India holidays - Tours, tailor made and luxury holidays to India

One of the world's most culturally, ethnically and geographically diverse countries, India never ceases to amaze travellers, even well-seasoned adventure-seekers and explorers that venture into this fascinating country need more than one trip to this vast and kaleidoscope nation to get a real taste of its pluralistic, multi-ethnic and multilingual society.

Being the country where four of the world's major religions originated (Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism) a nation as culture rich as India has to be taken in with all the senses.

Captivating, mind-boggling, exciting and puzzling, India never fails to leave a big impression on visitors. Hate it or love it, a holiday in India won't leave anyone indifferent. Form its sun-kissed beaches and luxury resorts in coastal towns like Goa, to humble fishing villages, bewildering nature reserves and safaris, to snow-dusted mountain tops, quaint lantern-lit villages, and ultra-modern cities like New Delhi, the kind of in-your-face diversity that you find in India is unsurpassable by any other country in the world.

Avid culture-thirsty travellers, history gurus and adventure seekers will love the endless possibilities for sightseeing; exploring and trekking that India will offer them. The planet's most multidimensional spot, India promises to jostle your perceptions of the world and wherever you go or whatever it is you do during India holidays, this is a place that neither your heart nor your memory will ever forget.

You can attempt to unravel the enigma that is India through visiting many historical and heritage sites, from the magic allure of the magnificent Taj Mahal, to the remnants of a once glorious British colony where you can admire crumbling fortresses and lavish vestiges from the era when British Raj ruled. You can take the route of the past and trace back years of British influence that still affect much of India's today. From the imposing beauty of the Buddhist temples to the majestic mosques and awe-inspiring churches, there is a world of culture to be discovered in India; wherever you visit you're bound to be inspired with some sights that will leave you in absolute awe.

With such an overwhelmingly long list of things to say about India, we could go on describing it for pages and we'd still only be scratching the surface. The best way to experience this fascinating South Asian band with its spicy flavours, its vibrant landscapes, its enthralling cultures, magnificent temples and charming people is to go there and absorb its unique essence with your every sense.

India holidays – A Snapshot

From the mystical to the extravagant and from the exotic to the mundane, day-to-day life in India varies greatly depending on the region you visit, which is why the best way to get a true picture of this country is by booking either a full package tour or a multi-destination holiday where you can choose to stay at some of the country's most important cities in terms of historical value, natural riches and culture.

Home to an incredible diversity of wildlife and numerous protected nature reserves and habitats, India holidays strongly appeal to nature lovers, with a visit to Ranthambore Park being an obligatory stop and essential activity in any animal lover's agenda. It is in this nature reserve, declared one of the best national parks in the world where you can get a glimpse of the Bengal tiger thriving in its natural ecosystem.

Culture gurus and history enthusiasts will have a blast exploring India's most multicultural city in Mumbai with a varied mix of religions, cultures and traditions as well as being the film capital of India and the heart of the Bollywood scene, displaying stark contrasts between luxury hotels and heavily populated urban areas.

There are so many things to see in India, so many places to visit and such an incredible range of experiences not to miss that a short stay doesn't make it justice and India holidays are best enjoyed as guided tours through the most important cities and regions or as well-planned out twin-centre holidays and tailor-made holidays, perfectly crafted to include all the main highlights that merit a visit.

This is why the best way to see India and really experience its multi-faceted variety is by going on a full 7-day or 10-day that includes a visit to the famous Golden Triangle region, a tour around the Ranthambore National Park, plus perhaps a few additional days at a relaxing resort in the beautiful beach town of Goa.

Package holidays to India

Probably one of the most convenient ways of seeing India in its full splendour without worrying about having to plan out your itinerary in detail or well in advance, our straightforward, fully inclusive package holidays in India offer travellers a complete solution where accommodation, return flights and return airport-to-hotel transfers are taken care of.

Twin-Centre holidays in India

When one destination, or indeed one single country is not enough to satisfy your wanderlust needs, our expertly crafted twin-centre holiday packages can combine an amazing India tour or holiday with a stay at another totally different destination, with Dubai being our most popular combination. If you feel emotionally exhausted and culturally drained after a full-on holiday of non-stop culturally-enriching experiences and historical encounters, the best way to get a respite and a relaxing luxurious break in a modern beach resort before you return home is to spend a few additional days in elegant and cosmopolitan Dubai. Or if you want to combine your India holidays with any other destination then just let us know and we'll tailor-make a fantastic holiday package to suit your special requirements.

