Plantation properties in India are among the prettiest hotels in the country, surrounded by gorgeous greenery, and feel like stepping back in time.
Imagine sipping your morning cuppa (or perhaps a G&T in the evening) with a view of spectacular Himalayan scenery, high in the hill station of Darjeeling.
Or experience grand hospitality and faded grandeur in Shimla, or explore the many tea and coffee plantations of South India.
We reckon that staying in a plantation bungalow is a fascinating experience and a throwback to a different time, whether you go for a working tea planter’s bungalow or a former landowner’s home.
You could plan your whole holiday around hotels like this – they’re that good. Or just choose one or two. Either way, we’ll do all the work and create something completely bespoke to you.
Want to talk it through? Chat to one of our India specialists to start shaping your Indian holiday.
Darjeeling, India
Glenburn Tea Estate
Set on a hillside overlooking the River Rungeet and with jaw-dropping views of Kanchenjunga, Glenburn Tea Estate is an atmospheric and intimate retreat in the Darjeeling hills. Owned and run by a passionate family, it combines colonial charm with thoughtful service and curated experiences that showcase the surrounding natural beauty.
Highlights
Highlights
Tea estate setting,
Kanchenjunga views,
Outdoor activities
Best for
Couples,
Families,
Nature Enthusiasts
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Tamil Nadu, India
Rajakkad Estate
High in the foothills of Tamil Nadu’s Western Ghats, Rajakkad Estate offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by coffee, pepper, and cardamom plantations. With just seven rooms in an 18th-century wooden house, it’s the kind of place that feels lost in time—a sanctuary for birdwatchers, walkers and those craving real quiet.
Highlights
Highlights
Peaceful rural setting,
Bird-watching haven,
18th-century heritage
Best for
Couples,
Solos
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India, Kerela
Windermere River House
An intimate, relaxing property set among tranquil gardens along the River Periyar.
Highlights
Highlights
Gorgeous setting
Best for
Couples,
Solo Travellers
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Our Unique Holidays in India
Relaxing, immersive, life-affirming adventures that show you the best of the destination. Packed with experiences that connect you to the country and are kind to its people and environment. Your holiday can be as adventurous or as luxurious as you choose, as every trip will be turned into your own bespoke package.
Here are some ideas to spark your curiosity…
India
Temples Jungles Trains in India
Traverse India taking in the incredible history and temples of Odisha, the jungles and national parks Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh before flying home from the thriving metropolis of Mumbai. On this journey, you’ll take an overnight train, get an insight into remote tribal life and how human and animal populations live together. Get well away from the tourist trail, whilst not spending too much time travelling and more time focusing on just four locations in order to really get under the skin of each destination…and relax whilst doing so!
Highlights
Overnight Train Experience
Board an overnight train and journey through a remote part of East and Central India
Kanha National Park
Get up close and personal to the wildlife in Kanha National Park on foot or by jeep with a naturalist guide
Tribal Villages and Jungles
Explore the tribal villages and jungles of beautiful and remote Chhattisgarh by foot or bike
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India
The Plains of Bengal
An intriguing holiday that will appeal to India second-timers who want to explore a fascinating and off-the-beaten-track region. Spend time on The Ganges, explore multicultural Kolkata, take in some incredible monuments, and discover the rich history of the area. You’ll explore the sights with knowledgeable guides and, while staying in heritage hotels, you’ll likely encounter fascinating owners who have a passion for the life and history of Bengal.
Highlights
Unique Stay
Stay in fabulous characterful properties such as a recently refurbished palace that evokes a bygone era
Historic Monuments
Explore a wide array of well-maintained monuments dating back hundreds of years
Enjoy Local Flavours
Experience an array of flavours with delicious local cuisine and afternoon tea on the Ganges
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India
Rivers, Rhinos and Culture
Experience the sights and sounds of West Bengal and Assam on this in-depth itinerary. This varied trip takes you through lesser-visited but bustling cities, rural villages, and thriving natural parks to create a holiday packed with unusual and exhilarating experiences.
Highlights
Kolkata
Explore the colourful city of Kolkata with visits to the botanical gardens and the home of a renowned art dealer
River Ganges Cruise
Discover the vibrant culture and rich history of life on the River Ganges with a 7-day cruise
Kaziranga National Park
Spot wildlife on a private safari in the Kaziranga National Park, including rhinos, tigers, and hundreds of bird species
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India
Footsteps of The Raj
This unique itinerary takes in the North of India including Delhi and the former summer capital of the British Raj, Shimla. In the countries east, you’ll explore multi-cultural Lucknow and Kolkatta, the former capital of British India.
