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The Essential India

The more you discover India. The more you discover yourself.

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  • Destinations
    • South Asia
      • Sri Lanka
      • The Maldives
      • India
      • Bhutan
    • South East Asia
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
      • Cambodia
      • Laos
      • Myanmar
      • Indonesia
      • Borneo
    • Middle East
      • Oman
  • About us
    • Why choose ETG?
    • Our Story
    • Meet the Team
    • Reviews
    • In the Press
    • Travel Blog
    • Our brochure
    • Newsletter Signup
  • How it works
    • Get in touch
    • Booking with confidence
    • How much does it cost?
    • Financial protection
    • What happens if something goes wrong on my holiday?
    • Working with in-country partners
    • My Booking
    • Come and see us
  • Immersive Holidays
    • Immersive Family Holidays
    • Immersive Honeymoons
    • Ideas & Inspiration
    • Holidays by Month
    • Family Holidays by Month
    • Download Free Country Guides
  • Sustainability
    • Travel Better
    • Our Counter-Carbon Pledge
    • One bottle at a time
    • Building a Sustainable Future
    • Giving Back
The Essential India
  • Holidays in India
    • By Area
      • Rajasthan & the Golden Triangle
      • Southern India Holidays
      • North & Central India
      • Himalaya's & the East
    • By Theme
      • Essential Holidays
      • Luxury Holidays
      • Wildlife Holidays
      • Off The Beaten Track
      • Immersive Holidays
      • Holidays with Beach
      • Family Holidays in India
  • Guide to India
    • India Guide
    • Weather & When to go
    • Hotel inspiration
    • Experiences inspiration
    • India Travel Blog
    • FAQ
  • Places in India
    • Golden Triangle
        Overview
      • Delhi
      • Agra
      • Jaipur
      • Ranthambore National Park
    • Rajasthan
        Overview
      • Jaisalmer
      • Jodhpur
      • Udaipur
      • Rural Rajasthan
    • Golden Temple & Shimla
        Overview
      • Amritsar
      • Shimla
    • Uttarakhand
        Overview
      • Rishikesh, Rajaji & Haridwar
      • Corbett National Park
    • Kolkata, Sikkim & North East
        Overview
      • Kolkata
      • Darjeeling
      • Gangtok
      • Kalimpong
      • Pelling
      • Off-The-Beaten-Track Sikkim
      • Sundarbans National Park
    • Goa
        Overview
      • Goa Beaches
      • Inland Goa
    • Kerala & The South
        Overview
      • Cochin
      • The Backwaters
      • Beaches of Kerala
      • Plantations
      • Wildlife & Birding
      • Thalassery
    • Varanasi, Lucknow & Madhya Pradesh
        Overview
      • Varanasi
      • Lucknow
      • Orchha
      • Maheshwar
      • Bhopal
      • Gwalior
      • Khajuraho
      • Panna National Park
      • Bandhavgarh National Park
      • Tadoba National Park
      • Satpura National Park
      • Pench National Park
      • Kanha National Park
    • Mumbai
    • Andaman Islands
    • Karnataka
        Overview
      • Bangalore
      • Coorg
      • Nagarhole National Park
      • Mysore
      • Bandipur National Park
      • Hampi
    • Hyderabad
    • Tamil Nadu
        Overview
      • Chennai
      • Mahabalipuram
      • Pondicherry
      • The Hill Regions
      • The Plains
      • Madurai

The world in one country. A wonder to behold. Exhilarating, energising, rich, vivid, beautiful, humbling, optimistic, unforgettable India. With an ETG immersive holiday that gives back, you’ll experience the real people, the real places and the real luxury of India. And whether tracing the Golden Triangle, “glamping” the Rajasthan desert or recharging your batteries at an opulent coastal hideaway, every part of every holiday we design is designed to leave you and your destination better for the experience.

Experience Travel Group
Essential <span class="indend">INDIA</span> Essential <span class="indend">INDIA</span>

Essential INDIA

For us, the essential India doesn’t always mean the most ostentatious or expensive. 

The essential India is authentic, charming, characterful accommodation. It’s positive, engaging, life-affirming experiences. It’s smooth, stress-free logistics and planning too. 

