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"I'll show you how to navigate the buzzing cities of India, and go beyond to find soul-stirring temples, beautiful mountains and irresistible food."

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Navigate the busy streets of Old Delhi on a rickshaw ride

The nation's capital rings to the sounds of car horns, chai stalls and the chatter of its 29 million inhabitants. Shuffle into an open-air rickshaw and ride through the streets of the Old Delhi, admiring traditional Havelis and stopping for a famous mango or pomegranate frozen kulfi to cool off in the summer.

Gaze at the sun-kissed Taj Mahal in Agra

Take a journey to Agra and be stirred by the ultimate symbol of fairy-tale architecture. Inlaid with precious gemstones, this ivory marble palace was originally commissioned by an emperor as a tomb for his wife, standing as a symbol of love and opulence since 1653.

Spot tigers in Ranthambore National Park

Clamber into the back of an open-top safari car and spot leopards, marsh crocodiles, hyenas and Bengal tigers wandering their natural habitat. Sprawling over almost 300km 2 , the Ranthambore National Park is also home to a 10th-century fort, giant banyan trees and many lakes.

Experience royal Rajasthan

Enthralling cities interrupt the inhospitable desert in Rajasthan, India's largest state. Home to around 30 royal palaces including the floating lake palace of Udaipur and the iconic peach palace of Hawa Mahal, you will be swept up by the regal heritage found in this part of India.

Visit one of the Bollywood studios in Mumbai

Take a journey into the metropolis of Mumbai to uncover the prestigious culture of the Indian film industry. Without knowing a word of Hindi or a single Bollywood film, you will be captivated by this passionate industry. Be guided past the homes of megastars and catch a glimpse behind the scenes as the cameras roll.

Our top 5 things to do in India

Let Trafalgar guide your India vacation through a majestic tapestry of landmarks and experience. From the Taj Mahal to the tiger parks of Rajasthan, these are just some of the soul-stirring moments waiting when you travel with us.

National Museum

India vacation tours get under the skin of the country's culture with a trip to the National Museum of New Delhi. Roam the halls and take in elaborate jewellery, ancient manuscripts and traditional miniature paintings on cloth. From the prehistoric to the modern, this expansive Indian museum is a must-visit.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya

The King Shivaji museum, or CSMVS, is a pride of Mumbai showcasing around 50,000 exhibitions within an impressive Indo-gothic building. After taking in archaeology, art and natural history, spend time in the tranquil, flower-filled gardens that contrast the bustle of Mumbai.

City Palace

Taking almost 400 years to be built, the City Palace of Udaipur is an architectural masterpiece beside Lake Pichola. Enter the museum section of the palace complex via the royal courtyard, allowing plenty of time to immerse in the artefacts of India's distant past.

Best museums in India

Step off the streets and find a moment of quiet in a spellbinding museum. Here are just a few of the places we will visit in India to peel back the many layers of culture.

A thin fried bread mentioned in 12th-century Sanskrit scriptures, paratha is part of India's cultural heritage. Try it stuffed with spinach, fenugreek and the cheese of paneer, or take it on its own for lapping up the leftover gravy from a delectable curry.

Varan Bhaat Diva

Popular along the sunny coastline of Goa, Varan Bhaat Diva is Indian comfort food of peas, beans, rice and many spices. Often given to those who are exhausted or sick, you will feel soothed by the warmth and turmeric in this family favorite.

Chicken cafreal

Inspired by the dishes brought from Portugal during colonial times, the herb coated chicken legs of cafreal will cement your infatuation with Indian cuisine. Shallow fried and often served with potato and wedges of citrus fruit, India tour packages aren't complete until cafreal is served.

Best food in India

Despite the many famous dishes that have journeyed far from the lands of India, this country still has culinary delights that will rouse your tastebuds. From warm bread to fragrant curries, we'll guide you through the secrets of this spicy land.

What to pack for India

A few good books

The Indian rail network chuffs for 65,000 kilometres around India. A geographically large company with relatively slow transport systems, a few books can keep you entertained between admiring scenery.

Light and modest clothing

Though India does get cooler than most expect, many parts of the year are intensely hot. Pack sheer, light clothing that covers you right to the ankles, wrists and neck so that you can respectfully visit religious sites without sweltering.

Medication for stomach upsets

Though our India group tours will see you largely protected from unsanitary food or water, it is still handy to keep a supply of medication on hand. Charcoal tablets can be taken daily as a preventive measure to ensure any nasties are quickly expelled from your system.

Water purification devices

The purification of water has come a long way in recent years. Make your way to a specialist travel shop to discuss bottles, gadgets and tablets that will ensure you stay hydrated without falling ill.

Wet wipes and hand sanitiser

True to its reputation, India can be a hot and messy place. Pack wet wipes and hand sanitiser to ensure you feel fresh when you're on the go.

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India Tours & Vacations

There’s probably no other country on the planet that blazes its way into your memory like India.

Years later, you can still hear the morning calls of the chai wallahs; see smoke curling over the Ganges during a golden Varanasi sunrise , and smell the rich aromas of simmering curry. A lot of India tours rush from highlight to highlight, ticking them off in a blur of temples and tikka. But not us. Our India holidays are more about spotting Bengal tigers in Ranthambhore or Panna National Park, hanging with nomads in Jaisalmer, meeting the holy men of Pushkar, or hunting down the best street eats. This isn’t just the India you see on postcards. This is India as it is. Raw, bizarre and totally addictive.

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India's Golden Triangle

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Savor Delhi with the best of the capital’s street food

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Lighting up hearts: My Diwali experience with a family in India

What to expect on an Intrepid Premium trip

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10 things you’ll only know if you’ve travelled in India

Popular local regions 

India at a glance, capital city.

Delhi (population, 32.94 million)

1.408 billion

Indian Rupees (INR)

Hindi, Urdu, Tamil, Bengali, Kashmiri, Kannada, Marathi, Gujarati, Telugu, English

(GMT+05:30) Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type C (European 2-pin) Type D (Old British 3-pin) Type M (see D)

Learn more about India

Best time to visit india.

Due to India's size and topography, the climate varies from place to place but the best time to visit, generally speaking, is in the winter from December until early March. During the coolest months (December-January), temperatures can get quite cold in Delhi and in the north, especially at night. The whole country tends to get very hot from April onwards and most regions experience the summer from late May to around October. The summer offers hot and humid conditions, although this is considered one of the best times to visit Ladakh and the hills.

Learn more about the best time to visit India

Culture and customs

India is one of the world’s oldest civilizations with a culture steeped in ancient beliefs and traditions. Religion also plays a massive role in everyday life with 80% of the population practicing Hinduism while the remaining 20% is divided into Muslim (India has the world’s second-largest Muslim population), Christian, Sikhism and Buddhist populations.

At its core, India remains a deeply conservative nation; however, it has been touched by rapid modernization and Western influences in recent years. Some families still adhere to a traditional structure (especially in more rural areas) with generations living under the same roof, the eldest male at the head of the family and arranged marriages. But this is becoming less and less popular, particularly in larger cities, where Western ideas and societal shifts heavily influence the culture due to things like Bollywood films.

While some behavioral standards remain the same (public displays of affection are still taboo), it’s important to keep in mind that with more than one billion people speaking over 122 languages across 28 states and seven territories, it’s impossible to describe one unified culture for the entire nations and the character of India’s people can vary greatly from city to city.

Witness India's multi-faceted culture firsthand on a Delhi to Goa adventure - 15 days

Top places to visit in India

Surely there isn't a more iconic image of India than the Taj Mahal. It's spectacular and soul-stirring, but words simply aren't enough to describe the beauty of this immense mausoleum (even when it's packed with tourists). Best known as a monument to love and loss, the 17th-century building was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his second wife – a bold declaration of love, indeed! Wander around Agra on our 3 day Taj Mahal Extension or on our 15 day Real Kathmandu to Delhi tour.

2. Udaipur, Rajasthan

Welcome to Udaipur, India's most romantic city that could easily give Venice a run for its money. You'll undoubtedly fall in love as you explore its grand marble palaces, shimmering lakes, and winding alleys filled with cozy chai bars and dizzying bazaars. It's also a popular hub for Indian artists, dancers, and musicians whose talents will pull you deeper under Udaipur's spell. Get lost in the beauty of Udaipur on our 15 day Rajasthan Experience or on our 15 day Classic Rajasthan tour.

3. Ranthambhore National Park

Ranthambhore National Park was once a famous hunting ground for the Maharajas of Jaipur, but these days it's a haven for wildlife. Jump into a 4WD and search for Bengal tigers, hyenas, jackals, deer, langurs, marsh crocodiles and more. You can also hike up to the stunning ruins of the 10th-century fort or experience the peace and tranquillity of the ancient Ganesh temple (one of the oldest temples in India). Go wildlife spotting on our 14 day Premium India in Depth tour or on our 10 day Northern India Family Holiday.

4. Kerala Backwaters

Surrounded by tea and coffee plantations and connected by a series of blissful, palm-shaded backwaters, Kerala is a peaceful oasis deep within India's colorful chaos. Float along the dreamy waters of rural Kerala on a houseboat, paddle over to an island village on a pole boat for an overnight homestay with a local family, and enjoy traditional Keralan food served on a banana leaf. Explore the Kerala Backwaters on our 13 day Premium South India tour or on our 13 day Classic South India tour.

5. Varanasi

Varanasi is a place that will be etched in your memory long after your time in India is over. Uncover the stories and secrets of this holy city with your local guide, get lost in the laneways, cruise along the golden Ganges at dawn, or witness ancient religious traditions and groups of pilgrims praying in the river. Even if all you do in Varanasi is sit along the ghats and watch life go by, you'll walk away with countless stories to tell. Experience Varanasi's holiness on our 4 day Varanasi Homestay Extension , on our 11 day India Getaway or on our 11 day Real North India adventure.

This holy desert city is one of the main pilgrimage destinations for Hindus. Explore the bustling ghats and temples around Pushkar Lake, watch devout rituals and worship at the Brahma Temple, share a meal with a local family while learning about their life and culture, or hike up the hill to the beautiful Savitri Temple for unbeatable sunrise views over the town. Embark on a pilgrimage on our 22 day North India Revealed tour or on our 15 day Cycle Rajasthan tour.

Get ready for delicious bites and lots of Bollywood. Some say Mumbai is the food capital of India, and you'll see, smell and taste huge culinary diversity here that celebrates regional cuisines from across the country. You might also like to watch life go by at Dhobi Ghat (the world’s largest outdoor laundry), check out the Bollywood Walk of Fame, or explore the sprawling Crawford Market selling everything from fruit to jewelry. Snack your way through Mumbai on our 15 day India Real Food Adventure .

8. Dharamsala

The mountainous Himalayan town of Dharamsala, also known as McLeod Ganj, is home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile. Tibetan culture is central to life here and it won't take long for the town's calming, grounding energy to wash over you. Sip chai and watch robed monks strolling between the monasteries, listen to the prayer flags fluttering in the breeze, and visit the Dalai Lama’s temple. Soak up the Tibetan culture on our 13 day Mountains & Mystics of India tour.

9. Rishikesh

Not only is Rishikesh the yoga capital of the world, but it's also one of the best places to experience the sacred soul of the Ganges. Join a yoga or meditation class along the riverbanks, enjoy delicious vegetarian food in one of the many rooftop cafes, go white-water rafting down the Ganges for a different perspective of this holy river, or experience the nightly fire ritual known as Ganga Aarti at one of the city's dazzling temples. Meditate in Rishikesh on our 19 day Best of India tour.

Tinged with Portuguese influence (and flavors!), the state of Goa boasts lovely beaches, rich traditions, World Heritage-listed buildings and mouth-watering food. Kick back with a coconut (or cocktail), join a yoga class on the beach, visit a local spice farm to learn about some of the essential ingredients in Indian cuisine, or pick up fresh ingredients at the market and cook up a storm with a local Goan cook. Experience Goa on our 37 day Iconic India tour or on our 16 day South India Revealed tour.

The gorgeous pink stone buildings in Jaipur’s old town have earned the city its 'Pink City' nickname. Discover buzzing bazaars filled with handcrafted textiles and jewelry, dodge camel carts and rickshaws as you stroll through the streets, explore the oh-so-impressive Amber Fort, or visit the home of a local Brahmin family to learn about their culture and way of life over a delicious homemade meal. Marvel at Jaipur's pink-hued streets on our 8 day India's Golden Triangle tour or on our 12 day India Women's Expedition.

Home to the magnificent Mysore Palace and the birthplace of Ashtanga yoga, there's no denying Mysore is one of South India's most captivating cities. Lose yourself in the grandeur of the palace's ornately decorated rooms, marvel at the intricate Hoysala architecture of Keshava Temple, go on a hunt for the tastiest idli, or share a tasty biryani lunch with a local family. Explore Mysore on our 15 day Southern India tour.

Delhi is a place where ancient temples stand beside Bollywood billboard ads, people commute to work alongside sacred cows and monkeys, and pockets of peace exist within the chaos. The electric energy of India's capital city is palpable, and while it can take some getting used to, there's no denying the excitement of discovering new sights, sounds, tastes and smells at every turn – especially when you have a local leader by your side. Experience the chaos of Delhi on our 15 day Delhi to Kathmandu tour or on our 9 day North India Highlights tour.

14. Thar Desert, Rajasthan

Check another item off your bucket list as you travel across the pristine dunes of the Thar Desert on camelback, stopping at a few dhanis (small villages) along the way. When you reach your camp, enjoy dinner in the relaxing desert ambiance before sleeping in a comfy permanent tent under the stars. This desert safari is bound to be one of the main highlights of your adventure. Soak into the sand on our 16 day Real Rajasthan tour or on our 11 day Rajasthan Adventure .

Food and drink

Intrepid believes that one of the best ways to experience a country is by eating. Whether you're sampling street food, savoring a cheap eat or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world. Indian food is one of the world's most favored cuisines, and travelers will be in for a real treat when visiting India. Relying heavily on spices and vegetables, vegetarians will be delighted with the multitude of meat-free dishes available and visitors will be able to notice marked differences in the cuisines of each region.

Read more about Indian food

Read more about Indian drinks

Geography and environment

India shares land borders with   Bangladesh ,   China , Pakistan,   Nepal ,   Myanmar   and   Bhutan , and also has wide stretches of coastline along the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean. As the seventh largest country in the world, India is home to a variety of terrains - the Himalayas of the north, the deserts and plains of the west, the fertile waterways of the south and the hills and forests of the east. Development is occurring at a rapid pace, with India's large, sprawling cities consisting of everything from five star hotels to shanty towns, and with modern malls and cinemas sitting comfortably alongside bazaars and street food vendors. A trip through India will reveal a diverse range of landscapes, villages, cities and environments.

History and government

Early history.

Humans have inhabited India for as long as 75,000 years, with early civilizations flourishing as early as 3300 BC. Over the centuries, India both influenced and was influenced by other nations and kingdoms, with far-reaching trade, conquest and migration spreading the subcontinent's culture far and wide. Empires rose and fell over the centuries, with the wealthy Mughal Dynasty ruling most of India by 1600. At the same time, different European nations started showing an interest in India after being brought to the area for trade. The Portuguese, Dutch, British and French all had vested interests in India, with the British East India Company being given the rights to trade in India in 1617. The 1857 rebellion and War of Independence culminated in the decline of Mughal rule and were considered the first movements against the British Raj's heavy-handed rule of the country.

Recent history

By the 1920s, India's independence movement had grown considerably with Mohandas Gandhi leading mass movements based on passive resistance and non-cooperation against the British Raj. Although it took decades, India finally gained independence in 1947. More recently, India has seen dramatic societal changes mainly due to modernization and globalization. A new wave of prosperity has seen the rise of the middle class, with men and women entering into new work roles in telecommunications, manufacturing and business. India's large cities are dealing with the mass migration of rural citizens, who are moving to the city to seek better employment, education and opportunities for their children.

Top 10 sensory experiences of India

1. potent pleasures.

Breathe in the intoxicating aroma of fresh spices while wandering through the bustling markets of India. Cardamom, coriander, cinnamon and nutmeg are classic spices of the subcontinent and aren't hard to find - the fresh scent envelopes markets across the country.

2. Fiery flavours

Treat your tastebuds to the spicy flavors of India with a traditional aromatic curry. Indulge in the heady mix of coconut milk, chili, ginger, ghee and spices, then cool down by sipping on a refreshing Lassi - the perfect antidote to the unrelenting heat of an Indian curry.

3. Colourful chaos

Experience the urban cacophony of Delhi - a unique collision of cultures, cattle and people. Hear the rumble of cars, trucks and buses, the frantic calls of street vendors and hawkers, the sizzle of food and the rustic ring of a cow's bell in this unforgettable and irrepressible city.

4. In the pink

Admire the dazzling pink hues of Jaipur. Watch the historic palaces, forts, temples and monuments of the 'Pink City' be bathed in a dusky pink glow as the golden sun sets over the dramatic Aravalli Range.

5. Rat race

Walk barefoot through the Karni Mata Temple as thousands of rats scamper across the marble floor. Just felt a furry rodent scurry over your feet? Fear not - it's a sign of good luck in this unique rat-worshipping temple.

6. Instant karma

Experience the multi-sensory wonder of an Aarti ceremony on the banks of the Ganges. Hear the clanging of bells, watch the luminous glow of fire, smell wafts of pungent incense and hear rousing devotional songs and mantras. Be immersed in the fire and prayer of this Hindu ritual and be changed forever.

7. Gorgeous Goa

Sit beachside in Goa and gaze into the sublime beauty of the ocean. Take a moment to kick back and soak up the clear skies and deep blue sea of this exotic island. Watch the sun's rays shimmer on the horizon and bask in the golden glow of this balmy retreat.

8. Silky sophistication

For a slice of extravagance, feel the soft, luxurious touch of traditional Indian silk. Made in a variety of vibrant colors and perfect for making everything from saris to prayer mats and decorative hangings to upholstery, the inimitable feel of finely crafted silk is a simple pleasure in life.

9. Answered prayers

Hear the flutter of prayer flags as they flap in the wind near the isolated monasteries of Dharamsala. In a stark environment of rugged, mountainous landscapes, quietness permeates the air, except for the unique sound of prayer flags collecting prayers and sending them to the heavens above.

10. Big screen brilliance

Be treated to a feast for the senses at a bombastic Bollywood movie screening. Covet the glamorous costumes, marvel at the energetic choreography and delight in the lively music. Revel in the razzle-dazzle of the whole spectacle and be swept away by the irresistible charm of India's triumphant cinematic phenomenon.

India's fragrant bazaars, modern boutiques and village markets are brimming with wares harnessing centuries of artistic traditions. With talented artisans and top quality items at low prices, India is a shopper's paradise. It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.

Things to buy in India

From big, chunky ornate silver earrings to vibrant bangles and bold statement rings, India's silversmiths and jewelry makers ensure there are lots of pieces to choose from in the bazaars and shops.

2. Wraps, scarves and shawls

Whether you're looking for pricey pashmina, luxurious silk or colorful cotton, India has a huge variety of materials to wrap yourself in.

If you're lucky enough to be able to bring tea into your home country, then pick up some of the world's finest tea from the Darjeeling, Assam or Nilgiri regions.

Indian cotton sheets, embroidered bedspreads and colorful cushion covers can be picked up in bazaars at a fraction of the price paid elsewhere.

Many shops are open between 9 am and 7 pm, Monday through Saturday, though hours can vary at bazaars. Most shops are closed on Sunday.

Festivals and events in India

Many of India’s biggest festivals are religious and follow either the Indian lunar calendar or the Islamic calendar. The dates may change each year, but the fervor of celebration never does. Some of the best and biggest festivals to keep an eye out for in India are:

Holi (Festival of Colour)

Take a whole lot of colored powder and water, add thousands of happy people not afraid to get a little (or a lot) dirty and you have Holi – a technicolor Hindu celebration that marks the beginning of spring and the triumph of good over evil. Celebrations take place across India in either February or March.

Diwali (Festival of Lights)

India’s biggest festival – meaning ‘rows of lighted lamps’, people decorate their homes with colorful lights, candles are lit and firework displays take place across the country. The celebrations are particularly spectacular in Varanasi, where illuminated candles and earthen lamps are floated down the Ganges River as fireworks light up the sky. This five-day festival takes place every October or November.

Gujarat Kite Festival

Large, colorful and unusual kites flood the skies of Gujarat each January to commemorate the start of summer and the beginning of harvest. Purchase your own at Patang Bazaar, a famous kite market, or just watch the others dance through the sky.

Mumbai Ganesh Festival

The birth of the elephant-headed god, Ganesh, is celebrated for 10-days each August or September in cities across India, but Mumbai takes it to another level. An incredible energy can be felt throughout the city as people pack the streets for a massive party and an elaborate statue of Ganesh is paraded around.

Pushkar Camel Fair

Thousands of camels (and their owners dressed in their finest garb) descend upon Rajasthan's Pushkar for the annual camel fair. Camels are traded and raced, acrobats and performers entertain crowds at a nearby fair, while finely dressed males and bejeweled females take the chance to let their hair down.

Learn more about festivals in India

Further reading

Similar destinations.

We have a variety of similar destinations, trips and routes that you could consider! Tie another trip into your holiday, or, see how we can help you get from A to B. We have tours departing from a variety of locations around India. The options below may be of interest:

Kathmandu to Delhi Tours From Delhi Tours to Delhi

India travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Is it safe to travel to India?

India can be overwhelming sometimes, but it's generally a safe country for travelers and many people enjoy their time without any problems.

Is it safe for women to travel in India?

India can be overwhelming sometimes but most travellers enjoy their time in India without any problems. That said, some regions experience ongoing issues, and there are several things a traveler should keep in mind when traveling through India to minimize their chances of running into any trouble.

Do I need a visa to travel to India?

Yes, all foreigners entering India will need a visa. Whether you can apply for an e-visa is dependent on your nationality, the duration of your India tour and how you plan on entering the country.

This page is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates. 

Last updated: 22/06/2023

Is tipping customary in India?

While traveling through India, on a tour or otherwise, it’s expected one would tip porters, drivers, restaurant staff and other service workers given the low wages they earn.

What is the internet access like in India?

Internet access is generally very good in India, with most cafes, restaurants and accommodations offering free wi-fi, even in the more rural areas. There is also good phone coverage for data use if you choose to purchase a local SIM card to stay connected for the duration of your India tour.

If you do wish to purchase a local SIM in India, make sure your phone has been unlocked before your tour begins. There are quite a number of carriers that are all very competitive, but Airtel is probably the best option for travelers. You’ll need to a copy of your passport and visa to pick up a SIM, and the process can sometimes be a hassle, but rates in India are very affordable given the competition.

Can I use my cell phone while in India?

Yes, you’ll be able to use your cell phone while on an India tour, but only if you have activated global roaming or purchased a local SIM card.

What are the toilets like in India?

Squat toilets are the most common toilets in India. Always carry your own toilet paper and soap or hand sanitizer, as they are usually not provided. Flushable, Western-style toilets can be found in up-market restaurants, some higher-end hotels and in some tourist areas.

What will it cost for a...?

India’s unit of currency is the rupee:

• Cup of tea = INR 7-10
• Small bottle of beer = INR 150-350
• Meal at a local restaurant (thali, masala dosa or similar) = INR 100-200
• Meal in a tourist restaurant = INR 350-600

Can I drink the tap water in India?

India is notorious among travelers for sickness – we’ve all heard horror stories about Delhi belly. We do not recommend ever drinking tap water in India, and travelers should avoid drinks with ice and foods that haven’t been cooked or peeled. Salad is off the menu for now ­– let your inner child rejoice!

Are credit cards widely accepted in India?

Credit cards are being accepted in an increasing number of cafes, shops, restaurants and hotels in India, with Mastercard and Visa being the most common. That said, cash is still king, especially outside of cities like Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai.

What is ATM access like in India?

ATMs are widespread across India in both cities and smaller towns. Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus and Maestro are the most commonly accepted cards, but of those Visa and Mastercard are more likely to have success. The daily withdrawal limit differs from bank to bank.

What is the weather like in India?

The weather in India varies from region to region, but it’s generally safe to say that December–February sees dry, cooler weather before the heat intensifies from March–May. June, July and August are the monsoon months, though the amount of rain differs across the country, while October, September and November see rainfall ease once more.

What public holidays are celebrated in India?