Countryside adventures will take you to the Himalayas in the North and rural West Bengal in the east, giving you a flavour of the diversity of landscape found in India combined with a taste of its urban diversity as influenced by the British Empire.
Highlights
Kolkata
Explore Kolkata, the former capital of British India, on an insightful walking tour through its historic streets
Himalayas
Journey aboard the narrow-gauge “toy train”, winding through forested hills and charming hillside villages
Shali Tibba
Trek to the summit of Shali Tibba in the Himalayas, surrounded by sweeping mountain views
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India
In-depth Tamil Nadu
On this two-week privately guided holiday you’ll experience the southern state of Tamil Nadu only with its deep-rooted religious beliefs, incredible temple sites, remote plantations and the coastal regions of Pondicherry and Mahabalipuram.
You’ll move every couple of nights and travel by train, plane and your private car; we designed this trip for more active travellers who likes to keep the holiday varied, but balanced. Three days towards the end will give you some downtime on the beach.
Highlights
Chettinad
Hunting for antiques with your guide in Chettinad, where you feel like you’ve stepped back in time
Sri Meenakshi temple
Watching the evening puja ceremony with pilgrims at Sri Meenakshi temple
Pondicherry
Walking around the white town area of Pondicherry with your local guide
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India
Kerala Encompassed
Gain a great insight into the variety Kerala has to offer as you travel south to north over three weeks. You’ll have the opportunity to stay in different types and styles of accommodation, ranging from tea bungalows to a plantation mansion, houseboat, treehouse and tents, to name a few.
Spend your days among tea and spice plantations, relaxing in rural settings, spotting wildlife, cruising along the Alleppey backwaters, visiting local markets and getting to know the towns that make Kerala tick. Relax on a remote beach to round off your holiday through ‘God’s Own Country’.
Highlights
Cruise the backwaters
Explore the canals on a houseboat for two nights, watching local life pass by
Birdwatching
Wake up on the banks of the Periyar River, where you’ll have the chance to spot over 120 species of birds
Safaris
Track elephants and tigers in Nagarhole National Park
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India
Highlights of East India
Little visited and often overlooked, East India is an incredible place: from the spellbinding contrasts of Kolkata to the sleepy waterways of the Sundarbans, the Buddhist culture of Sikkim and the mighty Himalayas.
This journey will enable you to explore Kolkata in depth, before heading south for a lovely tranquil experience in the Sundarbans National Park. While you’re unlikely to spot one of the park’s many tigers, there is a plethora of wildlife here, and it’s a lovely place to spend a few days.
Then it’s back up to Kolkata for an overnight train deep in the Himalayas. East India is an incredible region: the heart of Buddhist culture in India, a land of monasteries, sleepy hill towns, friendly people and breathtaking views.
Highlights
Kolkata
Explore Kolkata, the former capital of British India and a riot of colour, a hub of Bengali culture and an incredibly vibrant place.
Incredible culture
Discover timeless Buddhist monasteries and a highly distinct Sikkim culture.
Khangchendzonga Mountain
Being inspired by the view of the mighty Khangchendzonga Mountain, the third-highest in the world, soaring above the horizon
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India
East to West: Highlights of the Gangetic Plain
This holiday is for travellers with an adventurous spirit who like to get away from the tourist trail; people who have a desire to explore eclectic, busy and ever-evolving Indian cities, but who also want to contrast immersive city life with some unique, rural experiences.
Take time to delve into Kolkata and Varanasi with our signature experiences in each. You’ll journey by car, train and minimal internal flights so that you can experience the beautiful rural life and landscape of the Gangetic Plain as you move around. You’ll spend four days exploring northern Madhya Pradesh and three days in a remote valley of Uttar Pradesh; allowing completely different rural and wildlife experiences in each.
Highlights
Lunch with an art collector
Taking lunch with an art collector in his home in Kolkata
Sunrise at the River Ganges
Watching the sunrise from your private boat on the River Ganges
Chambal Valley
Experiencing life in remote hamlets of the Chambal Valley
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India
Birds of South India
Discover lesser-visited but beautiful areas of Southern India during this two week holiday. There is a particular focus on the region’s abundant birdlife, exceptional for casual and serious aficionados. Visit several sanctuaries and travel through the lush western ghats, known as a treasure house of endemic species, as well as the strictly protected wildlife of Bandipur National Park.
Highlights
Rangananthittu Bird Sanctuary
End your journey with a visit to the Rangananthittu Bird Sanctuary, home to some 170 exquisite bird species
Valparai
Explore Valparai’s remote landscapes through forest treks in an area full of wildlife, including some of the most endangered varieties of hornbills
Bandipur National Park
Spot elusive big game on sunrise and sunset safaris in Bandipur National Park
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