Of course quality and comfort count, but we’re ALL about a genuine experience here. And when you choose a holiday to India with ETG that’s exactly what you get. So whatever your essential India, because we’ve spent years discovering the best of the best, we’re perfectly placed to make perfect recommendations. 

Transport too – from saloons to 4WD jeeps, trains and chauffeurs, our black book is sure to deliver. It’s what we do.

It’s how we put together inspirational itineraries to help you start planning your India adventure. Hand-made holidays, built from the ground up and shaped in whatever style you choose.

Popular Types of Holidays in India

Immersive, threaded with luxury and kind to the people and places along the way, every ETG holiday is specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, unexpected discoveries. We’ve put together some sample itineraries to give you a flavour of what to expect and inspire your planning. A handy starting point, we’ve hundreds more bright ideas to share, so just get in touch and let’s create your Indian holiday of a lifetime.

Wildlife Holidays India

Wildlife Holidays India

A wildlife lover’s paradise, India has more than a hundred incredible national parks. So whether your dream is to track the big beasts, the tigers, leopards or elephants, enjoy the amazing birdlife or you simply want to feed your soul astonishing Indian landscapes, we’ll find an adventure to suit. Take a look at our safari guides. Packed with epic wildlife adventure ideas, you’ll be sure to find a safari to suit.

Southern India Holidays

Southern India Holidays

India isn't all hustle, bustle and brouhaha. If you’re a first-timer to India or just feel like a relaxing break, then think about heading south. States like Kerala defy the loud and hectic stereotype with glorious landscapes and a gentle pace of life. You’ll also discover mouthwatering local cuisine, miles of gorgeous sandy beach and a rich, intriguing and ancient history. Sloooow… India…

Family holidays India

Family holidays India

A family holiday destination more rewarding and enriching than India? We don’t think so. So enchanting, so educational, so enlivening, if we had our way, every family would visit India. Every ETG family holiday to India is handcrafted to remove all the hassle, all the doubt, and leave you with a safe, utterly unforgettable experience you and your family will cherish forever. Amazing memories - they’re what families are made of.

Travel Guide to India

Curious traveller's guide to India

Want to know more? With so much to see and do, planning a holiday to India can feel overwhelming - so our Curious Traveller’s Guide to India makes it that much easier. This is our experts’ edit of experiences and hotels, plus a detailed breakdown of popular regions and advice for first-time visitors.

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DISCOVER THE ESSENCE OF INDIA

India brims, brahmans and buzzes with once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Immense in every sense. But in a country of almost limitless choice, making the right choice can be difficult. 

Are you an ‘iconic site’ type of traveller - the unmissable Taj Mahal, Amber Palace, Pink City of Jaipur, Blue City of Jodhpur top of the list?

Maybe you’re more drawn to the wildlife, and want to safari with India’s big beasts - wild elephants, rhinos and tigers.

More adventurous still? Then how about rafting on the Ganges or hiking in the Himalayas? 

Or is it time to just slow, things, down - to relax and reflect? How about a beachside yoga ashram or Delhi's calming Lodhi Gardens?

A little of everything perhaps. Take a look at our many unique Indian experiences. We’re updating them all the time so be sure to get in touch for all the latest opportunities.

c_slug /india
East to West: Highlights of the Gangetic Plain

East to West: Highlights of the Gangetic Plain

An immersive 2-week urban and rural adventure across the Indo-Gangetic Plain. Step away from the tourist trail and into authentic India.

Family Adventure in Rajasthan

Family Adventure in Rajasthan

An unforgettable Rajasthan adventure for the whole family. Discover epic ancient palaces, formidable forts and the timeless beauty of rural India.

In depth Tamil Nadu

In depth Tamil Nadu

Take an immersive journey through Tamil Nadu - the famous sites and the not-so-famous, undiscovered parts of rural Dindigul and Chettinad.

Less is More in Madhya Pradesh

Less is More in Madhya Pradesh

At the heart of India - discover beautiful Satpura National Park, the rich history of Bhopal and magical Maheshwar on the banks of the sacred Narmada River.

Undiscovered Northern Kerala

Undiscovered Northern Kerala

Northern Kerala: the best of the south but better. More peaceful, more beautiful, idyllic yet undiscovered.

