Discover True Wellness with Tailor-Made Yoga Tours in India

India is a land of exoticism and mystery, a mystery that reveals itself slowly to the curious seeker. A land of great contrasts, of opulence, extravagance and untold riches and utmost poverty, of highest attainable mental peace and simple basic coarse living. A land full of surprises, disparities and paradoxes and yet the beauty, inherent resilience and warmth of its people will leave an unforgettable impression.

For years spiritual seekers, mystics and global nomads have been coming to India on a spiritual quest to seek answers or find the truth .The umpteen ashrams have been their retreats to learn the wisdom of ancient practices like yoga, meditation and the science of Ayurveda.

The word "yoga" originates from the Sanskrit root yuj which means Union. On the spiritual plane, it means union of the Individual Self with the Universal Self. Yoga is the union of the body, mind, emotions and intellect. The simple process of connecting with your breath when practiced at a deep level, can clear the mind of thoughts that contaminate mindfulness and positive thinking, along with the multitude of health benefits— all of which are directly connected to happiness.

Today's erratic life style, stressful work environments, financial worries, relationship struggles, and poor diet can lead to physical ailments and imbalances. The practice of yoga allows students to be still in a world consumed with chaos. There are many Yoga tour operators and numerous Yoga tour packages available but it is important to check credentials and choose carefully as Yoga is immensely beneficial if learnt under qualified guidance but can do more harm than good if improperly taught.

Indulge in the ultimate restorative break with a tailor made customized Yoga Tour of India, a leading luxury tour operator in the Indian Sub-continent. Each one of the specially designed itineraries is focused on the client's personal needs and requirements. For clients who would like to come to India to learn yoga, gain wisdom or rejuvenate and relax, or simply soak in the serene beauty, this Yoga tour package is the perfect introduction to the endless options India has to offer.

Our experienced team of specialists is dedicated to sharing with you the rich cultural heritage and spiritual treasures via these customized expeditions. We offer meticulously planned, comprehensive and transformative experiences that will leave you with a deep sense of rejuvenation, calm and inspiration.


The sprawling, vibrant megalopolis -New Delhi, is the beginning point of this invigorating sojourn. The spiritual quest leads to Vrindavan, the holy land of Lord Krishna. The narrow lanes and shores of the river Yamuna are teeming with devotees of Krishna lingering in ecstasy, singing hymns in praise of their Lord and such is the fervor of the place that Krishna becomes a part of your consciousness.

A detour to Agra to visit the white wonder marvel, the ethereal -Taj Mahal, is a feast for your senses. This wonder of the world needs no introduction and no words can do justice to this glorious embodiment of love. Visit the famous Agra Fort, built in the 16th century, this fortress of red sandstone, known as the Red Fort of Agra, encompasses the imperial city of the Mughal rulers.

Located on the banks of the Ganges this ancient holy city of Varanasi or Kashi is the beating heart and the spiritual nerve centre of the Hindu universe. For time immemorial people have been flocking here in search of spiritual enlightenment, nirvana or moksha.

The bathing Ghats along the river are the most distinctive feature of the city – a place which has seen the comings and goings of many. Witnessing the rituals of life and death at the Ghats in such an unassuming manner makes one reflect on their own mortality and question the meaning of life.

Attend the synchronized and ritualistic evening Aarti at the banks as the scent of sandalwood and incense permeates the air, the sounds of the chanting of the mantras and clashing cymbals rise to a crescendo.

The expert guides on this trip help the clients plan their tour according to their interest, from spending a day at a reputed Yoga centre to attend a yoga workshop or visit the major temples in the city or listen to a discourse from a spiritual master.

A short drive from this ancient city is Bodhgaya, a sacred site for the Buddhists as well as the Hindus. Under the famed Bodhi Tree, Prince Siddhartha attained supreme knowledge to become Buddha, the `Enlightened One'. Have a soul inspiring meditation under the Bodhi tree to conjoin with the spirit and essence of the place.

