Three great ways to experience the delights of exotic India

MERCEDES Maguire found three different ways to see a diverse country

INDIA DEALS Colourful locals outside the Taj Mahal in Agra, India. For use with Insight Vacations

India is emerging as a top destination for Australian travellers with a record 186,000 heading there in the year to September 2013.

1. THE ROYAL TOUR

Experience opulence and luxury in India with a 13-day Imperial Rajasthan tour and save almost $500 on the October 13 and February 16, 2015 departures. Pay from $3475 a person for the tour that is fit for a king.

Highlights include a stay at Leela Palace on Lake Pichola, Udaipur, voted one of the World’s Top Resorts by US luxury magazine, the Robb Report. You will also get to dine under the stars at Kanoi sand dunes, Jaisalmer, in the Thar Desert where you can explore the dunes on camel before enjoying an Indian feast. And later, lunch like a king in a real-life castle at Manadawa, which features medieval turreted towers. You will eat in the mural-painted dining room, which features live entertainment by Rajasthani folk singers and dancers.

No trip to India is complete without a visit to the Taj Mahal. Built by a king as a sign of his everlasting love for his queen, the marble mausoleum in Agra is the country’s biggest drawcard.

The price includes scheduled “Signature Experiences”, many meals at celebrated restaurants, accommodation in palaces and top hotels and local experts.

Ph 1300 301 672 or see insightvacations.com

Local ladies with henna-painted hands outside the Taj Mahal in Agra, India.

2. THE ADVENTURE TRIP

World Expeditions has included Kashmir in its Himalaya program for the first time in 20 years and is celebrating with a 15 per cent saving when two people book the 15-day Kashmir Ladakh Adventure before August 15.

A saving of $433.50 brings the price for the second traveller down to $2890. Experience the Western Himalaya with a stay on a luxurious houseboat moored on Nagin Lake and take shikara (long boat) rides to the Moghul Gardens. Also, explore the handicrafts in the Kashmir capital of Srinagar where carpets, shawls and papier-mache products provide an insight into Kashmir’s cultural history. From Srinagar, board a mountain flight over the Indus Valley to Ladakh, where you can wander the bazaar and Leh Palace. Then, prepare for a five-day trek through Buddhist settlements and across grazing pastures, home to the elusive snow leopard.

Ascend the trails to the Ganda La and enjoy the beautiful views from the high Himalaya to the peaks of the eastern Karakoram. A night in the Alchi monastery alongside the Indus River is a highlight.

This offer is valid on new bookings received before August 15 for travel before December 31.

Ph 1300 720 000 (online bookings use promo code ‘KASHMIR2014’).

A grand view of the Indian Himalayas.

3, THE CRUISE TOUR

Venture into the heart of India with Cruiseco’s 27-night cruise and land holiday priced from $16,499 a person, twin share. Travellers will spend 10 nights on board the luxurious RV Ganges Voyager, plus 17 nights touring India on land and staying in 5-star hotels.

The river cruise sails from Kolkata to Patna and, along the way, travellers will take part in extensive touring to experience the rich culture, sights and monuments for which India is famous.

The journey continues on land from Varanasi to Mumbai, visiting more iconic Indian sights along the way. Guests will explore a range of beautiful cultural destinations while staying in some of the world’s best hotels.

Your Authentic Asia India holiday includes return airfares from Australia, a 10-night luxury river cruise, 17 nights in 5-star hotels, all meals, most beverages, scheduled sightseeing, transfers, gratuities and onboard services while cruising. The first departure is February 27 next year.

Ph [phone] or see cruising.com.au

The RV Ganges Voyager cruises through India. For use with Cruiseco.

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Originally published as Three great ways to experience the delights of exotic India