A MECCA FOR THE CULTRUALLY CURIOUS
Arrive early and watch as the sunrise gilds the white marble of the Taj Mahal. Revel in the crowds that swirl around Jaipur’s stalls, markets and hidden bazaars as you bargain for rich cloths, antique jewellery, metal work and ceramics. Discover true meaning of the phrase ‘sumptuous opulence’ in a palace hotel beside picturesque Pichola Lake in Udaipur. Plan an individual journey that takes you through the remote backwaters of Kerala, in your own houseboat. Or discover the meaning of life, in a monastery in Leh. Here are our expert consultants’ favourite reasons for visiting India.
MARVEL AT THE TAJ MAHAL
One of the seven wonders of the world and an absolutely unmissable trophy on any world traveller’s must-see list. Especially at dawn, when the rising sun works its magic, and there are no crowds.
The best time to visit? Avoid May and June when the marble is too hot to walk on!
GO SHOPPING IN JAIPUR
Jaipur is a mecca for devoted shoppers. You can waft in comfort through the cool modern malls on the outskirts of Jaipur, or plunge headlong into the traditional markets, stalls, bazaars and sides street shops. Remember to bargain hard.
The best time to visit? For real colour and bustle visit in October and November for Diwali.
STAY AT A LUXURY PALACE HOTEL ON LAKE PICHOLA
Many of them created for local princes and potentates, the original lakeside palaces have always been the last word in extravagance. Now you can stay in one and experience the life of a royal family member for yourself.
The best time to visit? October to March sees Udaipur’s best weather.
TAKE A TIGER SAFARI IN CENTRAL INDIA
Few experiences will make your heart beat harder than the sight of your first wild tiger, slinking through the dense jungle of Central India. If you’re lucky, you’ll be perched up high, on an elephant!
The best time to visit? March and April when the watering holes are drying out and tigers are more often seen.
The journey really is the destination here. You cruise in a traditional old houseboat – restored with contemporary comforts – through deep forests, past timeless villages, farms and ancient fishing boats, along the remote backwaters of beautiful Kerala.
The best time to visit? Cruising is great from September to April, avoiding the mid-year monsoons.
DRINK TEA IN DARJEELING OR ASSAM
Does your romantic image of India include colonial hill stations growing tea, high in the cool mountain air of Darjeeling or Assam? Or mountain railways with fabulous panoramic views? Or sipping tea against a Himalayan backdrop?
The best time to visit? October to December will give you the clearest views. Avoid the monsoon months from June to September.
LEARN INDIAN COOKERY DURING A HOME OR FARM STAY
By far the best way to understand a country is to live – and eat – with its people. On a home or farm stay in Rajasthan or Kerala you can learn the intricacies of one of the world’s greatest cuisines.
The best time to visit? All year round, but remember May to August can be hot and very rainy.
VISIT A BUDDHIST MONASTERY IN LADAKH
Ladakh is often known as ‘The last Shangri-la’ and ‘Little Tibet’ because it offers strongholds of Tibetan Buddhism set amongst wild mountains and teeming rivers. Which also give great scope for outdoor sports and unrivalled trekking.
The best time to visit? June to September – the high passes are snowed in at other times.
SEE THE MEENAKSHI TEMPLE IN MADURAI
A completely fantastical kaleidoscope of shrines to multi-coloured gods and goddesses, animals and outlandish mythical creatures – not to mention pilgrims bathing, priests chanting and hectic markets. They will all welcome you to Madurai and the Meenakshi Temple.
The best time to visit? All year, and at 9.30 every night the god Shiva is taken to Meenakshi’s bedroom for the night.
EXPERIENCE COLONIAL CALCUTTA
Experience the bittersweet history of the British Raj in the crumbling magnificence of the colonial mansions around Dalhousie Square and the Victoria Memorial. Take in the cuisine, culture and architecture of this fascinating city.
The best time to visit? If you like colourful chaos, visit during the festival season – from October to March.
EXPERTS
Dan
Rob
