Kate Hitchen
My travels were first inspired by my love of the UK, which I take as much pleasure in exploring as countries far and wide. For me, travel is all about the adventure, the people I meet and the food I sample along the way.
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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.
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.
The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.
Formerly known as Bombay, Mumbai is a modern city teeming with a vibrant culture, architectural wonders and millions of people.
Famous for its diversity, this vast metropolis is India’s most-populous city, and it is one of the largest and most densely populated urban areas in the world, full of wonderfully friendly ‘Mumbaikars’.
Having boomed as a port during the 18th and 19th century, Mumbai is rich with imposing colonial architecture, whilst towering contemporary structures underline the city’s recent prosperity. Contrasting strongly with these are the city’s slums, which make up large parts of this modern city and serve as a reminder of the mixed fortunes of its residents’.
Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.
Witness Mumbai waking up. See newspaper vendors, the fish auction, the herb market. Watch the milkmen delivering canisters, the flower markets colourful display and the fruit and vegetable arriving into the city.
With a guide, enjoy a short orientation tour of Mumbai. Visit the Gateway of India, later stroll through the local bazaars and the jewellers market.
A shopping trip in Mumbai can be hassle-free or full of bargaining and chaotic fun in the street markets. A personal shopper can be organised to accompany you
Our India experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.
Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.
More than a hotel, the lavish Taj Mahal Palace is an iconic landmark of Mumbai. Undoubtedly the city’s grandest choice of accommodation and a spectacle in its own right, this beautiful structure sits next to the Gateway to India, overlooking the harbour. 285 beautiful rooms fill the hotel’s palatial interior, exuding colonial-era grandeur. Several restaurants and bars are housed within the hotel, including the famous Harbour Bar, which was the city’s first licensed drinking establishment.
Located in the heart of Mumbai’s business district, this elegant luxury hotel, overlooking the Arabian Sea, offers impeccable service, understated luxury and excellent facilities including an exclusive spa and fitness centre by Banyan Tree.
A journey into the vintage era of India has always been a subject of fascination for many. The Deccan Odyssey luxury train embodies this glorious era of the Indian royalty and British aristocracy at its finest, as it travels through the enchanting landscapes of India. Its fascinating journeys showcase the marvellous blend of art, architecture, culture, history and wildlife that dot the tapestry of India. From the opulence of Rajasthani palaces, culinary and traditional wonders of cities and villages to colourful, bustling bazaars, architectural marvels and the thrill of a safari in dense jungles, each princely sojourn has a story to tell. But what makes the Deccan Odyssey a once-in-a-lifetime experience is the epitome of luxury and hospitality that it offers every guest inside.
A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.
My travels were first inspired by my love of the UK, which I take as much pleasure in exploring as countries far and wide. For me, travel is all about the adventure, the people I meet and the food I sample along the way.
Kate Hitchen was excellent and managed to book and organise our trip to India perfectly, it was even better than expected. Thank you.
India
Spending a few days on holiday in Delhi is a wonderful introduction to this great country and to its extensive and fascinating…
If you only visit India once, make sure to set your sights on Rajasthan.
Home to the elusive snow leopard and some of the most extraordinary landscapes, a visit to Ladakh and Kashmir will take you…
Explore thriving tea estates, mingle with tribes and discover the colonial past of Kolkata.
Central India boasts some of the country's cultural highlights and best tiger parks.
The unique hill culture of the various regions has been fostered and protected for generations.
Karnataka offers the visitor a mix of interests, in particular, the distinctive architectural styles found in Hampi.
Kerala holidays are perfect for a first-time visitor to India and an excellent holiday option for families.
Overlooking the Arabian Sea, this tiny state is home to miles of beautiful beaches.
Formerly known as Bombay, Mumbai is a city teeming with culture, architecture and people.
Tamil Nadu, with its once referred to 'Coromandel Coast' boasts some of the most remarkable temple architecture in India.
Bandhavgarh is a relatively small area with a strong tiger population.
A diverse habitat to support many mammal and bird species.
A stunning park with a great conservation success story for the Indian one-horned rhinoceros.
From safaris to boat rides from spotting birdlife to tigers and sloth bears, Panna offers many exciting opportunities to the wildlife lover.
Pench, on the border of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, has been known through the ages for its rich flora and fauna.
Famous for its tigers and is one of the most accessible parks on the tourist trail
One of India’s most exciting and best-protected tiger reserves, with excellent tiger sightings, reported regularly.
Satpura is uncharted and unspoilt and represents wilderness at its very best.
The Gir Forest National Park is one of the oldest sanctuaries in India and is home to the last remaining Asiatic lion.
Home to tigers, leopards, Asiatic black bears, sloth bears, swamp deer, rhinoceros, elephants, chitals, hog deer, barking deer, sambars, wild pigs and…
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?