magical india trip

Top 15 fantasy locations in India for a magical experience

India, with its rich cultural tapestry and diverse landscapes, is a land where reality seamlessly blends with the fantastical. From mystical mountains to ancient temples, the country offers a myriad of fantasy locations that transport visitors to a realm of magic and wonder. In this article, we will explore the top 15 fantasy locations in India that promise a truly enchanting experience.

1. Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand:

Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, the Valley of Flowers is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its breathtaking alpine meadows and vibrant blooms. A stroll through this ethereal landscape feels like stepping into a fairy tale, with a riot of colors and an abundance of exotic flora.

2. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat:

The expansive white salt desert of the Rann of Kutch becomes a surreal fantasy during the Rann Utsav, a cultural extravaganza that transforms the region into a carnival of music, dance, and art. The moonlit nights on the salt flats create an otherworldly ambiance.

3. Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh:

Often referred to as the 'Mini Switzerland of India,' Khajjiar is a pristine meadow surrounded by dense deodar forests. The combination of a placid lake, rolling hills, and a thick blanket of greenery evokes a sense of magic and tranquility.

4. Hampi, Karnataka:

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi is a vast archaeological site that transports visitors to an ancient kingdom. The surreal landscape, with its boulders strewn across the ruins of temples and palaces, creates an atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era.

5. Mawlynnong, Meghalaya:

Known as the cleanest village in Asia, Mawlynnong is a fairy-tale hamlet nestled in the lush hills of Meghalaya. The living root bridges, hanging over crystal-clear streams, add a touch of magic to this idyllic village.

6. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh:

Hidden in the trans-Himalayan region, Spiti Valley is a starkly beautiful land that feels like a fantasy realm with its high-altitude deserts, ancient monasteries, and snow-capped peaks. The raw, untouched beauty of Spiti is both surreal and awe-inspiring.

Read more: 10 unexplored places to explore in Spiti Valley

7. Andaman and Nicobar Islands:

The emerald waters and pristine beaches of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands create a dreamlike setting. Havelock Island, with its white sandy beaches and vibrant coral reefs, is particularly enchanting.

8. Badami, Karnataka:

Known for its stunning rock-cut cave temples, Badami takes visitors on a journey through time. The intricate carvings and majestic cave structures transport travelers to an ancient world filled with myth and legend.

9. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan:

The golden city of Jaisalmer, with its shimmering sand dunes and majestic forts, feels like a scene from the pages of Arabian Nights. The narrow lanes of the old city, lined with intricately carved havelis, add to the magical allure.

Read more: Explore Jaisalmer: 20 Must-Visit Places for Your 2023 Itinerary

10. Dzukou Valley, Nagaland:

Hidden in the northeastern state of Nagaland, Dzukou Valley is a pristine paradise that comes alive with a riot of colors during the blooming season. The rolling hills, crystal-clear streams, and vibrant flowers create a magical landscape.

Read more: Nagaland Travel Guide: What to See, Do, and Experience

11. Mehrangarh Fort, Rajasthan:

Perched on a rocky hill, Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur offers panoramic views of the Blue City. The grandeur of the fort and its architectural marvels evoke a sense of royalty and make visitors feel like characters in a historical epic.

12. Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim:

Situated at an altitude of 17,800 feet, Gurudongmar Lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, creating a mesmerizing landscape. The pristine blue waters and the high-altitude atmosphere make this lake seem like a portal to another world.

Read more: The complete Travel Guide to Explore Sikkim 2023

13. Dawki River, Meghalaya:

The crystal-clear waters of the Dawki River, with its underwater visibility, create a magical illusion. Boating on the river feels like gliding through a dream, with the sunlight filtering through the emerald-green water.

14. Belur and Halebidu, Karnataka:

The intricately carved temples of Belur and Halebidu transport visitors to a world of mythology and divine beauty. The stone sculptures and detailed architecture tell tales of ancient kingdoms and mythical beings.

15. Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir:

Known for its pristine snow-capped landscapes, Gulmarg transforms into a winter wonderland during the snow season. The gondola ride and the panoramic views of the Himalayas create an enchanting atmosphere.

Also Read: Vegetarian Food to try in Dubai

India, with its diverse geography and rich cultural heritage, offers a treasure trove of fantasy locations that captivate the imagination. Whether it's the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas or the sun-kissed beaches of the Andaman Islands, each destination tells a unique story and provides a magical experience for those seeking to escape into a world of wonder and enchantment.

By Anushka Dongre

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Small Group Journey

The Magical Tour of India With Wildlife Safari’s W/Air

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From your first few moments in New Delhi you will feel an air of excitement as you begin to experience the magically enchanting India. As you breathe in the pleasant sweet smoky fragrance of the air and as the vibrant colours of this incredible land dance in front of your eyes, you will feel a stirring in your heart and a revitalization of your spirit that will take your breath away. As the sounds of the bustling city tickles your ears you are intrigued by the peacefulness amidst this sometimes chaotic land as your curiosity will peak every moment of this magical tour. From the tranquility of the Taj Mahal, to the exhilarating bicycle rickshaw adventure through the streets of Old Delhi, to the warm-hearted smiles and kind gestures of the people of India, this land will amaze, inspire, and educate you at every turn.

Explore India and feel the magic that will change your life.

Tour Highlights

• There is magic in the air as you enjoy authentic cultural experiences of India throughout the entire tour.  
• Take an exhilarating bicycle rickshaw ride through the historic back lanes of Old Delhi and visit the vibrant shopping area of Chandi Chowk.
• Step back in time and into the last footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi as you walk through his home for the last 144 days of his fascinating life.
• Witness the breathtaking transformation of the Taj Mahal as the sun rises over the majestic Mughal structure taking it from the splendour of the night to its magical presence at daybreak.
• Experience the majestic Amber Fort Palace in Jaipur built in 1592.
• Spot the elusive tigers of Rathambore National Park with the help of a Naturalist/Guide.
• In Agra you will feel the passion of Shah Jahan & Mumtaz in the adaptation of their love saga in the musical play entitled Shah Jahan O-Mumtaz.  (Optional)
• Breathe in the delightful aromas as you take part in a traditional cooking class with members of the Royal Rajput community. Optional

Depart Canada for India. Your international flights includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment.

Welcome to Incredible India. On arrival at Indira Gandhi international airport you will be greeted by our Explore India representative who will transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and enjoy the hotel.

Vivanta New Delhi, Dwarka

Vivanta New Delhi, Dwarka – Designed to delight high fliers from all angles. Laidback but efficient. Elegant and spacious. Directly connected to the heart of the city with easy access to the Sector 21 Metro station. As one of the most opulent 5-star business hotels in NewDelhi, it aims to change the face of business, in a space where you can work and play seamlessly. Spanning 7 acres, Vivanta New Delhi, Dwarka is one of the best hotels near Delhi airport. It wraps you in luxury the minute you step in. The stylish space is home to a chic lobby, never-ending rooms and multiple outlets for the finest culinary experiences. You are never far from the city. A 20-minute drive eastward leads you to the heart and soul of the city – Lutyens’ New Delhi! And the domestic and international airports are an easy 15-minute drive westward. Everything you need, and then some, around every corner. Where business and luxury unite, in an experience like no other!

After breakfast we will take a tour through Delhi as we venture toward our first stop, the 17th century Old Delhi. We begin exploring Old Delhi by visiting the Jama Mosque, a royal mosque built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in 1656. We then ride a bicycle rickshaw through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, the spine of Old Delhi that houses the spice market and jewelers lane. After that we will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site the Red Fort. Next, we will visit Humayun’s tomb. Emperor Humayun was the second Mughal Emperor of India. The tomb was built by his widow, Biga Begum (Hajji Begum), in 1569-70, 14 years after his death, at a cost of 1.5 million rupees. The tomb was later used for the burial of various members of the ruling family and contains some 150 graves. It has aptly been described as the ‘necropolis of the Mughal dynasty’.

After lunch we visit the house of Mahatma Gandhi, a place where Mr. Gandhi’s epic life ended on January 30th, 1948. Mahatma Gandhi lived in this house from September 9th, 1947 until his death and the house is home to many treasures and memorial items from the last 144 days of his life. The House was acquired by the Government of India in 1971 and was converted into a National Memorial of Gandhi, “Father of the Nation” and was opened to the public on August 15, 1973. As you walk through Gandhi’s home it’s as though you feel the majesty of his presence still there, a truly fascinating and memorable step back in time that will leave you with a quiet stillness but lifted spirit. The building and the landscape have been preserved to the lush beauty that filled the eyes of the beloved teacher and you will be impressed as you stroll the grounds. Before heading to our hotel, we will see the war memorial India Gate as well as the impressive grounds of the presidential palace.

In the evening enjoy your welcome dinner in your hotel.

After breakfast we will drive for about 4 hours to Agra, a city which is famous for being home to the Taj Mahal. Arrive and check in at your hotel.

In the late afternoon witness the blue and white backdrop of the Taj Mahal transform as the sun slowly casts a honey hued canvas onto the iconic monument of love as it seemingly carmelizes into dusk. Built between 1631 and 1648, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim architecture in India and is universally one of the most admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage. This most famous monument of love was built by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Optional: In the early evening you have the opportunity to enjoy the The Love Story of The Taj Mahal, Live Play/Musical Performance: This musical depicts the saga of love between Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. Feel the sorrow of Shah Jahan as he holds his beloved wife Mumtaz as she takes her last breathe, thus, crippling his heart forever but is the impetus for Shah Jahan to build the magnificent Taj Mahal. The lavish lifestyle of the Mughal era in the 16th century and the hardships of the artisans who worked for 22 years to create the breathtaking monument are portrayed in this whimsical drama of love, sorrow, and devotion. Optional CAD $50.00 per person

Trident Agra Hotel, Agra

Near the Taj Mahal, Trident, Agra is one of the best hotels in the city. Beautifully landscaped gardens and water fountains welcome you to this charming leisure hotel. Built in local red stone, reminiscent of the Mughal era, the hotel features 135 tastefully appointed rooms and suites, which overlook the central courtyard and gardens. Guests can also enjoy complimentary high speed Internet for up to four devices.

We start our day early so you may experience sunrise at the Taj Mahal which is as equally stunning as the sunset. Witness the breathtaking transformation of the Taj Mahal as the sun rises over the majestic Mughal jewel taking it from the splendour of the night to its magical presence at daybreak. After breakfast, we will continue our visit with a tour of the city of Agra and then visit the Agra Fort, a UNESCO world heritage site also known as the Red Fort. Built by Emperor Akbar in 1565 and additions were made up until the time of his grandson, Shah Jahan. It contains the hall of public and private audiences amongst many other beautiful structures.

After lunch we will visit an amazing marble factory to experience the creation of fine inlaid stonework using the best of translucent marble native to the region. The craftsmen of Agra are renowned for the exquisite marble-inlay work that has made Agra’s monuments famous. Dinner at the hotel.

Hotel: Radisson Blu Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast we embark on a 6 hour drive to Ranthambore National Park. On the way we will visit the abandoned Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. Built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, this was the old capital of the Moghuls, which was abandoned after 15 years due to lack of water. After Fatehpur Sikri we will proceed to Rathambore National Park we will stop at our lunching desintation at Kalakhao before proceeding onward with our journey. Continue drive to Ranthambore. Arrive and check in at your hotel. Later enjoy your dinner in the hotel.