Wildlife and Adventure in Kipling's India

Wildlife and Adventure in Kipling's India

An extraordinary journey into Rudyard Kipling's India. Where wildlife, kayaking, trekking, camping and luxury all add up to an epic adventure.

Experience Travel Group
HANDPICKED HOTELS IN INDIA HANDPICKED HOTELS IN INDIA

HANDPICKED HOTELS IN INDIA

A highlight among highlights in India is our accommodation. 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 in India is tried and tested - handpicked accommodation that always, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of India. From heritage homestays like Dera Mandawa to the opulence of Taj Falaknuma Palace to luxurious beach retreats such as Coco Shambhala Sindhudurg to boutique plantations like Glenburn Tea Estate.

Ahilya Fort

Ahilya Fort, Maheshwar

A commanding 18th-century fort on the sacred River Narmada, Ahilya. Spectacular views, comfortable rooms, and a remote, relaxed feel.

Coco Shambhala

Coco Shambhala, Goa

A collection of 4 spacious villas. Luxurious accommodation and personalised service away from crowds in Goa.

Glenburn Tea Estate

Glenburn Tea Estate, Darjeeling

Elegant, and welcoming, the old converted Glenburn Tea Estate is the perfect location for a restful retreat.

Reni Pani Jungle Lodge

Reni Pani Jungle Lodge, Satpura National Park

An authentic wilderness experience on the edge of the splendid Satpura National Park. A perfect blend of wildlife and luxury.

The Imperial

The Imperial, Delhi

Located on bustling Connaught Place, the Imperial is the most coveted heritage Colonial hotel in town. Expect formality, vibrancy, and finesse.

The Sarai at Toria

The Sarai at Toria, Khajuraho

Hosted by conservationists, for conservationists, Sarai at Toria is earthy and eco-friendly. Thatched roof luxury cottages nestled in unspoilt countryside.

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IMPORTANT TRAVEL INFORMATION

Years of organising holidays to India has taught us exactly what it takes to make planning your trip to India fun, fulfilling and stress-free. From high-quality travel insurance to visa information, to advice on staying safe and healthy we’ve all the information you need. And because we’re fully bonded under the ABTA and ATOL scheme, you can also rest assured that your money is 100% safe. With a team on the ground for local updates and a close eye on advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, we’re always up to date with all the important travel information. 

Travel in the time of Covid-19? Talk to us too about how we can help you book with confidence.

 

Why Experience Travel Group?

At ETG we’re all about quality, not quantity India. Our immersive holidays that give back are specially designed to focus on quality moments - a chance early morning encounter in the fish market, a HOWZAT! in the street, a meeting of minds with a curious stranger at a food stall. There’s so much more to India than just tick-off-the-list attractions.

“See it all” India simply doesn’t exist in a single trip, if it exists at all, despite what some tour operators would tell you. It’s too big, too beautiful and the opportunities too bountiful to rush. 

So think quality, not quantity India - a holiday that offers genuine connection, insight and real experience of this wonderful country and its wonderful people. Hand-made holidays of a lifetime, built from the ground up and shaped in whatever way you choose.

You can see how our trip-planning process works here.

Travelling to India for the first time? Take a look at our FAQ’s section for more info.

Or visit our why you should choose Experience Travel Group page for even more ways we can help you enjoy an unforgettable holiday in India.

Why Holiday with Experience Travel Group?

Immersive
Experiences

Immersive experiences

Immersive ETG holiday experiences let you genuinely connect to the people and places you visit. You’ll learn as much about yourself as you do about them.

A secret
element

A secret element

Sometimes you can know too much. Our holidays are specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, unexpected discoveries.

Travel
done right

Travel done right

Our B Corporation certification, commitment to sustainability and 'give back' philosophy mean you can always be sure that every step you take is light. Ethical, mindful, guilt-free travel - travel done right

A thread of
luxury

A Thread of Luxury

A thread of luxury that ties everything together. From beautiful boutique hotels to top-quality transport, to exceptional levels of service - whatever luxury looks like to you… it’s yours

~
Your next adventure
starts with a conversation
~

Every ETG journey is unique. Tell us your loves, your hates, your holiday ambitions, your hopes and fears, and we’ll share a suitcase so full of inspired holiday ideas you’ll need to sit on it to shut it tight.

