Redbirdtravel

23/02/2026

I was watching England's T20 from Kandy yesterday and was reminded of my last trip to Sri Lanka. It is a great destination with year round possibilities. Get in touch to chat [email protected]

17/07/2025

The Western Ghats

Older than the Himalaya, the Western Ghats are a chain of low mountains running 1,600 kilometres parallel to India’s western coast. The Ghats traverse the States of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat. Recognized as one of the world’s eight ‘hottest hotspots’ of biological diversity, the forests of the site include some of the best representatives of non-equatorial tropical evergreen forests anywhere and are home to at least 325 globally threatened flora, fauna, bird, amphibian, reptile and fish species.

Because the Western Ghats form a barrier to the rain clouds of the SW monsoon, the land is lush and green, and cooler than the lower reaches.

The first of my visits to the Cardamom Hills, in the Kerala section of the Ghats, was in 2004. This is the spice growing region of Kerala and you will find ginger, cardamon, pepper, vanilla, chilli and turmeric in abundance. But also, rubber, and the fantastical landscape of camellia sinensis, better known to us as tea. And something else, beautiful tree houses, such as Amaryllis (pictured), where in the upper canopy, you can be at peace with the world; and eco-lodges like Spice Village, where nature is king.

I would be happy to describe the opportunities for a visit to this wonderful place. Drop me a line at [email protected] or a text to 07767384711.

28/03/2025

In my travels around India I have found things of mystery and fascination. I have written about the stunning rock cut temples at Ellora in Maharashtra, and the grandiose remains at Hampi in Karnataka. But these are antiquities. A site of equal fascination, closer to our time can be found in Kolkata.

South Park Street Cemetery, was established in 1767 and was formerly known as the 'Great Christian Burial Ground', was one of the earliest non-church cemeteries in the world. The cemetery houses numerous graves and monuments belonging to British soldiers, administrators, and their families. I should point out that I am not an avid cemetery tourist; for me only Highgate and Pere Lachaise warrant repeat viewings, but South Park Street Cemetery in Kolkata is a fascinating relic of the British Raj, offering a glimpse into the colonial past of the city that was the first capital of British India.

The grand, moss-covered tombs reflect Indo-Gothic architecture, blending British and Mughal influences with classic 18th century funerary symbols that reflect European traditions blended with local influences. Some key symbols include: Urns – Representing the immortality of the soul and the transition from earthly life to the afterlife. Obelisks – Evoking eternity and inspired by Egyptian monuments, these symbolize enduring memory. Skulls and Crossbones – A stark reminder of mortality. Broken Columns – Symbolizing a life cut short, often found on graves of younger individuals. These symbols, carved into grand tombs, pyramidal structures, and Indo-Gothic elements, highlight the colonial elite’s aspirations for legacy and remembrance in a distant land.

Walking through its quiet, atmospheric paths, you’ll feel transported to a time when Kolkata was the epicentre of British rule in India.

In the 18th century, Kolkata (then Calcutta) was the thriving hub of the East India Company’s expanding empire in India. Established as a trading post in 1690, it quickly became the Company’s administrative and commercial centre. The city flourished with trade in textiles, silk, and o***m, fuelling British wealth and influence.

The offices of the East India Company are close to South Park Street Cemetery and if you are inclined, as I was, you can sit at the desk of Warren Hastings the first Governor-General of India (1773–1785).

Redbird provides travel advice and tailor-made itineraries for travellers to all parts of India, Bhu

17/03/2025

Steve Relf
1956 - 2025
I am very sad to announce the death of Steve Relf. Steve died on Sunday 9th March after a sudden heart attack. Steve was my partner in the Ellison Roberts travel company and my close friend. He arranged bespoke holiday itineraries for many of you. He is survived by his wife Penny and his daughters Lizzie and Sarah. He will be greatly missed.

11/01/2025

[email protected] -

Sri Lanka is the place to be right now! If you're looking to escape the biting chill of winter, this tropical paradise offers the perfect dose of warm sunshine to soothe your soul. Imagine unwinding on golden beaches, exploring lush mountains, and soaking up a unique blend of culture and nature. Whe...

