What Is Foliage Select? Inside Foliage Outdoors' Curated ...

What Is Foliage Select?

Inside Foliage Outdoors' Curated Slow-Travel Collection

Some journeys are about checking destinations off a list.

Others are about truly experiencing a place.

Foliage Select is the premium collection of thoughtfully curated journeys by Foliage Outdoors, created for travellers who believe that the best memories come not from rushing through landmarks, but from slowing down, connecting with people, exploring nature, and immersing themselves in local culture.

These are not conventional package tours. They are carefully designed experiences that take you beyond the obvious and into places where stories, landscapes, traditions, and meaningful encounters come together.

Whether you're walking through apple orchards in Himachal, staying in a heritage retreat in the Thar Desert, exploring the tea estates of the Nilgiris, or discovering hidden corners of Bundelkhand, every Foliage Select journey is built around one simple idea.

Travel deeper, not faster.

What Makes Foliage Select Different?

Today's travel industry often focuses on covering as many places as possible in the shortest amount of time.

We believe the opposite.

Instead of rushing through destinations, Foliage Select gives you the opportunity to truly experience them.

Spend more time in fewer places.
Stay in carefully chosen boutique properties and heritage accommodations.
Meet local communities.
Learn from experts and naturalists.
Walk through villages instead of simply driving past them.
Discover experiences unavailable on standard itineraries.
Enjoy regional food and authentic hospitality.
Travel in small groups where every traveller matters.

The result is a journey that feels personal, immersive, and memorable.

The Philosophy Behind Foliage Select

Every destination has two versions.

The one everyone visits.

And the one that reveals itself only when you slow down.

Foliage Select is built around this second version.

Our journeys are designed to help you understand a destination, not just see it.

Instead of asking:

"How many places can we cover today?"

We ask:

"What experience will you remember years from now?"

What Does "Curated" Really Mean?

The word curated is often overused in travel.

For us, it has a very specific meaning.

Before a destination becomes part of Foliage Select, our team spends time exploring it personally.

Every destination is evaluated for:

Local experiences
Walking routes
Nature trails
Boutique hotels
Heritage homes
Regional food experiences
Seasonal highlights
Photography opportunities
Cultural interactions
Travel logistics

Only after extensive research do we design an itinerary that reflects the destination's true character.

Small Groups. Bigger Experiences.

Foliage Select journeys are intentionally designed for smaller groups.

Why?

Better conversations
Flexible experiences
Easier interactions with local communities
Personal attention from tour leaders
Comfortable pacing
A stronger sense of camaraderie

Many travellers finish a Foliage Select journey with friendships that continue long after the trip ends.

Destinations That Go Beyond the Guidebook

Rather than focusing only on famous attractions, Foliage Select highlights places with character and authenticity.

Walking through Himalayan villages
Exploring forgotten forts and heritage towns
Staying in restored heritage homes
Visiting tea estates and plantations
Watching sunrise over hidden lakes
Learning regional traditions from local families
Exploring forests with experienced naturalists
Discovering landscapes rarely seen on mainstream itineraries

Experiences You Can Expect

Nature Walks

Slow walks that reveal the landscape, flora, birds, and local ecology.

Heritage Walks

Understanding history through architecture, stories, and local culture.

Local Cuisine

Meals that celebrate regional flavours instead of generic tourist menus.

Boutique Stays

Accommodation selected for its character, comfort, hospitality, and sense of place.

Photography Opportunities

Time to appreciate landscapes instead of rushing between viewpoints.

Meaningful Conversations

Interactions with local hosts, artisans, conservationists, guides, and community members.

Who Is Foliage Select For?

Travellers who prefer quality over quantity
People who enjoy discovering hidden places
Nature lovers
Heritage and culture enthusiasts
Photography enthusiasts
Travellers who appreciate small groups
Those who value authentic local experiences
Anyone seeking meaningful holidays instead of busy schedules

Why Choose Foliage Outdoors?

For over 26 years, Foliage Outdoors has specialised in creating meaningful journeys centred around nature, wildlife, adventure, and experiential travel.

Building on that expertise, Foliage Select offers a carefully curated collection of offbeat tours featuring handpicked destinations, expert-led experiences, small groups, and thoughtfully planned itineraries that prioritise quality over speed.

