UNVEILEDIndia,
Welcome...
to India, a country that rewards curiosity and thoughtful planning. In this guide we at Winged Boots have brought together the routes our clients return to again and again.
Inside you'll find our favourite regions, the best places to stay and the experiences that truly bring India to life. Picture sunrise at the Taj Mahal, tiger tracking in Ranthambore, spice markets in Kochi and private guides who unlock the stories behind each destination. India can feel vast at first glance. Our purpose is to simplify it and show you what's possible.
If something sparks your interest, speak to our team in store or contact us on 01277 289 777. We will tailor a journey through India that is entirely your own.
Your India Expert, Gemma Willson-Dines Personal Travel Manager
INDIA Discover
India unfolds in layered contrasts, from tea plantations in the north east to spice scented markets in the south and tiger reserves at the heart of the country. This map guides your journey across its most compelling regions.
JAIPUR
Jaipur immerses you in royal Rajasthan, where rose pink palaces sit beneath desert skies and centuries of craftsmanship shape daily life, revealed through storied courtyards and regal traditions.
ALLEPPEY
Drift through the backwaters aboard a private houseboat, where rice paddies and villages line the shores. Unhurried days, Keralan cuisine and glowing sunsets create a deeply restorative escape.
DELHI
JAIPUR
RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL
UDAIPUR
JODHPUR
JAISALMER
KHAJURAHO
MUMBAI
GOA HAMPI
MYSORE
BANGALORE
KOCHI
MUNNAR
THEKKADY
ALLEPPEY
SHIMLA
RISHIKESH
A refined mountain escape in the foothills of the Himalayas. Stroll elegant promenades, stay in heritage hotels and soak up cool alpine air between guided rail journeys and scenic Himalayan walks.
DARJEELING
LUCKNOW
RANTHAMBORE PARK
KHAJURAHO
HYDERABAD
BANGALORE
NATIONAL PARK VARANASI
BANDHAVGARH
KANHA
CHENNAI
PONDICHERRY
KOLKATA
Bustling markets, colonial landmarks and vibrant street life shape time in Kolkata. Visit the Victoria Memorial, wander the flower markets and discover a rich culinary scene bursting with flavour.
VARANASI
Dawn breaks over the Ganges as ancient rituals unfold along storied ghats. Guided boat rides and evening aarti ceremonies draw you into centuries of living tradition and profound spiritual atmosphere.
SHIMLA
KOLKATA
India,
REGION BY REGION
India is not a single story but a tapestry of distinct landscapes, cultures and rituals, where each region reveals its own secret. From spiritual riverbanks and desert cities to lush plantations and wildlife rich plains, every stop adds depth to your journey. This destination guide offers a curated overview of the country’s most compelling areas, helping you tailor your India holiday, your way.
AGRA
Agra is home to the Taj Mahal, India’s crowning jewel and essential to the Golden Triangle route. Visit at sunrise for softer light and fewer crowds, or let us arrange a guide to decode symbolism within its marble carvings and precious stone inlay.
Mehtab Bagh offers a quieter riverfront perspective at dusk, while a private heritage walk through Agra Fort reveals the imperial power that shaped the city. For a cultural layer, visit a traditional marble workshop to see master artisans continuing centuries old inlay techniques.
GEMMA'S TOP TIP
Time your visit to Agra carefully, as the Taj is closed on Fridays.
KOCHI
Kochi does not try too hard, which is precisely its charm. The Chinese fishing nets are as theatrical as promised; vast timber frames suspended against burnished skies while fishermen haul in the Arabian Sea’s glittering catch. This was the spice capital of the world, and you still sense it in the air with pepper and cardamom woven through the heavy heat. Visit Fort Kochi’s faded Portuguese villas, which have now become house galleries and design studios that feel thoughtful rather than touristic. Beyond the city, a private cruise through Kerala’s backwaters slips you into tranquil canals.
AMRITSAR
Amritsar centres around the Golden Temple complex, where music drifts across sacred waters from dawn until dusk. Beyond its marble pathways, the city’s spirit reveals itself in its generous community kitchens, the intricate Phulkari textiles and lively border ceremonies that demonstrate history, pride and resilience.
DARJEELING
High in the Himalayan foothills, this former colonial retreat is home to world-class tea estates. Here, you must ride the "toy train", or Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The narrow gauge track winds slowly from the town up into the misty mountains, where guests marvel at views from the wonderfully old-fashioned carriages.
DELHI
India’s capital is steeped in history. Wander through Chandni Chowk’s spice laden alleys, admire the symmetry of Humayun’s Tomb, and pause for quiet reflection in Lodhi Garden. The hotels here are also exceptional, showcasing some of the world's finest hospitality.
