Tailor made India

Sample Itineraries

Introduction

You’ve heard endless stories from your friends about ‘the trip to India’, been dragged through pages and pages of photographs: funny looking temples, dodgy looking characters, elephants and the Taj. Now’s your chance to get your own back by creating your very own tailor made Indian Experience…

Any Way You Want It

Desert palaces and tiger treks, meditating monks and elephants. Beaches. Jungle. Mountains. Textiles. Jewellery. Camels. Tea plantations. Waiters in white gloves. Holy Smoke, it’s His Holiness the Dalai Lama. India really does have it all. And you can have it, any way you want it.

We Can Fix It

Piers, who oversees the organisational side, has himself lived and worked in India for 5 years and he's been travelling there for more than 12.

We now have a dedicated team on the ground in India which allows us to put together pakages for you doing, well, just about anything.

It’s India, Anything is Possible

Put your heads together with Lightbalance and create your ultimate journey.

Sitting pretty in the best 5 star hotels in Asia or laying low at flea ridden road side dhabas, there’s an itinerary for all budgets.



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Independent Travellers Consultation Service

Yes, it is cheaper to travel in India as an independent, much cheaper. In fact, it is one of those palces you can still travel very cheaply, if you want that sort of holiday.

But what are you going to do? What's possible? Where shall you go? Which are the secret places? How long will it take to get there? How much will it cost? How do I book tickets? Is it safe? and so on.

Using our consultancy service we can take care of all your questions and more. We'll even book your tickets and your hotels, we'll do as much of your organising as you want us to do.


So whether you want to lord it or slum it, we are here to help.

email for more info

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Big Foot - Elephant Riding & Tiger Spotting in the Corbett National Park

  • Trip duration: 9 days

  • Approximate price: £750

  • Season: September-April

Remember, this is an example only. We can arrange elephant treks of different lengths and location. You could even come and live with the elephants in the Himalayas in Nepal...

Day 01 : Arrive   Delhi
On arrival meet and assist at the airport and transfer to prebooked hotel. Overnight at 3* hotel.

Day 02 : Delhi - Corbett National Park
AM: leave for Corbett. Arrive Corbett and check in to hotel.

PM: nature walk led by naturalist.

Day 03 : Corbett National Park
AM: jeep safari in the Corbett National Park for tiger tracking. Lunch at Dhikala.

PM: elephant ride from Dhikala provides the oppurtunity to close viewing of wildlife. Overnight stay at Gairal Lodge .

Day 04 : Corbett National Park
Early AM: jeep safari in the Gairal wilderness. Start the elephant safari. Enroute visit the Kanda situated at an elevation of 1020 m, Picnic lunch. Continue with elephant safari in the Himalayan foothills. You get to change seats with the Mahout and get the feel of driving an elephant.

Day 05 : Corbett National Park
Full day safari on the elephant. Rest at Modiapani Forest Rest House and give our elephant a break and a bath in the stream. Overnight stay at forest rest house.

Day 06 : Corbett National Park
Option of either going for more elephant riding or a Jeep Safari or a nature walk with an armed guard in the Sonanadi Sanctuary area, for wildlife viewing.

Day 07 : Corbett National Park - Delhi
Morning, leave for Delhi. Arrive Delhi and check in at hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08 : Delhi
Full day city tour of Delhi. Visit the Jama Masjid, Rajghat, India Gate, Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar, Connaught Place and Birla Mandir. Overnight 3* hotel.

Day 09 : Depart Delhi
Transfer to the international airport for flight home.

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Lap up Luxury - Ride the Royal Train in Rajasthan

  • Trip duration: 9 days

  • Approximate price: £1800

  • Season: Sept-April

"every bit as luxurious as the Blue Train of South Africa, the Orient Express of Europe and the Eastern and Oriental of South East Asia"


Day 01 : New Delhi
The journey of a lifetime begins at the Delhi Cantonment station where the guests are accorded a warm, traditional welcome before the Palace on Wheels pulls out into the night for a week-long luxury cruise through fascinating Rajasthan.


