Bhutan Holidays are some of the most rewarding to arrange! The country (or kingdom, more correctly) is absolutely awe-inspiring! From the people, to the architecture, to the scenery – everything is a feast for the senses!

Bhutan Holidays with IndianExplorations.com

Bhutan offers some of the most beautiful walking in the most spectacular surroundings – in such a serene and peaceful environment! The towns also offer such different experiences – from the more lively capital of Thimphu, where one can see the 13 arts and crafts that the country relies upon for its livelihood, to the more rural retreats of Gangtey (also known for its black cranes ) and Bumthang. Paro has the Taktsang walk which is one of the most amazing and important pieces of architecture in Bhutan – the Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

Holidays Bhutan with IndianExplorations.com

We can also arrange special outings not normally available to the public. In addition, we can arrange special Buddhist blessings – whether for health or for a renewal of marriage vows or even for a wedding! These are bestowed by the monks and incredibly moving (even for the most hardened cynic!).

Before the Jeep became the preferred ride for Rajasthan’s long-route cabbies or turned farm hand for desert cowboys, it enjoyed an iconic status and a glorious past when it came to a Rajasthan desert safari. Truth be told, the ubiquitous but rugged Indian 4X4 Jeep that roams the land today has a fine pedigree indeed. A direct descendant of the world famous American Willys Jeep, the Indian Jeep lives up to its forebear that has become part of adventure and wartime folklore. Today, the Jeep is back with a bang, riding on its simple, no-frills old-world charm, acquiring cult status as it roars across Rajasthan. Some families have retained their Jeep for generations while those who have recently been bitten by the Jeep bug spend a fortune restoring old Jeeps to mint condition!

Rajastan Desert Safari With Experts IndianExplorations.com

So the not-so-humble jeep is one highlight of a Rajasthan desert safari experience – an adventurous drive scrambling and climbing over dunes and higher crests with a maybe-mustachioed Jeep driver in khakis and beret who has been morphed into a getaway guy in a James Bond movie!

It’s not all about the transport! While on a safari of this ilk the outdoors beckons and the wind blows over the dunes and down the intersecting valleys. A gentle drive (about an hour and a half) through the terrain is a great way to cover the distances needed to find another reason we are here: the free-roaming wildlife herds. The delicate desert gazelles wander freely across the plains and dunes, often stopping to dip their heads and drink within this conservation-led sanctuary – one might come upon them in the dunes or pick them out where they are well-camouflaged amongst trees and shrubs. We stop for photo opportunities, pointing out animals and tracks, or focusing on your own specific interests, as well as pointing out some of the many bird species or lucky encounters with rarer inhabitants.

Rajastan Desert Safari Wildlife - With Experts IndianExplorations.com

For the desert landscape is, literally, spellbinding. For miles on end there’s nothing to be heard except the whooshing of the wind as it races over the frame of your sunglasses. But then, appearing from this arid apparently barren nothingness, you suddenly see an unexpected group of village women appear out of nowhere in their colorful finery, only to disappear like a mirage before your eyes. While on a Rajasthan desert safari you can also visit the homes of the inhabitants living in the desert (Bishnois, Rajputs, Meghwals) and peek into the homes and lives of the desert craftsmen; carpenters, metal-smiths and cobblers. Then there are unique species of flora and fauna that have adapted to the desert whilch is also home to arid-land farmers where one may also visit their holdings and learn about agriculture in this extraordinary landscape.

Kanha still remains one of my favourite Indian parks as it features undulating landscape dotted with dense groves of vegetation, hillocks and rolling meadows. A new addition at Kanha is the appropriately named Earth Lodge, whose architecture has been inspired by the stunning Gond tribal villages which are situated on the fringes of Kanha, making it blend effortlessly with the forest and rural architecture.

India Luxury Tiger Safari with IndianExplorations.com - Kanha Earth Lodge outdoor view

The Lodge is tucked into a forested area of 16 acres which is a small tribal hamlet adjoining the buffer zone of Kanha. For someone on an India luxury tiger safari this is a perfect place to visit, the area being untouched by any kind of tourism or development and offering the discerning guest virtually guaranteed privacy. There are lovely walks and biking trails around the lodge and, whilst Kanha has a reputation of being a little busy with lodges, at Earth Lodge there are no neighbouring lodges or highways.

