2023 February

Extensions and Bespoke Experiences
Why not add one of our extensions or some bespoke experiences to your tour?

Extensions
We have designed a range of short stays that take in the many not to be missed destinations throughout India. These packages are designed to be used either as an extension to your existing Ekno Travels itinerary, or as independent travel. With several exciting cities and experiences to choose from, we hope you will find a short stay to suit you.

See the full range of extensions here

Bespoke Experiences
Our bespoke experiences are added bonuses that are designed to align perfectly with your interests. These locally curated experiences offer you the chance to delve deeper into daily Indian life.

Our bespoke experiences include early morning heritage walks through the streets of Jaipur and Jodhpur, a sunset boat ride with local musicians in Varanasi, home cooking classes with locals, and nature walks in the lower Himalayas around Dharamsala.

Experiences can be arranged at a time that suits you, in addition to your tour or independent travels. We believe these experiences are part of creating a memorable visit to India.

See the full range of bespoke experiences here

Diwali is truly a magical time to explore North India. Come with Ekno during this special time and explore the sights of India, including the Taj Mahal, majestic Rajasthani forts, ancient Mughal ruins, spectacular palaces and medieval spice markets.

We’ll celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, in the blue city of Jodhpur. Diwali is one of Hinduism’s most important festivals, and is celebrated across India with lights, firecrackers, sweets, and joyous festivities. Join us as we participate in the celebrations with locals from across the city, before enjoying a special Diwali feast to ring in the occasion.

Take in the twisting bazaars filled with spices and fabric, the early morning sun glistening off the spectacular white marble of the Taj Mahal, the twinkling lights of Diwali, and the cobbled streets of Udaipur with views of Lake Pichola in the background. This trip is not to be missed.

Tour Highlights:

• Explore the colourful bazaars and markets of Delhi
• Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise
• Take in the sights of Jaipur, including Amber Fort and Hawa Mahal
• Enjoy a heritage walk through Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest in India
• Experience Diwali celebrations in Jodhpur, including a Diwali feast
• Travel to Udaipur, the ‘Venice of East’

View trip details and the complete itinerary here

A$3,400 per person twin share

A$2,950 per person, twin share

The mighty Himalayas are home to some of India’s most spectacular hidden gems. Get off the beaten path and discover this charming and visually stunning region. This tour has it all – quaint hill stations, tea plantations, heritage villages, Buddhist temples, breathtaking mountain views and a journey into the plains of the Punjab.

Start with a visit to Shimla, the picturesque capital of Himachal Pradesh, home to breathtaking mountain views and fascinating British era architecture. Then travel to Dharamsala, home of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in Exile, and universally known as ‘Little Lhasa’. Finish the tour with a visit to Amritsar, home of the Golden Temple, Sikhism’s holiest shrine.

Our expert Ekno guide, Vikas Kumar, lives and breathes Himachal Pradesh, ensuring that you are in safe and capable hands for the duration of the tour. As with all Ekno experiences, we select our hotels and locations with an eye on combining luxury and comfort into one truly unforgettable experience.

Tour Highlights:

• Enjoy the many sights and wonders of Delhi
• Travel to the hill station of Shimla on the world famous ‘toy train’
• Tour and stay at a family-owned tea estate in Palampur
• Visit the heritage village of Pragpur and stay in a palatial country manor
• Journey to Dharamsala, home of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in Exile
• Experience the Golden Temple, Sikhism’s holiest shrine, in Amritsar

View trip details and the complete itinerary here

A$2,950 per person, twin share

With the new year upon us, it is time to start dreaming of new adventures. Is India on your bucket list for 2023? Or are you interested in a completely different kind of holiday? India might be just what you are looking for.

On a personal note, I have just spent a wonderful month in India. There were many happy reunions after three years away from my Ekno Travels family. This is the longest I have been away from my second home in twenty years. It was a wonderful return, with many highlights, including a rooftop welcome lunch with the Ekno team, seeing Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo at her nunnery, a trip to the Palampur tea gardens and a final hurrah visit to Amritsar including dinner at the Golden Temple with the Ekno team and their families. I can’t wait to return, hopefully in 2024.

Check out our upcoming tours for 2023, and we hope to see you in India again soon, Sharon