Why India?
Whether you’re aboard the magnificent Himalayan Railway journeying between culture-rich Kolkata and the famed tea estates in mountainous foothills, touring the storied sites of India’s Golden Triangle, or relaxing on the sun-washed beaches of Kerala, India is full of surprises. We thrill in the country’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Taj Mahal and the Great Living Chola Temples, yet we also love getting away from it all – escaping into the likes of Kashmir Valley and Hemis National Park.
Wildlife enthusiasts too will relish an adventure through the wilds of India, with opportunities for tracking snow leopard, tiger and birds of prey. And there’s no better way to unwind than aboard one of India’s scenic – and luxurious – riverboat cruises through the Ganges Basin. Let Journeysmiths introduce you to the magnificence and diversity of India.
Wildlife enthusiasts too will relish an adventure through the wilds of India, with opportunities for tracking snow leopard, tiger and birds of prey. And there’s no better way to unwind than aboard one of India’s scenic – and luxurious – riverboat cruises through the Ganges Basin. Let Journeysmiths introduce you to the magnificence and diversity of India.
- Incredibly diverse landscapes and regions throughout the country.
- Historic riverboat tours.
- Breathtaking railway journeys.
- Track rare wildlife including tiger and snow leopard.
- Discover a wealth of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Enjoy exclusive accommodations for privacy and comfort.
India Locations
Eastern India
West Bengal was the first home of the East India Company and for decades the British made Kolkata their capital. A strong colonial influence remains, but the Bengali heritage is undeniable.
Assam and Nagaland
Assam and Nagaland are two states in India’s northeast, separated from the bulk of the country by Bangladesh. The region is comparatively wild and sparsely populated, so it’s excellent for spotting rare wildlife.
Rajasthan
Rajasthan means “Land of Kings” and the palaces, fortresses and temples of this desert state back up the claim. Once ruled by Maharajas of unimaginable wealth, the opulent legacies remain.
Golden Triangle
The famed Golden Triangle begins in Delhi, the Indian capital. It’s a captivating, expansive city that lends itself to journeying south to see Agra’s Taj Mahal and the Pink City of Jaipur.
Kerala and the South
The landscapes in South India are green and the pace of life is slower. This is an ideal region for relaxing into the local way of life as you float down Kerala's waterways aboard a houseboat.
Western India
Western India is flanked by the Thar Desert and the Arabian Sea. It’s a diverse region, with the industry and large urban populations in Mumbai contrasting with the lush, tranquil beaches of Goa.
Himalayas
The Himalayas are undisputedly the most impressive mountain range in the world. Their snow-capped peaks hold not only life-giving fresh water, but important national parks and cultural touchpoints.
Top 10 India Experiences
The young poet and playwright Kiran Millwood Hargrave said "India is a place where colour is doubly bright. Pinks that scald your eyes, blues you could drown in." It's a quote that captures the marvellous intensity of experiencing India. You’ll flit like a butterfly from a gilded palace to a sun baked fortress, to a bustling bazaar, to an encounter with a big cat, all the while drinking in the colours, sounds, aromas and the relentless energy of Indian life. That collage of glimpses will be there to savour years after you return. We’ve compiled a list of our favourite experiences to inspire your imagination.The young poet and playwright Kiran Millwood Hargrave said "India is a place where colour is doubly bright. Pinks that scald your eyes, blues you could drown in." It's a quote that captures the marvellous intensity of experiencing India. You’ll flit like a butterfly from a gilded palace to a sun baked fortress, to a bustling bazaar, to an encounter with a big cat, all the while drinking in the colours, sounds, aromas and the relentless energy of Indian life. That collage of glimpses will be there to savour years after you return.
We’ve compiled a list of our favourite experiences to inspire your imagination.
We’ve compiled a list of our favourite experiences to inspire your imagination.