India has different classifications of holidays because of the multitude of faiths in the country. There are compulsory holidays and then various others chosen by government offices within each state. The following are the compulsory ‘gazetted holidays’ taken by government offices across India:

• 26 Jan: Republic Day
• Feb/Mar: Maha Shivaratri*
• Mar/Apr: Rama Navami*
• Apr: Mahavir Jayanti*
• Mar/Apr: Good Friday*
• May: Buddha’s Birthday*
• May: Eid ul-Fitr (end of Ramadan)*
• Jul/Aug: Eid ul-Adha*
• 15 Aug: Independence Day
• Aug/Sep: Janmashtami*
• Aug/Sep: Islamic New Year*
• Sep/Oct: Dussehra*
• Oct: Birth of the Prophet Mohammed*
• 2 Oct: Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday
• Oct/Nov: Diwali*
• Nov: Guru Nanak Jayanti*
• 25 Dec: Christmas Day

* Please note, India public holidays may vary.

Is India safe for LGBTQIA+ travelers?

The majority of Indian society is still conservative, and while most travelers will have a welcoming and hospitable experience, discretion is still advised for LGBTQIA+ travelers, particularly in more remote towns and villages which may be more conservative. The same advice is also given to heterosexual couples (and couples of all other sexual orientations) as public displays of affection other than hugging and holding hands are generally frowned upon.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting  Equaldex  or  ILGA  before you travel.

Is India accessible for travelers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

As a general rule, knowing some common words in the local language, carrying a written itinerary with you and taking to the streets in a group, rather than solo, can help make your travel experience the best it can be.

What to wear in India

What you decide to pack and wear in India will depend on where you are and what time of year it is. The weather across India usually follows the monsoon cycle, so it’s quite easy to plan what to pack when it comes to rain, but temperatures will vary quite a bit from the north to the south.

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

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From Canada?

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From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

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Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

How will I be traveling around India?

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.

Depending on which trip you're on while in India, you may find yourself traveling by Jeep.

Safari through jungles and national parks aboard a jeep, which is ideal for conquering the difficult terrain and offers supreme wildlife viewing opportunities.

Cruising the waterways of India is a revealing, inspiring experience. Whether it’s the iconic Ganges or peaceful Kerala backwaters, seeing India from the water is a must.

Traveling by train is one of the great experiences of India. It's a system which looks like chaos, but it works - and well.

Use the efficient metro to get around the sights and suburbs of Delhi.

Zip around the big cities of India by auto rickshaw.

What kind of accommodation will I be staying in?

Traveling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavor to provide travelers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible.

When traveling with us in India you may find yourself staying in a homestay.

Make new friends, feast on authentic home cooking and receive kind hospitality while staying with friendly families in India.

With walks, wildlife spotting and adventure sports nearby, staying in a jungle resort is the perfect way to see another side of India.

From ex-royal palaces to historic hill stations and converted forts, India is full of heritage properties that have been turned into comfortable accommodation with an old-world touch.

What is it like traveling on a small group tour?

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or you’re about to embark on your first trip, traveling can be as intimidating as it is exciting. That's the beauty of a small group tour. From handling the logistics and organizing amazing cultural activities to local leaders who know each destination like the back of their hand (like which street has the best markets and where to get the most authentic food), traveling on a small group tour with Intrepid will give you unforgettable travel experiences without the hassle that comes with exploring a new place. Plus, you'll have ready-made friends to share the journey with. All you have to do is turn up with a healthy sense of adventure and we’ll take care of the rest.

Does my trip to India support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveler. Trips to India directly support our foundation partner, Positive Change for Marine Life. 

Positive Change for Marine Life

Positive Change for Marine Life nurtures ocean health with community-led conservation initiatives. Donations help them expand and implement vital programs in India that empower local communities, support sustainable fishing practices, restore marine habitats and drive policy change. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

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Plan Your trip

How to explore india in 50 days here’s the perfect itinerary.

India is a diverse country with fascinating places to visit. From bustling cities to serene hill stations, there are many interesting places in India that you can see during your vacation. You could go on an organised all India trip covering as many places in this vast country as possible or take a road trip and travel across the main destinations. The choice is yours!

Regardless of the way you choose how to travel all over India, you will need to plan a strategy that enables you to cover all the most interesting places and not get stuck at one place for too long. Luckily for you, we have some useful tips on how to explore India in 50 Days! If you are making an all India tour plan in the next few months, you’re probably wondering whether you can cover all Indian states in 50 days. After all, that’s not a lot of time to explore this vast country!

But don’t panic. Our ‘Best of India Tour in 50 Days’ itinerary has been made in a way that caters all the requirements in a safe and comfortable manner, specifically for an international tourist, who wants to explore the best of incredible India tourism in about three months. There are actually several great reasons why a trip to India must last for no less than 50 days, and our itinerary includes all those reasons extensively. Let’s know about all the reasons and the brief itinerary of a trip to India in 50 days.

Best Time to Take This Trip: Mid September – October

Here is the Brief Itinerary on Best of India in 50 Days That Cover Almost Whole of India

• Day 1: Arrive New Delhi
• Day 2: New Delhi sightseeing and drive to Dharmshala
• Day 3: Arrive Dharamshala and sight seeing
• Day 4: Early morning drive to Amritsar and visit Jalianwala Bagh
• Day 5: Morning visit Golden Temple and Drive to Srinagar

Day 6: Srinagar

Day 7: Drive to Leh via Kargil

• Day 8: Leh (visit monasteries)
• Day 9: Leh (drive to Pangong Lake)
• Day 10: Flight to New Delhi and drive to Ranthambore afternoon safari and thereafter to Jaipur
• Day 11: Jaipur (sightseeing)
• Day 12: Jaipur to Jaisalmer overnight train
• Day 13: Jaisalmer(sightseeing)
• Day 14: Early morning SAM Dunes and drive to Udaipur
• Day 15: Udaipur (sightseeing)
• Day 16: Early morning drive to Kutch (overnight camp)
• Day 17: Kutch (stay)

Day 18: Kutch to Junagadh

• Day 19: Gir National Park morning safari and then drive to Rajkot to board the train for Mumbai
• Day 20: Mumbai Arrival (Rest Day)
• Day 21: Mumbai to Ajanta – ellora and stay at Aurangabad
• Day 22: Aurangabad to Goa flight
• Day 23: Goa

Day 24: Goa

• Day 25: Goa to Munnar Drive
• Day 26: Munnar (sightseeing)
• Day 27: Munnar to Alleppey (Drive)
• Day 28: Alleppey (backwater tour)
• Day 29: Alleppey to Mahabalipuram Drive

Day 30: Mahabalipuram to Tirupati (stay)

Day 31: Tirupati to Bangalore Drive

Day 32: Bangalore (Rest Day)

Day 33: Bangalore to Hampi via Hospet (stay)

• Day 34: Hospet to Badami and drive to Bangalore

Day 35: Bangalore to Bhubaneshwar flight and thereafter drive to Puri

Day 36: Puri – Konark – Puri

Day 37: Puri – Bhubaneshwar – Board the train for Kolkata

• Day 38: Kolkata (stay)
• Day 39: Kolkata to Shillong flight
• Day 40: Shillong (sightseeing)
• Day 41: Shillong to Gangtok (Drive 12 hours)
• Day 42: Gangtok (local sightseeing)
• Day 43: Gangtok (drive to Nathu La and Changu Lake)

Day 44: Gangtok to NJP and board the train for Varanasi

• Day 45: Varanasi (sightseeing)
• Day 46: Varanasi to Khajuraho (Drive) and sightseeing

Day 47: Khajuraho sightseeing and thereafter drive to Agra

• Day 48: Agra (sightseeing)

Day 49: Agra to New Delhi Drive

Day 50: New Delhi (Departure – Evening)

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Here is the detailed itinerary of travelling in India in 50 days that starts from New Delhi and ends.

Day 1: Arrive in New Delhi

After you reach the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, by morning, drive right away to your hotel. There are countless budget to luxury hotels near New Delhi airport and hence even if you have not booked in advance… you can go for current booking. Try out butter chicken with butter Naan and Lassi at lunch if you want to wake up your carnivore nature straight away on day one. But if you want to stick to some veg menu, then go for sahi paneer and butter naan with falooda, one of the popular local beverages of India. Burp! And then you head for Akshardham Temple, which is the largest Hindu temple in the world that displays millennia of traditional Hindu and Indian culture, spirituality, and architecture. Stay back at Akshardham to experience the musical fountain show and thereafter drive back to your hotel. If you are not looking for a posh wine and dine… then go for Murgh Musallam and have some chapatti. Burp! Goodnight.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: New Delhi sightseeing and Then Drive to Dharamshala

After chai (tea) and breakfast (go for puri and sabzi… Ah! Just one tasty Indian brunch wheel to Old Delhi and step inside the Jama Masjid, which is the principal mosque of Old Delhi and the largest mosque in India. It was built in the year 1656 AD by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Thereafter experience the clamour of Chandni Chowk, the old marketplace of Shah Jahanabad now a picturesque bazaar. If you are done exploring the traditional colours of Old Delhi, take a rickshaw to Red Fort , which is another red sandstone architecture built in the year 1648 by Shah Jahan. Don’t miss out on a lunch at Karim’s if you are a hardcore non-veg. If you want to go for veg… then check out some parathas at Parathe Wale Gali.

In New Delhi, visit Raj Ghat , which is a memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It is a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation on 31 January 1948. Further, drive past India Gate, a memorial built in the year 1931 to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in the World War I & Afghan Wars. From India Gate , drive to Humayun’s Tomb, which is a memorial of Mughal Emperor Humayun, built in the year 1562. The complex is a World Heritage Site and the first example of this type of Mughal architecture in India. Also visit Qutub Minar , built in the year 1206 by Qutub-ud-din Aibek. It is the tallest (72m) brick minaret in the world, an important example of Indo-Islamic Architecture. Qutub Minar and its monuments are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It’s time to move out from New Delhi and get ready for a nomadic life in the Indian Himalaya. The overnight drive to Dharmshala starts at 9 around p.m. and hence it’s your choice where and when you are going to have your dinner. I will recommend trying out Tandoor parantha with kali dal at the Murthal Dhaba, which is one of the famous highways dhabas of Indiaand located on National Highway 1 close to Karnal.

Overnight drive to Dharamshala.

Day 3: Arrive at Dharamshala and go on a sightseeing spree

Welcome to the abode of the Dalai Lama. At around 8 in the morning, you will be arriving at Dharmshala and thereafter proceed to your hotel. Dharamshala has everything for a perfect holiday. It is full of life and yet peaceful. Covering a wide area in the form of twin settlement, Lower Dharmsala (1,380m) is a busy commercial centre. Upper Dharmsala (1,830m) which includes the suburbs of Mcleodganj and Forsytheganj retains a British flavour and colonial lifestyle.

In the morning visit the Namgyal Monastery; an atmosphere of tranquility and solace surrounds it making it the perfect place for a rejuvenating sojourn in the hills. Apart from the gorgeous vistas and the prevailing serenity, Mcleodganj is frequently visited by those interested in learning Tibetan Buddhism, culture and crafts; it is also an ideal destination to pack your bags with exquisite Tibetan handicrafts, Tibetan carpets, garments and other trinkets.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 4: Drive to Amritsar and visit Jalianwala Bagh – 5 hours drive

After checking into the hotel, in the afternoon visit Jallianwala Bagh, which is the spot of the black incident where 379 people were ruthlessly killed and about 1,200 injured when General Dyer’s troops opened fire on a crowd of protesters during the British Raj in India. The Martyrs’ Gallery is a poignant reminder of this heinous crime during the British Raj.

Later transfer to the hotel (overnight stay)

Day 5: In the Morning Visit the Golden Temple and Drive to Srinagar

In the morning go on a sightseeing tour of the city and visit the Golden Temple or Darbar Sahib, the most sacred temple for Sikhs. It is a symbol of the magnificence and strength of the Sikh people all over the world. The evolution of Darbar Sahib is entwined in the history and ideology of Sikhism. The building architecture includes symbols associated with other places of worship.

After dinner the journey (drive) to Srinagar commences approximately at 11.

Upon arrival pickup & transfer to a houseboat.

Srinagar is famous for its lakes and houseboats. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits.

In the afternoon you can explore the Dal Lake and its waterways as well as visit the floating vegetable market in a traditional Shikara boat. This unique kind of market can be only witnessed in Thailand and Kashmir.

Later in the evening visit the handicraft & handloom centres famous for the production of Pashmina – Shahtoosh shawls, and exquisite carpets.

Overnight stay at a houseboat.

Today… it’s going to be a hectic day as the drive from Srinagar to Leh via Kargil takes approximately 12 hours, snaking through mountains and whizzing through the undulated platform. The drive starts early in the morning so that you can arrive in Leh, which is at an elevation of 3,500 meters, by sunset. The scenic drive on the Srinagar – Leh highway passes through the popular town of Dras, which is at an altitude of 3,280 meters, followed by Kargil at 2,676 meters.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Leh.

In the morning, after breakfast, enjoy a full day tour of the monasteries around Leh where you will be visiting the Shankar, Spituk & Phyang monasteries. Later in the afternoon walk around Leh town and thereafter visit the Leh Market, Leh Palace ruins, Leh Gompa & Shanti Stupa.

Overnight at hotel

In the morning proceed to Pangong Lake, a long narrow basin of inland drainage, hardly 6-7 km at its widest point and over 135 km long. About a third of the lake is under Indian occupation and the rest under China. The Chinese border is just beyond the mountains across the lake. Spangmik, 7 km along the southern shore from the head of the lake is the farthest point up to which foreigners are permitted.

Overnight Camp – Near Pangong Lake

Day 10: Fly to New Delhi and drive to Ranthambore for an afternoon safari and then to Jaipur

Get ready for another bumpy day as after landing at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, your tour continues to Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan , which is approximately 363 kilometers and takes around 4 – 5 hours. Right back from the mountains you are now going to step into the wilderness of the plain.

The afternoon safari at the Ranthambore National Park purr into one of the forest zones where you can expect to spot some of the endangered species like tiger, leopard, nilgai, wild boar, sambar, hyena, sloth bear and chital.

Later drive to Jaipur, which is approximately 150 kilometers away and takes roughly 3 hours.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 11: Jaipur

After breakfast the tour would take you to St. Albert Museum, City Palace , Jantar Mantar (sun Observatory) and Hawa Mahal (Palace Of winds) in Jaipur. In the afternoon enjoy a ride up the steep ramparts of Hill Fort Palace of Amber on festively decorated elephants. Later after lunch discover the beauty of the well-preserved Amber Fort built in the 16th century with a rare fusion of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Later also visit the City Palace, a perfect blend of Rajasthani & Mughal architecture. The center of the palace is a seven-storied building called Chandra Palace, with fine views over the gardens & the city.

Overnight stay at the hotel

Day 12: Jaipur to Jaisalmer Overnight Train Travel

Today after early breakfast you will be driving to one of the most untouched and unexplored forts of India, the Nahargarh Fort, which stands at the top of rugged point of the Aravalis and offers a spectacular view of the city. Keeping this fact in mind, the fort was made to serve as a means of supporting the security of Amer. The term “Nahargarh” refers to “the Abode of Tigers”, so it is also known as the Tiger Fort.

Later, after lunch, you will be boarding the train for Jaisalmer.

Overnight journey in a train.

Day 13: Jaisalmer

You now step on a 12th century complex, the Golden Fort, which stands a hundred meters and overlooks Jaisalmer town. The fort offers 99 bastions and is a splendid sight in the afternoon sun. One can enter the fort is through a series of massive forbidding gates leading to a large courtyard. Visit the Patwon ki Haveli, one of the largest and most elaborate mansion houses which is five storied high and extensively carved. Located nearby is a group of Jain temples built in the 15th century, which are beautifully carved and have a library hosting some of the oldest manuscripts of India.

Day 14: Drive to the SAM Dunes and then to Udaipur

Your day once again starts early in the morning as you will be driving to the SAM Dunes… 45 kilometers from Jaisalmer town. On your way, the drive passes through one of the ancient villages, which is now in ruins, the Kuldhara village. The village dates back to the 17th century and is mostly in ruins except a dome shaped turret and a temple that is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Your drive continues to the SAM Dunes.

Experience a moment of placidity blend with intimacy on the shifting aureate dunes of Thar Desert, Rajasthan. Feel the royal charm and live the imperial moments boast with virtuous stature. ‘A bursting holiday amidst the Shifting Dunes’ is thus a newfangled journey to experience your holiday in India.

Later in the day proceed to Udaipur .

Overnight drive to Udaipur.

Day 15: Udaipur

After breakfast the tour takes you to the 17th Century built — City Palace complex, standing on a rocky promontory with eleven constituent mahals (palaces), balconies, towers and cupolas. Walk across to the Crystal Gallery located nearby; it has personal collection from H.H. of Udaipur.

Day 16: Drive to Little Rann of Kutch

In the morning visit some of the local sightseeing places in Udaipur and after lunch after a brief rest you will be driving to Kutch , approximately 12 hours drive, which is yet another overnight journey. The drive, which follows the Bhuj – Bhachau Highway and Gujarat State Highway 45, passes through towns like Palanpur, Radhanpur, Palasava and Bhuj.

Overnight drive…

Day 17: Kutch

Little Rann of Kutch is a salt marsh located near Great Rann of Kutch. Here you can encounter the Indian Wild Ass. After arriving… you will be transferred to your tent and later on the tour proceeds to explore one of the unique places on earth with an unending possibility of discovery, numerous sites for unbelievable sights and unforgettable experiences.

Overnight stay at a Camp/Tent

After breakfast the day proceeds to Junagadh , the gateway to Gir National Park, which is approximately 410 kilometers away and takes roughly 8 – 9 hours.

Day at rest and overnight at the hotel

Day 19: Visit Gir National Park for a morning safari and then drive to Rajkot to board the train for Mumbai

Today you will spend the morning exploring the forest of Gir in an open jeep. The abode of the Asiatic Lions, this park is also a home to Indian Leopards, Sloth bears, Indian Cobras, Jungle cats, Striped Hyenas, Golden Jackals, Indian Mongoose, Indian Palm Civets, and Ratels. Desert cats and Rusty-spotted cats exist but are rarely seen.

After your morning safari at the Gir National Park the journey heads to Rajkot, which is 4 hours of drive, to board the train for Mumbai.

Overnight journey in a train…

Day 20: Arrival in Mumbai

Assistance on arrival and transfer to your hotel.

In the afternoon you will enjoy a guided tour of Mumbai , visit the Gateway of India, a colonial structure which was built as a triumphal arch to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. Followed by Assembly Hall, Secretariat and Nariman Point you will be driving along the Marine Drive stretch followed by Kamala Nehru Park, Mahalaxmi Temple and Chowpatthy Beach. Later, the tour proceeds to Taraporwala Aquarium and Jahangir Art Gallery followed by Prince of Wales Museum, Haji Ali, Bandra Worli Sea Link and Nehru Planetarium.

Day 21: Mumbai to Ajanta – Ellora and stay at Aurangabad

After breakfast the tour proceeds to Aurangabad en route Bibi Ka Maqbara, the burial place of Aurangzeb’s wife, Rabia-ud-Durrani alias Dilras Banu Begum. It is an imitation of the Taj at Agra and due to its similar design, it is popularly known as the Mini Taj of the Deccan. Further… the drive to Ajanta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a couple of hours distance from Aurangabad, takes you to the 2 – 7 century BC that hosts about 30 rock cut Buddhist cave monuments.

Overnight at a hotel in Aurangabad.

The tour proceeds to Hampi, early morning, preferably at dawn, en route to Ajanta & Ellora Caves, ancient Buddhist Pilgrimages and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

En route to Solapur, an hour stop over, the tour proceeds to Hampi. By late evening you will be reaching Hampi and transferred to your hotel.

Day 22: Aurangabad – to – Goa flight

This morning the tour heads to Ellora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is approximately an hour’s drive and boards you to the ancient abode of the Rashtrakuta dynasty of the 7th century. Ellora represents the epitome of Indian rock-cut architecture. The 34 caves are actually structures excavated out of the vertical face of the Charanandri hills. Buddhist, Hindu and Jain rock-cut temples and viharas and mathas were built between the 5th century and 10th century.

Later proceed to Aurgangabad airport to board the flight for Goa via Mumbai/Pune.

Assistance on arrival from Goa airport and thereafter you will be driving to your hotel.

Day at leisure.

Day 23: Goa (Full Day Tour)

In the morning enjoy a city tour and visit old Goa Churches ; Basilica of Boom Jesus, built in the 16th century and dedicated to Infant Jesus is the most popular & famous of all churches in Goa. Sri Mangueas Temple, surrounded by rolling green hills and dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the most important of all temples in Goa and is located at Priol in Ponda Taluka. Dona Paula is a village named after Dona Paula de Menezes, who was the wife of the noble man Antonio de Souto Maior and died as a young woman in 1682. Miramar Beach, an urban beach where the Mandovi River meets the Arabian Sea, is a point that offers the best location to watch enchanting sunsets.

Later you may proceed for a clinking and beating nightlife at Goa and splurge with trance dance and music and dip into the local Kaju Feni.

Enjoy the golden beaches , luxurious casinos & flowing spirits in Goa on your own. At this moment, if you are looking for some private moments with your partner then Baga Beach, known for its peaceful surroundings, is the ultimate destination for you. Just hold her hand firmly and enjoy the raging waves splashing the rocks, thence you will feel how your affair acquaints with the nature.

Arambol beach, which is gaining in popularity, can engage you with various therapies such as yoga, reiki, meditation and chi. It is one of the fresh and unexploited beachs in Goa and a paradise for hippies.

Day 25 & 26: Drive from Goa to Munnar

That’s gonna be another hard day and long drive. So be ready. The drive continues en route Mangalore followed by Kannaur and Kozhikode, where you will be stopping for the night.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Kozhikode.

On the morning of the 26th day start for Munnar , amid at the assemblage of the abundance streams Muthirappuzha, Chanduvarai & Kundala. It is surrounded by agrarian Jungle; it is wet and algid for a lot of the season. During the British aphorism of India, it was developed to breed tea plants. It was a popular abode of the British who were in the apperceive and it is sometimes referred to as the ‘Switzerland of India’ for its accustomed ambience and Old Apple architecture. An account book town, ambagious lanes, biking & anniversary accessories endow Munnar a different experience.

Later adore bounded sightseeing… visiting the tea acreage advance like blooming carpeting over ample area. The rolling hills, the abundance and the amazing backdrop are ideal for biking & continued abundance walks.

Day 27: Munnar to Alleppey

In the morning head to Eravikulam National Park, set up for the canning of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The esplanade has the better accepted citizenry of Tahr absolute in the apple & as well shelters Atlas Moth, Elephants, Sambhars, Gaurs, Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri, Langur, Tiger & Leopard. It exhibits the amazing accustomed brightness of rolling grasslands & alien flowers. Anamudi, the accomplished aiguille south of Himalayas, building over the pride of the sanctuary. (Closed – January & February).

After lunch the tour proceeds to Alleppey

Day 28: Alleppey

In the morning heal your mind, body and soul by cruising on traditional houseboats in the lush green lagoons. Thereafter cut off by reef of sand along the palm-fringed waterways and re-explore the slice of Venice, Alleppey will rouse you with its sensuous grace. Dig into the local life from the very most virtue of Indian ethnic culture capturing the divine beauty down the backwaters skimming water lilies, lush paddy fields, palm grooves and ancient Chinese fishing nets. The beatifying ambience will haunt you just when you stroll down the golden shore lined with palm groves, bygone colonial buildings and amusement parks. The derelict pier is yet another enchanting click for those who are leaned towards history. Allepeye also draws tourists through its Coir Industry and marine products.

Overnight stay in a houseboat.

Day 29: Drive from Alleppey to Mahabalipuram

Later travel to Mahabalipuram, boondocks of temples, bank & sea. It is acclaimed for its admirable Shore Temple & added temples. It was already the basic anchorage & argosy abject of the abounding Pallava commonwealth & was afterwards fabricated the basic of this dynasty.

On accession alteration to your hotel.

In the morning go on a guided tour of Mahabalipuram, and visit the Shore Temple, one of the oldest temples in South India. It belongs to the 7th AD and is an archetype of the aboriginal appearance of the anatomy of temples complete in the Dravidian style.

Later on travel to Tirupati, which is approximately a 4 hours of drive and in the evening visit the Tirupati Temple, one of the richest temples in India and famous pilgrimage sites in India that is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara.

After breakfast the tour continues to Bangalore, which is approximately 6 hours of drive via Chittoor, Mulbagal and Dasarahalli.

Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

After breakfast the day begins with local sightseeing in Bangalore.

In the evening you may go out for shopping and visit the nearby malls and restaurants. Nightlife in Bangalore is an interesting part of your journey and you can step inside some pubs and discs and enjoy rock music along with some light pegs of unique beverages.