Tours of India

The absolute best way to truly take in the overwhelming diversity of India with its changing landscapes, its mystical allure, its multi-racial, multi-cultural rainbow and its lush wilderness is to go for one of our comprehensive tours, giving you plenty of flexibility when it comes to choosing the sights you want to see and the kind of Indian adventure you'd like to engage in. While many of our tours are fixed, others also offer the option of combining it with another tour to get an even more complete Indian experience.

For example, one of our most popular tour combinations in India is the Deluxe Golden Triangle Tour with the Deluxe Ranthambore National Park Tour or the Superior Triangle Tour combined with the Superior Shimla Highlights Tour. All of our tours are guided and inclusive of accommodation and flights, while many are also Full Board which means that any spare cash you bring will be to spend on souvenirs and local crafts.

Tailor-made holidays to India

For the fussy traveller or for when a fixed holiday package or tour simply won't do, we always offer the option of tailor-making our products to suit a particular travellers' needs and wants. Of course, India is no exception and for those who want to individually craft their India holidays from scratch, our tailor-made option is the way to go, offering a great deal of flexibility when it comes to customising every aspect of your getaway to fit around your specific plans.

If you want a shorter or longer stay than what or fixed holiday packages offer, or if you want to add special excursions, additional visits to other cities or stay at different resorts or different cities throughout your stay, go for our tailor-made holidays in India to help us create something just for you. When none of our holiday packages and holiday tours to India will do, just speak to one of knowledgeable travel advisors who will help you create the perfect package, expertly tailor-made to suit you and your travelling party.

Where to Stay in India – Top 3 holiday destinations

New Delhi holidays

The financial, governmental and business heart of the country, cosmopolitan New Delhi is a place of colours and contrasts home to a captivating selection of attractions and UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Qutub complex and Humayun's Tomb. The country's most modern city and one of India's most iconic cities with rich history and culture, New Delhi has been the nation's seat of power throughout the years, from the era of the Sultanates to today's President and Prime Minister.

Over 100 years old, the history of this multicultural city can be discovered walking through its streets, discovering its multi-ethnic population and admiring its fast rate of development and growth while strolling along its pretty avenues lined with striking government buildings and domes.

Exuding kaleidoscopic culture, heritage and a somewhat mysterious allure, a holiday to India would be incomplete without a stop in New Delhi, once described by National Geographic's Travel Magazine as "one of the ultimate cities of lifetime to visit and explore". Here you will find plenty of ancient monuments, museums, art galleries, bustling markets, great theatres and fantastic dining places.

Mumbai holidays

Widely regarded as India's most kaleidoscopic city with the most multi-cultural population in the country and the nation's largest concentration of people of various religions, different social classes and cultures, this is a city that merits an obligatory stop during any India holiday.

Colourful and vibrant, energetic and extremely photogenic, in Mumbai you can expect to see big Bollywood billboards (as this city is the financial powerhouse of India's film industry), a regular congestion of cattle, carts and cars circulating on the streets and the sound and a high-paced atmosphere moving to the sounds of blaring horns and hawkers.

During a visit to this city make sure to take the time to mingle with the locals, enrich your holiday with historical visits to colonial forts and palaces and meander around narrow streets and colourful downtown markets. Or you could be mingling with celebrities at the famous Colaba shopping district.

Goa holidays

The best well-known tourist beach resort in India and the one with the most beautiful beaches, Goa captivates many visitors with its sunny weather, pristine shores, vibrant nightlife and the contrast between its modern appeal and quaint fishing villages. The only state in India to have ever fallen under Portuguese rule during the colonial period, the Portuguese influence in Goa can be seen in the mixture of European and Indian cultures, which over the years have inter-twinned to create a unique and very distinct flavour, different to the rest of the nation.

This mix of cultures is reflected in the region's architecture, religion and culinary flavours. Wandering through the picturesque streets of Goa during your India holidays you will come across cathedrals, churches and Mediterranean-style colonial buildings. Oh and let's not forget about the glorious beaches with Calangute, Baga and Anjuna standing out among the crowd for their lively atmosphere. If you're seeking utter beach seclusion you can find it further along the coast with more isolated beaches.

Top Attractions in India – Iconic places to visit

With India being such a vast nation and its attractions being so diverse it's an extremely daunting task to attempt to list all of them and do them justice, and the end result would leave you confused and overwhelmed as you wonder which attraction to prioritise over others or how on earth you can manage to cram so many sightseeing trips on a single holiday to India. This is why we've compiled a short and modest list with what we believe are the top three places or attractions not to missing during your first India holidays.