A delightful train journey to Kolkata is an authentic way of experiencing real India and mingling with the locals to learn about the traditions and diverse cultures of this vast country.

About Kolkata
Kolkata or the "City of Joy" as it is fondly referred to, long been known for its literary, artistic and revolutionary heritage. Visit the many temples, mosques and cathedrals in the city and gain important insight into the melting pot of religion that defines the city of Kolkata.

Take in the glory of the setting sun on the river Hooghly, a tributary of the Ganges, while sailing upriver to Belur Math, the international headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission and Dakshineswar, a unique Kali temple.

Continue your spiritual sojourn to Haridwar or the "Gateway to God ". Situated at the foothills of the Himalayas , with the Holy Ganges running through it, this city is the starting point of the major pilgrimages important to a Hindu. Expand your knowledge of the mystical sages, their tradition and esoteric practices and healing power. In recent times numerous Ashrams and Spiritual schools have revived the ancient glory of spiritual Haridwar. The twin city of Rishikesh has been a magnet for spiritual seekers. Today it styles itself as the 'Yoga Capital of the World', with masses of ashrams and all kinds of yoga and meditation classes.

Rishikesh – The Annual International Yoga Festival is organized by Parmarth Niketan Ashram In the month of March, visitors and yoga lovers from all corners of the world take part in this festival. This festival explores the eight limbs of Yoga and how they apply to our lives. The Annual Yoga Festival is attended by numerous visitors and Yoga enthusiasts from all around the world.

Spend a day at an ashram to learn the yoga techniques in a natural and quiet setting. They are perfect for beginners or those already experienced. Experience Ayurvedic healing with ancient and traditional Panchkarma spa treatments for absolute mind-body rejuvenation and detoxification. This yoga tour aims to deliver results that are tangible and measureable to guide and handhold you through your wellness journey. 

As the yoga and meditation tour culminates in Delhi one can't help but fall in love with the simplicity and divine grace of this incredible country.

Eclectic India in 33 Days: PAN India Tour

India is an eclectic melange of diverse cultures, traditions, cuisines, languages and dialects with an equally varied topography, from the majestic Himalayas to the stunning beaches and the golden-hued spectacular sand dunes. India lures you with her ancient heritage, exotic mysticism and warm hospitality.

The exotic forts, royal palaces, age-old monuments, inspiring landscapes, sun-kissed sand dunes, mystic cities, and diverse wildlife beckon you on journey of a lifetime.

With such a wide array of choices and destinations to choose from, it can be quite a mammoth task to plan a trip. We specializes in crafting tailor-made itineraries according to the client's preferences, inclinations, personal style and budget has specially designed 33 Days of Pan India tour package that appeals to the discerning traveller and the global nomad.

It is a fantastic amalgamation of the rustic, colorful and historical splendor of the North with the serene and beautiful South. The ethereal Taj Mahal weaves a tale of romance while the palatial palaces, exquisitely carved temples and massive forts relate stories of the bygone era". The itineraries have been designed with acute attention to detail, ensuring total comfort and a gentle relaxed pace to keep the trip captivating and invigorating. The peerless wonders included in the journeys on offer are eloquent reminders of the rich heritage that India is blessed with!

The starting point of this sojourn New Delhi is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land and a window to the modern day India, a unique blend of the past and the present. A leisurely rickshaw ride through the winding medieval alleys of Old Delhi to explore the architectural marvels like the Jama Masjid, the Redstone wonder Red Fort, the multicolored facades, beautifully decorated shops, ethnically dressed men and women and savor the delicacies from the potpourri of eateries that line these historical alleys. Drive through the beautifully landscaped boulevards in New Delhi to see the highlights-India Gate, Presidents House, Qutub Minar and many more impressive edifices.

Varanasi, also known as Kashi and Benares is situated at the bank of river Ganges is considered as one of the most holy cities and pilgrimage destination of India. Few cities in India can claim the vivid melange of colors, charisma, culture and spirituality as does this holiest of Hindu city mentioned as the center of Hindu Universe. Be sure to witness the most iconic rituals associated with Ghats of Varanasi, the highly synchronized and ritualistic evening Aarti at the Ghats by Holy Ganges.

