Discover India The trip of a lifetime 1
India an exhilarating and mesmerising experience India is a remarkable country and one that travellers fantasise about visiting or dream of returning to. Where exotic, romantic and ancient traditions are juxtaposed with a modern, booming and bustling culture. Above Hawa Mahal Palace of the Winds, Jaipur Travel made beautiful The resplendent forts and palaces are a reminder of the regal heritage and bygone eras of this historic country. Cities brimming with great religious importance and sites of spiritual pilgrimage sit sideby-side with dramatic coastlines and calming, mystic backwaters. With so much to see and do, India offers adventure and excitement in abundance for all who visit. India will enchant you with her beauty and diversity, delight you with her colourful pageantry, enrich you with her culture, embrace you with her warmth and overwhelm you with her hospitality. This is a land where the ancient and the contemporary blend in harmony, filled with once-in-a-lifetime experiences. It s not just the places and sightseeing that visitors relish but also the festivals, arts, crafts, cuisine, heritage, shopping and of course the incredible warmth, friendliness and hospitality of the locals. Allow our destination experts guide you through this exciting country. Find our top travel tips and recommendations, along with first-hand experience and knowledge, and let If Only... help build your tailor-made India experience. 2 1
Why book with If Only...? If Only... is a luxury tour operator that focuses on 4 and 5 Star resorts, creating bespoke holidays in Arabia, Asia, the Indian Ocean, the USA, Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Established in 2001, If Only... has grown from a one man band to a multi-award winning organisation with over 85 staff and collectively over 1,000 years of travel industry experience. Our company ethos centres around a simple principle that our reservations consultants focus on one particular area of the world developing expertise and product knowledge to confidently promote these destinations. Our luxury portfolio of hotels and tours, combined with our reputation for expertise and exceptional service means you re in safe hands. Our dedicated India Reservations team are extremely knowledgeable on this exhilarating destination; from the airlines best suited to your itinerary to the hotels and their unique features, cultural distinctions and local knowledge that can only be gleaned from first-hand experience. Combined with this, we have a fantastic relationship with SITA our preferred partner in India, ensuring we always have the most competitive pricing, up-to-date product information and distinctive range of experiences. This allows us to provide bespoke, tailor-made itineraries worthy of showcasing incredible India. Above: Hiking in the Himalayas Above: Hindu Gods at the Meenakshi temple, Tamil Nadu Right: Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur When to travel? India is a vast and hugely varied country in many ways, its climate being no exception to this. Winter, summer and monsoon are the three distinctive seasons. The winter months from October to March are most commonly considered the best time to visit. During these months temperatures in the north are warm but pleasant, skies are clear and humidity is low. December and January experience a drop in temperature, especially in the evenings but this can be a great time to visit the beaches of Goa and travel into the southern states. Left: Yoga on sunset beach in Goa Above: Sunset on fisherman s nets in Kochi In contrast to most areas, the ideal time to visit Ladakh in the far north is between June and September. Monsoon season, starting in the southern state of Kerala travels up through the subcontinent from June through September and while most of the country is clear of the heavy rains by the latter, a second wave generally hits the southern states around this time lasting until early December. 2 3