Day 02 : Jaipur
The first stop is Jaipur, popularly known as the Pink City, the capital city of Rajasthan. One of the most well planned cities of the world of its time it was founded by Maharaja Swai Jai Singh II, in1727 A.D. Explore the city and go shopping mad - excellent textiles, carpets and jewellry.


Day 03 : Jaisalmer
In the heart of the Thar Desert lies Jaisalmer, founded by Rawal Jaisal, in 1156A.D. Here the yellow sandstone fort is an imposing sight, towering magnificently over the city. Discover the painstakingly latticed havelis or mansions with their grand facades. The Nathmalji-ki-haveli, Patwon-ki-haveli and Salim Singh-ki-haveli are fine examples of the stone carver’s skill. Ride a camel in the sand dunes of Sam.


Day 04 : Jodhpur
Next morning the Palace on wheels is in Jodhpur, a city ringed by a high stone wall with seven gates and several bastions. This second largest city of Rajasthan, founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 A.D. is known for its rock-solid Mehrangarh Fort. The grand palaces within- Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana are impressive examples of architectural excellence. Near the fort complex lies Jaswant Thada, and a group of royal cenotaphs made of white marble.


Day 05 : Sawai Madhopur
One can almost sense a life of the wilderness, as the Palace on Wheels arrives in Sawai Madhopur, a city named after its founder Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I. After breakfast a visit is arranged to the Ranthambhor National Park and the ruins of a 10th century fort. This wildlife sanctuary is considered to be the country’s best for observing and photographing the activities of the tiger. The park, covering an area of 392 sq.kms. is home to more than 300 species of birds. The tiger, hyena, ratel, jackal and fox are among those constituting the carnivorous population here.


Day 06 : Udaipur
A luxury coach will take you from Chittaugrh station to Udaipur, a city set on a beautiful lake. Founded by Maharana Udai Singh of Mewar, after the Sisodia dynasty was driven away by the Mughals, in 1559A.D. Perhaps the two most beautiful sites of Udaipur are the dream-like marble Palaces-the Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) and the Jag Mandir, which appear to rise from the blue waters of Lake Pichhola. Lunch at the spectacular Lake Palace Hotel.


Day 07 : Agra, home of the Taj
Arrive at Fatehpur Sikri-the red sandstone Mughal palatial complex. Within the enclosure is a mosque built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar and dedicated to the Sheikh Salim Chisti, a muslim Sufi Saint who blessed him with a son. After lunch move on from the Red Fort and arrive at the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world. A pristine monument of undying love. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal.


Day 08 : Delhi

Time to explore this extraordinary city. Visit the winding maze-like streets and ancient bazaars of Old Delhi. Receive a special ayurvedic hot oil massage. Eat the finest food and stay overnight at The Imperial, rated as one of the top hotels in the world.


Day 09 : Depart Delhi

Transfer to airport for flight home.



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Hell Raiser - Motorcycle Riding in the High Himalayas

You still haven't grown up...so get up and, well, ride. This has to be one of my all time favourites. Mad. Mental. Good. Honest. Old-fashioned fun. On an old english Enfield motorcycle. If you haven't got a licence you'd better get one quick...

  • Trip duration: 19 days

  • Approximate price: £2500

  • Season: July-August


Day 01 : Arrive Delhi

Shake down the jet lag, bed down in a comfy hotel in central town.


Day 02 : Transfer to the Himalayas

It's an early train from Delhi up to the edge of the Himalayan foothills where you will meet the team and take in the amazing beauty of the Kullu valley.


Day 03 : Shimla, warm up ride

Meet your steed, mount and practice dealing with Indian driving.


Days 04-6 : Off, Up and Away

Heading out of Kullu valley, you'll climb up to the Rohtang pass (4000m), marking the breach into the High Himalayas. From here the going gets tough. Big girls dont cry...the roads are mostly snowed away every winter so whats left when the roads are cleared is, well, muddy. River crossing, glaciers, and spectacular, mind bending views. Not much on the way except the occasional Yak, snow leopard and the odd tent...We arrive, exalted (exhausted) at Leh in the evening of the 6th day.


