India guide
India is an explosion of colour. The Golden Triangle glistens with culture, Rajasthan has pink and blue cities, and Kerala has lush green Ghat Mountains...
Staying in Indian palaces in Rajasthan
You will see the term ‘Heritage Hotels’ bandied all over Indian travel websites, with photos of gardens that make you feel like a goddess, balconies that are begging for a serenade and bedrooms that will make you feel positively regal. And Rajasthan really is the place to experience these palatial abodes, mainly due to the fact that this desert state was, over the centuries, home to many Maharajas and their royal residences. The residences survived British colonialism because Rajasthan had garnered status as a princely state, one of many privileged regions where India’s own royalty could maintain their luscious lifestyles and semi-autonomous rule. Indeed many of these royal families still exist today, and have opened up their homes, galleries and gardens to people passing through.
Our India culture Vacations
Kerala tailor made vacation, 11 days
Revitalize in Kerala - A most wonderful and balanced trip
From
£1349 to £1779
11 days
ex flights
North India cultural tour
An adventure to one of the planet's exotic destinations
From
US $1012 to US $1435
22 days
ex flights
Southern India 15 day tour
An exciting mix of the best that South India has to offer.
From
£1015
15 days
ex flights
South India tour, Trivandrum to Goa
Head to the beaches and backwaters of southern India.
From
US $972 to US $1375
16 days
ex flights
Delhi to Goa overland tour
Indian curries temples harems & Himalayas
From
US $1120 to US $1549
15 days
ex flights
India tour, mountains, temples & hillstations
Explore India's cultural diversity
From
US $2215
15 days
ex flights
Golden Triangle small group vacation, India
India's 3 most popular destinations, Delhi, Agra & Jaipur
From
US $688 to US $975
8 days
ex flights
Rajasthan 15 day tour
A well crafted northern Indian and Rajasthani experience
From
£1749
15 days
ex flights
Rajasthan cycling vacation
Explore the palaces, temples and wildlife of India's desert state
From
US $2245
15 days
ex flights
India small group vacation, a food adventure
2 week discovery of the sights, sounds & flavours of India.
From
US $1928 to US $2730
15 days
ex flights
History, culture & wildlife of India vacation
From the Nilgiri Hills to the beaches of Goa
From
£1336
15 days
ex flights
Rural cycling tours in South India
The perfect way to cycle in rural Keralan countryside.
From
US $980
8 days
ex flights
Rajasthan tours, India
Discover the evocative northern province of Rajasthan
From
US $1224 to US $1735
15 days
ex flights
Central India vacation, culture and wildlife
The very best of central India's wildlife and history
From
Rupee 145000 to Rupee 195000
16 days
ex flights
Assam and Nagaland photography tour, India
Superb photography in Assam & Tribal villages of Nagaland.
From
£3850
14 days
ex flights
India 9 day express tour
Ideal if you're short on time but wish to see the real India
From
£938
9 days
ex flights
Golden Triangle 7 day tour in India
Classic iconic trip for the India First timer..in style
From
£589 to £2899
7 days
ex flights
Northern Kerala tailor tour, tailor made
Uncover the rich culture of northern Kerala
From
£1400
13 days
ex flights
North India vacation, mountains and hidden villages
Inspirational Trekking with Indian Culture and Communities
From
£1545 to £1895
14 days
ex flights
Golden Triangle & tigers in India
Rajathan's palaces, the Taj Mahal & tigers
From
£750 to £900
9 days
ex flights
Kathmandu to Delhi overland vacation
Adventure tour of magnificent and colourful Nepal and India
From
US $1436 to US $2035
15 days
ex flights
Southern India tour
Enter a world where time feels like it has stood still forever
From
US $1050 to US $1499
14 days
ex flights
Rural India vacation, culture & wildlife
Authentic exploration of Central Indian village life
From
£2500 to £3000
14 days
ex flights
Binsar to Jageshwar trekking vacation, India
Thrilling, tailor-made walking trips in the Indian Himalayas
From
£1205 to £1287
13 days
ex flights
Golden Triangle & Kerala vacation, India
Best of Golden Triangle & Kerala, a perfect intro to India
From
£1985
17 days
ex flights
India small group tour
An express pass through India to see all the best!
From
£600 to £760
9 days
ex flights
Southern India tour, temples & nature
Tour from Coimbatore to Bangalore via Mysore
From
£494
6 days
ex flights
High end homestays
High end homestays
We are always quick to shout about the benefits of homestays and community led tourism, and it is important to highlight these hotels are also homes. And very much at the cultural heart of Rajasthan. They have also been home to people who have been wholly committed to preserving the traditional culture of Rajasthan, be they Maharajas, Sultans, Mirs, Nizams, Zamindars or Nawabs.
Over the centuries, wealthy influences have been prolific in Rajasthan, emanating from both Hindu and Muslim traditions. Regardless of their backgrounds, over a thousand years of culture, fine arts, architecture, music and cuisine have been protected by these families. Now, as they are opening up their doors for some of the most sumptuous overnight stays you could imagine, you can see that they have done so in a way that is both classy and culturally sound.
