Magical India
We spent over 6 weeks in India scouting new trips for Blue Odyssey guests.
Our focus was split between the magnificent Indian wildlife tiger parks and the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan and spice culture and cuisine of Kerala. We were blown away by the wildlife, history, culture and warm hearted locals we met along the way. Lodging options are very impressive: from luxury safari camps to converted Moghul Palaces to charming family run historic boutique hotels filled with beautiful antique furniture and textiles. Our local partners are pioneers in tiger conservation and excel at providing seamless travel in the comfort of a privately chauffeured vehicle. Needless to say, the guiding was outstanding throughout our journey and really made the wildlife encounters and history come alive. We are excited to be offering our guests the opportunity to explore the majesty of India.
Contact Jale (jale@blueodyssey.com) to customize a trip for your group.
 AGRA - TAJ MAHAL The Taj Mahal was commissioned in 1631 by the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site for being “the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage” |  India has hundreds of festivals. Just tell us your dates and we'll give you options. |  JODHPUR: 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort is a former palace that’s now an amazing museum. It's called Blue City because of the blue tinge to the whitewashed houses around the Mehrangarh Fort. Jodhur's market is a great place for shopping special fabrics. |
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 KERALA: tropical Malabar Coast, backwaters, a network of canals, mountains whose slopes support tea, coffee and spice plantations as well as wildlife. National parks like Periyar are home to elephants, langur monkeys and tigers. We had great time here visiting tea plantations and spice farms (have you seen cloves and cardomom growing on a tree/bush)? Amazing food culture. |  MUMBAI (BOMBAY): Dabbawalas (If you've watched the movie called Lunchbox, you know what we mean), spice markets. Tour called Mumbai by dawn is higly recommended (Sassoon Dock, to witness the seafood market, flower market, cricket grounds, etc,...). If you are a fan of TV series (or book) called Shantaram, we can add a tour where you can see the sights mentioned. Evening street food tour (kebabs and curries in the Muslim district) |  TIGER RESERVES: We visited 4 tiger reserves: Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Kanha. We can combine one or more of these reserves depending on your itinerary and how many days you have. These are beautifully designed safari lodges, very stylish and comfortable. |
 NEW DELHI: 16th century Mughal-era Red Fort, a symbol of India, and the sprawling Jama Masjid mosque, whose courtyard accommodates 25,000 people. Chandni Chowk, a vibrant bazaar filled with food carts, sweets shops and spice stalls. |  We can set up some spectacular hands-on culinary experiences. From volunteering in the communal kitchen at a Sikh Temple, to a private cooking session with a royal chef, and home-style family secrets that have been passed down from one generation to the next, guided street food tours especially in Mumbai and spice farm visits in Kerala. |  VARANASI: As Mark Twain said "Varanasi is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together.” It has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. |
 Udaipur, formerly the capital of the Mewar Kingdom, is a city in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. Founded by Maharana Udai Singh II in 1559, it’s set around a series of artificial lakes and is known for its lavish royal residences. City Palace, overlooking Lake Pichola, is a monumental complex of 11 palaces, courtyards and gardens, famed for its intricate peacock mosaics. |  TIGER RESERVES: We visited 4 tiger reserves: Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Kanha. We can combine one or more of these reserves depending on your itinerary and how many days you have. These are beautifully designed safari lodges, very stylish and comfortable. | |
 Our Indian guides are very knowledgeable as well as stylish |  You'll be treated to wonderful music and dance ceremonies |  In Mumbai, bollywood dance is available and no need to say but it is so much fun |