Maitreya Buddha in Nubra valley in Ladakh Tourist Map of INDIA LEGEND National Capital State Headquarters Other Town Places of Tourist Interest International Airport Domestic Airport Wildlife Sanctuary / National Park International Boundary National Highway Major Road MAP REFERENCES Tips for travel Agra...C4 Allahabad...D4 Amritsar... B2 Aurangabad... B6 Bangalore...C8 Belur...B8 Bharatpur...C4 Bhopal...C5 Bhubaneshwar...E6 Bodh Gaya...E5 Chamba...C2 Carry some socks In temples you will have to take off your shoes and the ground can be very hot. 4 Chandigarh...C3 Chennai...D8 Chittaurgarh...B5 Dalhousie...C2 Darjeeling...E4 Dehradun...C3 Delhi...C3 Diu...A6 Gangtok...F4 Guwahati...G4 Gwalior...C2 Halebid...C8 Hampi...C8 Haridwar...C3 Hyderabad...C7 Jaipur...C4 Jaisalmer...A4 Jammu Tawi...B2 Jodhpur...B4 Kanchipuram...D8 Kanyakumari...C10 Khajuraho...D5 Bring a scarf Ladies may need to cover up when entering certain places such as temples. Kochi...C9 Kodaikanal...C9 Kolkata...F5 Konark...F6 Kovalam...C10 Kullu...C2 Leh...C2 Lucknow...D4 Mamallapuram...D9 Mumbai...B6 Mussoorie...C3 Mysore...C9 Nainital...D3 Nalanda...E4 Panaji (Goa)...B8 Pondicherry...D9 Port Blair...H9 Pune...B7 Puri...E6 Rajgir...F5 Rameswaram...D10 Rishikesh...C3 Have an open mind India has so much to offer, get out of the cities and explore with local guides soaking up the culture and cuisine. Sarnath...E4 Shillong...G4 Shimla...C3 Srinagar...C2 Thanjavur...C9 Thiruvananthapuram C10 Tiruchirapalli...C9 Udaipur...B5 Udagamandalam...C9 Vaishali...E4 Varanasi...E4 Carry a bottle of water It is a very warm and humid country and drinking water is not always readily available. 5
Meet the team At If Only... we have a fantastic team of dedicated India specialists, here they have hand-picked some sample itineraries to provide a snapshot of what we can book, or just contact us to discuss any alternatives. Our team are happy to create bespoke itineraries perfectly suited to your needs. Below they share some of their favourite experiences of India. Alison Product Manager Satyan Destination Specialist Festivals National, religious, spiritual or cultural India is the land of festivals and every month will see a celebration taking place. Some of the most renowned are widely recognised, not just in India but around the world. Diwali Festival of Lights This Hindu festival of lights is celebrated to honour Ramachandra, an incarnation of the god Vishnu. The festival date is determined by the Hindu calendar but normally takes place during October or November. Diwali is a five-day festival and celebrated with feasts, visiting family, oil lamps lit throughout the streets and fireworks. Varanasi, Delhi and Jaipur are amongst the best places to be during Diwali. Holi This spring-time festival is a true celebration of colour and love. This is a day to rejoice, forget bad feelings and celebrate with each other. The festival begins with a bonfire being lit the day before Holi to represent triumph of good over bad and on the day, people celebrate together in the streets amid a shower of coloured water and paint. Vegetable market in Delhi Cuisine Delicious cuisine bursting with fragrant aromas, fresh spices and mouth-watering flavours is completely synonymous with India. The food enjoyed on a trip to this remarkable country is truly an experience in itself. With every region having its own specialities the variety is extraordinary and visitors should not expect all dishes to be hot or labelled a curry. Dishes in India described as having a gravy are what westerners would consider a curry, they are prepared with different masalas which is a combination of spices and seasonings exports which have brought traders to India for centuries. Thali on a menu, usually pre-fixed with a region name, tells you that you are ordering a full traditional meal from that region, served on a large platter with accompaniments. Young men celebrating Holi Be ready to try a little of everything to fully enjoy the culinary experience India has to offer. Some traditional regional favourites include Butter Chicken first created in Delhi, Rogan Josh made with Kashmir chillies and the fragrant, saffron smelling Biryani, a Hyderabadi speciality. One of my favourite memories of India was being in Agra on the luckiest day of the year. Our guide, Pramood, told us that according to the Hindu calendar it is believed that all the stars were aligned and anything that you did on that day would bring you immense luck and for that reason, thousands