India

India is home to fabulous wildlife. From roaring Royal Bengal Tigers to Asiatic Lions, herds of mighty Asian Elephants to one-horned rhinoceros, deer, gaur, flocks of birds’ even ones visiting from distant lands, India is blessed with wildlife. Besides coming close to the wilderness, wildlife holidays in India includes stay at jungle resorts, jeep safaris, elephant rides, nature walk with experts and other incredible experiences. India’s wildlife safari season is traditionally between the months from October to June, with the exception of monsoon season when most of the wildlife sanctuaries and national parks remain closed. Even in the wildlife safari season, there is a best time for the thrilling adventure.

When making plans for a wildlife holiday in India, here is to understand the best time and suitable weather conditions.

Tiger watching between November and February, the mornings can be very cold, so bring hats and gloves. A hot water bottle even. Although be prepared to take off layers later in the day, when temperatures go up to the mid twenties.

The opposite is the case if you go in search of tigers between March and June, when the temperatures can hit mid 40s centigrade. You need to be veary well prepared, and know that you can stand such heat for long periods of the day.

Most national parks in India close July, August, September and through until about mid October for monsoon season, so always check with your tour operator.

Periyar National Park, however, stays open all year round. The most popular time to visit is during the cooler, drier months from October to February. It is particularly vibrant just after monsoon, and there are fewer people. Periyar is always packed at weekends, however, so try and stick to weekdays.

The best time for viewing elephants in Kerala is during the hotter months of March and April, when they spend the most time in the water.

The only time to see snow leopard in Ladakh is between November and March, when they come down from the snow covered peaks in search of food. February and March are a bit more accessible for visitors though, so best to travel during those times.

In Gujarat, Gir National Park is closed mid-June to mid-October for monsoon season. November until March are more bearable climate wise, but for top animal watching April and May are best – but boiling. However, witnessing the Rann of Kutch Desert fill up during monsoon season is a sight to behold too.

National parks can pack out during Indian public holidays and festivals, and there are many of them. So do check in advance if you are going to clash with one. Which would be fun, but it will be busy. The big ones include 26th January for Republic Day, and Diwali which falls October or November.

In many of the parks, the vegetation is high after the monsoon around mid-October, which means that wildlife can be harder to spot. However, the landscapes look stunning during this time.

For bird watching in Northern India, October to May is a good time for resident and migratory species, post and pre monsoons. In Kerala, March to May is blazing hot.

India is a welcoming country and has been for centuries. And, even in today’s era it is as hospitable as it was in the past. Travellers from all over the world are made to feel right at home in this incredible country. Making the country special is the fact that it has a wide range of options of stay. Be it the vibrant cities, tourist hotspots, scenic beaches, remote hill stations, offbeat places or any place you would like to explore in India, there are always options.

From 5-star hotels, heritage hotels, luxury properties and boutique hotels, guests have comfortable accommodations equipped with world-class amenities. And, even this wide variety the choices are very pocket-friendly. In fact seven of the world’s 10 cities with the least expensive five-star hotels are in India. This affordable luxury is one of the reasons India is a hot favorite among luxury-seeking travellers.

Here are the cities in India with the most affordable luxury stays.

Chennai

Chennai is the least expensive city for a five-star stay in the world, the results declared, with the starting price of an upscale hotel room at GBP34/ INR3,530 per night. The city has some terrific business hotels, with several top-voted hotel restaurants at the Top Restaurant Awards. There’s lots to sightsee, and if you have more time on your hands, Chennai also has many sweet deals from farmstays to quick getaways.

The Best Options for stay in Chennai: Radha Regent, Taj Coromandel, The Leela, The Park

Bengaluru

Bengaluru nabs the third spot. The baseline for a five-star stay is the same in both cities, and about Rs1,000 more than Chennai, at GBP41/ INR4,260. India’s IT hub has super business hotels of course, many top-voted restaurants. (Incidentally, ITC Windsor recently became the world’s first hotel to receive the LEED Zero Carbon Certification.) Plus for those getting out of the city, there are amazing homestays, wonderfully offbeat getaways nearby, and even more great stays to consider if other South Indian cities are on your itinerary.

The Best Options for stay in Bengaluru: Hotel Regaalis, Southern Star, Taj MG Road, The, Leela Palace, The Park, Villa Pottipatti

Agra

Agra comes in at number 4 on the list of the best budget luxury stays in India at GBP42/ INR4,360 per night. With the Taj Mahal in the neighbourhood, it’s a popular choice for a destination wedding of course though there’s plenty else to do too including restored Mughal gardens.