India Luxury Tiger Safari with IndianExplorations.com - Kanha Earth Lodge Interior

The lodge offers only 12 beautiful open fronted bungalows, each with en suite bathroom, dressing room and large open verandah. The lodge is rustic yet still luxurious and is created mainly from local stone, logs and baked tiles and appointed with tribal artifacts, fine rustic furniture and cotton upholstery. The main lodge building which houses the dining hall is set between Mahua trees and its infinity edge merges with the jungles of the Kanha forest to ensure a superb experience whilst one enjoys an India luxury tiger safari. The kitchen is excellent, serving a variety of Indian and Continental cuisine using locally sourced fresh produce from the neighbouring villages; it is not only the chef’s pride to use ingredients fresh from the villages but also to grind their own spices. To take this ethic a step further – and to ensure continuity of local supply – Earth Lodge has also encouraged a local village kitchen garden project whereby the property partners with 5 families to grow fresh produce needed by the lodge.

Tiger Safari with IndianExplorations.com - Kanha Earth Lodge - view from the bush

Kanha Earth Lodge’s staff make an excellent team, not only is it a super property to visit but the guides and staff are passionate about wildlife and are committed in delivering one of the finest wilderness experiences, a “must” while on an India luxury tiger safari.

Everyone wants to get away from their hectic life to a place where they can relax and see places they have heard before. I recently came across one such location off the beaten track. Nandadevi is an exclusive heritage estate – an invitation for people with a love of the Himalayas and nature. Guests may step back in time and enjoy their Himalayan Holidays in simplicity coupled by style and sophistication.

Himalayan Holidays with IndianExplorations.com

Between 1805 and 1947, the British ruled Kumaon and established their administrative capital in Almora. With a keen eye for the best spots and a great sense of style and good taste, the British discovered Binsar, with its unparalleled natural beauty and sweeping views. Set at 7500 ft in the heart of Binsar Sanctuary, the NandaDevi property was the residence of a succession of District Magistrates from 1856 to 1945, after which it passed into the hands of the Shah family of Almora who owned a store providing groceries and wines to the British. Against a 700 rupee wine bill, Mr Van Renen handed over the property to Shyam Lal Shah who in turn sold it to Vivek Datta, a philosopher turned gentleman farmer from an aristocratic Delhi family, and his Belgian musicologist wife Marie in 1956, exactly a hundred years after it was built. It provides a unique Himalayan holidays experience, where the awe inspiring peaks in an unbroken chain of 500 kms can be contemplated up close. The wild beauty of virgin Himalayan oak and rhododendron forests surrounding the estate urge you to connect with nature, explore its secrets, and return to time and again.

Himalayan Holidays with IndianExplorations.com

Nandadevi Estate is located in the core area of Binsar Sanctuary, which is under the management of Corbett National Park. There are only 5 properties in the higher reaches of Binsar Sanctuary, and they are all separated by kilometres of thick forest. The property, 20 acres of land, comprises of terraced fields and a 155 years old heritage bungalow – originally built by a British administrator in 1854. What makes the Nandadevi Estate one of the most beautiful places in the world, is not only its views but the harmonious way in which the property is naturally set with its own five hills, each with exquisite views, and its terraced fields which once were a thriving farm and apple orchard, and are gradually being restored to their original state a few acres at a time. All efforts have been made so that guests have the unique experience of stepping back in time and enjoying the simplicity coupled by the sophistication. The entire estate is at the disposal of the guests along with the estate staff making it a relaxing Himalayan holiday.

Luxury walking Holidays Himalayas with IndianExplorations.com

The Estate has two Bungalows – The Goralkot Bungalow, built in the mid nineteenth century, is steeped in history and atmosphere and has been restored in a typical colonial style with wide verandahs, bay windows, and high ceilinged rooms with plenty of light and space. The whole structure is made of stone and wood. The rooms with four poster beds and their arched wooden ceiling and bay windows are furnished with priceless antiques from the Raj.  The Writer’s cottage was originally a barn located in the middle of the apple orchards and farm and was converted into a cottage in the mid 1980’s. An Italian writer called Tiziano Terzani, an icon in Europe as much for his writing as for his philosophy, stayed in the cottage for five years and wrote his most celebrated book there. The cottage is double storeyed and has a wraparound verandah from which views of Nandadevi, framed between two hills, views of Panchachuli and the Nepal Himalayas are visible. Done in pinewood and stone, the cottage has picture windows in every room and sunlight throughout the day.  Built around the concept of light and space, each room, including the bathrooms, have breath-taking views making it a perfect retreat for a Himalayan holiday.