Ranthambore National Park, haven to India’s remaining Bengal tigers and where the shallow lakes, gentle slopes and plateaus dominate the landscape of the park making an ideal setting to spot the elusive tiger. Apart from the Bengal Tiger, other animals that inhabit the park are Sloth Bears, Jackals, Marsh Crocodiles, Leopards, Gazelles, Indian Hares, Porcupines, Jungle Cats, Sambhars, Chinkaras, Mongoose, Nilgai, Wild Boar, and Monitor Lizards. The park is equally rich in flora where the Banyan, Dhak, Mango, and Pipal trees are in abundance. A large variety of birds can also be seen and heard in the park.

Arrive and check in at hotel.

In the evening we will enjoy dinner in the hotel.

The Sher Gargh Resort, Ranthambore

The Sher Garh is a royal heritage resort in a breathtaking four hectare’s oasis of beautifully landscaped gardens. The Sher Garh enjoys an unrivaled position, just 1.5 kilometers from the iconic Ranthambore National Park. Each of our room affords uninterrupted views of the jungle.

Hotel Amenities – Services

• Guests are escorted to their rooms through lush gardens and ornate porches well adorned with ancient artifacts and art deco vestiges.
• Each room at Shergrah Resort is exquisitely furnished, with a luxurious bed, royal furnishing and Maharaja’s own collection of artifacts for indulgent and romantic ambiances. Royal heritage, natural light and delightful views of cosmic greenery are beautifully captured in the rooms and suites for an enduring stay in Ranthambore.
• We are having Luxury Tents and 3 different types of accommodation available. Specially developed complete cottages for a family with kids.

Resort Amenities – Services

• The front desk is open and staffed 24 hours a day, 7 Days week.
• Daily housekeeping is included in the room.
• Private bathroom for each unit.
• Same day laundry services.
• 24 hours money change facility.
• Individual temperature control in rooms.
• Mini bar/tea coffee maker in the room.
• Room services.
• Madira bar.
• Swimming pool & health club.
• Ayurvedic massage center.
• Spacious garden.
• Doctor on call.
• Travel desk.
• All major credit cards accepted.
• Safe deposit locker.
• Hairdryers.
• An arrangement of Jungle safari on request.

Your day will begin before sunrise with coffee/tea and biscuits before setting off on an early morning game drive in search of the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. Return to the hotel for breakfast later in the morning.

By late afternoon we will head out on another game drive to experience the sights and sounds of the park at the close of the day. We will end our safari just before sunset as we return to the hotel ending our day just before sunset.

After breakfast we leave for a 4 hour drive to Jaipur which is known all over the world as the ‘Pink City’. Jaipur will amaze you with the architecture and planning of both its old and new cities. Experience how the city explodes into a kaleidoscope of colour and hear the bustling sounds at every corner of this vibrant city. Jaipur is an excellent place to shop for textiles and designer jewellery. Arrive and check-in to your hotel, afternoon is free to explore the area and do some shopping.

Optional: Cooking class and dinner with a local family. For those who would like to spend an interesting, educational, and social evening we have just the event for you. Join a well-known Rajput family in their home to learn some great techniques in Rajasthani Indian Cuisine. The in-house chefs will explain various techniques and share secrets of how to use Indian spices for all your favourite dishes. The evening will culminate in a lovely dining experience where you will be able to enjoy the delectable feast. CAD $125.00 per person (Limited guests and subject to availability).

Trident Hotel Jaipur

Resplendent in the hues of its magnificent past, Jaipur is one of the most vibrant, 5-star destinations in India. The capital and the largest city of Rajasthan, it was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, in 1727. Folklore has it that in 1876, the city was painted a luxury, warm pink colour to welcome the Prince of Wales (King Edward VII). Since then, the ‘pink city’, as it is lovingly called, has retained its rosy blush, which has charmed travelers from around the world.

After breakfast we venture to the outskirts of Jaipur where we will be greeted and transported to the magnificent Amber Fort Palace. Later, we proceed for a city tour of Jaipur and stop for a photo at the Hawa Mahal, the “Palace of the Winds.” This incredible building was built to allow the royal ladies of the palace to discretely watch the grand processions along the main street. Next, we visit the City Palace Museum which has a priceless collection of antiques, costumes, and armory of the Mughals and Rajputs including swords of different shapes and sizes with chiseled handles. We then continue to the Jantar Mantar Observatory which was built in the early 1700s by Maharaja Jai Sing II, the great warrior-astronomer to which this city owes its name.

After breakfast we will leave on our 5 hour journey to New Delhi where you will check in at the airport hotel until your flight departs for home. An Explore India representative will meet you and transfer you to the international airport.

Pride Plaza Hotel Aerocity, New Delhi

Located in close proximity to Delhi and Gurgaon, Pride Plaza Hotel Aerocity, New Delhi is the first luxury hotel in the capital by the Pride Group of Hotels.

Depart for Canada.

What’s included

• International round-trip airfare
• Accommodation in 5-star hotels & resort stay in Ranthambore Park
• Escorted transfers (airport to hotel, hotel to airport)
• Meals as specified as per the program
• All sightseeing entrance fees including all monuments
• Two Wildlife safari’s in Ranthambore National Park
• Unlimited Bottled water and snacks on board the coach

What’s excluded

• Personal expenses, laundry, bar bills, phone bills, etc.
• Any other sightseeing other than mentioned in the program
• Services other than in our inclusion
• Gratuities – $135.00 CAD per person must be paid after your arrival in India directly to your tour director.  These basic gratuities will cover tour escorts, luggage handling, porters, restaurants, drivers and other members providing services during your tour. Applies to group tour only.
• Taxes additional of $127 per person

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Prices include Roundtrip Airfare from - to India.

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Recent Reviews

We have arrived home safely. Your team in Delhi is to be commended. We were taken care of so well. Every detail!. Special thanks to Yajur. He saved me when I was so sick I could not eat. Rouf was also exceptional as was Rajeev ( sorry about the spelling) India is an exciting country and we are so Pleased that Explore India has such a fantastic tour with exceptional representatives.

Brian & Carol

Ottawa, Canada

Hello Rajeev, Thank you for meeting us at the Delhi airport, for arranging some sightseeing tours on Day 1 and Day 2 (early arrival in New Delhi) prior to commencement of organized tour, for obtaining foreign exchange for the Canadian $ and for everything else that made our trip so enjoyable. The trip exceeded our expectations and we know that this is due mainly to the excellent service rendered in all fields of the tourist business. We wish you continued success and good luck in your role as Head of Operations at Explore India. Yours sincerely,

Sydney & Fay Tup Chong

We want to tell you how much we enjoyed our trip with your tour company.  Right from the onset our business class flights to our guides, bus drivers and wonderful food and accommodation we felt really well taken care of.  We had a very congenial group of new friends on our bus tour to Delhi, Agra, Rathambore Park, Jaipur and we left them reluctantly to go to Darjeeling. Our trip to Varanasi was likewise a wonderful adventure. Again, our guide and driver treated us like their parents!  Our trips down the Ganges will be ever remembered.  Your agent in Delhi, Rajeev was always in touch to make sure we were happy and well taken care of.  The only negatives were things out of anyone's control- the pollution, the lack of wine stores and the basic need for more jobs for the poor! But that is India!  Thank you again for making our trip so memorable.   Sincerely,

Ralph and Margaret Franksen

Delta, Canada

Thank you for the lovely message welcoming us home! Our tour to India was fantastic! We had a wonderful group of fun, enthusiastic and outgoing traveling companions. Tom and I were happy that we had chosen to arrive a day early as it gave us a chance to rest up before the tour, do some exploring on our own and also meet some of the others on tour. I must say, that we were very impressed with the way that we were greeted and escorted throughout the trip, from the warm welcome we had on our first day with Manzoor and Raj to the last drop off at the airport traveling home. We even took advantage of exchanging Canadian dollars into rupees using the “Karnai Bank”! Every detail was looked after. Our guide for the northern portion of the tour, Ashish, was the perfect host; knowledgeable, accommodating, and entertaining. The experience of seeing the historical sights, sampling the various dishes and immersing ourselves into this colourful culture exceeded our expectations. We can’t say enough about how well the itinerary was planned with enough time to see the sights and enjoy some down time back at the hotel. We found the accommodations to be top notch, comfortable, offering a wide selection of food items and almost all had free wifi available. We were pleased to have had the opportunity to see both the north and south of India. Thank you Nazir for suggesting the additional tour to Kerala. It is a totally different side of India that we would have otherwise missed. We absolutely loved the beautiful mountain vistas of the terraced tea plantations and the time spent on the houseboat touring the backwaters was magical. What a great way to end our stay! The only suggestion that I can offer at this time is to build in some extra time at the beautiful resorts in which we stayed. It would have been wonderful to take advantage of the services they offered, especially at the Spice Village Resort. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you Mandira for helping us organize this excursion and for helping us navigate through the process of acquiring an Indian visa. Thank you also to Nazir and the whole Explore India team both in Canada and abroad. This was truly a most memorable tour and a trip of a lifetime! Thank you! Dhanyavaad!

Angela and Thomas Hall

Toronto, Canada

Dear Nazir, I wanted to express what a wonderful trip I experienced with Explore India.  The tour far exceeded my expectations in every way:  from the administration help from Mandira Gauba, the incredible tours, the fabulous accommodations which were all complimented by our extraordinary tour escort, Sandeep Singh whose enthusiasm and knowledge made the trip.   A special shout out to our bus driver and assistant (sorry I do not remember their names) who throughout the trip went the extra mile (no pun intended) and who moved heaven and earth to get us to the airport on time for our departure despite unbelievable traffic.    I would highly recommend your tour company to anyone looking to explore the beauty of India.   Thank you so much and I look forward to returning to India in the future.

Stratford, Canada

It was a marvelous tour. Sandeep Singh was a wonderful tour guide, & full of knowledge about the sites we visited. He went above and beyond to ensure we all had a memorable experience, even arranging a camel ride for a few of us on the last day! The driver and assistant were excellent as well. The itinerary was well thought out & interesting; the hotels were excellent & the food amazing. I plan to return someday; what a wonderful country. "A universe inside a universe", as Sandeep was fond of saying. You can be very proud of the experience you're providing at Explore India. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend your company highly to anyone thinking of visiting India.

Trent Pomeroy

Rothesay, Canada

I was completely and totally amazed by the parts of India that we visited. I have absolutely no complaints about anyone or anything! Both Rajeev and Ravi were excellent guides/hosts. I enjoyed learning about the history and some of the back stories from Ravi, and I appreciated Rajeev's punctuality and care when we arrived in the airport and when he put on in a taxi for the airport to get back home.

