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Spice Village

Kerala, India

Spice Village is a collection of individual cottages set in a landscaped spice garden in Thekkady, close to Periyar Wildlife Reserve.

Why we like Spice Village

A very comfortable place to stay in ‘the wilds’ of Kerala, where you can truly unwind, switch off and absorb the natural environment in all its glory.

Facilities

Spice Village is an eco-resort with a less is more ethos. There is no air-conditioning or television but wide open spaces, comfortable rooms with plenty of natural light and ventilation. The hotel has been designed with a Keralan Village type feel with thatched roof cottages scattered around the grounds. There is, of course, modern plumbing, comfortable beds and hot showers but the setting is stripped down to its natural essence. Staying here really feels like you are in the middle of nature.

Other facilities include a swimming pool, games room and an excellent restaurant. Ayurvedic treatment is also available on site.

Activities

The area is rich with biodiversity and nature walks are a must. Bird watching, hiking and visiting Periyar Wildlife Reserve.

Spice Village, Thekkady, India

Spice Village, Thekkady, 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 6th 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 £4,595pp

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 £14,205pp

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 19th February 2023

13 days from £5,995pp

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

View Group Tour

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 £4,945pp

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

View Holiday Idea

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 £4,940pp

Bengal Tiger, Bandhavgarh National Park, 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 £4,715pp

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 £4,600pp

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 £4,485pp

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 £3,855pp

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 6th 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 £4,595pp

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 £14,205pp

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 19th February 2023

13 days from £5,995pp

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

View Group Tour

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 £4,945pp

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

View Holiday Idea

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 £4,940pp

Bengal Tiger, Bandhavgarh National Park, 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 £4,715pp

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 £4,600pp

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 £4,485pp

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 £3,855pp

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

Windermere Estate

£££££

Once the summer resort of the British Government in South India and set at the confluence of three mountain streams, Windermere is a 60-acre Cardamom Plantation known for its excellent hospitality.

Carnoustie Ayurveda & Wellness Resort

Wellness and Spa
£££££

Carnoustie Ayurveda & Wellness Resort in Kerala is an award-winning wellness retreat perfect for those looking for a luxury beach setting whilst experiencing the Keralan traditions of Ayurveda. Carnoustie is an all-villa beach resort offering private…

Taj Bekal Resort & Spa

Beach and Island Escapes
£££££

Vivanta by Taj – Bekal is an exceptional beach resort tucked away in Northern Kerala in an area that hasn’t seen an influx of tourism and remains one of India’s best-kept secrets, being surrounded by lush…

Ayana Fort Kochi

City
£££££

Set in a 200-year-old building, Ayana boutique hotel offers a sanctuary from the kaleidoscope of activity on Fort Kochi’s streets outside. With art-deco design, striking colours and checked tiled floors, the property is one of classic…

Brunton Boatyard

City
£££££

Brunton Boatyard is an elegant colonial-style hotel with distinguished decor, a fantastic outdoor pool and an excellent selection of restaurants. Sophisticated and chic, heritage-style hotel with a superb seafood restaurant.

Coconut Lagoon

£££££

This traditional-style, eco-friendly hotel promising complete escapism. Individual cottages, called tharawads, are set amongst lawns and gardens amid a network of pools and waterways.

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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.

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