Diamonds & Dynasties Of Southern India
Hyderabad, Gulbarga, Bijapur, Badami, Hampi, Goa, Mumbai
West India
Bounded by the scorching Thar Desert and cooled by the Arabian Sea, west India is rich in natural resource, golden beaches, mist shrouded jungles, desolate salt plains and the bright lights big city commercial capital of Mumbai. This is the birth place of Gandhi, and many a dream.
Goa in particular is famed for its kilometres of palm-fringed golden coastline. A former Portuguese colony where ruined forts, baroque churches, vibrant night markets and fabulous seafood are the draw to this, the most popular seaside resort in the country. For luxury holidays to Goa, choose between the larger beach resorts of the south, nestled amongst sleepy fishing villages, or head north to the colonial mansions turned boutique hotels.
Metropolitan Mumbai lures visitors with its cosmopolitan nightlife and vivid bazaars whilst juxtaposing its rich multi-faceted heritage. Highlights include the colonial architecture of the ‘Gateway of India’ and the ancient art carvings on Elephanta Island. This immense, maximum city is one of the most dense urban jungles in the world. Here mighty high rises give way to Gothic mansions and the Victorian, Indo-Saracenic architecture of the past. For luxury holidays to Mumbai you can stay at the elegant Oberoi Mumbai, or the grand dame Taj Mahal Palace and Towers.
Step off the well-trodden tourist trails of Rajasthan & Mumbai and discover Gujarat. The western most state of India, Gujarat is peppered with sacred sites, the last remaining habitat of the Asiatic Lion and the worlds largest salt desert. The arid salt plains and marshes of Kutch are home to some extraordinary wildlife & tribal villages that still produce exquisite textiles today. Start in Ahmedabad and search out the stepwells, remarkable mosques and mouth-watering street food of this, the largest city in the state. Beyond you will see the impressive Solanki Sun Temple, and the blinding white Palitana temples glinting high up in the Shatrunjaya Hills.
The mighty state of Maharashtra is also home to the extraordinary cave temples and monasteries of the UNESCO world heritage sites of Ajanta and Ellora. Several of these breath-taking Hindu, Jain and Buddhist caves date back to the 1st and 2nd centuries B.C. Maharasthra is also home to the lesser known wildlife park of Tadoba National Park, a dense forest, now considered one of the best in which to spot the illusive Bengal Tiger.
Featured Regions
Itineraries in West India
Gujarat – Undiscovered India
Ahmedabad, Dasada, Bhuj, Gondal, Sasan Gir, Bhavanagar
Jewels Of India – The Golden Triangle & Beyond
Mumbai, Udaipur, Jaipur, Ranthambore, Agra, Delhi
Jungle Book Journeys with Taj Safaris
Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Mumbai
The Deccan Odyssey
8 Days / 7 Nights
The Golden Chariot – Southern India
8 Days / 7 Nights
Wild & Ancient India. Off the beaten track in Maharashtra & Madhya Pradesh
Tadoba, Pench, Satpura, Bhopal, Maheshwar
Hotels in West India
Mumbai, the 'maximum city' is a great place to enjoy the contemporary culture of India. Stay at the world-renowned Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, with its prime location opposite the Gateway of India and famous lobby always buzzing with Mumbai society.
Downtown you can also stay at the cool oasis that is the stylish Oberoi Hotel, Mumbai with its extensive shopping mall and fine dining options. Next-door is the contemporary Trident, Nariman Point offering sweeping views of Marine Drive. If you are transiting through the city there is a wealth of hotels near the airport to maximise your time. Enjoy The Taj Lands End with its manicured lawns and swaying palms or The Leela with its comfortable accommodation and great value.
Following the excitement of Mumbai, many Mumbaites and tourists alike head to the golden beaches of Goa for relaxation and rejuvenation. Goa has a wealth of hotel options from colonial mansions that have been converted to boutique hotels such as Siolim House & Casa Britona, to hippie yoga tented camps and simple beach dwellings like Elsewhere and Yoga Magic Eco retreat. Further South, you will find sleepy fishing villages, long untouched stretches of coast and some of the larger family resorts such as The Alila Goa and the grand Leela Hotel.
Continue south to Gokarna and sample truly hippie beaches such as Om Beach, whilst staying in the world-renowned simple yet stylish yoga retreat of SwaSwara
Ahilya By The Sea, Goa
Alila Diwa, Goa
Amaraanth, Goa
Amrapali House of Grace, Goa
Aramness Sasan Gir, Gujarat
Bandra House, IHCL SeleQtions, Mumbai
Bhuj House, Gujarat
Casa Britona, Goa
