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 in 2017. 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.
Hyatt Amritsar
Amritsar, India
Best for: Culture History, Family
The Hyatt Amritsar is a large first-class spa hotel in the heart of Amritsar near the city’s magnificent Golden Temple. Offering superb facilities and a stylish retreat from Amritsar’s hustle and bustle, the Hyatt Amritsar is the city’s top option.
To start planning your tailor-made holiday, call us on (646) 934-8916
Enjoying an excellent location around ten minutes from Amritsar’s most celebrated landmark, the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Golden Temple, the Hyatt Amritsar is a comfortable urban retreat. The hotel’s 248 elegantly appointed contemporary guestrooms and suites are designed to the highest levels of comfort. Each room offers either city or pool views and is equipped with a writing desk, walk in shower, luxurious king or twin beds with large bay windows and all the best modern facilities. The suites, located on the highest floor of the hotel ensure panoramic views of the city.
The hotel boasts an impressive spa, a lovely outdoor swimming pool and a selection of excellent dining options including an Asian fusion restaurant Tai Chi which showcases Chinese and Thai cuisine, and you can also dine in authentic outdoor Thai style salas. The Lotus Lounge, with striking views of the hotel courtyard, serves afternoon tea and cocktails in the evening.
There are plenty of historical sites and attractions to keep you occupied while you visit Amritsar. Top of the list is the extraordinary Golden Temple, located inside the walled city and a place of spiritual significance and importance to the Sikh faith and constructed with Muslim, Hindu and European design principles in mind. If you would like to witness some Indian patriotism first hand, head for the Wagah border post, where the daily flag raising and lowering ceremony, complete with a ceremony that involves lots of tall soldiers in massive turbans goose-stepping about and slamming gates, is a must-see. Birders will also want to head out to nearby Harike Pattan Bird Sanctuary, a superb spot for wading birds.
When to go
Amritsar has the extremes of summers and winters. Summers (April to June) are hot with temperature soaring to a peak of about 49 °C. Monsoons (July to October) offer mild to heavy rains and are pleasant after the hot summers. Winters (November to March) can touch a freezing -4°C, the highest temperature going up to 18°C. Best time to visit Amritsar is from October to March.
To start planning your tailor-made holiday, call us on (646) 934-8916