India 09.01.2024 Transindus
Asia is Back, Bigger, Brighter & Bolder than ever!
Experience it as never before, and create unforgettable memories in 2024.
Discover thrilling new adventures alongside iconic must-see sites and culturally rich, heartwarming, engaging, colourful, chaotic, spiritual and life-affirming experiences.
Embark on unexpected and heartwarming journeys, dive into local cultures, explore lively markets, savour exotic cuisines, soak in breathtaking landscapes, and experience warm hospitality.
Let Asia be the backdrop to your next soul-enriching adventure.
Check out the experiences TransIndus offers here:
Iconic Monuments of Asia
Asia's must-see monuments captivate visitors with their cultural richness and linger large among unforgettable memories!
Many are inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage sites; the list is nearly endless, and one could spend a lifetime in exploring them. From The Imperial Palace and Gardens of Japan and South Korea's Gyeongbokgung Palace in the Far East to the stunning Islamic blue tiled palaces and tombs of great emperors that dot the Ancient Silk Road to the vast Dravidian Gopurams and Cave Temples housing lifelike stone carving dating back 5000 years, to the Intricate Buddhist Temples of Borobudur and Prambanan in Java, each weave tales of their heritage.
The two topmost on traveller bucket lists captivated by their cultural richness are India's Taj Mahal, an ode to love, and Cambodia's Angkor Wat, a marvel of Khmer architecture. Each is a testament to history, from the eternal romance in Agra to the awe-inspiring grandeur amid Cambodia's ancient ruins.
Visit the Taj Mahal Visit Angkor Wat
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Take to the Rails in Luxury
Embark on a transcendent odyssey through Asia's breathtaking landscapes aboard opulent trains, where luxury intertwines with the rhythmic allure of rail travel. The essence of these journeys lies in the art of curated exploration, where plush interiors and impeccable service create an atmosphere of indulgence. These voyages redefine travel, elevating it to a sublime experience where every moment celebrates sophistication and discovery.
Two of our favourite journeys are the Deccan Odyssey's 'Mashrastras Wild Trail' tour, a regal passage through India's historic west coast, with fascinating cities and the great wildlife parks of Central India offering a symphony of experiences. Meanwhile, the Belmond Eastern & Oriental's 'Essence of Malaysia' expedition immerses travellers in a sensory tapestry, blending refined luxury with the rich cultural palette of Malaysia.
Experience: Maharastra Wild Trail Explore: Essence of Malaysia
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Walking the Serene Tea Plantations
Embark on serene walks through Asia's lush landscapes and immerse yourself in nature's tranquillity as you navigate quaint villages and weave through verdant tea plantations and gently rolling hills.
Renowned for its popular Ceylon tea, Sri Lanka beckons with the Pekoe Tea Trail, allowing an intimate experience of picking and tasting amid breathtaking landscapes winding your way through tiny villages and estates. In Taiwan, the higher-up Alishan Tea Gardens offer a sensorial journey, showcasing the fine quality and variety of Taiwanese teas, including Oolong, the Champagne of Tea!
Engage in the tea-making process, savouring the flavours of freshly picked leaves. These encounters merge nature and culture, providing a captivating exploration of the rich tea heritage that defines these picturesque estates.
Explore the Pekoe Trail Explore Alishan's TEa culture
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Festivals of Asia
Asia's vibrant festivals are captivating windows into the rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and heritage of different regions. India's Diwali dazzles with lights, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, while the colourful Holi festival is a playful welcome of Spring. Vietnam's Spring Festival welcomes the lunar new year with elaborate parades and vibrant displays. Thailand's Songkran marks the traditional Thai New Year with joyous water fights. Japan's Hanami celebrates cherry blossoms, a breathtaking spectacle of nature, while the Hornbill Festival in the northeast of India showcases the customs of the indigenous Naga tribes.
We invite you to experience Japan's Sakura season, visit in Springtime for the Cherry Blossom Festival, and marvel at the ethereal blossoms as you explore Japan's historic sites and futuristic cities. Meanwhile, immerse yourself in the remote cultures of India's Northeastern states at the Hornbill Festival, enjoying cultural performances, local crafts, and traditional cuisines as you engage with the rich biodiversity, lush landscapes, and wildlife of the region.
