Intro, Dates & Prices
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Intro, Dates & Prices

Intro

Juxtaposing India's illustrious past and ever-vibrant present in a refreshing format, this eclectic tour of India's most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, invites you to experience this mystical land in a new light.

Let your trip build to a crescendo. Start by taking the safari-less-travelled to the river Chambal for the chance to spot both the Gharial crocodile and the Ganges dolphin - as well as visiting the sleepy temple town of Bateshwar. In Lucknow, see with one's own eyes the legacy of Mughal and British India entwined in grandiose architectural expressions. In Varanasi be hypnotised by the choreography of Hindu ritual on the Ghats, as pandits whirl camphor lamps and chant mantras in a timeless ritual on the banks of mother Ganges.

To cap it all, be a participant in your own adventure by joining the crowds at the Maha Kumbh Mela Festival. With the sun and moon in Capricorn, this great gathering of Hindu pilgrims converges on Allahabad in early 2025 for what will be the sum of all festivals. Being a part of a kaleidoscope of humanity all massed together in a stupendous outpouring of emotion is, we think you'll agree, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Gharial crocodiles on the Chambal river safari
La Martinière College, elite institution and best-preserved colonial building
World's grandest arched hall at Bara Imambara.
Kumbh Mela - witness millions of devotees bathe in the confluence of the three rivers.
Evening ritual of Ganga Aarti on the Banks of the Ganges
Boat ride on the holy river Ganges
Dawn boat ride on the holy river Ganges

Places Visited

Delhi - Chambal - Lucknow - Allahabad - Varanasi

What's Included

Shared group arrival & departure transfers
Ground transport with driver
Domestic flights (if relevant - refer to itinerary)
Accommodation (subject to availability) *
Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan)
English-speaking guides
Entrance fees to sites & parks

* if first choice accommodation is not available, similar standard accommodation will be selected

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Prices

Single Supplement

£845

Dates & Availability

Tour Ratings

Activity

Off the beaten track

Comfort

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Itinerary & Map

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Overview Itinerary Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival Delhi

Arrive into Delhi's international airport to be met by your Travel The Unknown representative, who will be waiting with your name on a placard. Please note, due to throughput of passengers, the Arrivals Hall can attract large crowds. Be patient if at first you don't spot the sign, but do remain watchful.

Once transferred safely to your hotel, we'll leave you to catch up on rest and to enjoy your first day in India at complete leisure. In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner in your boutique surroundings.

Note: this is a shared group transfer. Anyone arriving on different flights or on an earlier date will require a private transfer at an additional cost.

Overnight in The Muse by Sarovar Portico, Delhi

Meal plan: Dinner

India’s capital and a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines the ancient with the modern. Amidst the vast spiraling skyscrapers, the remnants of a bygone era in the form of its many monuments, stand as silent reminders of the region’s ancient legacy. The first impression for any visitor travelling in from the airport is of a specious, garden city, tree-lined with a number of beautiful parks.

Day 2 : Delhi - Chambal

Time to leave behind the mad rush of Delhi for the relative calm of Uttar Pradesh' countryside. Take the morning train service to Agra, and upon collection from the railway station be driven to the Chambal river valley to stay in a lodge lying in the heart of reclaimed woodland by the Chambal river. Over the next three days it is hoped you'll experience some of the riverine wildlife endemic to the North Indian plain, most notably the gharial (long-snouted) crocodile, and the rare, Ganges river dolphin.

Upon arrival, you are encouraged to roam free around the grounds, exploring this rural haven at your own leisure.

Relaxing evening in the woodland lodge served with dinner.

Overnight in Mela Kothi - Chambal Safari Lodge, Chambal

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Day 3 : Chambal

Framed by ravines and sandbanks, in the morning you'll be taken on a river safari. The non-intrusive nature of boating means there is every chance you will spot gharials, muggers and turtles sunning on the banks. Watch waders and other bird species flock together, flying sorties low over the river. If you look hard enough, you might spot a river dolphin break the still surface with his pointed snout. Sit back on your river safari and let skilled boatmen and naturalists guide you silently downstream where their expertise will help train your eyes to spot Chambal's wildlife.