Richmond Hill, Canada

Hi Nazir, Just wanted to let you know how much Maggie and I enjoyed our tour. I have to admit that India wasn’t high on my bucket list and that Maggie was the one who was really keen to visit. I’m now a convert and was overwhelmed by the history, culture and the teeming life of the country. The organization of the trip could not be faulted, the quality of hotels exceeded my expectations and our tour guide Rajeev Sharma was the perfect host being informative, entertaining and attentive throughout the visit. The entire experience was excellent value for money. My only complaint is that I now have several thousand photographs to sort through. Kind regards, Rod and Maggie Pye

Rod & Maggie Pye

Mississauga ON,

Hi, Nazir. Sorry, I haven't written sooner but I have had a bad cold since returning from our amazing India trip. Both Stuart and I had a wonderful experience as it was much more than either of us expected. As our guide Yajure explained to us, India has been "cleaning itself up". What a wonderful surprise. Delhi being a bustling mega city, was a joy to experience in the few days we were there. Our bus rides, while exciting due to the different "vehicles, animals and people on the roads, made our journeys very colorful. Yajure was a wonderful, generous and knowledgeable guide. He is a walking encyclopedia. He was extremely accommodating and adaptable at a moments notice. Seeing the Taj Mahal, Buddha's birthplace, the Red Fort, the  Ganges in Varanasi and of course the city of Jaipur brought the trip to life. It was all mesmerizing. Your colleague Rajeev in Delhi was very helpful and kind and protective of us. Although he was mourning the loss of his dear father, he made himself available to us. So that's it Nazir. We certainly will not hesitate to recommend your company to any of our friends and family. Yours truly,

Shelley Rosen and Stuart McPherson

Aurora, Canada

Hi Nazir, Gerd and I had an amazing tour, truly was a trip of a lifetime. From the hotels, to the food, and the transportation we were very comfortable and couldn't ask for more. Yajur is an excellent Tour Director, very professional and extremely efficient as well as a very nice man. Rouf was always making sure that everyone was well looked after. We were all saddened by his family circumstances, which resulted in his having to leave us early. The itinerary is excellent, variety is wonderful. Especially liked the camel ride with the outdoor buffet and drinks. Every day brought something interesting and different. I can't think of anything that should have been done differently.  The driver and Tour Director we had in Varanasi were both excellent and we enjoyed our time there. We have only good things to say about Explore India and would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone thinking of travelling to India. Thank you for an amazing tour. Sincerely,

Sandra & Gerd Kursikowski

Kitchner, Canada

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You can read hundreds of online reviews of destinations and hotels, but with our up-to-date first-hand knowledge, we will be able to compare and contrast different options and ensure we find something that is just right for you.

You will travel to India like a member of our own family. Our deep love and passion for India and its people, we are a family owned and operated luxury travel company.

Planning a trip needs careful care and attention to detail and that is where Explore India comes in with the passion to make every tour a hassle-free and memorable one for each of our guests.

Be sure to take notice of our standard of accommodation, the specialized sightseeing trips, the seamless flow of the itinerary, the comfort of the coach you will travel in, the customized dining experiences, and much more.

FEEL CONFIDENT TRAVELING WITH EXPLORE INDIA

No company is big or small when you have 100% capability of exceeding guest expectations. A rating of 10 out of 10 does not adequately reflect the level of the experience and value of the tour that we provide to India especially for the first time visitors. Explore India’s success can be traced all the way back to those early days of learning what it means to be a host and to this day, our motto is to treat the guest like a member of the family. A sure testimonial to the business, given the fact that many Canadians have travelled not one, not twice, but three times with Explore India, the early teachings seem to have paid off, as touring to India with us is a sought-after experience in Canada and beyond. 

Delhi • Agra • Jaipur • Udaipur

Immerse yourself in the color and magic of India!

We’ll be partnering with local experts Micato, who have helped us curate a journey that will revel in many of India’s most compelling splendors. You’ll visit the Humayun’s Tomb in New Delhi and take a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi. Enjoy the play of light and color on the Taj Mahal at both sunrise and sunset. Meet local artisans and visit local markets and bazaars in Agra. Marvel at vast royal residences and get a taste of traditional arts in Jaipur. Take a serene boat ride in Udaipur and be dazzled by the impressive City Palace.

Explore Your Itinerary

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Accommodations for 9-days and 8-nights at the finest hotels
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The 22 best things to do in India

Dec 17, 2023 • 22 min read

From photographing the iconic Taj Mahal to soaking up riverside life in Varanasi, here are the best things to do in India © Hitesh Makwana / EyeEm / Getty Images

There are many Indias within India . This land of ancient temples and opulent palaces, forgotten cities and lost traditions, spice markets and spicy food is almost a world unto itself. For many travelers, a visit here is the trip of a lifetime.

Such expectations can make it hard to decide what experiences you should prioritize, and that's exactly why we’ve created this list of the best things to do in India. When planning an extensive India itinerary, keep the following stops in mind.

1. Experience Varanasi at dawn

The best way to experience the timelessness of Varanasi , one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, is to start just before dawn breaks. At Assi Ghat , the devotional Ganga Aarti ceremony performed on the banks of the Ganges will mesmerize as participants intone rhythmic chants and hymns on the steps that descend to the holy river.

Next, take to the water in a small boat, watching the sun rise as life slowly starts to stir along the river. Suddenly, there will be a burst of activity as saffron-clad sadhus (holy men), vendors, devotees and tourists begin performing rituals, including yoga and ritual singing. A boat ride along the Ganges will pass the main Dashashwamedh Ghat toward Manikarnika Ghat , where funeral pyres burn as the dead are cremated. In Varanasi, death is a way of life.

Planning tip: We recommend a visit to an  akhara (wrestling center) to see wrestlers practice their traditional sport in a mud pit in the early morning light. End your tour with some soulful food: a typical Varanasi breakfast of kachoris (deep-fried pastries) stuffed with lentils and served with spicy potato gravy. Finish the meal on a sweet note with melt-in-mouth jalebis (fried whorls of dough).

2. Set your eyes – and lens – on the iconic Taj Mahal

The iconic, romantic symbol pictured on every India travel brochure, the Taj Mahal in Agra really is a reliable highlight of any trip here. Despite incessant tourist crowds, you can't help but gaze in wonder at this marbled mausoleum built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his wife, Mumtaz.

While it’s hard to get a bad shot of the Taj, the most vivid photos are usually taken at sunrise and sunset from Mehtab Bagh , the Mughal garden across the Yamuna River. Arrive just before dawn and watch the colors change on this sublime monument dedicated to eternal love. Over the course of a day, the sun paints the marble in different hues, transforming the dome from pale pink at sunrise to orange at sunset.

Pay a visit to the eye-catching tomb of Itimad-Ud-Daulah – a precursor to the Taj Mahal, constructed in the 1620s and dubbed the “Baby Taj” – created for Mumtaz’s grandfather, Mirza Ghiyas Beg by his daughter, Nur Jahan.

Planning tip: Special tickets are sold for visits on an evening with a full moon. They can be bought in person 24 hours in advance at the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) offices on Mall Road, and you will need to bring your passport as ID.

3. Demystify the Kama Sutra story behind Khajuraho

As you stand in front of erotic sculptures of figures locked in improbable positions at Khajuraho , you can almost feel the passion. Perhaps no other heritage destination evokes as much wonder and curiosity as these famous temples, built nearly 1000 years ago. And yet guides will painstakingly tell you that barely a tenth of the master carvings in the 22 temples that have been excavated here are dedicated to the Kama Sutra .

As you immerse yourself in these three-dimensional narratives, you can decide for yourself why the Chandela, an ancient Rajput clan, chose to depict eroticism on the walls of their temples, which are dedicated to both Hindu and Jain deities. Be sure not to miss one of India’s oldest surviving Tantric temples, dedicated to the Chausath Yogini – the 64 Tantric goddesses. The cells may be bereft of the idols, yet the architecture, in ruins, is fascinating.

Planning tip: You will need a day to explore all of Khajuraho’s temples; start as early as possible to capture the dawn light in your photos, or come in the afternoon when the warm sunlight makes for evocative shadows.

4. Explore the world’s largest mangrove forests in the Sundarbans

The wild and remote biodiversity hotspot of Sundarbans National Park is where three mighty rivers – the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna – join the Bay of Bengal. A maze of mangrove forests, swamps and mudflats, riverine islands and numerous canals that you can explore by boat, the Sundarbans is perhaps most famous for its population of Bengal tigers that roam its brackish channels.

With its serpentine network of roots, the dark and dense undergrowth provides hiding spots for crocodiles, snakes and other predators. Look out for the different varieties of kingfishers, raptors and water birds from observation towers that give you a bird’s-eye view of the swamps. Village walks are possible on a handful of islands and resilient locals will tell you harrowing tales of living amid devastating cyclones and treacherous wildlife in this delicate and unforgettable ecosystem.

5. Camp under the stars in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan

With an entire galaxy to keep you entertained for the night, sleeping among the wavy, undulating sand dunes of Rajasthan ’s Thar Desert is something that stays with you forever. Near Jaisalmer , a number of desert camps are pitched across the windswept Sam Sand Dunes , which rise to more than 50m (164ft) in height and create magical mirages before your eyes. Go on a camel safari along with a caravan to experience the sunset as you’ve never seen it.

Planning tip: In town, take an unmissable wander through the old temples and colorful markets of majestic Jaisalmer Fort , which 5000 people still call home. If you’re fascinated by the supernatural, head southwest of the walled city to the abandoned ghost town of Kuldhara  – it's said to be haunted, especially after dark.

6. Feel the presence of the divine at the Golden Temple, Amritsar

The best time to experience Amritsar ’s sublime Golden Temple is at 4am (5am in winter) when the revered scripture of Sikhism, the Guru Granth Sahib, is installed inside the temple for the day amid the hum of ritual chanting. With the moon still shining, the entire complex is lit up as the shimmering gold of the dome reflects in the surrounding pond, Amrit Sarovar (the Reservoir of Nectar).

Hospitality and charity are key values for Sikhs, and this famous gurdwara (place of worship) is open to anyone of any faith. The incredible community kitchen known as the Guru-Ka-Langar offers simple, vegetarian meals throughout the day for up to 100,000 devotees (meals are free but a donation is appropriate).

7. Cruise the Kerala backwaters

A maze of small canals, brackish lagoons, silent rivers and still rivulets interconnected with the Arabian Sea, the backwaters of Kerala offer a completely different view of India for travelers and a lifeline of farming and fishing for locals. You can choose your own adventure as you make your way through this tangle of channels and lakes.

During an overnight cruise on a kettuvallam (houseboat), you can pass the hours by fishing, visiting small villages, bird watching or sitting back and watching the world go slowly by.

Planning tip: Many cruise itineraries start in Alappuzha , to the south of Kochi , but the quality of houseboats varies significantly – your best bet is to head to the dock and view a selection of houseboats one or two days in advance. If you’re booking online using an aggregator such as Booking.com , be sure to read plenty of reviews before you book.

8. Visit the ancient monasteries of Ladakh

Touching the high Himalayas, the mountain valleys of Ladakh leave people breathless – both figuratively and literally. You’ll need time to acclimatize in this state that was once a Buddhist kingdom, with stark and vivid landscapes that sit between 3000–6000m (9842–19,685ft) above sea level.

Dotted with snow-clad mountains, icy glaciers, wild meadows, and valleys in the lowlands, plus rivers and high-altitude lakes that change color depending on the light, the region is a natural playground for hikers , bikers and adventure enthusiasts. In winter, travelers come here for expeditions to seek snow leopards and treks along the frozen Zanskar River.

Chortens (Tibetan Buddhist stupas) and gompas (Tibetan Buddhist monasteries) are scattered across this cold desert and visiting these sacred sites will help you learn more about the traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. The region’s oldest monastery is at Alchi, though Thiksey , Stok , and Hemis gompas, closer to the capital Leh , are the most popular stops for visitors.

