There’s probably no other country on the planet that blazes its way into your memory like India.

Years later, you can still hear the morning calls of the chai wallahs; see smoke curling over the Ganges during a golden Varanasi sunrise, and smell the rich aromas of simmering curry. A lot of India tours rush from highlight to highlight, ticking them off in a blur of temples and tikka. But not us. Our India holidays are more about spotting Bengal tigers in Ranthambhore or Panna National Park, hanging with nomads in Jaisalmer, meeting the holy men of Pushkar, or hunting down the best street eats. This isn’t just the India you see on postcards. This is India as it is. Raw, bizarre and totally addictive.

Top India travel deals

Departing Days From AUD
13 Apr 2023
Highlights of India & Nepal
19 3665
3116
13 Apr 2023
India's Golden Triangle
8 1305
1110
14 Apr 2023
South India Revealed
16 1790
1522
14 Apr 2023
Classic Rajasthan
15 2135
1922
14 Apr 2023
Delhi to Kathmandu
15 2620
1965
17 Apr 2023
Indian Getaway
11 1040
832
18 Apr 2023
Delhi to Goa
15 1580
1343
18 Apr 2023
Southern India
15 2285
2057
19 Apr 2023
Real Kathmandu to Delhi
Ages 18 to 29
15 1770
1328
23 Apr 2023
India South & North
29 4550
3868

Our India trips

Search all similar trips
14 Days From 4360

Take in north India’s fabled cities and encounter the exotic wildlife of Ranthambhore...

8 Days From 942

Take an action-packed eight-day tour through the essential sights and bites of India’s...

15 Days From 1886

Travel to India and visit the Rajasthan region. Tour from Delhi to Pushkar through...

10 Days From 3840

Take a 10-day India Premium adventure with Intrepid through the country’s north,...

13 Days From 3990

Join Intrepid on a Premium adventure to explore the beaches, bazaars and backwaters of...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

15 Days From 1890

Travel to India and Nepal on a tour from Delhi to Kathmandu. Visit the Taj Mahal of...

22 Days From 8170

Join Intrepid on a Premium adventure to explore opulent places, holy Ganges, dense...

18 Days From 7790

Take a 18-day Premium adventure with Intrepid through India's Golden Triangle, Varanasi...

11 Days From 832

Get the most out of 11 days in India on this trip exploring the best of Delhi, Varanasi...

15 Days From 3121

See the best of Rajasthan on this 15-day tour. Behold the delights of Agra, Jaipur,...

22 Days From 1238

See the essentials of India’s north on a 22-day trip through Delhi, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur,...

10 Days From 1595

Take an action-packed family tour of India, following tiger trails, visiting Delhi and...

15 Days From 3350

Relish the sights and flavours of Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Mumbai and Goa on this...

13 Days From 1768

Travel to India and visit Delhi, Shimla, Mandi, Dharamsala, Rishikesh and Amritsar on...

15 Days From 1921

Explore the tropical and spiritual southern India. Ride the toy train in Ooty, relax in...

15 Days From 1343

Discover India in all its glory on this 15-day spice-filled adventure from Delhi...

16 Days From 1253

See the landscapes of South India on a 16-day adventure from Varkala to Goa via Kerala...

11 Days From 1017

Join us for a jaunt around north India, with rickshaws in Delhi, spirituality in...

13 Days From 1478

Explore India and Nepal with other folks aged 18-29 on this 13-day adventure including...

9 Days From 2585

Explore ancient temples and colourful cities on this 9-day northern India adventure...

15 Days From 1151

Get on the road from Kathmandu to Delhi on a trip from Nepal to India, through Pokhara,...

16 Days From 1159

Get an authentic slice of the real Rajasthan on a trip that takes you to Delhi,...

19 Days From 3116

Spend 19 days touring India and Nepal, departing from Delhi and visiting Jaipur, Agra,...

13 Days From 3050

Explore the backroads of India’s south on this 13-day tour. Travel from Chennai to...

37 Days From 2723

Discover the colours and cultures of India on this trip visiting Delhi, Rajasthan's...

15 Days From 2599

Travel to India and cycle the romantic Rajasthan region. Tour from Delhi to Pushkar and...

11 Days From 1565

Discover northern India on this tour through Delhi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Nimaj,...

10 Days From 1920

Your whole family will love this incredible sensory adventure into the diverse life of...

