Group Tours
Private Tours
Wildlife

Kashmir
Indian Himalayas
Nepal
Tibet - China
Bhutan
Burma
Thailand
Cambodia/Laos
Vietnam
Mongolia
Bali
Sri Lanka

Outside Asia Tours

Spiritual Journeys

Special Deals

Healing Arts

Travel News

Gen. Info/Policies
Our Credentials
What Travelers Say

Travel Insurance
Travel Resources
   links, books, health kit
FAQs

What's Your Style?
Spirit of India Story
Destinations:
   a photo overview
Maps - Icons

Home

Looking for a Travel Partner?
Click Here to View & Place Postings

Inter-Cultural
Arts Exchange

Exclusive Spirit of India Escorted Small Group Tours

Our Groups are Small and Personalized.

Each of the tours has a special focus and is led by a professional/expert of that area of focus or region.

Click here for Spiritual Tours

Click here for Buddhist Journeys Index

Click Here for Eastern Europe

Click Here for Africa

2008

North India: Golden Triangle and Foothills of Himalayas Marc h 20-April 2
includes full moon viewing of Taj Mahal
Travel the classical Golden Triangle route: Delhi, Agra (home of Taj Mahal), Jaipur (the 'pink' city and capital of Rajasthan) and then take a unique detour with us up north where the air is fresher and the climate is a perfect summer breeze. We will visit the fabulous Golden Temple in Amritsar and enjoy a privileged glimpse of family and religious traditions of the Sikh community. Next we venture to Dharamsala, home of HH the Dalai Lama and Tibetans living in exile. From here we go to the hill station Shimla and on to Rishikesh and Haridwar, on the banks of the Ganges and holy pilgrimmage of the Hindus. This tour is a wonderful cross-section of the country geographically and culturally.
Detailed Itinerary

Bhutan: Paro Festival March 13-27; Tibet Extension March 27-April 5
Starting in Calcutta, we travel overland to Gangtok, Sikkim and Darjeeling, arriving in Paro to experience the Paro Festival -- music and masked dances. Visit monasteries, markets, sacred sites, easy walks (optional longer treks available). We explore various towns and small villages including Thimphu, Punakha, Bumthangand Trongsa. Enjoy the breath-taking beauty of the himalayas! Trip Highlights

Ancient Cultures of Indian Himalayas - June 5-23 & September 4-22
Go where few people have gone before. Experience ancient culture and enjoy exquisite, dramatic beauty. In this region of hill stations, fertile valleys, lunar landscapes and rarefied mountain air, local inhabitants have carved out a spartan existence in the pockets of habitable terrain. Kinnaur and Spiti Valley, two districts set within remote areas of the Indian Himalaya and bordering Tibet, are the highlights of this very special tour. This area has been off limits to travelers until recently. So dramatic is the land that on one side there are dense forests, fruit orchards and lush green valleys, while on the other, rugged and barren mountains and miles and miles of high-altitude desert.12 people max. Highlights   Detailed Itinerary

Mongolia: Naadam Festival: July 9-23
Celebrate Naadaam with the locals and learn about nomadic culture. The journey takes us to sacred mountains, monasteries, pristine lakes and the Gobi Desert. Opportunities to interface with nomadic families as well as monks. Continue onward with us to join the Litang Horse Festival or depart for home from Beijing. Detailed Itinerary

Burma: Arts, Culture & Buddhist Heritage: September 24-October 7
Includes the ceremonial Phaung Daw U Festival (Pagoda Festival) in Inle Lake. Explore Buddhist culture of ancient cities and tribal villages on this insightful journey. Escorted by Daw Khin Myo Lwin (we call her Rosie). Detailed Itinerary

