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On the trail of the majestic tiger, our tiger trail journey through India encompasses the best of the country's cultural and natural worlds, from the deserts of Rajasthan to the lush, rural villages of Kipling's Madhya Pradesh. Exploring the wilds of Ranthambhore, Bandhavagarh and Kanha National Parks, we immerse ourselves in the Indian jungle, where mischievous langur monkeys form alliances in the canopy, proud peacocks dance in exotic finery, and tigers take cool refuge in ruins crumbling with time.

The rich and varied wildlife of this vast and fascinating country presents a challenge to any wildlife enthusiast. Up until now most travellers have concentrated on northern India. This Wildlife holiday, however, will introduce you to the tropical splendour of the Nilgiri and Cardamon Hills where the wildlife of the subcontinent flourishes in national parks of outstanding beauty and solitude. These hills, together with the Western Ghats which extend northwards to Bombay, bear the brunt of the south-west monsoon. The result is a fertile, tropical land, markedly different from the north. The culture, too, is unique.

This tour clubs royal Rajasthan with the terrific city of the Taj Mahal besides the dazzling and pulsating Delhi. In Rajasthan you also get to track the legend at Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. A visit to Udaipur, one of the most romantic cities in India is the icing on the cake. The highlight of this tour of India is that our guests get to stay at some of the most remarkable properties in the world. Equalling, and often exceeding world-class hotel standards, these outstanding properties are drawing people to India. In each of these properties you will be welcomed as a visiting plenipotentiary and treated accordingly.

Historically, Buddhism has its roots in India. Buddha (Awakened One) was a historical figure who is believed to have lived from 563 to 483 BC. This Buddhist (or Lotus) Circuit tour is a pilgrim's trail following in the footsteps of Buddha, primarily in Bihar where he spent most of his time and ultimately attained Nirvana and the state of Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring country of Nepal where he was born. The trail draws devotees from around the world.

The Ganges River, or the Great Mother as it is known to Hindus, provides millions of Indians with an important link to their sprituality. Witness the beauty of this holy river. From Rishikesh, where the Ganges leaves the mountains behind, follow this famous river to the revered city of Varanasi. Enjoy the spectacular scenery, seeing its confluence with the Yamuna, enroute visiting peaceful towns sustained by this great river.

Perhaps the best way of cutting to the heart of this extraordinary culture is by exploring its versatile gastronomy. Visiting India without experiencing its varied cuisines which changes as you move between neighbourhoods, towns and states is like skimming India's cultural surface. The diversity and potential of Indian food knows no bounds and is limited only by the geography of the region and the imagination of the cook. This trip is about savouring the specialities of Goa in the west and Kerala and Andhra Pradesh in the south.

India has some of the most famous world heritage sites of the world such as Elephanta, Karla, Bhaja, Bedsa, Ajanta & Ellora caves. Witness the rich heritage of ancient monuments representing different phases of development in art and architectural style. The rock cut architectural beauty seen in almost all the cave temples spread over entire Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh is a fine example of the majestic architectural glory of ancient India.

Nobody has counted the total number of fairs organised throughout India, but a rough estimate of 365 a year would not be wide off the mark. There are cattle fairs, those that mark the passing of the seasons, and those that can be termed cultural events. Some are celebrated in the isolated corners of the country, largely unnoticed elsewhere; others transcend the barriers of creed and are joyous celebrations of life. Tarnretar & Ravechi fairs in Gujrat are just that.