1. The Big Cats of India
To encounter a tiger, the world’s largest feline species, is a heart-stopping moment. A tiger’s majestic athleticism, its hypnotic eyes, its magnificent beauty and its unchallenged dominance of its environment will leave you rooted to the spot as you contemplate your inferiority. The tiger is, without doubt, the monarch of all Asian cat species, though there are others to entice any big cat lover to search India’s 500 wildlife sanctuaries and 103 national parks. Shy, agile snow leopards roam the screes and snow fields of the Himalayas, whilst the fierce Asiatic lion prowls the scrublands of the Gir Forest, their only remaining habitat. All Asian big cats require greater patience and tracking skills than their African cousins, but all things of meaning and significance in life require more effort.
2. Spotting Snow Leopards
Stealing through the highest reaches of the mountains like a shadow, an elusive snow leopard is notoriously hard to track; their camouflage is such that they can slip by unseen, sometimes only metres away. But with the right guides and expertise, we make it possible to get a glimpse of these stunning big cats as they navigate the treacherous rocky slopes, their expert balancing act aided by the wielding of a magnificent thick fluffy tail. A realistic chance of encountering a snow leopard is something that has developed only in the last decade thanks to the work of ecologists both working to increase their numbers and also to understand their habits. You’ll stand the best chance of seeing one when you stay at the aptly named Snow Leopard Lodge in the high altitude desert of Ladakh.
3. The Golden Triangle
India is a country like no other – it is wondrous, intriguing, romantic and beguiling – and a trip around the Golden Triangle gives a taste of the exotic beauty, diversity, history and complexity of a country that defies a simplistic description. Most start their adventure amidst the incredible smells, breathtaking temples, colours, crowds, crumbling buildings and general chaos of Delhi. For the last 3,000 years, the inhabitants of Delhi have been weaving a labyrinth of streets, punctuated by serene oases such as the Jama Masjid mosque. The next corner of the triangle is the “pink city” of Jaipur, which will introduce you to the desert state of Rajasthan, a place of countless forts, palaces, temples and gardens. Then it’s on to Agra and the destination that defines India and the power of love; the Taj Mahal. Here at Journeysmiths, we recommend arriving for the glorious blushing pink and peace of dawn.
4. Authentic Cultural Experiences
Nowhere beats India for the sheer variety of cultural experiences: it is a country with more than 4,500 years of recorded history, is the birthplace of multiple world religions, and some 780 languages are spoken here. Our team of Journeysmiths will help you to experience the authentic flavours of India, from heritage hotels converted from former palaces and fortresses, along with lodges and camps which have integral links with local communities. Nothing beats dining with the grandson of a maharaja, praying with the Buddhist monks in a gompa, or dancing into the early hours of the morning with the members of a Naga tribe. To be immersed in the midst of the Pushkar Camel Fair, a gathering of thousands of camels, horses and cattle – along with their owners – is an un-orchestrated and genuine cultural experience that bombards the senses.
5. Temples, Forts and Palaces
The number of forts, palaces, and temples in India is uncountable. Even the tiniest town or village once had its own princely ruler, with a magnificent palace abode, as well as a fortress from which to defend his territory against covetous neighbours. Amongst these thousands of historic monuments, however, a few stand head and shoulders above the rest. The monuments at Hampi, for example, present the traveller with a dazzling array of some 1,600 medieval structures in a single place. The erotic carvings at Khajuraho will beguile you, and you cannot fail but to be impressed by the immense size and intense colours of the Meenakhsi Amman Temple in Madurai. In Jaipur, the City Palace, Hava Mahal, and Amer Fort dazzle in the scale and beauty of their architecture, but none come close to the romance of Udaipur’s Lake Palace or the opulence of Umaid Bhawan in Jodhpur. This is truly a fairytale land.
6. Varanasi
Varanasi was once described by Mark Twain as older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looking twice as old as all of them put together. This is the ultimate pilgrimage place for Hindus who believe that to die in the land of Varanasi is to attain salvation from the cycle of birth and rebirth and thus an end to suffering. It’s the abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, it’s where Brahma lost his head, and it’s a place to wash in the mighty and cleansing Ganges. The rituals of the pooja ceremony, the curling smoke of incense, the lights of thousands of oil lights, the floating floral tributes, the cremations and the seething devoted crowds of humanity on the ghats are best seen from the water itself. Then we suggest seeing just a handful of the 23,000 possible temples in magnificent, throbbing Varanasi.
