Your Journey:

This is a land of princely grandeur and colonial elegance, of the Taj Mahal and the Bengal Tiger, where the mighty Ganges carves a sacred path through some of the most scenically and ethnically diverse regions anywhere in the world and whose captivating heritage and natural beauty confronts us at every turn.

Journeys in India

India & The Subcontinent

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generic far east india expert chris greener

India Tours

As a destination, India is a full of vibrancy, colour and steeped in history. With a Fascinating mix of landscapes, people and tradition, India tours are the perfect way of getting under its skin. From the exquisite temples and historic forts of Rajasthan, the wildlife of Ranthambore National Park to the spice gardens and beaches of Kerala, this extraordinary country will inspire, thrill and confound you all at once. With Bales you can create tours to India your way with our tailor made holidays or book on to one of our small group tours

"I have travelled extensively throughout this incredible country and it still keeps drawing me back. There is something truly magical about this land, full of vibrancy, colour and steeped in history. From the desert and fort cities of Rajasthan to the backwaters and tea plantations of Kerala, nothing can fully prepare you for India, but perhaps the one thing that best encapsulates this extraordinary country is the ability to inspire, frustrate, thrill and confound all at once."

Chris Greener
one of our India & The Subcontinent Experts

Call our India & The Subcontinent team on 0844 488 1123 or send us an enquiry

Things to do and see

AGRA

Lying on the banks of the Yamuna River, Agra is a city of quite superb majesty. Capital of the Moghul emperors for over 150 years, it is filled with the reminders of an age of elegance and splendour.. Home to the incomparable Taj Mahal and the mighty fortress of Agra, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it is a city whose heritage cannot fail to inspire. The Taj Mahal needs little introduction and we recommend viewing it at different times of the day to fully appreciate its true splendour.....

RAJASTHAN

The romance and colour of India’s desert state of Rajasthan is splendidly reflected in the converted palaces of its former Maharajahs. Sensitively restored into heritage hotels, these remarkable ancestral homes evoke the glorious majesty of a bygone age, where tradition and history abound. Away from the cities lie a myriad of sights, sounds and experiences in which those with two weeks or longer can fully immerse themselves. Rajasthan offers a huge choice of contrasting accommodation reflecting the history and culture of the area. Combine stays in palaces and forts with luxurious tented camps as you enjoy the fabulous kaleidoscope that is Rajasthan, India’s most colourful destination....

DELHI

A glorious mix of colourful markets and historical treasures, Delhi is essentially two cities in one, a rich amalgam of empiric ambitions that saw it grow and prosper under the auspices of the Moghuls and the British. The Old City is a glorious testament to the grandeur of India’s princely heritage and the labyrinthine streets of Chandi Chowk are fantastic for exploring on foot or by rickshaw, whilst New Delhi bristles with the creations of revered architect Edwin Lutyens and the British Raj.....

VARANASI

India's holiest city is just 1 hour and 15 minutes away from Delhi by air, and can be visited as an extension before or after your journey on the Palace on Wheels. The old city, also known as Benares, is perhaps the most ancient and colourful in all India. Stay overnight at the Taj Ganges Hotel, and the following morning rise early to take a boat ride on the holy waters of the Ganges to watch the pilgrims, fakirs and yogis purifying themselves in the river from the ghats, a daily ritual that has been observed since the dawn of history. A visit can also be made to the nearby Buddhist site of Sarnath.....

UDAIPUR

Called the ‘Venice of the East’ and the ‘City of Lakes’, Udaipur is probably Rajasthan’s most romantic and elegant city, a breathtaking collection of palaces, temples and gardens that evoke the true majesty of Rajasthan’s golden age. Surrounded by lakes, forests and the dominating slopes of the Arvalli Hills, Udaipur’s luxurious hotels are worth considering for an extended stay at the end of a hectic touring holiday and avoids a further flight to the coast.....

HOUSEBOAT CRUISE, KERALA

Each houseboat has two twin bedrooms with ensuite facilities. There is a large open-sided sitting area where meals, using local fish and vegetables (prepared on board) are served. Your houseboat is fully staffed, with a captain, his mate and a butler, who also accompany you on land for short excursions to local churches, temples and other attractions.....