The next destination on this Pan India Tour, Khajaraho is an historian's delight. The temples and structures at Khajuraho are architectural marvels and the erotic carvings on the exteriors of the temples are paean to love, life and a gamut of human emotions.

No tour of India is complete without a visit to the architectural marvel Taj Mahal-the ultimate requiem of love. A massive white marble structure so delicate that it appears to float in the air, the Taj is otherworldly in its beauty and is best viewed in moonlight or at dawn and dusk. An actual visit is a sublime experience as one beholds the impeccable harmony, symmetry and the flawless carvings and calligraphy.

A thrilling tiger tracking safari awaits at the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, situated on the foothills of Aravali with ancient ruins that speak of the past splendor of the bygone era. Ranthambore is one of the best places to view the endangered tiger — its fluctuating numbers have now risen to 36.

Jaipur also known as the Pink City is redolent with a vivacious blend of the modern energy and traditional charm weaving a distinctive contrast. The city is dotted with landmarks of historical and cultural significance. In the periphery of city lies the most resplendent of fortresses of Jaipur – the Amber Fort – which is one of the most popular attractions of Jaipur.

Continue to savor the vibrant colors of life amidst stark desert of Rajasthan, at the Blue City -Jodhpur and the fairy-tale city of palatial palaces, lakes and gardens –Udaipur.

Heading southwards, after a stop at the bustling metropolis Mumbai, get introduced to the beautiful Southern region of India, arriving at the ancient port city of Cochin in Kerala. Capture the mesmerizing beauty of its harbor, the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, a Jewish synagogue and the palace built by the Portuguese.

Unwind and enjoy the picture perfect coconut-fringed backwaters on a houseboat meandering through the canals while enjoying the authentic local cuisine cooked on-board & rejuvenating with traditional Ayurvedic therapies & yogic treatments. Watching the world drift by as the houseboat sails through these serene backwaters past rural villages, breathtaking landscapes, lush green plantations and mangroves is one of the highlights of this holiday.

Travel further to ancient city of Madurai and visit the famous Meenakshi temple, the finest example of Dravidian art and architecture filled with multicolored carvings of Indian deities. Drive to Tanjore, home to the distinctive Tanjore style of painting, visiting the Rock-fort temple at Trichy.

Continue onwards to Chennai stopping en-route at the UNESCO heritage site –Mahaballipuram, and Kanchipuram which is famous for its gorgeous hand-woven silk.

Chennai is South India's commercial and cultural capital and the fourth largest metropolis in India. With an enthralling past, it is a window to the culture and art forms of south India. The alluring temple of Kapileshwar and the grand St. Thomas Basilica provide an insight into age-old traditions and beliefs.

A train ride from Chennai to Mysore," the City of Palaces" is an authentic experience in itself and perhaps the best way to acquaint yourself with the people, traditions and varied cultural patterns that are so deeply embedded in the Indian society.

Visit the splendorous, opulent and sprawling Mysore palace of the Indo-Saracenic school with its gilded carvings and intricate artwork.

The last destination on this captivating Pan India tour is Bangalore, buzzing hi tech metropolis and the cradle of India's information technology boom. Visit the many attractions, impressive buildings and beautiful parks in the city like Lal Bagh, Bangalore Palace, Cubbon Park and Tipu Sultan's Palace before heading out for shopping or just chilling at the numerous pubs in the city. 

Experience the true essence of this rich and diverse land, taking in some of its most exciting sights, hotels and adventures on this immersive journey that soothes your mind, calms the soul and excites the wild streak.

This tour is purely a suggested itinerary. It can be booked as is or alternatively used as a starting point for creating your own perfect tailor-made holiday to India.