7. Exclusive River Cruises
In India, every river is a god or a goddess, the most mighty of which is Ganga herself. In her valley, it is her fertile soils, seasonal flooding, and purifying presence that are the benevolence upon which more than half a billion people base their lives. From the detached and refined vantage point of a luxury cruise, you will see an ever-changing diorama of rural life, ancient temples, glimpses of unspoilt wilderness, and plenty of bustling humanity. We also recommend taking a traditional ketuvallam houseboat from Alappuzha, the Venice of Kerala, to float gently through the labyrinth of canals, inlets, and lakes where the rivers meet the Arabian Sea.
8. Mountain Adventures
Huge tea plantations, dripping jungle, stately trains, snow-capped peaks, raging rivers, swirling mists and respite from the heat and humidity of lowland cities; these are just a few of the myriad of impressions of the seven major mountain ranges of India. The mightiest of them all, the Himalayas, have always defined the very boundary of the subcontinent, ranging from the arid plateaus of Ladakh in the west, to the former summer capital of Shimla, to the terraces of Darjeeling in the east. There are other highlands too, such as those supporting the spice plantations and tea estates in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Many are explored in style and comfort aboard the trains of India’s rail network. For the most adventurous of travellers, we recommend the unsurpassed experience of the Tibetan-style landscape and culture of Ladakh.
Several Amazing Holidays
George
United Kingdom
"We have been lucky enough to have enjoyed several amazing holidays through Paul and the team at Journeysmiths over a 12 year period. What makes it so special is that you are dealing with people who have detailed knowledge of where you are going, always take the time to find out what is going to work for you, always seem to be able to find interesting and different places to stay, always respond in a very friendly, helpful and timely manner and who seem to be able to make the most complicated logistics work perfectly - every time. We have so much confidence in Paul and the team, they are a dream to deal with and we would not dream of going anywhere else for this kind of really special holiday"
Best Places to Stay in India
Accommodation
The Oberoi Grand
This grand palace was built in the 1880s and has hosted countless influential leaders and celebrities throughout its rich history.
Accommodation
Kohima Camp
Wake up to Nagaland’s gorgeous mountain vistas and the sound of a nearby mountain brook.
Accommodation
Samode Safari Lodge
Samode was featured by the Daily Telegraph as one of The World’s Best 50 Honeymoon hotel destinations, and it’s easy to see why.
Accommodation
Mihir Garh
Mihir Garh is the kind of hotel that Hollywood location scouts dream of: an imposing fortress looking out across a landscape that exemplifies Rajasthan’s wild, rugged beauty.
Accommodation
Oberoi Amarvilas
The Oberoi Amarvilas is a five-star hotel offering luxury, world-class service, and decadent Mughal decor.
Accommodation
Taj Bengal Kolkata
The Taj Bengal Kolkata is one of the best situated hotels in the City of Joy, within walking distance of the key city sites.
Western India, India
Woods at Sasan
Woods at Sasan is a stunning, luxury lodge set in an orchard of mango trees on the fringe of the forest.
Accommodation
Wildflower Shimla
The Wildflower Hall in Shimla is one of Oberoi’s premier natural retreats, and one of the most luxurious escapes in this breathtaking mountain region.
Accommodation
Taj Nadesar Palace
Our Varanasi choice is the Taj Nadesar Palace, where 40 acres of lush private gardens surround the hotel.
Accommodation
MV Rudra Singha
Set sail for adventure across the plains of Assam as you take in the sights of the northeast Indian state from the comfort of a luxurious riverboat, the MV Rudra Singha.
Accommodation
Reni Pani Jungle Lodge
30 acres of forest run parallel to the Satpura Tiger Reserve and National Park, and its here that you will find the Reni Pani Jungle Lodge.
