Punakha
Inside the monastery you’ll find finely carved wooden balconies and columns, white-washed stupas and a chapel dedicated to the queen of snakes. There are a large number of important religious images on display and in the dzong’s archives – many of which depict scenes from the life of the Buddha.
- Scenic valley setting.
- Colourful jacaranda trees.
- Picturesque river confluence.
- Great for hiking.
- Historic and culturally significant Palace of Great Happiness.
- Ideal for learning about Buddhism and local history.
A riverside retreat shaped by forest, fields and mountain light, Punakha River Lodge is a place of calm, comfort and sense of place in one of Bhutan’s most beautiful valleys.
Located on the side of one of Bhutan’s lowest-altitude and warmest valleys, Six Senses Punakha is a place to enjoy evenings on the terrace enjoying a show-stealing view.
We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been crafting the finest tailor-made holidays to the world’s wild places. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you every time.We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been crafting the finest tailor-made holidays to the world’s wild places. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you every time.
A fortress-like insistence on maintaining their cultural heritage despite the pressures of the modern world makes Bhutan a fascinating place.
The young poet and playwright Kiran Millwood Hargrave said "India is a place where colour is doubly bright. Pinks that scald your eyes, blues you could drown in." It's a quote that captures the marvellous intensity of experiencing India. You’ll flit like a butterfly from a gilded palace to a sun baked fortress, to a bustling bazaar, to an encounter with a big cat, all the while drinking in the colours, sounds, aromas and the relentless energy of Indian life. That collage of glimpses will be there to savour years after you return. Here we share 10 unmissable experiences while travelling in India.
Encounters in India
The vast majority of people think about India primarily as a cultural destination. Yes, the Taj Mahal is a must-see, and the country boasts dozens of UNESCO-listed ruins and monuments, not to mention dazzling festivals and other events. But the landscapes and wildlife were here long before the people, and the subcontinent still has extraordinary wild places you can explore, from the sands of the Thar Desert to the backwaters of Kerala; the high Himalayas to the jungles of Northeast India.
India delivers extraordinary experiences, making it perfect for family adventure. Particularly engaging for inquisitive teens, it’s immersive, colourful and exhilarating. With our expert guidance, your family can enjoy a safe and fascinating journey that includes deserts, palaces, lakes, forests and wildlife.
Flowing from Kolkata’s riverside bustle to a houseboat on the Brahmaputra’s braided channels, onward to Kaziranga’s floodplains and finally Assam’s rain‑nourished tea gardens, this 16‑day journey follows water as it shapes landscapes, wildlife and daily life.
Travel from Rajasthan’s romance to Mumbai’s vibrancy and Kerala’s coast, spice hills and restorative backwaters, experiencing India’s varied landscapes as one continuous, water threaded story.
India is a world in itself. Vast and varied from the deserts of Rajasthan to the High Himalayas, India is among our most compelling destinations for cultural immersion and unforgettable adventure.
The ultimate trekking holiday is right here in Bhutan. You’ll find incredible peaks and lush valleys filled with awe-inspiring trails, exquisite wildlife and cultural wonder all throughout this biodiverse country.