Not sure what you’re looking for? Let us inspire you...

Get in Touch

Call us 020 7924 7133



Experience Travel Group

ETG - immersive holidays that give back, since 2004.
Don’t just see Asia - feel Asia.

How it works
  • Get in touch
  • Booking with confidence
  • How much does it cost?
  • Financial protection
  • What happens if something goes wrong on my holiday?
  • Working with in-country partners
  • My Booking
  • Come and see us
About Us
  • Why choose ETG?
  • Our Story
  • Meet the Team
  • Reviews
  • Our Promise
  • In the Press
  • Our Offices
  • Jobs
Information
  • Immersive Escapes
  • The Revitalise Collection
  • Our Rating System
  • Exclusive Signature Experiences
  • Your Protection
  • Travel Insurance
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Package Travel Regulations
  • Foreign and Commonwealth (FCO) Travel Advice
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Experience Travel Group

020 7924 7133 Get in touch

Call
  • Destinations
    • South Asia
      • Sri Lanka
      • The Maldives
      • India
      • Bhutan
    • South East Asia
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
      • Cambodia
      • Laos
      • Myanmar
      • Indonesia
      • Borneo
    • Middle East
      • Oman
  • Holidays in India
    • By Area
      • Rajasthan & the Golden Triangle
      • Southern India Holidays
      • North & Central India
      • Himalaya's & the East
    • By Theme
      • Essential Holidays
      • Luxury Holidays
      • Wildlife Holidays
      • Off The Beaten Track
      • Immersive Holidays
      • Holidays with Beach
      • Family Holidays in India
  • Guide to India
    • India Guide
    • Weather & When to go
    • Hotel inspiration
    • Experiences inspiration
    • India Travel Blog
  • Country Info
    • FAQ
  • Places in India
    • Golden Triangle
      • Delhi
      • Agra
      • Jaipur
      • Ranthambore National Park
    • Rajasthan
      • Jaisalmer
      • Jodhpur
      • Udaipur
      • Rural Rajasthan
    • Golden Temple & Shimla
      • Amritsar
      • Shimla
    • Uttarakhand
      • Rishikesh, Rajaji & Haridwar
      • Corbett National Park
    • Kolkata, Sikkim & North East
      • Kolkata
      • Darjeeling
      • Gangtok
      • Kalimpong
      • Pelling
      • Off-The-Beaten-Track Sikkim
      • Sundarbans National Park
    • Goa
      • Goa Beaches
      • Inland Goa
    • Kerala & The South
      • Cochin
      • The Backwaters
      • Beaches of Kerala
      • Plantations
      • Wildlife & Birding
      • Thalassery
    • Varanasi, Lucknow & Madhya Pradesh
      • Varanasi
      • Lucknow
      • Orchha
      • Maheshwar
      • Bhopal
      • Gwalior
      • Khajuraho
      • Panna National Park
      • Bandhavgarh National Park
      • Tadoba National Park
      • Satpura National Park
      • Pench National Park
      • Kanha National Park
    • Mumbai
    • Andaman Islands
    • Karnataka
      • Bangalore
      • Coorg
      • Nagarhole National Park
      • Mysore
      • Bandipur National Park
      • Hampi
    • Hyderabad
    • Tamil Nadu
      • Chennai
      • Mahabalipuram
      • Pondicherry
      • The Hill Regions
      • The Plains
      • Madurai
  • About us
    • Why choose ETG?
    • Our Story
    • Meet the Team
    • Reviews
    • In the Press
    • Our Offices
    • Our Brochure
    • Travel Blog
    • Newsletter Signup
  • How it works
    • Get in touch
    • Booking with confidence
    • How much does it cost?
    • Financial protection
    • What happens if something goes wrong on my holiday?
    • Working with in-country partners
    • My Booking
    • Come and see us
  • Immersive Holidays
    • Immersive Family Holidays
    • Immersive Honeymoons
    • Ideas & Inspiration
    • Holidays by month
    • Family Holidays by Month
    • Download Free Country Guides
  • Sustainability
    • Travel Better
    • Our Counter-Carbon Pledge
    • One bottle at a time
    • Building a Sustainable Future
    • Giving Back
  • Come and see us
  • My Booking
  • Brochure
  • Travel Blog