Your tailor made ‘thali’
Introducing...
Tailor Made by STA Travel: India
YOUR PERSONAL GUIDE
While in India you’ll have a local team ensuring your adventure goes without hitch. You’ll be met by a representative in each new location, joined by a local guide with inside knowledge on each experience, and have a driver on hand throughout to safely get you to where you need to be. Between them they’ll find your seat on the (right) train, advise you on the best places to eat, and still leave you time to feel totally independent.
What now? We like to think of this brochure as a little like an Indian Thali. For those that aren’t versed with the joys of the Thali, this is a heavenly plate of small curries, a taster if you like of EVERYTHING. Like the majestic Thali, this brochure is a sampler of what our India obsessed Tailor Made Experts can do. Inside you’ll find a selection of our favourite destinations, sample itineraries and unforgettable experiences. Similar to the Thali, which typically has refillable bottomless dishes, our tailor made adventures are also limitless and your options are endless. We hope you enjoyed the analogy. Here’s a Thali.
To us, the joy of tailor made travel is the freedom to DIY your own trip - creating experiences that are extraordinary and journeys that are personal to you. We adore the intoxicating craziness, colour and general joyous confusion of India, but we’re also aware that this is one part of the world where a little order and guidance can make all the difference to your travelling experience (if you’ve ever had the pleasure of booking an Indian train you’ll understand what we mean). We work with the best local ground handlers to create bespoke private itineraries to suit your personal wanderlust, comfort levels and budget. So, whether you’re a single traveller, group of friends, or a couple wanting to avoid well, other travellers, you decide on the what, when and where, and we’ll figure out the how.
GOA MUMBAI KOLKATA VARANASI JAILSALMER JAIPUR NEW DELHI CHENNAI KERALA UDAIPUR COCHIN
DESTINATION guide
With some of the continents greatestwonders sitting at the points of this iconic route, the Golden Triangle is a magical intro into India’s ancient splendours. Uncover the ruins of Old Delhi amongst its hypnotic chaos; stand agog at the world’s greatest labour of love, the Taj Mahal; and soak up the lingering glory from the palaces and forts of Jaipur.
The jewel of Rajasthan, few cities capture India’s majesty, elegance and romance like Udaipur. Flanked by wooded peaks, with royal palaces, intricate temples and a warren of coloured lanes and bazaars stacked on its lakes, Udaipur has a unique natural beauty and the air of an enchanted fairy tale kingdom that is truly unforgettable.
Life in lovely, liberal Kerala moves at the same languid pace as its meandering backwaters. A sleepy patchworked paradise of emerald paddies, exotic palm-lined beaches and mountain top tea plantations, if India ever relaxed, this is where she’d come. Stay on a traditional houseboat, feast on delicious aromatic flavours and then add another week.
The oldest and holiest city in India, a pilgrimage to the intoxicating colour and clamour of Varanasi will shock, amaze and replenish even the most well-travelled of souls. Watch as the spiritual rites of life, death and everyday rituals are carried out on the ghats that line the Ganges. Overwhelmingly unique, this incredible journey will be life changing.
India is a country of immense contrasts but, unless you venture off the fascinating human safari and temple trail, the closest you’ll come to its exotic wildlife is a few lumbering holy cows and audacious temple monkeys. Ranthambore, Kanha or Periyar NP - this is pure Kipling country. Think the Jungle Book but with 4WDs and less impromptu singing.
