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Sabbatical & Experiential Travel to India

Holidays & Sabbaticals to India – In a Nutshell

India is chaotic, charismatic, and undeniably charming – yet it’s impossible to sum it up in just a few words. It’s huge. And it’s vast size lends itself to diversity in every way, with 22 official languages, 121 unofficial ones, 29 states, and multiple religions. From snow-capped Himalayan peaks to wild beaches and the lush Keralan backwaters, there is a diverse range of landscapes too, home to an array of cultures and great biodiversity. Explore its National Parks to spot Bengal tigers, rhinos, elephants, and several species of leopard. Get lost in its cities, a wild mix of endless crowds, colourful markets, gleaming hotels, ultra-modern metro systems and life at the other end of the spectrum. Whether you stay on the beaten path or get firmly off it, you’ll encounter some of the most passionate and generous people. And it’s the people that will make your stay unforgettable – whether it’s your first trip or your tenth.

How to Get to India

Most people arrive in India by air and there are good connections from across Europe, the USA, Canada and Australia. Flights usually arrive in Delhi or Mumbai but there are also direct flights from the UK to Chennai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. Travel times within India can be long due to its sheer size. If travelling by road then traffic in the cities and road conditions can also impact journey times. Bus, train, plane or boat are good options for getting around – but with all methods of transport in India, it’s worth approaching it with some patience. For long distances, cheap domestic flights are a good option. Most of our travellers use a mix of domestic flights and private vehicles with a driver and guide.

When & Weather – India

In general, the best time to travel to India is from November to March, when it’s more likely to be dry, warm and sunny. Unless you’re planning to visit the Himalayas, in which case the season starts in March or April, with peak hiking from July to September – the rest of the country is usually experiencing the monsoon at this time so it’s worth bearing in mind when planning your trip. The monsoon season runs from May until September, working its way from the Keralan Coast to the northeast of the country. The southwest still receives some rains and colder weather during this period, even if it doesn’t receive the full force. Other factors you may wish to consider are festivals and celebrations, from Holi to the kite festival, and Diwali to the Pushkar Camel Fair or Rajasthan International Folk Festival in Jodhpur, there’s something exciting happening throughout the year.

Who will India Appeal To?

India is perfect for adventurous spirits, open-minded travellers, culture vultures and nature lovers. Adventurers will love the Himalayas while luxury travellers will indulge in palace hotels complimented by impeccable service. There’s truly something for everyone.
In particular, it’s suited to:

  • Nature lovers
  • Active travellers
  • Honeymoon couples
  • Foodies
  • Photographers
  • Solo travellers

Accommodation

We work with a range of luxury boutique hotels, quirky homestays, lavish resorts, charming beach properties, ecolodges in the National parks and beautiful houseboats in Kerala.

Off The Beaten Path

  • Get lost in the gardens of Lodhi, a popular spot with walkers and runners. But it’s also home to the tombs of the Lodhi rulers from the 15th Century. Then cycle through the little-visited Mehrauli District
  • Embrace your spiritual side in Dharamshala, the official residence of the Dalai Lama
  • Marvel at the exquisite detail of Nagaur Fort
  • Embark on a village safari in Jodhpur and experience the warmth and vibrancy of the locals
  • Search for tigers, elephants and rhinos in Kaziranga National Park in North East India
  • Venture to Ladakh and village hop, walk, river raft and cycle through this fascinating pocket of Himalayan India

Wildlife

  • India’s National Parks hide all manner of large mammals and bird species
  • Hunt high and low for the elusive Bengal tiger in Nagarahole National Park
  • Dive with manta rays in the Andaman Islands
  • Seek out snow leopards in the high Himalayas
  • Watch sloth bears and leopards amongst the waterfalls of Satpura National Park
  • Look for rhinos, buffalos, and river dolphins in the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River

India Experiences you shouldn’t miss:

  • Sleep on a houseboat, floating through the jungles of Kerala’s backwaters
  • Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise or sunset
  • Search for tigers on an exclusive jeep safari through India’s extensive National Parks
  • Relax on the golden sands of Northern Kerala, Goa or the Andaman Islands
  • Take a train with the locals, marvelling at India’s landscapes as you travel
  • Sample street food delights in Mumbai
  • Soak up the charming atmosphere of the Chettinad Villages in rural Tamil Nadu

Giving back

Support Second Sight, an incredible organisation that funds eyecare for locals in poverty-stricken areas of Bihar, in Eastern India. Blindness from cataracts is a huge issue here due to the lack of care and funding available. By supporting Second Sight, 100% of all donations goes towards eye examinations, treatments, surgery and aftercare for those that can’t afford it.

Start Planning

Our experienced team will guide you through a number of ideas based on how you would like to experience India.

Browse our gallery for inspiration and read the sample itinerary below to whet your appetite. This one showcases an adventure through India covering highlights and off-the-beaten-path regions.

No matter how long you wish to travel, we’ll guide you through the planning process to ensure a trip is carefully pieced together to suit your interests, pace of travel and budget.

Contact us to start planning a holiday or sabbatical to India!

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