Accommodation
Sujan Jawai
Sujan Jawai - a Relais & Chateaux property in a leopard rich wilderness - takes luxury to an entirely new level.
Accommodation
Samode Haveli
Samode Haveli offers a perfect place to unwind in lush surroundings in the heart of Jaipur, but it is also ideal for guests seeking accommodation within striking distance of the city’s fascinating historical sites.
Accommodation
The Brunton Boatyard
The Brunton Boatyard is the pride of Fort Cochin, Kerala’s most historic city.
Accommodation
The Oberoi Mumbai
The Oberoi Mumbai is the most luxurious hotel at the heart of India’s largest city.
Himalayas, India
Snow Leopard Lodge
Ulley is the best place on the planet for snow leopard spotting, and Snow Leopard Lodge is the only specialist accommodation option.
Accommodation
Diphlu River Lodge
If you’re looking for a way to appreciate India’s rich wildlife without compromising on comfort, Diphlu River Lodge is the perfect place to stay.
Accommodation
Mahua Kothi
The Mahua Kothi takes its name from the mahua tree, which is revered as the tree of life by local people.
Accommodation
Aman I Khas
Aman-i-Khas is the most exquisite basecamp for your Rajasthani safari.
Golden Triangle, India
The Trident, Agra
The Trident, Agra is a few minutes’ walk from the Taj Mahal and presents an ideal base and relaxed ambience from which to explore the world heritage site.
Accommodation
Carnoustie Ayurveda
Carnoustie is a tranquil place to recharge and rejuvenate, surrounded by the beauty of Kerala.
Accommodation
ITC Maratha
The ITC Maratha is luxury hotel which takes its design inspiration from the Maratha dynasty which historically ruled the area around Mumbai.
Accommodation
Chamba Camp, Thiksey
The Thiksey Monastery looms large over the Indus Valley, both physically and culturally speaking. At its foot is the remarkable Chamba Camp.
Accommodation
Leela Palace Udaipur
The Leela Palace Udaipur is a modern, slick hotel with jaw dropping views of Lake Pichola.
Accommodation
Sher Bagh
Wake up to birdsong in an untouched corner of Rajasthan’s Ranthambore National Park. Sher Bagh is an ecologically friendly camp offering unmatched luxury in a unique location; it’s a safari camp which harks back to the glamour of a bygone era.
India in Pictures
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Private Journeys Tailored to You
We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been crafting the finest tailor-made holidays to the world’s wild places. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you every time.We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been crafting the finest tailor-made holidays to the world’s wild places. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you every time.
Who are Journeysmiths?
An experienced team of well-travelled individuals, passionate about crafting journeys that are as exceptional as they are personal, while maximising our positive impact on the places in which we work.
Why Travel With Us?
While the evolution of travel and technology has seen much change at Journeysmiths over the years, our fundamental beliefs about the perfect holiday have not.
Positive Impact Mission
Journeysmiths mission is to inspire and expand peoples horizons through exceptional travel experiences, while preserving the natural world for future generations.
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Battlefields And Culture South Africa
Formerly the Zulu Kingdom, the province of KwaZulu Natal runs along South Africa’s dramatic Indian Ocean coastline. The Drakensberg Mountains create a natural border between Lesotho and the Eastern Cape, and offer some excellent hiking routes.
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Explore The Garden Route South Africa
To experience a little bit of everything that South Africa has to offer, you can hardly do better than to drive along the coastal road of the Garden Route between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. It’s an extraordinary journey, and there’s wildlife on both land and shore, endless beaches, historic battlefields, and the vineyards are never far away. One day you might be whale spotting at Hermanus — renowned as one of the best whale watching locations in the world — and the next you could be learning about the Battle of Rorke’s Drift, handling antique weapons and scrambling over the British and Zulu positions.
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Magnificent Cape Town
Cape Town is one of the world’s great cities with a unique setting beneath Table Mountain.