Early in the morning proceed to the world’s largest natural museum, Hampi, which was the capital city of the mighty and rich Vijayanagara Empire, which ruled most of South India Peninsula as well as some parts of South East Asia. The ruins of the once impressive palace complex is spread over 26 square km area; the boulder strewn landscape, still bear strong testament of same.

Late in the afternoon, after having lunch, you will head for Vittala temple Complex with musical pillars and an iconic architectural masterpiece of Stone Chariot.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Hospet.

Day 34: Travel from Hospet to Badami and then drive to Bangalore

Today the tour proceeds to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Badami Cave Temples and Pattadakal Temple Complex. In the morning visit Badami and explore the cave sculptures, carved out of sand stone hills in the 6th century; the most imposing being the 18-armed Natraja striking 81 cosmic dance poses. Later on, proceed for an excursion to 8th century built Pattadakal Temple complex, offering unique confluence of Dravidian and Indo-Aryan styles of temple architecture.

Overnight at a hotel in Bangalore.

After breakfast the tour continues to Bangalore Airport where you will be boarding the flight for Bhubaneshwar and later drive to Puri.

In the evening visit the Jagannath Temple, yet another popular pilgrimage site in India, which is dedicated to Lord Jagannatha and is the birth place of the renowned Rath Yatra; you will then be proceeding to Puri beach.

After tea and breakfast, the tour proceeds to yet another UNESCO world heritage site, Konark Sun Temple which is also dubbed as the Black Pagoda that dates back to the 13 century and showcasing Orissan architecture of the Ganga Dynasty. The Konark Sun Temple is one the 7-wonders of India.

Thereafter you will be driving to Puri.

Overnight stay at Puri.

Spend the first half of the day at leisure. Later in the evening head to Bhubaneshwar Railway Station to board the train for Kolkata.

Day 38: Kolkata (Stay)

Expected arrival time approximately 7 am.

After breakfast enjoy the city tour visiting Victoria Memorial Hall, a creative fusion of the British and Mughal architecture, with White Makrana marbles, dedicated to Queen Victoria; the St. Paul’s Cathedral Church, part of the Anglican Communion in the city; the Indian Museum; and in the evening a leisurely walk at Esplanade where you can shop around along the bustling feet and can savor the local cuisines. Just before your day ends, opt for a delicious eatery at Park Street.

Day 39: Kolkata to Shillong via Guwahati – flight

Today you will be boarding the flight to Guwahati. From here you will be escorted to the hotel in Shillong, which is approximately 2-3 hours of journey.

In the evening you can visit the market for traditional arts and handicrafts of the Tribal and North East culture.

Day 40: Shillong

You tour proceeds to local sightseeing. In and around Shillong there are numerous waterfalls: Bishop Falls, Elephant Falls, Spread Eagle Falls, Sweet Falls, Crinoline Falls and Beadon Falls are the best known. Further you will also be wheeled down to Umiam Lake which is one of the most picturesque spots of Meghalaya forming the perfect landscape with ethereal mountains for an exotic tour. The flossy clouds, lush versant and the meandering roads along the broad country side draws in tourists from different parts of world.

By evening you are back in Shillong.

Day 41: Shillong to Gangtok (12 hours drive)

In the morning you will be heading to Cherapunji, the wettest place on earth’s surface, where you will stop spellbound at Nohkalikai Falls, the tallest plunge waterfall in India and the fourth largest waterfall in the world, forming below an unusual green color plunge pool, beholds a breathtaking vista tempting large number of tourists worldwide. Thence steer down to Mowsmai Lighted Cave, hidden behind the green drape, to the dark and dank interior of the hill. It is one of the most stunning caves with natural lime stone in India sub-continent that attracts spelunkers from Europe and other continents. The tour is followed by a mysterious myth and bruiting legend of Dain Thlen Waterfalls that holds a special attraction for tourists.

By evening the tour proceeds downhill to Guwahati and thereafter continues to head for Gangtok.

Overnight drive to Gangtok

Day 42: Gangtok

Gangtok, a fairytale capital in the clouds, balances precariously on the steep mountain slopes, surrounded by lush rice terraces, swifts flowing rivers and distant snow views. It is situated in the lower Himalayas and was a small hamlet until the construction of the Enchey Monastery in 1840 turned it into a pilgrimage centre. It became a major stopover between Tibet and British India at the end of the 19th century. It is also a centre of Tibetan Buddhist culture.

After lunch enjoy city sightseeing visiting Rumtek Monastery, seat of the Gyalwa Karmapa, head of Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, promotes research of the language & traditions of Tibet & contains one of the world’s largest collections of books & rare manuscripts on Mahayana Buddhism. Do-Drul Chorten is one of the most important reliquary stupas in Sikkim.

Day 43: Gangtok

After early tea and breakfast, the tour proceeds to Tsomgo Lake, at an altitude of 3753 mts, one of the world’s high-altitude lakes, renowned for its mystical environs and wild flowers. Thereafter the tour heads up to Nathula Pass, which at an altitude of 4310 mts is one of the highest motorable roads in the world and was the ancient Silk Road that connected Tibet.

Thereafter you drive back to Gangtok by evening.

After breakfast you will drive down to New Jalpaiguri to board your train to Varanasi.

Overnight travel in a train.

Day 45: Varanasi

Assistance on arrival and transfer to your hotel

After tea and breakfast, the tour proceeds for Dhamekh Stupa and Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath followed by lunch at a hotel and later visit the temples at Varanasi and take a boat ride on the Holy River Ganga.

Overnight stay at a hotel

Day 46: Varanasi to Khajuraho (Drive) and Sightseeing

The journey starts early in the morning and heads for the Khajuraho temple complex, built between 950 – 1050 AD by the mighty warrior kings of the Chandela dynasty, a truly inspired burst of creativity. Only 22 temples survive of the 85 that were originally built. Matangeshwara temple is still in worship today, continuing an unbroken 1000-year tradition.

Today evening after dinner, you will be heading for Agra.

Overnight drive to Agra.

Day 48: Agra Sightseeing

In the morning proceed to Agra, en route we visit Fatehpur Sikri, a masterpiece in sandstone with the stunning elegance of its palaces & courts.

On arrival at Agra transfer to your hotel.

Agra was the erstwhile capital of the great Mughals and is known for the Taj Mahal. It has always fascinated Indians and foreigners alike. Most of Agra lies on West bank of river Yamuna, with the Agra Fort and Taj Mahal at its nucleus. The Taj Mahal is quite simply one of mankind’s most remarkable creations.

In the morning enjoy a city tour visiting the Taj Mahal (Closed on Friday), built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Thereafter visit Agra Fort that was built principally as a military establishment by Akbar in 1565. The red sandstone Agra Fort was partially converted into a palace during Shah Jahan’s time. This massive Fort is 2.5 km long and is considered as the predecessor of the Delhi Red Fort.

Thereafter, the tour proceeds back to Delhi, which is approximately 4 – 5 hours of drive via Mathura. Later upon arrival at Delhi you will be escorted to a hotel.

Today you will be boarding your flight and carry away some of the best memories of your life.

Tour ends here!!! Happy Journey!

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So, this is our expert-made itinerary for an all India trip in 50 Days. It includes all the major tourist places in India, which you should not miss if you want to explore India’s culture and tradition along with its dramatic landscapes. So, if you are an international traveller, and want to plan a 50 Days long vacation trip to India, call us now. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price for this 50 days tour package for india.

Price for this 50 Days tour package for India depends on the places and other requirements you choose. To know the details, please call us at +91-9212777223.

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Is this 50 Days India Tour itinerary customizible?

Yes, this 50 Days India tour itinerary is customizable and it can be customised as per your requirements.

Published: 09 Aug, 2022

About the author

Swairik Das

Brought up from the cultural capital of India, Kolkata, Swairik Das is a passionate traveller who seeks to travel and explore the length and breadth of the country. He is also a dedicated travel writer, blogger and photographer who by heart is also an adventure freak. His focus is mostly into exploring and writing on trekking, jungle safaris and several adventure activities; religion, festival, heritage, people and cuisine.

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India Tours and Trips 2024/2025

Prepare your senses, for an India tour is a true sensory feast. The nation’s sights, sounds and smells can be overpowering at times, but with due time you will fall in love with it. Visit Delhi & Golden Triangle for incredible art and architecture (including the Taj Mahal ), Kerala & Tamil Nadu for beaches and adventure tours, or the Indian Himalayas for trekking and climbing.

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India — Tour Highlights and Travel Tips

A trip to India is a bombardment on your senses. The country introduces you to all kinds of sights, sounds and smells and it can be a bit difficult to take in everything the very first day. The only way to explore India is to be patient and give it some time. You feel the glaring lack of privacy, but you also come to fall in love with the fascinating beauty all around you. From a rich culture that dates back centuries to ancient archeological ruins that still stand in all their glory, from glittering temples to elaborate forts and palaces, India is a dream you never wish to wake up from.

The country has a long and colorful religious history and is famous for its celebrations and festivals. Irrespective of which time you choose to visit, you always have a festival to become a part of. And it is not just about exploring temples and worshiping deities. You can also rediscover yourself at one of those yoga ashrams scattered all over the country. People have been visiting India for decades and still find themselves falling in love with its culture, architectural riches and arts that easily rival the best of Italian renaissance.

Tour Highlights

• Stare in awe at the majestic Taj Mahal
• Explore the intricate artwork and ancient culture hidden in the Ajanta Caves
• Take part in the colourful Holi festival in Vrindavan
• Discover the famous pink walls and 953 windows of the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur
• Ride across Dai Lake in Srinagar on an old wooden boat called Shikara
• Stroll through the tea fields of Darjeeling

Travel Tips

• Even if you’re a seasoned traveller, get ready for a culture shock. Heavily populated India is incredibly busy in terms of crowds, sights and sounds. Take it slow and be open minded on your India tour.
• Learn about common scams before setting off on your India holiday. A quick internet search will tell you the most frequent scams and how best to avoid them on your travels.
• Perhaps surprisingly for one of the world’s tech capitals, fast internet can be hard to find in India, particularly outside the country's largest cities. Consider buying a local sim card so you’re always connected.
• Have no worries about learning Hindi, English is widely spoken in India. You’ll also see it on most road signs, so navigation is relatively easy.
• Women, in particular, should opt for loose-fitting clothing. Tight or revealing outfits may generate unwanted male attention. However, no matter what you wear, Western travellers should be prepared for unwanted attention.
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Mysteries of India

About this tour.

From the iconic tigers of Ranthambore to the legendary Taj Mahal, step into a world of captivating mysteries and vibrant color. Explore Old Delhi on an exhilarating city tour, weaving through the streets on a rickshaw. Join a local family for an unforgettable home-hosted dinner. Walk on the wild side in Ranthambore National Park and seek out its most popular residents: Bengal tigers. Stand in awe before the Taj Mahal in the early morning. Ignite your spirit during the holy Ganga Aarti ceremony in Varanasi. Welcome to India - a perfect synthesis of nature, vitality, spirituality, and regal legacy.

Your Tour Includes

• 7 Handpicked Accommodations
• 2 Choice on Tour Options

Included Highlights

Your tour at a glance.

13 Breakfasts

Travel Style

Explorations

On Tour Air

Customize your tour.

$1,049.00 pp

Optional Excursions

Starting at $20.00

Activity Level

• Level This Tour

For specific details about this tour's activity level and other info to know before you book your trip, click here.

Extension Style

On tour air included.

• The cost of all internal flights on tour or within an extension are included into the total tour cost on our website and brochures.
• Purchasing internal flights through Collette is now required on tours where applicable.
• This price continues to exclude all round-trip air getting to and from the tour, as well as any additional air segments required to arrive at or depart from an extension.
• The cost displayed is based on availability at the time of booking.

Travel Styles

Highlights and inclusions.

Must-See Inclusions:

Watch for tigers in the wild during game drives in Ranthambore National Park.

Cruise the waters of the famous River Ganges.

Explore the majestic Amber Fort and vibrant Jaipur, the “Pink City.”

Behold the Taj Mahal at sunrise.

Cultural Experiences:

Travel to Khajuraho on an exciting train journey.

Venture through the main streets and back roads of Old Delhi via rickshaw.

Marvel at the illuminated Ganga Aarti ceremony.

Culinary Inclusions:

Learn the secrets to preparing incredible Indian food at a home-hosted dinner.

• Home-Hosted Dinner
• Ranthambore National Park
• Choice on Tour: Dastkar Ranthambore Visit or Time at Leisure
• Abhaneri Stepwell
• Chandela Temple Complex
• Ganga Aarti Ceremony

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Getting Prepared

Know before you go, travel tips, enhance your tour.

Pre and Post Tour Extensions

• Choice On Tour

Pre and Post Night Stay

Unique Experience

Cultural Experiences

Enhance Your Trip

• Tour Extensions

"Begin your exploration with a pre-tour Dubai extension. See one of the world’s fastest growing and most intriguing cities. With its many famous man-made structures, Dubai is a must-see destination for any traveler. Enjoy magnificent views of the world famous Burj Al Arab hotel. See the Jumeirah Mosque and Dubai Creek. View the Al Bastakia old wind-towered houses built by wealthy merchants. Stop at Al Fahidi Fort, now the Dubai Museum. Travel by abra, a traditional water taxi. Embark on an exciting desert safari and ride aboard 4x4 vehicles over rolling sand dunes through the Dubai desert. Your other option is to book a pre night stay? Hosted You’re accompanied by a Tour Manager part of the time, for some guided excursions. The rest of the time, you’re at leisure to explore the destination your own way.

• Overnight Flight
• Your tour begins with an overnight flight to Dubai.
• Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Tour Begins
• Arrive in Dubai, one of the world’s most exciting destinations. Your day is at leisure to relax or explore this dynamic and cosmopolitan city independently. As one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is considered the shopping capital of the Middle East. With its many world-famous man-made structures built in recent years, Dubai is a must-see destination for any traveler and will surely be an experience you will always remember.
• Today, take a private 4x4 vehicle for a light dune drive through the desert. Later in the morning, stop at a flamingo hide where you’ll see wild flamingos mingle in their sanctuary. Then, visit the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood where a local guide will take you on a walking tour to see the sites. Along the way, stop at the coffee museum before heading to Sheikh Mohammad Cultural Centre of Understanding (SMCCU). While visiting SMCCU, enjoy a cultural Arabic lunch followed by a Q & A session hosted by a local. The rest of the day is yours at leisure.
• This morning, visit the Dubai Museum – located in the oldest existing building in Dubai – then head to the Al Shindagha Museum located on the waterfront. After, venture across the creek in a private Abra and visit the Spice and Gold Souk to get a closer look at local life and culture found in Dubai. Next, make photo stops at two of Dubai's landmark buildings – the Burj Al Arab and the Jumeirah Mosque. This afternoon, take an optional tour to visit Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building.
• Dubai - Delhi, India
• Board your flight to Delhi.

Continue your tour with a 5-night extension in Nepal. Here, you’ll spend time with an expert local guide as you wander through the beloved Thamel neighborhood and visit 2 UNESCO sites over the next few days. Speak with a local Everest climber, get a taste of the local flavors, visit the living incarnation of a goddess – Kumari, see a Buddhist monastery, and explore famous temples like Nyatapola. To celebrate the end of your adventures in Nepal, sit down with a local family for a delicious home-hosted meal. Guided You’re accompanied by a Tour Manager throughout the extension, except for any time that’s set aside for independent discovery.

• Varanasi - Delhi
• After your return to Delhi, bid farewell to your fellow travelers who are returning home. This evening you will overnight in Delhi before getting a fresh start on your Nepalese adventure tomorrow morning.
• Delhi - Kathmandu, Nepal
• Step into a world of dynamic locals and bustling streets as you feel the energy of Kathmandu – Nepal’s vibrant capital that will ensnare the senses. With an expert local guide, discover the beloved Thamel neighborhood, mingling amongst locals and mountain climbers alike. Perhaps you’ll chat with a street vendor or pop into an inviting shop, perusing the goods for the perfect souvenir. End your day with a discussion with a local Everest climber. Finally, get a taste of the local flavors and enjoy dinner in a nearby restaurant.
• Perhaps you will take an early morning optional flightseeing tour of iconic Mount Everest, getting an up-close look at the world’s highest peak. Today, stand in awe before Swaymabhunath, the Buddhist temple that is home to holy monkeys. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Patan Darbar Square (UNESCO), a famous temple complex that was restored after the devastating earthquake of 2015. Make your way through the square and visit with Kumari, a local girl who is worshipped as the living incarnation of a goddess. Attend a private audience with the revered girl in her temple and take part in a blessing ceremony. Later, spend time at Bodhnath Stupa, an iconic Himalayan temple.
• Kathmandu - Panauti - Dhulikhel - Kathmandu
• Today, travel to Panauti, the gateway to the Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery. After we arrive in Panauti, embark on a moderate one-hour hike, enjoying the views of the mountains before arriving at this Buddhist monastery, one of the most important religious sites in Nepal. With a history connected to the legend of the Sacrifice for the Tigress, the monastery is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for both Buddhists and Hindus today. Here, we will meet with the high Lama and partake in an offering ceremony. After your experience at the monastery, continue to a local restaurant for lunch and then transfer to Kathmandu where the rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy.
• Kathmandu - Bhaktapur - Kathmandu
• Travel to Bhaktapur today, the former stronghold of the Malla Dynasty. Having remained virtually unchanged since the 17th century, Bhaktapur’s Durbar Square received the title of UNESCO historical site and is one of the most intact ancient cities in Nepal. See famous temples such as the Nyatapola Temple and stroll through the city’s narrow streets to explore its many historical sites. After a guided visit, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading back to Kathmandu. This evening, join a local family for a home-hosted meal and celebrate the end of your adventure in the Himalayan nation of Nepal.
• Kathmandu - Delhi - Extension Ends
• Today, board your flight to Delhi where a room has been reserved for you to freshen up before your flight home.

Hotel-The Suryaa New Delhi

Climb aboard your tuk tuk and travel to impressive Itmad-ud-Daula, a Mughal mausoleum. This is the first mausoleum made completely of marble, the same kind that was used for the Taj Mahal. This monument may be smaller than the Taj Mahal, but it is just as remarkable. The tomb is often described as a “draft” of the world-famous Taj Mahal and has been nicknamed "Baby Taj." Continue on to behold the mysteriously beautiful Taj Mahal at sunset. Stop at Mahtab Bagh – the “Moonlight Garden” on the banks of the Yamuna River opposite the Taj Mahal – for a picture perfect view of the ornate white structure surrounded by the vibrant colors of the setting sun and see for yourself why it was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Conclude your evening with dinner at a nearby local restaurant.

Venture to the amazing vantage point of Ranthambore Fort, a fortress atop a hill within a prominent tiger reserve. Hike up the steps of the 10th-century fort enclosed by a magnificent stone wall. Explore its elaborate ruins, including palaces, monuments, and temples. See the daily rituals that take place today at the famous Trinetra Ganesha Temple, dedicated to the beloved elephant god. Enjoy a traditional tea or coffee with cookies during your exploration. And don’t forget a good pair of binoculars – the view of Ranthambore National Park from atop the fort practically puts you eye-to-eye with soaring eagles.

Accommodations

Arrive earlier.

Pre Night: The Suryaa New Delhi From $100 per night

The Suryaa New Delhi

Radisson jaipur city center, grand mercure agra.

Nights 9-10

Radisson Jass Hotel Khajuraho

Radisson hotel varanasi.

Nights 12-13

Lemon Tree Premier, Delhi Airport

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Tours in India

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Covering a staggering variety of cultures and landscapes, India offers incomparable experiences. As such, travellers who want to make the most of their time in this varied country would do well to read our run-down of the best India tours.

Why go to India?

Which india tours are the best, must-see places to visit in india, book your india tour with us, tips for your planning your india tour, tailor-made travel itineraries for india, created by local experts.

13 days  / from 1800 USD

A Trek Through Ladakh's Markha Valley

Trek through the Markha Valley, taking in the jaw-dropping Himalayan landscape, camp in traditional mountain villages, and discover hilltop monasteries. This unique journey combines the culture of the Buddhist faith with the natural beauty of the mountains and the hustle and bustle of Delhi.

15 days  / from 2745 USD

Rajasthan: The Land of Kings

Experience the Land of Kings in luxury.This trip around Rajasthan takes you to Jaipur's palaces, sacred pilgrimage sites and deep into the desert hills. Breathe in the excitement of Delhi and visit the Taj Mahal. Then come nightfall, lay your head to rest in former royal palaces and magical forts.

6 days  / from 785 USD

The Holy City of Varanasi

The flat, sunburnt plains of the Ganges River are India's breadbasket: a densely populated area, it is home to many of the country's greatest sights. See Delhi and all its treasures, then fly to Varanasi, the most sacred stretch of the Ganges and one of India's most intense and atmospheric places.

Now there’s a question. We could mention that fact India has a whopping 36 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from national parks, to man-made marvels like the Taj Mahal and Ellora Caves.

We could also mention India's beautiful beaches , or its opportunities for adventure activities. Take your pick from hiking the Himalayas, river-rafting on the Brahmaputra River, paragliding over Goa, and uncovering Kerala by kayak.

Convinced to go? Talk to our India local travel experts and save yourself the hustle of planning and booking.

Ellora caves, India — well worth keeping in mind when planning India tours © Shutterstock

Golden Triangle tour

As India tours go, visiting India's Golden Triangle offers a great introduction to the country, which covers a route between Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

From Delhi, most travellers make their way to the Taj Mahal — one of the most romantic places in the world for very good reason.

For more details on one of the most classic India tours, read our guide on planning an India’s Golden Triangle tour .

North India tours

Being wowed by Old and New Delhi, and Amritsar’s Golden Temple. Exploring the cool Himalayan Foothills. Discovering Dharamsala, home of the Dalai Lama. All this ­— and much more — awaits if you opt for a North India tour. 

Want to see a stack of northern India highlights in a single trip? Check out our customisable North India tours .

South India tours

Every bit as exhilarating as touring North India, taking a tour of South India will almost certainly involve spending time in Chennai . The country’s fourth-largest city boasts everything from marvellous Raj architecture to pilgrimage sites.

The Tamil Nadu region is a must-visit during South India tours. Don’t miss Mamallapuram — a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its ancient monuments carved from stone.

Other highlights of the south include Munnar’s plantations, Odisha’s temples, the ancient towns of Madurai and Thanjavur, and the southern jewel of Kerala (more on that later).

Love the sound of the South? You’ll be smitten by our Kerala: God’s Own Country itinerary . 

Mamallapuram, India © Shutterstock

Kerala tours

For travelers seeking an immersive and serene journey, exploring the Kerala backwaters is an experience like no other.

Imagine gliding through a network of tranquil waterways aboard a traditional houseboat, surrounded by lush greenery and unique local life. You could delve into the heart of Kerala's culture, visiting small villages, and enjoying authentic South Indian cuisine, all while embracing the peaceful rhythm of the backwaters.

India train tours

For adventurous travellers who like authentic experiences, train tours of India can be a richly rewarding experience. 

You could, for example, tour the Golden Triangle by train. Or how about taking a Rajasthan wildlife tour on the rails? 

Thinking of travelling India by rail? Check out the best India train tours .

Luxury India tours

While India is beloved by backpackers , travellers who like the more luxurious things in life can enjoy India tours that put the finer things in life first.

That’s especially the case if you opt to immerse yourself in Rajasthan . With plenty of 5-star places to stay — among them heritage hotels, ancient palaces and forts — travel has never been so richly rewarding.

To help focus your plans, browse our fully customisable India itineraries . 

Taj Mahal, India © Don Mammoser/Shutterstock

Taj Mahal (Agra)

Agra , India’s capital under the Mughals, is utterly breathtaking. With a monumental fort, Agra is most famed for the magnificent Taj Mahal. Read our tips for visiting the Taj Mahal to make the most of your visit.

Along with Agra and Delhi, Jaipur is long-established on India tours of the Golden Triangle. Abundant in flamboyant Rajasthani architecture, with an old walled quarter at its heart, visiting Jaipur is an unforgettable experience.

Split between the forested mountains of the  Western Ghats and a lush coastal plain of lagoons and canals, the state of Kerala is also known for historic forts, temples and beautiful Kerala beaches .

A massive modern metropolis that’s home to seventeen million people, Delhi is also home to rich historic attractions — tombs and temples that date back centuries, and the Red Fort.

Due to the marvellous Goa beaches and its excellent party scene, this part of India remains a popular tour destination for Europeans. Undiscovered it ain’t, but there are still secret gems in Goa to explore, stacks of cultural sites, and opportunities to walk on the wilder side,

Kerala houseboat © Shutterstock

Having spent decades travelling the globe to get to the heart of hundreds of destinations, Rough Guides’ experts are primely placed to curate unforgettable tours and tailor-made trips .