30 Days Pan India Expedition

My wife and I have returned recently from our 30-day Pan India tour Expedition and I wanted to give you some feedback about our experiences while they are still fresh in our memories. I am sending my comments to all those with whom we have had contact throughout the planning and execution of our trip; if  there are others in the company who should also receive a copy, I trust that you will send our comments to them as well.

At the outset my wife and I would like to say how very pleased we were with the experience from beginning to end. Our purpose in relating our thoughts to you stems from our desire to recognize those individuals within your company who have contributed to that experience, and to let the company know exactly what we most enjoyed from a client's point of view as a pointer to others who might choose  in the future.

I would like you to know that before we settled on to arrange our India trip for us, we consulted many other tour companies - 57 of them in fact. At the same time we read extensively about India to understand better the full scope of what India had to offer and to narrow down our preferences regarding what we wanted to see and do. So we did our homework. In the end, we chose for several reasons. The first was that we came to realize that it would be wise to settle on a company based in India if possible. India is a long way away and if something was amiss, I felt that we would get better service if our tour company was local rather than based overseas. This proved to be the correct choice.

We were most impressed by the obvious thought that went into planning the trip on the part of those who put our itinerary together for us. The variety of experiences, the pace of the trip, the route chosen all worked extremely well. We liked the train and plane legs which not only eliminated overly long road journeys  and thus preserved our energy for other activities, but were interesting experiences in themselves.

The timing of the expedition was very well chosen; mid-February/mid-March was ideal. It was clear that the weather in the south towards the end of the trip was heating up quickly and we were glad to have avoided that, even though back at home since our return we have had a steady diet of minus 15 degrees Celsius whereas normally Spring should have arrived. 

It was most pleasant to meet Gaurav on our first full day in Delhi. Both were very capable ambassadors for the company and the binder that they gave us containing the full itinerary, vouchers and various recommendations that had been put together for us became our indispensable guide throughout the whole trip. The scarf and the small statue of Ganesh were a nice welcoming touch; as we travelled, we came to know more about the significance of Ganesh as an indispensable figure for Indians as they embark upon new ventures, and his presence certainly got our Indian venture off to a good start!

We valued the fact that when we arrived in each new place, especially in the northern part of the itinerary we were invariably met by a representative who made sure that we got to our hotel, got us checked  in and put us in touch with our upcoming guide. At no time did we feel lost in an unfamiliar place. For clients who were from afar, that was a most reassuring situation.  In the south where I suspect company has fewer local representatives, things were not quite as seamless, and we were rather more dependent on our driver to take us to each destination.

Regarding the hotels that were chosen for us, overall they were more than acceptable. At my request, dinners were included in the tour package and that is something that I would recommend to future clients. My tour manager did a great job in suggesting particular restaurants to try in the different places we visited, and bookings were made for us ahead of time. Where the hotel offered a very good dinner experience, we ate in, and in other cases we ate at a carefully selected restaurant in the local community. I think that was an ideal arrangement which offered us opportunities to enjoy local cuisine, something that all tourists would enjoy. For lunch we ate very simply and in all cases, the choice of restaurant made for us was very good.  

Mention must be made about the guides we had. They were all very good at their job---friendly, fluent and knowledgeable---and they added immensely to our enjoyment and knowledge gained at each site we visited. Regrettably we do not remember their names, although the guides at Delhi, Agra, and at Mammalapuram and Chennai (Tamil) were particularly good.