GOLDEN TRIANGLE VARANASI
UDAIPUR NATIONAL PARKS
unforgettable Experiences
Uncover the mysteries of the desert from Jaisalmer by camel or, not so exotic but a
lot less moody, by 4WD Trawl the spice markets ahead of your authentic Indian cookery class
(your local ‘Star of India’ this isn’ t)
Escape all kinds of crazy with a traditional Ayurveda treatment, full detox, yoga or
meditation course
Dive off the temple trail and into the jungle to search out tigers and leopards (don’t
panic, we have luxury tented camps) Encircled by modern highrise Mumbai, visit
the Dharavi Slums - made notorious by ‘Slumdog Millionaire’
Experience the power of the Ganges by rafting down its waters or striking a few
Travel like a Maharaja, reliving the romance of a by-gone era with a luxury train journey (yes, we said luxury and train in the same sentence) From epic day hikes to soul-searching 10
day treks, explore India’s incredible jungles, plantations and Himalayas
Cycle along Kerala’s sleepy coastal roads, stopping at local villages and picking up
coconuts
Discover more to Goa than lazy palm-fringed beaches by white water rafting
through lush jungle
You may want to jump out of the bath before they get in, but spend time interacting, bathing and feeding these majestic gentle giants
Get a new perspective on India by doing a homestay, visiting local schools and gate
GOLDEN TRIANGLE
6 DAYS AGRA (TAJ MAHAL) JAIPUR NEW DELHIfr
£420
DAYS 1-2 DELHIMet at the airport, you’ll be guided through the traditional Delhi welcome of chaos, colour and the occasional cow with a private airport transfer to your hotel With a local guide, spend your 2nd day discovering the holy temples, colourful squares and ancient treasures of Old Delhi, including the Red Fort, Chandni Chowk and Friday Mosque, while being equally hypnotised by the hustle of New Delhi.
DAY 3 AGRA Travel by private car and driver to Agra. Be guided through the Agra Fort before marvelling at the greatest romantic gesture of all time, the Taj Mahal. Don’t worry, this gleaming labour of love, built by the Shah for his wife, is guaranteed to make every visitor feel slightly awkward about last years anniversary present!
(Drive 220 km/4 hrs)
DAYS 4-5 JAIPUR Visit the sprawling ancient Mughal capital at Fatehpur Sikri before driving into the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur. Painted pink in the 19th-century to welcome Queen Victoria, this jewel of the Golden Triangle has a bewitching romance and charm that goes beyond its pink avenues and palaces. Explore exotic gardens and vibrant handicraft markets before a full day sightseeing on day 5, visiting the Palace of the Winds, City Palace and iconic Amber Fort. After all, who doesn’t love pink?
(Drive 250 km/5 hrs)
DAY 6 DELHI Take a leisurely drive back to Delhi.
RAJASTHAN
13 DAYSfr
£1054
DAYS 1-2 DELHI
After being met from the airport and relaxing into your hotel, spend the 2nd day with a local guide exploring the palaces, mosques and temples hidden beneath Delhi’s colourful clamour. That night board an overnight train to Udaipur.
(Mewar Express dep 1900; arr 0720 next day)
DAYS 3-4 UDAIPUR
Wake up to the lakes, mountains and floating palaces of Rajasthan’s most enchanting city. Soak up Udaipur’s romance with an evening cruise on Lake Pichola and a half day tour through the city’s royal palaces.
DAY 5 JODHPUR
After driving to Jodhpur, be led through the blue-washed jumble of the ancient city, getting lost in the incense clouded markets and magnificent Mehrangarth Fort. (Drive 275km/5hrs)
DAYS 6-7 JAISALMER
Driving to Jaisalmer, be captivated by the mysticism that shrouds this desert city. Take a half day tour of the mighty Jaisalmer Fort and clamber onto a camel for an unforgettable sunset in the dunes. (Drive 290km/5hrs)
DAYS 8-9 BIKANER & MANDAWA Fortified from the encircling desert by ancient city walls, drive to Bikaner and relax after the bustle of Jaisalmer. The following morning explore the intricate havelies and palaces before driving onto Mandawa. (Day 8 Drive 330km/6hrs; Day 9 190km/3.5hrs) DAYS 10-11 JAIPUR
After touring Mandawa’s beautifully carved havelies, drive into India’s glorious Golden Triangle. Spend a full day discovering Jaipur’s pink-hued charms and climbing the Amber Fort. (Drive 170km/3hrs)
DAYS 12-13 AGRA & DELHI
Driving to Agra, spend the morning at the Taj Mahal before your final leg back to Delhi. (Drive 220km/4hrs) AGRA JAIPUR NEW DELHI BIKANER JAISALMER JODHPUR UDAIPUR MANDAWA
WILDLIFE SAFARI
12 DAYSfr
£1177
DAYS 1-2 DELHI
Collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel, spend the next day with a local guide exploring the forts, tombs and temples hidden beneath Delhi’s hypnotic hustle. That night, board the overnight train to Jabalpur.
