It's difficult to dispute Rajasthan, Delhi and the Taj Mahal as the perfect combination to visit for first timers to India, but after that it's down to taste. If it's mountains you seek, then the Himalayas, Kashmir and Ladakh should appeal. For beaches we'd recommend Kerala, and for diving the Andaman Islands. The elusive tiger is best viewed in the national parks of Central India or in Karnataka, and for vibrant city life nowhere (on Earth, let alone in India) comes close to Mumbai and Calcutta. Here are our favourite spots:
Where to go in India
Where to go in India
Showing 1 - 9 of 12 destinations
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Hyderabad
Discover the secrets of a city that was once India's richest.
Karnataka
The best of India (minus the mountains) in one hugely under-rated state.
Tamil Nadu
The beaches, hills and temples of Tamil Nadu represent a gentler introduction to India or a perfect 'deeper cut' for regular visitors.
Kerala
Drift through backwaters on a rice barge, explore Cochin, chill on a beautiful beach and hike among tea plantations in the hill country.
Andaman Islands
Pristine diving + snorkelling elephants + indigenous tribes = one of the world's most original destinations.
Central India
Classic tiger country combines with Delhi and some of India's cultural highlights.
Rajasthan & Agra
Visit evocative cities such as Jodphur and Jaipur and the iconic Taj Mahal, alongside enjoying a slower pace of life in the villages of Rural...
Eastern India & Calcutta
Eastern India retains much of India’s colonial architecture and atmosphere, and Calcutta is an endlessly fascinating city, but there is far...
Ladakh
Ladakh contains one of the most intact Tantric Buddhist societies left on earth.
The Indian Himalayas
Pristine mountainous landscapes, village walks and homestays, and the unique retreat of 360 Leti lodge.
Mumbai
You say Bombay, he say Mumbai. Call it what you will, this is - without question - the most vibrant city on Earth
Showing 1 - 9 of 12 destinations
Load moreWhat to do in India
Forts and Palaces
Rajasthan is justifiably famous for its wonderful forts and palaces
Zip Touring
This is a heritage tour with a difference; fly down from ridge tops and hill forts on a series of zip wires seeing views over the Mehrangarh...
Taj Mahal
In our humble opinion, this might just be the classic site anywhere worldwide that most lives up to expectations.
Riding
One of the best ways to explore the beautiful Rajasthani scenery is on horseback, riding through small villages and experiencing the culture close up.
Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF)
The Rajasthan International Folk Festival, more affectionately known as RIFF, descends on Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur for four nights every October....
Monastery Visits
During the trek, there are opportunities to visit some of Ladakh’s finest monasteries.
Rafting
Head to the Indus River for a raft from Choglamsar to Phey.
Mountain Villages & Trekking
One of the highlights to this trip are the villages the trekking passes through.
Shakti Sikkim Village Walks
Shakti Sikkim Village Walks offer travellers the chance to explore the untouched landscapes of the Indian Himalayas, while being immersed in...
Showing 1 - 3 of 9 activities
Load moreLuxury Hotels in India
Showing 1 - 3 of 30 hotels
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Ahilya by the Sea
Sister hotel to the exclusive Ahilya Fort hotel in Maheshwar, Ahilya by the Sea is a charming hideaway in Goa, where the Mandovi and Nerul rivers...
Diphlu River Lodge
The charming cottages at Diphlu River Lodge offer comfortable accommodation in the Kaziranga National Park, which is a World Heritage Site. Situated...
Evolve Back Kamalapura Palace
Embodying the grandeur of the 14th Century Vijayanagara Empire, Evolve Back Kamalapura Palace is a charming boutique hotel and tranquil retreat...
Bujera Fort
The lovely Bujera Fort in Udaipur is set on the edge of a tiny village in the Araveli Hills; with views down to Lake Pichola, the Lake Palace,...
Kishkinda Camp
Opening its doors in 2019, the newest addition to the Ultimate Travelling Camp collection is the beautiful and luxurious Kishkinda Camp, in Hampi.
