With a population of 1.353 billion people, 447 native languages spoken, and an incredible history encompassing thousands and thousands of years, it’s probably safe to say that you might not be totally sure where to start when planning a trip to India. Well, that’s what we’re here to help with, and our India travel guide is designed to help you get to grips with this sprawling country and start designing your own adventure. Whether you want to search for snow leopard in the Himalayas, soak up the rich history of the north, or relax on the southern beaches, we’ve got you covered. And if you’re not yet sure what you actually want to do, we can help with that too.
The cultural north
Rajasthan, Delhi and Agra
It’s a tough one to nab, but the north just about takes the title as India’s historical heartland. You will probably have heard names like Jaipur, Agra, Delhi, Jodhpur and Udaipur, and for good reason; the cities are mesmerisingly beautiful and full of life, and will undoubtedly capture your heart, history buff or not. The famous Golden Triangle is an excellent starting point to any northern India travel guide, linking the Rajasthani cities of Agra, Delhi, and Jaipur and their assortment of temples, monuments and historical sites. If you’re making use of the international airport in Delhi, it’s an easy starting point, before working your way south, but doing the circuit in reverse is just as magical. Highlights include, Agra, home, of course, to that great symbol of love, the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort in Delhi and the photogenic pink city of Jaipur, and the bottle blues of Jodhpur. Those looking to blend a little wildlife in with their culture vulturing should head to Ranthambore National Park, a forest that’s packed with sloth bears, leopard and the crème de la crème of India’s wildlife, the majestic royal Bengal tiger.
How do I do it?
With most international flights landing in Delhi, the city is an easy starting point for a trip around the north and a good place to get your bearings before moving on. The railway networks up here are good (something you’ll find is common across most of the country), as are the roads, so travel by car and train are both excellent options; hiring a car and a driver and combining road trips with train journeys is one of our favourite ways to see the north. It’s also possible to fly into the main cities (Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur) from both Delhi and Mumbai, so those short on time can whizz about quite easily. Mumbai also makes a good starting point and the circuit of the north can easily be completed in reverse, ending in Delhi.
Where do I start?
If you’re looking to tick off all the major Rajasthani hotspots, our All about Rajasthan is the trip you need to add to your India travel log (we know, the clue’s in the name!). The trip focuses on well-known Jodhpur and Udaipur, as well as taking in the lesser-trodden paths of rural Rajasthan and the desert city of Jaisalmer. Alternatively, our Hidden Rajasthan escape will lead you through the top sites of Delhi and Agra before whisking you past the area’s bucolic countryside and finishing in uber-romantic Udaipur. Then there’s the Best of the Best, a trip that does exactly what it says on the tin and promises epic cities packed with history and culture, and tiger spotting in Ranthambore National Park.
The sunny south
Goa, Kerala and Tamil Nadu
Ah, India’s blissful, cool-as-a-cucumber (figuratively!) south. Picture swaying palm fronds, tropical beaches, peaceful backwaters – and plenty of history if you can tear yourself away from the coast. Goa is easily the most famous of India’s beach spots, having made a name for itself as a zenned-out, boho beach escape. It’s still the go-to destination if you’re seeking hot and spicy seafood, beachside yoga, meandering golden sand and perhaps a night-time party or two. We’re sure you have probably also heard of the heavenly backwaters of Kerala, where floating downriver on a languid rice boat is the name of the game. A well-earned staple in any India travel guide. After that, explore a little further to the port city Cochin, the crisp, fresh air of hilltop Munnar and its lush green tea plantations. Whilst you’re at it, we’d highly recommend a visit to Chennai and Madurai in the Tamil Nadu region, both packed to the gills with colourful temples, incredible street food and that frantic pace of life India is known for. Last but not least, even animal lovers will feel at home with a trip to the country’s largest national park, Periyar. Eyes peeled for tiger, elephant and all manner of other exciting spots!
How do I do it?
Goa and Cochin airports serve as excellent jumping-off points for those visiting the south west and although smaller than some in the country, are linked to most of India’s main cities. If you’re looking to head straight for the southern sunshine, Goa’s Dabolim Airport accepts international flights, making more time for beach-lounging and sunset-snapping. Madurai and Chennai also have their own airports, and the latter can be reached internationally as well as locally.
Where do I start?
Our Best of Kerala & Tamil Nadu trip is a fantastic introduction to India’s south, taking in all the top spots, as well as some that the India travel guide books might not tell you about. You’ll begin amongst the hustle and bustle of Chennai, before moving onto the Riviera of the East, Pondicherry, and Thanjavur, Chettinad and Madurai. Then, it’s off for tea-tasting in Palani, animal spotting in Periyar National Park, a float along the Keralan backwaters, and sun, sea and architecture in Cochin. For something a touch slower, Kerala and the Maldives has your name written all over it. After all, what could be more peaceful than exploring Kerala’s backwaters, the tea-strewn hills of Munnar, and Periyar’s wildlife before jetting off to the Maldives? If neither of those suit, try editing one of our itineraries to make your own trip. India really is your oyster!