(Train dep 1750; arr 0850 next day)
DAYS 3-4 KANHA
Awaking to another world, you’ll be met off the train and driven through the peaceful emerald wilderness of India’s most celebrated park. The inspiration for Kipling’s Jungle Book, spend 2 nights at a lodge taking game drives deep into the forest in search of tigers and leopards.
(Drive 170km/4hrs)
DAYS 5-7 BANDHAVGARH
After one last game drive, travel to your lodge in Bandhavgarh NP. Overlooked by a crumbling clifftop fort, this spectacular park has India’s highest concentration of tigers. So no guarantees, but with 3 game drives, we’re crossing EVERYTHING for you. On the afternoon of day 7, drive to Khajuraho.
(Drive 250km/5hrs)
DAY 8 KHAJURAHO
Joining the temple safari, explore the sprawling complex of UNESCO temples and erotic art (yes erotic, not exotic) before boarding the train to Agra and journeying into India’s Golden Triangle.
(Drive 180 km/4 hrs + 2.5 hr train)
DAY 9 AGRA
Awake to a majestic morning at the Taj Mahal before driving into the hilltop forts and bustling bazaars of Jaipur.
(Drive 250km/5hrs)
DAYS 10-12 JAIPUR & DELHI
Spend a full day being guided through the lingering glory and romance of the ‘Pink City’, visiting the royal palaces and Amber Fort. On day 12, continue by car onto Delhi.
(Drive 265km/5hrs) AGRA JAIPUR NEW DELHI KHAJURAHO BANDHAVGARH KANHA
SOUTHERN INDIA
9 DAYSfr
£652
DAYS 7-9 GOA
Off the temple trail, spend a couple of blissful horizontal days in Goa. Eat the freshest seafood, do a downward facing dog on the beach (this is a yoga pose by the way) and reward yourself with a cocktail.
DAY 1 BANGALORE TO MYSORE
Met at Bangalore airport, your welcome to the beautiful south is a drive into the flamboyant illuminated palaces and colourful markets of the ancient city of Mysore.
(Drive 140km/3hrs)
DAY 2 MYSORE
With a local guide, discover the jewelled palaces and gigantic Nandi Bull (you heard correctly) of this beautiful easy going city. Later, drive to Hassan.
(Drive 130km/3hrs)
DAY 3 HASSAN
Head out to explore the ancient stacked Hindu temples at Belur and Halebid before driving onto Hospet.
(Drive 250km/7hrs)
DAY 4 HOSPET
The treasure of the south, take a tour out to the incredible UNESCO site at Hampi. Lose yourself in this otherworldly landscape, exploring crumbling temples scattered amongst the giant precarious boulders and palm groves.
DAYS 5-6 BADAMI & GOA
On the drive to Badami, stop at Aihole and Pattadakal, where 5th century Hindu temples are carved into the sandstone caves. On day 6, drive to Goa.
(Drive Day 5 180km/4hrs; Day 6 350km/7hrs) GOA BADAMI HOSPET BANGALORE MYSORE HASSAN
BEST OF KERALA
9 DAYSfr
£490
DAYS 1-2 COCHIN
Met from the airport, the colourful charm of this historical port provides a delightful welcome to laid back Kerala. The following day, take in the captivating medley of Arab, Jewish and European influences exploring ancient mosques, synagogues and giant Chinese fishing nets before a traditional Kathakali show. DAY 3 PERIYAR
Drive into the spice plantations, mountains and steamy jungles of the south’s most celebrated national park - home to elephants, monkeys and frustratingly elusive tigers! (Drive 200km/5hrs) DAY 4 KUMARAKOM
The best wake up call of your trip, take a boat safari onto the lake to catch some early morning wildlife before driving onto Kumarakom.
