Depart on your flight to India.
Most suited for
Couples, Families
Ideal time to visit
December - May
This itinerary captures the spirit of India off the beaten track: from the ancient temples and sacred stories of Odisha to the tribal villages and forests of Chhattisgarh and the wildlife-rich plains of Kanha National Park, before ending in the energy of Mumbai.
Travelling by train through India’s heartland, you’ll experience its history, nature and vibrant culture in equal measure. With heritage hotels, jungle lodges and local insight at every step, this journey reveals an India that few travellers get to see.
Temples Jungles Trains in India
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
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Day 1
Your adventure begins
Days 2 - 4
Bhubaneswar - The Cathedral City
Arrive into the historic capital of Odisha, Bhubaneswar, where you’ll be met by your local guide who will then transfer you to your hotel for a three-night stay.
Spend two full days uncovering the best of the city, beginning with a guided walk around its many glorious temples, settlements and structures. Then head out to the hills where you’ll find an array of rock shelters covered in ornate carvings and wonderful views over Bhubaneswar. Day four will see you visiting Konark on a day trip, famous for its beautiful Sun Temple complete with exquisite stone sculptures of life-size lions, elephants and warriors.
Days 5 - 9
Bhoramdeo - Trains and Rural Life
Step aboard the Puri Durg Express for your overnight journey to Raipur, the gateway to Chhattisgarh. Train journeys are such an integral part of the Indian way of life that a holiday in India is incomplete without one! On arrival, you’ll be transferred into remote Chattisgarh to the Bhoramdeo Jungle Retreat where you will be for a four-night stay.
You’ll have three full days to relax amidst the beautiful scenery and get acquainted with rural life. Visit tribal villages inhabited by vadavs (cattle herders) and the Baiga and Gond people. Many aspects of life haven’t changed here for hundreds of years. Take a long or short guided trek into the forested hills where the bird and butterfly diversity is amazing and mammal sightings are quite common. Nearby, you can also discover the eleventh-century temple complex of Bhoramdeo with its incredible carvings.
Days 10 - 13
Kanha National Park
Venture into Kanha, one of India’s larger national parks. It has beautiful scenery, a healthy tiger population and a combination of forest and open grasslands. You’ll be staying here at the Flame of the Forest cottages for four nights, allowing ample time to take game drives with a naturalist to spot tigers, swamp deer and possibly even leopards and sloth bears. Between safaris, take a guided walk up to the remote plateau for panoramic views over the park, head out on a cycling tour or visit the nearby Kutwahi village for an insight into rural life.
Days 14 - 15
Mumbai
After a morning safari, you will be transferred to Jabalpur airport for your flight to Mumbai where you will stay for the last two nights of your holiday. See what really makes India’s largest city tick in the company of your local guide as you use local transport to explore the impressive architectural wonders and bustling districts. You’ll also get an insight into the unique Dabbawala lunchbox delivery system exclusive to Mumbai!
Day 16
Fly Home
Your driver will transfer you to Mumbai airport for your flight home.
Wonderful introduction to India
A relaxed yet comprehensive introduction to India's many different shades, customs, history, beliefs, cuisine and societal strata. A well-thought out tour... all backed up by fabulous hotels and full supportive team. ETG... have a strong environmental ethic and encourage their clients to respect the places they visit, and the world we all live in. But above all, they come up with innovative ideas and... can be relied upon.
David
24 October 2024Excellent
850 Reviews
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What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own!)
Expert guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transfers
Tips
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
Pricing:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Bespoke Holidays £4,500 - £8,500pp
Bespoke Luxury Holidays £8,500 - £14,500pp
Bespoke Family Holidays from £4,000 - £7,500pp
Meet Our India Experts
With over a decade of experience, Sara knows how to blend India’s vibrant energy with luxurious, personalised touches. Her itineraries balance historic cities, serene countryside retreats, and cultural experiences that stay with you forever.
Sara
Regional Expert
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of the destination. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
Experiences in India
Crafting bespoke packages is the heart of what we do. Each holiday is specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, and truly exceptional experiences.
Important FAQs about India
India is a place of contrasts and deep cultural richness, and travelling here with ETG ensures you experience it in a way that is authentic, seamless, and meaningful.
We craft holidays that go far beyond the typical tourist trail: think hand-picked boutique hotels, private guides with expert local knowledge, and immersive experiences that give you genuine insight into India’s diverse traditions and landscapes. From the calm of rural Rajasthan to the chaotic charm of Delhi, our holidays are designed to be both inspiring and stress-free, with 24/7 in-country support so you can focus on the magic of the moment.
India is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on the region and your interests. For most of northern India, the cooler, drier months from October to March are ideal for exploring cultural sites, cities, and wildlife reserves. The southern states, such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu, are also wonderful during these months, while the Himalayan regions are best visited in the warmer months from April to June. If you’re looking for fewer crowds, travelling in the shoulder seasons—September or April—can offer a great balance of pleasant weather and quieter
Every ETG holiday to India is designed to feel seamless, immersive and stress free. We’ll arrange international flights (if you’d like us to), your drivers and guides, and stays in characterful hotels we know and trust.
You’ll experience India in a way that’s completely bespoke to you – from quiet moments to big adventures – all planned by our India specialists. And while you’re away, our local team is on hand 24/7, so you’ll always feel well looked after.