Our Growing Collection of Journeys

The Nilgiris
Offbeat Himachal
Kumaon
Meghalaya
Bundelkhand
Malwa
Rajasthan
Ladakh
Valley of Flowers

Each itinerary reflects the same philosophy of slow travel, authentic experiences, and meaningful exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Foliage Select suitable for first-time travellers?

Yes. Our journeys are designed for anyone who enjoys comfortable, well-planned travel with meaningful experiences.

Are these luxury tours?

Foliage Select focuses on quality and authenticity rather than luxury alone. Accommodation is chosen for its character, comfort, location, and overall experience.

How are Foliage Select tours different from regular group tours?

We emphasise smaller groups, slower itineraries, carefully chosen stays, local culture, nature, and authentic experiences instead of covering numerous destinations in a short time.

Do I need to be physically fit?

Most journeys involve light walking. Individual itineraries clearly mention if additional fitness is required.

Can solo travellers join?

Absolutely. Many of our guests travel solo and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere created by our small groups.

Travel Beyond the Checklist

The most memorable journeys aren't measured by the number of places visited.

They're measured by the stories collected, the people met, the conversations shared, and the moments that stay with you long after you've returned home.

That's the spirit of Foliage Select.

If you're ready to discover India beyond the guidebooks, we'd love to welcome you on one of our thoughtfully curated journeys.

Explore Foliage Select Tours

Foliage Select Tours

Offbeat Himachal

₹ 39,500

Offbeat Himachal – Toy Train, Apple Orchard and Trails A journey through mountain rails, apple orchards and Himalayan trails. Most travellers pass through Himachal. This trip goes into it. The experience is anchored by the rhythmic charm of the UNESCO Toy Train, winding through pine‑clad ridges and mountain mist at a pace that feels less like transit and more like arrival. This is a journey that trades crowded malls for the deep, quiet soul of the mountains. The road leads to Thanedar, barely on the tourist map, and all the better for it. Walk orchard rows with the families who tend them, pluck apples straight from the tree, and find the secluded Tani Jubbar lake before the crowds do. The journey peaks at Hatu Peak, where a carved wooden temple crowns the summit and a Himalayan panorama asks only that you stand still and look. Unhurried by design. Himalayan by nature. Spaces are few, and the season is short. Join us in the hills while the apples are still on the trees. Book early, travel smart! Register 70 days before your trip to enjoy an Early Bird Discount of Rs 2,000 per person. Can’t Make Our Dates? Can’t make our scheduled dates? If you have a group of eight or more, we can organise this exact experience for you on your preferred dates. It’s the perfect itinerary for family reunions, milestone celebrations, or getaways with friends. Flexible & Customised Itineraries Looking for a more personalised touch? From boutique luxury stays to special activity inclusions, our travel experts can craft a bespoke itinerary tailored precisely to your interests. read more read less

15 Oct, 10 Nov, and 02 Mar

For All Ages

Offbeat Kumaon

₹ 47,900

Offbeat Kumaon - Hidden Trails, Mountain Hikes and Lakes Kumaon Unscripted: Follow the trails the maps forgot. Some places in the Himalayas haven't made it onto the map yet and that's exactly why we go there. This exclusive small-group journey takes you deep into Kumaon's most unhurried corners: the forested ridge hamlet of Jilling and the quiet heights of Sitlakhet, where trails wind through oak and rhododendron, and the only sounds are birdsong and wind. This is slow travel at its finest. Walk at your own pace on offbeat hikes and hidden trails, linger over chai in a Kumaoni village home, and find stillness at the hilltop Syahi Devi Temple. In Ranikhet, step into living history at the Kumaon Regiment Museum and stroll the old bazaar. The trip culminates at Sattal, a stunning cluster of seven freshwater lakes renowned for world-class birdwatching in Kumaon and tranquil nature walks. No large tour buses. No crowded viewpoints. Just a small group of like-minded travellers, unhurried trails, and experience the real Kumaon exactly as it has always been. read more read less

