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Spending a few days on holiday in Delhi is a wonderful introduction to this great country and to its extensive and fascinating…
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Our Team 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.
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Our Tour Experts 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.
India Holidays
Home to majestic tigers and royal palaces. With a little help from our travel experts, you can crown your bespoke India holiday itinerary with experiences which let you see the country in exactly the way that you want.
India is one of the most exciting and fascinating countries on Earth. From the mighty Himalayas of Ladakh bordering the north to the coastal backwaters and rolling tea estates of tropical southern Kerala, an India holiday can feel like a visit to more than just one country.
The colourful and historical cities of Rajasthan, for instance, contrast immensely with the abundance of wildlife you will discover on a tiger safari holiday.
Rajasthan
If you only visit India once, make sure to set your sights on Rajasthan.
Kashmir and Ladakh
Home to the elusive snow leopard and some of the most extraordinary landscapes, a visit to Ladakh and Kashmir will take you…
Kolkata and Eastern India
Explore thriving tea estates, mingle with tribes and discover the colonial past of Kolkata.
Central India
Central India boasts some of the country's cultural highlights and best tiger parks.
Himalayan Foothills
The unique hill culture of the various regions has been fostered and protected for generations.
Karnataka
Karnataka offers the visitor a mix of interests, in particular, the distinctive architectural styles found in Hampi.
Kerala
Kerala holidays are perfect for a first-time visitor to India and an excellent holiday option for families.
Goa
Overlooking the Arabian Sea, this tiny state is home to miles of beautiful beaches.
Mumbai
Formerly known as Bombay, Mumbai is a city teeming with culture, architecture and people.
Chennai and Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu, with its once referred to 'Coromandel Coast' boasts some of the most remarkable temple architecture in India.
Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh is a relatively small area with a strong tiger population.
Kanha National Park
A diverse habitat to support many mammal and bird species.
Kaziranga National Park
A stunning park with a great conservation success story for the Indian one-horned rhinoceros.
Panna National Park
From safaris to boat rides from spotting birdlife to tigers and sloth bears, Panna offers many exciting opportunities to the wildlife lover.
Pench National Park
Pench, on the border of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, has been known through the ages for its rich flora and fauna.
Ranthambore National Park
Famous for its tigers and is one of the most accessible parks on the tourist trail
Tadoba National Park
One of India’s most exciting and best-protected tiger reserves, with excellent tiger sightings, reported regularly.
Satpura National Park
Satpura is uncharted and unspoiled and represents wilderness at its very best.
Sasan Gir
The Gir Forest National Park is one of the oldest sanctuaries in India and is home to the last remaining Asiatic lion.
Dudhwa National Park
Home to tigers, leopards, Asiatic black bears, sloth bears, swamp deer, rhinoceros, elephants, chitals, hog deer, barking deer, sambars, wild pigs and…
Exclusive Cruise
Join William Dalrymple on our Ganges River Cruise
Board the five-star Ganges Voyager on a 10-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.
India with Steppes Travel
When you travel with us to India you can expect the following to be included in your holiday:
- VIP meet and greet in hub cities
- Complimentary arrival spa massage to assist with getting over jet lag and journey
- 24/7 emergency response line and dedicated support for the duration of the trip
- Handpicked guides to suit personal interests and specialisms
- Hotel upgrades offered at no extra cost, subject to availability
- Default 25kg luggage allowance, priority seats and meals onboard on all internal flights
- In-vehicle WIFI on long journeys (regional limitations)
- Cars under three years old with fitted seatbelts
- Water, soft drinks and snacks, packed lunch for long road transfers
Accommodation in India
Hotel accommodation in India varies hugely in standard and style, from region to region, so choosing a hotel to really suit you can be a bit of a minefield. Our India experts are crucial to booking the right room, in the right hotel, making sure you get exactly what you want and avoiding the many pitfalls of booking hotels directly online. We will also try and arrange a complimentary upgrade.
The ‘Heritage Hotel’ concept originated in Rajasthan and has spread to neighbouring Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and the foothills of the Himalayas.
Property owners who still inhabit their ancestral homes are converting them into small and atmospheric hotels. These forts and palaces are central to village life and give the visitor somewhere comfortable to stay while exploring more rural parts of the country.
There are also plenty of wonderfully luxurious 5-star hotels to choose from, some contained in old palaces and forts.
Read More
Explore India
- Delhi
- Rajasthan
- Gujarat
- Kerala
- Chennai and Tamil Nadu
- Assam
- Pench National Park
- Kanha National Park
Experiences
It’s all here. Things to see and do, places to explore and moments to discover.
Idea
A Family Friendly Holiday to South India
This family-friendly journey to South India is brimming with activities to satisfy even the most adventurous of children. A beautiful combination of private river cruising, wildlife safaris and child-friendly, insightful experiences amongst working plantations guarantees a…
Group tour
Track Snow Leopards in the Himalayas with New Scientist
Endangered, beautiful, and elusive, snow leopards are rarely seen in the wild. In an effort to promote their well-being and to offer the chance to glimpse these solitary creatures, we’ve teamed up with the New Scientist…
Tiger Safari with Steppes Travel
Nothing prepares you for seeing your first tiger in the wild. The world’s most iconic big cat is a mightily impressive sight. Yet despite being the undisputed king of the jungle, tigers face an uncertain future across the Indian subcontinent.