They have recently revived the farm and four acres of land have been planted with vegetables and crops slowly we will bring the property back to its former days when there used to be 4000 fruit trees and substantial agriculture. The property also has a cowshed housing five milk cows, a bull, two riding horses, a few sheep, and chickens. Guests can order their meal fresh from the vegetable garden or dairy and watch the cows being milked. The farm, providing fresh dairy and poultry products and a range of local and exotic vegetables and fruit, ensures guests will enjoy Indian and Continental cuisine cooked to their taste and requirements in the bungalow kitchens.

They have a range of activities like hikes and bird watching in the Sanctuary, camping, horse riding, and mountain biking and day treks inside the Sanctuary as well as visits to nearby places of interest. However, the breath-taking surroundings and the luxuries of old world comforts and home grown, home cooked food will make it hard for guests to move out. Having said that I am sure guests who decide to go on Himalayan holidays want to explore the countryside and for those walks in Binsar Sanctuary ranging from easy strolls to day treks with picnic lunches can be arranged.  For guests who love riding, Horse riding along the old British horse trails in the Sanctuary can be organised. If you want to taste a bit of culture excursions to Almora to visit the Nanda Devi temple, the Old Bazaar and the main production unit of Panchachuli Women Weavers can be arranged.

It’s a unique concept and a one of a kind Himalayan holidays experience.

Falaknuma Palace, a recent addition to the Taj Hotels that owns luxury properties in the Indian Subcontinent, has recently opened its doors to discerning travellers looking for sheer luxury. Located in Hyderabad the capital of Andhra Pradesh, it is easily accessible from most other cities by air, rail and road and in many cases is the beginning of a remarkable journey through the Deccan.  Hyderabad is an integral part of the famous twin-city pair of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, which are situated on opposite banks of the Hussain Sagar Lake. Hyderabad has a romantic story behind its birth. Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah, the fifth king of Golconda, founded this city of Bhagyanagar in 1591 for the sake of his lover Bhagmathi. Later he renamed the city as Hyderabad. For guests planning a luxury holiday to India the Deecan has now become even more interesting  after the opening of Falaknuma Palace.

Falaknuma Palace Hotel - Luxury Holidays To India With IndianExplorations.com

The former residence of the Nizam of Hyderabad it was passed on from generation to generation like a precious jewel.  Taj Hotels has infused new life into this celebrated home under the guidance of Princess Ezra, wife of the eighth Nizam. Falaknuma Palace is ready to resume its status as Hyderabad’s most exclusive address in keeping with its storied heritage of hosting visiting royalty, such as King Edward VIII and Russia’s Tsar Nicholas II. Guests on a luxury holiday to India can now experience the famed Nizam’s hospitality which was once the sole preserve of royalty. It is also known as the ‘mirror of the sky’ because at 2000 feet above Hyderabad, it was built in the clouds and reflects the ever-changing moods of the sky. Set in 32 acres of land guests may select from 60 exquisite rooms and suites, including a Grand Presidential Suite, which were once the private chambers of the Nizam, royal family and state guests, and include the services of a personal butler.

As beautifully worded by Taj Hotels ‘Those who have revelled in its opulence have revelled in its large Venetian chandeliers, rare furniture, grand marble staircases and gurgling fountains, priceless statues, and objects d’art, stained-glass windows, unique sketches and murals encased in ornate frames, a world-class collection of crystal as well as the Mughal, Rajasthani and Japanese gardens personally conceived by the Nizam’. The Palace Library, a replica of the one at Windsor Castle, is a collector’s envy as it is home to the rarest of manuscripts, books and one of the most acclaimed collections of the Holy Quran in the country, all of which were selected and brought back by the Nizam himself.  William Ward Marret didn’t just design a Palace, he created a space dedicated to the art of perfecting pleasure. With many secrets still hidden I would highly recommend to make your own discoveries during your stay at Taj Falaknuma Palace whilst on a luxury holiday to India.

