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 in 2017. 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.
Samsara Desert Camp
Jaisalmer, India
Best for: Honeymoon, Hideaway, Safari
Samsara Desert Camp is an alluring oasis amidst the endless dunes of the Thar. Carefully laid out water bodies of moats and fountains around the property provide that soothing ambience for a perfect get-away from the pandemonium of the city.
To start planning your tailor-made holiday, call us on (646) 934-8916
Offering a host of services in an eclectic mix of rustic and modern aesthetic makes Samsara an ideal background for luxurious intimate retreats.
The mysterious desert is an idyllic backdrop for magical evenings. Dinner under the stars, on the dunes set amongst hundreds of flickering lanterns accompanied by the evening entertainment of narratives by the local bards and folk dancers leave you mesmerized and wanting more. There is the option for private dining on the dunes, with specifically crafted blue pottery dining tent. You can choose from a selection of local and international favourites along with an amazing breakfast which sets you up for the adventurous day ahead.
Enjoy a massage under stars in the immaculate dunes, or a camel-back ride to your dinner reservation or lie in a hammock, with a fabulous book and enjoy the quiet surroundings. As daylight fades away you can enjoy an evening drive through the Thar. Head to the sleepy town of Khichan, the local people consider themselves the crane's guardians. Khichan has become a natural sanctuary for these winged angels and bird watching has become a major attraction. For a cultural visit enjoy the temple of osian, which now remains a ruin. Alternatively a jeep safari, through the sand dunes of Rajasthan is the perfect way to explore the true charm of the sleeping village and rustic barren trail.
When to go
December to March is the perfect time to visit Rajasthan and the North when rainfall is minimal and temperatures are pleasant during the day. It can get cold at night, so make sure to pack a few extra layers when visiting at this time. Summer starts mid-March and can get very hot getting into May and June. The monsoon period follows directly after from July to September, where humidity is high and the region receives the majority of its rainfall, although still very minimal amounts. The months of October and November after the monsoon season are also a great time to visit the region as it experiences warm and dry weather during the day with cooler temperatures at night.
To start planning your tailor-made holiday, call us on (646) 934-8916
Things to do
Camel Safari in the Thar Desert
Explore the Thar Desert using camels which is the experience of a lifetime! Camel safaris are the ideal adventure, which take you through the vast golden dunes of the Thar providing a glimpse of the desert lifestyle.
Camel Ride from Mihir Garh
Enjoy a camel ride through the endless stretches of sand dunes that surround Mihirgarh. During the trip, there are plenty of opportunities to spot a variety of wildlife, including the neelgai (blue bull), wild boar and the desert fox.
Jaisalmer City Tour
This tour of Jaisalmer revolves mainly around the magnificent Jaisalmer Fort and Rawal's palace within it. You will also visit a 12th century living complex and some of the city's best Havelis.