The real north
Ladakh, Rishikesh, Shimla and Kumaon
India’s Himalayas and those snow-capped peaks and lush foothills have tempted travellers for years – in fact, when India was under British rule, those who couldn’t handle the heat would head further north to cooler climes to escape the searing summer. This high-altitude region is still popular today on many India travel bucketlists – and not just for serious hikers either. There’s Rishikesh (made famous by the Fab Four in 1968), the birthplace of yoga and ideal for those seeking spiritual enlightenment, Shimla, a genteel mountain town where games of croquet are part of everyday life, and Kumaon, where you’ll spend your days getting involved in village life and ogling the mountain views. Of course, the ‘real deal’ Himalayan experience is hiking, and if that’s what you’re looking for, Leh in Ladakh, should be first on your list. The famous mountain town is the gateway to the Himalayas’ perilously high peaks and the villages that sit upon them and the place to be for exploring the vertiginous Buddhist temples and searching for the rare and beautiful snow leopard.
How do I do it?
As you can imagine, reaching India’s Western Himalayas can be fairly challenging. Some areas you can travel to with ease, but others make you work a little harder. You might think the mountain town of Leh would be one of the tougher destinations to reach, flights from Delhi take a little over an hour and land at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport. Shimla and Rishikesh can both be reached by road (you can also fly to Rishikesh, landing at nearby Dehradun airport), and those who are feeling adventurous can even make the journey onto Leh by car – this writer’s done just that and it was thrilling! Kumaon is one of the trickier destinations to reach on an India travel itinerary but all the better for it we think. Flying isn’t really an option, so instead, travel by train to Kathgodham station (a little over 30km away and very well connected) and then travel the rest of the way by road.
Where do I start?
If the Himalayas appeal to you as an escape from modern life, then check out our trip, The Magic of the Himalayas. This adventure gets straight into the heart of the famous Indian mountains, inviting you to explore the ancient traditions, trek the peaks, and understand the life of those who call the mountains home. Those looking to tap into India’s sacred side will enjoy our Spiritual Adventure trip, which takes travellers on a journey from the beautiful City of the Lakes, Udaipur, before following the River Ganges north to that heavenly haven, Rishikesh. And, because of the easy connections with Delhi, the Himalayas can be built into most Indian travel itineraries so don’t let us restrict you…
And all the rest…
Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Andaman Islands, Bandhavgarh National Park
Yep, India is a pretty big place and despite our neat itineraries and beautifully-crafted trips, there are more than a few destinations left in our India travel guide – and here they are!
Up first is Mumbai and its heady mix of history, culture, Bollywood stars, chaos and glamour. It’s hot and busy and we love it – and when we say the food’s good, we really mean it, be it street food or an all-out restaurant. Another spot on the foodie list is Hyderabad, a south-central city famous for its biryani and blend of old-world India and shiny silver skyscrapers. In the north-east, you’ll find yourself enraptured by Kolkata, the former seat of the British Empire where historical buildings rub shoulders with exciting restaurants and a new urban elite. It’s a fascinating city with plenty to explore and keep you busy.
Away from the cities, Bandhavgarh National Park is a small but perfectly-formed park that boasts one of the largest populations of tigers in India. Its recent claim to fame is as the filming ground of David Attenborough’s Dynasties series. And if Mr Attenborough approves, well… Finally, one of our favourite, far-out, far-flung destinations is the Andaman Islands. Found in the Bay of Bengal, these remote islands will fulfil every Robinson Crusoe fantasy you’ve ever had, with their blinding white beaches and lapping turquoise waters and make a truly idyllic end to a busy trip around the coast.
How do I do it?
Mumbai’s large airport welcomes travellers both internationally and domestically, making it a popular start and end point for many India travel itineraries, especially those that include more off-the-beaten track destinations. The city is very well connected to the rest of the country by an extensive rail network, giving options for those who prefer not to fly or wish to see more of the country from ground level. Both Hyderabad and Kolkata are easily reached by domestic flights and by train, making them accessible from most places in India. And finally, the Andaman Islands might be remote but luckily there are direct flights available from both Kolkata and Chennai, as well as indirect flights from Delhi.
Where do I start?
Mumbai, Hyderabad and Kolkata are incredibly well-connected and can be weaved into most India travel itineraries, dependent on what you want to see. Mumbai acts as a great alternative starting point for exploring India’s cultural north and is exactly where our epic, All About Rajasthan trip begins. Hyderabad is a good ‘stopover’ for breaking up journeys across the south and, thanks to its central location, it’s also a good point to fly into before taking your journeys elsewhere (but we’d go for the biryani alone). Kolkata is a little out of the way in the north east but we’d certainly recommend making your way here if you’re keen to find out more about India’s past and have a taste for Bengali inspired curries – a tantalising combination. Then, after a few weeks of soaking up India’s frenetic pace, you’ll want nothing more than a sandy beach to recline on and a cool drink to sip on – roll up the Andaman Islands! Flights go from selected cities across the country, although stopovers are sometimes required. Otherwise, end your trip in Mumbai and you’ll be able to fly straight there with minimal fuss.