Planning tip: Don’t miss views of Ladakh’s moonscapes from Lamayuru Monastery , a convenient stop when traveling west from Leh to Srinagar in Kashmir . Remember to cover your shoulders and legs while visiting the monastery, and observe the ban on photography within the premises.

9. Spend a day at Raghurajpur Arts and Crafts Village in Odisha

Located near the temple town of Puri in Odisha , the colorful Raghurajpur Arts and Crafts Village is a living gallery maintained by local chitrakaars (folk artists). The village showcases the traditional art of pata chitra painting, paying tribute to the triad deities from the Puri Jagannath Temple . Each canvas is specially prepared with layers of cotton cloth, and tribal motifs, folk stories, myths and legends are the subjects of the artworks. Expect the artists here to invite you into their homes to see the murals that cover the walls.

As well as pata chitra , you can see tussar silk paintings, toys and palm-leaf engravings. You can also see live demonstrations or try your hand at creating your own piece of art. Try to see a traditional performance of the Gotipua dance; young men from the community can be seen practicing at local gurukul (dance academies).

10. Explore the ruins of Hampi

If the ruins of Hampi could speak, they would tell a glorious tale of a powerful and prosperous kingdom whose rulers built magnificent temples, palaces and monuments, traded precious stones in vast bazaars, and contributed immensely to the art, architecture, culture and literature of India. Founded 600 years ago by two brothers, working under the guidance of their spiritual guru, Sri Vidyaranya, Hampi was once the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire, which ruled the Deccan Plateau of South India for centuries.

The site sprawls for miles, centered on several important groups of monuments, including the Royal Enclosure and the Temple Trail. The still-active Virupaksha Temple is the nucleus of spiritual activity at Hampi, but the most striking structure is the Vittala Temple , an architectural marvel featuring an elaborately carved stone chariot that is illustrated on India’s 50-rupee note.

Planning tip: Allow at least three to four days to fully explore this special place. The center of Hampi can be explored on foot; to explore surrounding areas, rent a bicycle or motorbike, or hire an auto-rickshaw on either side of the Tungabhadra River.

11. Explore Goa beyond the beaches

Goa is not just a destination; it’s a state of mind. The very name evokes images of sun, sand and sea, and while Goa’s beaches are the main attraction here (tip: opt for the less-crowded shores of South Goa ), the small state’s riverine islands, mangrove swamps, dense forests, and spice and cashew plantations are memorable and sensuous experiences in themselves.

Cruise the Zuari River and narrow canals bordered by mangroves at dawn to spot six varieties of kingfishers, among other water birds. In the inland forests, hidden temples reward hikers. For more nature, visit Mollem National Park and Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary with its mighty Dudhsagar Falls – especially post-monsoon, when they’re at full force.

12. Be dazzled by the Rann of Kachchh salt desert

Be sure to pack your sunglasses: the sparkling sodium chloride crystals of the White Rann, one of the world’s largest salt deserts, will literally dazzle you. The Rann of Kachchh (Kutch) in Gujarat is divided into the Greater and Lesser Rann (the White Rann is part of the former), a unique ecosystem in which shallow salt marshes are submerged during the monsoons. As they evaporate, the wetlands transform into an arid ocean of salt, a seasonal phenomenon seen only in winter, from October to March.

We recommend staying in Hodka or Dhordo, where resorts are composed of Kutchi (Kutch-style) bhungas – circular-walled thatched mud huts that offer a welcome respite from the harsh desert heat. While you’re in the area, head to the nearby ruins of the ancient Indus Valley civilization at Dholavira to the east, and the 18th-century Aaina Mahal Palace in Bhuj, to the southwest.

Planning tip: The landscape is especially mesmerizing at sunrise and sunset; evening visits during full-moon evenings are another treat. Gujarat Tourism hosts the annual Rann Ustav , a fascinating cultural festival that runs between November and February. Expect a flood of food and local handicraft stalls as well as Sufi and indigenous Kutchi folk music performances.

13. See larger-than-life sculptures at the Great Living Chola Temples

Located in Tamil Nadu , the 1200-year-old Great Living Chola Temples leave visitors both spellbound and humbled. These mighty monuments include Brihadeeshwara Temple in the southern city of Thanjavur , built by King Raja Raja Chola I in the 10th century. The soaring 63.4m-high (208ft) vimana (tower above the shrine) is one of the largest of any Hindu temple anywhere, hence its nickname, the Big Temple.

Raja Raja Chola I’s son, Rajendra Chola, ambitiously set out to create a bigger version of his father’s temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram , but for mysterious reasons never completed the complex. A century later, in a small town called Darasuram, the third temple was erected by Raja Raja Chola II. If the first two Brihadeshwara temples are larger-than-life marvels, the Airavateswarar Temple is an ode to mastery on a smaller scale and a tribute to the craftsmanship of the era. Each of the temples is dedicated primarily to Shiva, although carvings depict a pantheon of other Hindu deities.

Planning tip: You’ll need a day to explore all three temples, which are still in active use. It's best to visit either early in the morning or in the evenings.

14. Discover hidden treasures in the villages of Chettinadu

A cultural and colorful mosaic of arts, crafts, architecture, food and traditions, Chettinadu is a collection of 75 villages in Tamil Nadu that were once home to an affluent mercantile community called the Nagarathar Chettiars. The merchants grew rich off trading in jewelry and spices; when most of them left for better prospects elsewhere, they left behind their homes – a cultural reminder of their cosmopolitan community and the wealth they accumulated.

Aptly titled nattukottai (country forts), each home is a larger-than-life fortified palace; some cover more than 3700 sq meters (39,826 sq ft). Colorful facades feature arches, pillars, sculptures and friezes but it’s the interiors that truly amaze, with Belgian mirrors and chandeliers, Italian marble, Japanese artworks, Spanish tiles, Burmese teak and other luxurious components sourced from around the world.

Villages such as Karaikudi, Kanadukathan, Devakottai, Kothamangalam, Pallathur and Kottaiyur feature grand houses that are up to 200 years old. While most of them have been abandoned, a few have been converted into luxury hotels. A fusion of Art Deco, Dravidian and colonial architectural styles, these houses are fascinating to explore and some can be entered for a small fee.

15. Look for India’s Big Five

On thrilling 4WD safaris through the dense forests of wildlife sanctuaries, you can look out for India’s Big Five : tigers, elephants, leopards, sloth bears and gaur (Indian bison). There are more than 100 national parks and tiger reserves spread across the country, including venerable Jim Corbett National Park ; Kanha , Bandhavgarh and Panna in Madhya Pradesh ; Pench and Tadoba-Andhari in Maharashtra; Ranthambore in Rajasthan; Nagarhole and Bandipur in Karnataka ; Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu, and many, many more.

Farther afield, Kaziranga National Park in Assam provides sightings of the critically endangered one-horned rhinoceros, while elusive snow leopards populate Hemis National Park in Ladakh and Asiatic lions congregate in Gujarat’s Gir National Park . The Kabini Reservoir in Karnataka draws massive herds of elephants, especially in summer; bird watchers are also in for a delight as more than 1300 species are found here.

Planning tip: Throughout the country, early-morning safaris tend to be the most rewarding, although evening safaris bring magic light. Late summer is the best time for spotting wildlife, but many national parks are closed during the early-summer monsoon. Many parks offer elephant safaris, but these are not recommended as carrying passengers can be harmful to elephants.

16. Get a taste of “orthodox tea” country in Darjeeling

The quaint, verdant hill station of Darjeeling , West Bengal is an idyllic town, towered over by snow-capped Himalayan peaks, nestled amongst rolling hills of rhododendron and pines, and overflowing with tea plantations. Although Indian-style chai is readily available, this is “orthodox” tea country – the term refers to loose-leaf tea that’s brewed in a teapot with hot water, unlike chai, which is made from CTC (crush, tear, curl) tea. With plenty of hole-in-the-wall cafes and eateries within the town, and hiking trails and Buddhist monasteries nearby, Darjeeling offers a welcome change of pace for every palate.

Similarly, Kangra – another important Indian tea-growing region in Himachal Pradesh – offers relaxed views of Himalayan foothills that can be easily reached via the nearby hill station of Dharamshala , and the adjacent settlement of McLeod Ganj. Currently, Dharamshala is home to the Dalai Lama and the exiled Tibetan government, and the town is rich with Tibetan influence.

Planning tip: The famous narrow-gauge Toy Train to Darjeeling runs uphill from New Jalpaiguri station, following the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many tourists opt for two-hour 'joy rides' on the steam locos from Darjeeling to Ghum (India's highest railway station) and back. October to January are peak months for the Toy Train, so book your seats in advance via the IRCTC website .

17. Travel on a sleeper train

Strikingly scenic and luxuriously slow, rail travel in India offers a pleasant change of pace from the vibrant cacophony of urban tourist hubs. Heading from Delhi to Rishikesh via the overnight Shatabdi train, carefully poke your head out to watch the length of the train curve through the rural countryside. As the views roll by, expect to be generously supplied with railway snacks – from samosas and poha (flattened rice) to full meals, if you so choose – and topped up with extra hot, extra sweet chai , as chaiwalas saunter by with a kettle and paper cups.

If you’re looking to explore southwestern parts of the country, there are several dramatic train routes connecting the busy city of Mumbai with the historic port city of Kochi , whooshing past swathes of the lush green Konkan region and offering glimpses of the Arabian Sea.

Planning tip: Seats on popular routes fill up fast, so it’s worth booking your ticket online in advance via the IRCTC website. For maximum privacy and comfort for long overnight journeys, book an AC-class ticket (you can choose from four-bed, three-bed or two-bed cabins). If you’re keen to meet local people, opt for a Sleeper class ticket (but don’t expect to get too much sleep). Although you’ll find sit-down toilets on board, it’s advisable to carry your own toilet paper.

18. Practice Yoga in Rishikesh

Tucked away in the Himalayan foothills upon the banks of the Ganges, Rishikesh is a renowned spiritual hub, famed for its ashrams and yoga and meditation centers. Beyond the oft-discussed “Beatles Ashram” – a now-abandoned ashram visited by the Beatles in the '60s when they were learning Transcendental Meditation – Rishikesh is also the setting for the annual International Yoga Festival in March.

There are a plethora of yoga courses available, taught by both Indian and foreign teachers. For beginners, we recommend signing up for a course at the Sivananda Ashram , where you can learn surya namaskars (sun salutations) and basic asanas on the river bank. There are also several women-only yoga courses available, at a variety of price points.

Planning tip: If you’re planning to visit during the International Yoga Festival, book yourself a spot online . Most yoga centers are located between Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula, so book your accommodation at least a few months in advance. Note that Rishikesh is a vegetarian city; for non-veg dishes, head to the nearby town of Haridwar .

19. Immerse yourself in the diversity of northeastern India

Considering how diverse the northeastern states of India are, it seems almost unfair how frequently they are grouped together. India’s northeast has an offbeat experience for every traveler, from the annual Hornbill Festival in Kohima, Nagaland , which showcases the ethnic diversity of the state’s 17 main tribes every December, to the unparalleled views of 8586m (28,169ft) Khangchendzonga (the world’s third-highest mountain) from Gangtok in Sikkim .

