You can never completely know India. It reveals itself slowly, and the moment you think you have its measure, something changes. 

Below, our India Travel Specialists, Charlotte and Kate, share some of the places, people and experiences that continue to surprise them.

Horsemen, Nubra Valley, Ladakh, India
Nubra Valley, India

Faith on the Frontier

Beyond India’s better-known winter routes, Ladakh comes into its own during the UK summer. 

Trek in the Himalayas, visit ancient monasteries and cross the Hunder Desert by camel. A group tour led by historian Sam Dalrymple, author of Shattered Lands, is also in development. To explore how trade, pilgrimage and new borders shaped modern Ladakh, register your interest below.

I’m interested in Sam Dalrymple’s Ladakh group tour

Bengal Tiger, Satpura National Park, India
Bengal Tiger, Satpura National Park, India

Tiger Balm

Tiger Island in Bardia offers the chance to search for tigers across Nepal’s wild Terai as a bespoke journey. 

If time is limited and you want to maximise your chances of spotting one, our Specialists recommend Central India, either independently or on our Kings of Tiger Conservation group tour, which goes beyond sightings to meet the people shaping the tiger’s survival.

Group tour: Kings of Tiger Conservation

Two boys playing rural cricket, India
Rural cricket in India

A Fine Family Playground

Few places capture the imagination like India, with Rajasthan offering families a richly rewarding introduction to its culture and everyday life. 

Learn traditional crafts from local artisans, spot big cats or join a game of T10 cricket in Agra. Yet, it’s often the quieter moments and unexpected encounters that become the highlights. Ideal for Christmas, February half term and Easter holidays.

Holiday idea: Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan

A wooden boat sails on the Ganges River next to a community at sunset
Ganges River, India

Tales from the Riverbank

From the Ganges to the Brahmaputra, there’s something wonderfully unhurried about life on the river. Instead of rushing from place to place, experience India in a way that’s not possible by road or rail. 

Many of the riverside communities are rarely visited by travellers; people are genuinely curious and welcoming, and every day brings new moments of discovery. A front-row seat to India’s living culture as it unfolds on the riverbanks.

Blog: Why See India From Its Rivers?

Our specialists, Charlotte and Kate, know India first-hand. They design adventures collaboratively with trusted local partners, tailored to you and the way you like to travel.

Get in touch with them below and let us turn this inspiration into your next great escape.

Thanks for reading

Nadia Hussain, Kenya

Author: Steppes Travel