Days 7: Leh, capital of Ladakh

It looks a bit like the Potala, the palace int he centre of the town. Surrounded by high altitude desert, monasteries and snow peaks, Leh is an extraordinary setting. This is home for the next 2 days.


Day 8-11 : Leh

2 rest days to recover and toast your success in the local inns. Explore the local monasteries and meet some beautiful people. Warning: drinking beer at altitude is not advisable...We may also make some small rides to explore local sights.


Day 12: On the road to Lamayuru

A little excursion, we'll head out early for Lamayuru, a monnastery set int he middle of the desert. The ride takes in some incredible scenery. Overnight in a luxury tent village.


Day 13: On the road to Lamayuru

More riding through mountain moonscapes. We reach our destination in the afternoon.


Day 14: Lamayuru

Rest and unwind on top of the world. Drinking copious amounts chang, the local barley beer, with the monks, though considered obligatory, is likely to make you go blind. You've been warned.


Days 15-16 Back to Leh

Back in the saddle. We do it all again, this time going downhill.


Day 17 : Leh

Another rest day in Leh. A chance to shop in the ancient bazaar.


Day 18 : Fly Delhi

We'll save your backsides by allowing you to relinquish your steed. You'll mount the steel bird and be terrified as the captain tries to take off a short runway with too much luggage and not enough air (the effects of the altitude are genuinely dramatic!). Overnight in Delhi. After that adventure, the chaos of Delhi'll seem like a breeze.


Day 19 : Depart Delhi

Pack and go home. Will life ever be the same?


We can also organise motorcylce trips in Goa, Kerela, Tibet and Bhutan.



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Hero's Own - Trek to Everest Base Camp


We can't promise to get you up to the top (unless you want to spend £100,000) but at least we can get you to within walking distance.

  • Trip duration: 21 days

  • Approximate price: £1800

  • Season: March-May, Sept-Oct

Day 01 : Leave UK

International flight bound for Nepal.


Day 02 : Arrive Kathmandu

You will be met at the airport and trasferred to the hotel.


Day 03 : Kathmandu

Time to adjust to the medieval atmosphere of Asia's 'hippie' capital and to explore its myriad of bazaars and temple complexes. There are a lifetime's sights and sounds to experience in and around Kathmandu. We recommend you take a trip out to Bhaktapur, the third city of the Kathmandu Valley, as well as visiting the temples of Swyambhunath, Pashupatinath and Boudhanath. This evening we have arranged for you to have a meal at Rum Doodle restaurant where you can experience some of the atmosphere and history of previous expeditions, as well as enjoying a good choice of food! Overnight at the Kathmandu Guest House.


Day 04 : Fly to Lukla, trek to Chumo (2743m/5-6hrs)
 You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. This is one of the most spectacular flights in the world. Twin Otter aircraft fly this route above contrasting country, with the snow line of the Himalayan range to the north and rugged foothills of Nepal immediately below and stretching away to the south. The landing at Lukla airstrip (9,184ft/ 2,800m) adds considerably to the general excitement and expectation. On arrival you can have a cup of tea while the crew sort out the baggage. From the airstrip you will head north-west, through the village of Lukla and descend to the Dudh Khosi river at Phakding (8,698ft/2,652m). There is still some evidence to be seen of an avalanche of ice and rock that fell into an ice lake above the village of Thame on 5th August 1985 causing the lake to burst its banks. The path leads upstream along the valley, through areas of conifer trees and brings you to the entrance to the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park. Overnight lodge.


Day 05 : Trek to Namche Bazaar (3445m/6hrs)

A principal benefit of walking to Chumo on the first day is that you can walk up the steep hill to Namche when fit and fresh in the early morning. Shortly after leaving Chumo you meet the confluence of the Imja Drangka and the Nangpo Drangpo, which combine to form the Dudh Khosi. Crossing the river on a high bridge you leave Solu District, enter Khumbu and start the steep climb to Namche. Near the halfway point up the hill, views of Everest (29,028ft/8,850m) and Lhotse (27,916ft/8,511m) come into sight. Namche is the most prosperous and largest town in the Khumbu. Thamserku (21,806ft/6,648m) and Kwangde (20,417ft/6,224m) loom to the east and west and the sacred mountain Khumbila (18,729ft/5,707m) dominates the skyline to the north behind the village. Overnight lodge.


