Be inspired by India

If you’re planning a trip to India for the first time, you’re probably bursting with excitement at the thought of all the sights, sounds, and flavours that await you. But you may also feel a tad overwhelmed – after all, India is a vast country, with endless experiences to choose from. Planning a holiday requires research. And that’s where we come in.

Our Travel Specialists have travelled all over India, from the cool mountains of the Himalayas to the sun-kissed backwaters of Kerala. They’ve put together this handy travel guide to help and inspire you when planning your exciting India holiday.India is a country of incredible contrasts, where every region offers its own culture, cuisine, language and landscapes. From the Himalayas to the beaches of Kerala, there’s an endless variety of places and experiences to explore. Here are some of our favourites to get you started…

Sunrise at the Taj Mahal

Yes, it’s one of those things everyone should do on a trip to India, and for good reason. The Taj Mahal is one of the world’s most iconic sights, and seeing it in person is something else. We like to arrange your visit for sunrise, when the early morning light creates a peaceful and atmospheric experience before the crowds arrive.

Backwaters of Kerala

For a completely different pace, hop aboard a traditional houseboat and drift through Kerala’s peaceful backwaters. This labyrinth of narrow canals is lined with swaying palms and lush greenery, with small villages, hidden temples, churches and traditional houseboats appearing along the way.

Toy Train to Darjeeling

One of the highlights of any India holiday is to ride a famous Toy Train, and what location would be best to go to than Darjeeling? You can learn about tea leaf growing, and feel the Tibetan influence on the area.

Cities of Rajasthan

Rajasthan has so much going for it, including colonial history, ancient forts and vibrant cities of Jaipur and Jodhpur. You could have a whole holiday in this region alone.

India has a population of a billion people and is one of the most chaotic, colourful and emotionally uplifting countries in the world. The country is so diverse, it will amuse, delight and distress you; you will experience complete sensory overload.

Although you will encounter crazy traffic, loud noise, and poverty, your attitude will influence your experience; if you visit India with an open heart, you’ll appreciate its beauty and warmth of human spirit.

• Be prepared for curiosity – You might come across people who ask you lots of questions about yourself and where you’re from, or even the odd stare here and there.
• Rushing doesn’t work in India – Try to adjust to ‘India-time’ and leisurely explore a small area. Mix a few tourist sites with downtime in the less hectic areas such as wildlife reserves, jungles, beaches and tranquil hill stations.
• Be aware of the cultural etiquette – Eating with your left hand, for example, is considered dirty, so stick to your right hand. This also applies when meeting people, always use your right hand. Also, revealing the soles of your feet is considered very rude so keep them covered, especially around holy sites.

The best way to plan a trip to India is to leave a little room for the unexpected. Trying to pack too much into a tight itinerary can be frustrating, as delays and hold-ups are simply part of travelling here. India has its own rhythm, so take a deep breath, embrace the slower pace and go with the flow.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared. Do some research, pick up a good guidebook and chat to one of our India Travel Specialists, who are always on hand with advice and first-hand tips. It’s also worth getting to know the history, religions, customs and cultures of the different regions you’ll visit. From the sacred status of cows to the nationwide love of cricket, India is full of fascinating traditions.

Check out our India Travel Blog for inspiration and ideas

India is a vast country with very different weather conditions from region to region. If you have a particular part of India in mind, it’s worth checking the climate there before booking your flights and planning your itinerary, then choosing your travel dates accordingly. Take a look at our detailed India weather guide for more information on the best time to visit each region.

Hello! / Goodbye! – Namaste!
Thank you! – Danyavaad! / Shukhriya!
Ok – Ach-ha
Yes – Jee haang
No – Jee na’heeng
Excuse me – Suni’ye
Sorry – Maaf ‘keejiye
How are you? – Aap ‘kayse hai?
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How much is this? – ‘Kitne kaa hay?