Falaknuma Palace Hotel Gardens - Luxury Holiday To India With IndianExplorations.com

Hyderabad has some fantastic sights if you are planning a stay at Falaknuma Palace.  A major landmark in the city, the Charminar was built just two years after the founding of Hyderabad. A monument with four graceful minarets, it is often referred to as the Arc de Triomphe of the East. Its central structure soars to a height of 180 feet. The Public Gardens at Hyderabad boast of some of the finest gardens in the country. One of the gardens is located very close to the Hyderabad railway station. This beautifully laid out garden is also home to the State Legislature building, State Archaeological Museum and Jubilee-Hall. One not to be missed is the Salar Jung Museum. It is home to the largest collection of antiques in the world owned by a single person. The museum was named after the Prime Minister of the Nizam, Nawab Mir Tulab Ali Khan who was titled Salar Jung Bahadur in 1853. He used to collect priceless gems of art wherever he travelled. His quest for objects d’art grew into a passion and laid the foundation for this massive collection. The museum exhibits over 47,000 choicest antiques. One of the most famed exhibits is the veiled Rebecca, the translucent white marble statue by Bezoni, an Italian sculptor. Some other valuables include Persian carpets, Chinese porcelain, Japanese lacquer-ware, sculptures, jade, Aurangazeb’s sword, daggers belonging to queen Nur Jehan and the Emperors Jehangir and Shah Jahan.

Falaknuma Palace Hotel Lobby - Luxury Holidays To India With IndianExplorations.com

If you’re partial to your poison, then the Palace also has a staggering collection of the rarest whiskies, single malts, luxury vodkas and cognacs, including Louis XIII, supplemented by an unrivalled selection of the finest handmade cigars from all over the world. Though one might on a luxury holiday to India, there is a lot to see and sometimes it can be quite overwhelming. A bar with such a collection is always a bonus when you have had a long day experiencing India. The culinary experience at Taj Falaknuma Palace recreates the passionate relationship between monarchs and their cuisines. The Palace offers two restaurants that reflect its European and Indian design influences: Celeste, serving Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, and Ada, featuring fine Indian dining, including a series of dishes taken from past palace banquet menus prepared in the Hyderabadi tradition of slow-cooking. Guests may also enjoy breakfast on the Jade Verandah or take Afternoon Tea in the exquisite Jade Room beneath Victorian-style hand-painted ceilings and Venetian chandeliers. Poolside relaxation includes inventive food and drink in The Rotunda, or guests may adjourn to the unique Hookah Lounge that recreates the romantic ambience of princely India, or opt for a sporting game in the Billiards Room with the Nizam’s personal bespoke billiards table.

Hyderabad and the Deccan is worthy of plenty of exploration in its own right and the Falaknuma Palace will certainly be on the top of my list when I plan my next luxury holiday to India.

If asked – where are the best tiger safaris in India, then this is one story which convinces me that Corbett must rank as one of the best places to view them in relative privacy. There were five of us in the jeep, including two experienced local guides and of course it had to be the least experienced who spotted her – a striped beauty watching us from the pebbled bank of a channel of the Ramganga River in Corbett Tiger Reserve. We were the first jeep there and the tigress felt too exposed as more vehicles arrived. Suddenly, with the effortless power of her kind she was up the bank, across the road and floating gracefully off into the jungle. It was February and the undergrowth under the towering sal trees had thinned out, so we watched her for a satisfying minute or more before she melted into the bush. We had just arrived off the train from Delhi that morning. As we drove the two hours along the more or less deserted roads of early morning, my excitement mounted. In common with so many of my generation I had been an avid reader of Jim Corbett’s adventures in these foothills. And here we were driving through the towns and villages that had once been his stamping grounds – Haldwani and Kaladhungi and Ramnagar. This was mythic country!