Day 06 : Trek to Thame (3801m/6hrs)

This is a day spent heading north-west, up the Nangpo Drangpo valley (Bhote Khosi). You traverse westwards with views of Kwangde (20,806ft/6,343m) and the waterfalls cascading off its flanks. Along the Bhote Khosi the trail contours high above the bank, through yellow and white rhododendron forest (in full bloom in May). You cross a tributary valley (Kyajo Kola) and look back down valley for fine views of Thamserku (21,806ft/6,648m) and Kusum Kangru (20,896ft/6,370m). The final part of the walk is a climb through rhododendron forest to pasture land in front of Thame. This is where Tenzing Norgay, the first Sherpa ever to climb Mt. Everest, lived for many years with his first wife. An hour’s climb reaches the fascinating cliff-side monastery. From here, you can contour above the village, then climb across the ridge to view the route to the Nangpa La, a pass to Tibet frequently used by the Sherpas and their yaks during the monsoon. Overnight lodge.


Day 07 : Trek to Khumjung (3791m/6hrs)

You will walk back down the valley by way of Thamo, a hillside nunnery. Crossing back over the Kyajo Kola you will take the high trail which by-passes Namche and ascends towards the very high airstrip at Syangboche and on past Khunde (where it may be possible to visit the clinic) to Khumjung. This village is one of the most beautiful in Khumbu. Its symmetrically laid out stone houses are home for the families of many Sherpas, who may extend their hospitality and offer a tea-time visit, a delightful experience. Overnight lodge.


Day 08 : Rest day, acclimatisation

To assist with acclimatisation another day is spent in Khunde. You may visit the controversial Everest View Hotel (lots of good stories behind that!) and the Khumjung school. The more energetic can take a packed lunch and go for higher things! This would be an excursion walk from the village so that you will end up sleeping lower than you have been walking during the day. Overnight lodge.


Day 09 : Trek to Thyangboche (3863m/5hrs)
The trail descends from Khumjung with chortens forming a dramatic view of Ama Dablam (21,964ft/,696m), and Kangtaiga (22,235ft/6,779m), flanked by the towering heights of Sagarmatha (the Nepalese name for Everest), Lhotse and Nuptse. You descend through moss-covered rhododendron forest, watching for blood pheasant and the Impayan pheasant in the undergrowth. You cross the Dudh Khosi at Phungithanga and climb through rhododendron forest to a saddle on a forested ridge, the site of Thyangboche and the main monastery of the Khumbu area. The views from here are unforgettable. Thyangboche lies at the base of Kangtaiga and the spur of this ridge affords panoramic views of the main peaks of Khumbu including Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Overnight lodge.


Day 10 : Rest day
There is an attractive lodge house here and a rest day can be well spent with walks, visits to the monastery or just relaxing. Overnight lodge.


Day 11 : Trek to Dingboche (4412m/5hrs)
You descend through the woods from Thyangboche and again cross the Imja Khola, then contour gradually to Pangboche, an interesting Gompa site above the main village. This is the oldest monastery in the region and apparently dates from the first introduction of Buddhism in the Khumbu. You are in the midst of the Himalaya here, with spectacular views all round. For acclimatisation there is a need to spend two nights around the 14,000ft level and Dingboche, lying in a sheltered spot above the Imja Khola is generally more attractive than Pheriche. Overnight lodge.


Day 12 : Trek to Chukhung (4730m/5hrs)

From Dingboche you will head east towards the very head of the Imja Khola valley to bring you to the few scattered stone huts (some operating as tea-houses in the high season) at Chukhung. To the south is a superb close view of Ama Dablam and to the north the massive walls of the Nuptse ridge and the south face of Lhotse. Overnight lodge.


Day 13 : Trek to Lobuche (4931m/5hrs)
The route past Pheriche slants over a ridge and stays above the village. A visit to the Himalayan Rescue Association clinic at Pheriche is highly recommended. The path then joins the trail below Thugla and gives beautiful views of Cholatse (21,129ft/6,442m) across the valley. After another steep ascent the trail climbs up and over the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier; along the west lateral moraine of the glacier the trail is rough in parts. Tawache and Nuptse are particularly spectacular from Lobuche, towering almost 2 kilometres directly overhead. Overnight lodge.