We recommend starting your tour of the region in Guwahati in Assam, heading on a safari to Kaziranga National Park , where you can see one-horned rhinos, and then traveling onward to Majuli, the world’s largest river island. In Meghalaya , start in Shillong and loop towards the scenic town of Cherrapunji, lush with waterfalls and living root bridges – wondrous pedestrian bridges engineered by intertwining rubber tree roots over time. Further northeast, Arunachal Pradesh’s atmospheric Ziro Valley offers beginner-friendly treks through bamboo and pine forests.

Planning tip: The busiest time to visit the northeast is March to June when there’s still a slight coolness in the air. Accommodation during these months is more expensive; if you’re looking for a more affordable trip, the weather during the summer months – with the exception of lowland areas affected by the monsoon – is pleasant too.

20. Visit a bustling local market

Wherever you go in India, from Kashmir in the north to the tip of Kanyakumari in the south, no trip would be complete without a visit to a market. This is true whether you take a shikara (wooden boat) to watch the chaos of the early morning floating vegetable market on Dal Lake in Srinagar  or go bargaining for jhumkas (earrings) in Chandni Chowk in Delhi.

Markets in India are worth visiting partly because they’re authentically Indian – they’re frequented by local people year round, regardless of whether tourists visit them or not. We recommend starting off with a few of Delhi’s favorite bazaars – browse for clothes and attars (scents) in Chandni Chowk, Tibetan-style jewelry in Majnu-ka-Tila, and spices in Khari Baoli, Asia's largest spice market (your clothes will smell of ground cinnamon and cardamom for days, even after being laundered). Other rewarding markets include Mysore’s Devaraja Market , Jaipur ’s Johri Bazar, and Kolkata ’s Mullick Ghat – Asia’s largest flower market.

Planning tip: Markets are high pedestrian traffic areas and can be overwhelming; new-to-India travelers may want to book a guided tour. Be sure to keep your valuables in a concealed money belt (or similar), as pickpockets are common in these markets.

21. Tour Rajasthan’s historic forts and palaces

Thanks to a rich history of intertwined kingdoms and local battles, Rajasthan is home to some of India’s most spectacular forts and palaces. Over the centuries, neighboring kingdoms tried to one-up each other in fabulous displays of ostentation, and fought countless battles amongst themselves and against outsiders. It was only in the mid-1500s that the region – then called “Rajputana” – was brought together under the Mughal emperor Akbar.

Start with the Amber Fort in Amer (outside Jaipur) with its honeyed pink-and-yellow walls standing stark against cloudless blue skies. Inside, the palace walls are intricately painted, and the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) brings the stars indoors as candlelight twinkles on mirror mosaics. Other forts and palaces to check off your list include Mehrangarh in the blue city of Jodhpur , Ranthambhore Fort inside Ranthambhore National Park , Chittor in Chittorgarh, and Kumbhalgarh in the Aravali Hills.

Planning tip: Plan to visit Rajasthan when the weather is at its coolest, between October and March. Keep some small change handy for camera fees if you want to use a camera inside most fort complexes (you can often shoot on your phone for free). Although many forts (including Amber Fort) offer elephant rides for sightseeing, these have been banned by the government since 2005 as they are harmful to elephants.

22. Experience the energy of India’s festivals

With an almost impossibly diverse population, religion is the core of India’s social fabric, and religious festivals pulse through the country’s calendar. Celebrated enthusiastically by the majority Hindu population, Holi – the festival of colors in the spring – and Diwali – the festival of lights – are major events across the country. In the east, Durga Puja is a grand celebration of the Hindu goddess Durga and brings Kolkata to a standstill.

Similarly, Ganesh Chaturthi – celebrating the elephant-headed Hindu god Ganesh – is of paramount significance in Mumbai , where crowds accompany giant statues of the deity as they are paraded through the city and submerged in the sea.

The Muslim celebrations for Eid (at the end of the fasting month of Ramadan) are memorable in Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Hyderabad – people open up intricate late-night markets and street-food stalls showcasing Muslim delicacies native to each area.

There are dozens of other region- and religion-specific festivals, so be sure to do your homework on festival dates. The harvest festival of Onam brings bursts of color across the southern state of Kerala in August or September. If you’re headed to Ladakh or other places with large Tibetan Buddhist populations such as Dharamshala or Arunachal Pradesh, the Tibetan New Year festival of Losar in February or March brings three full days of festivities, including masked Buddhist dances at monasteries.

Planning tip: Many Indian festivals follow the lunar calendar, so dates change every year. Islamic festivals move forward by 11 days each year, relative to the Gregorian calendar. Always check the dates of festivals locally to avoid missing significant events.

This article was first published Apr 1, 2022 and updated Dec 17, 2023.

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Magical India

Tour - Magical India

About this trip.

Relive the majestic life of the royals in these forts and palaces as you travel through Rajasthan, home to royal residences. Experience the vibrant Indian culture while you start with New Delhi, the capital city, then head towards Agra, home of the Taj Mahal, next to Jaipur, the pink city and continue to Pushkar, then Udaipur, the city of lakes and Jodhpur, the blue city, then Jaisalmer, home to historic mansions, followed by Bikaner, known for unique architectures and finally, Mandawa, also known as the "Open-air Art Gallery" of Rajasthan.

Tour Info Magical India

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TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Ponder the fascinating counterparts of Old and New Delhi
• Bask in the beauty of the Amber Fort in The Pink City
• Visit Udaipur and the City Palace as you discover Lake Pichola
• Discover the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, two iconic attractions 
• 14 Nights’ accommodation at listed superior hotels or similar
• Daily buffet breakfasts
• All arrival and departure airport transfers
• Meet and greet services at all airports
• Services of an English-speaking tour director
• All Transportation in AC vehicles
• All Sightseeing as per the itinerary
• All Entrance fees as per the itinerary
• Road taxes, parking fees, fuel charges, interstate taxes, and currently applicable taxes
• Items of a personal nature, tips, and gratuities
• Alcoholic/ Non-alcoholic beverages, mini bar or drinks.
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• Baggage fees may apply and vary by carrier
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Acqua Travel would like to reassure you that after booking your tour, should the USA/Canada government advise against all travel to your chosen destination, or you decide against travel Acqua Travel will offer a change of tour * to one of our other great destinations or a full refund for the tour if you inform us minimum 60 days before departure * . As always, your safety is our priority for Acqua Travel! *Only for new bookings made after 1 March 2020.

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How to Plan Your Dream Trip to India + Planning Checklist

Planning a trip to India is not a small task (but yes it’s worth it!). In a world of turn-up-and-go travel, India is one of the outliers, where “just go” is a little more difficult to do. In this guide to how to plan a trip to India, I’ll walk you step by step through India trip planning – whether it’s your first time to India or you’re heading back for more.

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How to Plan a Trip To India – Your Complete Guide

Planning a trip to India is where the magic begins – and it’s just as well, as in our experience of both living in India and travelling around India, at least some level of India trip planning before you set off is needed – much more so than for other Asian countries.

Why the need to plan a trip to India in advance?

India has unique ways of doing things, and if you’re a foreigner planning your first time in India, then it can be frustrating (at best) trying to navigate Indian bureaucracy and systems (or lack thereof) while your allotted trip time steadily trickles away.

The question of how to travel around India is not straightforward – it is a sub-continent, after all.

It’s also important to prepare your trip to India in advance for other reasons. You’ll want to learn about Indian culture so that you can get more out of your trip to India, perhaps learn some Hindi , find out which India itinerary is best for you, work out which places to visit (that can be huge distances apart).

There are also many opportunities to support sustainable tourism in India on your trip too, which a little planning will make it much easier to do.

I also recommend reading up on safe travel in India (especially for women) and which scams to look out for. Unfortunately, un-prepared first time travellers to India make easy targets for scamsters on arrival in Delhi and other cities – but a little preparation can save you from a lot of hassle and being yet another scam victim.

Not least, by spending time to plan your trip to India ahead of time, you’ll get far more out of the experience. Whether this is your first time to India and you’re planning a 2 weeks in India itinerary, or you’ll be spending months in India, planning will help you relax and enjoy all of the magic that India has in store for you.

In this travel to India blog I’ll walk you through the most important things to know when you start to plan a trip in India, as well as how to prepare for the best India experience. Let’s get started!

Current Status of Travel to India (2022)

The information below is provided with the intention of helping readers plan future trips to India but is subject to change without notice. Please cross-check with official sources such as your government’s travel advisory. (Last updated October 2022).

In March 2020 as a response to the declaration of the Covid-19 pandemic by the WHO, the Indian Government rolled out an India travel ban which stopped travel to India for touristic purposes and saw all tourist visas suspended (as well as many travellers stranded in India).

As of 2021, India re-opened its borders for tourism, and in 2022 international travel to India has pretty much returned to normal. There are very few covid measures in place now in India – with the exception of wearing masks on flights, and in general travel has returned to how it was pre-pandemic.

Tourism visas for India are now being re-issued – see my guide to India e-visas here – and borders are fully open.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR BRITS & CANADIANS – Please note that if you’re travelling to India on a British or Canadian passport , you are NOT currently able to get an E-Visa, and you need to allow a LOT of extra time to apply for a regular paper/sticker visa and attend an in-person appointment at your nearest Indian High Commission / VFS processing centre.

At the time of writing, India requires either proof of full Covid 19 vaccination (2 shots) and/or a PCR test taken within the last 72 hours for entry to India. You will need to upload relevant proof via the Air Suvidha portal – more information here . The requirements vary per country, so please check information for your specific situation carefully.

During the Covid-19 Pandemic and lockdowns, unimaginable numbers of people working in and relying on tourism to earn a living struggled to make ends meet. Throughout this India travel blog on Soul Travel India my focus is on promoting organisations that have a positive impact on communities in India, and we recommend that travellers to India support sustainable and local tourism initiatives wherever they can.

When to Visit India

One of the first steps to plan India trip is to decide when is best to visit India for you. There are 3 main seasons – although like everything, as our global climate changes, these seasons are becoming blurred and sometimes temperamental. So, pack a sweater and waterproof just in case!

• High Season – Winter – October to February. India’s winter falls between October/November and February and this is the most popular time to visit India. Expect warm – cool days (except for in the far north and mountains of India where it is positively wintery and/or inaccessible). Popular festival Divali occurs (Oct/Nov). Book ahead as this is peak season, especially over Christmas, New Year and Divali. Best time to go if you want good weather.
• Off Season – Summer – Late March to June. Most of India becomes unbearably hot and dry, starting from mid/end of March depending on the year. Many come for Holi (Feb/March) which marks the beginning of Spring. But between the end of March and June it’s really too hot for sightseeing unless you’re heading to the hill stations and mountains of Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh. Avoid from late march on unless you’re heading to the hills.
• Shoulder Season – Monsoon – July to September. Much of India gets periodic deluges for monsoon which starts in late June and ends in September or October depending on the year and where you are in India. This can be a great time to explore parts of India with fewer crowds – not all regions of India get lots of rain (Rajasthan and the north get relatively little), but travelling during monsoon requires patience and can go wrong. Best time to go if you want to avoid crowds and don’t mind getting wet and/or delayed. Ideal time for trekking in Ladakh.

Some of the best times to go are shoulders of seasons – I personally love October and late February / early March as they see fewer visitors and often good weather in between seasons. Plus if you want to see places with differing climates, one of these periods is likely to be the best time to travel.

Where to Visit in India

There are many different India itineraries – whether you’re looking for a 2 week India itinerary, 3 week India itinerary or backpacking India route. Where’s best for you will depend on your interests, budget, travel style and more. We don’t believe in sending everyone on the same old regular cookie-cutter travel itinerary India has because there’s so much more to India than that!

