India’s major Hindu festival, the Ardh Kumbh Mela will be held in Allahabad from 14th January through 4th March 2019. Its origin goes back to prehistory with references to it in the ancient, sacred Hindu texts. Held when a rare and auspicious planetary alignment of the Sun, Moon and Jupiter occurs, devotees gather in their thousands on the bank of the sacred Ganges River for ritual bathing and prayer in their unending quest for salvation and spiritual rejuvenation. This congregation of pilgrims is an extraordinary sight, an intense assault on the senses – millions of people taking bath on the river, chanting hymns, singing devotional songs. It is a lifestyle, a culture, and a “sea of humanity†where the larger social, cultural, religious welfare of humanity are discussed by the saints of India. Visits here will include the Akharas to see and interact with the saints/sages and witness their activities, seeing temples and attending temple ceremonies and visiting ghats (river banks) where millions people will gather to take a holy dip in the sacred river. Accommodation option may vary from Luxury Camps, with private facilities, or in a luxury resort with modern facilities. Being a sacred place for Hindus, only vegetarian food and no alcohol will be served during your festival days at the camp.
EXPERIENCES AVAILABLE:
Spiritual
- Private Puja (worship) ceremony on the river ghats for prosperity and well-being
Textiles
- Visit to a weaver’s village outside Varanasi
This tour takes us on a wild journey through the jungles of central India which was Rudyard Kipling’s source of inspiration for his “Jungle Book”. Visit Kanha National Park rated as one of the best places on earth for tiger spotting. In the hot weather most water sources dry up and the game is concentrated around the few remaining water sources. Therefore summer is the best time to observe and photograph tigers of central India.
EXPERIENCES AVAILABLE:
Gastronomy
- Walk in the spice markets in Delhi
Ancient Temple Architecture / Spirituality
- Visit Akshardham Temple in Delhi
Community Service:
During the course of this extraordinary journey, the riders become a part of the breath-taking landscape, almost ‘at one’ with the surroundings, and get to see historical monuments and scenery which might be missed on a more conventional Safari. Add to this, the expertly schooled horses and professional guiding, you will have the Safari of a lifetime.
This tour is ideal for those interested in the ancient physical and mental practices of Yoga and for those who wants to indulge into the spiritually enriched Indian culture. The one and a half week tour traverses through the capital city Delhi, the Himalayan foothills: Dharamshala – centres of Buddhist and Hindu religions and philosophies, Rishikesh – known as world’s yoga capital, and Amritsar – City of Golden Temple. The emphasis in this tour besides the yoga sessions is also in the spiritual connection of each city you are visiting. The tour enables one to learn about ancient rituals and practices as well as engage in soul uplifting techniques through yoga. The tour is a combination of leisure time, site seeing and spiritual sessions, a great way to experience the “real†India.
EXPERIENCES AVAILABLE:
Cycling
- Explore the lanes of Old Delhi on a morning cycling tour
- Mountain biking in Dharamshala
Spiritual
- Private Puja (worship) ceremony on the river ghats for prosperity and well-being
Adventure
- White water rafting in Rishikesh
Discover the proud and valorous regal splendour of Northern India amongst its magnificent forts and palaces, mansions and landscaped estates. The stunning home ground of the chivalrous Rajput kings and warrior clans – the ancient kingdom of Rajputana- now India’s richly endowed state of Rajasthan, continues to allure visitors with its promise of a kaleidoscope of holiday experiences. From the wilderness of sand dunes, sensuous Art Deco riches in Jodhpur, aristocratic grandeur of Deogarh Mahal, to the mighty ramparts of Amber, royal Rajasthan pampers you with its generous hospitality and luxurious splendour. Visit the eternal monument of love Taj Mahal at end of your adventure.
EXPERIENCES AVAILABLE:
Private Access / Exclusive exploration
- Experience Mehrangarh Fort by night on an exclusive tour with the curator himself
- Tour of the private quarters of the City Palace in Jaipur
Gastronomy
- Cooking demonstration and meal with a local family in Jodhpur or Jaipur.