Bhutan Fall Festival: Traditional Arts + Thimphu Festival October 6-19
Tibet tour follows October 19-28
Experience the Thimphu Tsechu, one of the grandest festivals in Bhutan and get an insiders perspective of Bhutanese culture with exposure to the traditional arts at the famed School of Arts & Crafts in Thimphu. We will roam the countryside visiting monasteries, markets, shrines and small villages experiencing art, culture and spiritual practice in everyday life of Bhutanese people. The principles of Buddhism play an important role in the artistic tradition within the country. Art techniques are based on principles in the scriptures which have been handed down over the ages from master to student. Asha Kama, is an art master, and we were granted the rare opportunity to attend classes at School of Traditional Arts & Crafts. No art experience necessary. Just enjoy the hands-on process as well as a chance for genuine interaction with the people you encounter. This is an exciting opportunity to really become a part of the culture during your visit. 16 people max. Trip Highlights - Detailed Itinerary

North India: Spiritual India - September 28-October 17
We visit pilgrimage sites of the diverse religions in India. This offers a wonderful and comprehensive cross-section of the country geographically, culturally and spiritually.As spiritual traditions are the fabric of the culture of India, there is no better way to "get into the culture" than to visit its sacred places. Traveling from Dharamsala thru Rajasthan, we learn about the histories and philosophies of Sikhs, Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus and Jains. Yoga is offered (not required) as well as participation in meditation, dharma talks and other traditional rituals and practices. Coincides with divali, festival of lights. 16 people max.
Trip Highlights - Detailed Itinerary - Map

North India Art, Architecture & Cultural Highlights - October 28-November 13
Palace, heritage & 5 star hotels. Starting in Delhi we visit the most exquisite sites of ancient art and architecture of North India including the Chandella temples of Khajuraho and the lesser-known in Orchha, Agra (Taj Mahal), the deserted city Fatephur Sikri, Jaipur, Udaipur, Ellora/Ajanta Caves and Bombay. Detailed Itinerary

South India Cultural Journey - November 2-19 and November 23-December 10
Explore the architecture and history of South India's temples and palaces, and enjoy immense natural beauty. Includes Kerala, Tamil nadu and Karnataka . 16 people max. Trip Highlights - Detailed Itinerary

Palace Life: Rajasthan, North India - November 5-19
Explore the Golden Triangle and exotic Rajasthan enjoying stays in historic palaces, forts and deluxe hotels. Features: Mandawa, Bikaner, Jaiselmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ranakpur Temples, Jaipur, Agra, Delhi. Extensions to Khajuraho and varansi offered.  Detailed Itinerary

Textiles & Crafts of India- November 17-December 4
No other land enjoys such a profusion of creative energies for the production of textiles as the subcontinent of India. The interaction of peoples-invaders, indigenous tribes, traders and explorers, has built a complex of designs legendary for their vitality and color. Our path will lead us north and west, exploring diverse cultures as we learn about the regional textiles.We will meet silk and cotton weavers, fabric print makers, traditional jewelry designers, bead-work and embroidery artisans, gem wholesalers and more. Learn how to tie-dye fabric Indian-style, create and manufacture your own designs if interested, find resources for importing, and anything else related to Indian textiles and fashions that you may have a special interest in discovering. Highlights - Detailed Itinerary

Pushkar Camel Fair - November 4-20
We explore all the usual art, architecture and cultural treasures as well as the lifestyles and culture of the tribal and nomadic cattle herders on this in-depth journey through exotic Rajasthan. Contrary to its name, the trip is not about the camels--its the people!! Experience the ancient tradition of the colorful, exotic Camel Faire in the quaint village of Pushkar which surrounds Pushkar Lake. The fully escorted tour includes a camel ride at sunset in Jaiselmer and a visit to the exquisite 15th century Ranakpur Jain Temples. Of course we also visit the magnificient Taj Mahal. 16 people max Highlights - Detailed Itinerary

Temples &Tribes of Orissa - October 20-November 5
Explore the tropical state of Orissa during this adventurous journey to tribal villages and ancient temples. Enjoy the delights of authentic village life and ancient culture. Coincides with Konark Dance Festival & local market days.Also includes a visit to Chhattsigarh, the new adjoining state to Orissa which is now open to visitors. Fifty percent of the state is covered in forests considered to be among the world's densest. The state has 3 National Parks and a dozen wild life sanctuaries and is one of the three bio-diversity hot spots identified by the UN in India. Bastar, the tribal heartland of the state, has the largest concentration of the oldest tribes in India. Their unique handicraft has become a subject of study for leading international design schools. For the adventurous traveler who thrives 'off-the-beaten-path.' Trip Highlight -   Detailed Itinerary