Return to lodge for lunch and then regroup for a different kind of p.m.

On a crescent bend some 12km from the lodge, on the Yamuna ghats sits odd-looking shrines. These white-domed Taj Mahals in miniature are the Bateshwar temples. Over 40 of them stand in celebration of Shiva, one of Hinduism's three greatest gods. Wander the old settlement of Bateshwar, interacting with rural life as it is lived.

End at the lodge over dinner.

Overnight in Mela Kothi - Chambal Safari Lodge, Chambal

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

The Chambal Safari boatmen are exceptionally skilled at manoeuvring as close to the birds and animals as possible without disturbing them. Trained naturalists accompany you and provide expert information on the Chambal wildlife, which includes the endangered Chambal Gharial (long-nosed crocodile), marsh crocodiles, Gangetic dolphins and a host of exotic birdlife.

Day 4 : Chambal

Yesterday was a river safari. Fittingly, today is a jeep safari on the so-called Sarus Trail.

A dispersed wetland area, interspersed by cultivated fields where large numbers of Sarus cranes breed, the Sarus Crane Conservation Reserve is just a short hop from our lodge. Although not a protected area, Sarus' importance as a wetland habitat has been recognised by the highest court in the land. Enjoy packed lunch al fresco in this refreshing habitat.

After lunch, attentions switch to Anglo-Indian history with a tour of Etawah's colonial heritage. Associated with one Allan Octavian Hume – a leading figure of the civil service, also known as the father of Indian Ornithology and founder of the Indian National Congress - Etawah is an historically notable city on the banks of the Yamuna.

End the day by going home to relax and dine in the comfort of the lodge.

Overnight in Mela Kothi - Chambal Safari Lodge, Chambal

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Day 5 : Chambal - Lucknow

After breakfast leave Chambal by road. On this lengthy journey, we'll pack provisions, so as to stop at intervals to eat and drink before arriving in Lucknow, a city with a chequered past where real power changed hands and left magnificent monuments to show for it.

Drop your bags off at the hotel, for we have an appointment to keep with none other than Nawab Sahib. Visit, in person, the present holder of the pre-indepedence royal title for a spot of intimate conversation with the honourable Nawab on a range of topics. Learn insights from his own personal experience how Lucknow has changed over the years.

Return to your hotel in the evening. Dinner included.

Overnight in Clark's Avadh, Lucknow

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Lucknow, the Golden City of the East, is the capital city of Uttar Pradesh in India. A multicultural city, it flourished as the cultural and artistic capital of North India in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is typically associated with legendary ‘nawabi’ hospitality, the British Raj, leisurely lifestyles and world-renowned cuisine. The rich Awadhi cuisine of Lucknow was made popular by the Nawab of Awadh who, to deal with food shortage, ordered his men to cook in huge handis (vessels) to feed the hungry. This eventually led to a style of cooking called ‘dum’ – the art of sealing ingredients in large handis and cooking over a slow fire.

Day 6 : Lucknow

Observe how history's threads weave in a tapestry. Lucknow amalgamates the finest-preserved traditions of the Mughal Nawabs with Britain's long colonial love affair with India, something we trust you will see for yourself in good measure today.

Stand-out spectacles include La Martinière College, founded for boys in 1845, and for girls in 1869, and to this day one of India's elite institutions. We'll make for the infamous Lucknow Residency: the scene of the so-called Indian Mutiny (Nationalists call it the First War of Independence) of 1857. Then the Dilkusha Palace, its hallmark harking back to Mughal rule. Its gardens lush and a popular picnic spot.

After a break for lunch, we'll resume sightseeing by seeing three of Lucknow's Mughal mainstays. At Bara Imambara and Chota Imambara, see how these Shia majlis reveal the strong Indo-Persian thread running through Uttar Pradesh. At Rumi Darwaza, stand before the regal splendour of one of architecture's unsung heroes. The soft stone fretwork of its lunar half dome is a sight to be reckoned with. While away the afternoon getting lost amid the magnificence of these statements of Mughal elegance writ large.

