Civilisations
ten eras. one long road.
Each age of India lasted centuries. Each one left something behind.
The idea
every era left something behind.
India was shaped by great eras, each lasting hundreds of years. They changed how its people built, cooked, dressed, made music and celebrated, and much of it never left. We travel through one era at a time, with the historians, cooks, artisans and musicians who keep it alive. Five eras have set journeys; every era can be explored now on a private journey made for you.
c. 1500–500 BCEVedicWhere India's language, ritual and learning beganPrivate journey
322–185 BCEMauryanThe first great empire, and Ashoka's edicts in stonePrivate journey
5th c. BCE–12th c. CEBuddhistStupas, monasteries and caves carved over a thousand yearsPrivate journey
c. 320–550 CEGuptaThe classical age of art, mathematics and Sanskrit literaturePrivate journey
c. 850–1279CholaBronze, temple towns and a seafaring empire in the southSet journey
c. 8th–18th centuryRajputForts, courts and the warrior kingdoms of the desertSet journey
1526–1857MughalGardens, marble and a cuisine still loved across IndiaSet journey
1674–1818MarathaHill forts and the rise of the DeccanSet journey
1510–1961PortugueseGoa's churches, the spice trade and a kitchen of two worldsSet journey
1858–1947ColonialRailways, grand cities and the road to independencePrivate journey
Set journey with planned departuresAvailable now as a private journey
The eras
ten ages, from the hymns of the vedas to the railways of the raj.
Vedic · c. 1500–500 BCE
the age of hymns.
The Ganges plains and the oldest living traditions of India
Where India’s language, ritual and learning began
Mauryan · 322–185 BCE
the first empire.
Sarnath, Vaishali and the pillars of Ashoka
The first great empire, and Ashoka’s edicts in stone
Buddhist · 5th c. BCE–12th c. CE
stone, stupa and scholar.
Sanchi, Nalanda and the painted caves of Ajanta
Stupas, monasteries and caves carved over a thousand years
Gupta · c. 320–550 CE
the classical age.
Sarnath, Udayagiri and Deogarh
The classical age of art, mathematics and Sanskrit literature
Chola · c. 850–1279
the bronze and the tower.
Tamil Nadu's great temple towns
Bronze, temple towns and a seafaring empire in the south
Rajput · c. 8th–18th century
kingdoms of the desert.
Rajasthan's palaces and forts
Forts, courts and the warrior kingdoms of the desert
Mughal · 1526–1857
the marble and the garden.
Delhi, Agra and the Taj Mahal
Gardens, marble and a cuisine still loved across India
Maratha · 1674–1818
forts of the deccan.
Maharashtra's hill forts, near Pune
Hill forts and the rise of the Deccan
Portuguese · 1510–1961
a kitchen of two worlds.
Goa's churches, mansions and kitchens
Goa’s churches, the spice trade and a kitchen of two worlds
Colonial · 1858–1947
railways, grand cities and the road to independence.
Mumbai, Kolkata and the mountain railways
Railways, grand cities and the road to independence
How a Civilisations journey works
one era at a time, in depth.
One era at a time
Each journey goes deep into a single age.
Guided by Saints
Historians, artisans, cooks and musicians who know the era best.
Private or small circle
Travel privately, or in a small group of up to 12 like-minded guests.
Unhurried
Time to sit, listen and stay a little longer.
Stays with a story
Five-star palace and heritage hotels, chosen for their character.
Shaped around you
Every era can be explored now on a private journey made for you.
Journeys
set journeys, ready to shape around you.
India for the First Time
Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Udaipur: the Golden Triangle and Rajasthan, done differently12 daysView journey
The Marble and the Garden
Delhi, Agra and the Taj Mahal, through Mughal eyes7 daysView journey
Kingdoms of the Desert
Rajasthan's palaces and forts: Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, JaisalmerRajasthanView journey
The Bronze and the Tower
Tamil Nadu's temple towns: Thanjavur, Gangaikondacholapuram, Darasuram, SwamimalaiTamil NaduView journey
Forts of the Deccan
Maharashtra's hill forts: Pune, Raigad, SinhagadMaharashtraView journey
A Kitchen of Two Worlds
Goa: Old Goa, Fontainhas, ChorãoGoaView journey
which age will you step into?
Every journey begins with a conversation. Book a time to talk, or send us a message.