Japan's Hanami Celebrations India's Hornbill Festival
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Asia: A Rich Tapestry of Past, Present & Future"
Amid rapid modernization and futuristic developments, some cities in Asia stand out as living testaments to the harmonious coexistence of ancient customs and contemporary progress. Kyoto, Japan, preserves traditional tea ceremonies and geisha arts amid modern architecture. Varanasi, India, along the Ganges River, maintains age-old rituals and spiritual practices amidst urban growth. These cities seamlessly weave the past into the present, embracing tradition and modernity.
One of our favourites is Seoul, South Korea, where ancient Confucian values persist alongside cutting-edge technology. The juxtaposition of ancient palaces against futuristic skyscrapers reflects a city where traditional customs, like the vibrant tea culture, thrive alongside K-pop and technological innovation. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, epitomizes multiculturalism, nurturing its historical sites like the Batu Caves coexisting with the iconic Petronas Towers. Both embody the enriching blend of ancient customs and modern dynamism, inviting visitors to experience the vibrant tapestry of their heritage, past and present. Check out our tours that showcase this rich fusion.
Tour: South Korea Explorer Tour: Colonial Malaysia
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Explore The Nomadic Cultures of the East
Asia's nomadic cultures are a mosaic of traditions, resilience, and adaptability woven into the vast landscapes they traverse. Mongolia's nomads, tethered to the steppe's ebb and flow, epitomize an ancient way of life, living in gers and herding livestock. In Ladakh, India, the Changpa nomads navigate the high-altitude deserts with their Pashmina goats, maintaining a harmonious existence with nature.
To truly delve into the nomadic experience, visit Mongolia during the Naadam Festival in July, a celebration of the "Three Manly Games" – wrestling, horse racing, and archery. In Ladakh, the summer months from June to September offer an ideal window to encounter the vibrant nomadic festivals, where communities showcase their distinctive customs, showcasing an enduring nomadic legacy against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes.
Mongolia's Northern Exposure Little Tibet: Ladakh in Style
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Family Holidays with More!
Travelling with youngsters in Asia can yield some of the most positive and life-affirming moments for families without breaking the family budget. Embark on enchanting family vacations to exciting destinations, where ancient ruins and colourful monasteries, futuristic cities, exciting wildlife, and pristine beaches await.
In Vietnam, you can explore the spiritual allure of ancient temples alongside some of the region’s best beaches, while Tokyo's Disneyland, Japan, promises magical experiences, blending fantasy and tradition for children, and Singapore's Sentosa Island delights with Universal Studios and kid-friendly attractions. In our experience, trips with a little focus on wildlife also offer a great strategy, like helping in Turtle hatcheries on the beaches of Oman, Washing and feeding rescued elephants in the forests of Thailand or a couple of Tiger spotting in India.
During the long summer school vacations, the heart of Sri Lanka and its East Coast offer great value for money with compelling family breaks, where the family can unwind on magnificent white sand beaches, explore vibrant coral reefs, and explore nearby elephant parks. The lush jungles of Borneo on the opposite side of Asia offer nature-loving families the captivating experience of meeting our closest cousins, the Orangutans, and opportunities to help with the turtle breeding programmes. These immersive experiences create lasting memories, offering a perfect blend of cultural exploration, natural wonders, and relaxation for families seeking enriching and unforgettable vacations.
Tour: The heart of Sri Lanka Tour: Borneo Family adventure
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World-class beaches Asia: The Maldives and Bali
Beyond the beaches and opulent resorts of the Maldives and Bali lies a tapestry of unique experiences that elevate beach holidays to another level. Dive into the azure depths to witness vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, swim to Manta Rays, embark on a traditional fishing excursion, or explore local islands to encounter Maldivian culture.
In Bali, Indonesia, immerse yourself in the island's spiritual side with visits to ancient temples like Uluwatu and Tirta Empul. Discover the artistic hub of Ubud, where traditional Balinese dance and craftsmanship flourish. The active among us can cycle through the rice terraces or scale a volcano at dawn, learn about the conventional Batik textiles, sample local delicacies at bustling markets, and partake in a yoga retreat amidst serene landscapes.
These incredible destinations offer luxurious escapes for the whole family and a rich array of cultural, adventure, and natural encounters for an all-encompassing journey.