Refocus your efforts in the evening to another of India's great exports: its cuisine. We take you on a culinary heritage walk. A foodie's own adventure, we plan to disappear down hidden alleyways and cluttered backstreets, places only those in the know can find, to discover taste sensations that only true enthusiasts can appreciate. We leave fancy restaurants for the unenlightened, instead choosing to taste Lucknow as it deserves to be: in authentic fashion in age-old eateries.

Return to base at your hotel in the evening.

Overnight in Clark's Avadh, Lucknow

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

The British Residency served as a refuge for approximately 3000 British inhabitants throughout the 1857 uprising. Lucknow was the centre of all British activities during the siege and the Residency became the monopolistic centre of the British for almost 90 days. Within the walls are the graves of around 2000 British soldiers who died in the 1857 revolt. On November 17th, the British troops defeated the Indian forces and recaptured the city. Today, the British Residency of Lucknow serves as a government office.

The ruins of Deilkusha Palace and gardens were built by Nawab Sadat Ali Khan and Nadir ud din Haider. Although the palace now lies in ruins, it provides evidence of what was once an architectural and artistically beautiful structure. The palace was influenced by 18th century English architecture, and played a historically important part of the Siege of Lucknow in 1857. Today, visitors to the ruins can see evidence of this rich history.

La Martinière in Lucknow is one of the leading education institutions in India. It is the only school in the world to have been awarded Battle Honors for the role staff and pupils played in the Defence of the Residency at Lucknow during the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. Today, it is considered one of the most important monuments in the city. According to the Economist magazine, "perhaps the best-preserved colonial building in Lucknow".

Bara Imambara is one of the most famous monuments in Lucknow, built by the fourth Nawab of Awadh known as Asaf-ud-Daula, as part of a relief project in response to the 1784 famine. The central hall of Bara Imambara is said to be the largest arched hall in the world, measuring 50 metres long and 15 metres high. The unique construction of interlocking bricks means there are no girders or beams. The roof stands steady till date without any pillars to support it. Today, the central hall is an important place of worship for Muslims.

Day 7 : Lucknow - Allahabad

It's a fairly long ride to Allahabad, so we leave after breakfast to be there at a reasonable hour. On arrival, check into your hotel, feel free to rest and become more familiar with your new surroundings.

Evening at your hotel with dinner.

Overnight in Kanha Shyam, Allahabad

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Allahabad is a city in Uttar Pradesh state, north India. Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and "invisible" Saraswati rivers, is considered holy by Hindus. It’s near the 16th-century Allahabad Fort, built by Mughal Emperor Akbar. In the fort are the ancient sandstone Ashoka Pillar, the underground Patalpuri Temple and a sacred banyan tree. The Allahabad Museum has Rajasthani miniature paintings.

Day 8 : Allahabad

We will set off very early morning (before breakfast) to the banks of the river to watch devotees and pilgrims giving offerings and bathing in the river. This is one of the best times to watch the Kumbh Mela rituals and activities. Return to the hotel for breakfast and rest. Later, return to the banks to experience the rest of the day at the festival. Return later in the day to the hotel for dinner.

Overnight in Kanha Shyam, Allahabad

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

The Kumbh Mela is the most eventful and significant spiritual get-together for Hindus in India. It is held once in every twelve years at four important pilgrim centres which take turn to host it. These are Nashik, Allahabad, Ujjain and Haridwar. Every 12th year, the Kumbh Mela is held on a grand scale at each of these cities. This grand celebration is called Puran Kumbh. Millions of pilgrims go to the Nashik Kumbh Mela and take a dip in the holy waters of Kushavarta and Ramkund. The Kumbh at Nashik is believed to be the most sacred festival of all. The Sadhus who visit the Kumbh in large numbers reside in the Tapovan which is situated at the left bank of river Godavari.

