We have a selection of guidebooks to some of our most popular countries in Asia. Written by our specialists, they detail destination information, a wildlife guide, some suggested itineraries and plenty more to inspire your holiday. Fill in the form below and if you live in UK, your guidebook will arrive by post within the next couple of days. For those who live abroad, we will send this via a PDF to your email.
The Golden Triangle is a great starting point for anyone visiting India for the first time. The journey is made up of three of the most visited cities in north India – Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, offering a fantastic combination of history and culture.
Only after stepping foot in India will you realise that Indian cuisine, as you know it, just doesn’t exist. To paint both the delicate and punchy flavours of India with the same broad brushstroke overlooks the smorgasbord of dishes on offer from north to south. Tried and tested recipes balance coriander, cumin and cardamom with almost scientific precision, guaranteeing a culinary experience you will never forget.
Enjoy a sneak peek into daily life in India by staying at a haveli or in a homestay. If only for a few nights, you will be shoehorned into a family, enjoying traditional Indian hospitality, sampling home cooked food and exploring the path less travelled. Staying at one of these unique lodgings will give you an incredible insight into real India, and you will be welcomed with open arms by hosts whose wealth of local knowledge knows no bounds. Coming in all shapes and sizes, from plantation bungalows to historic houses, majestic forts and charming cottages, a short stay in one of these unique properties allows you to immerse yourself in India rather than simply visit it.
India is a magical country which welcomes travellers with a chaotic and colourful assault on the senses. Never is this more prominent than during one of the many festivals. Below we have listed the dates for the major festivals in India. Speak to one of our specialists about incorporating one of these into a tailor-made itinerary.
With millions of passengers on the move every day, travelling on some 71,000 miles of track, India's intricate network of railways are the arteries of the country, connecting its bustling cities with its sleepy villages and everywhere in between. The sprawling rail network reaches the nooks and crannies of India which are otherwise impossible to find. Amongst the country's miles of train tracks are some of the most picturesque rail journeys in the world, most notable of which are its famed toy trains. Whilst perhaps not the most efficient way of getting from A to B, the experience is an absolute must to add to your India itinerary.
Forsyth Lodge
Satpura National Park, Central India
Best for: Wildlife
Set in the scrub bordering Satpura, the simple yet expertly run Forsyth lodge offers wonderful service and a team of passionate, knowledgeable naturalists to give you an unbeatable all-round safari experience in this thrilling national park.
To start planning your tailor-made holiday, call us on (646) 934-8916
The main lodge houses the restaurant and bar, and meals made from fresh local produce are served around a communal table. The open fireplace provides a comfortable place to relax after a day’s safari, while the terrace is great for enjoying a sundowner and catching the evening breeze. The lodge’s eco-friendly swimming pool provides welcome respite from the daytime heat.
Whilst providing a comfortable base, Forsyth’s is not all about luxury - the focus here is the wildlife. The variety of activities on offer within Satpura is unique among Indian National Parks. Twice-daily game drives by jeep, canoe, bicycle or on foot, led by expertly trained guides who are truly passionate about what they do, will hopefully take you to a tiger, but even if you are unlucky here, the leopards, sloth bears, monkeys, deer and astonishingly rich birdlife are a great consolation. For keen bird watchers, they offer a wonderfully innovative four-day walking safari through the incredible Pachmarhi Hills to finish at Forsyth Lodge. You can also visit the local village silk farm and school to soak up some local culture and tradition.
When to go
Central India is best visited between November and March when it is less humid, the temperature is pleasant and sun is pretty much guaranteed. During the summer months from April to September, temperatures can be a little high, but relief can be found in the early mornings and evenings. April and May are the hottest months of the year and if you can handle the heat, mark the best time to spot wildlife in some of India’s many National Parks. Monsoon season in Goa begins during June, when the hot temperatures are cooled with the introduction of rain, turning the countryside luscious and green. In Mumbai, the monsoon washes out the months of June to August with almost non-stop rain, so it is best to avoid visiting at this time.
To start planning your tailor-made holiday, call us on (646) 934-8916