UDAIPUR
Often called the City of Lakes, this regal enclave invites a slower pace. Cruise across Lake Pichola by private boat at sunset, explore the City Palace with a personal historian, commission a miniature painting from a master artist and dine on refined Rajasthani cuisine beneath the stars in storied courtyards.
India's
NATIONAL PARKS
SENSATIONS
Discover the best places to witness India’s extraordinary wildlife first-hand.
Discover fresh openings from one of the biggest names in luxury: Six Senses.
MUMBAI
BANDHAVGARH
SIX SENSES MILAN
Italian charm meets the brand’s signature style in a chic new space at the core of the country's fashion capital.
Known for close-up tiger sightings, hilltop fort ruins and compact zones that maximise every thrilling safari moment.
Mumbai is a city for the senses. Rise early for chai at Sassoon Dock as fishermen haul in the morning’s catch, then wander through Dadar’s flower market where marigold garlands glow like strands of sunshine. Across town, the vastness of Dhobi Ghat - the open air laundrette - waves through the wind in a centuries old ritual. Feast on street side bhel puri and buttery pav bhaji, marvel at the extraordinary architecture including The Gateway of India before taking a behind the scenes Bollywood dance lesson where choreographers teach you the steps of cinematic legend. This lively hub is not one to be missed.
SIX SENSES THE PALM, DUBAI
RANTHAMBORE
On the famed Palm Jumeirah, undulating rooftops melt into the landscape, offering superb city views and an aura of calm.
Ideally positioned near the Golden Triangle, it pairs tiger sightings with easy transfers from Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.
KAZIRANGA
SIX SENSES AMAALA, SAUDI ARABIA
JODHPUR
MUNNAR
Famed for one horned rhinos roaming vast floodplains, it offers rare encounters in a landscape few travellers reach.
A Red Sea beachfront sanctuary designed for restoration and reconnection.
Jodhpur's old town unfurls beneath the mighty Mehrangarh Fort. Explore with a private guide who reveals royal chambers and ramparts, then descend into the blue-topped city among the spice traders and silversmiths. At dusk, rooftop terraces host Marwari feasts overlooking a city washed in twilight sapphire.
High in Kerala’s Western Ghats, this mist wrapped retreat unfolds in rolling tea plantations and cool mountain air. Days are shaped by estate tours and factory tastings, wildlife encounters in Eravikulam National Park and boating on Mattupetty Dam, crowned by sunrise jeep climbs to Kolukkumalai.
THE JOURNEYS Of India
India’s most celebrated routes offer the perfect starting point for a first journey. The Golden Triangle brings together Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, where imperial capitals and architectural icons reveal the country’s rich history. In contrast, Kerala’s backwaters offer a gentler pace, with palm lined waterways and traditional houseboats.
These classic routes form the foundation of many itineraries, but they are only the beginning. We refine them with private guides and carefully timed experiences, then broaden the journey by adding wildlife, hill stations or coastlines that bring a deeper sense of discovery.
The GoldenTRIANGLE
DELHI • AGRA • JAIPUR SEVEN NIGHTS
India’s Golden Triangle is a journey through three cities that shaped an empire, each with its own rhythm and grandeur. Done well, it is not a whistle stop tour but a considered immersion.
Begin with three nights in Delhi, based at The Leela Palace, where Lutyens’ symmetry meets Mughal legacy. Spend your days moving between Old and New Delhi. The Red Fort and Jama Masjid reveal the scale of Shah Jahan’s ambition, while Humayun’s Tomb offers a quieter, architectural prelude to the Taj. Rickshaw through Chandni Chowk, then retreat to broad boulevards, India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan. It is a city of contrast, best absorbed slowly.
Continue to Agra for one night at The Oberoi Amarvilas, where every room frames the Taj Mahal. Rise early to watch the marble shift from blush to ivory at sunrise, then explore Agra Fort and the delicate tomb of Itimad ud Daulah.
Finish with three nights in Jaipur at Rambagh Palace, once home to maharajas. Visit the Amber Fort, City Palace and Hawa Mahal. Browse gemstone ateliers and vibrant bazaars.
The Pink City feels ceremonial yet intimate, a fitting finale to India’s most storied route.
WINGED BOOTS WISDOM
RETAIL STORE MANAGER
"In Jaipur, jewellery is not a souvenir, it is heritage. Let Winged Boots arrange a private appointment with a respected gem merchant and learn the story behind emeralds, rubies and intricate kundan settings. The real magic happens in discreet ateliers, far from tourist shopfronts and polished display cases. The perfect gift."