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The Kumaon Walking Trail

₹ 43,900

2 offers

4 Nights 5 Days

01 Nov, 24 Feb, and 07 Apr

The Kumaon Walking Trail

₹ 43,900

The Kumaon Walking Trail — Heritage Homes, Quiet Trails, Timeless Hills Walk slowly. Stay beautifully. Let the hills do the rest. Some journeys are measured not in kilometres but in the quality of silence between footsteps. This is one of them. The Kumaon Walking Trail takes you through five of the region's most graceful settings — Hartola, Binsar, Gaunap, Jageshwar, and Ganghet on easy scenic trails that connect restored heritage homes, living villages, and ancient temple grounds. This is premium slow travel at its most considered. Walk through sanctuary forests and terraced farmland. Linger over home-cooked Kumaoni meals in family-run homestays. Stand at a village temple as the first light catches the snow line. Visit Jageshwar Dham, one of the Himalaya's most revered clusters of ancient stone temples, in the quiet shade of centuries-old deodars. No large groups. No rushed transfers. Just a small circle of travellers, heritage stays with character, and the kind of walking that leaves you rested rather than tired. Book early, travel smart! Register 70 days before your trip to enjoy an Early Bird Discount of Rs 2,000 per person. Can’t Make Our Dates? Can’t make our scheduled dates? If you have a group of eight or more, we can organise this exact experience for you on your preferred dates. It’s the perfect itinerary for family reunions, milestone celebrations, or getaways with friends. Flexible & Customised Itineraries Looking for a more personalised touch? From boutique luxury stays to special activity inclusions, our travel experts can craft a bespoke itinerary tailored precisely to your interests. read more read less

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Magical Bundelkhand - Temples and Tigers

₹ 44,800

2 offers

4 Nights 5 Days

31 Oct, 19 Dec, 22 Jan, and more

For All Ages

Magical Bundelkhand - Temples and Tigers

₹ 44,800

Magical Bundelkhand: Temples and TigersA journey through cliff-top forts, riverside palaces, and tiger country. Most travellers hurry past Bundelkhand. This trip invites you to slow down and truly experience it. Your introduction begins not in a crowded monument, but on the ramparts of Jhansi Fort, where stone and story set the tone. After a home-style lunch, watch history come alive in the fort’s dramatic Light & Sound Show. Next, journey to Orchha, a riverside town seemingly paused in the 16th century, its palaces, temples, and chhatris reflected in the Betwa River. Beyond the marble and mortar, the wild awaits. Drive through boulder-strewn gorges to Raneh Falls and stand at the rim of a multi-hued volcanic canyon. Drift at dusk on the pristine Ken River, watching for gharials and waterbirds. Spend mornings and evenings on open-jeep safaris in Panna, tracking tigers, leopards, and sloth bears with a local naturalist who knows the forest’s secrets. Heritage stays, quiet riverside walks, and unscripted wildlife moments. This is Bundelkhand experienced slowly—history, river light, and the pulse of the jungle. Timeless by design. Bundelkhand by nature.Spaces are limited, and the season is short. Join us in the hidden heart of India before the forest gates close. Book early, travel smart! Register 70 days before your trip to enjoy an Early Bird Discount of Rs 2,000 per person. Can’t Make Our Dates? Can’t make our scheduled dates? If you have a group of eight or more, we can organise this exact experience for you on your preferred dates. It’s the perfect itinerary for family reunions, milestone celebrations, or getaways with friends. Flexible & Customised Itineraries Looking for a more personalised touch? From boutique luxury stays to special activity inclusions, our travel experts can craft a bespoke itinerary tailored precisely to your interests. read more read less

