The Indian Subcontinent in one word is ‘diversity’. After all, it lays claim to both the Himalaya at the roof of the world and the Maldives, which lie flush against the lapping ocean. Our specialists can plan your India and the Himalaya vacation to make the most of the medley of experiences available. Even getting around can be an adventure — we can recommend river cruises, multi-day treks and mountain railway journeys to show you the region from another vantage.
Indians have a saying, ‘atithi devo bhava’ (‘guest is god’), and you’ll be warmly welcomed whether you’re staying in a converted palace, jungle camp or Keralan family home. This remains constant whenever you are, be it the deserts of India, Nepali mountains, Bhutanese monasteries or the tropical idylls of Sri Lanka and the Maldives. And, as a home to more than 2,000 ethnic groups, here you’ll encounter a range of cultures in a subcontinent where traditions remain strong and religion is part of day-to-day life.
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Trip ideas in India & the Himalaya
These itineraries will give you a starting point for what your trip could entail. They cover routes that we've found work particularly well and feature some of our favorite places to stay. Treat them just as inspiration, as each trip is created uniquely for you and there are many more options available.
Our expert guides to exploring India & the Himalaya
Capturing our specialists’ extensive travel experience in India and the Himalaya, these guides share inspiration, recommendations and our honest advice for how to enjoy the best of what the region can offer in the most authentic ways. From the wealth of options we describe, you can narrow down the choices and start to shape your own trip.
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Luxury vacations in the Maldives ![Beach pool villa, Milaidhoo Island Maldives, Maldive Island]()
Luxury vacations in the Maldives
Luxury vacations in the Maldives
Opulent hotels, indulgent spas, world-class dining, crystal-blue waters and white sand beaches — Audley’s Ludo explains what makes the Maldives a top luxury destination. As an avid diver and snorkeler, he also discusses the island’s thriving coral reefs and exceptional water sports.
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What to do in the Maldives: our highlights guide ![Whale Shark, The Maldives]()
What to do in the Maldives: our highlights guide
What to do in the Maldives: our highlights guide
Dive with turtles and whale sharks, take a dolphin cruise, and find out where to stay and eat some of the best seafood the Maldives has to offer. Maldives specialist, Francesca picks her favorite things to see and do when visiting this collection of islands in the Indian Ocean.
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Palm-fringed paradise: honeymoons in the Maldives ![The Maldives]()
Palm-fringed paradise: honeymoons in the Maldives
Palm-fringed paradise: honeymoons in the Maldives
The Maldives might just be the honeymoon destination you’ve been dreaming of. With some of the world’s whitest sands, clearest waters and most extravagant hotels, it’s an obvious choice, but not all islands are created equal. Hidden Beaches specialist Vicki picks her top honeymoon islands.
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India to Nepal: where to go in the Himalaya ![Mount Everest, Everest Region]()
India to Nepal: where to go in the Himalaya
India to Nepal: where to go in the Himalaya
Spanning six countries and the world’s highest mountain range, the Himalaya isn’t a region you usually tackle in one go. We compare and contrast the best Himalayan journeys, which include seeking out rhinos in Nepal, visiting remote dzongs in Bhutan and riding railways in India.
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Luxury train journeys through India ![The Maharajas' Express Train]()
Luxury train journeys through India
Luxury train 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.
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Festivals of Bhutan ![Paro tsechu, Bhutan]()
Festivals of Bhutan
Festivals of Bhutan
Festivals are very important to Bhutanese people, they're a great excuse to celebrate and socialize. We can highly recommend incorporating a festival into your tailor-made trip to Bhutan, as an ideal way of immersing yourself in the country's culture.
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River cruises in India ![Varanasi, India]()
River cruises in India
River cruises in India
Take in the history, wildlife and culture of northeast India on a river cruise. Our India specialist Sarah shares some of her favorite things to see and do while cruising along the Brahmaputra, Ganges and Hugli rivers.
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India’s wildlife: our safari guide to the central parks ![Bengal Tiger]()
India’s wildlife: our safari guide to the central parks
India’s wildlife: our safari guide to the central parks
India specialist Samantha explains why central India’s national parks are ideal for a wildlife vacation. She recommends how to experience the best tiger safari, and where you might glimpse sloth bears and leopards.
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Spirituality in India: witnessing India’s major faiths ![Aarti prayer ceremony, Haridwar]()
Spirituality in India: witnessing India’s major faiths
Spirituality in India: witnessing India’s major faiths
India specialist Sophie explores one captivating facet of India: its spirituality. She suggests where to witness India’s faiths, and outlines a journey that could take you from the mosques of Delhi to Himalaya foothills and the banks of the Ganges.
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