Based on the knowledge of local travel experts , and created in partnership with the best local businesses, Rough Guides’ trips can be customised to your needs. 

As a result, they offer unparalleled opportunities to enjoy enriching, personalised experiences. Read on for more reasons to book with Rough Guides.

1. Expertise and brand reliability

With 50+ years of travel experience, Rough Guides has a reputation for reliability, quality and local knowledge. 

Our well-curated tours and trips are backed by research and first-hand experiences. So, when you book with Rough Guides, you're not just buying a tour or booking a trip — you're investing in a wealth of expertise that’ll ensure you’ll experience an unforgettable journey.

2. Support for local communities

Rough Guides is committed to responsible tourism and the well-being of communities. Through partnering with local guides, artisans and businesses, our tours contribute directly to the local economy. 

Booking with us means you're not just witnessing a community’s cultural heritage — you're also actively supporting its growth and sustainability.

3. 24/7 support

Travel doesn't follow a 9-to-5 schedule, and neither do we. Our 24-7 support ensures you're never alone during your adventure. 

Whether you need immediate assistance, have questions about your itinerary, or face unexpected issues, our team is just a phone call or message away. 

This round-the-clock support provides a layer of security and peace of mind that allows you to focus on what really matters — enjoying your trip.

4. Tailor-made adventures

No two travellers are the same, which is why our tours are fully customisable to meet your specific interests, activity levels, and travel goals. 

From the moment you contact us, to your journey’s end, our team will work with you to create an itinerary that’s as unique as you are. 

Whether you want to add an extra day for wildlife photography, or fancy opting for a boutique hotel over a standard one, your trip will be tailored to your personal preferences.

5. High-quality local partnerships

In our quest to offer enriching experiences, Rough Guides meticulously selects local partners who align with our standards for quality, safety, and sustainability.

This ensures every aspect of your tour — from accommodation to activities — meets our criteria for excellence and responsible travel practices.

Jewellery seller in India © Shutterstock

Inspired? Browse our fully customisable India itineraries to start planning you perfect trip.

You might also want to read up on the  best things to do in India and get yourself The Rough Guide to India .

The Rough Guides to India and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Travel advice for India

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to India

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written by Joanne Owen

updated 15.12.2023

Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.

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Make planning your next big adventure quick and easy with an India vacation package. Whether it's the cuisine, nature or something else that brings you here, our package deals will help you experience the best of it. Start your trip to India with a couple of nights in Delhi . Families staying here enjoy visiting Adventure Island and Delhi Golf Club. Mumbai is another city that draws visitors from near and wide. If you're treating your love to a romantic getaway, don't miss Mahakavi Kalidas Natya Mandir and Prithvi Theatre. From the moment you book your India vacation to when you return home, Expedia will be with you each step of the way.

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Whether you’re sampling a flavorsome curry in New Delhi, taking a Bollywood tour of Mumbai or marveling at the world-famous Taj Mahal, a trip to India will awaken your senses.

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Your India Vacation Itinerary

Day 1-3: The country’s bustling capital, New Delhi, is around a half-hour drive from Indira Gandhi International Airport. Check out attractions like the Red Fort monument and Qutub Minar before taking a day trip to the world-famous Taj Mahal.

Day 4-5: Jaipur, otherwise known as the “Pink City,” is around a five-hour bus ride south of New Delhi. Home to impressive sights like the City Palace, Hawa Mahal and Amber Fort, it’s one of the most popular places to visit in India.

Day 6-7: A two-hour plane journey will get you from Jaipur to the energetic city of Mumbai. Must-sees here include The Taj Mahal Palace hotel, Gateway of India and Elephanta Caves. For a taste of colorful Bollywood, be sure to tour Film City.

India Information

From simple village affairs to enormous big-city events, joyous festivals take place across India throughout the year. Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, is one of the biggest and is usually held in October or November.

Want to explore India’s bustling capital? Browse our New Delhi Vacation Packages .

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Plan a Trip to India: My Favourite Places & Experiences

Yes, India really is as colourful, delicious and at times, overwhelming as you imagine

There may be affiliate links within this post which provide me with a commission, at no cost to you. This is a way to help me to provide valuable content. More information at: Privacy & Disclosure .

Yes, India really can be as colorful, delicious and at times, overwhelming, as you imagine.  And a little research goes a long way when planning a trip to India. This is a vast country –  I’ve done two 15-day tours, and some solo travel, yet just begun to explore this fascinating country.

If India intrigues you, but you are a little nervous, I felt the same way and would recommend it, without hesitation. So let’s talk specifics – how to plan a trip to India – because the choices are as bountiful as the delicious buffets you will enjoy.

Google Map - India

My favourite places in india.

Plan a Trip to India

When to travel to india.

This is important because different seasons will bring dramatically different weather in India. I think the ideal months are January through mid-March and September and October. November and December have pleasant temperatures but the air quality can be poor in Delhi and nearby cities. It’s still a good time to go, you might kist limit your time in Delhi and bring masks to filter out pollution. I would avoid April through June which are very hot – often 40 degrees Celsius and higher (110 Fahrenheit).  Monsoon season is July to September.

The other thing to consider is the timing of festivals. If you want to experience Holi, the Indian festival of colours, make sure you check the date as it varies by several weeks, year to year. (Holi is on my bucket list and I am hoping to go in March 2023.) Diwali, the festival of light is also popular, and takes place in October. 

If you plan a trip to India during November or December, you will be there during wedding season. I have attended two weddings in India and there is nothing like it. If you get the chance to attend a wedding, it is an unforgettable experience. 

Should I take an organized tour of India?

You don’t have to plan a trip to India on your own. I highly recommend to friends that they take an organized tour on their visit to India, unless you have Indian friends to guide you. Navigating India for the first time can be overwhelming, and having a guide is fun and adds to the experience. You are going to have a million questions and they will be able to answer them all.

On my first trip to India, I spent a few days on my own in Calcutta before my group tour began. I hired a guide to show me around and highly recommend this. A travel agent who specializes in India can connect you with an excellent guide.

Most tour companies offer India itineraries and some such as G Adventures , which I went with, offers more than a dozen. Be mindful that accommodation in India is not exactly equivalent to what we are used to in the west. Bathrooms are more basic for example, so a three-star hotel will not be the same as a hotel at home. 

India is more affordable than many other destinations, so I would suggest most midlife women will want to choose an upgraded tour. If you are looking at G Adventures, I recommend you look at their National Geographic co-branded tours . I went on the Incredible India tour and our accommodation was upgraded; not overly fancy but very comfortable with lots of character in most places. 

How long should a trip to India be?

I suggest two weeks, especially if you are coming from North America and you will have significant jet lag the first few days. Three  weeks would be even better, especially if you want to go to the south, to an area such as Kerala, as well as the north. 

A longer trip to India offers more choice in tours and a variety of experiences. If you only have 7-10 days, that will be amazing too. You will just want to return. 

Many first-time visitors do a Golden Triangle tour, which visits the three cities of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, to see the Taj Mahal. This itinerary can typically be completed in 5-7 days. Delhi and Jaipur are packed with ancient monuments and fasinating markets, stunning colours and delicious food. I was pleasantly suprised how much I loved the sites in Old Delhi – in particular Humayun’s Tomb Complex and Qutub Complex.

And of course you will see the Taj Mahal in Agra, on most people’s bucket list and for good reason. It is stunning and many people who visit say it was even more beautiful than they imagined. I agree!

Ideally you will have time to explore beyond the Golden Triangle and visit some smaller cities and villages, the latter a lovely respite from the intensity of India’s big cities. Here are some of the places, large and small, that I’ve visited and loved – and a couple on my bucket list for next time. 

The Land of Kings

Some tours of India are set almost entirely in the state of Rajasthan, “the Land of Kings” with its striking Mughal architecture and glittering palaces. I would absolutely recommend this region. It is a beautiful area of India and you can easily spend two weeks just here. My first tour was entirely in Rajasthan, other than the start and end of the tour in Delhi, India’s capital city. I loved it. 

In Rajasthan, I particularly loved Jodhpur, the Blue City. The city’s Mehrangarh Fort is one of India’s largest, and was my favourite of the many forts and palaces I toured. Built in 1549, it is so massive that Rudyard Kipling called it “the work of giants”.  There is an excellent audio guide available and I learned an enormous amount about the Mughal Empire.

Jodhpur also has an interesting old market and some wonderful hotels (I would love to stay at the RAAS Hotel if I have the chance on a future trip) and there are rooftop restaurants which look out over the giant fort and city. 

From Jodhpur you can book a visit to a Bishnoi village, a fascinating community of nature worshippers, who live in the nearby Thar desert. Jodhpur is not as modern as Jaipur, so your experience may feel like the India you imagine. There are also many festivals that take place here.

Set amongst four pretty lakes, Udaipur is known as the Venice of India and India’s most romantic city. No one does luxury like India and the famed Oberoi Udaivilas is found here, voted one of the world’s most stunning hotels, by Travel + Leisure and others. 

If gazillion-star luxury is not your thing, or your budget, there are several lovely hotels set on or around Lake Pichola. A boat cruise at sunset allows you to see the famed Taj Palace Hotel on an island in the lake, and the City Palace which glows at the waters edge as the sun sets. Rooftop dining is ideal here; the views are unlike anywhere else I visited in India. 

Udaipur’s City Palace was my favorite of the palaces I visited in India. Overlooking Lake Pichola, it is a large complex which includes pretty courtyards and gardens, and beautiful mosaics. If you have time, the Monsoon Palace is apparently also worth a visit. I didn’t get there. 

Khajuraho Temples

Beyond Rajasthan, one of my favourite places was the Khajuraho Group of Monuments which I visited on my second trip. These Hindu and Jain temples were built between 950 and 1050 and survived the Mughal Empire (when many temples were destroyed by the Muslim Mughals) because the temples were hidden by the growth of dense jungle. They remained a secret until the 1830’s when they were accidentally discovered by a British surveyor.  Like many Hindu temples, they face the sunrise. 

They are located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, and are included on some group tours. If you do visit here, you are well positioned to add on a Tiger Safari to nearby Panna National Park.

Spiritual India

The sacred Ganges River flows through V aranasi, India’s oldest city. It is the heart of both Varanasi and more broadly the heart of spirituality for Hindus.  Each morning as the sun rises over the river, Brahmin priests sing offerings to the Hindu gods and raise aarti lamps. The candles shimmer as they’re moved in slow circles, in time with the singing of the priests. 

Similar ceremonies are repeated in the evening and watching these from a boat floating on the Ganges River is unforgettable. Afterward, you will light your own aarti, a small floating candle, and set it and your wishes, afloat in the holy river. 

Indians travel considerable distances from surrounding villages to bring deceased loved ones to Varanasi’s famous cremation ghats.  Pyres burn all day and night on  these steps at the river’s edge . Hindus believe that being cremated in Varanasi releases a person from the ongoing cycle of reincarnation. Many visitors say their experience in Varanasi was the most meaningful of the trip. If you have time to add Varanasi,  India’s oldest and most holy city is unlike anywhere I have ever been.  But it is also quite far from some of the other cities you will want to see and I didn’t find it especially compelling beyond the Ganges experience. Overall I preferred the cities in Rajasthan. 

Pushkar is a small city in central Rajasthan, at the edge of the Thar desert and the pretty Aravalli Hills.  It is also considered a holy city by Hindus who come to bathe at Pushkar Lake and its 52 ghats, the steps at the edge of the water. There are several notable temples here, including the Savitri Temple. And a visit to Pushkar allows you to experience the culture of the Marwari people, a nomadic tribe and the camel traders who attend the famed Pushkar Fair. 

I haven’t been  to Pushkar but hope to include it on my next visit. I would love to stay just outside the city at  Camp Land’s End , a country hotel with charming cottages and the Aravalli Range as a backdrop. It is ideally placed for access to hiking, camel and jeep safaris. It’s also owned by a friend of mine who guided my India trip. 

Rishikesh: The Heart of Yoga Practice in India

If you are interested in studying yoga or meditation in India, you will want to visit Rishikesh, widely considered the yoga capital of the world.  People come here to develop their practices and to enjoy the beautiful setting.   Rishikesh is in the northern India state of Uttarakhand where the Himalayas begin; the small city is set next to the River Ganges,  the Holy River of India. 

There are many Ashrams here as well, first made famous by a visit from The Beatles.  Most organized tours do not include Rishikesh, so if you want to visit, you may have to organize it separately. 

Village Experiences in India

Some of my favourite experiences in India were in villages. It is such a nice change from the intensity of the cities and offers a chance to interact with local people and learn about rural life. If you have a longer trip planned, I suggest looking for itineraries that incorporate at least one stay in a small town or village. 

My Rajasthan itinerary included two nights at a village called Chandelao and the Chandelao Garh hotel , an ancestral estate dating to 1744. Next to it is a woman’s cooperative, set in a pretty bougainvillia-filled courtyard.  We were able to purchase and pay a fare price for traditional handicrafts, enabling the village woman to support themselves and their children. 

I also enjoyed a short stay at a town called Jojawar. The chance to walk around and experience village life was fascinating, as was a train trip through the hills of the Aravalli Range, another chance to interact with local people. 

Safaris & Birding on your Trip to India

India’s cities are a riot of colour and chaos, unlike anywhere else in the world. But India also has vast wilderness areas with incredible wildlife and birds. If you have time, I recommend you spend a few days at one of India’s many nature reserves enjoying the quiet contrast to city life. 

An estimated two-thirds of the world’s wild tiger population of around 4000 is in India, and numbers are increasing thanks to conservation measures. Although not guaranteed, seeing a Bengal Tiger is thrilling. And tigers aside, you will  enjoy a variety of interesting wildlife. 

The birding in India is also excellent; I saw a variety of birds on two different safaris, one in Panna Tiger Reserve and the other in Ranthambore National Park.   You can read about my safari experience in this article:  On Safari in India .

Some useful information

How To Get a Visa for India

As of November 2021 India began issuing tourist visas once more. Travelers from many countries are eligible for this electronic tourist visas and can apply for online.  You will need a digital PDF copy of your passport page with your photo, and a passport-style photo in JPEG format, to complete the application. All other information and the applications can be found at this website: Indian Visa Online.

You will receive an email confirming your application and it should only take a few days to process. If you don’t get it within a week, you can email: [email protected] to inquire.

Your visa will be emailed to you. The website suggests you confirm your status has been “GRANTED” on their website, prior to leaving for India. Print a copy of the visa and bring it with you to India .

How to avoid getting sick in India?

I did not get sick at all in the five weeks I have spent in India. I avoided ice cubes and drank and brushed my teeth with bottled or filtered water. Hand sanitizer is a must because soap and water is not always available to wash your hands. 

You will want to avoid all uncooked vegetables – no salads! You won’t miss it because you will be eating all of that delicious Indian food and there are lots of cooked veggies available.  As a general rule you will only eat fruit you can peel. 

This is where a guide will be hugely helpful. They will only take you to safe restaurants and food stalls, and they will be able to tell you if there is anything on the menu to avoid. I love the fresh lime juice sodas they serve all over India, just request it without ice. They are refreshing and made with safe bottled, carbonated water. 

I did bring antibiotics with me, in case of a significant GI infection, but I never needed them. You can ask your doctor about this when you go for a consultation about the required vaccinations, which you should do as far in advance as possible.

Do I need to take malaria pills in India?

Consult your doctor. This will depend on what parts of India you are visiting and when you are going. Your doctor will help you determine your level of risk. I decided not to take malaria pills on my trips and used bug repellant, to avoid bites as much as possible. I would say about half of the travelers on my tours were taking malaria pills. 

Should I bring gifts for Indian children ?

It is understandable to want to bring pencils and stickers to give out to the adorable children who will run up, excited to meet you. And they will ask. For some reason Indian children often ask for hand cream, which perplexed me until I realized it’s because that is what tourists often happen to have, so many will give it to them. This is not advised however, because it encourages a culture of begging. 

If you want to support children in India, there are many NGO’s doing amazing work. One which I have supported and also visited is Seva Mandir in Udaipur, Rajasthan. They support children’s education in rural communities. This is especially important for girls; when rural families can’t afford to send all of their children to school, boys are typically favored over girls in this patriarchal culture. Seva Mandir supports  girls’ education and the well-being of entire village communities with funding for infrastructure, clean water and health services. 

Layovers in Delhi

The first time I went to India, I travelled first to Calcutta which required a connection in Delhi and a long layover. If this is the case with your trip, I recommend you stay at an airport hotel. There are several excellent ones and I stayed at the JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity and thought the service and staff were excellent. The buffet breakfast was especially delicious. It is not cheap however. 

A final note: it’s helpful to be aware of some of India’s less positive aspects. As mentioned, the air quality can be poor, depending on when you travel so do consider that in your planning, especially if you have any respiratory issues. 

There is also a surprising amount of garbage strewn about in many cities. And of course, there is poverty; you will encounter people begging, often woman with small children. 

It can also be incredibly noisy, with endless honking and early morning call to prayer. I found that I adjusted to many of these changes after a few days. It’s another reason that a longer itinerary is beneficial. 

Although these aspects of Indian life can be unsettling at first, once home you may miss the colourful chaos.  India is one of my favourite places in the world and I am excited to return (hopefully in 2023) and explore more of this vibrant country.

More Incredible India!

You might also enjoy these posts about India: 

On Safari in India in Search of the Bengal Tiger and Historical Places in Delhi to Visit .  

Here’s the link once more to the 15-day tour I took, and loved: Incredible India .  

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Hi Susan. Listened to you on the “A certain age” podcast and loved your take on midlife as a time of unique opportunities and adventures. I live in the US but am from India and enjoyed this post. My favorite state in India is actually Madhya Pradesh. Apart from Khajuraho, which is amazing, there are tons of beautiful sites dotted all over – Gwalior, Orchha, Indore, Mandu, and Maheshwar – are just a few. I also wonder whether you’ve considered visiting the deep South. Tamil Nadu is my home state and the temple towns there – Madurai and Thanjavur in particular- are gorgeous. They offer a very different cultural experience to what you’d see in the Northern part of the country, primarily because they ARE two very different cultures. Thanks for writing and sharing and inspiring people like me 🙂

Hi Aparna – Thank you so much for this! I hope to return to India, and have the chance to explore a new area; I’ve heard wonderful things about Tamil Nadu. Your point about it being an entirely different culture from the north is a great reminder. India is such a diverse place. Do you return often? Thanks so much for listening to the podcast; I loved chatting with Katie and I am so glad the conversation resonated with you. Susan

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I’m glad you’re here. Can we talk about midlife? I reached my late 40’s, realized my kids were growing up, and adventure began calling in a new way: big travel adventures as well as everyday ones. I want Midlife Globetrotter to be a place where we explore how to add a sense of fun, freedom and meaning to these precious years. Let’s celebrate how far we’ve come, and all that’s ahead.

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• Travel Planning Guide

The Prices of Tours to India

• Package Tour Options
• Typical Tour Costs
• The Best Tours
• Budget Tours
• Luxury Tours
• Three-Day Tours
• Other Types of Tours

Are group tours to India worth it?

Is a group tour cheaper than solo travel to india.

• Group Tours vs. Indepenent Travel in India

How far in advance should I book my tour to India?

How many people are in group tours to india, how much time do i need for a group tour to india.

Recommended

21 days of romantic south india: a journey…, what are the package tour options in india.

Curious about the diverse range of tours? Prepare to be amazed by the array of options available to suit every traveler's preferences. It comes as no surprise that visitors adore these tours, given their exceptional average guest rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. When it comes to group sizes, the average maximum capacity stands at 15 people, allowing for a comfortable and sociable experience. The shortest tour is 2 days, while the longest is 51 days. As for physical activity options, the tours are thoughtfully categorized as easy, relaxing, moderate, serious, and heart-pumping, with the most being easy. For transportation , the tours are marked as train & rail, coach / bus, and self drive, with a prevalent number on train & rail tours. When it comes to travel styles , tour options are organized as family, romantic, and honeymoon, with a majority being family tours. With a comprehensive analysis encompassing 3,566 tours, you can rest assured that India has something tailored to your interests and preferences, promising an unforgettable experience for all.

• The length of tours range from 2 to 51 days.
• The maximum group size of tours range from 1 to 500 people.

The tour packages are also categorized as follows:

• Easy (2394)
• Relaxing (610)
• Moderate (195)
• Serious (9)
• Heart-pumping (8)
• Train & Rail (29)
• Coach / Bus (6)
• Self Drive (1)
• Family (2981)
• Romantic (98)
• Honeymoon (2)
• Tours Available 3566
• Average Rating 4.8
• Average Group Size 15
• See More See Tours in India

How much do organized tour packages to India cost? Are tours expensive?

Considering the list of all available tours, you'll easily find a range of fantastic choices to suit your travel preferences. Considering the financial aspect, the average daily price for tours in India stands at a very reasonable $134 per day . Taking a broader perspective, the overall average cost of all tours amounts to $1,608 , derived from meticulous data analysis of 3,566 captivating tours. It's worth noting that the lowest-priced tour starts at an enticing $25, while the most extravagant option reaches a remarkable $9,825.

• Tours to India range in price from $25 to $9,825, based on data from 3566 tours.

How much should I pay for a tour through India?

This table shows the range of guided, organized, and all-inclusive tour prices that visit, start in, or end in India. If you're trying to figure out how much you should pay for an organized tour, this table breaks down the costs by price range.

(All tour prices are in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically. Price costs can also vary by group size, amenities offered, transportation type, promotional sale prices, and addons not inlcuded in the base prices.)

Prices for the Best Tours to India

What are India's top rated tour packages? And how much do they cost? These tours are the highest rated tours by previous guests.

When looking at the highest rated tours, which are the top 25% of the total by guest ratings, in India you'll discover plenty of fantastic the highest-rated options. Get ready to be pleasantly surprised, as the average daily price in this category is an affordable $120 per day . Furthermore, the overall average cost of all tours stands at a reasonable $1,401 , based on data from 892 available tour options. Now, for the overall price range: the cheapest tour available comes in at a pocket-friendly $50, while the most luxurious option reaches a maximum of $8,830. What's more, visitors can rest assured that these tours are well liked, as they boast an impressive average guest rating of 5 out of 5 stars. So, get ready to explore India and embark on an unforgettable journey that will make the memories of a lifetime.

What are the best tours to India?

These are the highest rated tours from previous customers.

South and North India Tour

21 days of romantic south india: a journey like no…, incredible north india experience, north india family holiday, prices for the best budget tours to india.

Looking at just the budget-friendly tours, India has you covered with an array of fantastic options. You'll be thrilled to know that the average daily price for budget tours is a very economical $106 per day . Looking at the bigger picture, the overall average cost of all tours comes in at a reasonable $1,103 , based on data from 490 incredible options. The cheapest tour available is a great deal at just $38, while the most lavish option reaches up to $4,290. Rest assured, these tours have captured the hearts of visitors, as they boast an impressive average guest rating of 4.87 out of 5 stars. So, get ready to explore India and its amazing destination, and prepare for an unforgettable journey filled with awe-inspiring experiences.

What are the best budget tours to India?

Amazing south india tour with karnataka & kerala & pondicherry…, romantic karnataka tour package with kerala & including hotel, india wildlife adventure tours, classical rajasthan tour - royal feel with royal rajathan, prices for the best luxury tours to india.

When looking at luxury tours in the comfort category, visitors will find a wide range of terrific options when choosing a tour to India. The average daily price for luxury tours to India is a remarkably economical $127 per day , with the overall average cost of all tours being $1,895 (based on data from 1,763 tours). The cheapest tour is $26, and the most expensive tour is $9,015. Also, visitors tend to love all of these tours because the average guest rating is 4.74 out of 5 stars.

What are the best luxury tours to India?

Prices for the best 3-days or less tours to india.

When looking at the 3-days or less tours, which are often great for a weekend or short trip, visitors will find a wide range of terrific options when choosing a tour to India. The average daily price for 3-day tours to India is a remarkably economical $137 per day , with the overall average cost of all tours being $346 (based on data from 612 tours). The cheapest tour is $25, and the most expensive tour is $1,955. Also, visitors tend to love all of these tours because the average guest rating is 4.85 out of 5 stars.

What are the best 3-days or shorter tours to India?

Taj mahal overnight tour from delhi by car, private full day taj mahal and fatehpur sikri tour from…, 3 days guided tour delhi with taj mahal by flight…, 3 days golden triangle tour, prices for family tours to india.