- Walk in the spice markets in Delhi or Jodhpur
- Street food walk in Delhi or Jaipur
Ancient Temple Architecture / Spirituality
- Visit Adharshila Temple in Delhi
- Witness the evening worship ceremony at Birla Temple in Jaipur
Textiles
- Block Printing workshop in Jaipur
Community Service
- Visit an NGO in Delhi
- Visit the SHEROES café in Agra that employs acid attack survivors
- Visit the wildlife SOS Elephant rescue centre in Agra
This ride is great way to experience up close Rajasthan – Land of the Kings – is steeped in romantic history, chivalry and valour. Formerly known as Rajputana, it boasts of the finest fortress-palaces, built with sandstone quarried from the land itself. In contrast with the pastel shades of the desert landscape are the brightly coloured costumes of its handsome people. With its turbaned men and richly jewelled women, its havelis and villages, its fairs and festivals, Rajasthan beckons you. Stay at four heritage hotels that highlight the character of the land. India’s Raja’s and Maharajahs of the past have turned their exotic estates, palaces, fortresses in cities, hotch-potch bazaars, countryside and forests into hotels. Heritage hotels is a grouping of such gems, and for a dedicated India ‘buff’, prepared to face the occasional technical imperfection and eccentricity of service or understanding, a visit to such locations give a rare insight into the world of princely India now largely lost. You could be dining with a former maharaja or walking through his grand palace. With our chairperson’s connections you will be staying as privileged guests in owner run heritage hotels the owners and they will personally arrange or accompany you to explore the region on cycles and interacts with the local folks.
In the beginning of the tour we do visit all important cultural sites of India’s Golden Triangle – Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.
EXPERIENCES AVAILABLE:
Private Access / Exclusive exploration
- Tour of the private quarters of the City Palace in Jaipur
- Experience Mehrangarh Fort by night on an exclusive tour with the curator himself
Walking tours
- Early morning walking tour of the walled city in Jaipur to witness the city wake up
Ancient Temple Architecture / Spirituality
- Visit Akshardham Temple in Delhi
- Visit to the Nagda and Eklingji temples in Udaipur
- Witness the evening worship ceremony at Birla Temple in Jaipur
Adventure
- Ziplining in Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
Community Service
- Visit an NGO in Delhi
- Visit the SHEROES café in Agra that employs acid attack survivors
To see the majestic splendour and experience the cultural richness of the land and the people of the Eastern Himalayas, a visit to the beautiful colonial hill station of Darjeeling and the stunning environs of Sikkim – a must for a wonderfully rewarding holiday. Your tour of some of India’s most stunning Himalayan enclaves begins from the historic city of Calcutta, once the erstwhile capital of the Raj in India and popularly known as the City of Joy, home of the legendary Mother Teresa in modern times. A drive up to Darjeeling offers you a banquet of splendid panoramas of a landscape rich in wildlife and botanical delights. In Darjeeling enjoy the mesmerising views of Mt Khanchendzonga, the world’s third highest peak and watch the sunrise from Tiger Hill. Savour the colonial elements of nostalgia amongst the tea plantations and flower filled gardens and red roofed bungalows, before saying goodbye to the UNESCO Heritage Toy Train and moving into the Teesta River Gorge for a fabulous drive to Gangtok, capital of Sikkim. The drive up to the snowy reaches of Tsomgo Lake offers a captivating vision of a remote and beautiful region, now carefully opened to tourism. The journey back to the gorge, and up the winding road to Kalimpong is a memorable one. Enjoy those lovely mountain views, monasteries and tea plantations all along.