01/11/2024

Just out of the high peak season, a Kerala holiday in March offers an affordable and unforgettable blend of warm weather, natural beauty, and rich cultural experiences. With pleasant temperatures around 24-30°C, it’s an ideal time for houseboat cruises through lush backwaters, beach relaxation along the Arabian Sea, and exploring vibrant tea plantations in Munnar.

A Kerala holiday in March also brings the chance to witness grand elephant festivals, where beautifully adorned elephants parade amidst traditional music and dance, offering a captivating glimpse into Kerala's cultural heritage.

And March is also the peak season for Theyyam, Kerala’s mesmerizing ritual art form, with vibrant costumes, rhythmic drumming, and intricate dance performances. Experiencing Theyyam firsthand adds a powerful cultural dimension to a March Kerala escape.

Please feel free to contact me to learn more about Theyyam and about green and lovely Kerala – ‘God’s Own Country’

[email protected]

11/10/2024

IS THIS YOU?

I asked my friendly AI to generate an image of Kerala, S. India and requested the inclusion of two imaginary Redbird customers, a spice merchant and a monkey.

I am calling my rather stylish couple Frances and Alex Hoyle; they are in their mid 60s, and both recently retired; they live near Guildford. It is their second visit to India with Redbird, and this time they want to visit Kerala, South India’s tropical paradise. Their Redbird itinerary for Kerala includes two days in Fort Cochin, four days high in the spicy Western Ghats at Thekadey and Munnar, a backwaters houseboat cruise and some lazy days on the palm-fringed shores of the Arabian Sea at Marari beach. This is classic Kerala; their driver will ensure that they will see marvellous sites, meet friendly people and enjoy the most wonderful food.
I think Frances and Alex might visit Bhutan on their next Redbird holiday, and more of their backstory might be revealed. Who knows? If you know them, please tell me something about them.
Of course AI can generate almost anything you ask it to; it is fun, but nothing like the real thing.

If you would like to discuss a tailor-made itinerary for anywhere on the India subcontinent, I would be very happy to hear from you, and share my knowledge with you.

Contact me; [email protected] or call 07767384711

Redbird is an evolution of ‘Ellison Roberts Ltd’ the travel company I started in 2001, since when I have visited and explored the subcontinent over twenty times; from Mumbai to Mandalay, and found incredible, delightful and exciting places to visit, people to meet, food to eat, and hotels to enjoy.

Redbird provides travel advice and tailor-made itineraries for travellers to all parts of India, Bhu

03/10/2024

"India’s Gems: A Redbird Travel Experience"

Graham Ellison Roberts, Director of Redbird, reflects, "Since 2001, I’ve ventured across the Indian subcontinent over twenty times, exploring every corner to uncover the finest experiences this remarkable destination has to offer."

India promises an unforgettable journey, rich in culture, history, and stunning landscapes. With Redbird as your trusted guide, you’ll discover this extraordinary country in unparalleled comfort and style, with a holiday tailored specifically to your individual needs and interests.

The vibrant cities of Mumbai, Jaipur, and Delhi offer a sensory overload of bustling markets, awe-inspiring architecture, and distinctive shopping experiences—perfect for travellers eager to immerse themselves in the local way of life. For those drawn to nature, the tranquil backwaters of Kerala or the lush tea plantations of Darjeeling provide idyllic escapes. And India’s hidden gems await discovery, from the intricate erotic carvings of Khajuraho to the ancient Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram, the wild jungles of Wayanad, and the historic splendours of Hyderabad and Hampi.

At Redbird, we pride ourselves on crafting bespoke itineraries that ensure your journey through India is not only unforgettable but entirely stress-free. Our expert guides can lead you to iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal and the Golden Temple at Amritsar, while also offering unique experiences such as traditional cooking classes or yoga retreats.

Though India can seem overwhelming in its diversity and scale, Redbird’s personalised service guarantees peace of mind. Every detail is meticulously handled, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your adventure—whether you seek spiritual enlightenment or the pampered indulgence of India’s luxury spas. With Redbird, your dream holiday becomes a reality.