The car we had---Toyota Innova--- was ideal from our point of view. Extremely comfortable yet nimble as well, which is an absolute necessity in Indian traffic and on Indian roads. In every case, the car was clean inside and out, they were all well-maintained and mechanically in great shape, thanks to the drivers. We appreciated the ready availability of cold bottled water. On a long expedition like this one, the drivers have a most important role, particularly the two that did the bulk of the driving---Hemant (and to a lesser extent Sonokea (?)) in the north and Shery in the south. We cannot say enough about all the drivers we had, and about these especially. Not only were they experts at negotiating Indian traffic and in finding their way over long distances and through huge cities, but they were wonderful sources of information about India in general and  about specific places we were passing through. Whenever we expressed an interest in seeing something that piqued our interest on the road, they were always ready to pull off the road so that we could explore it. Likewise they would stop so that we could take a photograph or two. Some of these stops gave us some of our best moments of the trip, such as Hemant stopping at a spot where there was a water wheel driven by oxen; Sonokea stopping where I could watch a cricket game for a few minutes, and at the same time watch several women raise water from a well; and Shery taking us to a salt flat where salt was being harvested and to a humble home where a team of men and women were making sisal rope.  They knew all the best rest stops and lunch places along the way, and were always on time and at the right place for us. Their professionalism and enthusiasm for their job were superb; their contribution to the success of our expedition cannot be overestimated.

Delhi

Hotel 33 small but fine. Breakfasts throughout the trip were adequate although as the trip wore on, we came to appreciate those hotels that had a few Western choices. This is not a criticism of Indian food, but I feel that for a lot of Westerners the mornings are not the best time to be adventurous in terms of less familiar cuisine. At lunch we were taken to the Lazeez Affair restaurant which was very good, but perhaps a little too grand for people who were still pleasingly full from breakfast. [I think that there might be an opening in India for good cafes or sandwich shops for an enterprising Indian entrepreneur to provide light lunch (and good toilets!) for visitors in tourist areas and on the highways. (At the same time, I realize that Indians themselves prefer to have their main meal at lunch)]. The dinner that we had at the Crown Plaza hotel was very memorable indeed. Our visit happened to coincide with a food festival that the chef had arranged which featured a vast assortment of Indian street food. It was a marvellous way for us to become familiar with all types of very well prepared street food which I gather has become very popular.

Varanasi

Meraden Grand Hotel  fine in most respects but we had a problem with the wall safe. It would not open (with our passports etc inside) and the Sunday manager could not/would not help; apparently only the Weekday manager had the authority to open it. Thankfully our tour manager happened to call us during this time and seems to have pulled some strings to rectify the problem through the local rep.  The two dinners we had in Varanasi were good.

Khajuraho

We would not have missed Khajuraho for the world; the temples were a revelation, even for us who have had three days at Angkor Wat in Cambodia. But outside the amazing temples Khajuraho seemed just a bit less travelled; a smaller site which might not have had as good a range of accommodation and restaurants as other sites had.

The hotel Usha Bundela was on first appearance a fine older building but it did not seem as well-maintained as it could have been. Our room was adequate and had a fine view of the grounds but there was a lot of noise from the other rooms and from the hallway. In the evening we were taken to the Gandhi Cafe for dinner. Again, perhaps there were not too many alternatives since at the Gandhi Café  I got food poisoning (butter chicken and lamb biryani). The next two days were challenging to say the least, but we managed to keep on track. It was not a case of simple diarrhoea; it was much more significant than that. It was the only time on the whole trip that either of us got quite ill apart from a little upset stomach. So in sum, I think agency might well reconsider its hotel and dinner  arrangements for its clients in Khajuraho if at all possible, and definitely cross the Gandhi Cafe off its list. But I would continue to recommend Khajuraho itself as a stunning experience.

Agra

The whole Agra experience was one of the great highlights of our expedition. The Retreat Hotel was exceptional; the guide was excellent and the Agra sites themselves were unforgettable. I would say that our guide was instrumental in helping us to get the very most out of these stunning monuments from many different viewpoints. We went to the Kesar restaurant for both lunch and dinner which was a great choice.  Excellent, helpful serving staff (Anna).