of weddings would be taking place throughout the country. He drove us through Agra and the entire city seemed to be having a huge celebration in the streets. We could see wedding parties everywhere and Pramood encouraged us to join in with the music and dancing through the streets. It was an incredible experience. Kuljit Team Leader My favourite place in India is Punjab and my favourite dish has to be a Saag with a nice crisp Roti. The Taj Mahal is probably on everyones must see list of places to visit in India, and rightly so, it is spectacular! However, to make it extra special, I would recommend planning a visit at sunrise. Anoop Destination Specialist Amritsar is a fascinating combination of experiences while the Golden Temple is the main highlight, the experiences within and around the temple like walking through Langar (the community kitchen), the night ceremony and the markets are not to be missed! For me it is hard to pick a favourite place in India, however for a completely profound experience visit Varanasi, a place of pilgrimage since time immemorial. My favoruite memory in India was dining lakeside at the Sheesh Mahal in Udaipur. As it was Diwali, all the colourful fireworks filled the sky and reflected on the lake s surface, which was incredible sight to see. Karen Destination Specialist My favourite place in India has to be Chettinad in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. I love all the colourful mansions and the people are so friendly. There is a really lovely feel to the area and it s also very famous for its cuisine. My favourite hotel here is the Visalam. Anoushka Destination Specialist Among the numerous delicacies of Indian cuisine Goan Fish Thali is one of my favourites and also a really popular highlight of Goan culture. Best places to eat authentic Goan Fish Thali would be the spice plantations or homestays. I enjoy the heavenly aroma of all the spices when it s cooked authentically in earthen pots. It definitely is a must have when visiting Goa. 6 7
Gadi Sagar Lake, Jaipur Taj Mahal, Agra Discover Boutique Rajasthan Visit Rajasthan and become enthralled with its grand forts, royal palaces, captivating heritage and colourful landscape this is the India of imaginations. Golden Triangle, Mumbai & Kerala Backwaters This is the perfect introductory tour for first time visitors to India, combining the highlights of both the north and south of the country. Day 1 Arrive into Udaipur via Mumbai. Check-in to Bujera Fort for a two night stay. Afternoon is at leisure to relax after the journey or enjoy the stunning surroundings of the Aravalli Range and views of the City Palace, Lake Palace and Monsoon Palace. Day 2 City sightseeing tour including a boat ride on Lake Pichola. Day 3 Drive north to the municipality of Deogarh. Overnight stay at the luxury boutique property Dev Shree. Day 4 Morning at leisure, spend the afternoon exploring the local area with your hosts. Day 5 Morning drive to Jodhpur. Check-in to Vivanta Hari Mahal for a two night stay and spend the afternoon at leisure. Day 6 Morning city tour visiting Mehrangarh Fort, the famous Jodhpur landmark. Day 7 Drive through the Thar Desert today to the Golden City of Jaisalmer. Spend two nights at Suryagarh Jaisalmer. Day 8 Full day tour of the desert city, exploring the captivating local heritage and spectacular Jain temples. Day 9 Drive from Jaisalmer to Nagaur and spend a two night stay at Ranvas, a restored 18th century garden palace. Day 10 Explore the local area, afternoon is free to relax in the grounds of the hotel, a former fort, dating back to the 12th-century. Day 11 Drive from Nagaur to Jaipur and check-in for a two night stay at Samode Palace. Day 12 Spend the full day exploring Jaipur where you will see the Amber Fort, UNESCO World Heritage listed Jantar Mantar and the City Palace. Day 13 Day is at leisure and to prepare for your flight homeward from Delhi. Day 1 Arrive at the iconic Imperial New Delhi where you will be staying for the next two nights. In the afternoon, take a city sightseeing tour of New Delhi. Day 2 Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi and an afternoon with your driver shopping. Day 3 Take a train to Agra where you can explore the Red Fort and visit