Day 14 : Ascend to Kalapattar (5545m/8hrs)
An early start is essential. You will head north-east, along the true right hand side of the Khumbu Glacier through jumbled moraine and shattered rock; there is almost no vegetation here. Even so, small coveys of delightful Tibetan Snow Cock can be seen. The climax is the climb of Kala Pattar (18,188ft/5,545m) for views of the giants of the earth; Pumori (23,436ft/7,145m), Everest, the Tibetan peak Changtse (24,764ft/4,501m), Nuptse, Lhotse and countless other needles and snow- fluted ridges. A trip to the actual Base Camp of Everest is usually omitted. The Khumbu Icefall obstructs views from the base camp and camp itself is littered with debris from years of climbing expeditions to Everest. Unless an expedition is actually at base camp a route can be difficult to find. From the ascent of Kala Pattar you will return to Lobuche for the night. Overnight lodge.


Day 15 : Trek to Pangboche (4000m/4hrs)
You descend gradually all day to Pangboche the highest all year round settlement in the valley. This is a pleasant walk with beautiful views of Amadablam and Taboche. Overnight lodge.


Day 16 : Trek to Namche (3445m/7hrs)
Staying high on the west bank of the river, you contour round to the Sherpa village of Phortse, which lies on the lower southern flank of Tawache, directly across the valley from Thyangboche. There are superb views here of Thamserku and Kangtaiga. You will stop for lunch here and then descend steeply through a forest to the Dudh Khosi. From the very pretty crossing point, you climb to a chorten where there are wonderful views back across the valley to Phortse, Tengboche and the surrounding mountains. Eventually you will turn south off the main trail to Khunde and Khumjung, contouring past the Everest View Hotel. The route then leads down the hill to Namche and more cinnamon roll! Overnight lodge.


Day 17 : Trek to Lukla (2880m/7hrs)
Most people head towards Lukla with a heavy heart. There is something very special about the setting, the villagesand the people of the high Khumbu hills and valleys and these memories will help you up the deceptively long, final climb into Lukla. Overnight lodge.


Day 18 : Fly Lukla - Kathmandu
Another chance to enjoy this great flight. Please note that flights into Lukla are sometimes delayed due to weather conditions either in fogbound Kathmandu or windy Lukla; be reassured that our staff in Lukla and in Kathmandu will be doing everything possible to minimise the inconvenience caused if this happens. Your patience in the trying circumstances, which can occur, will be greatly appreciated. Transfer to Kathmandu Guest House.


Day 19 : Kathmandu
An opportunity to relax and reflect on your adventures and to complete any sightseeing and last-minute shopping. Overnight Kathmandu Guest House.


Day 20 : Fly home
Transfer to airport and fly home.



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Eagle Eyes Eddy - Paragliding in Nepal Himalayas

Be a bird, or at least learn how to fly like one. Paragliding is as close as us humans can get to true flight. There's really, truly nothing like it. Silence, wind, sunshine, clean air, mind bending views. And plenty of beer and tall stories in any of Pokhara's many lakeside bars.

  • Trip duration: 21 days

  • Approximate price: £1800

  • Season: Nov-February

Day 01 : Fly to Nepal
Join your international flight.

Day 02 : Arrive Kathmandu

Transfer to your hotel and relax.

Day 03 : Fly to Pokhara
You'll get up early and after a good brekafast, transfer out to Pokhara by twin engine Otter. Pokhara is a stunning lakeside town set in the heart of the Himalayas. The town is a travllers mecca and with good reason. Stunning views of the snow peaks, excellent food and cheap beer make this a popular hangout for tavellers on their way to/from treks or just soaking up the Himalayan ambience.

Days 04-13 : Get your wings
You'll be learning to fly your own wing over 9 days. This is a complete professional training leading to a club pilot licence which will allow you to fly solo anywhere in the world. By the end of the training you should be flying solo for up to an hour at a time!

