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India Snapshot

Due to India's size and topography, there's a huge amount of variation in its climate. One of the most beneficial times to visit is from September to March when temperatures are at their coolest. During winter (December-January), temperatures can get quite cold in Delhi and in the north, especially at night. Monsoon is from late-May to around October and offers hot and humid conditions, although this is considered one of the best times to visit Ladakh and the hills.
  • Delhi weather chart
  • Kochi weather chart

Eating and Drinking in India

  • Goa: The tropical climate and coastal location ensures the seafood is fresh and tasty here. Pungent seafood curries bubbling in coconut milk, as well as fresh crab, lobster, squid and prawns are all great picks in this region. A Kingfisher beer also goes down well with a Goan sunset.
  • Rajasthan: With little access to water, Rajasthani cuisine relies on milk or ghee as a base, making it quite rich. Legumes, pulses and breads feature heavily as access to fresh vegetables is scarce.
  • Kerala: A great producer of many spices so expect hot and spicy dishes when eating here. Rice is abundant, as is coconut, so expect coconut-based curries laced with chilli, ginger, cardamom and pepper. Having access to many waterways, seafood also features on the menu here. Dosa (pancake-like crepes) are popular breakfast items in Kerala.
  • Assam: The cuisine of this north-eastern hills region is characterised by a reliance on rice and preserved produce. There is a distinct lack of spice used but despite this, the cuisine still possesses a strong flavour due to the dried herbs and flavoursome vegetables and fruits that most dishes are based on. Pickles, salads, garnishes and condiments like mustard oil, lemon and mangosteen add a distinct flavour to Assamese dishes.
  • Gujarat: Cuisine from western India is predominantly vegetarian. Daal, rice and roti (flat bread) are the main dishes, which are sometimes supplemented with stir fried vegetables.
  • Making chappati

Intrepid believes that one of the best ways to experience a country is by eating! Whether you're sampling street food, savouring a cheap eat or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world. Indian food is one of the world's most favoured cuisines, and travellers will be in for a real treat when visiting India. Relying heavily on spices and vegetables, vegetarians will be delighted with the multitude of meat-free dishes available and visitors will be able to notice marked differences in the cuisines of each region.

Shopping in India

  • Jewellery: From big, chunky ornate silver earrings to vibrant bangles and bold statement rings, India's silversmiths and jewellery makers ensure there are lots of pieces to choose from in the bazaars and shops.
  • Wraps, Scarves and Shawls: Whether you're looking for pricey pashmina, luxurious silk or colourful cotton, India has a huge variety of materials to wrap yourself in.
  • Tea: If you're lucky enough to be able to bring tea into your home country, then pick up some of the world's finest tea from the Darjeeling, Assam or Nilgiri regions.
  • Linen: Indian cotton sheets, embroidered bed spreads and colourful cushion covers can be picked up in bazaars at a fraction of the price paid elsewhere.
  • Tea picking

India's fragrant bazaars, modern boutiques and village markets are brimming with wares harnessing centuries of artistic traditions. With talented artisans and top quality items at low prices, India is a shopper's paradise.

It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.

Accommodation

Travelling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavour to provide travellers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible.

When travelling with us in India you may find yourself staying in a:
Homestay

  • Homestay

  • Make new friends, feast on authentic home cooking and receive kind hospitality while staying with friendly families in India.
Jungle Resort

  • Jungle Resort

  • With walks, wildlife spotting and adventure sports nearby, staying in a jungle resort is the perfect way to see another side of India.
Heritage Property

  • Heritage Property

  • From ex-royal palaces to historic hill stations and converted forts, India is full of heritage properties that have been turned into comfortable accommodation with an old-world touch.

Transport

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.

Depending on which trip you're on while in India, you may find yourself travelling by:
Jeep

  • Jeep

  • Safari through jungles and national parks aboard a jeep, which is ideal for conquering the difficult terrain and offers supreme wildlife viewing opportunities.
Camel

  • Camel

  • Swaying along the hot, desert sands while riding a camel is an unforgettable way to leave the city behind and embrace a slice of Indian isolation.
Boat

  • Boat

  • Cruising the waterways of India is a revealing, inspiring experience. Whether it’s the iconic Ganges or peaceful Kerala backwaters, seeing India from the water is a must.
Train

  • Train

  • Travelling by train is one of the great experiences of India. It's a system which looks like chaos, but it works - and well.

Shortlist

No trips.

India at a glance

  • 51
  • New Delhi (population 295,000)
  • 1.14 billion
  • Hindi, Urdu, Tamil, Bengali, Kashmiri, Kannada, Marathi, Gujarati, Telugu, English
  • INR
  • (GMT+05:30) Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi
  • Type C (European 2-pin), Type D (Old British 3-pin), Type M (see D)
  • +91

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