Where to book and travel to

See our full list of destinations

About

Travelling Safely

Our Content

Our People

Our Team

Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
Our Tour Experts

We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
Heroes and Heroines

The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.

Nadesar Palace

Forts and Palaces
Central India, India

History soaked Taj Nadesar Palace has been hosting guests since its inception in 1835. A former palace, now a micro boutique historic hotel, with only 10 rooms complimented by 32 acres of landscaped grounds set in a residential neighbourhood.

To stay here is a taste of colonial luxury. The Taj team of staff have won the hearts of all their visitors and nothing is too much trouble.

Why we like Nadesar Palace

One of two smart five-star hotels in Varanasi that delivers consistently, Nadesar Palace has no rivals. With only 10 rooms, book early as they are always in high demand.

Facilities

Although set in the city, escape amongst the mango orchards and jasmine flowers of the vibrant gardens. A hidden temple can be found within the 40 acres, dating back over 300 years and is complete with a resident priest. Don’t miss the royal horse-drawn carriage rides through the extensive gardens passing the organic fruit and vegetable gardens as you go. Particularly delicious food is served in the dining room.

Activities

Follow the peacocks around the grounds
Take a tour of the historic palace and learn of the history of Varanasi
Make use of the well-equipped spa
Tee off at the mini-golf course

Nadesar Palace, Varanasi, India

Nadesar Palace, Varanasi, India

Nadesar Palace, Varanasi, India

Group tour

India – Ganges River Cruise with William Dalrymple

Board the five-star Ganges Voyager on a 11-day river cruise into the heart of West Bengal. William Dalrymple, author and historian will join you onboard to share his knowledge of India and explore key regions mentioned in his latest book, The Anarchy.

Departing 23rd February 2023

11 days from £4,995pp

Sunrise over River Ganges, Varanasi, India

Idea

A Central India Safari – including Tadoba, Pench and Satpura

With three small private eco-lodges providing a comfortable base, visit Pench, famous for its leopard sightings, be introduced to the greater conservation issues whilst at Tadoba, and explore the newly opened Bori Sanctuary whilst staying at uncharted and unspoiled Satpura.

13 days from £3,995pp

Canoe, Tiger Trails, Tadoba National Park, India

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Golden Eagle Madras Mail – South India by Luxury Train

Journey through Southern India, covering everything from India’s most important cities of Mumbai and Hyderabad to spectacular World Heritage Sites and the coastlines of Goa and Kerala.

15 days from £12,350pp

Deccan Odyssey Train, Rajasthan, India

View Holiday Idea

Group tour

On the Trail of Snow Leopards

Our snow leopard group tour works with the Snow Leopard Conservancy Trust India in Ladakh and is accompanied by its team of expert trackers. Spend four full days exploring the Ulley Valley searching for ‘The Ghost of the Himalaya’.

Departing 14th February 2022

13 days from £5,795pp

Rare and elusive snow leopard on mountain top lookout, Ladakh, India

View Group Tour

Idea

Tiger Safari in Central India

This holiday suggestion is perfect for anyone keen to see tigers in the wild. Experience 10 game drives over 8 days, accompanied by best-in-field naturalists, in three of the best tiger parks in India; Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Panna.

11 days from £4,295pp

Bengal Tiger, Bandhavgarh National Park, India

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan

This holiday idea has been specially created to take in the highlights the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra and Jaipur) and also take you further into the heart of Rajasthan to explore other royal cities and rural retreats in this region of India.

14 days from £4,300pp

Detail of decorated gateway, Amber fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Tigers of Nepal and India with Taj Safaris

This 12-day luxury safari holiday combines the best of Nepal and Indian wildlife experiences with the exceptional hospitality and comfort delivered by Taj Safaris. From the tiger heartland of Kanha National Park, in Central India to the heart of the jungle in…

12 days from £4,100pp

Tiger walking along road, Dudhwa National Park, India

View Holiday Idea

Idea

An Introduction to Bhutan

This 13-day classic journey is the perfect holiday for anybody visiting Bhutan for the first time, taking in the main sites of Western and Central Bhutan whilst staying in a mix of traditional Bhutanese guest houses and uniquely styled five star comfortable…

13 days from £4,000pp

Sun Temple, Bhutan

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Highlights of Kerala – Cochin, Munnar and Backwaters

With all the ingredients for the ultimate first-time visit to India, this holiday itinerary offers a gentle start to everyone wishing to make inroads into the Subcontinent. Easing you into India, the southern region of Kerala is slower, less frenetic and offers…

12 days from £3,900pp

Tea Estates, Munnar, Kerala, India

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Central India’s Cultural Highlights

This holiday idea to Central India has been designed to combine some of the most evocative and memorable experiences from the religious ceremonies in Varanasi to the perfectly preserved temples of Khajuraho.

12 days from £3,350pp

Gwalior Fort, Gwalior, India

View Holiday Idea

Need Inspiration?
Browse our India holiday ideas.

We know a thing or two about bespoke holidays – we’ve been creating them since 1989. Take a trip through the India holidays that we love today.

Group tour

India – Ganges River Cruise with William Dalrymple

Board the five-star Ganges Voyager on a 11-day river cruise into the heart of West Bengal. William Dalrymple, author and historian will join you onboard to share his knowledge of India and explore key regions mentioned in his latest book,…

Departing 23rd February 2023

11 days from £4,995pp

Sunrise over River Ganges, Varanasi, India

Idea

A Central India Safari – including Tadoba, Pench and Satpura

With three small private eco-lodges providing a comfortable base, visit Pench, famous for its leopard sightings, be introduced to the greater conservation issues whilst at Tadoba, and explore the newly opened Bori Sanctuary whilst staying at uncharted and unspoiled Satpura.

