Introducing Rajasthan
Watch our video to see why our specialists love Rajasthan...
Introducing India
Watch our video to see the highlights of India...
Imagine Asia Guidebooks
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.
Golden Triangle
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.
India's cuisine
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.
Homestays & Havelis in India
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.
Indian festivals
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.
Toy Trains of India
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.
PaliGhar
Kalimpong, India
Best for: Off the beaten track, Walking Trekking, Culture History
Located on the edge of Kalimpong, PaliGhar is a brilliantly run lodge that provides access to a beautiful and rural part of Northeast India. At the heart of PaliGhar are its immersive experiences, food and trekking routes, ideal for intrepid travellers.
To start planning your tailor-made holiday, call us on (646) 934-8916
PaliGhar is one of our favourite small lodges in the Himalayan foothills of Northeast India. Easily accessed from Bagdogra Airport, and brilliantly combined with Darjeeling and Gangtok, Kalimpong is a fantastic location for anyone wanting to get under the skin of India. This unique location is made special due to its mountainous scenery, trekking routes, orchid nurseries, markets and Nepali culture. PaliGarh is a wonderful base from which to explore the area and the local owner ensures you really get under the skin of this destination.
The lodge is small, with just two comfortable cottages built using traditional mud techniques. These sit within 3 acres of rural fields, covered in wild flowers. Each room has a hot shower and a soft comfortable bed; the are rustic but very comfortable for a night or two. From here you are able to head directly out on foot through the local villages where you can meet locals and learn about their subsistence way of life. For those who are more active, it's possible to also head out on much longer treks or on mountain bikes. Kalimpong and the surrounding region is also a fantastic climate for birds and orchids; your hosts at PaliGhar can take you to a local orchid nursery or even to a local school if you choose.
Meals are served either in the main cottage or at the outdoor sala; expect fresh eggs and porridge in the morning and wholesome Nepali and Indian food in the evening.
We feel that this simple lodge offers something very unique, and we love that is owned and run by local people. For those who don't mind a simple room for a couple of nights, and want to immerse with locals, we highly recommend.
When to go
Kalimpong has a moderate climate with all five distinct seasons in a year. Summers (April to June) are mild with maximum temperature never crossing 25 °C. Monsoons (July to August) are accompanied with intense torrential rain causing roadblocks. Autumn (September to November) is accompanied with intermittent showers and Kalimpong looks marvellous during this period. Winters (December to January) have a cool climate within the average range of 5 °C to 7 °C. Minimum temperature this season can be freezing –2 °C.
Spring (February to March) is charming with moderate climate. This season is best with scenic beauties
Best season to visit Darjeeling is from September to June, take woollen clothes in winters and may avoid chilly days in January.
To start planning your tailor-made holiday, call us on (646) 934-8916