The Indian Big Five

Be greeted by the cacophony of Kolkata, signalling the start of your adventure in India. Although initially overwhelming, find your way with a thoughtfully guided tour of West Bengal’s capital. Beat the heat with an early start at the River Hooghly, witnessing Kolkata residents perform their morning rituals, alongside the colourful riverside flower market. Learn about the history of the river in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries through the bankside architecture: Armenian and Portuguese churches, Jewish synagogues and colonial British-Raj era buildings such as the Writers’ Building – the former headquarters of the infamous East India Company, built in 1777.

Have lunch with Mr Bomti Surojit, an art collector and socialite, at his heritage home and sample home-cooked Bengali cuisine and admire his Bengali art collection before boarding a private river boat to gain a new perspective on the stepped ‘ghats’ of the river and passing under as the city’s two huge and famous bridges, Howrah and Vidyasagar.

From your natural retreat head straight back into Indian life in the colourful city of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, accessed by plane from Guwahati. A must on any itinerary of India, the Pink City of Jaipur is so called because of its terracotta plaster buildings, tinged with pink as seen on the observatory Jantar Mantar, where the world’s biggest sun dial can be found and the ornate Maharaja’s City Palace, built between 1729 – 1732 under the rule of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, home to the former ruling royal family. Explore all this and more with a guided tour of Jaipur which weaves through the vibrant city, characterised by bustling bazaars, beeping tuk-tuks, wandering cows and flashes of colourful saris.

Visit the Amber Fort, set up on the ancient Aravalli Hills mountain range. Made from marble and pink and yellow sandstone, the fort’s majestic ramparts part to reveal huge gates where elephants to this day carry guests to the palace. Marvel at silver temple doors of Siladevi Temple and the intricately decorated interiors of the Majarahia’s living quarters.

From Agra you will transfer to Delhi airport and onto Rajkot in Gujarat, the gateway to Sasan Gir National Park located in the far north-eastern peninsula of India. Experience a whole new part of India with pervading and deep-rooted Gujarati culture and cuisine. First though, be at one with nature and its fascinating wildlife; take a safari in Sasan Gir National Park where there are 700 recorded Asiatic lions and over 1,000 recorded leopards so keep your eyes peeled as you traverse the spectacular teak forest by jeep. A jungle walk is also recommended with a guide at dusk, allowing you to tap into the sights and sounds of nature on a more granular level spotting chital deer, blue bulls and paradise flycatchers. Stop regularly for replenishment – either drinks and snacks, hot tea or a picnic.

On another day, visit the Maldhari neighbours and gain an intimate understanding of the local culture of these semi-nomadic herders who live amongst the lion.

As your time in India comes to a close, prepare to fly back to Mumbai and onward home, with an deeper understanding of India’s natural and cultural jewels.