KHAJURAHO

The superb 10th century temples of Khajuraho are best known, perhaps unjustly, for their more explicit erotic carvings, yet there is so much more to these astonishing works of sculpture. The 25 temples that survive today show many aspects of Indian life of a millennium ago – gods and goddesses, warriors and musicians, real and mythological animals. Built by the powerful Chandela rulers, the mystery is why these ornate and important temples were built where they were, far from any known city or even town (even today Khajuraho is little more than a village). A further mystery is why they were then abandoned, and only rediscovered by the British as late as the 19th century.....

JAISALMER: THE DESERT CITY

Located amongst the desert landscapes of western Rajasthan, Jaisalmer is a city revered by Indians and travellers alike. Lying in the heart of the Thar Desert, the ‘Golden City’ was once a major outpost on the caravan routes that plied their trade across these stark regions, laden with silks and exotic spices, linking India to Egypt, Arabia, Persia, Africa and the West. Dominated by its imposing sandstone fort and filled with characteristic old merchants mansions, better known as Havelis, the city still evokes a strong feel for its rich and princely heritage, making it one of Rajasthan’s premier tourist attractions. Its huge fort, begun during the middle years of the 12th century, is the second oldest in Rajasthan and its towering sandstone walls still harbour about a quarter of the city’s population, as well as the sumptuous Royal Palace and a number of ornately decorated Jain temples amongst its labyrinthine maze of narrow streets. Whilst in the architecture of the splendid....

THE HOLY TOWN OF AMRITSAR

The largest city in the Punjab, Amritsar has been dominated by the history of the Sikhs for centuries. The spiritual centre of the Sikh religion, the city is scattered with shrines and monuments, but by far the most revered and most famous is the magnificent Golden Temple, the Harmandar Sahib, the holiest of holy. Rebuilt in its present form in 1803, its domes are covered with 400 kilogrammes of gold leaf and within its marbled halls lie the revered texts of the Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy scriptures. Amritsar is a special place that can be visited from Delhi either by train or air.....

DARJEELING

Known as the 'Queen of the Hills', Darjeeling was one of the most famous summer retreats of the British Raj. Stroll along the Mall to recapture those heady days.Walk up to Tiger Hill to witness the spectacular sunrise over the eastern Himalaya. On clear days you may be lucky enough to see the majestic peak of Kanchenjunga. Or take an excursion on the famous ‘Toy Train’, disembarking at Ghoom to visit the interesting Monastery. Other places to visit include the Tibetan Refugee Centre or you may like to venture out of Darjeeling town for a visit to a tea plantation. The best time to visit is from October to May. It can be cold from November to February but with clear, blue skies and plenty of sunshine.....

TEMPLES OF THE SOUTH

South India abounds in extravagantly carved stone temples, some dating back more than a thousand years. The city of Madurai is one of the great pilgrimage centres of the south, and you will not want to miss its incredible Meenakshi Temple, a virtual city within a city, the whole complex teeming with pilgrims and traders, its bazaars abounding in spices and temple offerings.At Tiruchirapalli you can visit the dramatic Rock Fort Temple, 83 metres high on a rocky outcrop, and the Srirangam Temple, dedicated to Vishnu. In Tanjore you will want to spend time visiting the Brihadishwara Temple and Fort. Built in the 11th century, this is one of the finest examples of Chola temple architecture and is a World Heritage Site.....

COCHIN

The city of Cochin is an eclectic mix of influences and styles that make it a delight to explore at will. Located on India’s southwest coast, the Queen of the Arabian Sea, with its rich fusion of European architecture and oriental flair, presents an array of palaces, synagogues and churches that evoke the very essence of 16th century colonial India.....

Places to stay

Oberoi Amarvilâs

Located just 600 metres from the Taj Mahal, rooms and suites at The Oberoi Amarvilâs are lavishly furnished with teak wood flooring, hand crafted furniture and marble bathroom and offer breathtaking views (as do the lounge and the bar). The exclusive Oberoi Spa is set in tranquil surroundings and offers an extensive range of treatments in therapy suites which overlook the Taj Mahal. Amarvilâs also has a large swimming pool, daily yoga classes and a fully equipped gymnasium.....