Days 14-19 : Fly on

Now that you are qualified, you will enjoy a further week of flying and rack up some all important hours in some of the best conditions in the world. Or you have an option to go for a weeks trekking. It is Nepal, after all.

Day 20 : Fly Kathmandu

An early morning flight back to the capital gives you a day to shop and explore.

Day 21 : Fly home

Transfer to airport and home.

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Holy Smoke - A Trek in God's Own Land


If you like walking and you enjoy the occasional puff of the sacred weed (no inhaling, obviously) a trek into the heart of the Parvati Valley could be for you. Aside from being one of the main production regions for charas, an oil like substance formed from rubbing the buds of marijuana plants, Parvati valley is an area of outstanding and sacred natural beauty. Waterfalls, eagles and holy villages make up the background of this area. This is the home of Lord Shiva Himself. He was said to have come here and sat amongst the snowy peaks, meditating, presiding over all Creation and Destruction, and enjoying the occasional chillum.

[p.s. we never condone the taking of illegal substances.]

  • Trip duration: 14 days

  • Approximate price: £800

  • Season: Sept-Nov, Feb-May

Day 01 : Arrive Delhi

Fly in from the mad house of Europe/USA and transfer to a cosy downtown Delhi.

Day 02 : Transfer to the Himalayas

Take an early morning train to the foothills and transfer deeper into the mountains by taxi. Arriving in Parvati in the pm.

Day 03 : Kasol

Staying in a lodge in Kasol, you'll have an opportunity to chill and soak up the special ambience of Parvati.

Day 04 : Trek to Malana (2500m/6hrs)

Heading out from Kasol and up the valley side, you'll pass through stunning cedar and rhodedendron forests. It's a steady climb through the day to reach ths sacred mountain village of Malana, a village with its own laws and government. Foreigners are not allowed to touch the buildings in the village, nor the villagers themselves least they become polluted by our outside 'energy', yet guests are welcome to come in and explore . Stepping back in time to a lost and forgotton era, we'll stay overnight in a guest house.

Day 05 : Trek to Manikeran (6hrs)

Leaving the otherworldlyness of Malana, we head down to the temple village of Manikeran. Set besides the raging Parvati river and shrouded with steam from the many hot springs which rise to the surface here, Manikeran continues our theme, on the trail of the holy smoke. You'll have a chance to relax in the hot baths after your exertions on the mountain.

Day 06: Trek to Pulga (2100m/6hrs)

It's another glorious path up from Manikeran through the cedar forests to Pulga. Pulga is a traditional Himachal village with wooden houses and not much electricity. Accommodation is basic but comfortable.

Day 07 : Rest day

Time to rest and soak up the ambience.

Day 08 : Trek to Khir Ganga (2850m/4hrs)

Trek further into the mountains by heading up to Khir Ganga at the top of the Parvati valley. More views, more snowy mountains...overnight lodge.

Day 09 : Rest Day

R & R...smaller woalk to waterfalls and hot springs if you feel like it.

Day 10 : Walk down to Manikeran

This is the easy part. A gentle downhill stroll that will take most of the day. Overnight Manikeran.

Day 11 : Transfer to Vashisht, Kullu valley

Time for a change of scene. Transfer by taxi down from Parvati and into the apple orchards of Kullu valley. Staying at Vashisht, a small village overlooking the edge of the Kullu valley.

Days 12-13 : Vashisht

It's a gentle pace we're setting here. Chill, enjoy the mountain air. Overnight taxi to Delhi.

Day 14 : Delhi

Arrive in the am. A chance for some sightseeing and shopping before flying home.



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Prices & Booking

The prices that have been quoted here are guidelines only. Actual trip price may be cheaper or more expensive depending on a multitude of factors such as group size, season, accommodation choices, guides etc.


If you would like to arrnage a trip to India with us please email with an outline including:

  • your name
  • your age
  • your employment background
  • your India objectives
  • your India wish list
  • your accommodation style
  • your budget
  • your dates of travel


We will then contact you and we can discuss ideas, dates, prices and itineraries. Remember, in India, anything is possible....


We love India, come on a trip with us and we'll make sure you do to.



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