Virupaksha Temple, Hampi, Karnataka, India

India

From the white of snow-capped Himalayan peaks and the green of tiger-stalked jungles to the red of Mughal palaces and the opulent gold of Sikh temples, nowhere redefines “colourful” quite like India.

Words do little justice to a country as vast and varied as India. This is a place where rich history meets living culture and imposing natural beauty competes with architectural magnificence.

From the Mughal palaces of Uttar Pradesh to the quiet backwaters of Kerala, every region of India offers something distinct and different. In the north, the peaks of Ladakh hide elusive snow leopards. In the east, traditional funerary rites still grace the shores of the sacred Ganges. In the south, colonial-era hill stations top tropical ghats. In the west, the desert fortresses of Rajasthan guard ancient kingdoms.

Regions to explore

Tiger walking along road, Dudhwa National Park, India
Dudhwa, India
Gol gappa, Indian streetfood, India
Gol gappa, Indian streetfood
Katra Mosque, Murshidabad, India
Murshidabad, India
Western Ghats, Tea Estates, Karnataka, India
Munnar, India

Why choose India

India offers something for everyone. Foodies can graze on Old Delhi’s street food, historians can discover Ajanta’s millennia-old cave murals, hikers can walk in the shadow of the Himalayas and wildlife enthusiasts can stalk tigers in the country’s many national parks.

And to unpack these experiences – bringing context and knowledge – are just as many enthusiastic and passionate guides. It is this often underappreciated guiding that really brings a holiday to India to life.

Need Inspiration?
Browse our India holiday ideas.

Our India experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure in India.

Detail of decorated gateway, Amber fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Amber fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Agra Fort, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India
India
Lake Pichola, Leela Palace, Udaipur, India
Leela Palace Udaipur, Udaipur, India

Why travel to India with Steppes Travel

A complimentary massage on arrival in India begins any trip on the right note, but we feel that a rewarding holiday to India is about far more than first impressions. Our travel experts will aim to pace your trip to make the most of your time and relish the experience, steering clear of check box itineraries.

We are also careful to choose hotels that are more than just a bed for the night. In particular, we recommend “heritage hotels” – ancestral homes converted by their owners into boutique hotels. Staying in these is an experience in itself.

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Leela Palace Udaipur £££££

  • India

The Leela Palace Udaipur with its breathtaking view of the Aravali Mountains is located on the banks of Lake Pichola. All 72 Rooms and eight Suites overlook the tranquil waters of the lake. Whether arriving by one of the delightfully decorated boats or by luxury cars, the hotel offers a tranquil setting for exploring the rich heritage of its surroundings in style and comfort. The pool, overlooking Lake Pichola, the luxurious ESPA tented spa, the gym fitted, are just some of the facilities on offer.

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Taj Falaknuma Palace £££££

  • India
  • 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.

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Taj Banjaar Tola £££££

  • India
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Banjaar Tola is an outstanding property, belonging to the &Beyond safari group of lodges. Luxuriate in this stylish and comfortable safari lodge and only a few minutes from the quieter Mukki gate of Kanha National Park in central India.

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The Leela Palace, Delhi £££££

  • India

This palatial, luxury palace hotel is located at the heart of New Delhi, in close proximity to the city centre, the presidential palace and many of the major historical monuments.

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Taj Meghauli Serai £££££

  • Nepal
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

The lodge sits on the bank of the Rapti river and offers excellent rhino and gharial sightings. The guides are excellent and the lodge’s other staff are all very hospitable, which is a trademark of Taj Safari in India.

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Experiences

It’s all here. Things to see and do, places to explore and moments to discover.

Indian sweets, Old Delhi Market
India

Old Delhi Street Food Walk

Walk the streets of Chandni Chowk, visit the famous Paranthe Wali Galli. Try India’s favourite sweets, Gulab Jamun and Jalebi.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Narrow guage railway, Shimla, Himalayas, India
India

Iconic Indian Railway Journeys

Ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Experience the foothills by Indian rail.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Rural Children, India
India

Rural India

Visit remote villages with their own, distinguishable cultural features and stay in small, boutique heritage hotels.

Safari Game Drive, Baghvan, Pench National Park, India
India

See Bengal Tigers in India

Head out on a game drive by Jeep in search of tigers.

View of Shimla, Himalayas, India
India

India’s Old Hill Stations

Explore glorious old hill stations that take you back to the times of the Raj.

Tea Plantation, Munnar, Kerala, India
India

Explore Kerala

Walk the lush green paddy fields of the plains, through spindly rubber plantations and blooming coffee plantations.

Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, India
India

Visit the Temples of Khajuraho

Visit Khajuraho and discover some of India’s best-known temples covered with erotic carvings.

Morning on the Ghats, Varanasi, India
India

Visit the Holy City of Varanasi

Journey to one of India’s holiest cities, and watch religious rituals being performed daily on the banks of the River Ganges.

Taj Mahal, Agra, India
India

Visit the Taj Mahal

Travel to Agra to witness first hand the incredible beauty of the Taj Mahal.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Tiger walking along road, Dudhwa National Park, India
India

Tiger Safari

See a wild tiger strutting through the jungle, straight out of Rudyard Kiplings’s Jungle Book.

Meet our experts

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.

Charlotte Lawton

Charlotte is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Asia.

My strong sense of belonging in Asia stemmed from a childhood in Hong Kong and Nepal. My Grandmother was born in a tent in India. Some of my clearest memories are of walking through a dense, tropical jungle while hailstones the size of cricket balls rained down on us; of being carried on my father’s shoulders as we trekked through the Himalayas; my mother wearing flipflops on a snowy mountainside; and me falling into Dal Lake in Srinagar as we disembarked from our houseboat. 

Talk with our experts
  • 1 800 571 2985

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.

Talk with our experts
  • 1 800 571 2985

Explore India

  • Delhi
  • Rajasthan
  • Gujarat
  • Kerala
  • Chennai and Tamil Nadu
  • Assam
  • Pench National Park
  • Kanha National Park

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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