Tiger Safaris in India with IndianExplorations.com

The heart of Corbett Tiger Reserve is the beautiful valley of the Ramganga River, winding through narrow, forest clad hills, its course punctuated by deep pools that are the haunt of golden mahseer – one of the worlds most prized game fishes – and giant goonch a catfish as big as a grown man. And basking on the banks are the long sleek shapes of gharial – a rare fish-eating crocodilian endemic to the Subcontinent. To enter this zone of Corbett requires an overnight booking in one of the old forest resthouses dating from the Raj era that are picturesquely located about half-a-days ride apart. Our luck is in from the moment we pass the gates. A cock Kalij pheasant, elegant in black and white plumage with gaudy scarlet eye-patch struts his stuff at the very edge of dense, moist undergrowth. As we near Dhikala where ancient sal trees shade the jungle, we encounter a wonderful heard of elephants – mothers and calves. And then immediately after lunch the splendid lady in stripes. Could it get any better? It could. Ritish Suri, our expert guide and owner of the award-winning Camp Forktail Creek, has booked an elephant for us. No sooner had we clambered aboard and headed into the dense high elephant grass, than we picked up the fresh tracks of another tigress. The chase was on and suddenly there she was – a slim elegant figure disappearing into the grass.

Tiger Safaris in India with IndianExplorations.com

As we turn back a Pallas’ Fish eagle wheels low over our heads. The sun is beginning to sink into the hollow hills and it was time to head for the splendid isolation of our magical resthouse in the middle of tiger country – and a hot cup of tea.

Tiger Safaris in India with IndianExplorations.com

Ask anyone their favourite beach destination in India and Goa is still the winner. Goa has seriously moved on.  Forget the happy-clappy scene – now Kate Moss, Mick Jagger and Daniel Craig are all going. All the kaftan-wearing, champagne-sipping thirty something’s are renting stylish, funky houses that equal the places they love in Ibiza and Morocco.

Talk about luxury holiday homes in India and tucked away at the end of a quiet lane, off the bustling main road to Calangute, is Aashyana.  This royally appointed jewel in the crown nestles on the prettiest stretch of Candolim beach, in a lush tropical garden exuding tranquillity. It’s a lovely, intimate little hotel created by a local entrepreneur named Ajai Lakhanpal.  The choice is yours to be pampered in the elegant luxury holiday home, the fully staffed 5 bedroom villa or reside in style at one or more of the three self-contained two bedroom cottages – Casinhas – each complete with an individual, private garden.

Luxury Holiday Homes in India with IndianExplorations.com

A sweeping drive leads you to the entrance villa, a stunning two-storey, five-bedroom luxury holiday home. The spacious veranda spans the entire ground floor, with built-in seating areas in the traditional Goan-Portuguese style. Inside, the contemporary décor offsets select pieces of furniture from the owner’s collection. The luxurious use of materials in the architect designed rooms includes honey-coloured Rajasthani stone, charcoal grey granite and subtle mosaics. Both in the interior and in the external spaces, the essence of Aashyana Lakhanpal is conveyed through an emphasis on tranquillity.

Luxury Villas Goa with IndianExplorations.com

There are three Aashyana Casinhas – Leo, Libra and Capricorn, clustered within the grounds of the main villa and are reached through their independent, wrought-iron gate leading to a delightful courtyard. The whitewashed casinhas are stylish and welcoming, using neutral décor and local features like terracotta-tiled roofs, stone floors and traditional built-in seating. This décor contrasts and highlights the owner’s private art collection. Whichever you choose, this gorgeous holiday home in India awaits you in a breath-taking setting, within a few paces of Candolim’s sun kissed beach.  The shadowy garden, with its coconut groves, lime, cashew and ‘ guava trees, contains a dragonfly-spangled , swimming pool, a gate to Candolim beach,  also a pavilion from which to watch Goa’s stupendous oceanic sunsets.

Luxury India with IndianExplorations.com

Ashyana’s spacious dining area is complemented by an optional garden dining facility for al fresco lunches or candle lit dinners under the stars – unforgettable luxury. The kitchen garden supplies a variety of organic herbs and vegetables and you can also plan an exciting fresh seafood menu with our chef Jagat Singh who recipes are a treat in itself.

