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Overview | India will sideswipe you with its size, clamour and diversity - but if you enjoy delving into convoluted cosmologies and thrive on sensual overload, then it is one of the most intricate and rewarding dramas unfolding on earth, and you'll quickly develop an abiding passion for it.
Nothing in this country is ever quite predictable; the only thing to expect is the unexpected, which comes in many forms and will always want to sit next to you. India is a litmus test for many travellers - some are only too happy to leave, while others stay for a lifetime. | When To Go | Climate plays a key factor in deciding when to visit India. Keep in mind that climatic conditions in the far north are distinctly different to those of the extreme south.Generally, India's climate is defined by three seasons - the hot, the wet monsoon and the cool, each of which can vary in duration from north to south. The most pleasant time to visit most places is during the cooler period: November to around mid-February.The heat starts to build up on India's northern plains from around February, and by April or May it really hots up, peaking in June. In central India temperatures of 45°C and above are commonplace. South India also becomes uncomfortably hot during this time.Late in May the first signs of the monsoon are visible in some areas - high humidity, electrical storms, short rainstorms and dust storms that turn day into night. The hot season is the time to abandon the plains and head for the cooler hills, and this is when hill stations are at their best and busiest.When the | Visas | You need get an entry visa before arriving in India. Six month multiple-entry visas are now issued to most nationals regardless of whether you intend staying that long or re-entering the country. Only six-month tourist visas are extendable. Most Indian embassies and consulates won't issue a visa to enter India unless you hold an onward ticket. Note that visas are valid from the date of issue rather than the date of arrival in India. | Weather | Climate in India varies greatly, from the arid deserts of Rajasthan to the cool highlands of Assam, allegedly the wettest place on earth. But basically India has a three-season year - the hot, the wet and the cool. The heat starts to build up on the northern plains around February and by April it becomes unbearable - expect 35-45°C 95-113°F days in most places. The first signs of the monsoon appear in May, with high humidity, short rainstorms and violent electrical storms. The monsoon rains begin around 1 June in the extreme south and sweep north to cover the whole country by early July. The monsoon doesn't really cool things off, but it's a great relief - especially to farmers. The main monsoon comes from the southwest, but the southeastern coast is affected by the short and surprisingly wet northeastern monsoon, which brings rain from mid-October to the end of December. The main monsoon ends around October, and India's northern cities become crisp at night in December. In the far | Getting There | India's major international airports are Mumbai Bombay, Delhi, Kolkata Calcutta and Chennai Madras; there are other international airports at Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bangalore and Kochi, although these service far fewer international flights. Delhi is one of the cheapest places to buy air tickets in India, as are Kolkata and Mumbai. International flights to neighbouring countries can be good value, especially between Kolkata and Dhaka Bangladesh, Delhi and Karachi Pakistan and Tiruchirappalli and Colombo Sri Lanka. Departure tax is included in 99% of all tickets. |
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 |  | Colours of Rajasthan | From Delhi you take an overnight train to Udaipur. At Udaipur the City Palace overlooks the renowned Lake Palace Hotel, surrounded by water on all sides. Your adventure continues to Ranakpur, situated amongst the Aravali Hills. It has one of the most important Jain temples in India and is a lovely place to wander around. |
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|  | | | | Delhi to Kathmandu | Enjoy a classic train ride to Agra, home of the world-famous monument to love, the Taj Mahal. Then get off the beaten track as you explore little-visited Orchha and the temple complex of Khajuraho - with exquisite erotic carvings. Complete the Indian leg of your journey in the ancient holy city of Varanasi, on the banks of the River Ganges – a pilgrimage centre for millennia. |
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| | | | | Himalayan Foothills | You’ll begin by exploring the vestiges of the former Moghul Empire in Old Delhi. Next, discover the Palace of the Winds, the ‘pink city’ of Jaipur and the mysterious, deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. The anticipation builds as you journey to the Taj Mahal in Agra – arguably the most perfectly proportioned building in the world. |