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Taj Lake Palace

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and romantic palaces in the world, the Taj Lake Palace is set in the middle of picturesque Lake Pichola. Originally built in the 17th century as a summer retreat for the Royal family of Udaipur, the hotel has 83 rooms including beautiful suites and luxury rooms, surrounded by courtyards, terraces, fountains and gardens. The hotel also has a swimming pool and a Jiva Spa and Jiva Spa boat.....

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Deogarh Mahal

Over 300-years old, Deogarh Mahal is ideally positioned in the heart of the Arvalli Hills, midway between Jodhpur and Udaipur. This beautifully restored palace has 60 rooms and suites, an attractive swimming pool and is surrounded by hills and lakes which play host to many species of migratory birds. The town is great for exploring on foot....

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Coconut Lagoon Resort

A former coconut plantation, the Coconut Lagoon Resort features traditional wooden bungalows with garden courtyard bathrooms. The hotel features a swimming pool and a restaurant specialising in Keralan food. ....

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Shahpura Bagh

Situated within beautiful wooded landscapes, midway between Jaipur and Udaipur, the exclusive Shahpura Bagh was once the summer residence of the rulers of Shahpura and is now run by family members. Comprising 9 beautifully decorated rooms, this elegant oasis is one of the most unique properties in Rajasthan, offering a level of service, hospitality and relaxing ambience that is quite exceptional even amongst the princely elegance of this enchanting region. Most of the guest rooms are located in a separate annexe from the family house and have high ceilings and modern bathrooms. The Rajasthani home cooked meals can be eaten with welcoming family members, providing a further insight into local life. The swimming pool is a new addition to Shahpura Bagh providing the perfect place to relax.....

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The Gateway Hotel Ganges

The Gateway Hotel Ganges in Varanasi is centrally located and set amidst 12 acres of grounds. All 130 rooms are air-conditioned with amenities such as safety deposit, mini bar, and tea/coffee facilities. The hotel has a multi-cuisine restaurant and a bar and leisure facilities include an outdoor swimming pool. ....

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The Taj Ganges Varanasi

The Taj Ganges in Varanasi is centrally-located and set amidst 12 acres of verdant land. All 130 rooms are air-conditioned and facilities include an outdoor swimming pool. ....

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Jai Mahal Palace

The former residence of the Prime Minister of the princely state of Jaipur, Taj Jai Mahal Palace is set amidst 18 acres of landscaped gardens in the heart of the city, near the main shopping area and the historical monuments. There are 100 rooms and suites all with air conditioning, tea/coffee maker, mini-bar, safe, colour TV, direct dial telephones, colour television with satellite programs and hairdryer. The hotel has a choice of restaurants and bars and leisure facilities include swimming pool, spa treatments, jogging track and gym. ....

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Fisherman’s Cove

Built on the ramparts of an old Dutch Fort, the Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort is a beach resort located south of Chennai. The resort consisting of 90 rooms offers a choice of luxury cottages with sea views and standard rooms all with modern facilities. There is also a swimming pool.....

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Samode Palace

The story of Samode Palace goes back more than four and a half centuries. The palace is full of architectural delights – the dining room with its stained glass windows and its collection of old family portraits, the Durbar Hall with its painted ceilings and intricately carved walls and beautiful chandeliers, give this palace its old-world charm. Each room is designed in traditional Rajasthani style and the antique furniture blends well with the atmosphere making it comfortable and luxurious at the same time. ....

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Umaid Bhawan Palace

Symbol of the city of Jodhpur, the Umaid Bhawan Palace is the last of the great palaces built in India (it was completed in 1943), and is still the principal residence of the royal family. Designed by renowned Edwardian architect Henry Lanchester and conceived on the grandest possible scale, the palace is a blend of eastern and western architectural influences. Now a beautiful hotel managed by Taj Hotel & Palaces with 64 luxurious rooms and suites, the Umaid Bhawan Palace is set amidst 26 acres of gardens and provides an elegant base for exploring Jodhpur. Leisure facilities include indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a Jiva Grande Spa.....

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Taj President Hotel

The Taj President Hotel is part of the Taj Group of Hotels and its location offers good views of the harbour and the city. The hotel has 292 rooms and 20 suites. In room facilities include satellite television, broadband wireless internet and a safety deposit box. There is a business centre, outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre and the hotel has a coffee shop as well as an Italian and Thai restaurant.....

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Journeys in India