India tours & vacations

Due to India's size and topography, the climate varies from place to place but the best time to visit, generally speaking, is in the winter from December until early March.

During the coolest months (December to January), temperatures can get quite cold in Delhi and in the north, especially at night.

The whole country tends to get very hot from April onwards and most regions experience the summer from late May to around October. The summer offers hot and humid conditions, although this is considered one of the best times to visit Ladakh and the hills.

Learn more about the best time to visit India

What is the weather like in India?

The weather in India varies from region to region, but it’s generally safe to say that December to February sees dry, cooler weather before the heat intensifies from March to 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.

Learn more about the weather in India

Humans have inhabited India for as long as 75,000 years, with early civilizations flourishing as early as 3300 BC. Over the centuries, India both influenced and was influenced by other nations and kingdoms, with far-reaching trade, conquest and migration spreading the subcontinent's culture far and wide. Although it took decades, India finally gained independence from European nations, mainly the British, in 1947.

India is one of the world’s oldest civilizations, with a culture steeped in ancient beliefs and traditions. Religion plays a massive role in everyday life, with 80% of the population practising Hinduism while the remaining 20% is divided into Muslim (India has the world’s second-largest Muslim population), Christian, Sikhism and Buddhist populations.

Many of India’s biggest festivals are religious and follow either the Indian lunar calendar or the Islamic calendar. The dates may change each year, but the fervour of celebration never does. Some of the best and biggest festivals to keep an eye out for in India are Holi (Festival of Colour), Diwali (Festival of Lights), Gujarat Kite Festival and the Mumbai Ganesh Festival.

Learn more about festivals in India

India shares land borders with Bangladesh, China, Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar and Bhutan, and also has wide stretches of coastline along the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean.

As the seventh largest country in the world, India is home to a variety of terrains: the Himalayas in the north, the deserts and plains in the west, the fertile waterways in the south and the hills and forests in the east.

Things to try in India

Vindaloo

A dish that can be made for both meat eaters and vegetarians, vindaloo is one of the most favourited foods in India. Vindaloo is a slow-cooked meal of meat or vegetables flavoured with an array of spices that give it a warm orange colour and delicious taste. Typically, only medium-hot spices are used, though some can be made spicier.

Tandoori chicken

Tandoori chicken is a popular meat-eaters dish that includes a well-spiced dish of chicken, usually served on the bones, that has been marinated in yogurt. Tandoor is the name of the oven used to cook the dish

Thali

Thali is the name for a meal that consists of dishes served on single platters. These plates are all served together and will include vegetables, lentils, rice and bread with many different flavours throughout to sample from.

Kachori

Kachori is a popular street food snack in India. This deep-fried stuffed pastry is vegetarian and often spicy and cooked until crispy.

Jalebi

For anyone with a sweet tooth, Jalebi will knock your socks off. This sweet, spiralled treat is typically chewy on the outside with a warm and melting inside. Made by frying long ribbons of batter and then soaking in sugar, saffron and cardamon syrup, this treat is as delicious as it looks.

Chai

You can’t talk about Indian cuisine without mentioning chai. Chai is the Indian word for tea and it is made differently pretty well everywhere you go. Typically, chai is a blend of black tea with additions like cloves, cinnamon and cardamom, however, it can be made with more of a kick if there’s ingredients black pepper or fennel included.

Read more about Indian food

Read more about Indian drinks

1. Agra

Surely there isn't a more iconic image of India than the Taj Mahal. It's spectacular and soul-stirring, but words simply aren't enough to describe the beauty of this immense mausoleum (even when it's packed with tourists). Best known as a monument to love and loss, the 17th-century building was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his second wife – a bold declaration of love, indeed!

2. Udaipur, Rajasthan

Welcome to Udaipur, India's most romantic city that could easily give Venice a run for its money. You'll undoubtedly fall in love as you explore its grand marble palaces, shimmering lakes, and winding alleys filled with cozy chai bars and dizzying bazaars. It's also a popular hub for Indian artists, dancers, and musicians whose talents will pull you deeper under Udaipur's spell.

3. Ranthambhore National Park

Ranthambhore National Park was once a famous hunting ground for the Maharajas of Jaipur, but these days, it's a haven for wildlife. Jump into a 4WD and search for Bengal tigers, hyenas, jackals, deer, langurs, marsh crocodiles and more. You can also hike up to the stunning ruins of the 10th-century fort or experience the peace and tranquillity of the ancient Ganesh temple (one of the oldest temples in India).