Read more about the challenges facing wildlife tourism and how you can travel on a Steppes Travel tiger safari in a sustainable manner.
Places to stay
Every captivating tailor-made itinerary needs a perfect base. Our team has handpicked this collection of properties to give you luxury options in styles to suit any adventure.
When to travel
India in January
January is a very popular time to travel to India, due to mild temperatures and very little rainfall. The climate varies across India from snow in the Northern States to the Southern regions experiencing daily sunshine – perfect for an escape to Kerala’s beaches.
India in February
During peak season, February is an ideal month to travel to India, experiencing all regions of the country from Rajasthan in the North to Karnataka in the South.
India in March
Temperatures begin to rise with March typically being the last month of the peak season. A significant month for religious, Hindu festivals, March can become busy in some regions however also a perfect time to travel to experience Indian culture and wildlife.
India in April
With temperatures starting to rise, regions in Northern India start to become more accessible with excellent opportunities to discover hiking trails and the wildlife of these regions. Temperatures can sometimes exceed 40°C, with high levels of humidity in Southern India.
India in May
From May to September, Monsoon rains affect the North and Central states of India with daily rainfall and thunderstorms. During the Monsoon season, it is best to experience high altitude regions and avoid beach resorts.
India in June
Most regions of India will experience the Monsoon season in June alongside high daily temperatures and high levels of humidity. Whilst, not a popular time to travel, experience the mountainous regions as opposed to Central India to experience slightly cooler temperatures at the start of the month.
India in July
At the peak of the Monsoon season, most of the country experiences frequent, heavy rainfall. Whilst travel plans may be interrupted due to the climate, it is a great time to visit India to experience the national parks and the great outdoors.
India in August
As the Monsoon continues, the climate is very similar to that of June and July. Whilst not a suitable time to travel to India’s Southern beaches, other Northern Regions are popular with locals for hiking and outdoor pursuits.
India in September
As the final month of the Monsoon season, rainfall will be less frequent with the occasional sunny spell showcasing the lush, green vegetation that has flourished during the heavy rains.
India in October
As the monsoon rains have finished, humidity levels remain high and the peak travel season begins. During the month of October, there are lots of religious festivals, including Diwali, where some regions may become busier with domestic tourists.
India in November
As one of the best times to visit the country, November brings comfortable temperatures for sightseeing with the monsoon rains dying out from October. As the temperatures drop, however, Northern India and the Himalayas will become less accessible.
India in December
In December, temperatures and climate will be dependant on the region. In the Southern States, India will see a pleasant and mild climate, ideal for sightseeing, whereas, in Northern India and mountainous regions, snow and cold temperatures are likely.
Recommended reads
HISTORY
The Anarchy
HISTORY
A Passage to India
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.
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. In fact, I am never happier than when I’m cycling, trekking or simply eating my way through a country! My heart and head regularly pull me east, notably to India but I may also be found wandering through the galleries and piazzas of Italy or daydreaming about fresh ceviche in the far west. Talk with our experts
- 1 855 2037885
Joe Parkes
As a child I read voraciously so the seed of travel was planted by none other than Enid Blyton. Family holidays ran the gamut from icy dips in the early summer seas of Cornwall, to camel rides in north Africa, from Times Square to Tenerife. A GAP year upon leaving school cemented the travel bug. After graduating University and before stumbling, happily, into a career in the travel industry I spent a couple of glorious years exploring southern and east Africa, large swathes of South-east Asia, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Talk with our experts
- 1 855 2037885
What is train travel like in India?
To experience the real India is to stay at ground level and take a train journey. No visit to India is complete without experiencing the bustle of an Indian railway station. We recommend express trains, which normally offer air-conditioned chair seats or first or second class sleeper cabins. All seats and berths are reserved for the ticket holder.
The reservation list is displayed on the train itself, your name and reserved berth clearly shown. Berths are numbered in classes, so AC1 AC2 AC3 and sleeper class cars. There are toilets on the trains. Don’t expect pristine western standards but if travelling on an air-conditioned express train then the service is reasonable. High-speed express trains link cities efficiently, such as Delhi to Agra, Jaipur to Jodhpur.
Where is the best place to see tigers?
India is home to more than 40 national parks. To help increase the odds of spotting a tiger, Steppes Travel can offer you a greater understanding of the local issues and differences between the parks, the best chance of being in the right place at the right time and advice on how to avoid the many pitfalls that create substandard safari experiences.
Haven’t found what you’re looking for?
Let’s chat
Speak to our experts
Our team is waiting to help you tailor a trip that will leave you with stories for a lifetime. Call us on
01285 601 784
The Steppes Fund For Change
Our projects in India
We support projects right across the planet. Explore below to see where and how we’re making a difference – in some cases, we can even arrange a visit as part of your tailor-made itinerary.
The Steppes Fund for Change supports four incredible organisations in India; Chhanv Foundation, OSCAR Foundation, Sambhali Trust and Centre for Wildlife Studies.
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise sets us apart. So too our curiosity. A curiosity of the world and of you, and your passions. 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?
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