India is, undoubtedly, a cultural treasure trove. Few countries in the world have an ancient and such diverse culture as India's. Stretching back to an unbroken sweep of over 5000 years, India's culture has been enriched with successive upheavals caused with invasion of the great Moghuls and the British Raj. Their influence was absorbed into the Indian way of life, thus offering a cultural diversity which is a special hallmark of India. Its art, architecture, monuments, costumes, music and dance, language and literature are thrillingly alive instead of gathering dust in museums. Come and discover the richness of India's culture.
The art of celebration is an essential part of Indian culture. Weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and festivals - whether celebrated in a Palace or around a village ‘Peepal’ tree, is all about brotherhood, peace and togetherness.
During festivals, daily chores are put aside and everyone joins in the celebration. Each season has its special festivals, delectable food, fashion and fleeting pleasures. Not a day goes by when in the Indian Subcontinent there isn’t something special happening. The most widely celebrated festivals are Holi, Diwali, and Dussehra. Every region has its own unique festival, like Kerala’s harvest celebration, Onam, or Rajasthan’s colorful Pushkar Cattle Fair. There are also certain cultural festivals, like the renowned Jaipur Literature Festival, or a variety of music and dance festivals where apart from exponents, even the fresh talented youth participate. We provide a comprehensive guide to the best of these festivals.
India is a land of artists, artisans, craftsmen and builders. The creative energy harnessed by those in power, from the early Hindu dynasties to the mighty Moghuls and romantic Rajputs. The stunning architecture can be seen in the elegant havelis, glittering palaces, historic forts and stunning temples. Perhaps no image expresses India’s love for beauty like the Taj Mahal. It was built in Agra from 1632 to 1653, by the brilliant Moghul emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial in remembrance of his beloved wife Mumtaz, who bravely accompanied him across India on his umpteen battle campaigns, and died giving birth to their 14th child.
In a material world it’s easy to forget the beauty found in spiritual places. The serenity of Buddhist monks at dawn in a mountaintop Bhutanese monastery, the excitement and pageantry of a great pilgrimage like the renowned Kumbh Mela - one of the greatest spiritual journeys on earth involving hundreds of thousands. The magic of the ‘Ghats’ at Varanasi, sacred to the Hindus for centuries; the majestic temples of Hampi; bright prayer flags fluttering high above the valleys of Nepal; the blissful evening Aarti ritual on the banks of the Ganges at Rishikesh or the tranquil simplicity of an ashram—wherever you travel in the Indian Subcontinent you’ll find places of great spiritual inspiration and solace.
There are times when only the best will do! When a special occasion demands an exceptional experience, we come in. Our clients are some of the most discerning travelers and we wouldn’t have it any other way. So if you’d like a private picnic in the Himalayan foothills, heli-skiing in the Kashmir mountains of Gulmarg, a wedding fit for royalty complete with elephants, safaris in luxury, touring the country in a vintage Rolls Royce, having a Maharajah’s palace at your disposal, a banquet on the ramparts of a historic fort, private polo lessons or just the pleasure of travelling wherever you desire takes you by a private Jet; we are here to make your most extravagant wishes come true.
The remarkable diversity of the subcontinent makes it an ideal destination for special interests. TWX works very closely with universities, museums, galleries, alumni associations and other cultural organizations to create specialized itineraries. An exclusive panel of guest speakers, experienced tour managers, informative and engaging guides provide a vast and in-depth knowledge of our archaeology, architecture, art, culture, cuisine, design, crafts, festivals and wildlife.
It's a little- known fact that India gives an adrenaline rush through its outdoor adventure activities. Whether it’s ballooning near the Taj Mahal, white water rafting on the Indus River or heli-skiing from a Himalayan mountaintop; whatever you want to thrill your spirits, you’ll find here. For discerning adventure seekers, India is full of great surprises.
India has recently evolved as a leading spa destination, offering holistic therapies from the arts of ancient Ayurveda to the latest facials and other treatment. Leading Indian hotels have dedicated huge resources in creating unique and authentic Indian spa experiences to rival the best anywhere. Let the healing touch of India’s renowned therapists soothe all cares away. The holistic approach to wellness has always been part of Indian culture. One of the most popular ways of keeping healthy and enjoying a positive lifestyle is through Ayurveda, whose origins can be traced back 5,000 years through ancient Vedic texts.
India's wildlife is diverse and extraordinary! Where else can you find dancing peacocks, flying monkeys, bathing elephants, striking cobras, swooping kingfishers, lounging lions and legendary tigers? With steady growth in conservation and wildlife preservation, India has safeguarded its rare and wonderful creatures for you to spot in their own habitats.
Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan is one of India’s biggest and most successful tiger reserves. Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand, founded in 1936, is India’s oldest and known for its safaris. Furthermore, in Madhya Pradesh, you can escape from the crowds at excellent tiger reserves like Pench National Park, immortalized in Kipling’s -The Jungle Book and popular for its dramatic scenery and tigers; Bandavgarh National Park’s abundant wildlife that includes leopard, wild boar, and sloth bear; Kanha National Park is one of the largest in India, while Satpura National Park features guided safaris on foot, by jeep or on elephant back. Exceptional new safari lodges are setting new standards for luxurious yet environmentally responsible tourism.
Birdwatchers will love Keoladeo Ghana National Park in Bharatpur near Agra. It is a wetland home to thousands of migrating birds like the rare Siberian Crane. West Bengal’s famed Sunderbans National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose marshlands are teeming with exotic wildlife like crocodiles and tigers. In Kerala, at the Periyer Wildlife Sanctuary, visitors cruise along the lake watching families of elephants at play.
Far from city crowds and tourist centers, a world of pristine ecology awaits those willing to explore India’s countryside. Trekking, mountain climbing, river rafting, bird-watching, backpacking and camping - whether on foot, by jeep, on horseback, on a camel, astride an elephant or even on a home stay with a local family- all are eco-friendly ways to discover rural India and its wildlife.
You could eat in India every day for a lifetime, never having to repeat a meal. This phrase describes the abundance and diversity of Indian Cuisine. That’s because Indian cuisine is a mixture of elaborate regional cuisines, each offering its own distinct flavor and character. And within each region, every family has recipes handed down through generations, so try some Indian home cooking. Indians are foodies at heart and will happily spend hours passionately debating where to find the best kebab house or mouthwatering mithai (Indian sweets) shop.
Why choose to see India by train?
It’s the most convenient way to visit multiple destinations in India. Touring in India can be confusing, chaotic and complicated. Travelling by road or by air to your next destination takes time which may be better spent enjoying the sights themselves. Imagine travelling thousands of miles without the hassle of airport security checks and hotel check-in queues, transfers, packing and unpacking—in short not having to deal with all the things which take the fun factor out of travel.
The romance of travel by train is at its best in India. Thanks to its exciting new class of luxury trains, offering the style and service of the royal trains of the past, with 21st -century comforts. It’s virtually hassle-free. Wake up to a new destination each day, knowing meals, itineraries and guided tours all included. Feel like a Maharaja!
TWX has excellent rates and relationships with leading hotels, resorts and heritage properties throughout its network. Fabulous suites, private pool villas, palaces and penthouses await those who have a taste for luxury. We also provide original and creative options like homestays, tented safaris, chic boutique hotels, yoga retreats, beach resorts, rice boats or five-star cruisers… something good for everyone. Whether one needs a family-friendly budget hotel or a honeymoon escape, we take pride in finding places to stay that are as genuine, special and unique as our esteemed guests.