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Luxury And The Big Five South Africa
Without a shadow of a doubt, South Africa is one of the very best places to watch wildlife in the world. The Kruger National Park — a protected area the size of Wales — is certainly the most famous and popular safari destination, but with Africa Exclusive you’ll escape the crowds to explore vast, wildlife-filled private reserves, in the company of the best guides.
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The Rainbow Nation South Africa
Archbishop Desmond Tutu was the first person to call South Africa “the rainbow nation”. It’s a reflection on the fascinating diversity of this country, not only in the identities of its people but in the landscapes, wildlife, cultures, and activities it offers. South Africa is a country which, because of its variety, can be all things to all people, truly a rainbow of varied opportunities and experiences.
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Top 10 Costa Rica Activities
We highlight the top ten must-do activities for your to enjoy in Costa Rica.
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School Holiday Safaris
The school holiday cycle is full of opportunity; there is a safari for every season, whether it’s during the Christmas, Easter or Summer holiday period.
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Episode 4 - Freshwater: Planet Earth III Filming Locations
Without freshwater, life on land wouldn't exist.
Freshwater is the most precious resource on our planet, but it's finite. Vital to life, only 2.5% of all Earth’s water is fresh and less than 1% of that is accessible. Planet Earth Three’s episode on freshwater documents its importance for selection of species.
Freshwater is the most precious resource on our planet, but it's finite. Vital to life, only 2.5% of all Earth’s water is fresh and less than 1% of that is accessible. Planet Earth Three’s episode on freshwater documents its importance for selection of species.
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Malaria - Should I Worry About It?
Many of Africa’s best safari regions are low to very low risk of malaria, particularly if you travel during the summer holidays.
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Episode 1 - Coasts: Planet Earth III Filming Locations
Are you feeling inspired to travel after watching Planet Earth Three?
Coasts offer the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife both at sea and on shore and are excellent destinations for wildlife enthusiasts. Follow in the footsteps of the Planet Earth crew and journey along the picturesque Garden Route coast to see Cape fur seals gathered in their thousands in South Africa. Head to the eerie Skeleton Coast of Namibia to find the desert-adapted lions that laze on its sand dunes. Or hop on a boat in Chile and watch the enormous barnacled body of southern right whales emerge from the water as they breach a matter of metres from your eyes.
Coasts offer the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife both at sea and on shore and are excellent destinations for wildlife enthusiasts. Follow in the footsteps of the Planet Earth crew and journey along the picturesque Garden Route coast to see Cape fur seals gathered in their thousands in South Africa. Head to the eerie Skeleton Coast of Namibia to find the desert-adapted lions that laze on its sand dunes. Or hop on a boat in Chile and watch the enormous barnacled body of southern right whales emerge from the water as they breach a matter of metres from your eyes.
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Facts You May Not Know About Mosquitoes
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South Africa Family Safaris
If you’re looking for a country that’s got everything, choose South Africa. Renowned for the spectacular views of the Garden Route, vibrant Cape Town, malaria free safaris, fascinating history and outstanding wildlife, the whole family will fall under the alluring spell of this diverse country.
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Ecuador and Galapagos Family Holidays
Treat your family to an extraordinary wildlife adventure holiday in the Galapagos and Ecuador. It’s a place you’ll likely visit just once so be sure to do it well. We have access to the finest yachts, lodges and expert guides. This way your family can visit remote islands in comfort and privacy encountering amazing wildlife.
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Peru Family Holidays
If your young explorers are hungry for an adventure, look no further than Peru. The diverse landscapes range from the vibrant jungles of the Amazon Rainforest to the jagged peaks of the Andes Mountains. Needless to say, you’ll have the chance to experience the unique mountain top setting of mysterious Machu Picchu.
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Kenya Family Safaris
Kenya has the ingredients for an amazing family safari. Your children will love seeing vast numbers of animals in iconic African settings. Stay in amazing and exclusive accommodation on private reserves. Enjoy adventures on foot, horseback and by open vehicle with Africa’s finest guides. Your children can see pioneering conservation work in action and meet remote tribal communities. Maybe end with a few days by the coast.
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