The holy water Amrit had to be protected from the demons. The demigods hid it in different places namely Patllok, Swargalok and Mrutyulok. They were on the earth (Mrutyulok) for twelve demigod days which is equal to twelve earth years for them. The gods stayed on the earth with the Amrit for twelve years. Therefore, the Kumbh Mela is celebrated every 12 years at four places where drops of Amrit have fallen. The Kumbh Mela is celebrated depending upon the position of the stars and planets. When Guru (Jupiter) and the Sun are in the zodiac sign Leo (Simha Rashi), the Kumbh is celebrated in Trimbakeshwar, Nashik. When the Sun is in the zodiac sign Aries (Mehsa Rashi), the Kumbh takes place at Haridwar. When Guru (Jupiter) is in the zodiac sign Taurus (Vrishabha Rashi) and the sun is in the zodiac sign Capricorn (Makkar Rashi), it is celebrated at Prayag. When Guru (Jupiter) and the Sun are in the zodiac sign Scorpio (Vrishchik Rashi), it is celebrated at Ujjain.

Allahabad is a city in Uttar Pradesh state, north India. Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and "invisible" Saraswati rivers, is considered holy by Hindus. It’s near the 16th-century Allahabad Fort, built by Mughal Emperor Akbar. In the fort are the ancient sandstone Ashoka Pillar, the underground Patalpuri Temple and a sacred banyan tree. The Allahabad Museum has Rajasthani miniature paintings.

Day 9 : Allahabad

In a repeat of yesterday, you'll be depart early morning to witness more of the Kumbh Mela festival. Return to your hotel for breakfast and rest, then return to the festival. Dinner will be back at the hotel.

Overnight in Kanha Shyam, Allahabad

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Day 10 : Allahabad - Varanasi

We leave by road to Varanasi. Once in India's holiest, and some say most captivating of places, check into your comfortable accommodation. After a hiatus in the afternoon, we'll get geared up to go out as night falls to see one of Hinduism most sacred and abiding expressions of devotion: the Ganga Aarti. Be enchanted by the presence of pandits (priests) enacting communion with the divine on Varanasi's ghats (steps leading down to the river). Watch as the pandits illuminate the darkening riverside with twirling camphor lamps, chanting mantras as crowds look on abuzz with anticipation.

Later, return to your hotel.

Overnight in Palace on Ganges, Varanasi

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Day 11 : Varanasi

No trip to Varanasi would be complete without a sunrise boat ride on the world's holiest river. As the morning sun's pastel hues paint Varanasi in pinks and reds, watch from the comfort of your little boat the intimacy of life and death play out on the banks of this city of light. Put your camera away momentarily, for moments like this call for of certain reverence for these sacred surrounds.

Back to the hotel for breakfast, after which we take guided tours of the Bharat Mata Temple, the Vishwanath Temple and Banaras Hindu University. The university has grown in stature since in inception in 1916, and what better way to appreciate this than to wander its verdant grounds. In the afternoon, we'll see Sarnath. Its importance cannot be understated as on this very spot Lord Buddha was said to have delivered his first sermon. Legend has it, it was right here at Sarnath he set the Wheel of Dharma (the teaching of truth) rolling, eventually to all quarters.

Enjoy your final night as you see fit.

Overnight in Palace on Ganges, Varanasi

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Varanasi is regarded as the spiritual capital of India, signifying the crossing between the physical and spiritual worlds, and regularly attracts pilgrims to bathe in the sacred waters of the River Ganges. The Ghats leading into the river are colourful, full of character and a have an unrivaled spiritual atmosphere. Every evening at sunset, Varanasi stages the 'Aarti ceremony' where Pilgrims gather on the banks of the Ganges and offer fire to Lord Shiva & the river.

Day 12 : Varanasi - Delhi

We'll leave you to your own devices on this, your final morning in Varanasi. Stay within the hotel confines, or venture out to cap off a memorable stay.

After lunch, pack and decamp for a domestic flight later that afternoon to Delhi airport. On arrival there, a Travel The Unknown representative will be on hand to meet & greet you, and escort you to your hotel.

Take the evening at your own leisure.

**n.b. On all internal flights, baggage allowance is 15kg per person in the hold, and 7kg per person to stow in overhead lockers.**

Overnight in Lemon Tree Premier Aerocity, Delhi

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Day 13 : Departure

Following breakfast, pack and prepare for your onward flight home or elsewhere in India. At the appointed hour, your Travel The Unknown representative will meet you in the hotel lobby to take you to international departures.