29 Days From 3868

This 29-day tour traverses India from south to north, winding from Kochi to Delhi and...

20 Days From 2480

From the deserts of Rajasthan to the holiest river around, India will blow you away....

21 Days From 5920

Get a cultural insight into India’s north and south, travelling through Delhi, Agra,...

12 Days From 1920

Join an all-women group and female leader on an inspiring 12-day Women’s Expedition...

20 Days From 2160

Spend time in Kathmandu and Pokhara and then see where Buddha did his thing. Get active...

19 Days From 2912

Visit India and tour the famous Golden Triangle of Dehli, Agra, and Jaipur, delve into...

19 Days From 6785

Beginning in the hustle and bustle of Delhi, travel through Jaipur, Varanasi, Bandipur,...

3 Days From 470

Visit India and travel from Delhi to Agra. Travel to the Taj Mahal and Agra’s Red Fort,...

16 Days From 4095

Discover the beauty of India’s most remote area on a 16-day Expedition that visits...

4 Days From 418

Lift your spirits as you float on the Ganges at dawn in Varanasi, and explore the city...

18 Days From 7825

Explore Northern India and Sri Lanka on this 18-day Premium adventure

Travel lightly with Intrepid. We’ve offset the main sources of carbon emissions from this trip on your behalf, including transport, accommodation & waste. Read more

India tour reviews

Articles on India

India travel highlights

Transport in India

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:

Travellers sit in the back of Jeep in India Bijaipur

Jeep

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

India Expedition: Sikkim, Assam & Nagaland

India & Nepal Adventure

Northern India Family Holiday

Classic Rajasthan

Delhi to Kathmandu

Passengers seeing Udaipur from a 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.

India South & North

Iconic India

South India Revealed

Classic South India

Southern India

Passenger looks out window on Udaipur Mumbai Ovenight Train

Overnight Sleeper 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. Click here to read more about travelling by train in India.

South India Revealed

North India Revealed

Indian Getaway

Delhi to Goa

Real North India

Travellers getting around Delhi by metro

Metro

Use the efficient metro to get around the sights and suburbs of Delhi.

North India Highlights

Best of India

Rajasthan Adventure

India's Golden Triangle

Travellers exploring Old Delhi by auto rickshaw

Auto Rickshaw

Zip around the big cities of India by auto rickshaw.

Delhi to Goa

Real North India

North India Highlights

Delhi to Kathmandu

Accommodation in India

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:

Tordi India local family at window

Homestay

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

India South & North

Iconic India

South India Revealed

Southern India

Jungle resort accommodation in India

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.

India South & North

Southern India

India Udaipur City Palace

Heritage Stay

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.

Indian Getaway

Northern India Family Holiday Comfort

Classic Rajasthan

India's Golden Triangle

India holiday information

At a glance
Best time to visit India
Culture and customs
Food and drink
Geography and environment
History and government
Sensory Experiences of India
Shopping
Festivals and Events in India
Health and Safety
Further reading

India travel FAQs

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises). However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Learn more about Intrepid's COVID-19 policy

India can be overwhelming sometimes but most travellers enjoy their time in India without any problems. That said, some regions experience ongoing issues, and there are several things a traveller should keep in mind when travelling through India to minimise their chances of running into any trouble.

Read more about safety in India

Read more about travelling to India as a female

Yes, all foreigners entering India will need a visa. Whether you can apply for an e-visa is dependent on your nationality, the duration of your India tour and how you plan on entering the country.

Read more about India visas

While travelling through India, on a tour or otherwise, it’s expected one would tip porters, drivers, restaurant staff and other service workers given the low wages they earn.

Read more about tipping in India

Internet access is generally very good in India, with most cafes, restaurants and accommodations offering free wi-fi, even in the more rural areas. There is also good phone coverage for data use if you choose to purchase a local SIM card to stay connected for the duration of your India tour.

If you do wish to purchase a local SIM in India, make sure your phone has been unlocked before your tour begins. There are quite a number of carriers that are all very competitive, but Airtel is probably the best option for travellers. You’ll need to a copy of your passport and visa to pick up a SIM, and the process can sometimes be a hassle, but rates in India are very affordable given the competition.

Yes, you’ll be able to use your mobile/cell phone while on an India tour, but only if you have activated global roaming or purchased a local SIM card.