For these tours, in India you'll discover plenty of fantastic family options. Get ready to be pleasantly surprised, as the average daily price in this category is an affordable $131 per day . Furthermore, the overall average cost of all tours stands at a reasonable $1,638 , based on data from 2,981 available tour options. Now, for the overall price range: the cheapest tour available comes in at a pocket-friendly $32, while the most luxurious option reaches a maximum of $9,656. What's more, visitors can rest assured that these tours are well liked, as they boast an impressive average guest rating of 4.81 out of 5 stars. So, get ready to explore India and embark on an unforgettable journey that will make the memories of a lifetime.

What are the best family tours to India?

Prices for in-depth cultural tours to india.

Looking at this type of tour, a wide range of terrific options in India are offered. Based on data from 2,334 tours, the average daily price for in-depth cultural tours to India is a remarkably economical $133 per day , and the overall average total price is $1,473 . The cheapest tour is $32, and the most expensive tour is $9,825. Also, previous customers have mostly enjoyed these tours because the average guest rating is 4.82 out of 5 stars. If you're looking for a in-depth cultural tour to India, these are some terrific options.

What are the best in-depth cultural tours to India?

Prices for historical tours to india.

Looking at this type of tour, India has you covered with an array of fantastic options. You'll be thrilled to know that the average daily price for historical tours is a very economical $131 per day . Looking at the bigger picture, the overall average cost of all tours comes in at a reasonable $1,604 , based on data from 561 incredible options. The cheapest tour available is a great deal at just $35, while the most lavish option reaches up to $9,015. Rest assured, these tours have captured the hearts of visitors, as they boast an impressive average guest rating of 4.84 out of 5 stars. So, get ready to explore India and its amazing destination, and prepare for an unforgettable journey filled with awe-inspiring experiences.

What are the best historical tours to India?

22 days romantic south india tour package from chennai (all…, incredible rajasthan - the royal india, prices for sightseeing tours to india.

For just this category, in India you'll discover plenty of fantastic sightseeing options. Get ready to be pleasantly surprised, as the average daily price in this category is an affordable $125 per day . Furthermore, the overall average cost of all tours stands at a reasonable $1,059 , based on data from 492 available tour options. Now, for the overall price range: the cheapest tour available comes in at a pocket-friendly $26, while the most luxurious option reaches a maximum of $9,015. What's more, visitors can rest assured that these tours are well liked, as they boast an impressive average guest rating of 4.86 out of 5 stars. So, get ready to explore India and embark on an unforgettable journey that will make the memories of a lifetime.

What are the best sightseeing tours to India?

Essence of north india tour with relax on the beach…, prices for active adventure tours to india.

Considering these specific tours, the array of tour options available in India is diverse. The average daily price for active adventure tours stands at a very reasonable $128 per day . Drawing from an extensive analysis of 273 tours, we've determined that the overall average cost of all tours is a modest $2,014 . It's worth noting that among these options, the cheapest tour can be enjoyed for as little as $63 per person, while those looking to splurge a bit more can opt for the most expensive tour at $9,825. The popularity of these tours speaks volumes, with an average guest rating of 4.69 out of 5 stars, showcasing the satisfaction and appreciation expressed by previous customers.

What are the best active adventure tours to India?

North india tour with varanasi, prices for safari tours to india.

When we look at this type of tour, a wide range of terrific options in India are offered. Based on data from 221 tours, the average daily price for safari tours to India is a remarkably economical $148 per day , and the overall average total price is $1,646 . The cheapest tour is $96, and the most expensive tour is $2,805. Also, previous customers have mostly enjoyed these tours because the average guest rating is 4.67 out of 5 stars. If you're looking for a safari tour to India, these are some terrific options.

What are the best safari tours to India?

Uncovering the wonders of india: a 26-day wildlife tour, classic south india with golden triangle, prices for wildlife tours to india.

When analyzing this category of tours, in India you'll discover plenty of fantastic wildlife options. Get ready to be pleasantly surprised, as the average daily price in this category is an affordable $159 per day . Furthermore, the overall average cost of all tours stands at a reasonable $2,452 , based on data from 99 available tour options. Now, for the overall price range: the cheapest tour available comes in at a pocket-friendly $180, while the most luxurious option reaches a maximum of $9,015. What's more, visitors can rest assured that these tours are well liked, as they boast an impressive average guest rating of 4.47 out of 5 stars. So, get ready to explore India and embark on an unforgettable journey that will make the memories of a lifetime.

What are the best wildlife tours to India?

Golden triangle tour with tiger safari, india wildlife tiger safari, prices for romantic tours to india.

Looking at this type of tour, the array of tour options available in India is diverse. The average daily price for romantic tours stands at a very reasonable $108 per day . Drawing from an extensive analysis of 98 tours, we've determined that the overall average cost of all tours is a modest $1,468 . It's worth noting that among these options, the cheapest tour can be enjoyed for as little as $83 per person, while those looking to splurge a bit more can opt for the most expensive tour at $2,000. The popularity of these tours speaks volumes, with an average guest rating of 4.65 out of 5 stars, showcasing the satisfaction and appreciation expressed by previous customers.

What are the best romantic tours to India?

12 days romantic southern india tour from kochi(all inclusive), 15 days classical rajasthan tour with elegant taj mahal(all inclusive), prices for cultural photography tours to india.

For just this category, a wide range of terrific options in India are offered. Based on data from 67 tours, the average daily price for cultural photography tours to India is a remarkably economical $167 per day , and the overall average total price is $1,597 . The cheapest tour is $241, and the most expensive tour is $4,420. Also, previous customers have mostly enjoyed these tours because the average guest rating is 4.8 out of 5 stars. If you're looking for a cultural photography tour to India, these are some terrific options.

What are the best cultural photography tours to India?

Splendors of the north - taj, ghats & tiger , golden triangle tour 4 days from mumbai with return flights, prices for wildlife & nature photography tours to india.

Considering these specific tours, visitors will find a wide range of terrific options when choosing a tour to India. The average daily price for wildlife & nature photography tours to India is a remarkably economical $186 per day , with the overall average cost of all tours being $2,464 (based on data from 59 tours). The cheapest tour is $359, and the most expensive tour is $5,345. Also, visitors tend to love all of these tours because the average guest rating is 4.99 out of 5 stars.

What are the best wildlife & nature photography tours to India?

Karnataka & golden triangle with wildlife, central india wilderness trail: nagpur to bhopal expedition, prices for health, spa & wellness tours to india.

For this specific type of tour, in India you'll discover plenty of fantastic health, spa & wellness options. Get ready to be pleasantly surprised, as the average daily price in this category is an affordable $146 per day . Furthermore, the overall average cost of all tours stands at a reasonable $1,788 , based on data from 44 available tour options. Now, for the overall price range: the cheapest tour available comes in at a pocket-friendly $159, while the most luxurious option reaches a maximum of $3,512. What's more, visitors can rest assured that these tours are well liked, as they boast an impressive average guest rating of 4.59 out of 5 stars. So, get ready to explore India and embark on an unforgettable journey that will make the memories of a lifetime.

What are the best health, spa & wellness tours to India?

Kerala ayurveda tour, golden triangle & kerala : delhi | agra | jaipur…, prices for active tours to india.

For these tours, the array of tour options available in India is diverse. The average daily price for active tours stands at a very reasonable $102 per day . Drawing from an extensive analysis of 44 tours, we've determined that the overall average cost of all tours is a modest $1,185 . It's worth noting that among these options, the cheapest tour can be enjoyed for as little as $25 per person, while those looking to splurge a bit more can opt for the most expensive tour at $2,464. The popularity of these tours speaks volumes, with an average guest rating of 5 out of 5 stars, showcasing the satisfaction and appreciation expressed by previous customers.

What are the best active tours to India?

Cultural of rajasthan tours (14 nights / 15 days), classic north india - golden triangle with orchha, khajuraho &…, prices for tiger tours to india.

When analyzing this category of tours, a wide range of terrific options in India are offered. Based on data from 40 tours, the average daily price for tiger tours to India is a remarkably economical $154 per day , and the overall average total price is $2,055 . The cheapest tour is $350, and the most expensive tour is $9,015. Also, previous customers have mostly enjoyed these tours because the average guest rating is 4.51 out of 5 stars. If you're looking for a tiger tour to India, these are some terrific options.

What are the best tiger tours to India?

Amazing india with beach relax on heavenly andamans, india tiger photography tour.

It's possible to plan an independent trip here, but due to some of the difficulties of planning along with more challenging transportation options, it's often easier to book a tour. So, a tour in India is likely worth the cost for most travelers. It might be too hard to plan everything you want to do on your own in India, so booking a tour lets the professionals handle all of the transportation, accommodations, activities, and meals while you just sit back and relax.

Tours are sometimes cheaper than traveling independently in India depending on the tour's destinations, level of luxury, and length. Of course, every tour is different, and every independent trip is different, too. Tour providers will usually package everything together at a competitive price which is often comparable to an independent trip of the same level of luxury. The average cost of a tour in India is $134 per day, and many tours are actually well below this average. Tours in India range in price from $25 to $9,825. When comparing the costs to independent travel in India, keep in mind that most guided organized tour packages will include accommodations, transportation, knowledgeable guides, food, entrance tickets, and more. So, while it's hard to compare the differences between tours and independent travel for every single person, make sure you know what's included in a tour package before comparing the price to an independently planned trip, and also make sure that you've thoroughly researched the costs of independent travel in India as well.

Group Tours vs. Independent Travel in India

Deciding between an organized tour package and independent travel can be a difficult choice for many travelers. However, when it comes to traveling in India in 2024 or 2025, the availability of enticing deals and sales in organized tour packages cannot be overlooked. These all-inclusive packages offer excellent value for money, covering accommodations, transportation, entry tickets, food, and other essential travel essentials. Additionally, the presence of knowledgeable guides ensures a memorable and hassle-free experience, relieving you from the burden of planning every detail. Conversely, independent travel provides the advantage of greater flexibility and control over your travel plans, allowing you to adapt your itinerary and budget as per your preferences. It also offers the chance to immerse yourself in local cultures and explore off-the-beaten-path destinations that may not be included in organized tours.

What are the benefits of a package tour to India?

There are countless benefits to traveling with a tour. One of the greatest advantages is the convenience of having every detail taken care of for you. From transportation to accommodations and activities, everything is meticulously arranged, allowing you to relax and fully immerse yourself in the destination. This means you won't have to worry about finding suitable accommodations, planning your route, or potentially missing out on any must-see sights. Moreover, most tour prices are all-inclusive, providing transparency and ensuring you know the total cost of your trip in advance. Tour benefits include

• comfortable amenities
• meeting other like-minded travelers
• not having to plan
• reliable service and schedule
• fixed budget
• knowledgeable guides
• eliminating risks

What are the benefits of independent travel in India?

Freedom, control, and flexibility are the main benefits of independent travel. When you travel independently, you have the freedom to select your own lodging, visit the attractions that appeal to you, dine at your preferred times, and choose your preferred mode of transportation. Making these decisions yourself also gives you greater control over your budget, itinerary, schedule, and the level of luxury you desire while exploring new destinations. Benefits also include

• flexible schedules
• flexible budget
• in-depth cultural opportunities
• off-the-beaten-path destinations

When planning your tour to India, it is highly recommended to make your booking well in advance, preferably several months or more ahead. While some individuals secure their tours up to a year in advance, our experience suggests that reserving your spot around 6 to 9 months before the departure date is far enough. It is important to note that many tours tend to fill up quickly, and early booking ensures your place on the trip. Moreover, booking early often comes with the benefit of significant cost savings, as tour companies frequently offer early booking sales and discounted prices. On the other hand, it is worth considering that tour companies may occasionally offer last-minute discounts for tours that have not reached full capacity. However, waiting for such discounts poses the risk of not securing a spot on a fully booked tour.

Tours to India range in size from 1 to 500 people with an average group size of 15. Of course, this depends entirely on the specific tour chosen, as some are larger than others. Typically, larger tours tend to have lower prices. Also, in our experience, the quality of the tour is not usually related to the number of people on the tour.

When arranging a tour to India, it is generally recommended to allow for around 9 days, which is the average duration of most organized tour packages. The duration of tours in India can vary, spanning from 2 to 51 days, or even longer. Although longer tours may involve a higher upfront investment, their cost per day tends to decrease. Furthermore, longer tours offer the opportunity to visit a greater number of destinations at a relaxed pace, making them a more valuable option.

Where do group tours go in India?

In India, you can find a wide range of tours that explore various destinations in the country. These tours often include popular stops such as New Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Fatehpur Sikri, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Varanasi, and Delhi, allowing you to experience the diversity and richness of the area.

What tour and travel companies offer packages to India?

The most popular tour companies offering trips in India are Agora Voyages OPC Pvt Ltd , Golden Triangle India Tours , UncleSam Holidays , Amazing India Tours , and YatraExotic . While some are large international operators, others are smaller and only operate in the country or in local areas. Larger companies often have solid reputations, provide consistent service, and rarely cancel trips. Smaller companies can also provide excellent service while also giving you a local perspective and in-depth knowledge of the destinations. All of these companies have positive reviews from previous guests, too.

What is the best tour company offering trips to India?

India's top-rated tour provider is Edshil Tours . Their exceptional service and popular itineraries have garnered a multitude of glowing reviews from delighted past participants.

More Information

See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to India , The Best Wildlife Tours to India , The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in India , The Best Historical Tours in India , The Best 10-Day Tours in India , The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in India , The Best 3-Day Tours in India , The Best 2-Week Tours in India , The Best 3-Week Tours in India , The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in India , The Best Extended Trip Tours in India, One Month or Longer , The Best Bicycle Tours in India , Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in India , The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in India , The Best Adventure Tours to India , The Best Eco Tours in India , The Best Train & Rail Tours in India , The Best Art History, Museums, and Cultural Tours Tours in India , The Best Sightseeing Tours in India , The Best Cultural Tours in India , The Best Food and Culinary Tours in India , The Best Music Tours in India , The Tours for Animal Lovers in India , The Best Volunteering Tours in India , The Best Photography Tours in India , The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in India , The Best Safaris in India , The Best Budget Safaris in India , The Best Religious Tours in India , The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in India , The Best Holi Festival Tours in India , The Best Honeymoon Tours in India , The Best Tours Under $1000 in India , The Best Luxury Tours to India , The Best Budget Tours to India , The Best Tours for Seniors to India , or The Best G Adventures Tours to India for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.

Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from New Delhi , The Best 3-Day Tours from Bangalore , The Best 3-Day Tours from Delhi , The Best 3-Day Tours from Mumbai , The Best 3-Day Tours from Hyderabad , The Best 3-Day Tours from Chennai (Madras) , The Best 3-Day Tours from Pune , The Best 3-Day Tours from Varanasi , The Best 3-Day Tours from Kochi (Cochin) , The Best 3-Day Tours from Goa , The Best 3-Day Tours from Jaipur , The Best 3-Day Tours from Dehradun , The Best 3-Day Tours from Bhubaneswar , The Best 3-Day Tours from Kolkata (Calcutta) , The Best 3-Day Tours from Ahmedabad , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New Delhi , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Kochi (Cochin) , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Delhi , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Leh , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Mumbai , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bagdogra , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Jaipur , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Kolkata (Calcutta) , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Chennai (Madras) , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Srinagar , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ahmedabad , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Nagpur , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Hubballi , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Chandigarh , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangalore , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Udaipur , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Hyderabad , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Kozhikode , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Port Blair , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Goa , The Best 10-Day Tours from New Delhi , The Best 10-Day Tours from Mumbai , The Best 10-Day Tours from Kochi (Cochin) , The Best 10-Day Tours from Delhi , The Best 10-Day Tours from Kolkata (Calcutta) , The Best 10-Day Tours from Chennai (Madras) , The Best 10-Day Tours from Bangalore , The Best 2-Week Tours from New Delhi , The Best 2-Week Tours from Delhi , The Best 2-Week Tours from Mumbai , The Best 2-Week Tours from Chennai (Madras) , The Best 2-Week Tours from Bangalore , The Best 2-Week Tours from Kochi (Cochin) , or The Best 2-Week Tours from Kolkata (Calcutta) for more package tour options.

And for more information on India, see India Travel Costs and India Hotel Costs .

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“Solo in Agra” I had a driver Mr Gurmeet and tour guide Mr Sameer and they were both great. Mr Gurmeet was lovely! He made sure there was always a water bottle for me in the car and he also had a bowl of sweets, hand wipes, tissues.. so considerate of my comfort. Mr Sameer was very knowledgeable and gave me great insight into the places that we visited. Definitely, recommend 🙂 Vicki – New Zealand Agra: Full-Day City Tour with Taj Mahal Read More Testimonials

“Pretty good tour guide” Very nice tour guide and very informative. Also totally responsible for our schedule. Cornelius – Malaysia Agra: Full-Day City Tour with Taj Mahal Read More Testimonials

“A great day in Agra” It was a very informative and comfortable tour to The Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and The Baby Taj. Was very well planned by the local tour guide and we were always in time but never in a hurry. Our guide was very experienced and told many new things about all the monuments, history of the city etc. We were always given extra time for clicking pics and enjoying our time at the monuments. Lunch was in a good restaurant and we enjoyed it. Overall a great activity. Prasad – India Agra: Full-Day City Tour with Taj Mahal Read More Testimonials

“Super organisierte Tour, mit netten Fahrer und Guides!!!” Translation - "Super organized tour, with nice drivers and guides !!!" Okan – Unterfoehring, Germany Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur: 4-Day Golden Triangle Tour Read More Testimonials

“Prompt and well customisable service.” We where picked up from our hotel promptly as promised, then driven to see Taj Mahal at the sunrise. Afterwards we where able to customise our plans for rest of the day. Service where courteous and very informative. Juha – United Kingdom Agra: Full-Day City Tour with Taj Mahal Read More Testimonials

“Perfect day” The program was ideal: sunrise at the taj - breakfast at the hotel - Agra fort - baby taj - rest at the hotel - sunset: the taj seen from a pontoon (excellent suggestion from the guide). The guide (Sameer, of Kaiser Holidays) was very good, explained well, but without overdoing it. I can recommend him to anybody visiting Agra. And Kaimur Holidays organized everything without a singe glitch. Mark – Switzerland Agra: Full-Day City Tour with Taj Mahal Read More Testimonials

“Very well organised” Great day out, worth a visit to the Taj Mahal at least once in a lifetime Richard – United Kingdom Day Trip to Agra from Delhi: Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Read More Testimonials

“Incredible and fantastic” Booked my trip with ultra short notice, which was no problem. The driver, Raquesh (?), turned up pn time at 06:00 a.m. to collect me from my hotel in Delhi. His English was limited, although we could communicate. He was a great driver. The car was airconditioned. Upon arrival Nazeem (?) welcomed us. Saw the awesome Taj Mahal and "baby Taj Mahal" as well as Agra Fort. All of this just incredible. Thereafter we went to a marble shop, not a souvenir shop, as you would probably expect. This was a marble / precious stone very small workshop, where they produced the beautiful marble pieces covered with precious stones. Items were fantastic and for some maybe a bit expensive. A large item weighting more than 50 kg, was sold at USD 27000. I bought a mug with 819 extremely tiny precious stones (29 different stones and colours), all meticulously input into the carvings on the mug by hand. I paid several hundred USD for this fantastic mug. The return trip to Delhi went smoothly. An IndiaByLocals Customer – United States Day Trip to Agra from Delhi: Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Read More Testimonials

“THIS TOUR WAS AN INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE!” Our guides were so informative, all very smart with masters degrees in Indian History and English. Our driver, Puri was so kind and efficient and catered to our needs 100%. The guides and driver got us to and from every location promptly. We got to see every sight we planned on seeing and more. We felt very safe and were treated like royalty. This tour is unique because every thing is customizable. We were able to plan out exactly what we wanted to do each day, where we wanted to stay, where we wanted to have meals, etc. and the company followed suit. Our driver and guides quickly transformed from strangers to family. We had a nice dinner with our guide Shan Ali and our driver Puri in Agra where we learned about indian culture and foods, which you don't get in a normal superficial golden triangle tour. It was more intimate and friendly, rather than guided and stiff. I highly recommend this tour for anyone looking for a bang for their buck. We are so thankful for this opportunity! 🙂 Kyle – Atlantic Beach, United States Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur: 4-Day Golden Triangle Tour Read More Testimonials

“Ashok and Shanu get all the credit!” First of all, it was so great to get a phone call reminder and a text confirmation with the driver information the day before. Equally was my amazing driver Ashok being right on time. He did an incredible job on our journey, sharing stories of India, historical spots and more. As soon as we got to Agra, we met Shanu who was an exceptional guide. He is knowledgable, easy going and great to share the experience with. he indulged me with a few selfies, too. Recommend to anyone if you're in the area and will cross my fingers that you get as lucky as I did with Ashok and Shanu. Leslie – Pittsburgh, United States Day Trip to Agra from Delhi: Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Read More Testimonials

“Muy bueno el servicio, destacables el profesionalismo” Muy bueno Translation - "Very good service, outstanding professionalism" very good ROGER – Argentina Day Trip to Agra from Delhi: Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Read More Testimonials

“Taj mahal spettacolare” Mi è venuto a prendere in hotel puntualissimo con una bella auto Buona guida non spericolata con acqua a disposizione in auto viaggio comodo ad agra ad attenderci una guida molto preparata e brava ho pagato 1000 reale direttamente a lui per vedere il taj mahal ci sarei stata un giorno intero a guardarlo eccezionale da vedere assolutamente Translation -  "Spectacular Taj mahal" picked up at the hotel punctually with a nice car Good guide not reckless with water available in the car travel convenient to agra to expect a very prepared and good guide I paid 1000 real directly to him to see the taj mahal I would have been a whole day to watch it exceptional to see absolutely Angelita – Roma, Italy Day Trip to Agra from Delhi: Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Read More Testimonials

“really good” The ride from Delhi was gone, good driver, good car. Our guide in Agra,was excellent, Asia He took care of all that was needed, especially for my disability. His information about the Taj Mahal was clear and accurate. His English was fine. I had to cut the trip short because of illness, and he even arranged a,special ride to my next destination Donald – Tucson Arizona, United States Day Trip to Agra from Delhi: Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Read More Testimonials

“The most amazing building ever seen” Take your time, walk around, a seat on the garden benches, and imagine the entire history of this place. It is the love story of all times, converted into architecture Santiago – United States Agra: Full-Day City Tour with Taj Mahal Read More Testimonials

“Very good service” Very good service. Very good driver (Gurmeet) he tooks care me very well And drive carefully. They could manage quickly And well And try to give satisfaction at your every wish or point of interest. Me for exemple I like gem so I could buy And all are true one that mean you can be confident. Thanks to the guide in agra (Asif) in jaipur and sikri. Only one thing maybe to add to you program the visit of temple of the most important religions of your country. Laurent – France Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur: 4-Day Golden Triangle Tour Read More Testimonials

“Excellent” Our guide Juti and driver picked us up on time for sunrise at the Taj. Juti was very informative and helpful and our driver drove very well. The two worked well as a team in ensuring that we were never kept waiting. We wouldn’t hesitate to use them again. An IndiaByLocals Customer – Canada Agra: Full-Day City Tour with Taj Mahal Read More Testimonials

“A wonderful way to see and experience 2 beautiful cities in 3 days!” I recently came back from my trip with Kaimur Holidays, and I was so impressed by their efficient service and generous attitude. I felt well taken care of and the company was easily accessible via Whatsapp so I didn't have to worry. I really got to experience the life and culture of India during those few days, and the boat ride at sunrise on the Ganges River in Varanasi was breathtaking. My long time dream of seeing the Taj Mahal has finally been fulfilled, and it was a blessing to have an English speaking guide tell us about the story behind Agra Fort, Baby Taj, and Taj Mahal. The restaurants they took us to had good and clean Indian food, many other tourists could be seen there as well. The overnight train ride was an unforgettable experience, with air conditioning and pull out loft beds to sleep on while enjoying the Indian scenery. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience with the personal customer care I received, and felt thankful for their flexibility. I recommend others to try! An IndiaByLocals Customer – Hong Kong Agra and Varanasi Private 3-day Tour: Taj Mahal & Ganga Read More Testimonials

“Amazing!!!!!!!!!!!” We Had an amazing day with our tour guide and he was super easygoing. When we changed our minds and didn’t wanna do one activity he had no problem of changing the plans, he basically took us wherever we wanted and got to see a super nice fabric and jewelry store and also a nice dinner and when we wanted a break they dropped us at the hostel and picked us up later. I would deffo reccommend this since it’s so chilled and they go by what you want to do! And the Taj Mahal experience is so much better with a guide because you don’t get any history otherwise. And Agra can be a bit shit to get around but we were driven in a nice car with AC and that was appreciated , we even got water from our guide. He’s was an awesome guy! We booked for 2 but had a friend wanting to join and there was no problem. The “authentic Indian breakfast” was super nice... spicy and real!! Would never have gone there if it wasn’t for this tour. Cheers from Kristin, sweden Kristin – Sweden Agra: Full-Day City Tour with Taj Mahal Read More Testimonials

Excellent tour! Fun and experienced guides. Thank you for a great day. Maria – United States Day Trip to Agra from Delhi: Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Read More Testimonials

“I would recommend to a friend.” I enjoyed my guide. He did not talk too much, nor too little. And he had good information to share. My driver was also good as well. In addition, he knew good locations to take photos from. Charles – United States Agra: Full-Day City Tour with Taj Mahal Read More Testimonials

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22 things you need to know before visiting India

Dec 15, 2023 • 14 min read

India is a feast for the senses and we've got everything you need to know before you visit © Andrii Lutsyk / Ascent Xmedia / Getty Images

India is a place that overwhelms your senses in the best possible way – nowhere else delivers quite the same barrage of sights, sounds and sensations as this continent-sized country at the heart of Asia.

