If you’re planning a vacation to the land of the maharajas, our India travel guides are designed to help you make informed choices about how to make the most of your time.
Whether organizing your honeymoon, visiting India for the first time or simply looking to include wildlife viewing or homestays in your itinerary, there’s plenty to consider.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our India specialists
Our travel guides share our specialists' passion and knowledge for India. We travel here regularly to discover new experiences, explore untried areas and dig deeper into the better-known places and attractions. At the same time, we gather advice and up-to-date information on the best-quality guides, new hotels and restaurants, and the most memorable forms of transportation.
Top 10 trips to India
Would you prefer to cruise along the Lower Ganges, soaking up India’s heritage and culture, take a train through the heartland of Rajasthan, or combine a stay in the Himalayan foothills with time on Kerala’s palm-fringed coast? We’ve curated our specialists’ top India tour ideas to help you plan your next trip.
Luxury rail journeys through India
India specialist and former Mumbai resident Alison shares her experiences of luxury train journeys in India. She has picked out some of the most interesting routes and explains why they’re a fascinating way to explore India.
Luxury vacations in India
From opulent pleasure palaces-turned-hotel and indulgent tented camps to private games drives looking for tigers, India specialist Jason discusses the best way to immerse yourself in luxury fit for a royalty.
India’s toy trains: Shimla, Darjeeling and Ooty
The toy trains of India cross valleys, ravines and rivers to access some of the country’s most scenic landscapes. India specialists share their experiences of riding on mountain railways from the Himalayan hill stations of Darjeeling and Shimla to the tropics of Ooty.
India to Nepal: where to go in the Himalaya
Spanning six countries and the world’s highest mountain range, the Himalaya isn’t a region you usually tackle in one go. We compare and contrast the best Himalayan journeys, which include seeking out rhinos in Nepal, visiting remote dzongs in Bhutan and riding railways in India.
What to do in Kerala: our highlights guide
Kerala’s slow pace of life is a gentle introduction to India, with tranquil backwaters, manicured tea plantations and fishing villages to explore. India specialist Tara lends her advice for how to make the most of your time there.
Mumbai and Goa: An Indian trip of contrasts
Goa’s relaxing beaches are a welcome contrast after spending time exploring chaotic Mumbai, according to our India specialists Nick and Louisa. They share their experiences including waking before dawn in Mumbai and delving into south Goa’s secluded beaches.
An expert guide to experiencing festivals in India
If you want to time your trip to India with a traditional festival, we tell you what’s taking place where, and when. Our specialists lend their thoughts on how best to enjoy Diwali and Holi, and suggest some lesser-known festivals to experience.
The best of Rajasthan: why stay in an Indian fort
Rajasthan is often defined by its range of towering stone fortresses. Here, India specialist Lydia leads you on a tour of the smaller forts that you can spend a night in, and picks out four of the best.
River cruises in India
Take in the history, wildlife and culture of northeast India on a river cruise. Our India specialist Sarah shares some of her favorite things to see and do while cruising along the Brahmaputra, Ganges and Hugli rivers.
Touring India’s Golden Triangle
The Taj Mahal is just one of many impressive sights on a tour of India’s Golden Triangle. For first-time visitors, the region offers a tempting taste of the vast range of cultures, historical sites, architecture, religion, food and landscapes that India boasts.
What to do in India: our highlights guide
Our India specialists pick some of their best things to see and do, and where to stay from the Himalaya to Kerala. Include spotting tiger, staying in a palace in Rajasthan, taking a boat trip down the Ganges and experience one of the country’s many festivals in your trip to India.
Rajasthan & the north: beyond the Golden Triangle
While the Golden Triangle hosts some of India’s best-known sights, India specialist Katherine says you shouldn’t limit yourself to this popular route. Instead, visit north India’s remote desert camps and border-post cities, and tour mural-painted towns or a collection of (truly) unique temple carvings.
Walking in India: on foot through the Himalaya & the Western Ghats
Exploring India on foot, you pass through remote villages, stop for tea with local people and stumble upon hidden temples. Our India specialists suggest routes through the hills of the Western Ghats, tea plantations of Darjeeling and foothills of the western Himalaya.
Palaces and regal stays in India
Private butlers, priceless chandeliers, and gilded furniture: life as an Indian royal was the epitome of opulence. With many royal residences now palatial hotels, you can taste life as a maharaja or maharani. We’ve chosen the best regal experiences from Rajasthan to Varanasi.
Summer in India: Ladakh
Considering India between June and September? India specialist James explains that, while much of the country is too hot or wet to visit, it’s the ideal time of year to explore mountainous Ladakh, a region of high-altitude deserts, Buddhist monasteries and sheer-sided mountains.
Calcutta & The East
Calcutta and the East of India retains much of its wonderful colonial architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Visit places like Darjeeling, famous for its tea, or Assam, where it is possible to take a cruise along India’s longest river, the Brahmaputra.
Food highlights of India: 6 of the best culinary experiences
India specialist John talks about his love of Indian cuisine and picks six food experiences for you to try. Take a street-food tour in Delhi, dine on a Keralan houseboat or learn to make Indian breads with an expert.
India’s wildlife: our safari guide to the central parks
India specialist Samantha explains why central India’s national parks are ideal for a wildlife vacation. She recommends how to experience the best tiger safari, and where you might glimpse sloth bears and leopards.
Homestays in Kerala
The concept of the homestay was first developed in Kerala and the naturally friendly Keralites continue to welcome visitors to their homes. Our specialists have visited many homestays and can suggest the best places to stay.
Choosing the right Indian experience for you
Would you rather relax in the cool mountain breeze with views of the Himalaya, or cruise the languid backwaters of Kerala? Admire the Taj Mahal, or seek out a little-visited temple on the banks of the Yamuna River? Our India specialists share their knowledge to help you decide.
Spirituality in India: witnessing India’s major faiths
India specialist Sophie explores one captivating facet of India: its spirituality. She suggests where to witness India’s faiths, and outlines a journey that could take you from the mosques of Delhi to Himalaya foothills and the banks of the Ganges.
Family vacations in India
From spending time with a local family for a real immersion into Indian culture, to creating a traditional thali meal from scratch, India offers an eclectic mix of experiences for all ages. Country specialist, Sophie, discusses some of the main highlights for a family vacation in India.
India’s western foothills
With sacred Hindu and Sikh temples, remnants of British colonialism and a thriving Tibetan community, India’s western Himalaya hold a raft of experiences. India specialist Andy gives his take on visiting the region, from the hill town of Shimla to the holy city of Haridwar.
India honeymoons: from Mughal palaces to rural backwaters
India specialist Sophie explains why she feels India is an ideal honeymoon destination. Describing her travels through the country, she picks out the best honeymoon experiences to create a special trip, from spending the night in a remote palace to floating candles down the River Ganges.
Activity vacations in India
India is ripe for outdoor experiences. Discover walking routes in the backdrop of tea plantations, track tiger on a game drive in one of many national parks or take to the water to explore via the waterways.