The Best Options for stay in Agra: The Park, Crystal Sarovar Premiere, Hotel Grand Imperial, Howard Plaza - The Fern, ITC Mughal, Jaypee Palace, Radissin Blu, Ramada, Royal Regent, Royal Residency, Taj Gateway. Tajview, Agra - IHCL SeleQtions, The Lalit, The Oberoi Amarvilas, Trident, Utkarsh Vilas

Kolkata

Kolkata makes its place on the list of luxury budget stays in India with an average tariff at GBP50/ INR5,200 per night. The City of Joy as it is called is east India's vibrant cultural hub. Home to exquiste architceture, arts, crafts, music 

The Best Options for stay in Kolkata: The Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata, The Oberoi Grand, The Park, The Peerless Inn

Delhi

The colorful capital city of Delhi is the fahas stellar hotel deals not to mention star restaurants and ample getaways: here’s a big fat hotel guide to road trips from the capital.

Mumbai comes in at #7 at GBP52/ INR5,400 per night. Visitors to India’s cultural capital are spoiled for choice when it comes to city hotels, superb restaurants and beautiful weekend resorts.

Jaipur

Jaipur is the eighth least expensive city for a plush stay at GBP56/ INR 5,800. Two of the city’s newest hotels made it to the 2021 Hot List. Both have excellent dining options, alongside the city’s more established eateries, and they’re only the latest in a slew of great hotels in Jaipur and Rajasthan (which has many lesser-known gems).

India is home to a healthy population of tigers. In fact, the country is the habitat of about half of the world’s tiger population (about 2,226), in the protected environments of national parks. There are 47 tiger reserves across India which also home to other wildlife. Tiger spotting is a true delight. The majestic beasts in their natural habitat brings nature lovers from all over the world. The ideal season for wildlife safaris in India, is October to March when the weather is cooler and the animals more active. March to May the parks remain open and the weather gets hot; it is the ideal time to spot wildlife at their watering holes. Given India’s diversity and wealthy tiger population, there are a wide range of options in wildlife reserves all over India.

Here are our top options of wildlife safaris to go tiger spotting!

Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

Rajasthan’s Ranthambore National Park is one of the best places to spot tigers in India. A former game reserve for the royal family of Jaipur, it is now a wildlife reserve. Besides tigers, the park is home to crocodiles, birds and other species of the animal kingdom. Wildlife safaris are available in early morning and late afternoon hours. Stay at wildlife resorts of Ranthambore adds to the thrill of wildlife holiday.

Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Central India’s popular Tiger Haven, Bandhavgarh in Madhya Pradesh is among the world’s best places for tiger spotting. The blessed biodiversity in the nature reserve includes tigers, elusive white tigers, leopards, deer, bird species, including the fine eagles. Once the hunting grounds of the royal family of Rewa, the national park is now a popular tiger reserve.

Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Kanha is a popular place for tiger safaris in India. Located in Central India in Madhya Pradesh, Kanha is referred to as ‘tiger land’. Besides tiger spotting, there are options go on jeep safaris, bird watching and stay at the nature-friendly wildlife resorts.

Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Believed to be the inspiration of Rudyard Kipling’s popular creation ‘The Jungle Book’, Pench is a popular tiger reserve in India. Located in Central India, at the foothills of Satpura range, divided by river Pench, the natural reserve is truly blessed. Along with tigers, spot 285 resident and migratory birds including the endangered species of vultures, reptiles, fish, insects and many more at the national park.

Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

The first national park in the country, Jim Corbett gets its name from well-known British hunter and naturalist. Nestled in the foothills of the lower Himalayas, the Corbett National Park comprises hills, rivers, marshes, grasslands, etc. A variety of birds, fishes in the Ramganga River, reptiles, amphibians and more also call it home.

Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka

Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the Nagarhole National Park and Tiger Reserve is among the most popular of sanctuaries in South India. Nestled in the mountains the lush wilderness includes sandalwood and teak trees. The Kabini River flows through jungle lending beauty beyond words and also boat rides. The green landscapes is home to tigers, Asian elephants and a variety of birds.

Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sundarbans National Park is a popular haven for tiger sighting in India. The Sundarbans are mangrove formed by the confluence of Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna Rivers in the Bay of Bengal. The wilderness is habitat of royal Bengal tigers in huge numbers, and almost 42 other mammal species, 290 species of bird, 120 varieties of fish species, 35 reptile and eight amphibian species.

Trains in India are more than a mode of travel, they are an experience in itself. Indian Railways offers not just journeys but some amazing holidays. Board any of the luxury trains in India and be a part of an unforgettable vacation. The Indian luxury trains are royal rides for guests to enjoy India like never before.

Luxury train travel in India has been around for the last almost 30 years, since the introduction of the Palace on Wheels. With some of best luxury trains of the world, train travel has been in growing popularity, There are now 4 Luxury train trips that are available regularly during the tourist season from October to March/April each year.

