Overview of India
It’s the romance of the Taj Mahal, the valour of Rajasthan’s forts, the exuberance of Gujarat’s festivals, the peace of Kerala’s backwaters and the spirituality of the Holy Ganges.
Palm-fringed beaches, hip cafes and a relaxed vibe welcome travellers to Goa. Spending a few days sunbathing and chilling out on its soft sands is one of the most fun things to do in India. Sign up for a range of water sports; go parasailing, snorkelling, jet skiing, windsurfing and more, enjoy lively beach parties or just beach hop and find your favourite strip of sand.
There is plenty to do off the sand, too; visit some of the region’s historic forts. The views from Fort Aguada are mesmerising, and the sunsets from Fort Chapora, memorable. Reserve a day to visit the treasures of Old Goa; its beautiful churches, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Hike to the majestic Dudhsagar Falls, shop at colourful flea markets and welcome the night at one of the state’s many lively restaurants and pubs.
India is the land of the tiger, and the country’s forests and national parks provide the perfect setting to come face to face with these majestic creatures. A trip to one or a couple of these national parks is one of the most memorable things to do in India, especially for wildlife lovers and photographers.
Head out on thrilling safaris in Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, revel in the enchanting landscape of Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh, the inspiration for The Jungle Book, or spot herds of majestic Asian elephants in the dense jungles of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala.
The birthplace of some of the oldest religions in the world, experiencing the country’s deep spirituality is one of the best things to see and do in India. In Varanasi, India’s holiest city, float down the sacred Ganges, take a dip in its flowing waters and roam its ghats to witness powerful ceremonies.
Spend a few days exploring Dharamshala, the home of the Dalai Lama, surround yourself with rich Buddhist heritage and find zen amid fluttering prayer flags. Eat a sumptuous meal prepared by volunteers at the community kitchen of the Golden Temple in Amritsar and learn about the guiding principles of Sikhism.
With its rolling hills and verdant fields, Kerala lives up to its image as God’s own country. Ride out into the backwaters of Allepey and Kumarakoan in a traditional houseboat. Float by coconut groves and quaint villages, and watch life by the backwaters unfold as your ride makes its way through a network of canals and streams.
In Munnar, rows upon rows of green greet the eye at the hill station’s tea plantations. Learn about the process from leaf to cup, sip endless cups of exquisite tea and set off on hikes amid delightful landscapes. In Cochin, observe the distinct European influences on the city’s architecture, dine on fresh and wholesome Kerala fare and spend an evening appreciating the traditional dance forms of Kerala.
A short distance from Chennai, the capital of the state of Tamilnadu, is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram. Take a guided tour of the rock carvings and monuments that date back to the 7th and 8th century CE.
Visit the Shore Temple, which sits right by the Bay of Bengal and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu, prominent deities of the Hindu religion. Balance out heavy-duty sightseeing with long walks on the beach and stunning sunsets. Head on to the ancient city of Kanchipuram, known as the ‘City of a Thousand Temples’, and tour its magnificent temples.
Being in the presence of the Himalayas is, without a doubt, one of the top things to do in India. Take in the view of the sun’s rays hitting the mighty Kanchenjunga from Tiger Hill in Darjeeling and ride the toy train in Shimla, breathing in the fresh mountain air. In Ladakh, drive through stark desert landscapes and marvel at snow-capped mountains.
Visit peaceful monasteries and charming villages, finding bliss in the region’s silent valleys and star-studded skies
With at least as many cuisines as the number of states, a journey through India is a fascinating exploration of the country’s myriad flavours. The capital city, New Delhi, is nothing short of street food heaven. Indulge in spicy and tangy chaats; quick, savoury snacks that are a perennial favourite, try out delicious parathas (flatbreads) stuffed with vegetables, cheese and more and wash it down with tall glasses of lassi, sweet and salty buttermilk.
Kolkata, another fabulous culinary destination, is filled with gastronomical discoveries waiting to happen. Gulp down phuchkas, crispy puffed puris filled with spicy, sweet and tangy sauces, try out Indo-Chinese delights and feast on the city’s famous desserts. In South India, bite into scrumptious dosas (savoury rice pancakes), and enjoy multi-course meals involving rice, meat and vegetables served on banana leaves.
Discover the many facets of incredible India on a tailor-made journey through this vibrant country. Get in touch with our destination experts to know more about our India multi-centre holidays.
It’s the romance of the Taj Mahal, the valour of Rajasthan’s forts, the exuberance of Gujarat’s festivals, the peace of Kerala’s backwaters and the spirituality of the Holy Ganges.
Pairing a multi centre holiday in India with Sri Lanka is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the culture and history of this area of the world.
While temperatures differ quite significantly from region to region, winter, which runs from November to February, is the best time of year to visit India.
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