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Houseboat on the Backwaters, Kerala

India tours

Houseboat on the Backwaters, Kerala

These itineraries are designed to give you some suggestions for what is possible when you travel in India, and they showcase some of the routes that we've found work particularly well.

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  • The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur

    Luxurious Rajasthan

    India
    • Explore Old Delhi’s Chandni Chowk with a local guide.

    • See the iconic Taj Mahal at sunrise to avoid the crowds.

    • Experience the aarti ceremony and hidden streets of Varanasi.

    • Stay in the most luxurious hotels and palaces northern India has to offer.

    12 days from $12,450pp

  • Rajmahal boat

    Cruising in west Bengal

    India
    • Explore Calcutta on an unusual walking tour.

    • Watch the world go by from the comfort of a river cruiser.

    • Discover the colonial French and Dutch settlements dotted along the riverbank.

    • Travel by boat, cycle rickshaw and train, avoiding the chaos of Indian roads.

    11 days from $4,400pp

  • Kerala Backwaters

    South India's temples & backwaters

    India
    • Soak up the view of the Shore Temple at sunset.

    • Enjoy France in India in the former colonial enclave of Pondicherry.

    • Stay in a village of 19th century merchants' homes.

    • Witness the ceremonies in Sri Meenakshi temple with hundreds of pilgrims and the smell of incense.

    14 days from $4,785pp

  • Tiger, Bandhavgarh National Park

    India's wildlife treasures

    India
    • Undertake jeep safaris in search of tigers and other wildlife.

    • As well as the key mammals, learn about the incredibly varied birds, insects, flora and fauna.

    • Visit the central fort in Bandhavgarh National Park.

    9 days from $5,090pp

  • Dharamshala, India

    Western Himalaya explored

    India
    • Enjoy a ride on a 'Toy Train' to the colonial hill station of Shimla.

    • Visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

    • Enjoy the spectacular 'Closing the Border Ceremony' at the Wagah border.

    • Explore Tibetan culture at Dharamshala.

    • Witness an evening aarti ceremony in Haridwar.

    • Stay at a beautiful tea estate nestled in the Kangra Valley.

    • Spot a diverse mixture of wildlife at Corbett National Park in the foothills of the Himalayas.

    16 days from $5,785pp

  • Alleppey Backwaters, Kerala

    Kerala & the Maldives

    India and Maldives
    • Fort Cochin's colonial atmosphere and architecture.

    • Tea tasting in the high hills of Munnar.

    • Stay overnight on a traditional rice barge.

    • Snorkel, scuba and swim in the Maldives.

    • Stay at a family run hotel in the beautiful countryside with several onsite activities to explore the surroundings.

    12 days from $5,850pp

  • Temples at Khajuraho, India

    North India uncovered

    India
    • Enjoy a Bollywood dance class and meet the dabbawala’s of Mumbai.

    • Visit the holiest city in India and be a part of the evening worship by the River Ganges.

    • Experience the deeply rooted artistic heritage and rich culinary legacy of the Nawabi era.

    • Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise.

    • Explore the magnificent sandstone fort and the regal, European-style palace at Gwalior.

    • Visit Orchha, a hidden gem on the banks of the River Betwa.

    • Experience the artistic brilliance at the temples of Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    15 days from $6,405pp

  • Mysore Palace, India

    South India: from western Ghats to coast

    India
    • See one of India's most astonishing palaces at Mysore.

    • Take the Blue Mountain Railway through the Nilgiri Hills from Ooty.

    • Enjoy tranquil Cochin and its colonial heritage.

    • Explore life in the Backwaters.

    • Relax for a few days on the beach.

    • Spot elephants and other wildlife in the wild at Nagarhole National Park.

    13 days from $6,450pp

  • Majuli Island, Assam

    Cruising in Assam

    India
    • Explore the old colonial capital of Calcutta.

    • Experience a relaxing cruise on the Brahmaputra.

    • Discover the fast disappearing Majuli river island.