Royally
Rajput
Rajput
Royally Rajput
Most heritage hotels in Rajasthan are Rajput-owned, the word Rajput meaning ‘son of a king’, and these days it refers to an often privileged and aristocratic patrilineal clan. Today, Rajputs are the largest group with royal heritage to be involved in the cultural preservation and sustainability of their property and, in many cases, may even be tour guides in their own domains. Hospitality is fundamental to aristocratic etiquette in India, and treating people royally is part and parcel of this.
Pick a palace
Pick a palace
When you take a look through the luxury vacation itineraries that have been carefully crafted by our Rajasthan experts, you will see that many of them book you into these stunning restorations of forts, palaces and castles along the way. Such as a Beaux-Arts palace in Udaipur built by ruler Udai Singh in the 16th century and overlooking the iconic Lake Pichola; or a 19th century former home of the Maharaja of Jaipur. You can stay in a Maharaja’s palace where the family is still resident in eastern Rajasthan, or head into the Aravelli Hills to stay in a restored fortress, originally built by the Jhala Rajputs who ruled the Mewar Kingdom. In Jodhphur, you can stay at the Ajit Bhawan, a Rajput palace hotel and in Jaisalmer, you can stay in a hotel inside the walls of its famous fort built in the 12th century by the Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal.
One example of restoring architectural heritage in a sustainable way is at Ramathra Fort. Just a few years ago it was a ruin, but it has now been carefully rebuilt using local materials and traditional methods, and employing men and women from small rural villages around the area. Ramathra dates back as far as 1645, when it was granted as a fiefdom to Thakur Bhoj Pal, the son of the Maharaja of Karauli. It is still in the hands of his descendents who are doing more than their fine share to contribute to fine Rajasthani tourism.
Our top India culture Vacation
Kerala tailor made vacation, 11 days
Revitalize in Kerala - A most wonderful and balanced trip
From
£1349 to £1779
11 days
ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about India culture or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.
Palatial pastimes
When staying in a restored palace or fort in Rajasthan, you will be able to get involved in activities enjoyed by the privileged few in the past. The Aravelli Hills, which translates as ‘line of peaks’, is a luscious green belt that straddles the otherwise desert state. It's alive with the sound of wildlife. Go horse riding here to quietly follow in the trails of monkeys, langurs, sloth bear, spotted deer, sambar deer and many more, just as they would have in times gone by. Although hunting may have been more on the cards back then, sadly.
If you go on a horse riding vacation in the Jagnath Wildlife Sanctuary, you enter the world of the Sonagara family of Kaniwara, in the Jalore District, which was a gift from the Royal Family of Marwar (now Jodphur) seven generations ago. As well as staying in nearby restored castles or forts, you can spend time on safari here, as it is not only habitat to the endangered Asiatic wild cat, but also leopard, hyena, Indian gazelle and blue bulls. You will also get a chance to ride the Marwari horse, bred in the 12th century by the Rathores, then rulers of Marwar and famous cavalry fighters. These elegant equines are recognisable by their prowess in dressage, their inward turning ear tips and their ability to cope with desert landscapes.
For those seeking artistic rather than equine expertise, Rajasthan’s palaces and historic hotels are very often curators of fine art and local crafts, as there is a long history of artistic skills in this state. This is because these palatial dwellings were often so much more than homes, many of the privileged rulers opening up their residences in the past for public use, such as artisan workshops or scholarly debates. On tailor made vacations in Rajasthan you can, therefore, go shopping with local experts at jewellers and meet artists who are celebrated for being ‘by royal appointment’. Or learn the fundamentals of classical Indian miniature painting from an art scholar and have guided tours of some of the finest private art collections in the world. And of course, you will always be invited to enjoy the finest of local food. Because, in these palaces, many royal banquets await.
More about India culture
The best time to go on an India culture vacation depends on your idea of cultural greatness. It’s a big country with lots of climate variations.
This India cultural vacation guide is for India newbies who want to know where to start, or India aficionados on where to go next...
Take a look at our map and highlights of cultural vacations in India. From classics like the Golden Triangle to southern belles like Kerala and lesser known Karnataka...
The Taj Mahal sets the standard for romance. Learn how to ge there as well as places to see nearby, including the Red Fort and Fatehpur Sikri...
India is a veritable feast, and exploring it through food will give you the best insight into its culture, history, geography and stuff your faceology...
Indian art and handicrafts are simply exquisite and this really is a country packed with master craftspeople. You just need to know where to go. Read on for tips...
Read our guide to the multicultural and multi faith aspects of India and some of the incredible places of worship that you can visit...
Read our Indian travel suppliers’ travel tips when it comes to cultural vacations in India. Favourites, faux pas and food are high up the list...
Etiquette and respect are central to India’s culture. Read on for some of the cultural fortes and faux to ensure you are a responsible tourist in India...
More relevant guides
protection
Photo credits: [Page banner: Nick Kenrick] [Palace of the winds - Jaipur: lensmatter]
[Palace garden - Udaipur: amira_a]
[Fort interior: Glavo]
[Rajput: Jean-Pierre DalbéraBy: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra]
[Palace - Udaipur: Mitchell Ng Liang an]
[Ramathra Fort: BluesyPete]
[Aravelli Hills - Kumbhalgarh Fort: ipercher]
[Marwari horse: BOMBMAN]
[Natural paints: Amanjeev]
- Recently viewed