Unique Experiences: Maldives Luxury Bali Adventure
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Mountain Kingdoms of the Himalayas
Discover the magical Mountain Kingdoms of Nepal and Bhutan at the roof of the world, surrounded by a symphony of awe-inspiring snow-covered Himalayan peaks and a cultural richness few places on earth can offer.
Nepal’s ancient Capitals dotted around Kathmandu echo with the sounds of temple bells, worshipers and busy markets, captivating those seeking cultural experiences, while the serenity of the mountain vistas and rugged landscapes of the Mustang region delights trekkers.
Meanwhile, Bhutan invites travellers to bask in spiritual tranquillity with its stunning monasteries and tales of reincarnate lamas. The Kingdom's high art and textiles, seen in traditional crafts and festivals, showcase exceptional craftsmanship. Immerse yourself in the warmth of local hospitality, explore the ancient monastic traditions, and witness the sublime blend of natural wonders and cultural marvels in these extraordinary mountain realms.
Tour: Nepal Experience Tour: Essential Bhutan
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Cruising the Great Rivers of the East
Travel in Asia doesn't necessarily mean "trains, planes and automobiles". Cruising Asia's waterways is an elegant, sociable, and relaxed way to get off-the-beaten-track travel and explore regions few other tourists can visit. It unveils the allure of the most remote, fascinating, and untouched villages and remote wildlife parks, rarely seen sites where you might awaken to a misty early morning, revealing ancient temples and devotees by the water’s edge.
These cruises offer a unique blend of scenic beauty and cultural exploration, complemented by short tours on land of each country's principal sights, all in luxurious and relaxing comfort. TransIndus presents a range of epic journeys along Southeast Asia's Mekong and Red Rivers, traversing Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Northeastern India's Sacred Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Hooghly Rivers operated by tried and trusted sailing companies operating beautiful, carefully maintained, wood-lined vessels with all the home comforts you might seek.
Cruise: The laos Mekong Cruise: The Bhramaputra cruise: The Lower Ganges
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Unmissable Wildlife of South Asia
Embark on a captivating wildlife odyssey through the lush landscapes of Sri Lanka and India. Sri Lanka boasts remarkable wildlife parks like Yala, renowned for leopard sightings, and Udawalawe, home to elephants, exotic birds, and marine life in the waters surrounding the island.
In India, Ranthambore National Park and the Central Indian Parks Satpura and Pench are the hotspots for sightings of the Royal Bengal Tiger, while Kaziranga National Park harbours the rare one-horned rhinoceros, and the Hemis National Park offers sightings of the elusive Snow Leopard.
Witness diverse flora and fauna in their natural habitats, creating unforgettable experiences in some of South Asia's most iconic wildlife sanctuaries. The best time to visit is during the dry seasons, generally from October to March in Sri Lanka and November to June in India.
Tour: Sri Lanka Wildlife Tour: land of Tigers
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The Delectable flavours of Asia
Asia, a vast culinary canvas, paints a mesmerizing picture of diverse and delectable flavours. From Bangkok's bustling street food markets to the refined kaiseki meals in Kyoto, every region showcases a unique gastronomic identity. Kerala, nestled on India's southwestern coast, boasts a cuisine steeped in coastal influences. Here, aromatic spices like cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon meld seamlessly with coconut milk, creating dishes like seafood-infused curries and appam, unleavened rice pancakes.
Journey east to Japan, where sushi masters craft delicate morsels of perfection and ramen shops steam with savoury broths. With its diverse provinces, China offers a spectrum of cuisines—from the fiery spices of Sichuan to the delicate dim sum of Cantonese kitchens.
South Korea, where the culinary landscape is a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, is the current favourite for Brits! Kimchi, the iconic fermented vegetable dish, adds a piquant kick to meals, while bulgogi, marinated and grilled beef, captures the essence of Korean barbecue. Bibimbap, a colourful rice bowl with assorted toppings, showcases the country's commitment to balance in both flavour and presentation.
Kerala, India, stands out with its rich coastal cuisine, blending coconut-infused curries, fresh seafood, and an array of spices. In South Korea, the cuisine is a delightful symphony of bold flavours featuring iconic dishes like kimchi, bulgogi, and bibimbap. From fiery spices to umami-packed delights, Asia's culinary tapestry is a testament to the region's cultural richness, offering a feast for the senses that spans continents and centuries.
Tour: Flavours of the Far East Tour: Culinary tour of Kerala
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