MATT CLAYDEN
YOUR WAYTailored
The Golden Triangle is just the start. Let us shape your holiday around you, extending the typical into something more personal. Just tell us your interests and we'll make it happen.
TWO NIGHTS IN MUMBAI 1-hour 45-minutes from Delhi
Check-in to the Taj Mahal Palace and explore the city sights. Test your rhythm with a Bollywood dance lesson, marvel the Gateway of India or head for a sunrise stroll along the markets with a chai tea in hand.
THREE NIGHTS IN VARANASI 1.5-2 hours from Delhi
From sunrise to sunset, the Ganges plays a defining role when adding Varanasi to your India itinerary. Be sure to experience the sacred Hindu ritual of Ganga Aarti, held each evening at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
TWO NIGHTS IN AMRITSAR 1-hour from Delhi
Spend a full day at the Golden Temple and Jallianwala Bagh, explore the old bazaars, then witness the Wagah Border ceremony, a dramatic daily military parade and flag lowering between India and Pakistan at sunset.
THREE NIGHTS IN NATIONAL PARKS 4-5 hours from Agra
Maximise your chances of spotting tigers, leopards or rhinos with three nights in a national park. If you're short on time, choose Ranthambore, staying at Aman-i-Khás. Or for a deeper safari experience, fly to Bandhavgarh.
THREE NIGHTS IN UDAIPUR 5-hours from Jodhpur
Extend your Golden Triangle with three nights in romantic Udaipur, staying at The Leela Palace on Lake Pichola, where serene waters, City Palace views and refined grandeur create a graceful finale.
TWO NIGHTS IN JODHPUR 5-hours from Jaipur
Experience a wilder side of Rajasthan in Jodhpur, where you can explore Mehrangarh Fort’s vast ramparts and royal apartments, then watch the sun set over the Thar Desert. It's a stark contrast to India’s marble monuments.
THE
Maharajas
The Maharajas Express is India’s most celebrated luxury train, a privately operated rail journey that threads together the country’s cultural and architectural icons across several carefully designed routes.
Its itineraries range from three to seven nights, linking destinations such as Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Varanasi and Ranthambore. For those seeking an alternative way to travel, it offers a refined solution to India’s scale and complexity.
Rather than navigating multiple flights and long road transfers, riding The Maharajas Express means you can settle into an elegant private cabin and allow the country to unfold beyond wide picture windows.
Your days are shaped around curated excursions with expert guides and privileged access, before returning to polished wood interiors, attentive service and regionally inspired dining.
The true luxury lies in continuity. You unpack once and move through contrasting landscapes at a considered pace. It transforms a multi stop itinerary into something seamless and immersive.
The Backwaters OF KERALA
KOCHI • MUNNAR • THEKKADY • ALLEPPEY SEVEN NIGHTS
Kerala unfolds at an unhurried pace, where water, spice and tea estates shape each day.
Begin with two nights in Kochi at Brunton Boatyard, overlooking the harbour where Chinese fishing nets silhouette against the sunset. Explore Fort Kochi’s colonial streets, St Francis Church and Mattancherry Palace, then browse Jew Town’s antique stores before an evening Kathakali performance brings ancient stories vividly to life.
From the coast, travel into the Western Ghats for two nights in Munnar, staying at Windermere Estate, a charming boutique retreat set within a private tea and cardamom estate. Visit the Tea Museum to understand the region’s colonial heritage, wander through the surrounding plantations and head to Eravikulam National Park in search of the rare Nilgiri tahr.
Continue to Thekkady for two nights at Spice Village, close to Periyar National Park. Cruise the lake at dawn to spot elephants and sambar deer along the banks, then tour fragrant spice plantations that explain Kerala’s historic allure.
Finish your Keralan experience in Alleppey set along Kerala's tranquil canals.
4-hrs 3-hrs 5-hrs
WINGED BOOTS WISDOM
CLAIRE BAKER PERSONAL EXPERIENCE MANAGER
"Pack a light layer when visiting Munnar and Thekkady. While Kerala is known for tropical heat, the Western Ghats sit at higher altitude and mornings can feel surprisingly cool, especially on early wildlife safaris or tea plantation walks. A thin jacket or cashmere wrap makes those misty sunrise moments far more comfortable."
YOUR WAYTailored
Kerala is just the start. Let us shape your holiday around you, enhancing the typical into something more personal. Just tell us your interests and we'll make it happen.
