Windows on the Wild

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India - Overview

Home to more than one billion people, India bristles with an eclectic mix of ethnic groups, which leaves a lasting impression. With diversity ranging from snow-capped mountains to sun-drenched beaches, tranquil temples to colonial forts, lantern-lit villages to modern cities, it’s no surprise that this country has been called the world’s most multidimensional.

India has five seasons; spring, summer, monsoon, autumn and winter. The monsoon affects north and central India from May to September, and stays in the south into October. After the monsoon, the air is dry, making the heat more bearable and reducing the humidity.

Dehli

The capital of India is a fascinating city where the past co-exists with the present. Many dynasties ruled from here and the city is rich in architecture and historic monuments. For a long time Delhi has attracted the best painters, musicians and dancers, and is today, more than ever, the cultural capital of the country.

Rajasthan

Located on the northwest borders of India, Rajasthan stretches out into the Thar Desert. Rajasthan, literally translated as the land of kings and princes, is the ultimate confluence of history, romance, rugged natural beauty and colour. The capital city of Jaipur is known as the ‘Pink City’ due to the rich hues of the sandstone architecture, it is home to many well preserved palaces and mansions. Speak to one of our experts to arrange a bespoke tour of Rajasthan for you.

Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore encompasses wildlife with historical ruins, making it an unusual and interesting area. The 400 square km park is well known for tigers as well as being home to deer, monkeys, leopard, hyena, jungle cat, sloths and wild boar.

Bangalore

Capital of the Southern state of Karnataka; Bangalore is blessed with a salubrious climate, gardens & parks, natural lakes, architectural landmarks, shopping malls, good restaurants and bars making this the ideal gateway to Southern India.

Click here to see our 'Golden Chariot' itinerary, a luxury train journey through the heart of southern India.

Goa

Goa, on the west coast of India is a land of swaying palms, miles of golden sands, lush greenery, an incredible cultural heritage, magnificent churches, temples and monuments and a unique cultural synthesis of the east and west.

Bandhavgarh

Deep in Central India lies the Project Tiger Park of Bandhavgarh covering an area of 105 square kilometers the Park is home to tigers, sloth and wild pigs as well as other animals. At the Elephant Camp within the park you can track tigers on elephant back, providing a unique way to see the tigers up close.

Kanha

Although Rudyard Kipling never visited Kanha, his inspiration for the jungle book came from here. The Park covers almost 1950 square kilometers and is home to approximately 230 species of bird as well as tigers and wild dogs.

Click here to see our 'Temples and Tigers' itinerary, which visits both Bandhavgarh and Kanha National Parks, alongside historic sites and ancient temples.

Jammu & Kashmir

The capital of this Northernmost Himalayan region is Srinagar. Famous for its canals, houseboats and Mughal gardens, it has a strong Central Asian influence making the city unlike many other large cities in India. In contrast Leh, in the eastern parts of Jammu & Kashmir, has been a centre of Tibeto-Buddhist culture for centuries, but has only been open to travellers since 1974. From Leh tours to Ladakh, a unique mountain kingdom, can be arranged.

Click here to see our 'Cultural Discovery in Jammu & Kashmir' itinerary or here to see our 'Foothills of the Himalayas' itinerary.

Kaziranga National Park

This World Heritage Site is home to two thirds of the world’s great one-horned rhinoceroses as well as boasting the highest density of tigers among protected areas in the world. Elephants, water buffalo and swamp deer are also found in the park.

Click here to see our 'Assam Experience' itinerary, a river cruise which takes in Kaziranga National Park, as well as a number of India's other parks.

Kerala

This southern Indian state is a world apart from the rush of the north. The tropical warmth slows the pace of life but the scenic and cultural delights are often more vibrant than the north. This is a region of rich agriculture, forests, waterways and sandy beaches. A stay in Kochi (Cochin), with its Portuguese influence, is a must.

Click here to see our 'Malabar Delights in Kerala' itinerary.