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The Nilgiri Experience

₹ 52,000

2 offers

4 Nights 5 Days

31 Oct, 25 Dec, 22 Jan, and more

For All Ages

The Nilgiri Experience

₹ 52,000

THE NILGIRI EXPERIENCE - Tea, Toy Train & Elephants A curated journey into the wild heart and heritage soul of the Western Ghats. Journey into the wild heart and heritage soul of the Western Ghats on a premium, 5-day escape. This is the Nilgiris beyond the postcard: an unhurried, sensory immersion that transitions seamlessly from raw forest floors to misty plantation peaks. The adventure begins in the wildlife-rich corridors of Mudumalai. Here, dusk safaris track elephant herds, while a morning visit to the historic Theppakadu Elephant Camp brings you close to the region's working giants. From the plains, the dramatic Sigur Ghat carries you upward into a different world, one of comfortable plantation bungalows and the slow rhythm of Coonoor's tea country. Ride the UNESCO-listed Nilgiri Mountain Railway through mountain tunnels, step behind the scenes at an artisan chocolate maker, and trek the ancient Longwood Shola forest to spot endemic birds. The journey closes with a curated farewell lunch at a heritage boutique bungalow before your onward departure from Coimbatore. Comfortable plantation stays, unhurried mornings, and a landscape that shifts from forest to estate without ever losing its quiet. This is the Nilgiris experienced slowly: wildlife, railways, and tea gardens, one gentle day at a time. Spaces are limited. Join us in South India's hill country before the season ends. Book early, travel smart! Register 70 days before your trip to enjoy an Early Bird Discount of Rs 2,000 per person. Can’t Make Our Dates? Can’t make our scheduled dates? If you have a group of eight or more, we can organise this exact experience for you on your preferred dates. It’s the perfect itinerary for family reunions, milestone celebrations, or getaways with friends. Flexible & Customised Itineraries Looking for a more personalised touch? From boutique luxury stays to special activity inclusions, our travel experts can craft a bespoke itinerary tailored precisely to your interests. read more read less

Offbeat Rajasthan

₹ 56,600

Offbeat Rajasthan: Leopard Trails & Thar Tales Wildlife Safaris • Desert Culture • Unique Landscapes Experience Offbeat Rajasthan - a curated five-day journey into the rustic heart of India’s desert state. Step away from the crowded tourist circuits to explore the dramatic rocky landscapes of Bera and the untouched silence of the Thar Desert near Jodhpur. Your adventure begins in Bera, renowned for its unique coexistence between people and leopards. Watch high-density leopard populations roam ancient granite hills, offering some of the world’s best big-cat sightings. Then, retreat to a serene desert oasis nestled within a Sacred Grove on the outskirts of Jodhpur. From exhilarating jeep safaris across rolling dunes to the mesmerising spectacle of thousands of Demoiselle Cranes in Kheechan, every day promises something unforgettable. This itinerary is crafted for true explorers seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path Rajasthan experience. Whether you’re planning an adventurous family holiday or a soulful getaway with friends, this trip balances high-octane wildlife thrills with the tranquil allure of the desert. The leopards are waiting, and the dunes are calling—are you ready for the ultimate Rajasthan safari? Secure your spot for an unforgettable journey today! Book early, travel smart! Register 70 days before your trip and enjoy an Early Bird Discount of Rs 2000 per person. Can’t Make Our Dates? Can’t make our scheduled dates? If you have a group of 8 or more, we can organise this exact experience for you on the dates of your choice. It is the perfect itinerary for family reunions or friend getaways. Flexible & Customised Itineraries: Want a more personalised touch? From boutique luxury stays to specific activity inclusions, our travel experts can craft a bespoke Rajasthan itinerary tailored to your interests. read more read less

Offbeat Meghalaya

₹ 43,300

Offbeat Meghalaya - Clouds, Rivers, and Living Bridges A journey through misty hills, crystal rivers, and forests that grow their own architecture. Forget the rushed sightseeing tours. Meghalaya isn't meant to be "seen"; it's meant to be felt. Your journey begins at Umiam Lake, its still waters mirroring the hills as you climb toward Shillong, a hill town of colonial bungalows and quiet lakes, where the pace of the plains already feels far away. From here, the land turns wilder. Descend through cascading falls at Tyrshi and Krang Suri toward Dawki, where the Umngot River runs so clear that boats appear to float on air. Spend a night camped on its banks, the river's hush the only sound after dark. By day, wander into Mawlynnong, where the forest has been shaped by hand into a living root bridge, and walk the Wahkhen Bamboo Trail as the valley opens up beneath you. Beyond the villages, Cherrapunji waits: one of the wettest places on earth, carved by centuries of rain into waterfalls, caves, and canyons. Stand before Wei Sawdong Falls, step into the quiet dark of Arwah Cave, and trace the Garden of Caves before the land delivers its final view: Laitlum Canyon, the so-called "Grand Canyon of the East," where the hills fall away into cloud. Comfortable stays, unhurried mornings, and a landscape that rewards patience. This is Meghalaya experienced: rivers you can see through slowly, bridges grown rather than built, and hills that disappear into mist. Spaces are limited, and the clear-water season is short. Join us before the rivers cloud with monsoon. read more read less

