Following the recent launch of their first dedicated India programme, bespoke holiday specialist Experience Travel Group has named its top 10 favourite must-do experiences in this magnificent country. While all of Experience Travel Group's new hand-crafted itineraries provide unforgettable opportunities to explore India, from beautiful, uncharted rural locations to wow-factor tourist sites, there are a few unique highlights that the company's travel specialists believe should be on everyone's bucket lists. In no particular order:

1. Stay in a remote fort

The only thing better than visiting a fort, is being able to live in one. Travellers can escape the commotion of city life and stroll through the old villages, or relax with a drink on the roof of the fort, marvelling at the different species of birds and admiring the sunset. There are many forts to choose from – arguably the best being Ramathra and Bhainsrorgarh.

2. Heritage Homestay

Travellers can get a real feel for the culture of Rajasthan, and hear colourful tales of the region's rich history straight from the local people, with Experience Travel Groups' heritage homestays. One of the best can be found at the Dera Mandara in Jaipur, where guests can also learn how to home-cook traditional curry – a truly personal experience that also provides a 'souvenir' skill that will last long after the holiday ends.

3. Rajasthan Classics

Rajasthan is India's most culturally vibrant state with a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Also known as the land of kings, Rajasthan is adorned with numerous majestic forts and palaces such as the Umaid Bhawan palace in Jodhpur, which is one of the world's largest private residences. The state is also home to famous wildlife sanctuaries and national parks like the Ranthambore Tiger reserve and Kumbhalgarh sanctuary.

4. Satpura National Park

One of India's least visited national parks, Satpura National Park is unique in offering visitors opportunities to choose how they explore the reserve – by jeep, on foot, by canoe or kayak, or even by elephant. Satpura is home to a variety of mammals which include tigers, leopards, nilgai, bisons and wild boars, amongst many others. Tour packages start from £3953 per person inclusive of all experiences, guides, entrance fees, meals, flights and transfers.

5. Glenburn Tea Estate

Nestled in the Himalayan foothills, Glenburn is a quaint tea estate in Sikkim, the smallest state in India.  The hotel provides unparalleled and phenomenal views of the third tallest mountain in the world, the Kanchenjunga. The Glenburn family have gone to great lengths to make the estate as homely and welcoming as possible, with facilities including cosy fireplaces, luxurious walk-in rainfall showers and free-standing bathtubs.

6. Neeleshwar Hermitage 

Neeleshwar Hermitage is a calm and beautiful retreat on the less frequented coast of Northern Kerala. A perfect destination to rejuvenate the body and spirit, this hotel and spa is laden with coconut groves and glorious hibiscus flowers. Travellers can also relax at the ayurvedic spa, meditate or learn yoga. Prices for this holiday start from £2500 inclusive of all experiences, accommodation, flights and transfers, entrance fees and guides.

7. Camping in national parks

Camping is one of the best ways to have a truly connected experience of the forests and nature reserves. One of the very best campsites is Shergarh in Kanha Tiger Reserve, where the owners have exceptional knowledge of the area and are more than willing to chat with visitors and tell them about the wildlife in the reserve, the surrounding area and the local tribal culture.

8. Maheshwar

Set on the banks of the sacred Narmada River, Maheshwar is a 4,000 year old town in India's most central state, Madhya Pradesh. A Highlight of the town is the Ahilya Fort, which was transformed into a hotel by Prince Richard Holkar in 2000.  Outside this hotel, travellers can immerse themselves in the Indian lifestyle – the town is buzzing with people praying, doing yoga, sages chanting and children swimming in the holy river.

9. Trekking in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is renowned as one of India's prime destinations for Himalayan adventures, trekking and white-water rafting – but tourists seeking a more peaceful, tranquil experience can also enjoy a spiritual journey to Rishikesh, the town famously visited by The Beatles in the 1960s.

10. The Taj Mahal

A world-famous symbol of love, the Taj Mahal needs no introduction.  Standing majestically on the banks of the Yamuna River, it is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The purity of the white marble, the precious gemstones and picturesque location make it one of the iconic tourist attractions in the world.  The best place to stay in Agra is undoubtedly the Amarvilas, by Oberoi. This luxury hotel offers stunning views of the Taj, which can't be matched from any other hotel or accommodation in the city.

Experience Travel Group specialises in bespoke holidays for passionate travellers. Offering adventures in Sri Lanka, Maldives, Vietnam, Thailand, Burma, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysian Borneo, Indonesia and India, Experience Travel Group expertly tailor-makes trips that enrich their clients' travel experiences.

For more information about Experience Travel Group, please visit the website, or find out what the team has been up to recently by checking out their blog or Twitter page.

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Notes to Editors:

Founded in 2004 by Tom Armstrong and Sam Clark, Experience Travel Group has grown from featuring Sri Lanka to also specialise in Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Malaysian Borneo, Burma (Myanmar), Maldives, the 17,000 islands of Indonesia and India. Intimate knowledge of these destinations, combined with its engaging, enriching service ethos and an ability to create extra-ordinary local experiences, sets Experience Travel Group apart from the rest.

Experience Travel Group is a fully bonded ATOL agent (ATOL number 9324); a member of ABTA (membership number Y544X); and a member of AITO. The company's Sustainable Travel Policy is about continual improvement, monitoring and evaluation, and is available online at www.experiencetravelgroup.com/info/responsible-travel.

For further press information please contact:

Zoe Slater (zoe@bacall.net) or Nat Frogley (nat@bacall.net)

Bacall Associates   Web: www.bacallassociates.co.uk  Tel: 08704 288 401