An Escape to India and Bhutan

New Delhi is a mirror pointing to both the past and the future, a pulsating city showcasing India's rich history and dazzling embrace of modernity. 

A visit to New Delhi is not complete without exploring the city's old quarter. As you wander into this historic part of the city, you'll be greeted by a wonderfully hectic array of street food vendors, cycle-rickshaws and market stalls. This kaleidoscopic section of the city is best seen on a designated Old Delhi tour with your own personal local guide; as you arrive at the iconic Red Fort in the heart of Old Delhi, gazing at the imposing red sandstone walls and majestic domed exteriors, you'll feel like you've been transported back in time!

If you want to glimpse the modern side of New Delhi on your India holiday, you should definitely visit New Delhi's mesmerising Lotus Temple. A Bahá'í House of Worship, this other-worldly architectural masterpiece is surrounded by pristine gardens and is uniquely shaped like a flower, making this a must-see attraction whilst in the capital!

If this is your first time to India, then Agra is definitely not to be missed. A magical city scattered with the remnants of the Mughal Empire, there is more to Agra than the Taj Mahal (though you will undeniably be blown away by this impressive UNESCO World Heritage site!).

Now you're in Agra and have settled into your hotel, you're going to want to get outside and explore this bustling city. Where to begin? On the banks of the Yamuna River is Agra Fort, a Mughal-era fortress that was once the residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty. As you wander through the vermilion sandstone walls, you'll feel like you've been transported back to India's Mughal past in a realm of romance and glamour. 

Afterwards, you must head off to see the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal, the famed icon of India known most prominently across the world. There is a reason millions flock to the Taj Mahal each year; the perfectly symmetrical gardens, walls and minarets are simply breathtaking, and if you're on a honeymoon in India, seeing the Taj Mahal at sunset is especially romantic. 

With sweeping landscapes and an abundance of exotic wildlife, Ranthambore National Park is Rajasthan's hidden treasure, a natural haven filled with ancient landmarks and fascinating creatures.

Home to the iconic Bengal tiger, elusive leopards and menacing marsh crocodiles, Ranthambore National Park is the perfect place to encounter some of India's most spectacular wildlife on your India holiday. To experience the national park at it's most active points, you should go on two safaris both in the morning and the evening. As you cruise through the national park in the safari jeep, you'll feel the hum of Ranthambore as the tigers skulk through the forest thicket and spotted deer sip from the many lakes. Looming in the distance is the formidable Ranthambore Fort; built in the 10th Century, the fort is a key landmark in Rajasthan and worthy of an in-depth explore whilst in Ranthambore.

The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is a stately city filled with ornate gardens, spectacular courtyards and opulent palaces, a beautiful living portrait of India's rich past.

Known fondly as the 'Pink City', Jaipur's warm, sun-washed buildings are simply astounding and are like nowhere else in India! To see the best spots in the city, you can explore Jaipur on a locally-led personalised tour, discovering the top attractions and the best restaurants. As you wander through the historic streets, inhaling the tantalising aromas of spice-infused Indian food, you'll be able to visit sites such as the majestic Jaipur Fort Palace, the vividly pink City Palace and the even more vividly pink Hawa Mahal! Afterwards, you must make sure to visit some of Jaipur's vibrant street markets; known for its artisans and craftsmen, you can purchase authentic Indian souvenirs in Jaipur such as beautiful handcrafted textiles and sparkling jewellery to have as a memorable keepsake. 

A city dating from the 11th Century, Varanasi is steeped in history and culture, drawing thousands of Hindu pilgrims each year who seek to bathe in the sacred water of the River Ganges. 

Known as the spiritual capital of India, you can experience the religious importance of this historical city first-hand on your India holiday with an evening Aarti, a spiritual ritual performed daily by a collection of priests. As you stand on the banks of the River Ganges, you can watch in wonder at this mesmerising performance as the gentle flicker of the oil lamp flames shimmers in the water. With approximately 2,000 temples in Varanasi, such as the famous Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, you must make sure to take to wander through the beautifully chaotic streets of the city, feasting your eyes on the many Hindu temples and ghats leading into the Ganges. 

Thimphu has escaped the rapid globalisation of the rest of the world, a city that carefully fuses modernity with tradition. Cradled by mountains in the picturesque Thimphu valley, Thimphu is a capital city like no other, showcasing a beauty that is marvellously intertwined with its untouched natural surroundings. 

For spectacular views overlooking Thimphu on your Bhutan holiday, you must visit the Buddha Dordenma whilst staying in the city. One of the tallest Shakyamuni Buddha statues in Asia, you can marvel at this brilliant gold structure whilst feasting your eyes on the breathtaking surrounding mountains. If you're interested in the cultural history of the city, then Tashichho Dzong, located on the banks of a rushing river and surrounded by rugged verdant hills, will excite your imagination. Transporting you back to the days of Bhutan's mysterious past, you can explore the 30 temples, chapels and shrines housed within the Dzong, which reflect the prominent Buddhist traditions of the Bhutan. 

Punakha is a valley town in the Himalayas of Bhutan, north-east of Thimphu but with a surprisingly warmer climate. Once the capital city and seat of government of Bhutan, Punakha is home to opulent dzongs and traditional markets, reflecting the unique customs of the country. 

Where to begin? Punakha Dzong is the most iconic landmark of the region, located beautifully at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. Both the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan, you can visit this impressive palace with an expert private guide, learning about it's remarkable religious and royal history. The Dzong is even open to explore during the summer months once the monk body has returned to Thimphu!

For the inner-adventurer inside of you, whilst in Punakha you can also experience Druk Rafting, a unique rafting experience in Bhutan. With majestic mountains a stunning backdrop, you'll weave your way through the sweeping Punakha Valley, gliding along rushing water or gentle currents depending on your white water rafting ability!

The last stop on your Bhutan adventure, Paro has everything, from tantalising restaurants offering authentic Bhutanese cuisine to beautiful historical buildings reflecting the country's rich heritage. 

On a personalised sightseeing tour of the town, you'll be able to experience the wonders of Paro, such as the spectacular Paro Dzong; built in 1644, this majestic palace looks across the town, acting as a Buddhist monastery and fortress as well as an administrative centre. If you're visiting Paro on a Sunday, you can wander through Paro Bazaar, a vibrant weekend market offering a selection of authentic Bhutanese goods, such as organic Tsirang honey and handcrafted traditional textiles. 

Perhaps the most coveted destination in Paro is Paro Taktsang, most fondly known as the Tiger's Nest, a Himalayan Buddhist sacred area and UNESCO World Heritage site. If you're on a honeymoon in Bhutan, there is no better way to spend a romantic afternoon than by walking up the rugged mountain paths to the monastery, marvelling at the brightly-coloured prayer flags and the Tiger's Nest in the distance, perched on the edge of imposing mountain peaks and holy caves.