Meal plan: Breakfast

Accommodation

The Muse by Sarovar Portico

Delhi (1 night)

The Muse Sarovar Portico is a contemporary business hotel in New Delhi, located close to the Nehru Place in south Delhi. The hotel has modern facilities, and comfortable modern rooms. The hotel has an in-house multi-cuisine restaurant. It is located about 20 km away from Delhi Airport, and 15 km from New Delhi Railway Station. Sites such as the India Gate, Lotus Temple, and Red Fort are easily reachable from the hotel.

Mela Kothi - Chambal Safari Lodge

Chambal (3 nights)

Set in the heart of wild Uttar Pradesh, this utterly charming lodge will wrap you in its warm folds from the moment you set foot on the property. The accommodation combines the warmth of local homes with the comfort of modern amenities. Every effort has been made to make the lodge as eco-friendly and sympathetic to its surroundings as possible. The Lodge offers thirteen rooms/cottages, all imbued with their own unique character.
In 1999, Rai Saheb Suraj Pal Singh’s great grandson, IIT engineer and conservationist Ram Pratap Singh, and his environmental scientist wife, Anu, began restoring their neglected inheritance. The product of their labour, set within 35 sprawling acres of the original heritage plantation, surrounded by farmland - Mela Kothi – The Chambal Safari Lodge is an oasis of peace, tranquility and gracious hospitality.

Visit hotel's site

Clark's Avadh

Lucknow (2 nights)

This rather palatial hotel has all avenues covered. Its central location is a perfect hop-off for excursions to Lucknow's glittering monuments to its Mughal and British history. A fully-furnished hotel, Clark's Avadh caters for all your needs, providing a delightfully easy and comfortable stay.

Visit hotel's site

Kanha Shyam

Allahabad (3 nights)

Kanha Shyam is a comfortable hotel located conveniently in Allahabad, not far from the main sites in the city. It has well appointed rooms with additional facilties, such as spa, yoga and fitness rooms. Wifi is also available.

Visit hotel's site

Palace on Ganges

Varanasi (2 nights)

The Palace on Ganges brings together all the unique cultures of India under one roof. Its 32 rooms are designed and dedicated to each of those provincial cultures.

Visit hotel's site

Lemon Tree Premier Aerocity

Delhi (1 night)

Located 4kms away from Indira Gandhi International Airport and 5kms away from the domestic airport, the Lemon Tree Premier hotel has spacious and comfortable rooms, as well as award winning restaurants and an outdoor swimming pool.

Visit hotel's site

Extensions

Nubra Valley Extension (5 days)

Remote villages & jaw-dropping scenery

On The Tiger Trail (9 days)

On the tiger trail through Bandhavgarh and Kanha

The Golden Triangle (5 days)

Marvel at India's most incredible forts and palaces

Kolkata & Sunderbans (6 days)

Discover colonial Kolkata and the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve

Wildlife of Tadoba & Pench (9 days)

A real life Jungle Book.

Kolkata & Darjeeling Snapshot (7 days)

Ideal extension to Bhutan

Himalayan Extension: Ladakh to Kashmir (5 days)

Travel across the spectacular Himalayan Highway

Beaches (1-7 days)

After exploring the busy cities, there's no better place to relax than one of India's paradisiacal beaches

Treks & Walks (1-12 days)

Himalayan treks, village walks and more

Hill Stations & Mountains

Escape the city and unwind among some of the most breathtaking mountain and hill scapes the world has to offer.

City Extensions (1-4 days)

Visit the must-see sights and the hidden depths of India's most vibrant cities.