the incredible Taj Mahal. Day 4 Revisit the Taj Mahal for sunrise. Later today take the train to Ranthambore National Park and spend two nights staying at the Oberoi Vanyavilas. Day 6 Morning game drive before driving to Jaipur where you will check-in for your stay at Oberoi Rajvilas. Day 7 Full day visiting the Amber Fort and Jaipur City Palace. Day 8 Day at leisure with chance to take up one of If Only... s signature activities, such as a Meena Tribal Walk or Elefantastic which gives you the chance to interact with the elephants. Day 9 Take a morning flight from Jaipur to Mumbai and check into The Oberoi for a two night stay. This afternoon enjoy Mumbai s Famous Street Food Tour. Day 10 This morning starts with an early rise but this will be rewarded with the unique, cultural experience of the Mumbai at Dawn Tour. Afternoon is at leisure. Day 13 Drive to Kumarakom for a relaxing time at a lakeside resort. One night at Kumarakom Lake Resort. Day 14 Morning cruise along the backwaters with lunch in a plantation. Afternoon transfer to Mararikulam, where you can relax in your villa. Price per person from 2,715 Day 5 Today you will have both morning and afternoon game drives through the National Park, one of the best places in Day 11 Fly to Cochin and transfer to hotel. India to see tigers in their natural habitat. Price per person from 4,379 Day 12 Full day city tour with time for shopping. Includes all flights, 12 nights accommodation and breakfast meal plan. Price is based on 2 adults sharing. For full itinerary details and inclusions, please speak to your local travel agent. Includes all flights, 15 nights accommodation and breakfast meal plan. Price is based on 2 adults sharing. For full itinerary details and inclusions, please speak to your local travel agent. 8 9
Chota Imambara monument, Lucknow Monkey Temple at sunrise, Hampi Colonial India Travel aboard the historic Toy Train, spend the night in colonial era hotels and immerse yourself in the stories and history of this mesmerising country on our 14 day tour of Colonial India. Southern India A world away from its northern counterpart, southern India is an eclectic mix of modern cities, ancient temples and traditional life. Let us show you some of the best sights in this 16 night experiential tour. Day 1 Arrive in Mumbai and check-in to the Taj Mahal Palace where you will be staying for the next two nights. Day 2 Take a walking tour through the city, unearth the history from throughout the eras, visit The Gateway of India and the magnificent Victoria Terminus Building. Day 3 Fly to Chandigarh then travel by rail to Shimla. Overnight stay at Wild Flower Hall. Day 4 Walking tour with Sumeet, an author and historian with excellent local knowledge. Day 5 Today can be spent at leisure. Day 6 Fly to Delhi and check into The Imperial Hotel where you will stay for the next two nights. Day 7 Take a walking tour through New Delhi today with a local guide visiting the famous landmarks including Qutub Minar and Humayun s Tomb. Day 8 Take the train from Delhi to Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh. Overnight stay at Vivanta Gomti Nagar. Day 9 Spend the day exploring Lucknow a former British residency which was surrounded during the Indian Mutiny of 1857 this often-overlooked capital city boasts stunning mausoleums, a scattering of stunning British Raj-era buildings. Day 10 Fly to Kolkata, overnight stay at the Oberoi Grand. Day 11 Explore the former government buildings around Dalhousie Square, Park Street and Victoria Memorial. Day 12 Fly from Kolkata to Bagdora in North West Bengal and then drive to Darjeeling. Spend the next three nights at the colonial Glenburn Tea Estate and live like a planter. Day 13 Today you will join a Darjeeling City Tour taking in a Yellow Hat sect Buddihst monastery, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the Tibetan Refugee Centre which was established in 1959 when the people of Tibet escaped the region by following Dalai Lama. Day 14 Tour of the Tea Gardens with an audio-visual presentation on the history of Glenburn. Then move to the Tea Factory for a guided tour on how the leaf is brought in from the fields, and taken through the sorting and drying process, finally end the tour with a