India & Beyond - Luxury travel in India & Beyond with A&K

India

A visit to India is a sensory adventure, its colours are dazzling and its sights many. There are spice-laden markets and places of pilgrimage, beach temples and desert forts. Its culinary traditions are legendary and its monuments number some of the worlds most famous. From the high mountains of the Himalaya to the palm-lined backwaters of Kerala, the opulent palaces of Rajasthan to its incredible wildlife, A&K delivers the best of India.

50 years of travel with A&K - experience counts

Established in Kenya in 1962, Abercrombie & Kent founded the original African safari company. As travelling choices broadened, new destinations were identified and subsequent operations set up. In 1985, A&K India was launched and the company, which has been operating for over a quarter of a century, now has four offices and over 75 dedicated staff in the country.

A&K specialises in luxury travel for discerning guests and expertly designs holidays to match. It does not compromise by lessening standards to capture a broader audience. This means the quality and range of special experiences and services is unparalleled. Accommodation and experiences too are hand-picked and tested by the team.

Individualised travel. Tailor-made for you

There are no set departures on itineraries in India. They are designed to give you maximum flexibility. You travel at your own pace with your chosen companion and your own guide and driver.

Travelling with A&K, you can expect a friendly uniformed face to meet you at every turn, the most accomplished guides who are sensitive to your needs to point out the country’s highlights, friendly and efficient service at your chosen hotels, the most suitable rooms booked and pre-registration organised, transport in A&K’s own vehicles, automatic contribution to A&K Philanthropy, worrisome extras taken care of, restaurant reservations made and someone on call 24/7.

When to go?

A hot, tropical climate means the best time to travel to India is during the Australian summer when conditions are more temperate and humidity lower. Expect the monsoon May to September with rain generally in the morning or late afternoon. Travelling at this time shows the country in a lush new light. In the Himalayan regions to the north, travel is recommended late spring or autumn. Nepal’s monsoon occurs June to September, October and November are prime months to visit.

Preferred airlines: Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Air India

A&K guides are the best in the business. Each has extensive knowledge and a singular ability to bring local attractions to life. These individuals are multilingual and well travelled, each possessing fascinating insight into the diverse attractions and cultural interactions present throughout the region.

In India you may be accompanied by Delhi resident Shivani Seth. A representative of the merging of traditional and modern India, Shivani is a former journalist with the Times of India. She has a sensitive approach to her work and is obliging, enthusiastic and extremely knowledgeable.

Discover Old Delhi with ‘local in the know’, Satish Jacob, author and former BBC correspondent. Enjoy A&K's special access to the private residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur with all the opulence a Rajasthani palace. In Western India, experience warm Goan hospitality with a local family over High Tea.

Snake boat races

If you find yourself in Kerala during the month of August head to Alleppey where on the second Saturday of the month the annual snake boat races are held. These long elegant vessels are crewed by over 100 men competing to win a coveted trophy. The spectacle attracts onlookers from all over.

Family

Quality time spent with family is increasingly hard to find. An A&K holiday delivers the perfect opportunity: this is a bespoke journey tailored to your needs letting children learn about the wider world in beautiful locations, parents relaxing in the knowledge that someone else is in charge, home comforts in hand-picked lodgings, fun and adventure for young and old alike.

Many hotels in India, Nepal and Bhutan accept children of all ages. A&K’s family favourites in the region include Mihirgarh (Jodhpur), Oberoi Rajvilas (Jaipur), Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge (Chitwan National Park) and Uma Paro (Bhutan).

Solo Traveller

More and more travellers are choosing to see the world on their own. Wherever you travel with A&K there’s a friendly face on hand at all times from the arrival Meet & Greet to the farewell. Expert guides bring the destination to life and act as companions while round-the-clock support means your safety and security.

A&K’s favourite destinations for Solo Travellers in India include: the jungle lodges of Central India; Chhatra Sagar and Princes & Palaces.