India may be just eight hours flying time from the UK, but first-time visitors to this magnificent country could be forgiven for thinking that they've landed in a different world - a vibrant, chaotic world, full of contrasting sights, sounds and colours. Often overwhelming, but never less than thrilling, few countries feel as utterly different as India - while still being utterly welcoming!
Our India specialist, Sarah Williams, has been travelling in India for over 20 years and in that time developed a wealth of knowledge about the country, its people and its wildlife. That knowledge forms the basis of our extensive range of India holiday itineraries.
As safari specialists first and foremost, many of our holiday programmes to India focus on its national parks and wilderness reserves, with a special but not exclusive emphasis on its tiger reserves. Our tiger safaris focus on just a handful of parks where the tigers are truly wild and where other wildlife - such as rhino, leopard, chital and more - can also be observed. Learn more on our dedicated Tiger safari pages.
In addition to our wildlife-oriented itineraries, we also offer in-depth cultural tours of India focused on uncovering the country's wealth of historical treasures, from the Mughal-era wonders of Agra and Delhi in the north to the colonial-era heritage of Kerala and Cochin in the south. Our tailor-made itineraries cover the length and breadth of India's historical and cultural landscape.
Away from both its historical treasures and fantastic wildlife reserves, India also offers excellent trekking opportunities, particularly in the northernmost region of Ladakh, with popular walking routes along the Markha Valley and to the summit of Stok Kangri. See our separate destination page for Ladakh for further information.
As India is a sizeable country, careful planning is essential; we can work with you to make the most of the time you have available and to incorporate the sights and experiences that particularly interest you. Whether you want to cover the historic sights or visit remote wilderness regions such as Dudhwa, we will help you plan a tailor-made itinerary taking into account your interests and preferences.
India offers so many different experiences. Combine seeing the iconic and beautiful Taj Mahal at sunrise with a Tiger safari; explore on foot the ruins of an early-modern Mughal fort and then stay in a stunning Haveli; or tour the bustling city of Delhi in a rickshaw before relaxing on a beautiful beach... India will surprise, even captivate you—we encourage you to visit soon!
Several photos on our India pages are used with the kind permission of Dr Mike Leary-Ohwin, who travelled with us to India in 2015. See more of Mike's fabulous photos on his flickr page.
INDIA AT A GLANCE
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Whether you wish to include wildlife, culture or iconic sights in your itinerary, India offers it all. This is such a massive country that careful planning is essential to get the most from the time you have available.
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India has a good network of domestic flights and rail routes making it easy to cover large distances in a single itinerary.
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India has a monsoon season which begins in the south around the month of May, and then slowly travels north, finishing around the month of September. These months are best avoided as it can get particularly hot and humid.
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During this period, many of the tiger parks close, re-opening in October after the monsoon rains have ended.
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Home-stays are now a popular way to experience Indian life. This is an opportunity to stay with an Indian family and experience their way of life - previous clients of ours have found to be a very memorable experience!
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Indian people are extremely friendly, and most people speak English to a good level, if not fluently, and will be keen to chat with you.