Highlights of the Subcontinent (22 days)

Discover iconic sights of India, Nepal & Bhutan

Journey through the Indian Himalayas (20 days)

Travel through the Himalayan foothills via Shimla & Amritsar to Ladakh

Monks, Tribes & Rhinos (20 days)

Himalayan mountains, unseen tribes & amazing wildlife

Classic Bhutan & Assam Cruise (18 days)

Experience Bhutan's rich culture, colonial Kolkata and rural life in Assam

Himalayan Silk Road & Tak Tok Festival (16 days)

Travel India's forgotten Silk Road from Kashmir to Ladakh

Glimpse of India & Nepal (16 days)

Golden Triangle and the Himalayas

Textile Tour of India (16 days)

Textile tour of Gujarat & Rajasthan including the Mewar Festival

Big Six of India (15 days)

Spot tigers, lions, leopards, buffalo, rhino & elephants

Treasures of Maharashtra (15 days)

Mighty sea fortresses, rock-cut cave temples, and verdant hill stations

Best of Bhutan & Bengal (15 days)

Experience the culture and landscapes of India & Bhutan

Nagaland: Festival of the Headhunters (15 days)

Aoling Festival, wildlife in Assam & natural beauty of Manipur

Taste of South India (15 days)

Experience the flavours and exotic spices of South India

Journey Through Rajasthan (15 days)

Discover Rajasthan's forts, palaces and rural villages

Kerala & Karnataka Explorer (14 days)

Idyllic backwaters, tropical forests & ancient temple towns

Spirit of South India (14 days)

Temple towns of Tamil Nadu to backwaters of Kerala

Himalayan Wildlife of Ladakh (14 days)

Track the Himalayan brown bear & snow leopard on a once-in-a-lifetime trip

Roof of the World - Ladakh to Kashmir (14 days)

Experience dramatic Himalayan scenery, Buddhist and Islamic cultures

Best of Assam & Meghalaya (14 days)

Wildlife, diverse cultures & rural life in hidden North East India

Birds & Wildlife of Rajasthan (14 days)

Uncover the regal wildlife of Rajasthan

Heart of India (14 days)

Take in the highlights of central India

Glories of Gujarat (14 days)

Tribal villages, temples, salt flats & the world's last Asiatic lions

Hampi and Beyond (14 days)

Discover Karnataka's stone temples, wildlife and coffee farms

Tribes & Temples of Eastern India (14 days)

Visit remote tribal villages of Orissa & Chhattisgarh

Taj, Tigers & Temples (14 days)

Perfect mix of classic sights and off-beat places for first-timers to India

Assam & Nagaland Hornbill Festival (14 days)

Wildlife, tribes & rural life in Assam and Nagaland

Kerala Calling (14 days)

Charming towns, spice plantations & idyllic backwaters

Best of Bengal & Sikkim (14 days)

Colonial Kolkata, Darjeeling toy train & Buddhism

Tribes of North East India (14 days)

Remote tribal cultures in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam & Nagaland

Delicacies of North India (14 days)

Discover the huge diversity of North India's cuisine

Wildlife of North East India (14 days)

Diverse wildlife in Assam and the Sunderbans

Kerala - Trekking the Western Ghats (13 days)

Explore this UNESCO biodiversity hotspot on foot

Hidden Rajasthan (13 days)

Rural villages, grand forts & wildlife

Big Cats of India (13 days)

Track India's tigers, leopards & lions

Gujarat's Tribes & Wildlife (13 days)

Gujarat's Asiatic Lions, Salt Flats & Textile Villages

Maha Kumbh Mela Festival (13 days)

Once in 12 years - the largest gathering of humanity on earth

The Himalayan Silk Road with Sophie Ibbotson (13 days)

Expert-led trip through Kashmir and Ladakh

High Indus Valley of Ladakh (12 days)

Attain lofty heights over soul-soothing Ladakh

Glimpse of India (12 days)

Golden Triangle, tigers & exotic Kerala

Markha Valley Trek (12 days)

Set foot in Ladakh's hidden Himalayan valleys

Essential Rajasthan (10 days)

Discover the forts, palaces, villages and desert of Rajasthan

Living Bridges of Meghalaya (7 days)

Waterfalls, hills and living bridges in North East India

Classic Kerala

Tea, spices, backwaters & beaches

Reviews

TTU arranged an excellent private trip for us to the Kumbh Mela in India at very short notice. Our guide and drivers were always conscientious and very knowledgeable. We were looked after very well and would not hesitate to book another trip with Rahul and the team.