Some tips when planning your own India travel itinerary:

• Everyone tends to head to north India for their first trip to India (Delhi, Rajasthan, Agra, etc) but there’s more to India than this. The south of India is actually much easier going and has better food (we’re biased on that!)and a better place to start, especially for solo female travellers to India.
• Travel distances in India can be long. Don’t try to fit too much in.
• Allow a day on arrival to rest and adjust – it’s easier to deal with the culture shock after a few hours of sleep.
• If you don’t want to plan everything in advance, my advice is to at least book your first night in a new place , especially for female travellers . You don’t want to arrive in a new place looking lost and scrambling to find somewhere to stay as this is where it’s easy to fall for scams.

Not sure where to visit in India? Take our free quiz here to find out which itinerary for India is right for you!

Popular India Itinerary Options

Especially if it’s your first time India, people often wonder which of the many India itineraries is right for them. Whatever you choose, know this: It’s just not possible to see ‘India’ in one visit. What you will get, though, if you plan right, is the perfect taste of India that’ll leave you wanting more on your next visit.

India Golden Triangle

The most popular and our least favourite of all typical India itineraries is the Golden Triangle route of Delhi – Agra – Jaipur. So named because of the geographic position of these 3 cities to each other, and for the fact that they are home to some of India’s greatest treasures: The Taj Mahal (Agra), Delhi’s treasure trove of history and culture, and the UNESCO listed “pink city” of Jaipur.

While these are absolutely places that anyone visiting India should include on their itinerary, the reason this is one of our least favourite itineraries is because it’s also where you’ll find most of India’s scamsters that pray on tourists, as well as most of the bus-loads of tourists.

The location of the Golden Triangle is also in some of India’s most polluted, heavily populated and industrial areas which means that the culture shock is dialled up a notch – not necessarily the best welcome to India.

So, how to ‘do’ the Golden Triangle right?

We understand that most people planning their first trip to India want to see the Golden Triangle, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with that. Here’s what we suggest:

• Don’t just see the Golden Triangle. Make time to stop in other places, such as smaller towns, stay at a homestay or go to one or two less touristy places.
• Don’t go to the Golden Triangle first . Start in another part of India (we highly recommend south India), or fly in to Mumbai (much easier going) and work your way north. Finish up at the Golden Triangle once you’ve found your India legs.
• If you’re short on time, take a tour (or plan it yourself) that shows you the Golden Triangle plus other places.

This one is one of my favourite Golden Triangle tours .

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Other North India Itineraries

There are plenty of alternative options for exploring north India beyond the Golden Triangle. Here are a few suggestions:

• Rajasthan Itinerary – Easy to combine with the Golden Triangle, it’s possible to spend over a month exploring the cities, deserts and village camps in Rajasthan, India’s most kingly state, staying in palaces fit for a king or humble backpacker guesthouses with views of forts to boot. Make sure you check distances when planning travel as distances as big!
• Delhi to Kolkata – Follow the plains of India along the Ganges travelling from Delhi to Agra, historic Lucknow, magical Varanasi before arriving in India’s 3rd biggest but oh-so-charming and surprisingly tourist-free city of Kolkata – gateway to the bay of Bengal and where India’s literati hang out, with some of the country’s best food, too. (Aside – if you are a solo female traveller on your first visit to India, you may find it better to buddy-up if you want to do this itinerary, as Uttar Pradesh, the state that it mostly runs through, is not known for its liberal attitudes towards women and can be tough going).
• Tiger Parks & Magic of Central India – If you feel called by India’s incredible biodiversity and wildlife then you won’t want to miss the tiger reserves and national parks of central India spanning Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. Break up the game drives by visiting beautiful Orchha and to gape at the “Karma Sutra” temples in Khajuraho.
• The Mighty Mountains of North India – If spiritual India is calling, (or you love beautiful mountain views and trekking) consider heading north from Delhi to Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh. The further north you go, the more remote it gets and the more stunning the views. Explore the historic hill stations of Shimla and Dharamshala or stay a while in Rishikesh before heading to Gangotri in search of the source of the Ganges. Plan plenty of time in the mountains, as the roads are as windy as routes are indirect. NB The mountains get snow-laden in winter, so Feb – May is best for this region, or May-Sept for Ladakh.

South India Itineraries

South India offers some of the best trips to India and is well worth considering for your India travel route. In fact, in our view, south India is a far more leisurely entry point into India than the north. The lush south offers amazing foods, verdant green fields and rice paddies, beautiful beaches and stunning temples. Did we mention the food?

Culturally, architecturally and even when it comes to weather, the south is very different to the north of India. If you want a more laid back trip, south is definitely best. Here are some of our favourites:

• Mumbai to Goa – Say hi Bollywood in Mumbai before heading down the beautiful Maharashtrian coast towards India’s smallest state, Goa. Delight yourself with caves and hill stations along the way or pay a visit to the bustling student city of Pune before winding up on Goa’s beaches.
• Bangalore to Goa – Explore beautiful and off-beat Karnataka, one of India’s most lush states taking in coastal towns such as Udupi and Gokarna, clamber over rocks at the ruined temples of Hampi and gaze in awe at Mysore Palace.
• Kerala & Tamil Nadu – The southern tip of India, these states are a world away from the north of India. Watch life on the Kerala backwaters pass you by, soak up the French vibes of Pondicherry, or take a mountain railway up to one of the hill stations for a cup of freshly-picked tea.

India Planning Timeline

There are lots of moving parts to any India trip – and even if you’re someone who likes to plan as little as possible, there are a few things you’re going to have to plan up front for your India trip, especially if you want a low-stress experience.

Here are some of the key things to plan ahead:

6 Months Before Your Trip to India

• Research seasons, when to go to India and itinerary ideas
• Join my India travel planning facebook group here !
• Check weather for the time of year of your trip for where you want to visit in India
• Start researching flights, make sure you’re subscribed to your favourite airlines for sales
• Book your tour if you want to take a multi-day group tour or guided trip

3 Months Before Your Trip to India

• Plan out your rough itinerary day-by-day
• Apply for your visa if you’re not eligible for an e-visa (currently includes British & Canadian nationals)
• Book arrival accommodation & first night(s) in new places
• Book tiger safaris / national park safaris (these get booked up)
• Book your main train journeys (these also get very booked up)
• Book domestic flights

1 Month Before Your Trip to India

• Book your airport pickup via your hotel / use Sakha Cabs (highly recommended for female travellers or if you’re arriving in Delhi at night)
• Apply for your E-Visa (28 days prior)
• Get vaccinations / prescription medicines needed for travel to India (check your government’s travel health website).

These timings are just guidance and you can switch them around to suit your own planning preferences, however note that some things, such as railway tickets, are not open for booking more than 120 days out.

If you only book one thing for India (apart from your flights and visas!) make it your arrival accommodation and pre-arranged airport pickup . It just helps so much to have a smooth landing.

Money & Cost of Travelling to India

Budgeting for your trip to india.

One of the key aspects of how to plan a trip to India is budgeting. One thing to note when planning a trip to India for beginners is that there’s unfortunately a lot of old and outdated information out there about how much it costs to travel to India.

Unfortunately, the days of travelling India on $10 or $20 a day are gone, even for a hardcore backpacking through India trip.

Another important thing to note is that the costs of travel in India vary widely depending on where you are travelling. Hotel prices have steadily crept up in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Bangalore over the last few years – meaning finding a room on a budget can be a tall order. Overall, across India inflation is a real problem and prices are changing rapidly. So check when budgeting for the real time rates of accommodations in different locations around India.

A more realistic estimate for travelling India on a budget is a minimum of 3,000 Rupees ($41 USD) for a solo traveller, or 4,000 INR per couple per day, towards the bottom end of the comfort range. This is broken down as (per day):

• Basic private room in a guest house / homestay / cheap hotel: 1500 Rupees (note for cities like Mumbai and Delhi you may need to pay upwards of 2000 or be prepared to share a dorm)
• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner: 1000 Rupees per day (the cost of food varies hugely in India. Get simple street-side thalis for 60 rupees to meals upwards of 500 rupees in restaurants)
• Public Transport and Admission to sites, anything else: 500 Rupees per day.

As you can see, this is basic travel, and you won’t have much to play with on that budget.

Prices vary as well for “mid-range” travel as there are no consistent standards. Broadly speaking, for a comfortable trip around India, we suggest budgeting between 6,000 ($82) – 8,000 ($110) Rupees per day for a solo traveller or up to 10,000 ($137) per day for a couple. This is broken down as (per day):

• Mid Range Accommodation 3,000+ Rupees
• Meals in restaurants 2000+ Rupees
• Day Tour 1000+ Rupees
• Admission to sites & short hop taxis/public transport 1000+ Rupees

Just as it’s easy to travel relatively cheaply in India, there is also a great range of luxury options, especially in Kerala and Rajasthan which are home to some amazing luxury resorts and hotels to stay at. The sky is really the limit with these options and costs vary widely.

Here are some sample costs (you’ll notice some high ticket items are quoted in USD in India, usually because they are marketed at foreign tourists – you’ll do better if you negotiate in local currency).

• 1 night Stay at Taj Hotel Lake Palace, Udaipur: $700++
• 1 night Stay in a 5* hotel: 15,000 INR ($205)
• Air Balloon Ride in Jaipur: $200++
• Private driver for a week around Rajasthan in a Toyota Innova: 35,000 INR ($478)
• Meal in a high-end restaurant with drinks for two: 5,000 INR ($68)

Whatever level of budget you are travelling to India on, make sure you have access to a contingency budget or credit card if you need it.

Money Matters for your Trip to India

Although things are changing, India is predominantly a cash economy, and cash-less payment systems such as PayTM are unavailable to foreign visitors without an Indian bank account. It’s important to have some cash on you at all times.

Typically payments at higher end hotels, restaurants and shops can be made with foreign credit cards, but budget and lower-end places will want cash. American Express and Diners cards are not widely accepted.

Here are some of the money essentials to know for travel in India:

• If you can get Rupees, take a modest amount out and try to get small denomination notes (100s, 50’s, 500’s) – see why below.
• If you can’t get Rupees, don’t worry. You can get them in India on arrival at the airport.
• The only places you’re likely to find international Credit or Debit cards accepted are at large upscale hotels (5*) or upscale restaurants, or large travel agents. Everyone else will want cash, from rickshaw drivers to hotels to shops.
• The best way to get cash is to either use your Debit card at ATM’s (we have good experiences at State Bank (SBI) Atm’s or Axis Bank ATM’s. If you’re worried about if your card will work, try to find a cash withdrawal machine inside a bank.
• ATM’s in small towns can run out of cash. Don’t get stuck. Stock up before leaving a large city and keep your cash in different places to be on the safe side.
• Try to get change at large restaurants/hotels/shops as small shops and rickshaw drivers will often claim “sorry no change” (even when they do have it. 100, 50, 20 and 10 rupee notes are useful so always try to hold on to a few. Everyone will claim they have no change, but stand your ground at larger places and say you don’t have change. Don’t try to pay a rickshaw driver with a 2000 Rupee note. It’s asking for trouble and may cause an awkward situation.
• If you’re not sure if your ATM/Debit card will work in India, you could look at getting a Transferwise pre-paid card . It’ll also help reduce your transaction fees and exchange fees while travelling in India.
• You can charge Uber rides to your credit card if using the Uber app but watch the exchange fees from your credit card company – it’s generally better to pay cash.
• ALWAYS CHECK YOUR CHANGE. Unfortunately a common arrival in Delhi scam is to try and short-change tourists. Our readers have even caught the Airtel booth inside Delhi airport at it. Count your change in front of the vendor and don’t leave until you are happy.
• Fake currency is a problem with higher bills. Tripsavvy has a good article on how to spot it here .