Ranthambhore

The Pugmark Hotel was a special place, beautifully landscaped, comfortable bungalow room in impressive tropical grounds. There was some local entertainment provided in an attractive outdoor setting with a drink before dinner, and the dinner was good, as was breakfast and lunch. The staff were particularly helpful and eager to please. On the morning safari the weather was especially rainy and in the open jeep we got soaked to the skin, despite rain gear and the very welcome blankets from the hotel (I would recommend that at this time of the year all your clients at Ranthambhore take the Pugmark blankets because it is a long way to the Game reserve and regardless of the rain, it was pretty cold and very windy in the jeep). In terms of seeing wildlife in the reserve, we did not see much because, as the guides told us, rainy weather makes the animals scarce. No one's fault there; just luck of the draw. Nevertheless it was an interesting experience. Drying things out was a challenge but the hotel did provide us with a small heater that made all the difference. 

Jaipur

The programme at Jaipur was very good. The Mahal Khandela hotel was a pleasing example of the "Haveli" style of hotel and our room was spacious with beautifully painted walls and ceiling in traditional style and overlooked the central courtyard. It was also above the dining room and kitchen area so the morning was quite noisy, especially since metal chairs being moved on the stone courtyard below created a surprising amount of noise at an early hour. Perhaps there might be rooms at the Mahal Khandela that might be a little quieter in the a.m., but in other respects it was fine, and very well decorated. The Spice Court restaurant was very good for dinner.

Jodhpur

The Pal Haveli hotel was another typical Rajasthan-style haveli, again with a spacious, shady inner courtyard. The room was very good although hot water could be a little scarce. This was more than made up for with the rooftop restaurant, "Indique", which offered unparalleled views of the illuminated Mehrangarh Fort dominating the steep cliff nearby. It also offered some of the best Indian food that we had on the whole expedition. The location of the hotel was also very good, being so close to the clock tower and the fascinating and huge Sardar Bazaar.

Udaipur

Udaipur being a dreamy kind of place centred on the water, the Karohi Haveli was an ideal choice of hotel. Light, airy, spacious and with a most beautiful open courtyard with a fountain and pool close by, it was a true haven for its guests. We would have liked a room with a view overlooking the city, but we managed that in the evening when we went to the rooftop restaurant which had superb views over the city. That was really memorable. The boat ride was also a great way to see the city and the lake palace, and the trip to Jag Mandir was memorable.

N.B. Our early morning departure from Udaipur airport gave us a first-hand look at what Indian bureaucratic organization can be like on a bad day. We are all for effective security measures at airports because we are travellers, but at Udaipur airport the security procedures were so inefficient that they need to be brought to the attention of the authorities. I can provide a more detailed picture, but it was so bad that many passengers---including us--- were in great danger of missing flights even though we were at the airport in plenty of time. If there is a department of the government to which I can explain the deficiencies in detail constructively, I would be happy to do so. For the sake of future travellers, It cannot stay the way it is.

Mumbai

If there was one part of the journey that was disappointing, I would have to say it was Mumbai. Perhaps it was the guide; she was with us for just two hours in the afternoon, but she had already led a group in the morning and  her energy level might have been a bit down. The Gandhi Museum was most interesting, but other than The Prince of Wales Museum (which we visited after the tour on our own) that was the only building we entered in the city. It was thus mostly a driving tour of the city but there were some places which we could have gone into, I feel, such as the Victoria Terminus (the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus). In a huge city with such a lot of traffic, I wondered whether a driving tour was the best option, both because it gives you only a passing glimpse at important buildings but also because of the fact that that many of the sites in Mumbai are in or close to the Fort/Kala Ghoda areas and might have been more effectively explored on foot. Perhaps a combination of the two might have worked better. We did not go through the Bombay University area, for example. We had a different guide the next day to take us to Elephanta Island. He was surprised that the previous day's guide had not done more with us the day before, and partly made up for that by taking us to some other parts of the city after the Elephanta Island tour, such as Crawford Market. I have to say that the Elephanta tour, though interesting, took a long time to get there and back. 

The Godwin Hotel is in a perfect location and the staff were extremely helpful indeed. Our 8th floor room had a very fine view, but I would however caution agency against using rooms close to the top floor, since the rooftop pub (which was mercifully not open on our first night there) can be very noisy, especially when there is a very large student group staying at the hotel. To be fair to the hotel staff, when we asked about the noise, they very quickly quieted things down. Otherwise the hotel was very good. The best part of Mumbai were the two restaurants that we went to. Both the Indian Village restaurant and the All Stir Fry restaurant were top-notch, because aside from the excellent food, they were interesting experiences in themselves, and different from the other restaurants that we had had so far.