It would take a lifetime to see all of India , let alone understand every nuance and facet of this nation of 1.4 billion inhabitants. But with a little preparation, you can learn to navigate the richness of this country, from its snow-capped peaks and velvety beaches to its historic temples and luxuriant palaces.

We've collated the top things you need to know about visiting India, but the journey begins before you leave home. Apply for your Indian visa online for a smooth arrival on the subcontinent. Read on for 22 more insider tips that will help make your vacation unforgettable.

1. Plan your trip around the seasons

India has a reputation for being hot and humid, but with beaches, mountains, hills, coastlines and plains all jammed into a relatively small geographical area, the climate is quite diverse. The southwest monsoon brings rainy weather to most of the country from June to September, but this is the best time of year to visit the high-altitude deserts of Ladakh , although depending on the route you take, you risk encountering landslides and floods.

In the far south, there’s also a milder rainy season from October to December. The ideal weather window for travel is from October to May, though temperatures and humidity climb to agonizing levels from March onwards in the run-up to the monsoon. If you find yourself in India in the spring, head to the Himalayan foothills for milder temperatures and good trekking conditions.

2. Get your jabs before you travel

There is no official requirement for vaccinations to enter India (although yellow fever vaccination is needed if you are traveling from a country where the disease is endemic).

That said, it is important that you contact a health professional at least eight weeks before you travel to ensure your jabs are up to date. Vaccinations for diphtheria and tetanus, hepatitis A and B, polio and typhoid are usually recommended, on top of childhood vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella.

Vaccinations worth considering for longer trips include Japanese B encephalitis, meningitis and rabies. Monkeys, dogs and cats can all carry the rabies parasite, and infection is fatal if untreated.

3. Take malaria precautions

Depending on where in India you are traveling to, you may want to speak to your healthcare provider about taking a course of anti-malarial tablets. For instance, northeastern and eastern parts of India, as well as the city of Mangalore, have a higher malaria risk.

Always take precautions to avoid mosquito bites – this will also help you avoid dengue fever, a viral infection that is transmitted by mosquitoes to humans. Sleeping under a mosquito net, wearing long sleeves and trousers in light colors, and using a repellent and/or a plug-in mosquito killer with a high concentration of DEET (diethyltoluamide) is advisable.

4. Get insured

Travel insurance is essential for India. Depending on where you travel to, you may find public hospitals are poorly equipped. Additionally, most private clinics and hospitals require payment ahead of treatment. Make sure you are covered for emergency evacuation and also for any adventure activities you plan to get involved in.

If you’re unlucky enough to be a victim of crime, contact the local police station or dial 100 or 112, the national emergency number. You’ll need to get the police to file a report (a “FIR" – First Information Report) to make a claim on your travel insurance.

5. Book ahead for busy times and festivals

India can get very busy from November to February, so affordable accommodation is usually swamped in peak season. It’s a good idea to book ahead, either directly with the venues or via booking aggregator sites such as Agoda and MakeMyTrip .

Also, book train tickets in advance where possible , particularly for popular routes. Tickets can be booked (with a fair amount of hassle) via the government booking site IRCTC or more easily through local booking sites such as 12Go or Cleartrip .

6. Plan your comms before you travel

Many things in India (including train bookings or ordering food online) get easier if you have a local SIM card. Bring an unlocked phone from home (or pick one up locally) and get a phone shop to sign you up for a local pay-as-you-go SIM package on arrival. You’ll need to bring passport photos and photocopies of your passport ID pages to complete the application.

7. Check your lunar calendars

While India officially follows the Gregorian calendar, the major festivals for Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Islam and several other religions follow lunar calendars and fall on different dates from year to year. Always check festival dates before you book your trip (bearing in mind these dates are subject to change); the Indian government maintains a useful online list of public holidays .

8. Learn local etiquette

English is the  lingua franca in most metropolitan areas in India, and you’ll get away with polite hellos, goodbyes and thank yous in smaller towns too. However, if you’re traveling in northern India, you can say "namaste" (I bow to you) with your hands together in a prayer-like gesture in front of your chest. Similarly, when meeting Muslims in north India, you can say "salaam alaikum" (peace be with you) – the correct response is "alaikum salaam." Most of the time, it’s the effort that’s welcomed over pronunciation, so don’t be shy!

Shaking hands is a standard business greeting between men, but outside metropolitan regions, men and women rarely shake. Only ever use your right hand. The same rule applies when passing things to people – including money.

If you get invited to someone’s home, bring a small gift (flowers or sweets are always a safe bet) and remove your shoes before entering. It’s polite to eat and drink what you are offered, even if you don’t really fancy it.

9. Dress modestly

Depending on where in India you are, modesty is taken seriously – especially for women. Travelers of any gender will have an easier time if they wear loose-fitting clothing that covers their legs and arms. Swimwear is only appropriate for the beach – although it is not uncommon to see locals swim fully clothed. To fit in, consider investing in a kurta pyjama (a traditional garment resembling a long shirt and loose trousers for men) or a salwar kameez (a long shirt, loose trousers and scarf for women).

10. What to eat and how to eat it

Many religions in India have their own dietary rules. Muslims avoid pork, many Hindus avoid beef, and some Hindus and Buddhists are vegetarian or vegan. Many Jains are vegetarians who avoid some vegetables (most notably onions, garlic and potatoes) and who try to avoid causing harm to all living creatures. These rules mean vegan and vegetarian food is often easy to find in India.

Eating with your hands is the norm in many restaurants, particularly in parts of southern India. Take your cue from other patrons in the restaurant, and remember to eat with your right hand. Mix rice and curry into balls with your fingers and push it into your mouth with your thumb. Some thalis (plate meals consisting of multiple dishes served in tandem) are served not on a plate but on a washed and flash-heated banana leaf.

11. Haggling is not a game of life and death

Haggling for a fair price when buying things – in street stalls and open-air markets – is a way of life in India. Although it can sometimes be a frustrating experience, losing your temper is extremely bad form – if you can’t agree on a price with the vendor that you are both happy with, politely decline and shop somewhere else.

The rules of the game are as follows. The vendor will quote you a price that is more than the item is worth, then you’ll come back with a counter-offer, working up from there until you reach a mutually agreeable figure.

The “walking away” trick may bring a few last-minute adjustments, but before long, you’ll reach a threshold that the vendor won’t go below. Throwing in extra items may bring a discount on the overall cost. Many travelers prefer not to haggle in places where the money goes directly to artisans.

12. Respect etiquette at religious sites

Religion is taken very seriously in India, so it pays to know the rules and expectations for visits to temples, mosques, monasteries, gurdwaras (Sikh shrines), synagogues and churches. Always check if you are allowed to enter – some temples and mosques are closed to people who don’t follow the faith. Mosques may also be closed to visitors during prayers or on Fridays.

If asked to do so, remove your shoes before entering any religious building, and be prepared to cover your head with a scarf or shawl. Generally, always cover your legs and arms (a sarong can be handy as an emergency cover-all). Some temples also ban leather goods, and many religious sites do not allow photography.

Avoid pointing the soles of your feet towards a person or deity – this is considered disrespectful. The same goes for touching any person or effigy on the head. It is conventional to walk around Buddhist and Hindu shrines in a clockwise direction, in a ceremonial circuit known as a parikrama .

Making an offering or leaving a donation is often expected – locals always offer something, but be wary of people waving receipts showing huge donations. Giving something is appropriate, but don’t feel pressured into leaving large sums.

13. Giving alms is common but up to you

The giving of alms has a long history in India, and foreigners can expect to be approached regularly with requests for money. Whether you give or not is a personal choice, but many Indians give on a daily basis, particularly when visiting temples and mosques. Be aware that some requests for money will be scams, and you may be able to do more good by giving your time or cash to charity or aid organizations you’ve taken time to research, rather than handing out cash.

14. Respect local social attitudes

India has complex social rules about respect for elders. Depending on where you are traveling to, older people are often greeted with the honorific “auntie” or “uncle,” and the ending ji may also be added to someone’s name as a sign of respect.

Outside bigger cities, India can be quite conservative when it comes to interactions between unmarried men and women. Also, most parts of India are conservative when it comes to same-sex relationships. Whatever your sexuality, it’s best to avoid public displays of affection.

15. Street harassment is unfortunately common

Although harassment can happen anywhere, parts of India are constantly in the news owing to a lack of women’s safety. Beyond long, unwelcome stares and persistent attempts to start a conversation, more serious assaults are also a risk. Groping is common in crowds (particularly during festivals).

Exercise caution like you would anywhere else, and remain alert. Never get into a taxi or auto rickshaw containing anyone other than the driver, and avoid walking alone in quiet areas, particularly at night. Decline offers of food or drinks from strangers.

If traveling by public transport as a woman, it's best to seek out train carriages and designated seating reserved for women. Wearing a wedding ring (even if not married) and using dark sunglasses and headphones can buy you some privacy on public transport. If you are being hassled, drawing loud attention to the intrusion may encourage others to come to your aid.

16. Keep track of security situations in India

India has seen deadly attacks by separatist and Marxist groups and Kashmiri insurgents. Monitor the local news and be alert for suspicious behavior, particularly around major tourist sites. Always check the security situation before traveling to Srinagar and the Kashmir Valley in case of flare-ups of unrest. Strikes, demonstrations and protests are also best avoided, as violence is a risk. It goes without saying but in the event of trouble, obey local curfews and stay inside – your hotel is probably the safest place to be.

17. Take the altitude seriously when hiking

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a risk when traveling above 2500m (8202ft), which covers most of the Indian Himalayas . AMS can be fatal, so always ascend slowly and take rest days to allow your body to acclimate to significant elevation changes. If you begin to feel ill while hiking in the mountains, stop, and if your symptoms don’t improve, descend immediately.

18. Familiarize yourself with local rules and regulations

India has a few laws and regulations that visitors might be unfamiliar with. For instance, taking photographs of bridges, the periphery of military camps and border crossings – or flying drones over them – is considered a serious security issue.

When traveling by plane internally in India, you may be asked to surrender batteries from devices in your cabin bags. Smoking is banned in most public places, and a few states also have bans on the consumption of beef – killing or injuring a cow in a road accident, even accidentally, can lead to violent reprisals.

To avoid sticky situations, take the time to research where you’re going, and talk to staff at your hotel or hostel or your B&B host for advice on things to be aware of.

19. Steer clear of drugs

India may have a reputation amongst travelers as a place to push boundaries, but its drug laws are strict. Possessing even small amounts of drugs for personal use can lead to a prison sentence.

Some religious groups are permitted to consume marijuana for ceremonial purposes, but that often doesn’t extend to tourists. You can, however, find bhaang – a marijuana mixture made with the leaves (rather than the bud) of the cannabis plant – at government-approved bhaang shops.

20. Avoid the tap water

The tap water in India is not potable. Drinking or brushing your teeth with it can be a fast track to stomach troubles – the most common illness tourists experience in India. Stick to purified or bottled water (or even better, purify your own to avoid contributing to India’s plastic waste mountain).

The water rule extends to ice (be wary of ice in drinks and ice cream) and to uncooked foods, particularly salads and dishes such as coriander chutneys, which may have been washed with contaminated water. When eating fruit, stick to things you can peel or wash thoroughly yourself, and be cautious of freshly prepared juices. Hot drinks are generally fine, so drink your fill of chai (milky tea, often spiced and sweet).

21. Watch local news to keep track of natural disasters

Some geographical areas in India are prone to natural disasters, and the risk is higher in certain seasons. Hilly areas of Himachal Pradesh, for instance, often see flash flooding and landslides during the monsoon. Be alert to signs of natural disasters and keep an eye on the local news so you know which areas to avoid. Follow the Indian Meteorological Department’s website as well as their social media handle for timely updates.

If you are caught up in a natural disaster, follow the advice of emergency workers and try to leave the area quickly.

22. Spot the scams

India has a reputation for scams designed to separate tourists from their money, and touts and confidence tricksters can often be found where tourists gather. Get tourist information and make bookings at official offices, rather than “tourist offices” you have been led to by people offering unsolicited help.

If anyone steers you to a hotel, shop or other establishment without you asking, they may be angling for a commission, which will be added to the price you pay. Be dubious of claims that the place you want to go is “closed” – always check yourself to be sure.

Exercise common sense and be wary of deals that sound too good to be true – for example, the gem scam, where travelers are tricked into buying worthless gems to “sell at a profit back home.”

This article was first published March 2022 and updated December 2023

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Ultimate Guide for Planning your First Trip to India | Popular Itineraries & Costs

India for Beginners: Planning your first trip to India?

When planning a trip to India it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with a vast and diverse country like India. Many travelers don’t know where to begin their research or know where to go. This  India for beginners guide breaks down  India trip planning, my top 5 fave trip routes in India and costs and prices in India.

I’ve had a love affair with India for over a decade. It started with my interest in yoga and spirituality  and the fact I got my yoga teacher training certification in India . From there I got bitten by the Bollywood film bug. All of these interests, inspired me to travel India and delve deeper into understanding its food, religions and cultures.

This post contains affiliate links. I never leave home without travel insurance- I use World Nomads  but here’s a  trip insurance finder tool   to find a plan that matches your budget. Read more about  coverage options for U.S. travelers.

Table of Contents: Ultimate Guide for Planning your First Trip to India | Popular Itineraries & Costs

• 1.1 Popular India Routes & Itineraries
• 1.2.1 1.  The Golden Triangle
• 1.2.2 2.  Experiencing Rajasthan’s deserts and Raj royalty
• 1.2.3 3: Find your inner hippie in Goa
• 1.2.4 4:  Chill out in South India: Explore Kerala’s beaches and rivers
• 1.2.5 5.  Explore North India’s hill stations
• 1.2.6 6.  Experience diverse ethnic cultures in East India
• 2.0.1 7. Spiritual & Yoga Retreats in India
• 2.0.2 8. Popular Indian Festivals for Travelers
• 2.0.3 9. Unique city attractions
• 3 Recommended websites for India trip planning
• 4 Tips for Backpacking in India
• 5 How much does it cost to travel India ?
• 6 Popular Scams in India
• 7 What to Wear in India
• 8 Best Bollywood Films to Watch to Inspire your India Wanderlust
• 9 Recommended Essentials for India (Shop)
• 10.1 Travel Tips for Female Solo Travelers to India
• 11 Trip planning for India ? Start here.

Planning your First Trip to India

The first question on the forefront of everyone’s mind when planning your first trip to India is W here to go?    India is a large country of diverse culture and landscape. Just opening your India travel guidebook can feel overwhelming. The real question is where to start? 

In trip planning for India, there are two things I recommend travelers to look at:

1) Popular trip itinerary routes taken by other travelers

2) Travel themes: personal goals and interests .

Popular India Routes & Itineraries

When planning my India trip itinerary, I map out a route that is convenient for efficient travel.  Distances you will travel in India, from city to city can take anywhere from two hours to a day. Looking at a map and thinking hopping from Delhi to Udaipur can be misleading. Many travelers make the first mistake of thinking a city to city commute can be done quickly such that you can tackle an itinerary that takes in a city per day.  A newbie to India will forget to factor in travel time.

So rather than jumping around in locations, it’s best start by mapping travel routes in a connect the dot line or by tackling India by regions.

Top 5 routes that travelers take in India.

This is merely a starting point for your trip planning. Also check out Planning a Trip to India: Things you Should Know

1.  The Golden Triangle

Popular cities:  Delhi , Agra , Jaipur

Traveling India,  the most popular tourist route of first time travelers to India, is the Golden Triangle. My first trip to India, I did this route.

The Golden Triangle creates a triangle, hitting the highlight jewels of iconic India, such as the the famed Taj Mahal, Jaipur , a home of Rajput palaces. Of course, Delhi, being the capital of India, makes a great start and ending point for this journey and it has historical landmarks, markets, temples and shopping.

The Golden Triangle can be traveled in a week, giving each city a minimum of 2-3 days. It’s a super speedy time frame but doable and will leave time open for other nearby cities. Delhi is only a few hours from Agra; while Agra is four to six hours from Jaipur. Travel time to either cities is less than a day. But it’s still a considerable chunk of a day. Leaving early in the morning, you can get there by afternoon. The best time to visit the Golden Triangle  is February and March , October and November .

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2.   Experiencing Rajasthan’s deserts and Raj royalty

Popular Cities : Jaipur, Pushkur , Udaipur, Bikaner , Jaisalmer, Jodhpur

The Rajasthan route is the second favorite tourist route. Rajasthan is known for its Mughal history, Rajput royalty and the Golden Age of Maharajas, and it’s desert-like terrain. Be on the lookout for elephants and camels and brightly colored saris dotting this region!

On my first trip to India, I combined the Golden Triangle route with a Rajasthan focused route: Jaipur- Bikaner- Jaisalmer- and just eclipsing the blue city of Jodphur . I threw in Varanasi at the end of my trip too. This entire route took me around two weeks.  On my third trip to India, I circled around back to Rajasthan to experience Pushkar and the Pushkar Camel Fair .  

3: Find your inner hippie in Goa

Popular cities: Mumbai, Goa , (Karnataka Region) Hampi , Gokarna ,

There are many popular destinations in India and Mumbai (or Bombay) is yet another. The Bollywood capital of India draws movie star hopefuls, but feels a little technologically behind compared to Delhi; it still has not acquired a metro system.  This was the start of my second trip to India– a three month route. Surprisingly, Mumbai didn’t hit my favorite Indian city list as I hoped. I never got to see Bollywood stars   or a Bollywood film being shot !

A favorite route for travelers is to come into Mumbai and travel down to  Goa,  for its beaches and rave scene. Continuing south, you’ll hit the Karnataka region and smaller, slightly rural towns like Gokarna (beaches) and Hampi (a town of UNESCO ruins). This region was a little hotter, and at times it felt more arid.

Read Indian buses: Is it safe for female solo travelers?

4:  Chill out in South India: Explore Kerala’s beaches and rivers

Popular cities and travel guides:    Alleypey and Kumarakom travel guide  , Fort Cochin,  Varkala Beach,  Trivandrum, Kanyakumari travel guide ,  Madurai travel guide.

Southern India heralds the Kerala region. Known as “God’s Land”, you can understand why -the region is lush, with lots of backwaters, rivers and river boat or houseboat tours. The state is a little more affluent than other states in India, streets are well-maintained and there’s many universities in the area.  Book a houseboat tour in Alleypey  or take a three-hour public boat tour of the backwaters where you’ll see fisherman laying nets.  Fort Cochin is a town with colonial architecture and is home to giant fishing nets and a fishing trade.  For those interested in spirituality, the most well-known ashram of the south is the home of Amma , “the hugging saint”. It is also a place where I had my first Sivananda yoga ashram experience (in Trivandrum ).

Temple architecture changes around the Southeastern regions, as in Tamil Nadu cities, like  Madurai , where you’ll find the arts are of high focus. Temples can be brightly colorful, and/or a little more illustrative. Southern food and culture also changes, as fish can enter the menu and you might find your dosa or thali served on a banana leaf. Local Indians, raised with Hindi and English might hit language barriers with Tamil.

Plan your South India trip itinerary today

5.  explore north india’s hill stations.

India Travel Guides: Ladakh , Amritsar ,  Dharamsala , Sikkim, Rishikesh, Darjeeling , Varanasi

The northern areas generally feels the pull of influences from neighboring countries like Nepal , Bhutan, Tibet . The ethnography changes a bit as can the food, culture, language and landscape. In Northern India, I wanted to take my yoga teacher certification program in a place I felt might connect me with a beautifully serene, mountainous environment, where I might learn the meaning behind an eagle pose while looking out and see soaring eagles — that was Dharamsala , the home of the Dalai Lama.  Additionally, yogic travelers like to get their spirituality on in Rishikesh , a cleaner and more peaceful alternative to Varanasi .  Amritsar is a Punjabi region, where you’ll find Sikhism, the Golden Temple and the Wagah Border .

Further up north there’s Ladakh and Leh , a surreal mix of desert and ice landscape; for me it was heaven on earth.

6.  Experience diverse ethnic cultures in East India

Odissha, Orissa, Kolkata , Darjeeling , Gangtok, Sikkim

I haven’t touched much on East India, because I haven’t traveled much of it. In Northeastern India (West Bengal and higher) the landscape and temples change distinctly again as you head up to Darjeeling and Sikkim , where you’ll encounter a mixture of Tibetan Buddhism and momos.

Pursuing your passions in India

What draws you to India?  You can design your itinerary according to the aspect of India you are most attracted to.  Theme interests can range from culture, spirituality ( Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, etc…), temple architecture, Ayurvedic interests, yoga/meditation, food, etc… You can be an expert traveler of India or maybe your knowledge consists of a photo you’ve seen in a guidebook or blog. Either way, you can paint your itinerary with the mystery and exoticism of India dreams.

7. Spiritual & Yoga Retreats in India

If you’re interested in spirituality, seeking out ashrams, meditation centers and temples. I once backpacked through India for three months, exploring yoga ashram and living in Dharamsala for a month, while  getting my yoga teacher training certification .

Note: A lot of yoga enthusiasts love to come to India because they think of the yogic experience.   Yoga is practiced differently in India  than the way it’s practice in the US, so this may be an enlightening experience for you.

8. Popular Indian Festivals for Travelers

Maybe you want to focus on festivals because India celebrates festivals in a grand way,.. very colorful and big. What a lot of people don’t know is that some cities celebrate certain festivals in a larger way that others do.  Diwali  is strong celebrated in Varanasi , the city of Light; whereas,  Durga Puja is celebrated big-time in Kolkata . In Kolkata, Durga Puja artists bring the festival to life through their craft, so there are many  puja tours around town, celebrating highly decorated Durga pandals (aka temporary structures).

Note: Holi Festival is a world re-known Indian festival, celebrated with the throwing of colored dye powder. It is a festival that has attracted the attention of foreign travelers. However, it is advised that women avoid attending Holi in public festivities. A majority of Indians and authorities will advise travelers against the festival. Holi can attract a lot of drunken, rowdy men and there have been a high number of cases of women being groped in inappropriate places. I celebrated Holi in the safety of an ashram. These days, some hotels and homes will have their own Holi festival to keep the celebrations safe.

Join my Diwali Group Adventure for Solo Travelers! Sign up to my Adventure group newsletter for the latest India group trip and discounts.

9. Unique city attractions

There are cities in India which have unique attractions, which are eye-catching and distinctly characteristic of a city or region. Some examples are the fishing nets in Cochin, the Wagah Border Ceremony (a face-off between India and Pakistan), or  Pushkar Camel Fair in Pushkar .

Recommended websites for India trip planning

I also like to look at travel blogs for more in-depth information. My favorite India Travel forum is IndiaMike.com – it’s a great resource with an active Indian community around trip planning. You’ll get locals answering your questions.

Facebook groups : There’s travel groups and communities on Facebook or India travel Facebook groups.

Booking.com and Agoda are the booking sites I visit for hotels. I always check reviews before booking anything online. In the past, hotel websites proved too unreliable as photos were not always accurate. These days, everything is aired in a customer review. Booking.com is my favorite of the two as you can cancel your booking without a fee; additionally, I use this to book my hotel for my India visa application .

Read Transportation tips for getting around in India

Tips for backpacking in india.

Yes, it is very possible to wing your trip to India and it’s something I’ve come to enjoy.

Long-term backpackers often like to wait until they arrive in India to see what’s available in resources. However, if you’re going to be researching your trip while you’re traveling, you’re going to be losing a lot of valuable time to the Internet. So here’s some travel hacks I use:

• Indian travel agents are knowledgeable in helping you plan and schedule  onward travel and tours  .Commission are little and they know the transportation timetables, so what will take you days to hours in research, will be diced down to a few minutes for them.