Aashyana with IndianExplorations.com

There is an informal gallery where guests may ponder a unique collection of modern Indian art. Lakhanpal, before he turned his home into a hotel, threw it open to any young painters requiring free board and lodging, and in return asked only that each give him a picture. They’re hanging there today, among the most interesting a portrait of Lakhanpal himself by Goa’s most famous son, Mario Miranda. This luxury holiday home comes along with armies of staff on-site masseurs and gourmet chefs -  oh, and the decor is pretty hot, too.  The back of Aashyana Lakhanpal opens up, LA-style, onto a lush garden, the kind of green paradise we all want to find in the hippie idyll.

A shaded path leads up to a classical porch and wide veranda which overlooks an inviting, mosaic tiled 20 meter private pool set to the right of the villa. Both internally and externally the Villa has been thoughtfully provided with easy access to all facilities for wheelchairs if needed. Whether relaxing in the air conditioned luxury of the interior or sunbathing in the sumptuous gardens around the pool, let your senses be seduced by the Aashyana. Delicadeza, a charming Portuguese term, describes a specific sense of style, courtesy and gracious living. I am convinced that your stay at this luxury home in India will be permeated with this sense of delicadeza.

The journey through India is never ending. For most travellers North India meant a journey through the Golden Triangle visiting the iconic Taj Mahal and beautiful palaces in the colourful city of Jaipur. You can make it a memorable experience by trying to explore the rich heritage and diverse cultural influences of northern India by taking a tour that encompasses the holy city of Varanasi and the intricately carved temples at Khajuraho.
Varanasi is the spiritual heart of India – a seething throng of pilgrims, holy men, Saddhus and tourists, all gathered to give praise to the Holy Ganges. Combine that with a trip to the erotic temples of Khajuraho and Gwalior, a city with a remarkable ancient palace, temples and cenotaphs. Having backpacked through the subcontinent I always dreamt of luxury holidays to North India and finally embarked on one such journey. I boarded the Shatabdi Express, a fast train between Delhi and Gwalior. On arrival, a cheerful guide drove me to the beautiful Usha Kiran Palace where I was welcomed in true Gwalior tradition. Enter at this 120-year-old palace, which has played host to the King of England and is now a heritage hotel. Set amidst 9 acres of beautifully landscaped lawns, this regal palace, rich in history, is outfitted with artistic stone carvings and delicate filigree work. I visited the majestic Gwalior Fort on the day I arrived to experience the Son et Lumiere show. Replete with every contemporary amenity, its original architecture, meticulously restored, every dining moment at the Usha Kiran Palace is truly reminiscent of living as royalty. After a sumptuous breakfast I went on a guided visit to Gwalior Fort and the Archaeological Museum in the morning. Don’t miss the many giant Jain carvings hewn into the cliff sides leading to the fort. In the afternoon I wandered to the Palace Museum which is next door to your hotel. I continued my journey through this fascinating part of North India to visit Orchha and pretty village known for its outstanding palaces and temples set along the River Betwa.

Luxury Holidays to North India with IndianExplorations.com

For someone going on luxury holidays to North India, Orchha doesn’t offer the Oberoi’s or the Taj’s but trust me, it’s a great stopover between Gwalior and Khajuraho. En route I stopped at Datia Fort which can be seen from miles around. After spending a day walking through the fairly less explored town of Orchha, I travelled by road to Khajuraho which is famous for its temples dating back to the 10th and 12th century. The Khajuraho temples were built over a span of 200 years, from 950 to 1150. The whole area was enclosed by a wall with eight gates, each flanked by two golden palm trees. There were original over 80 Hindu temples, of which only 25 now stand in a reasonable state of preservation. My stay was at the Grand Temple View, the only luxury hotel within close proximity to the Western group of temples. For anyone visiting Khajuraho this is probably the best property to stay and guests have an option of choosing a temple view room to make their stay even more memorable. The roads are quiet here so you can hire some bikes and explore the more remote temples. The evening comes alive with the Son et Lumiere show at the main complex.