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| | | | | Kerala and Beyond | The gentle south is home to devout followers of Hinduism whose faith is embodied in their lavish temples. From the ‘shore temples’ at Mahabalipuram you’ll travel by train and road to witness the exquisitely carved and decorated temple towers at places such as Tanjore and Madurai. Crossing the plains you enter Kerala and the tranquillity of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to the best of Southern India’s wildlife. |
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| | | | | Mountains & Tigers Family Holiday | Contrast the colour and bustle of Old Delhi with the splendour of New Delhi’s monuments, before heading to Agra to see the beautiful Taj Mahal – the world’s most extravagant expression of love. A memorable journey by overnight train takes you to the old ‘hill station’ of Naini Tal where you’ll hopefully glimpse your first Himalayan views from China Peak. Taking to jeeps, it’s an exciting traverse to Betalghat for a day of nature walks and the chance to see many birds and animals. |
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| | | | | Spicelands & Elephants Family Holiday | The adventure starts in the narrow streets of historic Cochin, where laden boats still set out past cantilevered Chinese fishing nets. Heading inland you’ll have great fun at an elephant training centre - where they are prepared for work in the hardwood forests. From the dramatic scenery of the beautiful ‘hill station’ of Munnar you’ll head into Tamil Nadu and the colourful city of Madurai. As one of south India’s oldest cities it has been a centre of learning and pilgrimage for centuries. |
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| | | | | Tiger Trails & Taj Mahal Family Holiday | Prepare to be amazed by the sights, sounds, hustle and bustle of Old Delhi’s narrow streets and hectic bazaars. Travelling by train to Agra you set out to discover what has been described as the world’s most beautiful building – the Taj Mahal. Sunrise here really is unforgettable – as the early morning mists clear, the delicately carved marble walls change from rose pink to dazzling white. |
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| | | | | Tigers and Maharajahs | After a tour of Old and New Delhi you’ll discover the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. Then on to perhaps the world’s most famous building – the Taj Mahal. Sunrise here is unforgettable; as the early morning mists clear and the delicately carved walls change from rose pink to dazzling white. Heading south, you enter picturesque Ranthambore National Park to spot nilgai, leopard, crocodile and hopefully tiger on exciting wildlife safaris |
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| | | | | Tigers Taj and Temples | Following a tour of New Delhi, you fly south to the romantic city of Udaipur for a relaxing couple of days discovering beautiful Lake Pichola and grandiose lakeshore palaces. Taking the sleeper train you travel to Jaipur where you’ll visit the magnificent City Palace and Amber Fort. In Ranthambore National Park the scenery and pace change as you go on safari amongst the forest scrub. As well as leopard, crocodile and sambar deer, you may be lucky enough to spot Bengal tiger. |
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| | | | | Tropical South | The gentle south is home to devout followers of Hinduism whose faith is embodied in their lavish temples. From the ‘shore temples’ at Mahabalipuram you’ll travel by train and road to witness the exquisitely carved and decorated temple towers at places such as Tanjore and Madurai. Crossing the plains you enter Kerala and the tranquillity of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to the best of south India’s wildlife. |
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| | | | | Wildlife & Moghul Cities | Prepare to be amazed by the sights, sounds, hustle and bustle of Old Delhi’s narrow streets and hectic bazaars. Travelling by train to Agra you set out to discover what has been described as the world’s most beautiful building – the Taj Mahal. Sunrise here really is unforgettable – as the early morning mists clear, the delicately carved marble walls change from rose pink to dazzling white. |
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| | | | | Wildlife Safari | After the sights of Moghul and colonial Delhi you’ll take the train to Ranthambore National Park for your first chance to spot tigers in the wild. Later, using cycle-rickshaws you’ll enjoy the tranquillity of Keoladeo Ghana National Park – home to countless bird species. You’ll continue to the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri and then explore the incomparable Taj Mahal. |
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