The Elmes , Maha Kumbh Mela Festival

Thanks for organising such a great trip to NE India Rahul - everything went seamlessly! We loved the fact that we could book an individual tour but still have flexibility with our itinerary once we were there, enabling us to take in the Si Donyi Festival at Daporijo and also be the first guests to stay overnight in a local village hut with our hosts in Papi, which was fantastic. Our guide was super. He had a wealth of knowledge and a great sense of humour! It’s hard to pick a highlight as the whole trip was both fascinating and at times, humbling. We’ll never forget the amazing people, scenery & culture we experienced whilst there and are glad we had the opportunity to visit such an intriguing part of the world. We would certainly consider travelling with you again in the future.

Hazel Fairall , Tribes of North East India, India

I just took the Food Tour of Kerala and Malabar Coast and it was purely unforgettable. The accommodation was superb as was the food and hospitality. I essentially came back feeling like a baby hippo - that should tell you you NEED to take this tour ASAP!

Anupy is the author of best-selling Indian cookery book - The Indian Slow Cooker - which is available for purchase on Amazon.

Anupy Singla Gupta , Taste of South India, India

This trip was very well put together and ticked all the boxes that we had requested. The accommodation throughout the tour was of a high standard and our experiences in the national parks was wonderful spotting many different animals including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, lions, jungle cat plus countless number of birds. Thank you Rahul for tailoring this trip to our requirements.

Nigel & Margaret Turner , Tailormade India Wildlife & Birding tour

We went on the Spirit of South India Tour and had a great time on our honeymoon. There was a good variety of places visited and the hotels, drivers and guides were all very good. We would definitely recommend this tour.

Rachel , Spirit of South India, India

I would highly recommend Travel the Unknown to anyone visiting India. The service we received both prior to, during and following our travels was always timely and excellent. We were able to customize our trip to our liking and to enjoy a wide variety of activities. The guides in every location were outstanding! Honestly. Having travelled through much of the world I can truly say that we have never been more impressed with the quality of the guides arranged for us in each location, as well as the service we received. Similarly, the hotels were excellent and allowed us to live very comfortably while, at the same time, enjoy an authentic Indian experience. If you haven`t already booked your trip with Travel the Unknown, then either do so now....or at least give them a chance to show you what they can offer.

Tracey & Gary , Tailormade India

This was my first experience of using Travel the Unknown having enjoyed small group adventure holidays for many years. I was attracted to the company because it seeks out the more unusual and lesser known areas of a country and I was not disappointed by my visit to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. There is a clear contrast between the people and the scenery of these two regions and we saw very few western tourists particularly in Arunachal Pradesh. The tour was well organised with plenty to see and do.

Keith Lewis , Monks, Tribes & Rhinos, India

This was a very varied and interesting trip to a forgotten part of India. If you like off the beaten track travel it is definitely worth the effort but go with an open mind and keep a smile on your face.

Richard Williams , Monks, Tribes & Rhinos, India

Thank you for organising our holiday in Kerala. I certainly wouldn`t have had the time or the knowledge to put together such a trip. Munnar was my favourite and the accommodation throughout was excellent.

Vik , Kerala Calling, India

A really well planned trip. We experienced life in Northeast India in just the way we wanted to. We loved the game reserves and saw a rock python which thrilled our guides as it is even rarer than the tiger! We visited villages and were able to interact with local people and loved the busy markets in Delhi and Calcutta. A special highlight was the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland; shown to us by our very own Naga guide Kezo. Kezo accompanied us for 15 days of our trip and ensured that we had many very special experiences - even taking us to the home of one of his Aunts where we spent a couple of hours sitting by the bonfire chatting.

Ann Holgate , Tailormade India

What an excellent service! Rahul adapted, extended and improved our trip so many times without a qualm and we ended up with the trip of a lifetime. The destinations are unusual and interesting but everything has been checked out by the team and works brilliantly. I can`t wait to do another trip.

Penelope Smith , Assam & Nagaland Hornbill Festival, India

The tour was an amazing experience for our first visit to India. The country, its people and its cuisine were friendly,delightful, colourful and exceeded all our expectations. Travel the Unknown have put together a superb unique package that we have no hesitation in recommending to anyone with an interest in food and culture.

Elaine & Neil Smith , Delicacies of North India, India

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