Set in the heart of Kipling’s India, Bandhavgarh is truly the best place for seeing one of the most endangered cats on the planet, the Royal Bengal Tiger. A beautiful combination of hills and meadows, dominated by the sheer massif of the Bandhavgarh plateau, the park provides one of the best, unspoilt environments for tigers in the world. Bandhavgarh has the highest density of tigers per square kilometre in the world and is well worth the journey into the rural heart of India. Initially created as a private hunting reserve for the Maharajas, it was one of the first parks incorporated into the Project Tiger programme. Take your time to explore the network of tracks that are a legacy of its former role and marvel at the diversity of wildlife and the natural beauty of the park. Although sightings can never be guaranteed, we expect you will enjoy considerable success by spending time in this park.

Situated a few minutes drive from Sawai Madhopur Ranthambhore is an extremely compact tiger reserve covering some 392km2 and is the former hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur. Its three lakes - Padam Talao, Raj Talao and Milak Talao - are ideal spots to see waders and marsh crocodiles. The lake shores are studded with small covered pavilions, ancient summer palaces and crumbling guard posts that bear silent witness to the park’s history.On occasion the new masters of the park, the Royal Bengal Tiger, can be seen walking among the ruins and standing in the pavilions keeping watch over the lakes. As well as the tigers, there is a wealth of birdlife in the reserve, and many species of mammals to observe.

Lying on the southern slopes of the Satpura ranges, Pench Tiger reserve covers 750 km2 and was the 19th Project Tiger Reserve. One of the best kept secrets among wildlife enthusiasts, it is situated just 2 hours drive from Nagpur airport. The park is dominated by a fairly open canopy of mixed forest (predominantly teak) with open grassy patches. It is also home to a large man made lake. While still known locally as Pench National Park, its name was changed in November 2002 to Indira Priyadarshini Pench National Park in honour of the late Indira Ghandi. The park is primarily the home of the Royal Bengal Tiger, and the equally shy leopard.

Situated in the Moharli hills Maharashtra, Tadoba is one of the best kept secrets among the wildlife parks in India. Situated just 3 hours drive from Nagpur, this park is an unspoilt gem with a comparatively low number of vehicles visiting the park. As well as being relatively quiet, the park is characterised by long straight tracks that allow us to see for some distance, a great help in spotting wildlife as it crosses the tracks. In the heart of the reserve is the Tadoba lake, home to a population of Marsh or “Mugger” crocodiles. In addition to tiger, there are many other animals and birds in the park, including wild dog and gaur.

Gir National Park and Sanctuary, encompassing 1,412 km² of low hills, is the last home of the Asiatic Lion and lies in the Gujarat peninsula. The terrain here is rugged with low hills and the vegetation is mixed deciduous trees interspersed with large patches of grassland. Within the sanctuary, there are numerous human settlements, whose livestock form a significant part of the Lion's diet. There are also places of Hindu worship and pilgrimage. At the edge of the park there is a good population of Indian gazelle, protected by the religious sentiments of the local people. The Asiatic Lion once ranged from central India west to northern Europe, but now there are only 300 left in this one park. Birds in the park include the paradise flycatcher, Bonelli's eagle and painted sand grouse.

Located on the far eastern side of India, Kaziranga is situated on the floodplain of the mighty Brahmaputra River. The landscape is a huge floodplain many kilometres wide, and tracks have been built to allow visitors to navigate between the various lagoons and areas of woodland. Tall grasses and even taller stands of bamboo cover the ground. The park is home to one of the last two remaining strongholds of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros. Wild Asian elephants are also present and the area is a good habitat for tigers, although they are difficult to see in the long grasses. The whole area is generally rich in birdlife and is a haven for many other animals.

On the south-eastern corner of Sri Lanka, the palm-fringed beaches and pounding surf of the Indian Ocean will soon let you relax and unwind. Block One of Ruhuna National Park, commonly referred to as Yala, is considered to be the best place in the world for viewing leopard in the wild. Unlike Africa and India, these cats are the top predator, and as a result they have the confidence to move around in the daytime as well as at night. Other wildlife includes elephant, sloth bear, monkey, deer wild boar and many species of birds. Depending on your choice of resort, you may have the chance to relax by the pool or on the beach when not on game drives.

Bardia National Park offers the visitor a chance to explore the most undisturbed wilderness area in the Terai lowlands. The Park has a rich and varied wildlife and is home to endangered species including the One Horned Rhinoceros, the Royal Bengal Tiger and the Gangetic Dolphin, a very rare species with a limited population found only in the rivers of Nepal and India. From the lodge you can explore the surrounding areas on elephant back, foot, jeep and boat.

Delhi • Agra • Jaipur • Jodhpur • Amritsar

The northern Indian triangle formed by Delhi, Varanasi and Rajasthan is a land of jewel-bright colour and spectacular contrast – from the Thar Desert in the west to Varanasi’s ancient ghats in the east. Steeped in 5,000 years of history while embracing the modern world with gusto, here you will find palaces and peacocks, spectacular national parks, bustling bazaars and above all a sea of friendly faces wherever you go.

From the western Vindhya Range to the Hazaribagh Range in the east, the heart of India is a land of rolling mountains and ruins. Ruled for 200 years by the fantastically wealthy Nizams and Mughal’s, their legacy can be seen in the palaces, tombs and mosques that litter the landscape. The area is also home to indigenous Indian tribes such as the Gond and the Baiga.

