The Indian Subcontinent in one word is ‘diversity’. After all, it lays claim to both the Himalaya at the roof of the world and the Maldives, which lie flush against the lapping ocean. Our specialists can plan your India and the Himalaya vacation to make the most of the medley of experiences available. Even getting around can be an adventure — we can recommend river cruises, multi-day treks and mountain railway journeys to show you the region from another vantage.
Indians have a saying, ‘atithi devo bhava’ (‘guest is god’), and you’ll be warmly welcomed whether you’re staying in a converted palace, jungle camp or Keralan family home. This remains constant wherever you are, be it the deserts of India, Nepali mountains, Bhutanese monasteries or the tropical idylls of Sri Lanka and the Maldives. And, as a home to more than 2,000 ethnic groups, here you’ll encounter a range of cultures in a subcontinent where traditions remain strong and religion is part of day-to-day life.
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Trip ideas in India & the Himalaya
These itineraries will give you a starting point for what your trip could entail. They cover routes that we've found work particularly well and feature some of our favorite places to stay. Treat them just as inspiration, as each trip is created uniquely for you and there are many more options available.
Our expert guides to exploring India & the Himalaya
Capturing our specialists’ extensive travel experience in India & the Himalaya, these guides share inspiration, recommendations and our honest advice for how to enjoy the best of what the region can offer in the most authentic ways. From the wealth of options we describe, you can narrow down the choices and start to shape your own trip.
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Luxury train journeys through India Luxury train journeys through India
Luxury train journeys through India
India specialist and former Mumbai resident Alison shares her experiences of luxury train journeys in India. She has picked out some of the most interesting routes and explains why they’re a fascinating way to explore India.
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Festivals of Bhutan Festivals of Bhutan
Festivals of Bhutan
Festivals are very important to Bhutanese people, they're a great excuse to celebrate and socialize. We can highly recommend incorporating a festival into your tailor-made trip to Bhutan, as an ideal way of immersing yourself in the country's culture.
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Palm-fringed paradise: honeymoons in the Maldives Palm-fringed paradise: honeymoons in the Maldives
Palm-fringed paradise: honeymoons in the Maldives
The Maldives might just be the honeymoon destination you’ve been dreaming of. With some of the world’s whitest sands, clearest waters and most extravagant hotels, it’s an obvious choice, but not all islands are created equal. Hidden Beaches specialist Vicki picks her top honeymoon islands.
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Luxury vacations in India Luxury vacations in India
Luxury vacations in India
From opulent pleasure palaces-turned-hotel and indulgent tented camps to private games drives looking for tigers, India specialist Jason discusses the best way to immerse yourself in luxury fit for a royalty.
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Slow down in Sri Lanka: a leisurely tour of the north Slow down in Sri Lanka: a leisurely tour of the north
Slow down in Sri Lanka: a leisurely tour of the north
Trips to Sri Lanka can often be rushed, but it pays to slow down the pace, says Sri Lanka specialist Chloe. On an unhurried tour of Sri Lanka’s little-visited north, there’s time to really get to know a region that, although marred with the scars of war, welcomes visitors warmly.
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India’s toy trains: Shimla, Darjeeling and Ooty India’s toy trains: Shimla, Darjeeling and Ooty
India’s toy trains: Shimla, Darjeeling and Ooty
The toy trains of India cross valleys, ravines and rivers to access some of the country’s most scenic landscapes. India specialists share their experiences of riding on mountain railways from the Himalayan hill stations of Darjeeling and Shimla to the tropics of Ooty.
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River cruises in India River cruises in India
River cruises in India
Take in the history, wildlife and culture of northeast India on a river cruise. Our India specialist Sarah shares some of her favorite things to see and do while cruising along the Brahmaputra, Ganges and Hugli rivers.
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India’s wildlife: our safari guide to the central parks India’s wildlife: our safari guide to the central parks
India’s wildlife: our safari guide to the central parks
India specialist Samantha explains why central India’s national parks are ideal for a wildlife vacation. She recommends how to experience the best tiger safari, and where you might glimpse sloth bears and leopards.
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Spirituality in India: witnessing India’s major faiths Spirituality in India: witnessing India’s major faiths
Spirituality in India: witnessing India’s major faiths
India specialist Sophie explores one captivating facet of India: its spirituality. She suggests where to witness India’s faiths, and outlines a journey that could take you from the mosques of Delhi to Himalaya foothills and the banks of the Ganges.
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