Perhaps the most vivid nation on Earth, India effortlessly combines a spectrum of things to see and do, from its mountainous tea plantations to its laid-back beaches via holy cities and architectural wonders.
Kerala is a land of swaying palms, sprawling forests, spice plantations and languid waters, and you can explore its backwaters on a traditional houseboat. A safari in one of the national parks allows you to discover India's wildlife, including tigers, while in the cities you can experience India’s urban and cultural highlights. Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise to avoid the swell, and in Varanasi watch the sacred evening Aarti ceremony from the river.
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Ideas for experiencing India
Experiences you have as you travel often hold the longest memories. As part of their research trips, our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know India, and the best local guides. These activities reflect some of their best-loved experiences.
Evening bazaar, crafts and cuisine in Jaipur
Jaipur is widely considered by many as the craft capital of India. You will see busy craftsman in their workshops on this guided walk, sample culinary delights and mingle with the locals.
Food and photography in Calcutta
Calcutta is a melting pot of cultures, people and history. One of the best ways to really appreciate this is to eat your way through the range of food on offer and take lots of photos along the way.
Cochin City Tour
The tour of Fort Cochin will include Mattancherry Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, St Francis Church, and the Chinese fishing nets. If time permits also visit the Dutch Cemetery, Santa Cruz Basilica and enjoy a walk around Jew Town.
RV Sukapha
The Sukapha is a new 38m long passenger boat with 12 twin bed cabins each with private bathroom. All cabins are on the top deck where the best views can be had.
Keralan Houseboat/Rice Barge
Locally known as 'kettuvallam', these craft have been converted into simple, furnished houseboats with en-suite bedrooms, an open lounge and eating area, a deck and kitchenette.
Spice Plantation
Driving just a few kilometers from the village of Kumily, you will come to the spice plantations. Owned and cared for by the local villagers, the plots are generally around two acres.
Half day excursion of the Amber Fort Palace
Within Jaipur there are a number of interesting sights, including Amber Fort on the rugged ridge of the Aravalli hills, overlooking a large lake.
Udaipur City Tour
The city palace, overlooking Lake Pichola and the Lake Palace, is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan and houses a thoroughly impressive range of interior decoration, as well as a section on royal paraphernalia, toys and miniatures.
Elephanta Island & Bombay City Tour
You take the launch from the Gateway of India to the caves on Elephanta island, which date from around the 7th century. During the previous few centuries the Gupta empire had been at its height, literature and the arts had flourished and it is thought that the initial impetus for the creation of the caves was derived from this.
Discovery House Boat
The Discovery is a traditional rice barge blended with contemporary tropical architecture, creating the space for comfortable, air-conditioned acccommodation.
RV Charaidew
The Charaidew is a 38m long passenger boat which has been converted to offer twelve air-conditioned en suite cabins on the upper deck.
Chettinad Mansions Tour
The Chettinad region is fascinating - legend has it that the Chettiars were pivotal in the Chola Empire, dominating coastal business as gem dealers, salt merchants and chandlers.
Game Drives in Ranthambhore
Despite being a relatively small park Ranthambhore has a rich diversity of fauna and flora. In addition to the tiger, the park is a good place to see various deer including spotted deer, barking deer and Chinkara or Indian gazelles as well as a wide variety of birdlife.
Tiger Hill Scenic Walk
An early start is recommended for the visit to Tiger Hill, situated around 11km from Darjeeling. This scenic walk takes around two hours.
Night Walk of Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi
This night walk around Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi shows you the capital when it is most alive, in the evening.
Calcutta Walking Tour
Calcutta Walks is a company run by three young men who love Calcutta and are keen to introduce others to the heart of the city that the tourist doesn't usually see.
MV Vrinda
This Oberoi cruise boat offers three days of luxury on the tranquil waterways of Kerala. There are just eight luxury cabins on the lower deck, each with great views.
Evening cooking demonstration in Jodphur
Experience a typical Rajasthani meal with a local family in their home. You will be able to get involved and will be given the recipe to take away with you.
Golden Temple ‘putting to bed’ ceremony
This daily ritual of putting the Holy Scripture to bed is a sight not to be missed on a visit to the Golden Temple.
Embrace local life at Araveli with 'ME to WE'
Araveli Cottages & Tented Camp in rural Rajasthan offers a unique opportunity to soak up Indian culture and immerse yourself in local life as part of a ME to WE experience.
Darjeeling Mountain Railway (Toy Train)
The Darjeeling Mountain Railway is also known affectionately as the Toy Train. It is the ideal way to take in the stunning views of the mountains.
Tea Plantation Visit
The stunning scenery of the Himalayan foothills can be experienced by walking through some of the many tea plantations, where you can often see the tea-pickers hard at work delicately removing "two leaves and a bud" to create the best quality tea.
The Old Bazaars of Jaipur
You will be able to see craftsman working on some fine forms of local art like Zardozi embroidery, Gota work, Kinari, silver ornament work, and precious and semi-precious stonework, all taking place in these old bazaars of Jaipur.
Explore Around Leh
Immerse yourself in the mountainous scenery of Leh and explore the gompas (Buddhist fortifications) statues and palaces that characterize this special area.
Evening Boatride to the Ghats
In the early evening the ghats (or bathing steps) come alive once more as hundreds of pilgrims return for evening worship. Young priests from nearby ashrams perform their daily rituals looking out to the sacred Ganga, whilst conch shells and bells create a cacophony of sound.
Discover Amritsar
Explore Amritsar, Sikhism’s holiest city. Meaning 'Pool of the Nectar of Immortality', it is justly famed for its Golden Temple, a sacred shrine gilded with 100 kilograms of gold.
Half day city tour of Jaipur
A half-day tour of the city of Jaipur, visiting some of its most popular sights.
Around Mysore
One of the principal sights of Mysore is the City Palace, which is not only impressively large, but also a fantasy of eclectic styles.
Old Delhi City Tour
Your guide will take you on a cycle rickshaw through the Chandni Chowk Bazaar area. This allows you to visit the narrow winding alleys lined with shops selling all manner of items.
Mopillah Cooking Lesson
Your lesson will begin with a visit to the local fish market, held twice daily in Tellicherry. There is a huge range of seafood caught here and you are sure to find some tasty ingredients.
Shimla Toy Train
To appreciate the best views provided by the lofty train ride on the historic meter gauge line, you will catch the train from Shimla to Kandaghat station where you will be met by your driver.
Explore Palakkad
Palakkad is an excellent place to experience the village life of Kerala. Traveling through the area as the local people do, by bicycle or on foot, you will stop to learn about rice planting, the skills of the potter or basket weaver, find out how to tap toddy - and perhaps even sample some of this local coconut brew!
Blue Mountain Railway to Coonoor
The famous Blue Mountain Railway which was built by Nilgiri citizens and finished in 1898, is one of the oldest and steepest operating rack and pinion system. Ten years later the link to Ooty was completed.
Taj Mahal at Sunrise
The principal reason for almost everyone's visit to Agra is to see the Taj Mahal, and its legendary beauty continues to attract more visitors than virtually anywhere in India.