Adventure
If you’re familiar with the Maharaja Drinks story, you’ll know that meeting our suppliers face-to-face is a matter of great importance (and not only because of the personalised tasting sessions). These meetings serve as a way to truly get to know our brand partners - the people behind the drinks, and their stories.
So right from the get-go, we were keen to meet our suppliers at the sites where their products were grown, brewed, distilled or produced rather than in plush offices. We’d pinpointed partners all across the country: from Indian teas grown in the Himalayan foothills near Dharamshala and whiskies distilled near Goa, to wines from grapes in Nashik near Bombay and exotic liquors manufactured near Bangalore. Our challenge however came when we had to start planning our travels to these far-flung and out of the way places. The thought of creating an itinerary and booking all the travel ourselves was a tad overwhelming, given everything else on our plate (or in our glass).
While there are several UK-based travel agents who ‘do’ India and do it well (and charge accordingly), we decided to hand the reins over to our friends at India Someday, a bunch of travel enthusiasts in Bombay, whose friendly disposition and attention to detail ensured that our trips flowed as smoothly as expertly-poured glasses of wine. For us, their near 24/7 availability and the ability to speak directly to a person without endless automations made them an ideal partner to work with.
If inspiration for your next trip is what you’re after, here are just a few things to consider when thinking about travelling to India.
Pick a region or two
Unless you’ve got months to travel (and we envy you if you do), it’s impossible to explore all – or even a smattering – of India in a few short weeks. Instead, we recommend zeroing in on the things that most interest you.Perhaps it’s ancient architecture – in which case a southern Indian tour with temple stop-offs in Madurai and Tanjore could tick your boxes.
Maybe it’s opulence and luxury that you’re after, which makes the palaces and majestic forts of Rajasthan the way to go.
Or it could be that a more spiritual pull is what beckons you to India, and the likes of Varanasi and Rishikesh are calling your name.
And then there is, of course, India’s culinary kaleidoscope which warrants a trip (or several) to truly explore. From freshly-caught and fried fish aboard the famed Keralan houseboats in Alleppey, to moreish and crunchy jhal muri from street vendors in Kolkata – a food tour of this land will propel your taste buds to all-new heights.
Whatever it is, we suggest you hone in on a facet of India that most piques your curiosity and go from there. Here’s where India Someday can help, as they craft bespoke tours based on your interests.
Time it wisely
Sweltering Indian summers are something that we (even with our Indian roots) try to avoid if we can. No amount of AC, ice cream or thanda-thanda drinks can ease the effects. Generally, October-March is a time of more friendly climes – though of course it varies depending on which part of the country you’re in.If you’re keen to experience a festive season, then heading over to the northern part of India in March-April during Holi or to most states in October/November for Diwali will ensure you’re immersed in the vibrancy and sheer joy that radiates from the communities. Or maybe the wild excitement of the snake boat races in Kerala during Onam might encourage you to visit in August-September instead.
Planes, trains and autos
Given the sheer number of meetings we had to pack in while on our Maharaja Drinks mission, we opted for speed and flew between cities. This meant extensive use of India’s various domestic airlines (and our practised expertise in swiftly loading and unloading our belongings into trays at security came in very useful).
But if time is on your side and you’re keen on the scenic route, the motherland’s many rail options provide ample opportunity to take in the diverse landscapes. Or, take to the road in a very affordable chauffeur-driven car (invariably a Toyota Innova) to take in the bustling cities, the lush greenery, and everything in between.
And within cities, auto rickshaws – or ‘autos’ as the locals prefer to say – are always an exhilarating sensory experience. With their open sides, autos are a sure way to really immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the place. In some places you can even opt for a cycle rickshaw (thankfully the hand pulled version is by and large now in the past).
We love how convenient it is now, with both autos and taxis available on Uber and local app Ola (though we must admit to jumping into the cabs a tad more often – particularly when we need that aircon on blast).
For a more bespoke experience, hiring a local driver for the duration of your time in each region gives you a lot more flexibility. Plus, the added benefit of insider recommendations of where the locals hang out for a truly authentic experience.
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Our tips for India travel extend far beyond our points here. But alas, our time runs short today. Perhaps we’ll return with tips for specific parts of India on another occasion.
For now, we leave you with a final thought: Whatever you’re looking for when it comes to your India trip – whether it’s backpacking or a more luxurious experience – choosing the right travel agent to ensure you maximise your time without compromising your comfort can make all the difference.
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