Taj Mahal, Agra

Probably one of the most, if not the single most iconic and most instantly recognisable place in all of India, the legendary and sumptuous Taj Mahal has stolen many travellers' hearts and it's not hard to see why. Majestic, decadently luxurious and captivating is not just India's most famous building; it is one of the world's most awe-inspiring wonders and one of the Seven Wonders of the New World. Built by Shah Jahan and offered to his favourite wife as a resting place for her soul, Mumtaz Mahal, this iconic piece of art is also an endearing symbol of love. The mausoleum, completed in 1653, took 22 years to build and 20,000 workers and jewellers to build and adorn this unique masterpiece.

Kerala

Also dubbed "God's Own Country" this fascinating Indian state is one of India's most precious gems. A land of incomparable natural beauty, this region comprises unique topography with lush hill stations home to exotic wildlife, azure backwaters and the most stunning of beaches. Also being one of India's most culturally advanced states with 100 per cent literacy rate; Kerala surprises the curious traveller in more ways than one.

The place where Ayurveda treatments take a serious meaning, this is also the place to unwind and indulge in some exotic natural therapies and treatments. In terms of wildlife you can spot monkeys swinging from trees in their natural habitat and elephants going about, or, for a wilder experience you can head to various nature reserves such as Eravikulam National Park, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and many others.

There's no particular place in Kerala that stands among the rest as being the most attractive spot to visit, as the Kerala, the state itself as a whole is the attraction, to be discovered and explored from one end to the other.

Red Fort, Delhi

The most iconic and impressive landmark in Delhi, this ancient fort built between 1638 and 1648 by Emperor Shah Jahan is a magnificent piece of architecture listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. This red sand stone monument spans over 2 kilometres and is now one of the most modern attractions in Delhi with a Sound and Light Show organised in the evenings recreating the history of India.

Extra tips and other attractions in India

Money and Currency

The national currency in India is the Rupee with the "Rs" abbreviation often used to represent it. One Rupee is equivalent to a hundred Paise (Paisa in singular) but its use has declined and Paise coins have become increasingly rare. As a matter of fact, coin denominations of less than 50 paise ceased to be legal tender in June 2011. Most currency in India is issued in paper notes, in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 Rupees (although this last note can be hard to exchange outside banks).

When you exchange your currency in India always ensure to do so at authorised dealers and banks and avoid at all costs exchanging your money from local residents, as tourists are easy targets and scams are not unheard of. In order to avoid falling victim to a fake currency exchange, always ensure to exchange your money in advance; either at the airport, at a local bank branch (in India's largest city you will find HSBC and Citibank branches among others) or taking out local currency by using your credit or debit card in an ATM machine (widely available in most major towns and cities in India.

Alternatively you can always purchase traveller's cheques and cash them in various outlets. In fact, many banks and money exchange bureaus offer travellers a slight premium for using traveller's cheques instead of cash.

The good news is that the commission charge for foreign exchange in India is becoming obsolete and if it is added, the fee is nominal. However, if you use an ATM machine to obtain Rupees, bear in mind that some banks may impose higher charges on international transactions, although often these fees may be offset by the favourable exchange rate between banks.

If using an ATM as the most convenient way for you to exchange money during your India holidays we advise to reduce bank charges by making larger transactions less often and always bring some extra cash in case of an emergency in the event of the power going down, the ATM being out of order or you losing your debit or credit cards. When it comes to money, especially when you're abroad on holiday, it pays to be extra cautions and prepare for any foreseeable event.

If you plan to bring cash and only use your credit or debit card for emergencies, please note the major notes such as British Pound Sterling and Euros are always welcome in India and easy to exchange throughout the country, although there are certain bank branches that insist on accepting traveller's cheques only. If you plan to travel off the beaten path or visit rural areas, it's essential that you carry a generous wad of Rupees.

Whenever you exchange money in India, be it at a bank or at an exchange dealer, always make sure to check every note and reject ripped, filthy or disintegrating notes, as you might struggle to make payment with these at many local outlets. Also be warned that often people India don't seem to have any change, so it's a smart move to try and keep a stock of smaller currency. If you have larger bills try to get them into notes of 10, 20 and 50 Rupees and when exchanging money ask for these smaller denominations.

Credit cards are widely accepted at an increasing number of shops, retail outlets, fine dining restaurants and hotels ranging from mid-range to top luxury. MasterCard and Visa are the most commonly accepted, but always be wary of scams and ask for receipts.