ONE NIGHT ON A HOUSEBOAT Alleppey
While in Alleppey, a must do experience is a night on an iconic houseboat. Drift slowly through palm fringed canals and village life, before enjoying freshly prepared Keralan cuisine as the waterways grow still at sunset.
THREE NIGHTS AT NIRAAMAYA SURYA
4 - 4.5-hours from Alleppey
Perched above the Arabian Sea, this retreat is known for its Ayurvedic wellness. India’s ancient healing system blends herbal therapies, therapeutic massage and tailored nutrition to restore balance and deep relaxation.
TWO NIGHTS IN THRIVANDRUM
2.5 - 3-hours from Alleppey
Journey to the capital of Kerala for a coastal retreat. The crown jewel is Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the richest and most important in the country, or take a short drive to Kovalam Beach for sand and sea.
TWO NIGHTS IN KUMARAKOM
45-minutes - 1-hour from Alleppey
Take a private speedboat across Vembanad Lake from Alleppey to the village of Kumarakom, a tranquil place to reflect. Nature lovers should visit the bird sanctuary here, a wetland renowned for its wildlife.
SAMUDRA
Goa
Our Retail Store Manager Matt Clayden gives his insights on this popular destination in India.
"Goa has long been known for its golden beaches and bohemian spirit. Yet for the luxury traveller, the real appeal lies in its quiet side that sits just beyond the well trodden coastline. It is a destination where heritage, hospitality and natural beauty come together with effortless charm.
"Goa is best approached with a little insider knowledge. The difference between a good trip and a truly memorable one often comes down to choosing the right place to stay.
"For those seeking classic luxury, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa remains one of our most trusted recommendations. Set along the sweeping sands of Benaulim Beach, it delivers the sort of expansive elegance that larger luxury resorts do exceptionally well. Think Portuguese inspired architecture, manicured gardens and a sense of place that allows guests to fully switch off. The service is intuitive, the spa is excellent and sunset cocktails overlooking the Arabian Sea quickly become part of the daily rhythm.
"For something more intimate, we often guide clients towards Cabo Serai, a boutique retreat perched on a secluded clifftop in South Goa. It feels wonderfully removed from the busier beach scene. The villas blend into the surrounding jungle, private terraces overlook the ocean and mornings begin with birdsong.
"We love Goa for is its dual personality; one moment you are wandering through colourful streets, the next you are dining on seafood with your toes in the sand.
"For luxury travellers willing to explore it properly, Goa reveals a far more refined side than many expect. And with Winged Boots' guidance, it becomes a destination you will return to again and again."
INDIA'S
Finest Stays
India’s luxury hotel scene is wonderfully diverse, shaped by centuries of history and an extraordinary landscape. Many of the country’s most iconic stays are converted royal palaces, where marble corridors, and intricate courtyards offer a glimpse into the opulence of India’s maharaja era.
Beyond the cities, the variety continues. There are tented safari lodges overlooking tiger reserves, tranquil beachfront resorts and heritage havelis transformed into boutique retreats. Each property tells a different story, making where you stay in India as memorable as the journey itself.
OBEROI AMARVILAS
AGRA
Overlooking the Taj Mahal, this hotel sits in one of India’s most extraordinary settings. The entire property is orientated towards the monument, meaning it accompanies you throughout your stay. For a dinner to remember, enjoy the private balcony experience, where spice-laden cuisine is served with uninterrupted Taj Mahal views beneath the evening sky.
HAVELI DHARAMPURA DELHI
Hidden within the labyrinthine lanes of Old Delhi, Haveli Dharampura is a rare restoration of a 19th century Mughal era mansion. Intricately carved sandstone balconies, hand-painted ceilings and ornate arches frame its courtyard setting. From the rooftop restaurant, views stretch across the domes and minarets of Jama Masjid, offering a remarkable sense of place.
RAMBAGH PALACE
JAIPUR
Rambagh Palace is where Jaipur’s royal history still plays out daily. Once the maharaja’s home, today guests wander through colonnaded halls, formal gardens and peacock filled lawns that feel wonderfully untouched by time. Top tip: book a table at Steam. Set inside a restored vintage train carriage, it is one of the most unusual yet memorable bars in India.
BRIJRAMA PALACE
VARANASI
Rising directly from the ghats of the Ganges, Brijrama's tiered sandstone façade and latticed balconies are unlike anywhere else in the city. Inside, carved pillars, painted ceilings and antique furnishings showcase the palace's history. The terrace is the real vantage point. From here you watch the river’s constant movement, from quiet morning rituals to the glow of evening aarti.