Mumbai • Ahmedabad • Bhavnagar • Gir • Aurangabad • Matheran

From the Bollywood glamour of Mumbai to the beaches of Gujarat, the western states of India offer much to explore. Breathtaking temples, wandering nomads, salt flats and marshes, Asiatic lions and jewel bright textiles all jostle for attention. Mumbai shows many faces and is truly the Gateway to India; it may exhaust and excite in equal measure in contrast to the beauty and tranquillity of the countryside and National parks.

Shimla • Dharamhala • Rishikesh • Almora • Corbett • Leh

From the fertile plains of the Ganges to the snow-capped Himalayas, the north of India has been long treasured by a succession of inhabitants, all of whom have left their mark – From the Hindu temples and ashrams of Rishikesh to the neat colonial bungalows of Shimla. But nature is the real star, with the Corbett National Park offering a home to tigers, elephants and jackals, while to the north the Himalaya provide breathtaking scenery.

Kolkata • Puri • Darjeeling • Gangtok

From the mangrove swamps of the Sunderbans in West Bengal to Buddhist monasteries high in the Himalayas, India’s north east offers astounding diversity in both landscape and culture. In the Eastern Himalayas, Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest mountain, looks down on Darjeeling’s tea plantations, nature reserves and tiny hill stations, while south of Kolkata in Orissa there are sandy beaches and the great medieval Sun Temple at Konark.

Cochin • Backwaters • Chennai • Madurai • Pondicherry • Mysore

Travelling south, the sun gets hotter and the pace of life slows down as you reach the sleepy backwaters of India’s southern paradise. Rich in Hindu traditions and artefacts, southern India was also a gateway for traders from China, Arabia and Europe. Rugged mountains, lush jungles and sweeping lagoons provide habitats for an astonishing array of wildlife, while pristine beaches and Ayurvedic spas cater for travellers in need of total relaxation.

Colombo • Sigiriya • Kandy • Yala • Galle • Beruwella

Situated off the southern tip of India, the tropical paradise of Sri Lanka has beguiled travellers for centuries with its palm-fringed beaches, diverse landscapes and historical monuments. Pristine beaches, hilltop plantations, ancient cities, cave temples and an extraordinary abundance of wildlife make Sri Lanka a stunning holiday destination. From the hustle and bustle of Colombo with its galleries and shops, the silence of the ancient rock fortress at Sigiriya and its beaches and Ayurvedic spas, Sri Lanka has a wealth of experiences to offer.

Kathmandu • Pokhara • Nagarkot • Bardia • Chitwan • Paro • Thimpu • Punakha • Bumthang

From wind-swept deserts with prayer flags fluttering to steamy jungles and the towering magnificence of Sagarmatha or Everest, Nepal can boast a landscape that is nothing short of spectacular. Ranging from 60 metres above sea level to the highest point on the planet, nowhere can offer such a wealth of natural beauty or such diversity of wildlife. But Nepal is also a country with a long and distinguished history and deep cultural roots, with many ancient and atmospheric sites of pilgrimage and worship.

High in the Himalaya, the tiny kingdom of Bhutan sits on the roof of the world. Jungle-filled valleys give way to flowered alpine meadows and snow capped peaks many crowned with imposing dzongs - fortress monasteries dating from the 13th to the 17th centuries. Isolationist for many years, Bhutan has now opened its doors to visitors and those who make the arduous journey are sure to find the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon richly rewarding.

The Palace on Wheels is a splendid journey through the grand era of the royal times. Experience the charming hospitality while relaxing in the comfort of pure luxury. The journey commences at Delhi, goes on to discovering the colours of royal Rajasthan, the wildlife trail and to India’s most exciting destination, the Taj Mahal in Agra. Relive the mystery, romance and intrigue, nobility and grandeur of each location.

The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels is designed in a contemporary royal style to experience the existing regal luxury. Beginning at New Delhi, India’s capital and a major gateway to the country. The journey is a magical encounter in the land of kings, majestic forts, incredible palaces, temple towns, diverse cultures and varied landscapes.

The Indian Maharaja’s sheer luxury is an intriguing sight. The Everything in the train reflects the ways of the Indian Royalty – ‘The Maharaja’. The plush interiors, authentic cuisine and the sites to see, makes the journey memorable. The weeklong Indian Maharaja tour includes several exotic destinations covering the vast expanse of Maharashtra and North India.

The Southern Splendour is an enchanting voyage covering south India’s most exclusive and exhilarating destinations across the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. The journey originates at Bangalore, onto the modern city of Chennai that is exceptional for its allegiance to ancient traditions. Kovalam will enchant you with its clean white
sandy beaches and the coconut trees that create a scenic background. Enjoy a cruise aboard a houseboat, sail
through the narrow canals and channels of Kerala’s
picturesque backwaters.

Maharaja Express – Princely India

Maharaja Express – Royal India

The Maharaja Express is an extraordinary voyage through imperial India. Visit the worlds greatest monument of love, the Taj Mahal, chase the elusive tiger in Ranthambhore, soak up the spectacular regal heritage of Rajasthan. Discover Champaner, the medieval capital of Gujarat and explore the charms of Mumbai. This splendid journey will leave you with everlasting memories of an ancient land and its unique mix of cultures.

Maharaja Express – Classic India