm in our private heritage walk and sample...

There is perhaps something in the air and aura of the Himalayas that forces you to meditate and take a deep dive into the depth of your soul. The Himalayas are where the greatest meditational traditions of the world were born.

Rishikesh is one of the most famous yoga destinations in India. The largest annual International Yoga Festival in the world takes place here at the Parmath Niketan Ashram. Aside from Ashrams, there are various luxury yoga retreats that you can choose from in the region. Reset your soul at our exclusive yoga retreat in Rishikesh.

Rajasthan derives its name from the Sanskrit roots “Sthana” (land) and “Raja” (Kings). The Land of Rajas has been the historical stage for jostling for power and influence among many warring princely states of the Rajputana region and invaders from the outside.

This power struggle led to not just bloodshed, but also, thankfully, a competition to project power through towering forts and majestic palaces.

Our customized stays at erstwhile palaces of Maharajas and private palace dinners give a glimpse into the lives and ways of royalty of a bygone era.

The serene backwaters of Kerala are one of India’s finest secrets. A private luxury boathouse with all the amenities you can wish for and an onboard chef putting famous Keralan meals together from local organic sources is a one-of-a-kind experience.

Imagine waking up to a sunrise in a cozy traditional boathouse as it gently waltzes through lush green vegetation and the idyllic villages of Alleppey and Kovalam in the interior. Picture stargazing in the clear blue sky on a moonlit night from your houseboat.

A steadily growing sub-genre of luxury travel, “fashion tourism” to the glitzy fashion hubs of Mumbai, Kolkata, and Delhi is on the rise.

The Indian high-end fashion industry is now a significant player in the global fashion scene. Your options range from ethnic and traditional Indian dresses to global fashion trends. Mumbai, the home of Bollywood, is the fashion capital of India. 

Indulge in retail therapy in this glamorous cosmopolitan with our local expert.

Previously known as Banaras or Kashi, Varanasi, the most important city in the Hindu world is also one of the most visited tourist destinations in India.

Millions of pilgrims, devotees, seekers of peace and general tourists visit this holy city in Uttar Pradesh every year from all over the world to find peace and tranquillity and witness the Hindu religious and cultural experience.

The Ganga is to Hinduism what the Nile is to ancient and modern Egypt. A boat cruise in the Holy Ganga is a must-do tourist activity in Varanasi. But Varanasi can get crowded and very touristy on...

The centuries-old Silk Road connected the Northern plains of India with Central Asia, Tibet, and China. Caravans of mules, horses, and camels, plied through treacherous routes and passes in this region to transport goods. Take our bespoke tour in the footsteps of these ancient caravans on the Himalayan Silk Road.

The color-filled erstwhile “princely states” region of Rajasthan which draws millions of tourists worldwide to its palaces, architectural splendor, vibrant festivals and cultural attractions derives its mystique from the infinite Thar Desert that surrounds it.

Venture into the awe-inspiring desert in style with our royal desert camping expedition. Enjoy fun rides over the dunes on the “ship of the desert,” the legendary Rajasthani camel and indulge in sumptuous local cuisine.

Contributing a massive 80% of the world’s total output, India is one of the prime producers and exporters of spices. The so-called ‘Spice Trade’ led to colonial wars and conquests for control over the trade routes and production centers of the world’s most coveted spices.

The South of India is where most of the spices in India come from. Thekkady, Munnar, Kumarakuram and Alleppey in Kerala are particularly famous for their spices and a new genre of tourism called ‘spice tourism’ has emerged in the region.

Enjoy a spice and coffee plantation experience in our bespoke spice tours. Stay at...