AMAN-I-KHÁS
RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK
Set on the edge of Ranthambore National Park, this tented camp places you minutes from the safari gates and the reserve’s Bengal tigers. Just 10 spacious canvas tents sit across the scrubland, creating a sense of privacy without losing connection to the wild. Evenings begin with generous, flavourful dinners before guests gather around the firepit under the open sky.
OBEROI WILDFLOWER HALL
SHIMLA
Wildflower Hall forces guests to relax and reset. Found high above Shimla among thick cedar forests, the views stretch across Himalayan hills that shift with the light. The spa is the real draw. An indoor pool opens onto the mountains, while the open air whirlpool sits right at the edge of the view. Add Oberoi’s intuitive service and it suddenly becomes easy to switch off the outside world.
YOUR
ANSWERED India Questions,
We understand that travelling to a new country can feel daunting. Let us answer your frequently asked questions to put your mind at ease and make your holiday planning simple.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT INDIA?
October to March is generally the most comfortable, with cooler temperatures across much of the country. Different regions shine at different times of year.
IS INDIA SAFE FOR TRAVELLERS?
Yes, particularly when travelling with experienced local partners, trusted drivers and carefully selected hotels.
IS IT DIFFICULT TO TRAVEL AROUND INDIA?
India is vast and complex, but with the right planning and support it can feel remarkably seamless. Let Winged Boots do the work so you don't have to.
WHAT CURRENCY IS USED IN INDIA?
India uses the Indian Rupee. Major hotels accept cards, but cash is handy for markets and tipping. Note: Rupees are a closed currency and can only be exchanged in India.
DO I NEED A VISA TO TRAVEL TO INDIA?
Yes. Most travellers require an e-visa before departure. The application is straightforward, but it’s important to apply in advance of your travel dates.
HOW LONG SHOULD I SPEND IN INDIA?
Most first visits last 10 to 14 days, allowing time to explore several regions without feeling rushed.
WHAT ARE THE BEST WAYS TO TRAVEL WITHIN INDIA?
Journeys typically combine short flights with private car transfers, making it easy to move between cities, wildlife reserves and cultural landmarks.
WILL I SEE THE TAJ MAHAL ON MY TRIP?
Most northern India trips include the Taj Mahal, often paired with Delhi and Jaipur on the Golden Triangle route. Speak to your travel manager to help arrange this.
CAN I DRINK THE TAP WATER?
No. Hotels provide bottled or properly filtered water, as well as reputable restaurants. When dining in local eateries, it's wise to avoid ice and uncooked salads, as these may have been prepared with tap water.
DO I NEED A GUIDE WHEN TRAVELLING AROUND INDIA?
Private guides make visits far more rewarding, offering context, local insight and seamless access to major landmarks.
CAN I SEE TIGERS IN INDIA?
Yes. Several national parks offer excellent tiger safaris, with Ranthambore and Bandhavgarh among the most well known. You can also see leopards, rhinos, elephants, monkeys and more in India, so a safari is highly recommended.
WHY
SHOULD I BOOK WITH WINGED BOOTS?
India rewards thoughtful planning. Our expert team knows the country well and curates seamless journeys, from palace hotels and private guides to unique experiences you would not easily arrange alone. Contact us today.
WHAT TO WEAR
Linen shirts or blouses
Breathable cotton trousers
Lightweight maxi dresses
Loose modest skirts
Comfortable walking trainers
Smart casual eveningwear
Light evening jacket
Swimwear for pools
Wide brim sunhat
WHAT TO PACK
High SPF sunscreen
Polarised sunglasses
Reusable water bottle
Hand sanitiser gel
Universal travel adapter
Electrolyte sachets
Small crossbody bag
Passport document copies
Camera and lenses
YOUR COMPLIMENTARY
Travel Consultation
Visit our Shenfield store and allow us to craft your perfect India holiday.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM US
Our store offers private, one-to-one consultations where you can speak to our expert personal travel managers in a comfortable environment… with a cuppa and biscuits, of course. All of our staff boast a minimum of 10 years’ experience in the travel industry and are extremely well-travelled, so you'll benefit from their insider knowledge and recommendations as they tailor their advice to you and your holiday. After your initial appointment, your personal travel manager will use your specifications and their expertise to craft your trip. They'll then invite you back to fine tune the details until your perfect holiday is just a flight away.
63 Hutton Road, Shenfield, Essex, CM15 8JD shenfield@wingedboots.co.uk 01277 289 777 CLICK TO BOOK
BOOK YOUR IN-STORE LUXURY TRAVEL CONSULTATION TODAY
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