Wild Bengal tiger, India

Charlotte Lawton

  • Europe, Middle East and Indian subcontinent

My Expertise

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  • India Flag India
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  • Sri Lanka Flag Sri Lanka
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Charlotte is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Asia.

Growing up in Hong Kong and Nepal gave me an early connection to Asia, which deepened after university when I spent two years managing a safari camp in Central India and travelling widely across the subcontinent. Drawing on this first-hand knowledge and trusted local contacts, I create journeys that connect you deeply with the people and places you visit.

My grandmother was born in a tent in India, and my own sense of belonging in Asia stems from a childhood spent there. I can still recall walking through dense jungle whilst hailstones the size of cricket balls rained down; of being carried on my father’s shoulders as we trekked through the Himalayas; my mother wearing flip-flops on a snowy mountainside; and me falling into Dal Lake in Srinagar as we disembarked from our houseboat.

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Steps at Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka

A classic itinerary through Sri Lanka

Perfect for first-time visitors or those looking for a well-rounded trip, this classic itinerary through Sri Lanka blends cultural discovery, scenic landscapes and wildlife encounters.

Begin in the Cultural Triangle, where you can climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, wander the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and witness Buddhist heritage at Dambulla’s cave temples. Continue to Kandy to visit the revered Temple of the Tooth and enjoy a traditional cultural performance.

From here, board one of the world’s most scenic train journeys into the tea country of Hatton, spending a few days amid plantations with opportunities for walks, cycling and tea tastings. Travel south to Yala National Park for safaris in search of leopards, elephants and sloth bears. Conclude with time on the south coast, where golden beaches and the historic fort city of Galle provide the perfect finale.

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Ajanta caves local women
India

An itinerary for the trailblazers in India

Ideal for those with time to delve deeper, this 21-day journey through India brings together regions rarely combined in a single trip.

Begin in Hyderabad, where Mughal history meets a thriving modern city, before flying to Varanasi to witness dawn rituals on the Ganges and the evening aarti ceremony. Continue north to Chandigarh and into the Himalayan foothills at Shimla, where colonial echoes linger in the mountain air.

Fly south to Mumbai for an immersion in its colonial landmarks, bustling markets and street life, then journey inland to Aurangabad to explore the UNESCO cave temples of Ajanta and Ellora. End on the remote Konkan coast in Sindhudurg, a region of unspoiled beaches, sacred forests and crumbling forts, offering a quieter alternative to neighbouring Goa.

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

The trip I’d love to do in Ladakh and Kashmir

I’d love to journey from Ladakh to Kashmir in search of some of the world’s most elusive wildlife.

Beginning in Leh with a heritage walk and a visit to Thiksey Monastery, I’d then travel into the valleys of Ulley with expert guides in search of the snow leopard. From there, I’d cross the Zoji La Pass to spend time at a pioneering wildlife lodge in the Mushkoh Valley, home to Himalayan brown bears. The trip would end in Kashmir, staying on a houseboat on Dal Lake – the very place I once fell in as a child! – and then a hillside retreat, with treks into the Qayaam Hills, live Sufi music and Kashmiri cuisine.

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Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada Mausoleum, Jodhpur, India
Jodhpur, India

The City of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India

Sometimes referred to as the ‘Citadel of the Sun’ or the ‘Blue City’, due to the colour of its blue painted houses, Jodhpur was founded in the 15th century. It is probably best known for its exceptionally well-preserved ancient fort that dominates the city’s skyline.

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Taktshang Monastery, Paro, Bhutan
Paro, Bhutan

Beautiful Bhutan

“Have I just arrived in heaven” my sister whispered as we landed in Bhutan, a small, far-flung Kingdom hidden away in the heart of the Himalayas. I knew exactly what she meant as the sheer beauty of the surrounding scenery struck me.

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My Favourite Experiences

Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.

Meet the rest of the team

Our specialists have a wealth of travel experience under their belts and revisit their own areas of expertise regularly to refresh their minds and discover new opportunities. Many have been with us for more than 15 years and have developed a following of clients who trust their judgement and will travel with no one else. We hope you will join those ranks.

Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.

Are you ready to Discover Extraordinary?


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