Kochi

Our first stop in south India was a pleasant one. Our guide was good, and we saw a lot of historic and new Kochi both on foot and by boat. The Abad Fort hotel was just fine, except for the lack of hot water. The two (seafood) restaurants we went to were delightful open air restaurants (The Killian Boutique Hotel and the Ventura next door) with good food. 

The Kathakali Dance evening was a memorable event.

Backwaters

Every part of this houseboat day-long journey was fantastic; surely one of the top highlights of the expedition. In a word it was sublime!  Full marks to agency who chose the River Escapes company  to provide our houseboat; in comparison to the others we saw (of which there were many) this company's boats were much better kept. It was beautifully equipped, the service was outstanding and a slower pace at this stage in our journey was most welcome. And there was a great deal to see along the way, particularly the rice harvesting that was going on. There was not a dull moment; it was a magical time.

Thekkady

Again the landscape changed dramatically as we drove inland into the hillier country of the Western Ghats with completely different vegetation. The afternoon visit to a spice plantation was a revelation and our guide also took us up to the very top of a mountain for spectacular views over Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Dinner at the Ambadi hotel was very good. The early morning boat tour in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary featured many different birds, wild boar, gaur, a mongoose---and by complete luck a dramatic finish as we watched a pack of large foxes try to take down a young fawn of a barking deer herd (fawn 1; foxes no score).  The Treetops Hotel was in a beautiful setting surrounded by lush grounds and chattering monkeys. Other than a lack of hot water, it was a very nice hotel.

Madurai
The Germanus Hotel was very good indeed. In particular the food service was outstanding; the serving staff were very efficient and most helpful in showing us the way around an impressive buffet selection. The hotel, unusually, also had a separate Side Walk café which was ideal for a light lunch. There was also a very nice rooftop pool which we enjoyed. Temples were the focus of Madurai and our guide, Vani,  was good at explaining relevant information about the South Indian deities, religious customs and the amazing temple architecture. We did not go to the Thiruparankundram Temple in the late afternoon because we had spent a lot of time in the other city sites and needed a break. There was so much to see in Madurai.

Thanjavur
The Ideal River Resort was a heavenly place in every respect. What wonderful grounds lush with tropical foliage, beautiful architecture and sublime outdoor dinner setting, complete with Indian music and dancing. Our room was absolutely lovely and the time spent in and around the pool was fabulous. Definitely a high point of the whole tour. Would not have missed it for the world!

Pondicherry
There was something very special about Pondicherry. We liked the historic French part of the city which was easily walkable, its position on the Bay of Bengal and the fact that it is a very spiritual place (the Sri Aurobindram Ashram; Manakkula Vinayagar Temple; and the very busy Sacred Heart Church). It is a most historic place, as well, as we learned at the Pondicherry Museum where even Roman artifacts were on display. Our guide was very good, and our time in Pondicherry was very enjoyable. I would strongly recommend the Baker Street patisserie for lunch and La Maison Rose for  an open air dinner. The Annamalai International hotel was very good indeed. The rooftop pool was very welcome; I can imagine just how much more so in the really hot weather!

Mammalapuram                
Mammalapuram was a delightful fishing town with some amazing temples ably explained by our excellent guide, Tamil. The beach was an easy walk from the hotel, the Mammala Heritage. Our room there was adequate, though the shower, occupying much of the bathroom, was "different". There was a very nice pool. Breakfast here was a little meagre with no Western items available except toast, which was a very popular item among the guests. It would have been simple just to add some eggs of any style to the Indian offerings. For our evening meal, the list of dining suggestions that had been put together for us by agency did not go beyond Kochi, and there was no local representative to advise us. So the restaurant we chose for dinner the first night, though beautifully sited right on the beach, was more expensive than we had intended it to be. (That was largely because the fresh seafood on offer was chosen from a table rather than from a menu). It should be noted that the restaurants that were chosen for us by agency (with only one exception noted above), were good to very good indeed.