(Drive 140km/4hrs)
DAY 5 HOUSEBOAT
The traditional way to soak up Kerala’s mellow backwaters, board a private overnight houseboat and meander through dense palm-lined canals, mirrored lagoons and emerald paddies.
DAYS 6-8 KOVALAM
A well-deserved end to your trip, drive to the coast for a couple of horizontal beach days languishing under palms, eating seafood and gazing out across the Arabian Sea.
(Drive 170km/4hrs) DAY 9 TRIVANDRUM
Check out and leisurely drive to Trivandrum for any onward adventures. (Drive 20km/30min) COCHIN PERIYAR KUMARAKOM TRIVANDRUM KOVALAM
GOA, 6 DAYS FR £123
INDIA EXTENSIONS
THINK ABOUT ADDING...
VARANASI, 3 DAYS FR £167
AMRITSAR, 2 DAYS FR £183
A land of awesome snow-capped beauty, temples strewn with coloured prayer flags and mellow national parks, Nepal’s gentle pace and unassuming natural splendour redresses India’s craziness. A spiritual, trekking and wildlife lover’s nirvana, the only problem we can foresee is losing you to Nepal entirely (spiritually at least).
NEPAL
Once isolated from the world, and today uniquely closed off to consumerism, the deeply spiritual Kingdom of Bhutan is the embodiment of Shangri-la legends. Only accessible with guides, this earthly paradise of hilltop monasteries, scarlet-robed monks and harmonious mist-covered valleys is a once-in-a-lifetime journey.
BHUTAN
Emerging from a troubled past, the secrets held deep in Sri Lanka’s emerald jungles, mountain-top plantations and ring of untrodden white beaches still hold a rare air of undiscovered mystery. Overspilling with ancient temples, epic surf, wonderful smiles, elephants and SO MUCH TEA, we’re kind of reluctant to share it.
SRI LANKA We adore the hyperactive pace of India, but
haven’t forgotten it’s also in our national psyche to search out a beach wherever we go. Whether you’re a cross-legged yogi or glamorous sun worshipper, a well-deserved break on Goa’s coconut-strewn beaches will replenish your soul and top up your tan as well as your cocktail quota.
If India hasn’t (culture) shocked you enough, then this train extension from Delhi will be unapologetically life altering. Shrouded in ancient holy mysticism, be guided through the labyrinth of lanes and shrines, and take a dawn boat journey on the Ganges to witness Varanasi’s devotees absolve their sins at the ghats.
At the point where you think you’ve prostrated in cultural awe at all of India’s treasured temples, it’s time to take the train to Amritsar. Home to Sikhism’s holiest shine, the magnificent Golden Temple is truly humbling. And, for further one-off travel moments, stop at the Pakistani-India border for the ceremonial changing of guards.
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GETTING THERE
Every trip is different, so whether you’re after a flight from your local airport, a continent traversing multi-centre trip, or simply the most bang for your buck our exclusive air fares with the best carriers in the business, mean that we’ll always have an option for you.
Return flights to India fr £419*
Fly around India fr £39*
Upgrade to Business Class fr £999*
WHAT WILL I PAY?
Pressed for time? Can’t decide on the backwaters of Kerala or the majestic cities of Rajasthan? Then a Multistop ticket might be the perfect option! At STA Travel we can customise any trip to fit your needs – and save you money!
Trip Idea 1 UK > Delhi > Cochin Overland to Goa > UK fr £599*
Trip Idea 2 UK > Kathmandu Overland to Varansi > Delhi > Mumbai Overland to Trivandrum > Colombo > UK fr £739*
Trip Idea 3 UK > Delhi > Hong Kong > Hanoi Overland to Ho Chi Minh > Bangkok > Kuala Lumpur > Colombo > UK fr £999*
A LITTLE BIT OF SOMETHING EXTRA?
