Vast, diverse, deeply spiritual and utterly unforgettable, India is unlike anywhere else on earth – a melting pot of ethnicities and religions, a treasure trove of history and culture, and a curious mixture of chaos and serenity. Stretching across more than three million square kilometres, it encompasses a staggering array of landscapes, vistas and environs, and offers unparalleled travel experiences – from the beautiful beaches of Goa, to the compelling craziness of Kolkata, the sacred Ganges river banks of Varanasi, the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas in Kashmir and the ancient, exquisitely crafted temples dotted across the entire country. Not to mention the vibrant, friendly people, and the incredible cuisine.
Formerly known as Bombay, the bustling city of Mumbai sprawls along India’s West Coast and is the largest city in the country. This thriving metropolis is a go-to destination for travellers curious to experience a modern Indian city. It serves as the heart of India’s world-renowned film industry, the incomparable ‘Bollywood’, and offers a kaleidoscope of culture, colour and flavours to enjoy. Lapped by the Arabian Sea, this urban seaside peninsula is a melting pot of old and new India. Towering office blocks and shiny apartment buildings shoulder crumbling grand dames of architecture. People play cricket in the leafy central parks, taxis navigate the jam-packed streets, and families stroll along the seaside promenades of Mumbai. Visitors can look forward to viewing the iconic Gateway of India stone arch at the Mumbai Harbour waterfront, visiting the ancient cave temples on the nearby Elephanta Island or hopping on a tuk-tuk tour to experience the magic and madness of this incredible city.
Situated in southern Gujarat, the village of Sasan -also known as Sasan Gir - is best known as the gateway to Gir National Park, a well-renowned wildlife sanctuary unique in being the only place in the world where Asiatic lions are seen in their natural habitat. Other wild animals and birdlife to look out for include the rare Asiatic wild ass, hyenas, Gir foxes, pygmy woodpecker, brown fish owl, and black buck. Twelve kilometres west of Sasan Gir village is Devalia Safari Park, better known as the Gir Interpretation Zone or simply Devalia. This fenced-off compound also offers a view of lions, foxes, spotted deer and mongooses that can be observed on a safari or a guided tour.
Located in the Bhal Region of Saurashtra in Gujarat, Velavadar is a quaint little village home to the Velavadar National Park, also called the Blackbuck National Park, a unique landscape characterised by wide open spaces covered in vast grasslands, boasting a diverse ecosystem famed for its endemic blackbuck population. It is the location of the world’s largest harrier roosting site and shelters other commonly spotted species including foxes, jackals, jungle cats, wolves, hyenas, lesser floricans, wild pigs, and hares. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a bush dinner under the stars at the local Blackbuck Lodge.
Set on the edge of the Little Rann of Kutch, the sleepy village of Dasada is a renowned birdwatching destination bound by the Dasada Wildlife Sanctuary and home to the world's only population of the Indian wild ass (khur), blue-bulls, blackbuck and chinkara. In addition to being the perfect starting point to explore Gujarat's culture, landmarks, landscapes and handicrafts, Dasada is also an excellent base to explore the Great Rann of Kutch, an awe-inspiring powder-white salt marsh in the Thar Desert. For the culturally curious, a trip to various temples and monuments in the vicinity is not-to-be-missed. The pastoral villagers of Dasada are known for their stunning embroideries, and within reach of Dasada is Patan, a small town home to over 100 Jain temples.
Located in the Chandrapur district of India's Maharashtra state, the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is Maharashtra's oldest and largest national park. The park comprises of Tadoba National Park, Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary, and large expanses of protected forest. The northern and western boundary of the park features densely forested hills which morph into smooth meadows and deep valleys as the terrain slopes from north to south. The entire reserve area constitutes a unique ecosystem which boasts a diverse array of flora and fauna, including, among others: leopard, crocodile, wild dog, sloth bear, gaur, sambar, barking deer, flying squirrel and wild boar. The prime attraction is undoubtedly its impressive population of over forty wild tigers, which are frequently spotted roaming this remarkable wildlife haven.
Resting in the lower southern reaches of the Satpuda Hills, in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, Pench National Park is renowned for having the highest concentration of prey, compared to any other park in India. Visitors, therefore, have an increased chance of spotting predatory cats such as leopard and tiger. This impressive expanse of wilderness features a typical central Indian teak jungle and is bisected by the scenic Pench River. Aside from the river, the park also contains several bamboo-lined jungle streams providing a valuable water source for the local wildlife, which includes, among others: wild dog, sloth bear, wolf, jungle cat, hyena, jackal, gaur, sambar, and chital. Pench is also a bird lover's paradise, with over 250 species inhabiting the area, including; parakeets, hornbills, kingfishers, orioles, wagtails and a large selection of birds of prey.
Tucked away in the spectacularly scenic Satpura hills, the Satpura National Park is comprised of 524 square-kilometers of pristine wilderness. The area is known for its towering sandstone peaks and rugged hills, which are cloaked in dense forests and intersected by glistening streams. The park also features a number of narrow gorges and ravines which provide an ideal secluded environment for a diverse array of wildlife including tiger, leopard, four-horned antelope, sambar, nilgai, chital, wild dog, chinkara, wild boar and bison. In addition to the usual game drives by jeep, visitors can look forward to exploring the park on guided safari walks, elephant back safaris, or by canoe or kayak.
Set on the banks of the Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh, Agra is a beautiful city famous for its incredible Taj Mahal building, one of the seven wonders of the world. Commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 15th century as a memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, this is an architectural masterpiece of exquisite craftsmanship and perfect proportions. The city boasts numerous other superb attractions, including the red-hued sandstone Agra Fort, built in the 16th century; the Shahi Jama Masjid mosque, a 17th-century congregational mosque located in the historic core of Agra, and Itmad-ud-Daulah’s tomb, with its white marble facade embellished with intricate inlaid designs, also called the' Baby Taj'.
India’s capital, New Delhi, lies on the Indo-Gangetic Plain, within the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Made up of the ancient walled city of Old Delhi and the more modern sector, New Delhi, the city encompasses a staggering array of beautiful buildings, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the grand, sandstone Red Fort, striking Qutab Minar, and fascinating Humayun's Tomb. Architecture enthusiasts will delight in the iconic Lotus Temple. Hear ‘qawwalis’ (devotional music) at the dargah (tomb) of the Sufi saint Nizam-ud-din Auliya; or wander through the 17th century Chandni Chowk marketplace – still one of the city’s most popular retail centres today, famous for its traditional jewellery and saris. The gorgeous Sunder Nursery and Lodi Garden provide calm, flower-filled oases for picnicking.