Jaagir Lodge
On the edge of the wildlife rich Dudhwa National Park, Jaagir Lodge is a charming property, full of old world charm and elegance.
Taj Falaknuma Palace
India does a good line in royal palaces converted into opulent hotels, and they don’t get more amazing than the Taj Falaknuma Palace.
The Imperial
The majestic and imposing Imperial in Delhi offers the height of distinguished hospitality in the heart of the city.
The Lodhi
Located in the heart of New Delhi, The Lodhi is a luxurious boutique city hotel, exemplifying contemporary Indian culture.
Sukoon Houseboat
Sukoon is, quite simply, the best luxury houseboat on Dal Lake in Kashmir, the mystical corner of north east India that has come in from the cold.
The Bison Resort
Right where the Bandipur and Nagarhole National Parks meet, on the shores of the Kabini River, boldly stands The Bison Resort; an East African...
Royal Orchid Metropole
Built by the former Maharaja of Mysore in 1920 for his British guests, Royal Orchid Metropole is a conveniently placed heritage hotel saturated...
Taj West End
The Taj West End is a rejuvenated old regal property set in a 20 acre garden in the heart of fast-paced Bangalore. Once an army base, it grew...
Shreyas Retreat
As one of the world’s best yoga getaways Shreyas Retreat is the place to go to cleanse mind, body and soul and all that zenful jazz. Guests...
Vivanta by Taj – Madikeri
Vivanta by Taj – Madikeri is a strong contender for the best hotel in the Coorg (otherwise known as Kodagu) region of Karnataka.
Hampi's Boulders
Hampi’s Boulders Resort is just five miles from the impressive UNSECO World Heritage Site of Hampi, set in the ruins of the city of Vijayanagara.
Visalam
Over half a century ago, and quite unusual at the time, Visalam was built for the daughter of a local merchant. The same love was taken in its...
The Bangala
Over the last century this building has played the roles of a private men’s club, guest house and place to entertain visiting dignitaries,...
Palais de Mahe
Palais de Mahe is an au courant take on the rich French culture and ancestry that swathes Pondicherry, with its white and mustard façade. Just...
The Leela Palace Chennai
The Leela Palace Chennai sits beside the Adyar River as it reaches the Bay of Bengal, making this the only 5* hotel in Chennai with a seafront...
Svatma
Svatma is a new hotel in the city of Thanjavur, which was formerly known as Tanjore. The hotel is a wonderful old family residence that has been...
Rajakkad
Rajakkad Estate, or more correctly the Pallam Palace that sits within the Rajakkad Estate, is a wonderfully tranquil place to stay in the beautiful...
Windemere Estate
The owners live in the old planters bungalow and their friendly staff will take you off on long walks in the hills or private cardamom estate.
Malabar House
Malabar House is situated on a peaceful green in Fort Cochin. In 1996 Malabar House became India’s first boutique heritage hotel.
Neeleshwar Hermitage
The entire resort has been built according to the traditional architectural principals of Kerala Vastu, which dictates that a building should...
Purity
This boutique hotel is situated in the backwaters of Kerala, on the shores of Lake Vembanad.
Serenity
A sister hotel of Malabar House, Serenity's location makes it the ideal stopover on the long journey between Cochin and Thekkady.
Shalimar Spice Garden
The resort's five acres are reached across a wooden suspension bridge, which leads into a world of landscaped gardens, palms and mango groves...
Tranquil Resort
Tranquil by name, tranquil by nature – this home stay is housed in an authentic plantation up in the lush Northern Kerala hills.
Philipkutty’s Farm
Philipkutty’s Farm is a sustainable, organic working farm located on an island, where guests are hosted in waterfront villas that overlook...
Showing 1 - 3 of 30 hotels
Load moreKey Facts & Useful Links
Language: Hindi
Currency: Indian Rupee
Religion: Hinduism
Food & Drink: Mughlai cuisine is one of the most popular cuisines – the famous chicken korma and tikka are just two of the many famous Mughlai dishes
Time difference:
GMT +6 hrs
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