NATURE THRILLS DON’T STOP MOVING
TRACK DOWN TIGERS
To see a tiger up close in its natural habitat is a thrilling experience. India has more than 30 reserves, but three stand out. Ranthambore in Rajasthan has made a comeback; sightings are common and it has the most photogenic landscape. However, it uses bigger vehicles and sightings can be spoilt by noisy day-trippers. In-the-know tiger lovers head instead for the Bandhavgarh and Tadoba National Parks in central India where sightings are pretty much guaranteed if you stay three nights. Tadoba is home to Maya, a rock-star tiger so relaxed with visitors that she allows you the rare chance to see her cubs.
Wildlife Trails (01946 841495; wildlifetrails.co.uk) is offering a 10-night Panna and Bandhavgarh Tiger Safari with the Temples of Khajuraho tour, including three days in Bandhavgarh tiger reserve from £2,490pp. Bespoke tours also available
FLEX GREEN THUMBS
Deep in the Himalayas, where India meets Tibet and Bhutan, is the tiny former kingdom of Sikkim, one of the most plant-rich places on Earth. Thanks to Joseph Hooker, a Victorian director of Kew Gardens, some of the most exotic species have found their way into our gardens. But there’s no substitute for seeing the delicate ancestors of some of our bestloved perennials, lilies, primulas and orchids in their original habitat – the Yumthang Valley.
Naturetrek (01962 733051; naturetrek. co.uk) is running a group tour of Spring Flowers of Sikkim, Darjeeling & Kalimpong next June from £3,495pp, including flights
STUDY THE BIRD LIFE
I once counted 250 species of birds in two days through my binoculars at Satpura National Park – with a lot of help from the
guide. Combined with stays at the Chambal Sanctuary near Agra and Bharatpur in Rajasthan, you can
power through the list in Birds of the Indian Subcontinent (now available as an app). Tack on a visit to Pachmarhi, a former British hill station, where time seems to stand still. Looking out over a magnificent gorge, the station promises superb hikes where you can head off in search of rare long-billed vultures and brilliantly coloured beaters.
Audley Travel (01993 662373; audleytravel.com) can design a bespoke two-week tour from £3,490pp including expert guiding and flights
CYCLE THROUGH TEA COUNTRY
Behind the beaches and backwaters of Kerala is a beautiful range of hills, the Western Ghats. Shaded by old-growth forests, elephants and buffalo roam, and locals tend orchards and rice paddies. Quiet lanes wind up through tea and spice plantations to spectacular viewpoints, a just reward for a few hours in the saddle each day.
Saddle Skedaddle (0191 265 1110; skedaddle.com) runs guided 14-day trips with full support (including a van to collect you if your legs give up) which starts and ends on the coast. From £1,885pp
WALK THE HIMALAYAS
High in the Kumaon valley, Shakti, a specialist tour company, has pioneered walking trails through remote villages and flower-filled meadows in the shadow of snow-capped Himalayan peaks accompanied by a private guide. Nights are spent in traditional houses converted into stylish suites while a personal chef creates Kumaoni delicacies for supper and gourmet picnics for the trail. Best of all the walks can be tailored to suit all ages and levels of fitness. A seven-night trip with Shakti (0203 151 5177; shaktihimalaya.com) costs from £5,800pp. Village Ways (01223 750049; villageways.com) offers cheaper alternatives based in nearby Binsar; from £940pp for 12 nights
BEND AND STRETCH
North of Delhi in the foothills of the Himalayas lies Basunti, a beautifully situated yoga retreat run by an Englishman whose family has lived in India for generations. While yoga is taken seriously here, the shala is attached to a convivial lodge beside a lake that acts as a reservoir for Delhi. After classes you can swim in its clean silken waters, visit the Tibetan community in Dharamsala up the valley, or simply unwind in a garden hammock.
Retreats at Basunti (basunti-yogaindia.co.uk) cost from £1,800 for 12 nights
SADDLE UP
Horses feature heavily in Mughal miniature paintings and the thrill of the chase can be recaptured on a ride across the plains of Rajasthan. At Dundlod Castle, Bonnie Singh has a stud of award-winning, pure-bred Marwari horses and can organise all kinds of riding safaris, including an annual departure that finishes at the Nagaur Fair – a more interesting alternative to the famous Pushkar cattle fair – where drovers come to trade and make merry. In the Saddle (01299 272997; inthesaddle.com) offers an 11-night tour from £3,000pp
Prices quoted do not include international flights unless otherwise stated