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Nicknamed Little Tibet, Ladakh is a haven of peace in the far north of India. This Himalayan region is less known than its Nepalese or Tibetan neighbour’s and yet… And so much the better! Join Ladakh by plane or by road to discover Tibetan Buddhist culture in an enchanting setting. Perched at an altitude of 3500m, isolated for a good part of the year, Ladakh welcomes you in a unique mineral environment. This region is protected by the Himalayan barrier during the monsoon and therefore offers a pleasant and dry climate during the summer. From May to October, the trekking possibilities are endless. Thanks to its many valleys, there are hiking trails for everyone.
Often forgotten in the vastness of the Indian subcontinent, the northeastern states hold true wonders. Located after Bangladesh, near the Burmese border, this region is home to seven different states, where you will feel like you are in a new country. With its own culture, its unique peoples, its wild and contrasting territory, the Northeast is India's best kept secret.
Arunachal Pradesh, on the eastern most frontier of India offers you a different Himalayas which are home to one of the most beautiful monasteries in the world, sharing the Bhutanese border. Discover Assam and go on a safari in Kaziranga National Park for the chance to discover one-horned rhinos.
Why don't you go on a trip to Gujarat? South of Rajasthan, in the west of the country, lies a state little known to travellers. With a dry and arid climate, this region was the cradle of Gandhi. Its economic dynamism is significantly superior to the rest of the country thanks to its geographical position and its access to the sea. Discover the riches of Gujarat, with its extremely rich craftsmanship known for its magnificent fabrics and embroidery. As for wildlife, Gir National Park is home to the Asian lion! The unspoiled nature of the Kutch region will surprise you with its salt desert where wild donkeys gallop.
Enclosed between Nepal and Bhutan, the former Himalayan kingdom of Sikkim is a singular state with a strong identity. It is dominated by the highest Indian peak: Kangchenjunga (8586 m). In spring and autumn, Sikkim welcomes you for a journey into the heart of magnificent and wild valleys, covered with rhododendrons. Buddhist monasteries mark the landscape where the Tibetan prayer flags flutter in the wind. Visit Gangtok and admire the views of the Himalayan Range. Take a walk on the hiking trails in the Lachung region where you will also experience the hospitality of the Sikkimese. Leave the region at the end of your stay and travel to Darjeeling in the neighbouring state of West Bengal. Guests can visit a tea factory ctach the sunrise of Mt Kanchenjunga, referred as the sleeping Buddha and stay with locals.
The vast state of Karnataka stretches along the west coast of the island, between Goa and Kerala. This region has a surprising cultural and natural mix. It would also be the cradle of traditional Carnatic music. With its historical heritage, it was the seat of one of India's greatest empires: that of the Chalukya. Its territory has many national parks and nature reserves. From the cosmopolitan capital Bangalore to the laid-back beaches of Gokarna to the UNESCO-listed ruins of Hampi, Karnataka is a big surprise! Be sure to visit Mysore and its splendid palace, the former royal capital of the state. This wonderful region will undoubtedly charm all lovers of India.
This large rural region in central India hides many surprises. Madhya Pradesh, made up of large forest plateaus, remains unknown to travellers. Yet it deserves attention for its national parks among other things. Bandhavgarh has the highest density of tigers in the country. Thanks to the various water points scattered around the park, you can observe many animals such as bears and deer.
Kanha is another reserve with the most tigers in the whole country. It is the largest park with 16 entrances in total. By staying a minimum of two days you have the chance to observe magnificent animals during your safaris.
Pench is a park located on the border with Maharastra, it is formed by immense forests of salt. Its reputation is also due to its diversity of herbivores, its population of wolves and of course tigers. Finally, the Panna reserve, very close to Khajuraho, is a treasure both for its flora and fauna and for its landscapes crossed by the Ken River. This reserve with huge and round rocks transports you to another world.
In the Bay of Bengal, just 190 km west of Burma, lies the Indian archipelago of Andaman and Nicobar. The Nicobar Islands are not open to tourists, but there are so many more to explore. Travelers to the Andamans come for the beautiful coral reefs and heavenly white sand beaches. The turquoise blue waters are surrounded by lush jungle and tropical mangrove swamps. It is the perfect place to learn about scuba diving and discover the extraordinary aquatic life. To benefit from the best weather conditions, escape to the Andamans between the months of December and April. This period also corresponds to the nesting of turtles. Perfect for couples and family looking for a relaxing beach stay after a jaunty trip.
Set off to conquer the Himalayan regions which will embrace you with their mixture of breath-taking landscapes. These “abodes of the gods” for Hindus are among the most sacred sites in India. Uttarkhand, bordering Nepal in the east and Tibet in the north. This is where the holy Ganges rises, at the foot of enchanting peaks. Attend prayer ceremonies along the Ganges in Haridwar. Stroll through the alleys of Rishikesh, capital of yoga, and appreciate its spiritual and relaxed atmosphere.
Himachal Pradesh is another part of the Himalayan foothills. The lush valleys of Kullu or Kangra await you near the towns of Manali or Dharamsala. This houses the Tibetan government in exile and the residence of the 14th Dalai Lama. Admire the snow-capped peaks all around you, some exceeding 6000m in altitude. Climb up to the Rothang Pass and discover beyond the Spiti and Lahul valleys, the gateway to the high altitude Himalayan regions and home to the Snow Leopards. In spring and autumn, these regions offer you a setting conducive to outdoor activities, including rafting, paragliding or trekking!
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