India holidays

Kerala must be the quintessential south India holiday destination. Hot, humid and coastal, its towns have a relaxed, cosmopolitan feel. Fish stews, sambars and dosas make a rich cuisine, and there’s a long tradition of Ayurvedic massage and Kathakali dance. Our homestays with local families promise you an authentic introduction to Keralan culture. The historic city of Cochin is the centre for tourism, and its famous backwaters are a popular place to explore by boat or kayak. Post-monsoon, the forests become bright green and cycling is a great way to go off the beaten track.

Born 50 million years ago, when India crashed into Asia, the Himalayas are the world’s largest crumple zone. Their intimidating peaks shouldn’t put you off visiting, especially as hikes in the Indian Himalayas are more accessible and quieter than other areas – our trekking holidays are led by local mountain guides who are brilliant at forging connections in the remote communities you pass. In the disputed region of Kashmir you’ll find Ladakh, where the remote Markha Valley Trek, plus the slim chance of snow leopards, draws out the adventurous. Or head east to Assam, where you can spot one-horned rhinos by the Brahmaputra River in Kaziranga National Park.