tea tasting session. Price per person from Day 1 Arrive into Hyderabad and transfer to Taj Falaknuma Palace, home for the next three nights. Day 2 Half day city sightseeing tour exploring the prestigious history of Hyderabad. Day 3 Excursion to the majestic Golconda Fort, a short distance outside of the city. Day 4 Fly Hyderabad to Hampi, home to the 600 year old kingdom of Vijayanagara. Check-in for the next three nights at Evolve Back, a historic, luxury resort. Take an evening Tungabhadra Trek through the giant boulders, the ruins of the Achyutaraya Temple and the famed Courtesan Bazaar. Day 5 In the morning enjoy a private walk among the Vitthalapura Baazar leading to the Vijaya Vitthala temple with a local historian. Take a guided evening Raya Trail walk. Day 6 Spend at leisure or choose an optional day trip to visit Aihole, Pattadkal and Badami. Day 7 Travel to the plantation town of Chikmagalur, for an overnight stay at The Serai. Day 8 Today travel from Chikmagalur to Kabini for a two night stay at Evolve Back. Day 9 Join morning and afternoon game drives in Nagarhole National Park, home to tigers, leopards, wild dogs, over 300 species of birds and the largest congregation of Asian elephants in the world. Day 10 Travel to the peaceful town of Sultans Battery where you will spend two nights at Tranquil Resort, a luxury homestead experience located within a working coffee and vanilla plantation. Day 11 Day at leisure to explore the plantations. Day 12 Drive to Calicut where you can spend the day relaxing by the river or take an excursion to Beypore, a historical port known for building wooden boats. Day 13 Today you will drive to Cochin and check-in to Brunton Boatyard for a two night stay. Day 14 Take a morning city sightseeing tour visiting the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue and learn about the colonial influence on Cochin. In the afternoon take a cookery class with Nimmy and Paul or similar activity. Day 15 Transfer to the relaxing backwaters of Kerala and spend two nights at Kumarakom Lake Resort to finish your trip. Price per person from 4,249 5,269 Includes all flights, 14 nights accommodation, breakfast meal plan and full board at Glenburn Tea Estate only. Price is based on 2 adults sharing. For full itinerary details and inclusions, please speak to your local travel agent. Includes all flights, 16 nights accommodation and breakfast meal plan. Price is based on 2 adults sharing. For full itinerary details and inclusions, please speak to your local travel agent. 10 11
Chamba camp at sunrise Journey to Ladakh For a truly unique experience, embark on a nomadic journey to the northern region of Ladakh. Stay in luxury tented accommodation and immerse yourself in the Ladakhi and Buddhist culture and way of life. Day 1 Arrive in Delhi and transfer to your hotel. The first night will be spent in The Lodi, one of Delhi s luxury five star resorts. Day 2 This morning take a direct flight from Delhi to Leh. Transfer to the Chamba Camp in Thiksey. Soak in the serenity and picturesque surrounding as you relax and acclimatise. Day 3 The Little Tibet Experience: Visit the Matho Monastery and take an orientation tour of Leh. Day 4 Experience two Paths to Nirvana: Participate in the early morning prayer ceremony at Thiksey Monastery and later visit the Hemis Monastery. Day 5 Drive to the Nubra Valley passing through the Khardung La and arrive to the Chamba Camp in Diskit. Day 6 Visit the hidden Yarab Tso Lake followed by the Kalon Farm experience at Sumur and camel safari. Day 7 The day is at leisure or you can opt for an excursion to Turtuk. Day 8 Visit the Diskit Gompa and return to Leh through Wari La. Day 9 Bid farewell to the Land of the Lamas. Morning transfer to the airport and fly to Delhi. Arrive and transfer to The Oberoi, New Delhi for a final night stay before embarking on your journey home the following morning. Price per person from 4,099 Includes all flights, 9 nights accommodation and full board meal plan (excluding nights 1 & 9). Price is based on 2 adults sharing. For full itinerary details and inclusions, please speak to your local travel agent. Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur 12 13
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