Aruunachal Pradesh & Assam- Tribes and Culture - October 22-November 8
Arunachal Pradesh, one of the most remote states of India, is a tribal area in the Northeast. It borders Bhutan, China and Burma. Enjoy pristine beauty and explore tribal cultures on this adventureous journey in remote areas of East India.12 people max.Detailed Itinerary

Vietnam Cultural and Historic Highlights- October 26-November 8
Extension to Laos & Cambodia follows November 8-17
From north of Hanoi to Saigon, explore Hill Tribe villages, historic monuments, art, architecture, ancient ruins and life on the Mekong Delta. This comfortable journey covers all the highlights of an extensive tour in only 15 days. If you have more time, add our extension tour to Cambodia or Laos! Highlights

South India Cultural Highlights November 2-19 and November 23-December 10
This tour offers a diversity of destinations and activities as well as an opportunity to see certain parts of the South not usually offered on a standard highlights tour. The pace is well balanced with full days of sightseeing the major attractions intermittent with relaxed time at a beach resort, wildlife sanctuary, small rural villages and Kerala's beautiful and enchanting backwaters. Includes: Madras, Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram, Pondicherry, Tanjore, Madurai, Kerala backwaters cruise, Cochin, Ooty, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Mysore, Bangalore. Highlights - Detailed Itinerary

North & South India - Art and Cultural Highlights -
November 18 - December 6
On this tour, our intention is to give an exposure to the ancient, diverse and fascinating culture of India as well as its natural beauty. North India contains some of the most well-known monuments and temples and is the original source of various painting styles, sculpture and textiles. South India is known for its exquisite beauty, a slower paced lifstyle and the Dravidian temples mostly found in Tamil Nadu.  The journey includes: the ancient city Varanasi (Benares), a sampling of colorful Rajasthan (Jaipur & Udaipur), of course the Taj Mahal; the very beautiful state of Kerala for relaxation, wildlife and insights of life on the backwaters; Tamil Nadu for the fabulous Meenakski Temple in Madurai as well as Dravidian temples in Chennai and Mahabalipuram/Kanchipuram. Traditions and rituals abound everywhere we go!  We allow ample time for intensive exploration of each city and due to our very small groups we are able to accommodate most individual special requests during the tour. Accommodations are a combination of Five Star  and Palace & Heritage Hotels. Detailed Itinerary

2009

North & South India Cultural Highlights and Culinery Delights February
Savour curries and chutneys, relish the flavours, and breathe in the aroma of subtle spices, while you observe demonstrations by master chefs of Indian cookery and enjoy the delicious meals prepared for you.  Highlights - Detailed Itinerary

Art, Culture & Tribal Life of Burma - February 7-18; extension Feb 19-23
Explore ancient cities and tribal villages on this adventurous journey escorted by Daw Khin Myo Lwin (Rosie). Rosie gives us an insiders view into Burma's hidden art and cultural treasures. Plus she is lots of fun! Highlights - Detailed Itinerary

South India Cultural Journey - Highlights: February TBA, In-Depth: February TBA
Explore the architecture and history of South India's temples and palaces, and enjoy immense natural beauty. Choice of highlights of in-depth longer tour. The extensive tour covers just about every nook & cranny of south India. 16 people max. Trip Highlights - Detailed Itinerary

China - Sisters' Rice Festival of Guizhou: April 8-23
The Miao minority Sisters' Rice Festival is a celebration of spring and of love. Dressed in finest embriodered and appliqued clothing, adorned in all their freshly shined silver jewelery, young girls set out to attract a mate. Festival days are filled with damcing, singing, eating and drinking lots of rice wine. The tour visits several other villages through Sichuan and Yunan as well. Highlights and Itinerary