Read more about phones in India

Squat toilets are the most common toilets in India. Always carry your own toilet paper and soap or hand sanitizer, as they are usually not provided. Flushable, Western-style toilets can be found in up-market restaurants, some higher-end hotels and in some tourist areas.

India’s unit of currency is the rupee. Prices here are approximate and shown in US dollars for ease of comparison.

  • Cup of tea = USD 0.20
  • Small bottle of beer = USD 2 
  • Meal at a local restaurant (thali, masala dosa or similar) = USD 1–2
  • Meal in a tourist restaurant = USD 4–8

India is notorious among travellers for sickness – we’ve all heard horror stories about Delhi belly. We do not recommend ever drinking the tap water in India, and travellers should avoid drinks with ice and foods that haven’t been cooked or peeled. Salad is off the menu for now ­– let your inner-child rejoice!

Read more about drinking tap water in India

Credit cards are being accepted an increasing number of cafes, shops, restaurants and accommodations in India, with Mastercard and Visa being the most common. That said, cash is still king, especially outside of cities like Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai.

Read about money in India

ATMs are widespread across India in both cities and smaller towns. Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus and Maestro are the most commonly accepted cards, but of those Visa and Mastercard are more likely to have success. The daily withdrawal limit differs from bank to bank.

The weather in India varies from region to region, but it’s generally safe to say that December–February sees dry, cooler weather before the heat intensifies from March–May. June, July and August are the monsoon months, though the amount of rain differs across the country, while October, September and November see rainfall ease once more.

Read our regional breakdown

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their tour. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

India has different classifications of holidays because of the multitude of faiths in the country. There are compulsory holidays and then various others chosen by government offices within each state. The following are the compulsory ‘gazetted holidays’ taken by government offices across India:

  • 26 Jan Republic Day
  • Feb/Mar Maha Shivaratri
  • Mar Holi
  • Mar/Apr Rama Navami
  • Apr Mahavir Jayanti
  • Mar/Apr Good Friday
  • May Buddha’s Birthday
  • May Eid ul-Fitr (end of Ramadan)
  • Jul/Aug Eid ul-Adha
  • 15 Aug Independence Day
  • Aug/Sep Janmashtami
  • Aug/Sep Islamic New Year
  • Sep/Oct Dussehra
  • Oct Birth of the Prophet Mohammed
  • 2 Oct Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday
  • Oct/Nov Diwali
  • Nov Guru Nanak Jayanti
  • 25 Dec Christmas Day

The dates of some of these holidays change each year, often across a number of months, as they are celebrated according to the Indian lunar calendar or the Islamic calendar.

For a current list of public holidays in India, including the movable dates noted above, go to Time and Date

What you decide to pack and wear in India will depend on where you are and what time of year it is. The weather across India usually follows the monsoon cycle, so it’s quite easy to plan what to pack when it comes to rain, but temperatures will vary quite a bit from the north to the south.

Read more about packing for India

The majority of Indian society is still conservative, and while most travellers will have a welcoming and hospitable experience, discretion is still advised for LGBTQIA+ travellers, particularly in more remote towns and villages which may be more conservative. The same advice is also given to heterosexual couples (and couples of all other sexual orientations) as public displays of affection other than hugging and holding hands are generally frowned upon.

Read more about LGBTQIA+ travel in India

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

As a general rule, knowing some common words in the local language, carrying a written itinerary with you and taking to the streets in a group, rather than solo, can help make your travel experience the best it can be.

Learn more about Accessible Travel

Responsible Travel

Intrepid is committed to travelling in a way that is respectful of local people, their culture, local economies and the environment. It's important to remember that what may be acceptable behaviour, dress and language in your own country, may not be appropriate in another. Please keep this in mind while travelling.

Travellers buying coconuts in Mumbai

How we're giving back

In India, we stay in locally run accommodation including guesthouses, smaller-scale hotels and homestays in an effort to support the local economies. We also visit locally-run restaurants and markets where travellers will have opportunities to support local businesses and purchase handicrafts created by local artisans.

Similar Destinations

We have a variety of similar destinations, trips and routes that you could consider! Tie another trip into your holiday, or, see how we can help you get from A to B. We have tours departing from a variety of locations around India. The option below may be of interest:

Kathmandu to Delhi
Tours From Delhi
Tours to Delhi