• Hostel chains are beginning to pop up in India.

• Look into day tours, where you can get more insightful cultural information. This is key to unlocking India’s mysteries and your confidence in traveling.
• Travel insurance is always advised in the case there are any medical or travel emergencies. You can use this Travel insurance master tool to find the best plans for your budget.

How much does it cost to travel India ?

I know people always ask how much does it cost? It depends upon the type of vacation you’re taking. There are vacation travelers, who travel anywhere from two days to two weeks.

Vacationers don’t mind splurging for a good experience, to feel safe and often, they will pay a little more for convenience, comfort and some luxuries to see a lovelier side of India that is less stressful. If you are a long-term traveler , nomadic or a round-the-world trip traveler, you’re going to want to watch your budget a little more. When I was traveling India this last trip, I was unemployed, traveling for several months and also adding on other countries, flights and visas. I needed my dollar to streeeeetch.

My DIY average was anywhere from $20-$50/ day. The guesthouses I stayed at were a little lackluster and basic; often, you have to be more flexible with guesthouses. They can occasionally, lack hot water or you’re always questioning cleanliness, a little . I got around mostly on foot, public transportation and the cheapest version, government bus (it’s a tin can on wheels) but reliable. One to two meals a day or sometimes, street food snacks. No guides or tours. Minimal shopping.

My Guest house or budget hotels: approximately $14 or $40 a night Read: Tips for Finding Budget Accomodations India

Mid range to boutique/heritage hotel:   $35-$150/day.  Hotels often have tax or tariff based on state.

Boutique/Luxury/Heritage hotel: $100+ Luxury hotels have a luxury tax.

Street food : Rs.10-Rs.60  (that’s literally under a dollar)

Restaurant meal: around Rs.150-500 a dish ($2 to $6)

Intercity travel (via taxi, autorickshaw or rickshaw): Around Rs.100-200 range  It’s priced according to distance. If you’re a foreigner, taxi drivers will start at 100Rs.

      Rideshare : $2-$6 average

Going to the Airport: Rs.150+ ($2.50)

Domestic Flights : around $60 and up. Usually under $200. But if you’re traveling during festival season, then expect those prices to inflate.

Trains: $12-$45 2AC, 3AC

Popular Scams in India

What are the popular scams in India and will you encounter any? As a tourist, one or all will inevitably cross your path, so it’s best to know what to look for.

• Do not give money to begging mothers with babies. The reason is that these demographics are often sent into the streets by a big boss to collect money. The mother with baby is sometimes a scam. Whether or not she owns the baby is one thing; but sometimes, they might ask you to buy milk for her. When you agree, she takes you to a shop to buy the milk and after you’ve bought it, returns it to the shop and starts again.
• Do not give money, candy or pens to begging children.  In India, begging children are also used by mobsters who keep them in the streets working to beg money. Quite often, the child is not getting anything but a life of abuse, ill-health and poverty under a boss’s whip (think Slumdog Millionaire- – it is not far from the truth). As the children are not properly cared for by a caring adult, they can easily get tooth decay and it is unlikely they will be sent to a dentist. Another common reason to not give anything to a begging child is that you will get swarmed by many should you give to one.
• Children and touts depending on the areas you’re in, will persistently offer their services as guide. Some may follow you assuming that you’ve accepted or will eventually accept their services if they are persistent. If you don’t want a guide, learn some bits of Hindi such as  Chalo  (go away),  Nein  (No) and speak it firmly to people so that they get the point.  Chale Jao!  spoken sternly, is a term I’ve found to work 70% of the time.
• One of the most common scams in India is the redirection scam. If any guide or taxi offers to take you to the tourism office or a gem shop, decline. Often they are trying to take you to a shop where they will get a commission from your purchases. Worst case scenario, they could lead you to a place where you will be pressured to buy things. I was scammed with friends on my first trip to India. We hopped a tuk-tuk who took us to a tour agency who’s sign said “Tourism Office”. We thought it was the official one. WE were sold the same itinerary that we planned, with exception we got a driver (vs train travel) and higher priced hotels which were bland over the cheaper hotels we booked that were actually quite nice! Every stop for restaurant, shopping, tour and stay was something the agent took for commission and there was pressure to buy or trust the offerance.
• Do not accept red string bracelets from holy men. They are not holy blessing gifts;  money is expected. Sometimes, you will feel pressured into buying one out of fear a curse will befall you. Check out my Pushkar Lake scam .
• Your hotel burnt down or the landmark you were going to visit is closed.  This is one of the most popular scams in India and they are to detour you from your path so you can be refocused onto another which affords the person taking you there, a commission.
• The taxi meter is broken. If that is the case, get out and hail another taxi. India also has Uber and Ola Cabs which are more reliable and safer.
• Check out popular scams to avoid in Travel and how to deal with touts and beggars

What to Wear in India

Being a conservative country and a predominantly male public, women should dress conservatively. In big cities such as Delhi and Mumbai , women dress a little more western. However it is important to note that all types of Indians travel in large cities, even Indians coming from small villages.

As a foreigner, should you wear anything inappropriate in short skirts and shorts or low cleavage or bare shoulders, you might get unwanted attention.

When visiting temples, always dress conservative. No bare shoulders or short shorts and skirts. Also, you need to remove your footwear when entering a temple. Wearing flip flops or sandals are easy to remove and if you bring a plastic bag, you can carry them in your bag.

Although India might feel like summer in many regions,  buying native clothes like an Indian pap will help with the heat, while keeping your covered.  Also, the lightweight clothing that Indians wear is comfortable. An advantage is that it’ll help you blend in and look a little more local.

Read How to Pack for India and Southeast Asia

Best bollywood films to watch to inspire your india wanderlust.

A Bollywood movie is nothing like a Hollywood film. It is a different type of entertainment escape for the masses and it holds a formula which Indian cultures and values understand and appreciate. There are a lot of song and dance numbers and a movie can last up to three hours long, with an intermission midway.  Read my 26 Best Bollywood Movies to Inspire India Wanderlust

Recommended Essentials for India (Shop)

Traveling india  series ( video playlist), travel tips for female solo travelers to india.

As a female solo traveler and YouTuber, I take you inside Indian trains, how I got a foreign tourist quota, how  to get your Sim card and how to navigate Indian transportation, food and cities.  These are all filmed as I travel through India alone, so you can see the degree of difficulty or not.   I love India but I am certainly not invulnerable to trip difficulties, worry or culture shock.

Trip planning for India ? Start here.

Planning your first trip to India? Start here . What to Pack for India Backpacking? Check here .  Read about how to Get an Indian SIM , do you need a female urinary device? ,  getting an Indian Tourist Visa for U.S. Citizens

Learn the India trip essentials from India scams, dress etiquette, itineraries , accommodations , food insights , how to take the bus, dealing with sexual harassment and indian trains , and staying at ashrams .

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How to Plan Your First Trip to India 2024/2025

The splendid Taj Mahal, magnificent palaces, colorful religious festivals, and delicious curries all showcase the unique and mysterious charm of India.

Planning a trip to India could be overwhelming due to the abundance of choices for destinations and the complexities of dealing with travel logistics. With this guide, we aim to help you make the most of your time and create your dream trip.

• 1. Where to Go in India
• 2. How Many Days to Spend
• 3. Top 2 Handpicked India Itineraries
• 4. How Much Does an India Trip Cost?
• 5. Special Accommodation Experiences in India
• 6. Best Times to Visit India
• 7. How to Get to and Around in India

1. Choose Where to Go

India is a vast country with so much to see. For a better understanding, we could divide it into tropical-landscape-filled South India and history-packed North India. According to our previous clients' choices, most of them prefer to visit North India first for its iconic architecture, such as the Taj Mahal.

North India

The Golden Triangle route (Delhi–Agra–Jaipur) serves as the natural starting point of most first visits in North India and even India in general. Following this route, you could discover chaotic Indian city life in its capital, Delhi, encounter the magnificence of the Taj Mahal in Agra, and explore majestic palaces and ancient forts in pink Jaipur.

Beyond the Golden Triangle, you could extend your trip to the following destinations:

• For wildlife enthusiasts, you could take a tiger safari in Ranthambore National Park . Hop in a jeep, venture into the jungle to see tigers, and sleep under the stars at a tented camp. The park is closed for safaris from July to September though, as it's the rainy season.
• The Rajasthan region: If you'd like a heritage tour with a desert experience, don't miss this region. Starting from pink Jaipur, you would discover most-ornately-decorated Junagarh Fort in red Bikaner and take a camel safari in golden Jaisalmer. Then, enjoy a leisurely heritage walk with a family visit in blue Jodhpur and savor a private dinner at the palace on Jag Mandir Island in white Udaipur.
• Varanasi: As the spiritual hub of India, Varanasi is a must for history buffs. Immerse yourself in the peaceful Ganges ambiance with a sunrise boat ride, walk along the riverside to explore the ghats and temples, and appreciate the impressive Ganga Aarti ceremony at night.

In addition to the above-mentioned cities, there are yet more hidden gems in the north, such as Amritsar for the Golden Temple and the border ceremony, Shimla for summer retreats and toy trains, and Khajuraho for less well-known temple complexes and their erotic sculptures.

South India

South India is characterized by backwaters, beaches, and colonial history. So, if you prefer a laid-back vacation, which may be particularly suitable for a family with teenagers, South India would offer a more relaxing vibe than visiting the highly-frequented historical gems of the north.

Among the popular destinations in South India, Mumbai is a gateway to learning about Indian culture. Meanwhile, Goa and Kerala are renowned for their relaxing beach destinations and backwaters. On the other hand, Tamil Nadu is a paradise for history lovers.

• Mumbai: You could vividly experience the stark wealth disparity in Mumbai by contrasting Asia's largest slums with the high-rise downtown area. Also, discover the Indian film industry and watch a Bollywood dance show at Bollywood.
• The Goa region: With picturesque beaches, Goa boasts rich water sports, yoga retreats, and a unique Portuguese colonial history. For those seeking more secluded beaches, head to the southern parts of the region.
• The Kerala region: In Kerala, you could admire colonial-style buildings in Kochi, go on a trekking tour in Munnar, discover the spice plantation in Thekkady, cruise the backwaters in Alleppey aboard a traditional houseboat, and indulge in some beach time and Ayurvedic rejuvenation in Kovalam.
• The Tamil Nadu region: You could experience Tamil Nadu's metropolis, Chennai, admire the spectacular rock sculptures in Pondicherry, and discover iconic temples, such as the tallest temple, Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur, and the grandest Meenakshi Temple in Madurai.

Get some ideas about a classic South India tour : Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

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2. Decide How Many Days to Stay

For first-time visits, you're advised to stay for at least 9 days to experience some of the best of India at a comfortable pace. For classic 9-day tours, you could choose to discover India's icons in the north, take a week to see the Golden Triangle cities (Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur), and then allocate the remaining 2 days to Varanasi or a tiger safari in Ranthambore National Park. Alternatively, if you prefer the south, you could focus on the Kerala region or Tamil Nadu.

A good amount of time for exploring India more deeply is 14 days. Following 1 week in the Golden Triangle, you could spend another week in Rajasthan (Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Udaipur) in North India. Or you could delve into the top two regions of South India: Kerala (7 days) and Tamil Nadu (7 days).

You could also gain a comprehensive overview of India from the Golden Triangle in the north (9 days) to Mumbai (2 days) and Goa (3 days) in the south. If you are ambitious and want to see the multiple facets of South Asia in one trip, you could also combine the Golden Triangle of India with neighboring Nepal and Bhutan .

If you have over 2 weeks to explore off-the-beaten-path routes , consider extending your trip by 3 to 7 days in the northernmost region of Ladakh (Leh, Pangong Tso, and the 'valley of flowers') for outdoor adventures and Tibetan culture. Additionally, you could opt for a wildlife safari for 5–9 days in Madhya Pradesh (Satpura, Pench, and Kanha) for a unique wildlife experience.

3. Our Top 2 Handpicked India Itineraries

We've thoughtfully crafted two itineraries for readers' inspiration: 9-Day India's Golden Triangle with Tiger Safari and 14-Day Classic Rajasthan Tour. Most of our clients take them as a starting point for customizing their own ideal India itinerary. If you have a different schedule or interests, feel free to contact us for a personalized itinerary .

India Itinerary 1: Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore, and Jaipur in 9 Days

This tour is specially designed for first-timers, particularly for families with teenagers. Your 9-day adventure starts from the capital, Delhi, where you would experience a profusion of Indian city life. In Agra, known as the epitome of love, you could marvel at its grandest wonder, the Taj Mahal. Then, venture into Ranthambore National Park on a thrilling jeep safari to spot tigers. Finally, visit Jaipur to see the captivating historical palaces and forts of the Pink City.

For more exclusive experiences, you and your loved one(s) could traverse the lively markets via a rickshaw ride in Delhi, take a light walk around a local village with a high tea break, and create your own Indian cuisine with a local family in Jaipur.

If you are more interested in India's religious culture, you could consider replacing the tiger safari with Varanasi( See the itinerary accordingly ).

Here is a suggested itinerary:

• Days 1–2: Delhi sightseeing
• Days 3–4: Drive from Delhi to Agra, Agra sightseeing
• Days 5–6: Drive from Agra to Ranthambore, Ranthambore jeep safari (only available from October to June)
• Days 7–8: Drive to Jaipur, Jaipur sightseeing
• Day 9: Drive back to Delhi

India Itinerary 2: 14-Day Golden Triangle and Rajasthan Highlights

This 14-day tour would take you beyond the Golden Triangle (Delhi–Agra–Jaipur) deep into Rajasthan, the 'Land of Kings'.

Starting your trip from the Golden Triangle cities, visit the interesting Karni Mata Temple ('sacred rat temple') in Bikaner, take a camel safari in the desert of Jaisalmer, wander around the blue city of Jodhpur, and unwind in laid-back Udaipur.

If you are looking for romantic experiences, you and your partner could visit the Taj Mahal in Indian attire in Agra, enjoy a candle-lit dinner like a king and queen in Amber Fort in Jaipur, and stay at a heritage palace hotel in Udaipur.

You can see the summary itinerary below:

• Days 3–4: Agra highlights
• Day 5: Jaipur sightseeing and cooking class experience
• Days 6–7: Bikaner sightseeing with a heritage hotel experience
• Days 8–9: Jaisalmer exploration with a camel safari
• Days 10–11: Jodhpur sightseeing
• Days 12–13: Udaipur tour with a boat ride experience
• Day 14: Back to Delhi

Click here to get the full itinerary! You could also check out our 2-Week Luxury India Tour for more romantic choices and see more on 2 Weeks in India: The Best 4 India Itineraries for You!

4. Best Times to Visit India

For cool and dry weather, December to February is the best time to visit most of India , except for the far north areas, such as Ladakh. This is because the monsoon lasts from June to September and hot temperatures dominate from March to May across most of the country.

March, October, and November could be seen as middle-ground periods. During these periods, you could enjoy mostly warm and dry weather, and also benefit from more affordable prices than December to March. Besides, you would have chances to celebrate India's most important festivals with locals: join in the colorful powder fights during Holi (around March) and hang out at the festival markets during Diwali in October/November.

Celebrating with colorful festivals with us:

• 8-Day Diwali Festival in India's Golden Triangle Tour
• 10-Day Royal Rajasthan and Camel Festival Tour
• 11-Day India Holi Festival Tour

5. Consider Your Travel Budget

India is a large and diverse destination that offers different costs for traveling. The cost of travel in India depends on where you are going and what kinds of hotels you are going to stay at.

If you're looking for a hassle-free and comfortable trip in India, the daily cost is about US$200 to 250 per person per day for a private tour during the peak season (December to February). During the festival seasons (Holi in March, Diwali in November, and Christmas and New Year), prepare for even higher prices and avoid last-minute bookings.

If you're traveling in the low season (June to September), the price would decrease to 170 to 200 USD per person per day.

These prices include private transfers, private land tours with guides, 4/5-star hotels, and internal flights. You could see more price details from our two best-selling private tours.

• 9-Day India's Golden Triangle with Tiger Safari : from US$1,869 per person
• 14-Day Classic Rajasthan Tour : from US$2,459 per person

Check out more on our How Much Does a Trip to India Cost?

6. Special Accommodation Experiences in India

When traveling to North India, treat yourself to a special palace stay, which is especially recommended for a milestone celebration. You could easily find budget-friendly to luxury options in Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur. Surprise your loved one(s) with the sunset views of the Taj Mahal from The Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra or enjoy a private lakeside candlelit dinner at The Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur.

Wildlife enthusiasts, don't miss a luxury jungle camp experience in Ranthambore National Park . SUJÁN Sher Bagh, just outside the park, comes highly recommended. Stay at a luxury tented camp, enjoy a private dinner by a campfire, and immerse yourself in all the sights and sounds of nature with a rustic and old-world vibe.

If you are going to travel to South India, consider taking a private overnight backwaters houseboat in Alleppey , Kerala for exclusive and tranquil experiences. Cruise the waterways among green fields, palm trees, and quaint villages, and sit back with your partner to enjoy sunset drinks.

Contact us to customize your private India tour with more special stays within 24 hours! Or get some inspiration from How to Plan an Affordable Luxury Trip to India .

7. How to Get To and Around India

Getting to india.

The best way to get to India is by flight. There are direct flights from the main cities in the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, and other countries to Delhi and Mumbai. It takes about 12–15 hours from America or Australia to India and 8–10 hours from Europe to India by air.

How to Get Around in India

Private transport is the main choice for city tours, especially when taking in some offbeat experiences and venturing into remote areas. Our door-to-door service offers the best flexibility and saves you from the hassles of navigating train stations with confusing signs and the hardship of being crammed into a small seat on a crowded bus.

The train is considered to be the most atmospheric and relaxing way to unveil authentic Indian life and scenery in a longer journey context. In India, you could use express trains or slower trains. Slower trains are not recommended due to their lack of privacy and hygiene. Meanwhile, booking train tickets online poses challenges for first-time visitors, given the complex registration process and ticket class selection.

So, if you're considering including a train journey in your private India tour, for hassle-free booking and to ensure your comfort, we recommend opting for express trains for short journeys, such as Delhi to Agra (about 2 hours), or exploring on all-inclusive luxury tourist trains , such as our 7-Day Maharajas' Express Luxury Train Tour .

Flights are highly recommended for long-distance travel. For example, from Delhi to Varanasi, flights just take 1½ hours, while the fastest trains require 8 hours and private transfers need 12 hours. For shorter distances, the check-in time, transfers from/to the airport, and possible delays could whittle away the time advantage.

Tour India with Us

As one of the leading tour companies in Asia, we have been providing travel services for more than 20 years to thousands of satisfied customers. To fulfill your South Asia travel dreams, let us know your requirements and interests for a tailor-made tour of India .

Here are some popular itineraries for your reference:

• 9-Day India Golden Triangle with Tiger Safari
• 12-Day India and Bhutan Tour
• 14-Day Family Holiday in India
• 14-Day Classic Rajasthan Tour

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• Explore at your own pace
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• Specially-crafted family adventures
• Celebrate milestones with style!

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

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15 Best Places to Visit in India, According to Travel Experts

F rom the alpine meadows of Kashmir to the palm-fringed beaches of Goa, these are some of the subcontinent’s most enchanting destinations.

As a former longtime Delhiite and frequent traveler to India, people often ask me what the country is like. I never know how to respond, for trying to sum up a nation as vast and diverse as India feels impossible. So, instead, I asked a few experts for their insights.

“If you visit India, you feel you have visited several countries, as every part is different,” says Mohd Shafi Billo, an inbound tour operator who specializes in helping international travelers plan their trips to the country. “It’s an exceptional destination, thanks to its culture, history, and inclusiveness of different people from different faiths, and it has everything to offer, from forts to mausoleums, wildlife tours to mountain adventures.”  

Shoba Rudra, founder and partner at hospitality consultancy Rare India , agrees. “The country is living a dynamic moment in history, ever-changing,” she says. “What's constant, however, is the vibrant culture lived through its festivals, cuisine, heritage, crafts, and performing arts.”

While it would take years to see it all, India is an approachable destination — if you can narrow things down. With that in mind, here are 15 of the best places to get you started on your sojourn to the subcontinent.

Stretching along the southernmost part of India’s Malabar Coast, the tropical state of Kerala entices visitors with its marshy backwaters, which most people visit on overnight houseboat adventures. These popular cruises “showcase lush landscapes and peaceful villages, and [give visitors] a glimpse into local life amid tranquil waters and picturesque surroundings,” says Billo. While the backwaters are a star attraction, the state offers much more to explore, from the tea plantations of Munnar, known for its cool climate and seemingly endless rolling hills, to the historic city of Kochi, celebrated in equal measure for its rich coastal history and contemporary art scene . The beaches aren’t too shabby, either. “North Kerala is also famous, as the Malabar Coast is where the spice trade flourished,” says Rudra. “The coastal area is picturesque and this region is still unexplored.”

On the opposite end of the country from Kerala, Kashmir offers entirely different — but equally captivating — landscapes. With its alpine climate, evergreen trees, and snowy winters, Kashmir is often likened to a mini Switzerland . Famed 13th-century Sufi poet Amir Khusrau once proclaimed in Farsi, “If there is a paradise on earth, it is this,” and he may have been onto something. At the heart of it all is Srinagar, Kashmir’s capital city, which is known for its elegant gardens and watery centerpiece, Dal Lake. “Highlights include staying on a houseboat or taking a shikara [traditional Kashmiri boat] ride,” says Billo, who hails from the area. Don't leave without indulging in wazwan , an opulent, meat-heavy feast that can feature up to three dozen dishes in one sitting. 

Occupying a high-altitude plateau in the northernmost reaches of India, Ladakh is characterized by otherworldly landscapes and big skies, punctuated by palatial stupas and monasteries. Many visitors come to Ladakh’s capital, Leh, during the short summer tourist season, but this surreal region offers plenty more to experience beyond the city. Billo suggests visiting the Nubra Valley, an isolated part of the old Silk Road that’s only accessible by crossing Khardung La, one of the world’s highest motorable passes. “The valley offers a glimpse into Ladakh's unique geography and cultural diversity with monasteries, quaint villages, and apricot orchards,” says Billo. The region is also rich with unusual wildlife, from elusive snow leopards to the scaled-down Bactrian camels that originated in the steppes of Central Asia.

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

On the banks of the sacred Ganges River, the holy city of Rishikesh has held a place in the hearts of spiritually minded travelers — both from India and abroad — for generations. It’s the self-proclaimed “yoga capital of the world,” with a mix of traditional ashrams (spiritual rest houses) that cater largely to Hindu pilgrims and yoga centers that attract international visitors with teacher-training courses and meditation retreats. If you’re not into yoga, you’ll still find plenty to do here. Popular activities include visiting the ruins of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram (dubbed the Beatles Ashram in honor of its most famous former residents) to whitewater rafting adventures on the mighty Ganges. It’s also a great place for a wellness getaway, and nearby Ananda in the Himalayas was voted one of Travel + Leisure readers' favorite international spas in 2023.

Auroville, Tamil Nadu

If you’re looking for a place that’s unlike anywhere else in India — or, frankly, the world — head to the intentional community of Auroville in South India. This UNESCO-recognized global township was founded in the 1960s with the goal of "realizing human unity," beyond the illusory divisions of creed or nationality, and it's home to generations of residents from around the world. Many visitors come for an hour or two, just long enough to view Auroville’s spiritual center — the golden, dome-shaped Matrimandir . However, it’s worth sticking around a bit longer to get a feel for what the community is about. As Akash Kapur, who grew up in Auroville and authored " Better to Have Gone " and " India Becoming ," puts it: "Come to Auroville if you're interested in alternative societies, sustainable living, or spirituality, but try not to just drop in for a few hours (as many do), and instead spend some time here, really getting to know the people and their work. The community rewards sustained immersion."

Andaman Islands

Although most people associate the crystalline waters of the Andaman Sea with Thai island getaways, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in this tropical region are under Indian control. This little stretch of paradise is full of gorgeous shorelines, but most visitors devote their vacations to the island of Swaraj Dweep (formerly known as Havelock). The most popular beach on the island is Radhanagar Beach , which offers just over a mile of white sand sandwiched between tropical jungle and warm, transparent waters. Getting to this remote island requires a bit of gumption: You'll need to fly from the Indian mainland to Port Blair on South Andaman Island, then catch a ferry or charter a seaplane for the final stretch. While visitors are welcome on many islands in the chain, a few — including secluded North Sentinel Island — are off-limits. 

