NORTH INDIA - Mumbai Ganesh Lane layer
NORTH INDIA - Jodhpur Rajasthan India

Explore the cool blue streets of Old Jodhpur.

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South India Andaman Islands Havelock
NORTH INDIA - Mumbai Bombay India
NORTH INDIA - Taj Lake Palace Udaipur
NORTH INDIA - Jodhpur 19
NORTH INDIA - Victoria Station Mumbai India
NORTH INDIA - Jodhpur (1)

The buzzing streets of Old Jodhpur are alive with activity, with busy people going about their daily chores and street vendors selling thier merchandise.

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NORTH INDIA - Holi festival

Join in the with fun of Holi. The festival normally takes place at the end of March each year and is celebrated with colour and excitement all over India.

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NORTH INDIA - The Imperial, Delhi, North India - Jaguar at the main porch

Discover India on one of our
Bespoke Luxury Tours

“This is India; the land of dreams and romance, of fabulous wealth and fabulous poverty, of splendour and rags, of tigers and elephants, the cobra and the jungle, the country of a thousand nations and a hundred tongues, of a thousand religions and two million gods, cradle of the human race, birthplace of human speech, mother of history, grandmother of legend, great-grandmother of tradition — the one land that all men desire to see, and having seen once, by even a glimpse, would not give that glimpse for the shows of all the rest of the globe combined.” Mark Twain

In one word, India is ‘diversity’; glamorous and beguiling, splendid and romantic, energetic and colourful, the entire country is awash with colourful travel experiences for both the daring and the cautious traveller, for those who prefer to be escorted and the luxury traveller. India lays claim to the soaring snow-capped Himalaya mountains, the sleepy rhythmic Kerala backwaters, the cultural Golden Triangle and everything in between, not to mention the splendid Mughal architecture of the infamous Taj Mahal, Humayun’s Tomb and Agra Fort, and some of the world’s most outstanding luxury hotels – from historic havelis to royal forts and palaces of the maharajas, such as Umaid Bhawan Palace. Luxury holidays to India uncover remarkable history and culture, scenic views, sumptuous food, spectacular scenery, effervescent metropolises, inherent kindness, unsurpassed luxury and infectious happiness that is prevalent throughout the country.

Luxury holidays to India offer experiences for every kind of traveller. Rajasthan is the ideal region for romantic honeymoons; discreet and fairy-tale palaces, luxury train tours, candlelit dinners under the stars of the Thar Desert and private boat trips on the serene Lake Pichola. Family tours in India turn the country into an adventure playground just waiting to be explored and discovered, particularly the temple scattered sites of Tamil Nadu, where our expert guides can bring the history and magic alive. India is also perfect for adventure holidays and has some of the best wildlife and birdlife viewing opportunities in Asia. Head to Central India, to the wildlife rich state of Madhya Pradesh, where leopard, sloth bear, sambar deer, langur, wild boar, wild dog, jungle cat and many more species abound, including hundreds of resident and migratory birds. One might even be lucky enough to see a majestic Bengal Tiger in its natural habitat in the rural Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan. That’s the beauty of luxury touring holidays in India, they can be tailor-made to one’s exact requirements.

The sheer size of the country means that the weather patterns are extremely varied, and we can advise the best region for whichever month you choose for your vacation to India. But generally speaking, the best time to visit India is between October and March for warm, dry and sunny weather. In December and January, and from June to September marks the largest contrast between the climates of North India and South India; in mid-winter icy winds from the snowfields of the Himalayas chill the north, whilst the Tamil plains and coastal Kerala, bask under the sultry sunshine. While visiting Kerala during the summer, monsoon season breaks on the coast before working its way northeast across the country, whilst Ladakh juxtaposes the rest of the country with the most fabulous sunshine weather. 

When planning the ultimate luxury trip to India, we often speak to clients who feel they can only do the country justice if they travel for a long period of time, but we couldn’t disagree more, and believe sometimes, even a week is enough time to visit India. Our travel advice for a luxury tailor-made holiday to India would be to cover less ground in detail on shorter India tours, and then return to explore different regions. The joy with travelling across India is that there are endless parts to discover; the vast size and dazzling regional array of languages, cuisines and religions means that one can almost experience a collection of countries when touring India. Travelling to India is straightforward, with varying flight times from London; the capital of India, Delhi is approximately 8-hours flight, the buzzy hub of Mumbai 9-hours, and Chennai in the south is a 10-hour flight.