    • Stay in a traditional Assamese tea bungalow.

    • Safari in Kaziranga National Park.

    13 days from $7,950pp

  • Bhutan mountain scenery

    Central Bhutan tour

    Bhutan and India
    • Climb up to Tiger's Nest Monastery in Paro.

    • Experience rural life in Bhutan in the remote Bumthang Valley.

    • See the endangered black-necked cranes at Phobjikha Valley.

    • Visit Punakha's Dzong.

    • Experience Bhutan's unique culture.

    15 days from $10,700pp

  • Uma Punakha, Punakha

    Bhutan in style

    Bhutan and India
    • Climb up to Tiger's Nest Monastery in Paro.

    • Experience Bhutan's unique culture.

    • Take in spectacular Himalayan scenery.

    • Visit Punakha's Dzong.

    • Go walking in pristine valleys.

    13 days from $19,850pp

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Some of our favorite travel guides

Keralan Backwaters

Homestays in Kerala

The concept of the homestay was first developed in Kerala and the naturally friendly Keralites continue to welcome visitors to their homes. Our specialists have visited many homestays and can suggest the best places to stay.

View this travel guide
Local family in rural Rajasthan

Rajasthan & the north: beyond the Golden Triangle

While the Golden Triangle hosts some of India’s best-known sights, India specialist Katherine says you shouldn’t limit yourself to this popular route. Instead, visit north India’s remote desert camps and border-post cities, and tour mural-painted towns or a collection of (truly) unique temple carvings.

View this travel guide
Alleppey Backwaters, Kerala

What to do in Kerala: our highlights guide

Kerala’s slow pace of life is a gentle introduction to India, with tranquil backwaters, manicured tea plantations and fishing villages to explore. India specialist Tara lends her advice for how to make the most of your time there.

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Hawa Mahal in Jaipur

Touring India’s Golden Triangle

The Taj Mahal is just one of many impressive sights on a tour of India’s Golden Triangle. For first-time visitors, the region offers a tempting taste of the vast range of cultures, historical sites, architecture, religion, food and landscapes that India boasts.

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Toy train on the route from Shimla to Kalka

India’s toy trains: Shimla, Darjeeling and Ooty

The toy trains of India cross valleys, ravines and rivers to access some of the country’s most scenic landscapes. India specialists share their experiences of riding on mountain railways from the Himalayan hill stations of Darjeeling and Shimla to the tropics of Ooty.

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The Gateway of India, Mumbai

Mumbai and Goa: An Indian trip of contrasts

Goa’s relaxing beaches are a welcome contrast after spending time exploring chaotic Mumbai, according to our India specialists Nick and Louisa. They share their experiences including waking before dawn in Mumbai and delving into south Goa’s secluded beaches.

View this travel guide
Cycle rickshaw, Calcutta

Calcutta & The East

Calcutta and the East of India retains much of its wonderful colonial architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Visit places like Darjeeling, famous for its tea, or Assam, where it is possible to take a cruise along India’s longest river, the Brahmaputra.

View this travel guide
Lake Palace Hotel, Udaipur

Palaces and regal stays in India

Private butlers, priceless chandeliers, and gilded furniture: life as an Indian royal was the epitome of opulence. With many royal residences now palatial hotels, you can taste life as a maharaja or maharani. We’ve chosen the best regal experiences from Rajasthan to Varanasi.

View this travel guide
The Maharajas' Express Train

Luxury rail journeys through India

India specialist and former Mumbai resident Alison shares her experiences of luxury train journeys in India. She has picked out some of the most interesting routes and explains why they’re a fascinating way to explore India.

View this travel guide
Sadhu in Varanasi

What to do in India: our highlights guide

Our India specialists pick some of their best things to see and do, and where to stay from the Himalaya to Kerala. Include spotting tiger, staying in a palace in Rajasthan, taking a boat trip down the Ganges and experience one of the country’s many festivals in your trip to India.

View this travel guide