India — Tour Highlights and Travel Tips
A trip to India is a bombardment on your senses. The country introduces you to all kinds of sights, sounds and smells and it can be a bit difficult to take in everything the very first day. The only way to explore India is to be patient and give it some time. You feel the glaring lack of privacy, but you also come to fall in love with the fascinating beauty all around you. From a rich culture that dates back centuries to ancient archeological ruins that still stand in all their glory, from glittering temples to elaborate forts and palaces, India is a dream you never wish to wake up from.
The country has a long and colorful religious history and is famous for its celebrations and festivals. Irrespective of which time you choose to visit, you always have a festival to become a part of. And it is not just about exploring temples and worshiping deities. You can also rediscover yourself at one of those yoga ashrams scattered all over the country. People have been visiting India for decades and still find themselves falling in love with its culture, architectural riches and arts that easily rival the best of Italian renaissance.
Tour Highlights
- Stare in awe at the majestic Taj Mahal
- Explore the intricate artwork and ancient culture hidden in the Ajanta Caves
- Take part in the colourful Holi festival in Vrindavan
- Discover the famous pink walls and 953 windows of the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur
- Ride across Dai Lake in Srinagar on an old wooden boat called Shikara
- Stroll through the tea fields of Darjeeling
Travel Tips
- Even if you’re a seasoned traveller, get ready for a culture shock. Heavily populated India is incredibly busy in terms of crowds, sights and sounds. Take it slow and be open minded on your India tour.
- Learn about common scams before setting off on your India holiday. A quick internet search will tell you the most frequent scams and how best to avoid them on your travels.
- Perhaps surprisingly for one of the world’s tech capitals, fast internet can be hard to find in India, particularly outside the country's largest cities. Consider buying a local sim card so you’re always connected.
- Have no worries about learning Hindi, English is widely spoken in India. You’ll also see it on most road signs, so navigation is relatively easy.
- Women, in particular, should opt for loose-fitting clothing. Tight or revealing outfits may generate unwanted male attention. However, no matter what you wear, Western travellers should be prepared for unwanted attention.