Getting Around in India

Think of a mode of transport and India has it. Planes, trains, automobiles and, er.. camels. As a rule of thumb, the more you pay, the quicker you’ll get to where you want to be, but equally, the more you pay the less interesting your journey will be ;-).

The least interesting way of travelling India. There are several companies running domestic flights around India and a record number of Indians are taking to the skies. Useful for long distances such as Delhi – Kochi. Airlines include Indigo (recommended), the luxury carrier Vistara (recommended) Spice Jet (not great) and Air India (least recommended). My recommendations are based on reputation for punctuality and general reliability.

• Make sure you have the credit card you booked your flight with to check in. Some airlines may refuse you boarding without it.
• Baggage allowances are generally less than international flight – around 15kg. Check carefully before packing!
• In winter flights can get delayed by fog and in monsoon by heavy rains. Factor in extra time.

Now we’re talking :-). You can’t come to India and not experience an Indian train ride. Even if it’s just one. Many of the stories of Indian train journeys (including my own) come from long train journeys, with many new friends made. You can also take a day train if you’re not sure if you’re up for a sleeper , the Gaatiman Express from Delhi to Agra is super efficient and comfortable in Chair Car Class. Also worth a mention is the Mumbai to Goa Jan Shatabdi Express which arrives in Madgaon in time for a mid-afternoon fish curry.

• Indian Railways has up to 9 classes of travel. Nine . Read my g uide to train travel to work out what’s best for you. Generally we recommend AC2, AC3 and Chair Car on daytime trains.
• Train travel in India has it’s challenges – the main one being booking tickets. Read our guide above, or to do it the easy way, use site 12go.asia to book your tickets easily from abroad.
• You need to book train travel in advance. Trains sell out. With 25 million people travelling by train per day in India you can imagine why.

Buses come in a range of shapes and sizes with Volvo buses being the top quality and recommended for when you are travelling between cities. There are plenty of night buses in India and I recommend taking the train over these as the train is much more comfortable (you can get up and walk, use the toilet etc). However, they’re a useful option when trains are full or there’s no railway to where you want to be.

• AC vs Non-AC – usually there will be a choice between AC and non-ac busses – Non AC are suitable for short distances only in winter, and are usually older buses. AC recommended.
• Redbus.in is the best app for checking buses and booking if you want to book buses in advance – but there’s less need to book buses in advance like there is with trains.

Taxis & Rickshaws

A range of vehicles fall under this category! There are regular Taxis in major cities although these have fallen in popularity as ride hailing apps Uber and OLA (the Indian version, who are great).

UBER & OLA – Just open up your app, order and get in. OLA has the added bonus of being able to hail a rickshaw. There is also Uber intercity which you can use for longer transfers. If Uber drivers try to negotiate on price / message you and ask you where you are going, choose another one instead.

Taxis – ‘Regular’ taxis are available in most cities, and you can find ‘pre-paid’ taxis which are a little costlier but have the advantage of being pre-paid at the booth so avoid you being overcharged. Usually found at train stations or airports. Don’t give the paper slip to the driver until he drops you at your destination.

(Auto) Rickshaws & Cycle Rickshaws – Almost omnipresent is the tuktuk (so named after the tuk-king sound of it’s compressed natural gas engine), also known as an Auto or Auto rickshaw. These are great for getting around cities but you’ll usually have to negotiate before getting in. Unfortunately many rickshaw drivers refuse to use the meter for tourists and will add on extra. In a few places you can still find cycle rickshaws which are considerably harder work for their pullers so please be kind to them and don’t sit in one with your luggage. Also negotiate.

Private Car & Driver

If all of the above sounds like far too much like hard work, you can hire a car and driver for parts of your trip. This is handy if you’re exploring one state, say Rajasthan. Or you can just hire one for a day. As a starting point, ask your hotels for driver recommendations.

Now you know what to think about when planning your trip to India, it’s time to make your itinerary and decide how you want to experience India!

Need an extra helping hand? Jump into our free India Travel Community on Facebook and ask away!

Are you planning a trip to India for 2022 or beyond?

More Resources for Planning your Trip to India:

• What to pack for India – read our India packing guide here
• The best India group tours – comparison of some of the top tours and tips
• Ultimate Guide to Solo Female Travel in India – read all my tips here

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Passionate about all things India travel - journeys of transformation and discovery, local experiences, and getting under the skin of India.

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As we arrived at Mumbai Airport early in the morning and needed to kill some time before checking in at our hotel, we decided to go for a private Mumbai tour. Sahil and Sam picked us up from the airport and showed us around town, covering all the major sights. They were super friendly and easy to talk to. They knew a lot about the history and culture of Mumbai and answered all our questions. Sam’s style of driving was very comfortable and careful, no use of horn and sticking to all the rules. This made us relax quickly as we always felt safe with them. We really had a great time and would recommend this tour to everyone. Sahil and Sam did an amazing job.

Dharavi – An Unique Experience of World’s Third Largest Slum

Everyone who visits Mumbai should do this tour. It started with being collected from our hotel by Sahil. Sahil is the prefect guide – he is a good bloke (as we Brits say) and is very knowledgeable. We travelled to the slum by bus and train. Taking public transport in India was a first for us and was so much fun. It was an experience that we would not have had independently as taxis are so affordable and easy – I am delighted that we took the bus and train as part of this tour. Our 2 hour walk through Dharavi was possibly the most fascinating of all – whatever I expected from the word slum, it was not this. Dharavi is a fully functioning, self-sufficient town with a real sense of community. We learned a lot from Sahil and the people in Dharavi and loved every minute. The tour company donates some of the fees for the tour to an NGO and at no point did we feel that our presence if Dharavi was exploitative – the guys who run these tours are local and live in the area. We were welcome and, if you were wondering, felt very safe and secure at all times – please do this tour – it is like no other.

Best Tour Operator In Mumbai

Experiencing Mumbai with Magical Mumbai tours definitely exceeded my expectations.

Communication was excellent and the tour was exactly what I requested… and more. Samir, my guide, and his accompanying driver, were professional but fun and so enjoyable to be with as a solo traveler. I had never experienced Mumbai traffic so an additional shout-out to our driver for his skills and making me feel safe! Samir is a great guide. Learned so much about the slums as other guests have described and all the sites of Mumbai. What I really appreciate about this tour company was again, the ease in booking and the sense of welcoming I felt in being a solo traveler.

A Must Thing To Do In Mumbai

Magical Mumbai Tours did a great job organising the tour. It lets you see Mumbai’s most iconic and historical places. You are well taken care of, from the tour reservations to hotel pick-up and drop-off. It was a wonderful experience, and I learned interesting facts about the area thanks to my knowledgeable guide, Sahil, who animatedly told the story behind the name or how the infrastructure was made. Shoutout to Sam, who answered my queries timely and patiently, and Shubham, the tour driver, who knows the roads of Mumbai like the back of his hand.

Kudos to the team! This tour is definitely recommended for solo travellers.

Private Guided Tour of Mumbai & Dharavi Slums

Sahil and Sam were both such wonderful guides to have. We felt lucky to be with two guides who knew the city so well and had so many interesting things to share. We did the full city day tour + Dharavi tour which took about 8 hours and the whole time we felt like we were learning so much.

Travel tour arrangements were also made super easy and appreciate the responsiveness of the team.

This tour really made our first time in Mumbai memorable.

See the Reality of Dharavi

This is my first visit to Mumbai, and I had heard about this tour from a friend. I was with my wife on a cruise, so I booked a private tour. I was picked up from the green gate promptly by my tour guide Ravi and the driver, Nasir. From the moment I was in the car, Ravi did an excellent job of educating me about Mumbai and Dharavi. His English is flawless and the tour was very informative. He was born in Dharavi and has knowledge about the area as only an insider would. I feel that I gained knowledge about the people and the industry within the city that only a tour like this could give. Ravi is a very smart young man, and I would highly recommend this tour!

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Magical South India (14 Nights)- Overview

"Magical South India" is a package offering 15 days to enjoy an enthralling trip to South India. Experience 3 nights in Bangalore (2 different dates), 1 night in Mysore,1 night in Kanyakumari, 3 nights in Kovalam, 1 night in Alleppey Houseboat, 3 nights in Munnar and 2 nights in Kochi. While offering 3-star and 4-star hotels, it is a premium package suitable for a relaxing stay in South India along with comfortable transportation facility. 

Additional Inclusions

Magical South India (14 Nights)- Itinerary

Bangalore-bangalore.

Reach the capital of Karnataka, the famous Bangalore in the afternoon and get received by the experienced chauffeur at the airport. Let the chauffeur take you to the hotel in Bangalore so that you can relax after a tiring journey. Spend the night at the hotel in Bangalore.

• Room 3 Star
• Meals Breakfast
• Style Business Suite

Have a fabulous breakfast in the hotel at Bangalore and then head out to go to the famous ISKCON temple of the city. Love to shop? Then, do not miss the chance to enjoy the rest of the day at M G Road, experiencing a high-end shopping and satisfying your taste buds with the delicious cuisines in the restaurants. Spend the night at the hotel in Bangalore.

Bangalore-Mysore

Get ready in the early morning to start your journey towards Mysore, the city of historical Wadiyar Dynasty. Check into the hotel upon arrival and then move out for local sightseeing. The majestic palaces and fascinating gardens of Mysore are the part of its enchanting heritage. Being one of the famous places of World Heritage, travellers from all over the world visit Mysore to witness its royal palaces and rich legacy. Visit the grandiose Mysore Palace, sacred Chamundi Temple, impressive Mysore lighthouse, fascinating Srirangapatna Krishna Raj Sagra, majestic Sivasamudram Falls, elegantly laid Brindavan Garden and magnificent St. Philomena Church. In the evening, head out to shop in the city. Spend the night at the hotel in Mysore.

• Style Comfort Room

Mysore-Bangalore

Have a fabulous breakfast in the morning in the city of rich heritage and then move out for local sightseeing. Visit the famous Devraja Market and the elegant Brindavan Garden. Then drive towards Bangalore in the afternoon. Later, visit the fabulous Tipu Sultan Palace, known for its Indo – Islamic architecture. Spend the night in a comfortable hotel near the airport in Bangalore.

• Style Standard Room

Trivandrum-Kanyakumari

Have breakfast and get ready by 8:30 in the morning in the hotel at Bangalore to catch your flight to the happening city called Trivandrum. Get received by our driver at Trivandrum airport and head towards the famous place Kanyakumari where three oceans meet. Kanyakumari is known for its Vivekananda Rock Memorial established in 1970; which was built in the name of the social reformer of India, Swami Vivekananda who was believed to meditate on the rock where the memorial has been built. Enjoy the boat trip to Vivekananda Memorial and feel the beauty of the view of the exotic beach in the morning and the sunset in the evening

• Room 4 Star
• Style Deluxe Room

Kanyakumari-Kovalam

Let your next destination be Kovalam, home to the famous beach of Hippy Era. Check into a fabulous hotel of Kovalam. Relax in the hotel for some time and then head out for sightseeing. Kovalam is known for its three beaches: The Light House Beach with a lighthouse of 30 meters built-in 1972, The Hawah Beach and Kovalam Beach. Spend the night in the hotel.

