Fabulous tour of India including tigers!

Emily and Nishma India Tour

On 7 October we flew from Heathrow to Delhi in India via Doha on Qatar Airways, who very kindly upgraded us both from economy to business class on both legs of the journey – a terrific start to our holiday. Ooops we didn’t mean holiday it was a fact-finding tour of India for Somak.

On arrival in Delhi the next morning, we were warmly greeted by our delightful representative, Sahil, who transferred us to the beautiful Vivanta by Taj Dwarka. After settling in to our beautiful room and freshening up, we went to the Shangri La Hotel for a delicious lunch. Feeling replete and quite rested after our extremely comfortable flight we ventured out on a half-day sightseeing tour of Delhi. Delhi is an assault on the senses, with the hustle and bustle, sights, sounds, smells and colours, it’s difficult to take it all in.

Nishma and Emily at the Jama Mosque

After a wonderful night’s sleep and a late breakfast we were transferred to the train station where we boarded the train to Sawai Madhopur – we were so excited to be on our way to Ranthambhore, home of the tiger. Our rep made sure we found our correct seats on the train and helped us with our bags.

We spent four nights at the super Ranthambhore Kothi hotel, where we were thoroughly looked after. The next three days were spent in the Ranthambhore National Park with morning and afternoon jeep safaris in search of tigers. For the first 2 days we saw all sorts of animals and some stunning scenery but alas, not the elusive tiger. On a couple of our drives we came close to a sighting, seeing paw prints or hearing a warning call from a macaque or some peacocks.

The girls in Ranthambhore

Finally, on the third day, after searching for just over an hour, we rounded the corner and there she was, powerful, and regal, casual in her aloofness, sauntering across the rocks and into the water, what we had all been longing to see, a magnificent tiger. Our guide informed us that she was known as Noori.

Tiger in Ranthambhore

Although sad to leave Ranthambhore, we were keen to travel to Jaipur, a stunning city filled with forts, palaces and a multitude of cultural and historic sights. Jaipur never disappoints!

The next morning we visited the Amber Fort before departing for Delhi. En route we stopped at the incredible Samode Palace for lunch. The Palace is a heritage monument dating back to the 16th century and boasts beautiful gardens, courtyards and a hall of mirrors or ‘Sheesh Mahal’.

We spent the night in Delhi before catching an early train from New Delhi station. Our next port of call was Shimla in the far north of India on the foothills of the Himalayas. We travelled by express train to Kalka and changed to the Toy Train for Shimla. The Toy Train is an incredible experience (if a little long!) and the views are unbeatable as you wind your way up into the Himalayas.

Toy Train to Shimla

Shimla is a stunning place, with the most beautiful scenery and lush, verdant rolling landscape. Here you can catch your breath, relax and enjoy the sheer beauty at your own pace.

Sadly all good things come to an end and we had to leave behind the mad, diverse and intoxicating paradox which is India – as well as a little bit of our hearts.

Find out more about our India itineraries here: https://www.somak.com/india

If this small taste of what to experience in India has inspired you to visit, then call us on 020 8423 3000 or complete an enquiry form to receive a quotation from our experts.

You can also find out more on our website: https://www.somak.com