13 days from £3,995pp

Canoe, Tiger Trails, Tadoba National Park, India

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Golden Eagle Madras Mail – South India by Luxury Train

Journey through Southern India, covering everything from India’s most important cities of Mumbai and Hyderabad to spectacular World Heritage Sites and the coastlines of Goa and Kerala.

15 days from £12,350pp

Deccan Odyssey Train, Rajasthan, India

View Holiday Idea

Group tour

On the Trail of Snow Leopards

Our snow leopard group tour works with the Snow Leopard Conservancy Trust India in Ladakh and is accompanied by its team of expert trackers. Spend four full days exploring the Ulley Valley searching for ‘The Ghost of the Himalaya’.

Departing 14th February 2022

13 days from £5,795pp

Rare and elusive snow leopard on mountain top lookout, Ladakh, India

View Group Tour

Idea

Tiger Safari in Central India

This holiday suggestion is perfect for anyone keen to see tigers in the wild. Experience 10 game drives over 8 days, accompanied by best-in-field naturalists, in three of the best tiger parks in India; Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Panna.

11 days from £4,295pp

Bengal Tiger, Bandhavgarh National Park, India

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan

This holiday idea has been specially created to take in the highlights the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra and Jaipur) and also take you further into the heart of Rajasthan to explore other royal cities and rural retreats in this region…

14 days from £4,300pp

Detail of decorated gateway, Amber fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Tigers of Nepal and India with Taj Safaris

This 12-day luxury safari holiday combines the best of Nepal and Indian wildlife experiences with the exceptional hospitality and comfort delivered by Taj Safaris. From the tiger heartland of Kanha National Park, in Central India to the heart of the…

12 days from £4,100pp

Tiger walking along road, Dudhwa National Park, India

View Holiday Idea

Idea

An Introduction to Bhutan

This 13-day classic journey is the perfect holiday for anybody visiting Bhutan for the first time, taking in the main sites of Western and Central Bhutan whilst staying in a mix of traditional Bhutanese guest houses and uniquely styled five…

13 days from £4,000pp

Sun Temple, Bhutan

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Highlights of Kerala – Cochin, Munnar and Backwaters

With all the ingredients for the ultimate first-time visit to India, this holiday itinerary offers a gentle start to everyone wishing to make inroads into the Subcontinent. Easing you into India, the southern region of Kerala is slower, less frenetic…

12 days from £3,900pp

Tea Estates, Munnar, Kerala, India

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Central India’s Cultural Highlights

This holiday idea to Central India has been designed to combine some of the most evocative and memorable experiences from the religious ceremonies in Varanasi to the perfectly preserved temples of Khajuraho.

12 days from £3,350pp

Gwalior Fort, Gwalior, India

View Holiday Idea

View all holiday ideas View all cruises

Where to stay in India

Our team has handpicked this collection of properties to give you luxury options in styles to suit any journey.

More luxury accommodation

The Ultimate Travelling Camp – Sangam Nivas

Tented Camps
£££££

Take a spiritual journey to the Kumbh Mela and spend a fascinating three to six days experiencing a 2000-year-old pilgrimage whilst comfortably ultra-camping with the Ultimate Travelling Camp. The only luxury tented camp ‘on location’, Sangam…

Taj Usha Kiran Palace Hotel

Forts and Palaces
£££££

Usha Kiran Palace, Gwalior is a 40 room heritage hotel managed by the Taj Group and is the best place to stay in Gwalior. Usha Kiran Palace Hotel is a real surprise. Old world charm and…

Kaafila

Tented Camps
£££££

Kaafila, the name derived from an Urdu word meaning convoy or caravan, is India’s newest and most exciting luxury mobile camp. With spacious tents complete with proper beds, attached bathrooms, and a living area the camp…

Taj Falaknuma Palace

Forts and Palaces
£££££

The former residence of the royal family of Hyderabad, The Falaknuma Palace has been leased to the Taj Group of Hotels and refurbished into a truly remarkable palace hotel.

Lebua Hotel Lucknow

City
£££££

The Lebua hotel in Lucknow is a small heritage property in central Lucknow. Originally built in 1936, the structure is a traditional bungalow overlooking a large, green lawn. It reflects the “Art Deco” architecture of the…

Ahilya Fort

Forts and Palaces
£££££

A stay at Ahilya Fort is an experience straight out of the 18th century. Situated high above the banks of the sacred Narmada River, Ahilya Fort was the capital of one of India’s celebrated women rulers…

Start planning your trip

Send us an enquiry

Complete our enquiry form and start your next journey.

A faultless trip so brilliantly expedited and organised by Steppes Travel but with a major backup from those on the ground, in India.

India

A great itinerary for an introduction to India. It has given us lots of ideas and enthusiasm for a return trip.

India

Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.

Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?

More about Steppes

Featured in the press

Your Wishlist Account

Sign up and take advantage of our Wishlist if you would like to create your own holiday boards. You can click on the heart across our website and curate destinations, holidays, properties and experiences that you would like us to build your future holidays around.

Your Wishlist Account

Sign up and take advantage of our Wishlist if you would like to create your own holiday boards. You can click on the heart across our website and curate destinations, holidays, properties and experiences that you would like us to build your future holidays around.

Account Created

All you need to do now is activate this account by clicking on the link we’ve just sent you via email to the address you’ve just provided or log in below.

Reset your password

Enter your email below.

We've sent you an email to reset your password

you will receive an email from us in the next few minutes. Click in the link in the email to change your password.

if you can't see an email from us in your inbox, please check your junk mail folder as it may have been mistakenly categorised as spam or try a different email address.