• Style Ocean View Room

Kovalam-Trivandrum

Relax in the morning and then head towards the capital of Kerala called “Trivandrum” for a full-day tour. Trivandrum which is mainly called Thiruvananthapuram by the locals has got its name from the King of serpents, the famous Ananthan. The famous Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple of the city represents the religious importance of the deity “Anantha”, on whose name the city has been named. The temple is open from 4 o'clock in the afternoon till 8 o'clock at night. It follows a strict dress code for its visitors, which instructs the males to wear Dhoti and the females must wear Saree or Churidar. Trivandrum is famous for its Kuthiramalika Palace Museum which means the “palace of horses”. Visit “Veli Tourist Village” to enjoy varieties of aqua entertainment in the waterfront park. Beach lovers can go to Shangumugham Beach of the city. Return to Kovalam and spend the night in the hotel.

Kovalam-Kovalam

Have your breakfast in Kovalam and then head out for sightseeing. Visit the beach in Kovalam and go for a shopping spree to buy beach accessories. Return to the hotel and relax.

Kovalam-Alleppey (Houseboat)

Have your breakfast in Kovalam before checking out. Head towards the home of backwaters; Alleppey. Check into a wonderful traditional moving houseboat and experience an overnight backwater cruise. Experience the fabulous surrounding beauty while passing through the backwater canals. The beautiful paddy fields and swaying coconut trees along with edges truly is a breathtaking beauty to cherish. Acquaint yourself with the rustic homes and the local inhabitants of Alleppey. Enjoy the mouth-watering fresh meals that would be served in the houseboat as per your taste and needs. Spend the night in the houseboat.

• Room Deluxe Houseboat
• Meals All Meals

Alleppey (Houseboat)-Munnar

After checking out from the houseboat in Alleppey, your next destination Munnar would be waiting for you. Nature’s untouched beauty relies on this hill-station of Kerala, called Munnar; which is situated beautifully in the laps of Western Ghats. Munnar is famous among couples and honeymooners. The pleasant beauty of the surrounding greeneries along with the exotic aroma of tea, coffee and spices like cardamom make this place true heaven. Check into a comfortable hotel in Munnar and relax or just head out to enjoy a walk in the evening in the lapse of nature. Spend the night in the hotel.

• Style Green Leaf

Munnar-Munnar

Enjoy the breakfast in the hotel and proceed to the top station of Munnar, which is the highest point of the hill-station. The panoramic view of the Western Ghats from the top station is a breathtaking experience. Visit the famous places of Munnar which include the Echo Point, Mattupetty Dam, Rose Garden and Kundale Dam.

Spend another day enjoying the beauty of Munnar. Visit other famous spots of Munnar which include Munnar Tea Museum and Eravikulam National Park. You can even go shopping this day. Spend the night in the hotel in Munnar.

Munnar-Fort Kochi

Check out from the hotel and head towards Kochi. Upon reaching Kochi, check into a fabulous hotel and then proceed for the day’s tour to Fort Kochi. Fort Kochi with its history draws visitors from all over the world. The roads and buildings of Fort Kochi still tell the story of the Jewish settlers of past and the colonial influence of Dutch, Portuguese and British. Spend the night in the hotel in Kochi.  

• Style Executive Room

Kochi-Kochi

After breakfast, spend the day in Kochi by visiting the famous Wonder La Amusement Park to enjoy some fantastic rides. Later, visit the “Lulu Mall” or the “Broadway” to enjoy shopping.

Kochi-Kochi Airport

Have your breakfast and get ready to check out from the hotel to proceed towards the airport. On the way take a break to shop before leaving. Get dropped to your destination for departure. Leave with wonderful memories and your favourite souvenir.

Magical South India - Distance & Map

In 15 days, "Magical South India" would cover a distance of 1,486 Kilometres while reaching the different destinations that include Bangalore, Mysore, Kanyakumari, Kovalam, Alleppey, Munnar and Kochi. Road conditions may get crowded due to pedestrians and local traffic.

• Arrival & Pickup from Bangalore
• Departure & Drop at Cochin International Airport
• Type of Vehicle Innova
• Package Category Premium
• What is included
• What is not included
• Accommodation for 14 nights with room and meal plans as specified.
• Innova vehicle for 15 Days with 2250 Kilometers blocked from your arrival till departure
• Airport/Hotel Transfers + Private Vehicle with Chauffeur + Sightseeing by Road
• All toll and parking and fuel charges and drivers overnight allowance
• All Currently applicable taxes including GST of 5%
• All Meals Included for Houseboat Overnight Stay and Lunch, Tea & Snacks for Houseboat Day Cruises.
• Expenses of any personal nature (phone calls, laundry, camera entry fee etc).
• Activity Charges /  Monument Entry Fees  (You can take tickets directly once you choose an activity at any destination with the help of our driver)
• Boating in Periyar (Thekkady)  direct booking through www.periyarfoundation.org in Thekkady. (If you need help, please speak to your trip designer)
• Any additional expenses incurred due to any flight delay or cancellation, weather conditions, political closures etc
• Visa Charges not included. Check our post on Indian Visa for latest updates-  https://irisholidays.com/keralatourism/indian-visa/
• Tips/ Porter Charges/ Airfare Not Included
• Any other services not specified above

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Questions on magical south india (14 nights).

Asked by Kara Fielding from United Kingdom 1 Year ago

How do I book this holiday?

Answered by Niranjana(Travel Advisor) December 23, 2019

You can enter your details online any time day or night, and one of our Trip Designers will call you back within 24 hours to help you with booking. Our Trip Designers will be able to assist you further in customising the holiday as per your requirements.

Asked by Josephine Kong from Singapore 1 Year ago

Can I customise this holiday with few hotels of my choice?

We specialise in Customised holiday packages in Kerala and we will be able to offer you any resort in Kerala as we have direct relationshops with most resorts. If you want to change the resorts in this package, one of our trip designers will work with you till you are happy with the package. Our Trip Designers will be also able to tell you the highlights of each resort and you can decide on whether you woud like to book the same resort

Asked by Michala Vestergaard from USA 1 Year ago

I want to book a taxi for this holiday. Do you offer only taxi services only ?

When you book a holiday with hotels and taxi together with us we will be able to offer you much lower rates than what you will get directly. As we use carefully handicked drivers who can offer the quality that we ideally want, we dont offer taxi only booking services.

What are the payment options you offer?

We offer all major payment options including credit cards , debit cards , wire transfer, net banking and UPI.

INR ₹57250 per person

Usd $775 per person.

George Joseph (Trip Designer)

Designed 12500 + Tour Packages | Kerala and International Tour Specialist

This package is popular

It has been booked 14 times in the past year

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Why book with Iris Holidays ?

We visit and verify all resorts in Kerala that we suggest to you so that guests like you can have a VERY warm & comfortable about an awesome holiday.

We won’t suggest anywhere that we haven’t been to and tried ourselves. When you book online or call us, we share the kind of insider low-down we'd give to our best friends about destinations and hotels. Rest assured: when you book with us, every last detail is taken care

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Certificate of Excellence Award for the past 10 Consecutive Years

Approved by Govt:of India & Govt: of Kerala

We are approved after verification by Govt of India & Govt of Kerala

Private Vehicle - Only for you

Chauffeur driven vehicle for you 24X7

Customised Packages with the Best Hotels & Resorts

We handpick our hotels & houseboats

Our Affiliations

Our tours are consistently recognized by prestigious organizations across the travel industry and TripAdvisor. We have won the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence from 2014 till 2022 consecutively for 9 consecutive years. We design our unique tours based on extensive knowledge of Kerala tourist destinations strives to offer personalized top-notch service.

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The Magical Kerala Tour

• In-depth Cultural
• Partially Guided
• Personalized
• Christmas & New Year

Traveled in December 2023

Places You’ll See

• Introduction
• Day 1 ARRIVAL IN COCHIN
• Day 2 COCHIN SIGHTSEEING
• Day 3 COCHIN - MUNNAR (140 KMS / APPROX 04 HRS. DRIVE)
• Day 4 MUNNAR - THEKKADY (95 KMS / APPROX 04 HRS. DRIVE)
• Day 5 THEKKADY SIGHTSEEING
• Day 6 THEKKADY - KUMARAKOM (135 KMS / APPROX 04 HRS. DRIVE)
• Day 7 KUMARAKOM - ALLEPPEY (35 KMS / APPROX 01 HRS. DRIVE)
• Day 8 ALLEPPEY - COCHIN DEPARTURE

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What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

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Operated by GeTS Holidays

At GeTS Holidays, we are passionate about making your tour a lifetime experience. From riding a...

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation policy.

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 5.0
• Itinerary Good 4.0
• Guide Excellent 5.0
• Transport Excellent 5.0
• Accommodation Excellent 5.0
• Food Excellent 5.0
• Tour Operator GeTS Holidays 4.6

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• August 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024
• December 2024
• January 2025
• February 2025
• -50% Tuesday 18 Jun, 2024 Tuesday 25 Jun, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €1,162 €581 Confirm Dates
• -50% Wednesday 19 Jun, 2024 Wednesday 26 Jun, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €1,162 €581 Confirm Dates
• -50% Thursday 20 Jun, 2024 Thursday 27 Jun, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €1,162 €581 Confirm Dates
• -50% Friday 21 Jun, 2024 Friday 28 Jun, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €1,162 €581 Confirm Dates
• -50% Saturday 22 Jun, 2024 Saturday 29 Jun, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €1,162 €581 Confirm Dates
• -50% Sunday 23 Jun, 2024 Sunday 30 Jun, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €1,162 €581 Confirm Dates
• -50% Monday 24 Jun, 2024 Monday 1 Jul, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €1,162 €581 Confirm Dates
• -50% Tuesday 25 Jun, 2024 Tuesday 2 Jul, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €1,162 €581 Confirm Dates
• -50% Wednesday 26 Jun, 2024 Wednesday 3 Jul, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €1,162 €581 Confirm Dates
• -50% Thursday 27 Jun, 2024 Thursday 4 Jul, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €1,162 €581 Confirm Dates

Frequently Asked Questions

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Good to Know

• Currency ₹ Indian Rupee India

As a traveller from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, D, M. As a traveller from South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Typhoid - Recommended for India. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis A - Recommended for India. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Cholera - Recommended for India. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Tuberculosis - Recommended for India. Ideally 3 months before travel.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for India. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for India. Ideally 10 days before travel.
• Japanese B encephalitis - Recommended for India. Ideally 1 month before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 19th August 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 19th August 2024, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with GeTS Holidays. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 65 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and GeTS Holidays will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "GeTS Holidays" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
• TourRadar is an authorised Agent of GeTS Holidays. Please familiarise yourself with the GeTS Holidays payment, cancellation and refund conditions .
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Alerts ! Notice about the COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Travelers who sign up early for a 2024 tour may cancel for any reason by August 1, 2023 and receive a full refund of all tour fees paid including the $95 Registration Fee which is normally non-refunda

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