To help you decide where to travel in India, click on one of the below icons to explore suggested itineraries, luxury hotels and locations of either North India or South India, and then speak to one of our destination specialists who will be happy help you plan your bespoke India getaway, complete with our best travel tips and expert travel guides…

Our Tours of India

North India Logo

A Gentle Introduction to India: A Short Trip for the Nervous Traveller

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9 days from £4,050 for 2025

The perfect first timer's tour, a gentle introduction for the nervous traveller to see if India is for them. This itinerary guides...

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The Golden Triangle & Rajasthan: The Best of the Best!

NORTH INDIA - The Imperial, Delhi, North India - Jaguar at the main porch

13 days from £8,870 for 2025

At Ampersand, luxury and culture are what we do best and this tour is the epitome of both. Make your...

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Rajasthan & The Golden Triangle: The Best of the Best in Reverse!

Taj Lake Palace Udaipur North India Homepage

13 days from £8,870 for 2025

With our 25 years of expertise, travel the Ampersand way in style on this itinerary of The Golden Triangle & Rajasthan...

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Essential India... Our Comprehensive Tour of North & South India

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15 days from £8,800 for 2025

This itinerary is one of our absolute favourites. It combines the fascinating historical and natural gems of the northern regions...

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South India Logo

Essential India... Our Comprehensive Tour of North & South India

2. Taj Lake Palace.jpg

15 days from £8,800 for 2025

This itinerary is one of our absolute favourites. It combines the fascinating historical and natural gems of the northern regions...

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The Palaces, Wildlife, Plantations & Beaches of Karnataka

Hampi, Karnataka, South India (3).jpg

14 days from £10,350 for 2025

The astounding ruins of the Vijayanagar Empire at Hampi, exquisite rock cut temples of Badami, Pattadkal and Halebeedu, and giant...

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Tamil Nadu & Kerala: From Coast to Coast

South India Chinese Fishingnets Fort Cochin

20 days from £8,870 for 2025

From Tamil Nadu to Kerala; a comprehensive tour from the Coromandel Coast to the Malabar Coast. Towering temples, mist shrouded hills...

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Toy Trains & Tamil Nadu

Tanjore Tamil Nadu South India 7

15 days from £7,500 for 2025

Exploring the sacred state of Tamil Nadu, this journey encapsulates the essence of the history, culture and spirituality of South...

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Some of our favourite hotels in India

The Oberoi New Delhi ,
Delhi

The Oberoi Delhi, Delhi, North India (7).jpg

After undergoing extensive renovations, The Oberoi New Delhi reopened its doors on January 1st, 2018, offering an unparalleled blend of...

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Ahilya Fort ,
Maheshwar

NORTH INDIA - Ahilya Fort

  Ahilya Fort is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Romantic Retreats  The incomparable Ahilya Fort is quite possibly one of the...

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SUJÁN The Serai ,
Jaisalmer

NORTH INDIA - The Serai Pool

  SUJÁN The Serai is one of Ampersand's Top Ten Hotels in Rajasthan. SUJÁN The Serai is a luxurious desert oasis nestled on...

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Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge ,
Kabini

Orange County Kabini Karnataka South India 2

  Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Safari Lodges in Asia. Located on the edge of the River Kabini, in...

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Elsewhere ,
Goa

Elsewhere Goa South India 8

  Elsewhere is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Beach Hotels On a totally private spit of land overlooking the ocean, separated...

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Taj Falaknuma Palace ,
Hyderabad

SOUTH INDIA Taj Falaknuma Palace Facade At Night

  Taj Falaknuma Palace is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Romantic Retreats  A hotel that completely takes your breath away, this...

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Some of our favourite places of interest in India

Agra

Agra, North India (15).JPG

Agra is home to the world's ultimate monument to love, the Taj Mahal. Dreamily positioned on the banks of the...

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Haridwar

Haridwar North India

Haridwar, which translates as “The Gates of God”, is an ancient holy city in the north Indian state of Uttarakhand....

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Bhopal

Sanchi Madhya Pradesh North India 2

Bhopal, capital of Madhya Pradesh, is located right in the heart of India. Known as the City of Lakes, some...

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Sultans Battery

Sultans Battery South India 1

This beautiful, peaceful area of coffee and cardamom plantations is a true slice of rural Kerala. It was once known...

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Vembanad Lake

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This enormous freshwater lake stretches from Cochin to Alleppey. Separated from the Arabian Sea by a narrow strip of land,...

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Gangaikondacholapuram

Gangaikondacholapuram South India

The 11th -century temple at Gangaikondacholapuram, forming part of UNESCO's World Heritage Site, is 100 metres long and 40 metres...

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From our Blog

Testimonials


Client Testimonials

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
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, 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
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
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
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
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
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
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
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
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand

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