Redbird is an evolution of ‘Ellison Roberts Ltd’, the travel company established by Graham Ellison Roberts in 2001. Redbird works in conjunction with two fully bonded UK travel companies: No News No Shoes (ATOL) and Mark Bratt Travel (ATOL).

www.redbirdtravel.co.uk
[email protected]
07767384711

Redbird provides travel advice and tailor-made itineraries for travellers to all parts of India, Bhu

27/09/2024

THE PSYCHOGEOGRAPHY OF REDBIRD
I have always had a keen interest in psychogeography, which to me means the search for the spirit of place, the ‘genius loci’. And once I devised a project called The Emotional Map – an account of the Little London area of Leeds by local people, combining real and imaginary scenes with sound, fact and fantasy. It was great fun.

Looking back I can see that this was the genesis of the ethos of Redbird, a search for the spirit of place; for which it is necessary to get to the heart of things, to see the real behind the façade, the society beyond the ‘Society of the Spectacle’.

I did it the hard way. In 1968 and again in 1969 I hitch-hiked to Athens from home in Manchester. The route is still etched on my mind: London – Dover – Calais – Aachen – Munich – Salzburg – Villach – Zagreb – Belgrade – Skopje – Larissa – Athens. It was a lot of walking, and a lot of standing in the rain. And in 1972 I went further. Athens - Thessaloniki – Istanbul – Ankara – Erzurum – Tabriz – Tehran – Mashhad – Herat – Kandahar – Kabul – Khyber Pass – Peshawar – Islamabad – no further as the land border between India and Pakistan was closed. It was hard, and occasionally scary, but I loved it. I was a traveller, not a tourist ( I told myself).

Years later, in 2001 I set up my own travel company ‘Ellison Roberts’, with the byline ‘we do the hard miles so you don’t have to’. And that was true. My colleague Steve Relf and I searched the subcontinent for the ‘genius loci’ the authentic and the beautiful. We hiked up mountains and canoed down rivers, and we found what we were looking for.

So, if I suggest to you that we talk about a trip to the Indian subcontinent you can be assured that I have done those hard miles, so you don’t have to.

26/08/2024

Hill stations of the Western Ghats

Perhaps the term ‘hill-station’ conjures up scenes of British officers, in dress uniform sipping scotch in the mess, or later, khaki clad, careering around in Jeeps, narrowly avoiding the tea pickers on the steep mountain roads. The reality in the 21st century is different, and Munnar describes the hill-station as it now is.

I have been up there; to this scruffy, lovely town at 6,000ft in the Western Ghats in Kerala. Munnar is where cultures come together and it boasts a street where a church, a mosque and a Hindu temple stand together, shoulder to shoulder. But it is tea that binds it, and it is tea that creates the unique landscape of sculpted green terraces, dotted with tiny figures, and the occasional silvery oak.

I hope my photos give an impression of a lively thriving place, not a relic of the past. It has a very good homestay hotel too, from where walks in the mountains can begin and end.

Contact me to chat about Munnar and other S. Indian hill station visits [email protected]

16/08/2024

A customer's recent enquiry about a Sri Lanka holiday got me thinking about Sigirya. I climbed to the top a few years ago. A great experience. Some of my photographs are here https://redbirdtravel.co.uk/sigirya/ and you can contact me to chat about Sri Lanka here [email protected] or call 07767384711

Redbird provides travel advice and tailor-made itineraries for travellers to all parts of India, Bhu

22/04/2024

Spiritual gold and silly walks

Some great photos from Steve and Wendy, recently returned from an India tour that included Amritsar, Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Kochi. In Amritsar, as well as seeing the magnificent Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), the pre-eminent spiritual site of Sikhism, they visited the Gurdwara where they serve an incredible 100,000 free meals each day. They also experienced the theatre of the Attari-Wagah border ceremony. Officially, the purpose of the ceremony is to lower the national flag and close the border for the night, but what really happens is a posturing display of competitive chest beating, stomping and Cleesian silly walks.