15 Oct, 11 Nov, 25 Dec, and more

For All Ages

The Malwa Experience

₹ 45,900

The Malwa Experience: Temples, Tigers and Taste Buds From the street-food markets of Indore to the royal ghats of the Narmada and the wild beyond. Few travel into the Malwa heartland. Fewer still leave wanting more. Begin amid the bright chaos of Indore’s street-food markets: steaming poha, syrupy jalebi, smoky chaats eaten standing at little stalls that have perfected one dish for generations. Move on to Mandu’s hilltop ruins, where crumbling palaces whisper legendary love stories across the "City of Joy." In Maheshwar, lose yourself on the carved ghats as the river wraps the stone in golden light; drift on the Narmada at dusk and join the evening aarti as lamps and chants draw the town into a quietly theatrical ritual. Then follow a quieter road into the wild. Kheoni’s forest is one of the state’s best-kept secrets: open-jeep safaris here feel intimate and raw. Track leopards and tigers through a forest that still belongs to the animals, far from the usual tourist trails. This is food, history and wilderness stitched into one short journey. Local flavours, riverside rituals and unscripted wildlife moments. Small groups only. Spaces are limited. Malwa, as it's meant to be tasted. Join us to taste Indore’s street food, walk the stone stories of Mandu, share the evening ritual on the Narmada, and explore the hidden wild of Kheoni. Reserve your place to experience Malwa as it was meant to be tasted. Book early, travel smart! Register 70 days before your trip to enjoy an Early Bird Discount of Rs 2,000 per person. Can’t Make Our Dates? Can’t make our scheduled dates? If you have a group of eight or more, we can organise this exact experience for you on your preferred dates. It’s the perfect itinerary for family reunions, milestone celebrations, or getaways with friends. Flexible & Customised Itineraries Looking for a more personalised touch? From boutique luxury stays to special activity inclusions, our travel experts can craft a bespoke itinerary tailored precisely to your interests. read more read less

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Magical Satpura: Hills, Rock Paintings & Tiger

Magical Satpura: Hills, Rock Paintings & Tiger

₹ 45,300

Magical Satpura: Hills, Rock Paintings & Tiger A journey through quiet tiger forests, misty hill trails, and ancient stories painted on stone. While most travellers visit Central India in search of tigers, this journey invites you to discover the wonders that surround them. Begin deep in the Bori range, one of Satpura’s most tranquil and untouched zones. Here, open-jeep safaris track sloth bears through sandstone ravines and leopards along teak-shadowed trails, within a reserve that remains off the well-worn tiger circuit: fewer vehicles, more forest. From the forest, the journey moves up to Pachmarhi, the much-loved Queen of Satpura. The air turns cooler, the roads wind through pine trees, and the pace becomes gentler. Explore the fascinating Jatashankar Caves, visit Bee Falls, and walk around the ancient Pandav Caves, where local legends still live on. End the day at Dhoopgarh, the highest point in Madhya Pradesh, watching the evening light fade over the Satpura hills. The last part of the trip takes us much further back in time. At Bhimbetka, walk among enormous sandstone shelters where prehistoric paintings have survived for over 10,000 years. These simple red-and-white figures on rock offer a moving glimpse into the lives and imagination of some of India’s earliest people. Forest mornings, mountain light, and a walk through the world’s oldest galleries; this is Satpura: wild and ancient, unfolding at its own pace. Small groups only. Reserve your space now. Wild by nature. Timeless by story. Book early, travel smart! Register 70 days before your trip to enjoy an Early Bird Discount of Rs 2,000 per person. Can’t Make Our Dates? Can’t make our scheduled dates? If you have a group of eight or more, we can organise this exact experience for you on your preferred dates. It’s the perfect itinerary for family reunions, milestone celebrations, or getaways with friends. Flexible & Customised Itineraries Looking for a more personalised touch? From boutique luxury stays to special activity inclusions, our travel experts can craft a bespoke itinerary tailored precisely to your interests. read more read less

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Foliage Select is Foliage Outdoors' premium collection of curated journeys for travellers who want to slow down and truly experience a place, not just see it. Discover what makes these small-group, offbeat trips different.

Foliage Select Offbeat Trips