Luxury Holidays India with IndianExplorations.com

After being templed out, I travelled by air to Varanasi the Hindu religious centre. I knew this was the highlight of my trip and my wish came true when I checked into the grand Nadesar Palace. Your search for luxury holidays in North India ends here. Situated in one of the oldest living cities of the world, on the banks of the river Ganges, Nadesar Palace has hosted royalty, statesmen and celebrities since 1835. The name Nadesar is derived from the Goddess Nadesari, whose shrine is located in the front of the Palace. Set amidst verdant gardens, mango orchards, marigold and jasmine fields, Nadesar Palace is a haven of peace and tranquillity. Works of art from the Maharaja’s collection decorate the walls of the Palace’s 10 luxurious suites. Embellished with original pieces of furniture refurbished to recreate the atmosphere of a bygone era, the décor of the rooms is intended to evoke the colours of marigolds, jasmines, and pale pink lotuses that are offered to the holy Ganges. Dining at the Nadesar Palace is an indulgent experience starting with breakfast on the sun-kissed veranda; a spiritually inspired plated meal at lunch in the dining room, and a barbeque dinner by the poolside.
Early in the morning I was taken to the Ganges for a boat ride at sunrise when you can witness people performing their morning rituals along the ghats. The boat ride was followed by a walking tour of the old city. If you aren’t tired it’s worth visiting Sarnath which is supposed to be the place where Buddha gave his first sermon. In the evening I visited the Dasaswamedh Ghat to experience a religious ceremony. It’s simple and an experience not to be missed.

Luxury Holidays to North India with IndianExplorations.com

The palace has a beautiful spa that brings guests the essence of traditional royal wellness and therapeutic experiences. Blending ancient Indian wisdom with contemporary therapies, the Jiva Spa offers Indian rejuvenation therapies ranging from aromatherapy massages, time-honoured treatments, body scrubs and wraps.
My memorable journey through some of the most interesting cities and a fantastic luxury holiday to North India had come to an end. It was time to head back to the capital New Delhi.

Tiger Safaris in India -

A fantastic initiative to save the tiger was launched yesterday by Aircel, a company renowned for its mobile service in India. It partnered with a respected and reliable news channel called NDTV to provide a platform to tiger conservationists for issues to be raised, engaging key stakeholders in discussions and providing concerned citizens an opportunity to voice their opinions and contribute to the cause.

Tiger Safaris in India with IndianExplorations.com

The king of Bollywood Mr. Amitabh Bachchan joined the initiative as the campaign ambassador and showed his support for the cause by spending an entire day in the pristine forest of Pench. The setting was the beautiful Bagh Van lodge that is on the top of everyone’s list when it comes to tiger safaris in India. NDTV-Aircel ‘Save Our Tigers’ initiative set the agenda for the campaign through a LIVE TELETHON to engage all the key stakeholders and tiger experts to voice their opinion on what needs to be done to protect the tigers. The highlight of the campaign was live, non-stop programming for a day dedicated to tigers, with the aim of creating public outcry and helping to raise funds to protect our tigers from extinction.  Over a million people pledged their support to this cause including famous personalities from the corporate and political world.  Several famous artists played music including Shankar Mahadevan who did a live performance at Pench to help raise funds for such a worthy cause.

In Delhi and across the whole nation children from different schools participated and staged shows to raise funds and to generate awareness to save the tiger. It was a great platform for some like Bittu Saihgal who bring with them huge of amount of experience in wildlife to connect to the masses and tell them why we should strive to save this wonderful animal.  It was really an interesting day in the history on Indian wildlife as you could see the entire nation coming together for such a worthy cause.  Many felt that this could actually bring India together as the cause had nothing to do with religion, caste or creed.

In a single day the Save the Tiger campaign was able to raise £600,000 which in real terms meant 35 rapid response teams who will be equipped to protect our tigers and respond to any emergency in and around our tiger parks. For this they have partnered with Wildlife Conservation Trust (WCT), an NGO which endeavours to strengthen the protection of forest ecosystems and mitigate climate change by working towards Forest Protection, Training and capacity building of forest personnel, Motivation of forest personnel, Health and education of communities living along forest periphery and strengthening NGOs and individuals working in the field of wildlife conservation.

For a tiger safari in Pench, staying at Bagh Van Lodge or any of the other lodges in Kanha, Corbett, Satpura or Bandhavgarh, contact IndianExplorations.com, the wildlife specialists!