Chennai
We still had our very knowledgeable guide, Tamil, with us and we had a tour of the city that combined walking and driving. It was very well done. The real highlight was the Raintree Hotel which was a splendid hotel in all respects. The views, the room itself, the rooftop infinity pool and in particular the superb restaurant were wonderful. I cannot recommend it too highly! What a great way to end our expedition!

Since our return we have been describing our Indian venture to family and friends, many of whom are ardent travellers. In doing so we have been extolling the wonderful service that they gave us, both in the planning of the expedition and in looking after us so well during the trip. It was outstanding value for money. We would not hesitate to recommend the company in glowing terms to anyone interested in travelling with them in the future.

Unravel the Beauty of the Tranquil Emerald Backwaters of Kerala

Kerala the southern state of India or God's own country as it is fondly known stretches along the Malabar Coast on the south western side of the Indian peninsula. Much like its backwaters this region of the South of India has a gentler, more relaxed and leisurely pace. A holiday in South India with its tropical climate and abundant greenery is a wonderful contrast to the somewhat frenetic and dry North of India. It also offers a perfect peaceful respite from the maddening crowds and chaos of the cities.

From the coasts that are lined up with coconut palm trees, spice growing cardamom hills, and lush green sloping tea hills to the tiger and elephant reserves, this verdant state enthralls you with its scenic sultry landscape, distinct culture and warmth.

The backwaters, a chain of brackish lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast are an integral a part of the lives of its people and a kaleidoscope for the visitors to see the rural and real life in the heart of Kerala.

Kumarakom and Alleypey –the "Venice of the East "are the two major starting points for boat-cruises with spectacular lagoons and vast network of canals. In this maze of shimmering water, village life has evolved completely independently from the world that depends on roads. Hundreds of villages string along the banks between paddy fields and mangroves with green shady palms arching over the canals.

The best way to explore this beautiful backwater world is through a cruise that takes you on an unforgettable trip aboard traditional houseboats called "Ketuvallams". The traditional Ketuvallam has emerged as the mascot of Kerala Tourism and a short cruise or stay on one of these is a must on every travellers itinerary .These Ketuvallams are built from jackfruit tree wood, tied together with coir ropes and interestingly not a single nail is used in the making .The newer versions of these houseboats are specially designed with luxurious, modern accessories and lavishly furnished with spacious en-suite bedrooms, open lounge, a dining area, a sun deck and a fully equipped kitchen.

Kumarakom

Backwaters of Kerala are world renowned, and many operators have come out with their version of the experience ranging from the bare boned to the luxury. Sometimes that could compromise quality and have glaring issues to deal with like mosquitoes, or humidity and heat, water drainage problems on board and lack of hot water.

They ensure that these luxury air-conditioned houseboats are fully equipped with state of the art modern day luxuries with an experienced crew on board. All the safety measures and eco-friendly norms are adhered to keep the unparalleled beauty of these gorgeous lagoons intact. Great care is taken to dispose of garbage, with minimal usage of plastic and solar power is used to generate electricity on board.

Unwind aboard this luxurious vessel meandering through the canals past local villages, lush green paddy fields, churches and temples. Enjoy the picture perfect coconut –fringed Kerala backwaters with abundant aquatic life and animals such as the otters, turtles and beautiful migratory birds, admiring the water slinking past as you sip cardamom tea from the deck on the top, losing all sense of time and place. Relish the pleasures of the sumptuous Kerala cuisine cooked on-board & relax with traditional Ayurvedic therapies & yogic treatments.

From cultural, historical tours to culinary trips, wild life tours and yoga retreats, we offers an array of choices to acquaint you with the very spirit of this enigmatic subcontinent.