Last but certainly not least, please note that when exchanging money or cashing travellers' cheques, in most cases you will be required to present your passport, so don't forget to always bring it with you.

Eating Out

With a tantalising cuisine that is as rich and diverse as this colourful nation, eating out in India will not only be surprisingly inexpensive in most cases but also incredibly rewarding. Indian cuisine is world famous for its aromatic flavours and spices, pungent and bold culinary delights as well as its rich diversity of vegetarian dishes where meat is not missed, eating out in India is a must-do for those who want to go on a sensory adventure experienced through their palate.

With India being a relatively inexpensive country to eat out in, especially when it comes to local, humble yet charming eateries that can work out to be extremely cheap, budget should never get in the way of enjoying hearty, memorable meals. Although you will get to savour India's most famous curries at your hotel, often you will find India's most authentic flavours outside your resort, whether that's at a fine dining gourmet restaurant or at a mid-range eatery.

And you're wrong if you thought Indian cuisine was all about curries, as you will find many new and exotic dishes cooked in a traditional Tandoor oven and plenty of wholesome and nutritious delights. If you don't like things on the spicy side, don't panic as India features plenty of restaurants offering international cuisine.

One word of caution when eating out in India to avoid stomach upsets that frequently affect travellers not used to the hotness of the spices traditionally used in many Indian dishes is to start out with the mildest option and build up as you go along to prepare your stomach.

To avoid any tummy upsets in India also make sure to carry a hand sanitiser or wash your hands thoroughly before each meal, only eat food that has been cooked to boiling point (especially when it comes to meat), only drink from bottled water and do not use any ice on your drinks. That's it, bon appetite and enjoy; you're on your way to a seriously hot culinary journey you will not soon forget!

Public holidays in India

With India being such a colourfully vast nation comprising different regions with different religions, cultures and beliefs, this is one of the few countries in the world where you'll find a great variety of special holidays and festivities all throughout the year, some with strong religious Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and Christian connotations while others commemorate special dates in the history of India.

While India only has 3 major national public holidays a year (Republic Day, Independence Day and Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday) which are observed in all states and union territories, there are many other religious celebrations and holidays, some of which are observed in certain areas or states where these religions have a strong following.

In fact, the list of festivities in different regions of India is so long that we've only adhered to listing a few of the main ones in each religion. If you want a more in-depth holiday and festivity calendar it's worth checking before you travel as most religious Muslim and Hindu celebrations are celebrated on different dates each year guided by the Islamic and Hindu calendar, which observes the different phases of the moon.

• Republic Day — celebrated each 26th January this is a fixed public national holiday in India where the country commemorates the date on which the current Constitution of India came into force replacing the previous Government of India Act 1935. During this day organised military parades take over the streets in the capital city of New Delhi, this festive day is also celebrated in state capitals and other regions.
• Milad un Nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad) — a Muslim festivity observed by the Islamic community in India, this is the celebration of the birthday of Prophet Muhammad. Many Muslims send e-cards to friends and family, discuss the advent of the Prophet's birth and his teachings and activities include night-long prayer meetings, marches and parades, communal meals, exhibitions and festive banners in homes and mosques.
• Maha Shivratri — also known as Shivrati this is a major religious national holiday in India. It is a festival widely celebrated throughout the nation on the night of 13th and 14th day in the Krishna Paksha of the month Phalguna or Maagha in the Hindu calendar, usually falling sometime between mid-February and late March in the western calendar.
• Mahavir Jayanthi — observed by Jains this is the most important religious celebration in Jainism, celebrating the birth of Mahavira, the last Tirthankara. This popular festival is widely celebrated among the Jain community in India and it either falls in March or April in the Gregorian calendar or on the 13th day of the rising moon of Chaitra according to the lunar calendar.
• Good Friday — observed by Christians nationwide in India, this festive holiday also referred to as Easter Friday, Holy Friday or Great Friday is a deeply religious celebration that commemorates the crucification of Jesus Christ.
• Easter Sunday — following from the celebrations of Good Friday, this Christian festivity is observed by all states and territories in India except Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan and Tripura.
• Buddha Poornima — observed by Buddhists nationwide, this holiday commemorates the birth of Lord Budhha. This festive day is usually celebrated on the full moon night of the Vaisakha month, equivalent to late May in the western Gregorian calendar.
• Krishna Janmashtami — celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, a deity and incarnation of Lord Vishnu in Hindu mythology.
• Independence Day — this fixed national holiday is also an official state holiday celebrated and observed by all regions in the country on 15th August. It marks the day when back in 1947 India achieved freedom from the British rule.
• Gandhi Jayanti - Mahatma Ghandi's Birthday — the last of the fixed official national holidays in India observed nationwide, this day marks the birthday anniversary of the inspiring icon and spiritual leader, Mahatma Ghandi, also known as the Father of the Nation.
• Dussehra (Vijaya Dashami) — this 2-day Hindu holiday celebrates the victory of good over evil on the 10th day of the bright half of the month of Ashvin in the Hindu Calendar. This Hindu Festival is widely celebrated by Hindus with effigies of Ravana burnt of bonfires in the evening, special prayer meetings with food offerings to the gods in temples throughout the country and outdoor fairs. The celebrations in some areas of India can last up to 10 days with performances of the epic Ramayana in Northern India, the preparation of special foods in Bengal and a large festival in the state of Karnataka, being this the most ideal time to visit any of these regions to immerse in the local Hindu folklore. This celebration takes place sometime in October, with exact dates changing every year according to the Hindu lunar calendar.
• Diwali — also known as the Festival of Lights, this is probably India's best known religious Hindu festival celebrated worldwide. Usually falling between the months of October and November in the western Gregorian calendar, this celebration is typically observed nationwide with spectacular firework displays, delicious sweet treats and a host of colourful traditional activities.
• Christmas Day — on 25th December like many other nations in the western hemisphere, Christians in India observe this holiday, marking the birthday of Jesus Christ.

