Want to know how to tackle India in 2013? Greaves Tours gives us an inside peek at the top 15 themes/destination experiences for this year.
Adventure
Guests seeking more than cultural immersion can try ballooning in hidden valleys, zip-lining through forests, hiking the mountains or tracking tigers on safari. Greaves has also introduced a new itinerary to the Kashmir region, which is not on your typical India itinerary.
Diving
Diving in the Indian Ocean is a luxury experience. Divers are treated to multiple dive sites with different levels of difficulty: Lionshead and Kuda Haa are protected marine life parks; Rasfori is an outer reef; and Banana Reef is known around the world. The geographic layout of the Maldives lends itself to island hopping, as well.
Foodie Experiences
Whether it's a traditional Indian dish, a street food vendor or a Michelin-starred chef, India has a culinary offering. In 2013, Greaves will be unveiling several culinary 'modules' that will work in virtually any itinerary, teaching guests how to cook some of the dishes, as well.
Family
As a family-owned company, Greaves has curated itineraries for families of varied size and age. Experience a different culture, try a new food, enjoy an evening under the stars and more. Two-person families are also taken care of with Greaves' Romance of India itinerary.
South India
While many travelers are familiar with Northern India, South India (home to Kerala, Hyderabad and Goa) is a completely different experience. Guests will find lush vegetation, seafood, palaces and backwaters.
Indian Ocean Islands
Scattered around the Indian Ocean, these islands (the Maldives, Sri Lanka, the Andaman Islands and Lakshadweep) represent tranquility and relaxation. Guests can snorkel and fish, dive and sail, or simply kick back on the beach.
Private Plane Journeys
Greaves has its own private plane that allows guests to travel at their own pace, and provides access to smaller, les-known airports. One of the plane's advantages is allowing a client to use a city as a 'hub' and experience a multitude of off-the-beaten path excursions.
Nepal and Bhutan
Nepal and Bhutan represent some of the best hiking in the Indian Subcontinent. Walk through the foothills of the HImalayas and meet with a Yoga master, or spend a quiet afternoon at a Budhist temple
Female Travel/Shopping
Girlfirends or a group of female family members can spend their days relaxing in spa treatments, engaging in Yoga, shopping the boutiques with a personal shopper, and eating all along the way.
Bollywood
India is far different from the old Bollywood films most associated with the country. Greaves allows guests to experience some of what the entertainment world has to offer, including movie nights and dinners with actors. Clients staying in Mumbai can spend the day visiting lve film sets for a view of what goes into making a show or film
Volunteer Tourism
Greaves actively works with a multitude of organizations involving the benefit of children like the Happy Home & School for the Blind in Bombay, protecting tigers with Travel Operators for Tigers, preserving historic landmarks with Jaisalmer in Jeopardy, and facilitating the sale of shawls a group of local village women hand-make. Greaves welcomes the opportunity to engage guests in these efforts whether it's going to visit the local orphanage to read to children, helping to clean a local historic landmark or donating funds.
Golf in India
Golfing in India is rising in popularity, and while it is not often known, the destination is home to some top-notch courses. Greaves has created a suggested itinerary featuring six of the country's leading golf courses.
Train Travel Through India
India has one of the largest rail networks in the world. Some areas of India can take hours to get to by road, or are completely inaccessible by flight. However, more often than not, even the most far-flung and remote village in India will be connected to the rail network.
Festivals
Popular festivals, such as the Sufi Festival, the Yoga Festival, the Jaipur Literary Festival and the Pushkar Camel Fair, as well as lesser-known ones such as the Elephant Festival in Jaipur drive excitement for travelers. Greaves can curate an itinerary combining a particular festival with other parts of India and the Subcontinent.
Digital Detox
Greaves embraces this concept where guests escape from their cell phone and laptop and enjoy one-on-one time with their families. There are a variety of destinations throughout the Subcontinent where guests can escape from their phone. From the mountains in the north to the backwaters of the south, it is easy to escape in India.
For more information visit www.greavesindia.com.