While many travelers see India’s capital as a jumping-off point for visiting further-afield destinations, it’s worth sticking around for a while to truly appreciate what Delhi has to offer. There’s certainly never a dull moment in this busy metropolis, whether you’re shopping for handicrafts at one of its numerous markets or learning about medieval and Mughal history at one of its three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Humayun's Tomb, Qutb Minar, and Red Fort. Although Delhi is undeniably rambunctious, it also has a quieter, more peaceful side that you can find amidst the trees and 15th-century tombs of Central Delhi’s Lodi Gardens or in the quiet interiors of the Baháʼí Lotus Temple.

Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Many travelers to India put the 17th-century Taj Mahal at the top of their list. This white marble mausoleum is easily India’s most recognizable structure — and it’s one of the New Seven Wonders of the World . This popular attraction also has a romantic backstory. “This iconic symbol of love is renowned for its architectural beauty, intricate marble work, and the captivating story behind its creation by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal,” notes Billo. The bodies of the emperor and his wife remain interred in the Taj to this day. 

Jaipur. Rajasthan

The capital of Rajasthan and one-third of North India’s popular Golden Triangle tourist route (which also includes Agra and Delhi), Jaipur is a must-visit for those who love architecture and shopping. “The Pink City, as it's nicknamed, offers a rich cultural heritage, stunning [landmarks] like Amber Fort, vibrant bazaars, and intricate handicrafts,” says Billo. Many of Jaipur's key attractions are found in the historic walled part of the city, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. Highlights include Jantar Mantar (a collection of oversized — and fully functional — astronomical instruments dating to the 17th century) and Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds, a honeycomb-shaped palace designed with tiny windows that allowed air to flow freely through its interior.

Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Dubbed the Blue City because of the cerulean-colored buildings that extend for miles through the oldest part of town, Jodhpur has long attracted travelers eager to explore the ramparts of the larger-than-life Mehrangarh Fort. It’s also home to the grandiose Umaid Bhawan Palace , which made headlines in 2018 when Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas tied the knot there. While Jodhpur’s beautiful, regal architecture is reason enough to visit, there’s more to the city than massive forts and grand palaces. “The area around the Toorji ka Jhalra stepwell in the old city is fun to explore,” says hotelier Sapna Bhatia, owner of Kaner Retreat and Jodhpur-area native. “For nature enthusiasts, there’s the Rao Jodha desert park near Mehrangarh Fort.”

Udaipur, Rajasthan

T+L readers' favorite city in Asia and second favorite city in the world , Udaipur very much fits the bill of a fairy tale destination. Nicknamed the City of Lakes, thanks to its seven lakes, this gorgeous destination is home to some of India's finest luxury hotels plus historic whitewashed palaces, including the magnificent City Palace, an 11-palace complex that houses hotels, a huge museum with an impressive collection of European crystal, and a royal residence. A short boat ride from the palace lies the 18th-century Taj Lake Palace, an opulent palace-turned-hotel in the middle of Lake Pichola. It’s a quick drive from The Oberoi, Udaivilas , a purpose-built palatial hotel with onion-domed cupolas and a moat-like swimming pool that directly connects to some of the rooms. 

If you’re looking for a less-frequented, but no less amazing, alternative to more touristed states such as Rajasthan, consider Gujarat. “Under-explored but culturally rich, this state in India is a tapestry of festivals, textiles, architectural heritage, communities, and landscape,” says Rudra. Gujarat was also the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, who led the Salt March, one of his most famous acts of peaceful protest, through the state in 1930. Rudra suggests visiting the National Salt Satyagraha Memorial , which “honors the activists through murals, installations, sculptures, art, and related film.” It's also worth checking out the Kutch district, known for its distinct metal bells , which were originally used for keeping track of livestock and are now popular as decorative wind chimes.

Kaziranga National Park, Assam

The northeast Indian state of Assam is home to a treasure for wildlife enthusiasts: Kaziranga National Park . This expansive, UNESCO-listed wildlife refuge near the borders of Bangladesh and Bhutan has the largest population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses on the planet, providing a home to roughly 2,000 of these massive beasts. Although rhinos are the star attraction on park safaris, all sorts of animals live here, including tigers, elephants, gibbons, sloth bears, and a small number of endangered Ganges River dolphins. 

Historic, glitzy, and positively gargantuan, Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay) is easily one of India’s most cosmopolitan destinations. This city by the sea is the nation's financial and entertainment capital, and while you’re unlikely to rub shoulders with Bollywood stars here, you're sure to see a lot of impressive attractions in very little time. Take a boat out to Elephanta Island to explore fifth– and sixth–century rock-hewn cave temples, marvel at the grand Indo-Saracenic architecture at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus , or see thousands of clothes hanging out to dry at Dhobi Ghat, the world's largest open-air laundry. Then, head to the sleek neighborhood of Bandra West, where many of Mumbai’s best restaurants and hotels are located, including Taj Lands End, voted T+L readers' favorite city hotel in India in 2023.

India’s smallest state, Goa, is arguably its top beach destination, where long days of swimming and sunbathing turn into longer nights of partying on the sand. While Goa has been known as a hippie haven since the 1960s, it's started to shed its reputation in recent decades. It’s still very much a party state, though it also draws in families and couples in search of sea and sun, sans nightlife. It’s a great place for history buffs as well, with numerous seaside forts and UNESCO-recognized churches that were built when Goa was under Portuguese rule. And while the destination has always been loved for its fiery dishes that combine traditional Konkani ingredients with Portuguese influences, it has also emerged as a culinary hot spot , where a new generation of chefs is showcasing everything from Japanese yakitori to jackfruit tamales.

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2 Week India Tours & Trips

Filter for departure dates and price to find the right 2 week India tour with TourRadar. Choose from 731 trips with 2,363 customer reviews, that range from 11 up to 14 days.

250+ India 14 Days tour packages with 2,363 reviews

• Christmas & New Year

Kerala Backwater Tour with Karnataka

Our driver: Zakkir was an all round great bloke. He was always polite, always smiley and never failed to brighten our mornings. He ensured we were comfortable and was a very safe driver. 5/5. Locations: Locations on this tour were great, brilliantly varied that fit broadly into 3 categories (backwaters, hill stations and cities), we thought that the variation of these different locations gave us a flavour of different cultures, peoples and environments. 5/5 Activities: Fun and good variation. Great mix of sightseeing and activities. Tour guides were informative and friendly. One must be aware that they will take you to the expensive tourist shops at the end of the tour (encouraging you to 'browse'), one specific tour guide apologised to the owner of the shop when we wouldn't buy anything... This is something you have to get used to when you come to India as a tourist. We were surprised also that some of the activities were not pre booked for the tour and that all of the activities you have to pay for yourself (except the houseboat), this is something we did not think was clear when booking. Furthermore, please be aware that, in Kerala, it is state government policy to charge foreigners more money for various activities, for example, bus ticket to boat ride in Thekkady cost 500r pp for us, but for locals was 100r pp for Indians. 4/5 Accomodation: All hotels were nice, clean and comfortable with AC.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.
• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

14-Day India Odyssey: Golden Triangle, Varanasi, Taj Mahal & Thar Desert Trek

It was a low stress way to see a lot of places in Northern India. We got an opportunity to go to places most tourists don't know about to try the best chais.

• 5% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• In-depth Cultural
• Sightseeing

Royal India

I traveled with Indus Travels to India and had the best time!! I loved that we were picked up at the airport when we landed and were taken to our hotel. Our hotel was fantastic and very nice. The rooms were clean and the beds were so comfortable. The food at the breakfasts were wonderful!! All of our hotels were fantastic! We toured around to the various cities in a comfortable van with our group of 8. The driver, assistant, and tour guide were all so kind, helpful, and happy to help with anything we needed. They even got us cokes with ice! We loved the places we went to see and our guide was fun and personable that we are still friends on Facebook. The food was fantastic and the sites were great! The traffic was crazy but I loved it. Everywhere we went we saw new sights and sounds. I would highly recommend Indus Travels and we are planning our next trip with. Indus Travels went out of there way to accommodate us making sure we got to everything we wanted to see.

Premium India in Depth

Intrepid Premium India in Depth (November 13 - 25) Mumbai - Delhi Excellent tour leader along with very good local informative guides. 3 changes in accommodation; Mumbai - Gordon House Hotel is excellent, well priced and only 1 street back from Gateway to India but the company changed to Fariyas Hotel, Mumbai which was been renovated as well as painted so very noisy, couldn't use the pool and scaffolding all around. Definitely not ideal. Our second night in Delhi was also cancelled at Jaypee Siddharth Hotel though privately booked and paid for months before the tour so had to find alternative accommodation while on the tour and they told the travel agents they were "closed for renovations" however the tour was booked and stayed there and no renovations were occuring. Hadoti Palace Hotel in Bundi looked nice and rooms were big but not clean especially the toilet and shower. Otherwise all hotels were very nice and rated accurately; cleaning the showers/washrooms would have helped with the mouldy smell but that is somewhat consistent in most countries. November is the start of wedding season in India which are very loud and noisy and have no time restrictions so be prepared for that if going at this time of year. Tour involves quite a number of days travelling in a bus/coach for 4 - 6 hours with a stop every 2 - 3 hours. Rest stops are OK at best with only snack food to purchase. Adjusting the departure time would have helped with timeframes as quite a few days we were getting lunch around 2 - 3 pm when hotel kitchens were closed. Definitely not enough free time for shopping on your own with organized evenings most nights or in a venue on the outside of towns. Toured the markets but they were only a walk through with the group and no time to stop and shop. Restaurants and food was amazing and no one was unwell on the trip. 2 days in Ranthambhore Park was too long and could have done in 1.5 days with more time in Agra. Overall a very good trip for myself and my father (aged 79).

Jungle Book - In Search of The Tiger !! (A Unique Experience Tour)

Super Trip planed by MTA for my Family KIDS Enjoyed

Best of Southern India

Sanjay was excellent, he was always there to help us and look after us. The only thing I could suggest to improve my experience would be a different mini-bus, the one we had was very small and the roads are so bad. The driver, Mr Amil, was fantastic.

• Local Living

Taj Mahal & Rajasthan with Royal Stay at Castles

The tour itself was very good. We found the lack of communications and a detailed itinerary with information about transportation (car, bus, etc.) hotels/lodging, and tour guides, and tipping to be a serious problem both before the tour began, and during the stay in India. Also, no information was provided about the perils obtaining rupees from ATM machines. This turned out to be a major problem since there are limits on the amount of cash that can be withdrawn using US bank cards, and some ATM banks charge outrageous fees, and should be avoided. In addition, we were not informed that entrance fees at many venues on the tour were our responsibility and needed to be paid in rupees.

Customized Culture and Beach Holiday in India with Daily Departure

We had a very interesting tour with an excellent driver (Mr Anthony) who made us comfortable and very knowledgeable guides everywhere we visited. Our favourite Hotel was in Mysore although all were good and the visit to Halebidu was probably my highlight as the temples were magnificent with such elaborate carvings. Goa was not as relaxing as I imagined. We enjoyed the beach but didn't want to lay in the sun too long so other than shopping we didn't find it as attractive as we had expected. Overall all it was a very good introduction to a country we had not visited before. The arrangements for meeting the drivers and guides worked well for us despite us arriving and departing before/after the 11 day tour so thanks to Linda and other support staff this worked well.

Unique Himalaya tour with culture depth experience

Well organised tour with an awesome driver Sanjay and local guides. We are very happy that we decided to purchase this tour via Tourradar

One Life Adventures - North India 14-Day

Exceeded all expectations! It was my second time traveling with One Life and I'm so glad I chose this company again. The tour is super packed, in addition to the classic sites from the Golden Triangle, you get to visit other gorgeous towns in North India. The tour is well balanced between activities, travel and free time. Nikhil, our guide, took really good care of us, from answering our million questions, to making sure we were safe at all times. He is extremely dedicated and knowledgeable, couldn't have asked for a better guide! Looking forward to me next tour with One Life!

The best of India, 14 day private tour

We have very good experience with Payless tour draiver mithun has been very good with as many thanks to pay less tour good advice with all hotels and place where we visited

• Mountain Hikes

Himachal & Spiti Valley (HIDDEN TREASURES OF INDIA)

Pleasure of visiting the beautiful state of Rajasthan, India, and experiencing the grandeur and opulence of the famous Taj Mahal and the royal stay at castles. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will never forget. My journey started in Agra, where I was able to witness the stunning Taj Mahal in all its glory. The intricate white marble design and the mesmerizing reflection in the pool left me speechless. The history and love story behind this iconic monument made the visit even more special. It was a dream come true to finally see the Taj Mahal in person and it exceeded all my expectations. After Agra, I traveled to Rajasthan and was welcomed with warm hospitality and a rich cultural experience. The highlight of my trip was the royal stay at castles, which made me feel like a true queen. The castles were beautifully preserved and filled with history and stories of the royal families who once resided there. The rooms were luxurious and adorned with traditional Rajasthani decor, making me feel like I had stepped back in time. One of the most memorable moments of my stay was enjoying a traditional Rajasthani dinner at the castle, with live music and dance performances. It was a magical evening that truly immersed me in the rich culture and traditions of Rajasthan. During my stay, I also had the opportunity to explore the vibrant cities of Jaipur and Udaipur, with their bustling markets, stunning palaces, and forts. Each city had its own unique charm and I was able to learn more about the history and culture of Rajasthan through guided tours and interactions with the locals. The entire trip was made even more special by the exceptional service and hospitality of the staff at the castles. They went above and beyond to ensure that my stay was comfortable and memorable. In conclusion, my experience of visiting the Taj Mahal and Rajasthan with a royal stay at castles was truly unforgettable. I highly recommend this trip to anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the rich culture and history of India and indulge in a luxurious and royal experience. It is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to India.

India Tour Beyond The Golden Triangle

Golden Triangle Tour with Tiger Safari

What people love about 2 week india tours.

Our driver: Zakkir was an all round great bloke. He was always polite, always smiley and never failed to brighten our mornings. He ensured we were comfortable and was a very safe driver. 5/5. Locations: Locations on this tour were great, brilliantly varied that fit broadly into 3 categories (backwaters, hill stations and cities), we thought that the variation of these different locations gave us a flavour of different cultures, peoples and environments. 5/5 Activities: Fun and good variation. Great mix of sightseeing and activities. Tour guides were informative and friendly. One must be aware that they will take you to the expensive tourist shops at the end of the tour (encouraging you to 'browse'), one specific tour guide apologised to the owner of the shop when we wouldn't buy anything... This is something you have to get used to when you come to India as a tourist. We were surprised also that some of the activities were not pre booked for the tour and that all of the activities you have to pay for yourself (except the houseboat), this is something we did not think was clear when booking. Furthermore, please be aware that, in Kerala, it is state government policy to charge foreigners more money for various activities, for example, bus ticket to boat ride in Thekkady cost 500r pp for us, but for locals was 100r pp for Indians. 4/5 Accomodation: All hotels were nice, clean and comfortable with AC.

Fantastic tour! Managed to see a lot in the 2 weeks. The itinerary is well thought out, seeing some wonderful sights and due to this it is quite busy at times but that is to be expected when having a limited time in a huge country, you obviously wish to see as much as you can. In saying that the pace was good and we never had to wait long for transport. Deepak the tour guide was brillaint, friendly, kind, very well organised, always able to answer any questions about India or the tour and always on hand to brief the group on the plans, the optional extras, our preferences that day or even just join him for a coffee or to try some good local street food that he knew about. He was always interested on how we were and making sure we were well rested, had what we need etc. He is a very thoughtful and good person who felt like another friend on the tour group aswell as looking after everyone. Overall the 2 weeks were amazing with my favourite being the desert camping and sleeping under the stars, so peaceful and an experience I will never forget. But I enjoyed everywhere that the tour visited. If you wish to see some of India, get it booked!

We loved India and the tour itinerary was amazing. I will say our regular guide , Raj left a lot to be desired. Our previous tours with Indus offered amazing main guides so we were quite disappointed. Indus price organized tours and guidance has been amazing with no glitches on their end. Give them a try

Regions in India

• Northern India (519)
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• Central India (15)
• Tamil Nadu (15)
• Karnataka (14)
• Kerala (13)
• Kashmir (13)
• Leh & Ladakh (12)
• Western India (11)
• Northeast India (11)
• Himalaya Mountains (65)

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How Indians Are Traveling Now: Takeaways From MakeMyTrip’s First Trend Report

Bulbul Dhawan , Skift

April 22nd, 2024 at 10:09 AM EDT

MakeMyTrip shares insights into changing preferences of Indian travelers as the Indian tourism industry is poised for significant growth in 2024.

Bulbul Dhawan

Indian travelers have an increased interest in weekend getaways and spiritual tourism, according to online travel agency MakeMyTrip’s first-ever travel trends report . Searches for destinations with or around religious spots increased by 97% in the last two years, the platform stated in the report, which was released on Monday.

Spiritual tourism is also leading the growth of tourism in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. MakeMyTrip recorded a 585% increase in searches for Ayodhya in 2023. Gains were 343% for Badrinath, and 359% for Ujjain. 

In the domestic hotels category, weekend getaways have seen the highest growth. Popular travel destination Jim Corbett has seen an year-on-year increase of 131% in terms of search volumes, followed by Ooty and Munnar. “A large number of travelers are driving to these destinations from nearby metros,” MakeMyTrip stated in the report. 

Skift’s earlier report had mentioned how the Indian tourism industry is poised for significant growth, with estimates projecting a revenue of $24 billion in 2024 .

Increased Discretionary Spend on Travel

The number of travelers taking more than three trips a year in 2023 has grown by 25% as compared to 2019. Indians are also spending more discretionary income on travel, MakeMyTrip said. There has also been an increased interest in domestic travel and travel to unexplored destinations in the country, especially because of the country’s improved infrastructure. 

Staycations and experience travel increased in 2023. Family travel bookings witnessed a 64% year-on-year increase, while solo travel bookings increased by 23%. Two people traveling together accounted for 50% of all bookings, MakeMyTrip shared. It also recorded December and May as the most preferred months for travel. 

Spontaneous Domestic Trips, But Planned International Travels

According to the report, Indians are spontaneous travelers when it comes to domestic bookings. As much as 46% of domestic flight bookings were done in less than a week before the date of travel, it stated. 

International bookings, however, witnessed a longer planning period, with 51% of the international flight bookings having been done at least 15 days before departure. One-third of all international bookings were made more than a month in advance. 

MakeMyTrip observed the same pattern in hotel bookings. More than 50% of the domestic hotel bookings for leisure were made less than a week before travel. One-third of international hotel bookings were made at least 30 days in advance. 

Preferences of Indian Travelers

As much as 30% of all international travel searches from India were for Dubai, Bangkok, and Singapore. “London, Toronto, and New York were the most searched long-haul destinations,” MakeMyTrip stated in the report. There has also been an interest in international travel during long weekends, as the platform recorded a surge in searches for Bali, Bangkok, Phuket, and Singapore. 

When it comes to domestic travel, two-thirds of the travelers prefer to pre-select their flight seats. During international travel, this figure drops to 40%, the platform shared. Additionally, indigenously developed unified payments interface (UPI) is the most preferred mode of payment for Indian travelers and accounts for 36% of all transactions. 

India is also witnessing an increase in the popularity of travel gift cards. Half of the travel gift cards are gifted on the occasion of weddings, while the other 50% are gifted on occasions such as birthdays and festivals.

Hotels continue to be the most popular type of accommodation, with searches for hotels increasing by 39% year-on-year in 2023. Couples and family travelers formed the majority of the guests booking for hotels. 

Alternate accommodations witnessed a 24% increase in searches. Friends and larger groups preferred to book homestays, apartments, and villas, while more solo travelers favored hostels. 

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Tags: flight bookings , flight search , hotels , india , india outbound , india travel , international travel , makemytrip , middle class , online travel agencies , online travel companies , religious travel , skift india report , tourism , travel spending , Travel Trends

Photo credit: Weekend getaways have seen the highest growth in the domestic hotels category. Uriel Mont / Pexels

A Gen Xer who got $250,000 in student loans forgiven said he can now finally start saving for retirement — and consider his dream of studying in India

• Joel Lambdin, 49, received $250,000 in student-loan forgiveness in January.
• It's a result of the Education Department's one-time account adjustments.
• Lambdin said the relief would allow him to save for retirement and consider long-term dreams.

Joel Lambdin finished graduate school in 1998 — but as a professional musician, he was hardly making enough money to pay off his student loans and other bills.

So Lambdin, now 49, said his only option to make ends meet was to put his student loans in forbearance — in which he was not making payments but interest was still accumulating .

"It was just so that I could subsist, so that I could survive," Lambdin told Business Insider. "With the hope that at some point, I would be making enough money that I would be able to take them out of forbearance and start paying them down."

But he grew to realize that the only way he could make a significant dent in his student loans was by switching careers. He didn't want to do that because he loved working in music, so he decided to keep his larger student loan in forbearance and begin paying off his smaller loan with a lower monthly payment.

He continued making those payments until the pandemic pause on student-loan payments , at which point he and his wife started making a plan of action to tackle the larger debt once the pause ended. That led them to discover the Education Department's initiative allowing some borrowers a one-time account adjustment . It lets the department evaluate borrowers' accounts and update payment progress toward forgiveness on income-driven repayment plans and Public Service Loan Forgiveness, including any payments made during a forbearance period.

That account adjustment led to a letter Lambdin received on January 31, reviewed by BI, from his student-loan servicer Aidvantage. It said: "Congratulations! The Biden-Harris Administration has forgiven your federal student loan(s) listed below with Aidvantage in full."

For Lambdin, that letter meant his $249,255 outstanding student-loan balance was effectively wiped out.

"It had started to feel like my fate was being decided for me by the cold hand of finance," Lambdin said, "and that was a weight that I didn't realize was there until it wasn't there."

He added: "The feeling was much more like putting down a backpack that was really full of books that you got used to. And then you put it down, and you're like, 'Oh, man, that feels so much better.' It's more like that, rather than sort of a jump-for-joy kind of situation."

While Lambdin is still working to determine what exactly the relief will mean for him and his wife, he said, discussing retirement is "a much more present conversation now" because contributing to savings is viable after the relief. He can also begin to look into buying a home.

Related stories

The Education Department continues to cancel student debt through its one-time account adjustments, a process it plans to complete this summer. Most recently, the department wiped out $7.4 billion in student debt for 277,000 borrowers , some of whom benefited from the adjustments.

Beyond financial goals, Lambdin said the relief was also allowing him the freedom to pursue some of his long-term dreams, including taking a sabbatical to study with his meditation teacher in India.

"It's something that I wouldn't have been able to even consider doing if we had to pay off student loans, but without them, it's something that I can really seriously consider doing," he said. "And so those are the kinds of things that I think get really lost in the monetary side of the conversation about debt relief."

'I've been really lucky'

While Lambdin said he felt as though he earned the relief given his decades of payments, he recognized that it's not that easy for many other borrowers.

For example, as BI has previously reported , some borrowers who might qualify for relief through different repayment programs may not have gotten it yet because of paperwork backlogs and administrative errors. On top of that, funding for federal student-loan servicers is strained — meaning many borrowers face hourslong hold times and cannot get clear answers from customer service regarding their payment progress.

"There are some real horror stories out there, and I've been really lucky in that I haven't experienced the kinds of shenanigans that other people have experienced," Lambdin said. "So I actually feel very lucky that things have transpired the way they have."

Some of those horror stories include inaccurate payment projections and delayed billing statements . When it comes to student-loan forgiveness, some borrowers told BI that their servicer made a mistake with the forgiveness , reinstating their payments months later.

The Education Department has said it's aware of the challenges borrowers face and has established an accountability framework to punish servicers when they fail to fulfill their contractual obligations.

The department is also in the process of crafting its new plan for student-loan forgiveness — it recently released the draft text of the rules , which included relief for borrowers with unpaid interest and those who have been in repayment for at least 20 years.

As for Lambdin, he's still figuring out how to approach life without student debt hanging over his head. But now he can consider various options, and he can thank the loan forgiveness for that freedom.

"There's a certain amount of waiting for the other shoe to drop because it's not that I don't trust that it's happening but just that the debt has been with me for so long, and then it's not there," Lambdin said. "And it's something that I think really takes some getting used to."

Watch: Biden announces who can have $10,000 erased in student loans

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Reporting by Nandan Mandayam in Bengaluru and Aditi Shah in New Delhi, additional reporting by Tim Hepher in Paris; Editing by Sohini Goswami, Savio D'Souza and Tomasz Janowski

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The emergency exit slide fell off a Delta Airlines jet after taking off from New York en route to Los Angeles on Friday, Delta said.

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The European Union criticised Russia on Saturday for putting subsidiaries of one Italian and one German company under the "temporary external management" of a Gazprom entity, saying the move underscored Moscow's disregard for international norms.

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