Ampersand's Travels...

Welcome to Ampersand's travel blog. This is where you'll find out all the latest goings on from our travels across Asia, the Far East, and Southern Africa.

Our motto is that luxury is in the experience: watching tigers padding through the Kanha jungle in the company of an expert guide; camping out under the Ladakh stars wrapped in cashmere blankets; exploring the art galleries and fine dining restaurants in Cape Town... these are the things we adore.

All over Asia and Southern Africa – from Bhutan to Bali, Cape Town to Victoria Falls – we know the most charming privately-owned hotels, the best secret beaches, the prettiest temples, and the most exclusive safari trails in the untouched wilderness. Our Little Black Book contains the best textile buffs, the keenest foodies, the wittiest maharajas, the most expert guides and the loveliest spots to drink champagne in the moonlight.

But what we love most of all is revealing these treasures to our clients. In our blog we hope to inspire and inform you by providing the latest travel news, hotel openings and luxury holiday ideas across Asia, the Far East, and Southern Africa.

12 Highlights of Tamil Nadu

12 Highlights of Tamil Nadu

Chloe and Ellie have just returned from a particularly exciting and whirlwind ten-day trip to Tamil Nadu. This magical south Indian state is full of surprises; towering temples, mist shrouded hills and palm fringed beaches are just a few of the incredible sights that they witnessed...

Great Thinkers of India

Great Thinkers of India

India is a culture of thought and philosophy. From art to space exploration, the subcontinent has influenced the millennia. Twelve Indians have won the Nobel Peace Prize, while the fields of science and mathematics have had many sons and daughters of Hindustan as celebrated leaders. Here are a handful of revolutionary thinkers whose lives and work helped change the world…

Where to Find the Best Brunch in London

Where to Find the Best Brunch in London

Breakfast, lunch and dinner have been pushed to one side – in case you hadn’t heard, brunch is the most important meal of the day. In recent years the brunch industry has been booming with people of all ages, genders and social groups scheduling a tasty combination of lunch and breakfast into their weekends...

Ampersand’s mini-guide to Laos

Ampersand’s mini-guide to Laos

"Despite all of the transformation, much about Vientiane remains the same: the monks sweeping their temple grounds at dusk, the joys of a Beer Lao on the riverfront at sunset, the baguette vendors

Best time to visit Japan?

Best time to visit Japan?

A highlight of the Japanese calendar is cherry blossom season which sweeps north from the southern part of Japan in late March. Come April the cherry blossom trees are reaching full bloom and despite

Mumbai Moments: Insider Culture

Mumbai Moments: Insider Culture

The city of Mumbai has many hidden gems for the culturally inquisitive traveller, and the ‘incredible cavalcade of life’ is a richly rewarding place to explore day or night. Artists, filmmakers, authors and adventurers have been drawn for centuries to Mumbai’s raffish charm contributing to a vibrant arts scene that grows more exciting by the year…

Kashmir - Paradise on Earth: An Insider’s Guide

Kashmir - Paradise on Earth: An Insider’s Guide

The northern state of Kashmir is the ideal off-the-beaten-track destination with stunning scenery. Srinagar boasts an old-fashioned charm, buzzing souks, and a slower pace of life. Further up the Vale of Kashmir, the scenic town of Gulmarg is reminiscent of an alpine resort with a romantic history. Read our insider’s guide to Kashmir here…

7 reasons why Sri Lanka is such a hot travel destination

7 reasons why Sri Lanka is such a hot travel destination

Sri Lanka is now truly a year round destination – The opening up of the east coast has created new beach destinations which are at their best from March to October, perfectly complementing the west

Ampersand's Top 10 Beach Destinations in Asia

Ampersand's Top 10 Beach Destinations in Asia

As a company, Ampersand specialises in cultural tours which mix luxury with authentic experiences… however, we are the first to acknowledge that there are times when all you want from your holiday is

Tipple & Feast: Darjeeling Express

Tipple & Feast: Darjeeling Express

London’s Indian food scene has added another string to its bow with the recent opening of Darjeeling Express, a restaurant which translates the famed Mughal cuisine into something fresh and innovative. Kolkata-born founder and chef, Asma Khan has laid down roots in Soho’s Kingly Court, and here we talk about her journey into the restaurant scene...


Client Testimonials

So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka

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