4. Kerala Backwaters

Surrounded by tea and coffee plantations and connected by a series of blissful, palm-shaded backwaters, Kerala is a peaceful oasis deep within India's colourful chaos. Float along the dreamy waters of rural Kerala on a houseboat, paddle over to an island village on a pole boat for an overnight homestay with a local family, and enjoy traditional Keralan food served on a banana leaf.

5. Varanasi

Varanasi is a place that will be etched in your memory long after your time in India is over. Uncover the stories and secrets of this holy city with your local guide, get lost in the laneways, cruise along the golden Ganges at dawn, or witness ancient religious traditions and groups of pilgrims praying in the river. Even if all you do in Varanasi is sit along the ghats and watch life go by, you'll walk away with countless stories to tell.

6. Pushkar

This holy desert city is one of the main pilgrimage destinations for Hindus. Explore the bustling ghats and temples around Pushkar Lake, watch devout rituals and worship at the Brahma Temple, share a meal with a local family while learning about their life and culture, or hike up the hill to the beautiful Savitri Temple for unbeatable sunrise views over the town.

7. Mumbai

Get ready for delicious bites and lots of Bollywood. Some say Mumbai is the food capital of India, and you'll see, smell and taste huge culinary diversity here that celebrates regional cuisines from across the country. You might also like to watch life go by at Dhobi Ghat (the world’s largest outdoor laundry), check out the Bollywood Walk of Fame, or explore the sprawling Crawford Market selling everything from fruit to jewellery.

8. Dharamsala

The mountainous Himalayan town of Dharamsala, also known as McLeod Ganj, is home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile. Tibetan culture is central to life here and it won't take long for the town's calming, grounding energy to wash over you. Sip chai and watch robed monks strolling between the monasteries, listen to the prayer flags fluttering in the breeze, and visit the Dalai Lama’s temple.

9. Rishikesh

Not only is Rishikesh the yoga capital of the world, but it's also one of the best places to experience the sacred soul of the Ganges. Join a yoga or meditation class along the riverbanks, enjoy delicious vegetarian food in one of the many rooftop cafes, go white-water rafting down the Ganges for a different perspective of this holy river, or experience the nightly fire ritual known as Ganga Aarti at one of the city's dazzling temples.

10. Goa

Tinged with Portuguese influence (and flavours!), the state of Goa boasts lovely beaches, rich traditions, World Heritage-listed buildings and mouth-watering food. Kick back with a coconut (or cocktail), join a yoga class on the beach, visit a local spice farm to learn about some of the essential ingredients in Indian cuisine, or pick up fresh ingredients at the market and cook up a storm with a local Goan cook.

11. Jaipur

The gorgeous pink stone buildings in Jaipur’s old town have earned the city its 'Pink City' nickname. Discover buzzing bazaars filled with handcrafted textiles and jewellery, dodge camel carts and rickshaws as you stroll through the streets, explore the oh-so-impressive Amber Fort, or visit the home of a local Brahmin family to learn about their culture and way of life over a delicious homemade meal.

12. Mysore

Home to the magnificent Mysore Palace and the birthplace of Ashtanga yoga, there's no denying Mysore is one of South India's most captivating cities. Lose yourself in the grandeur of the palace's ornately decorated rooms, marvel at the intricate Hoysala architecture of Keshava Temple, go on a hunt for the tastiest idli, or share a tasty biryani lunch with a local family.

13. Delhi

Delhi is a place where ancient temples stand beside Bollywood billboard ads, people commute to work alongside sacred cows and monkeys, and pockets of peace exist within the chaos. The electric energy of India's capital city is palpable, and while it can take some getting used to, there's no denying the excitement of discovering new sights, sounds, tastes and smells at every turn – especially when you have a local leader by your side.

14. Thar Desert, Rajasthan

Check another item off your bucket list as you travel across the pristine dunes of the Thar Desert on camelback, stopping at a few dhanis (small villages) along the way. When you reach your camp, enjoy dinner in the relaxing desert ambience before sleeping in a comfy permanent tent under the stars. This desert safari is bound to be one of the main highlights of your adventure.

The official currency of India is the Indian Rupee (INR).

Credit cards are accepted in an increasing number of cafes, shops, restaurants and hotels 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.

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.