The weather in India

A country as vast and diverse as India comprising such a variety of landscapes is also home to as many as six major climatic subtypes, according to the Koppen system; with an arid desert climate in the west, glaciers and alpine tundra in the north and humid tropical regions where rainforests thrive in the southwest.

In general, it can be said that India has a Tropical Monsoon climate, which means that the nation is affected by seasonal reversal of the winds throughout the year and most of the country's climate is heavily influenced by the monsoons. One of the main characteristics of the climate in India is the alternating seasons with the position of the mountain ranges and the direction of the rain-bearing winds being the two main factors that determine the weather in many parts of India.

The India Meteorological Department identifies four official seasons:

Winter — spanning from December to early April, the coldest season in India sees temperatures averaging 10 – 15°C in the north-western parts of the country, with the chilliest months being December in January. The closer to the equator, the more temperatures rise, peaking around 20-25°C during winter time in India's south-eastern mainland.

Summer — also known as pre-monsoon season and running from April to June (or to July in north-western regions) this is the hottest season in most parts of the country, with April being the hottest month in southern and western regions while May is the hottest month for northern India with temperatures averaging 32-40°C in most of the interior. Central India (comprising Delhi and Madhya Pradesh) typically experiences temperatures between 40 to 45°C in the peak of summer while north-western regions comprising Rajasthan mainly, sees the highest temperatures and driest climate with temperatures soaring to 45°C in the height of summer.

Monsoon or Rainy Season — going from June to September in most of the country, this season is the wettest; dominated by the humid southwest summer monsoon, bringing torrential rainfall that spreads across the country slowly, moving across the nation from the end of May or beginning of June. The monsoon reaches Mumbai in early June and appears over Delhi around 29th June. Typically, the southern region sees higher volumes of precipitation than the northern parts.

Post Monsoon — running from October to December this season normally brings bright sunshine and drier weather, especially in north-western India, a region that remains virtually cloudless during these months. In contrast, the Indian state of Tamil Nadu gets the highest volume of annual rainfall during the north-eastern post-monsoon period. Average temperatures during this season typically range between 28 and 34°C

Regions in India that see the lowest volume of rainfall throughout the year include Western Rajasthan, Punjab, the northern part of Kashmir and the Deccean Plateau. In contrast, the regions that experience the heaviest rainfall include the Western Coast, West Bengal, Assam, the southern parts of east Himalayas, the Hills of Meghalaya, the Western Ghats and Sub-Himalayan range territories in the North East.

Overall, the weather in most of India remains hot throughout most of the year, making this an idyllic destination to visit anytime of year. However there are significant weather variations from region to region, so it's always worth checking the local weather in your Indian destination before you head to your India holidays. In general terms from the end of November until the beginning of March you will find the coolest weather, with sunny days and refreshing evenings. You will probably find the most unpleasant, hot, dry and dusty weather occurring between March and June. Showers and monsoon storms typically occur in summer in most regions, with the wettest season running between June and early October.