Given the many options, whatever you choose, each of them focus on luxury train travel in India. The very popular Palace on Wheels, the first of its kind that travels through the most popular tourist circuit, the Golden Triangle, including cities of Delhi, Agra & Jaipur, in addition of other cities of Rajasthan or others. The much-awarded Maharajas’ Express is counted among the best luxury trains in the world. Like its name, you will feel like a Maharaja. Specially-crafted with modern amenities and royal décor, each of its journeys are unique, different from each other presenting India is all its glory and elegance. The Deccan Odyssey is another popular name with many awards & accolades offering incredible experience of the country. Golden Chariot along with Royal Rajasthan on Wheels are some of the most popular choices.

With booking any of the luxury train tour packages, be prepared for a wonderful holiday with friends and family. The idea is to enjoy the utmost comfort and the treatment that India is famous for giving out to its honored guests. Whether you want to pay a visit to the Taj Mahal, the icon of love in Agra, go shopping in Jaipur or indulge in wildlife safari at Ranthambore national park, visit the Umaid Bhawan Palace of Jodhpur, or go for sightseeing at any of the World Heritage Sites, or a spa session on a city hotel, the train tours are totally concerned about your comforts. Forget queues or hassle of planning, packing, repacking and worrying about the hotel and transport, simple step aboard one of the Indian luxury trains and begin your journey exploring India like never before.

India in brief is the key to quench travelust. For centuries, the vast history and cultural legacy has brought visitors from all over the world. Of the many interesting places and routes, the Golden Triangle is the most popular circuit that covers the three cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. In short, this tour covers the cities with the most colourful of history and culture that too in a short span of time. In fact, the Golden Triangle Tours is rightly called the brief introduction of India’s charm. This journey covers breath-taking architectural wonders, forts, palaces, temples, some world heritage sites including the Taj Mahal.

The Golden Triangle Tours in India

The Golden Triangle is the name of the route that is shaped as a triangle with Delhi, Jaipur and Agra as the points. The entire perimeter of the Golden Triangle is almost 720 kilometres. Each of the cities are approximately 4-5 hours by road while there are also options of luxury and comfortable trains in India. Start the tour with arrival in the capital city, Delhi. The metropolis has easy and myriad options of international flights. Also, the best of hotels and other tourist facilities are accessible. Besides, the sights and experiences including the delicious food and shopping are simply the best in India.

Golden Triangle Tour Packages range between 4-7 days where the cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur are covered and explored extensively.

Delhi – The City of Cities

Delhi serves as the launch of the itinerary. It is known as the ‘’City of Cities”. Explore layers of history of centuries and eras along with amazing specimens of architecture. The city combines both the old and the new.

Travel Highlights of Delhi

Marvel at the World Heritage Sites Delhi that comprise the Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, Qutb Comple, along with other fascinating sights. Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, Jantar Mantar, Purana Qila, Birla Temple, Akshardham Temple, Lotus Temple, etc. are some unmissable attractions. Besides, the street food and shopping are equally fun.

Agra – The Mughal City

The second stop of the Golden Triangle is the city of Agra. Almost 250 kilometers from Delhi, to reach by road it takes 4 hrs through Taj Express Highway or Yamuna Expressway. High speed trains- Gatimaan Express, Shatabdi Express, etc. ply on the route allowing a comfortable and brief ride. Known as the ‘City of Taj’ Agra was the erstwhile capital of the Mughal Empire and till date retains the splendor of its time.

Travel Highlights of Agra

The Taj Mahal is one of the most recognized monuments of the world. The white-marble mausoleum is one of the ‘Wonders of the World’ and a World Heritage Site along with the red-sandstone Agra Fort. The Itmad-ud-Daulah too is an impressive beauty to marvel at.

The abandoned Mughal City of Fatehpur Sikri too is among the popular tourist attractions of the city. The World Heritage Site has many treasures in its walled city, each a magnificent spectacle.

Here too, Mughal dishes and sweets tempt you taste buds as does the shopping treasure of marble creations, handcrafted arts, etc.

Jaipur

The last stretch of the Golden triangle tour itinerary, move to the most fascinating cities of the erstwhile Rajputana, the capital city, Jaipur. Almost 240 kilometres from Agra, the last point of the tour is equally interesting. Known as the “Pink City’, the former royal kingdom of Rajputana is home to many splendid forts, palaces and architecture along with pampering hospitality at the lavish heritage hotels. Sightseeing include 16th Century hill Amer Fort, 17th Century City Palace, the honeycomb-designed Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar- the royal observatory granted the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sights of Rajputana please your eyes but it’s the mouth-watering food that satiate your taste buds. Folk performances make the evenings fun while shopping is a riot of colors, handcrafted clothes, jewellery and souvenirs.

Golden Triangle tour packages offer a comprehensive plan to enjoy the alluring charms of India.