EXPERIENCES AVAILABLE:
Cycling
- Mountain biking in Darjeeling
Gastronomy
- Bengali Cooking Experience in Calcutta
Spiritual
- Private Puja (worship) ceremony in Kali Temple of Calcutta
Adventure
- White Water Rafting on River Teesta
This tour blends the best of India’s art, culture and spirituality. Your tour will begin in Delhi, the Capital City of independent India which rewards the determined sightseer with more than a thousand monuments. Continue your journey to discover Pink City Jaipur made up of forts and palaces and bustling bazaars. Jaipur is a fascinating destination, giving one the chance to experience India from ancient to modern in one fell swoop. Next, you will travel to Agra to discover the wonder that is the Taj Mahal. Discover the extraordinary sculptures of the Khajuraho Temples before travelling to Varanasi, a city as old as Babylon and Nineveh. Uncover the mysteries of the Hindu faith amidst the burning ghats, antique temples and heritage of crafts amongst its twisting bazaar streets filled with legendary Indian silks and brocades. Your final destination will be Mumbai, the country’s financial capital and centre of business, fashion and film-making. Mumbai’s intensity is almost contagious – outlandish fashion and mind-boggling traffic, glistening skyscrapers and slums, bars and restaurants, mayhem and order, ancient bazaars and swish malls, loud temples and rare moments of tranquillity.
EXPERIENCES AVAILABLE:
Cycling
- Explore the lanes of Old Delhi on a morning cycling tour
Private Access / Exclusive Exploration
- Tour of the private quarters of the City Palace in Jaipur
Gastronomy
- Cooking demonstration and meal with a local family in Delhi or Jaipur
- Street food walk in Delhi or Jaipur
Spiritual
- Private Puja (worship) ceremony on the river ghats for prosperity and well-being
Textiles
- Block Printing Workshop in Jaipur
- Visit weaver’s village in Varanasi
Adventure
- Wildlife – Tiger Safari in Panna National Park, near Khajuraho
Community Service
- Visit an NGO in Delhi
- Visit the SHEROES café in Agra that employs acid attack survivors
- Visit the wildlife SOS Elephant rescue centre in Agra
This tour offers you an excellent opportunity to learn some of the treasured recipes of popular Indian dishes. Cooked as per recipes handed down from generation to generation. Join your hosts in hands-down cooking demonstrations held especially in your honor in their splendid heritage homes. India’s fabulous wealth of culinary delights is culled from her regional traditions and the cosmopolitan influences of contemporary times. Discover this splendid repository of food and beverage favorites that have seduced the taste buds of visitors from around the globe. En route stay at Luxury Camps, Heritage Homes, and Boutique Hotels to learn all about India’s great culinary traditions
This tour blends the best of India’s art and culture taking you through some of the most popular destinations in North and South India. You will tour the capital city Delhi which rewards the determined sightseer with more than a thousand monuments, before travelling to Agra to visit the stunning Taj Mahal. Continue your journey to discover the proud and valorous regal splendour of Rajasthan amongst its magnificent forts and palaces, mansions and landscaped estates. Visit one of India’s premier Tiger parks – Ranthambore. This tour enables you to go on the trail of the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger in one of its prettiest refuge. From there experience Ramathra which offers one a chance to experience the great outdoors and ‘village India ‘ at its best, combined with a little fort lifestyle and exceptional Rajput hospitality – a rural idyll; a birdwatcher’s paradise; a nature lover’s dream. Next enjoy the Pink city of Jaipur before flying off to the south India. Experience the charms of God’s own country – with its back waters, simple people and picturesque natural beauty. Heading out from historic port town of Cochin to the backwaters of Kerala and spend a leisurely afternoon cruising in the traditional Kettuvallom house boats, along the waterways that form a dense network in Alleppey. End your journey at the picturesque fishing village Mararikulam, staying in a beach resort with palm fringed beaches, the ultimate destination for relaxation.
EXPERIENCES AVAILABLE:
Cycling
- Explore the lanes of Old Delhi on a morning cycling tour
- Explore on cycles the country side in the vicinity of Cochin
Private Access / Exclusive exploration
- Tour of the private quarters of the City Palace in Jaipur
Gastronomy
- Cooking demonstration and meal with a local family in Delhi or Jaipur.
- Street food walk in Delhi or Jaipur
- Cooking demonstration of Syrian Christian cuisine with Nimmy Paul in Cochin
Textiles
- Block Printing workshop in Jaipur
Walking tours
- Walking tour of the Jew Town in Cochin
Community Service:
- Visit an NGO in Delhi
- Visit the SHEROES café in Agra that employs acid attack survivors
- Visit the wildlife SOS Elephant rescue centre in Agra
