Kolkata offers a rich mix of Hindu, British, and Bengali culture that you won't find anywhere else in India. Once the capital of the British Raj, it has enough to keep you busy for weeks—or a single day, if that's all you have. Read on to find out how to spend a perfect morning, afternoon, and evening in this sprawling city.
In India, there are itineraries to suit every traveler, from short sightseeing sprees to months-long backpacking trips. Whether you’re on a quick, history-packed jaunt to tick off blockbuster sights or a rough-and-tumble mission lasting weeks or more, you’ll be sure to find a trip for every timeframe.
One day just isn't enough to cover everything in sprawling Delhi—but you’ll find that 24 hours is plenty of time to fall in love with this beautiful and surprising city. Discover the Indian capital on a whirlwind tour of historic temples, chaotic bazaars, and aromatic street food stands.
This cycling adventure through southwest India will take you from abundant forests to spice plantations, from sophisticated temples to beaches and backwater canals. The region's jungles and waterways, colorful towns and fishing villages, beaches and delicious cuisine will all be explored as you pedal the rural roads of Karnataka and Kerala.
With two weeks in India, travelers will have enough time to get intimately acquainted with a handful of key cities and sites. To get the most from your stay, you'll want to focus on exploring just one or two regions. Consider going for depth, rather than breadth, and resist the temptation to cover everything in one visit. Just think of it as a reason to keep coming back for more.
From the dreamy landscape of North India’s deserts to the tropical greenery of the South, India is an expansive country that encompasses a range of cultures, people, and landscapes. When choosing where to visit, it’s easiest to divide the country into distinct regions: North, West, South, East & Northeast, and Central India.
From tasting Mumbai's rich culinary creations to being doused in brightly hued powder during the country's colorful Holi festival, a visit to this ancient land is a feast for the senses. Here are our top ten must-do activities during a trip to India.
It would probably take several lifetimes to fully do this country justice, but with a week in India, you'll still get a spectacular taste—don’t be surprised if you end up coming back for more. From sun-dappled palaces and millennia-old temples to palm-fringed beaches and lazy backwaters, here are three possible trip plans for an unforgettable 7-day Indian adventure.
Featuring an exciting mix of culture, history, and nature, this comprehensive tour offers a unique overview of India's largest state, Rajasthan. On this 3-week trip, you'll enjoy the perfect combination of hiking, sightseeing, and relaxation as you explore the best this enchanting corner of India has to offer. Rajasthan's exceptional architecture, epic love stories, ornate temples, delicious food, and vibrant colors are sure to charm you.
From the glistening backwaters of Kerala to the dreamy lakes and gardens of Udaipur, India has a rich heritage that is best experienced in person. To really explore the country, skip the run-of-the-mill hotel and consider these unique lodging options, such as staying in a luxury tent in Ranthambore or a homestay on a Keralan farm, for a truly one-of-a-kind immersion.
With delicious food, rich cultures, and stunning scenery, India has plenty of opportunities for unforgettable family adventures. You can meet rescued elephants in an animal sanctuary or celebrate cultural festivals like Holi or Diwali. From the misty tea plantations of Darjeeling to the colorful markets of Mumbai, this vibrant and diverse country makes for an awe-inspiring destination.
From the famously erotic temple carvings at Khajuraho to star-crossed lovers in today’s Bollywood films, India is in love with romance—and it has the honeymoon spots to show for it. The country rolls out the red carpet to honor the newly betrothed, so even if you didn’t have a destination wedding, you can still have an Indian honeymoon.
India's Kerala state, located in the south of the peninsula, is home to lush vegetation and wild animals, aromatic spices and stunning temples. Indulge your senses and experience Kerala's diversity. Trek through forest and jungle to heights that offer stunning views, take in cultural sights of bustling towns, and relax on a bamboo raft on the winding waters, with nature at your fingertips.
Have you taken a selfie in front of the Taj Mahal? Hopped a camel for a sunset ride through Rajasthan? If you’ve ticked those items off your India bucket list— or are simply looking to explore less trodden regions— then we’ve got you covered with these suggestions for unbeatable, but overlooked, sites in India.
This trip is designed to maximize your chances of thrilling experiences with the Bengal tiger. Located in the rural heart of India, you'll explore multiple natural habitats—including the deciduous forests of Kanha National Park, considered the most beautiful and pristine wildlife reserves in the country. The trip is topped off with visits to the Taj Mahal, the glorious city of Fatehput Sikri, and the extraordinary Khajuraho temples.
Lively and rowdy even during its quietest times, India is home to hundreds if not thousands of color-packed festivals, from chilled out arts and music meets and hipster-focused fare to frenzied religious rituals and costumed spiritual processions. You’d need several lifetimes to see them all, but that shouldn’t stop you from trying.
With thousands of miles of coastline, India has a beach for every taste and temperament, from untouched coves and colorful temple towns to thumping party meccas. Your only trouble might be deciding where to go - so here’s a guide to get you started.
With pounding monsoons, piping hot summers, and (in certain places) snowy winters, India is a country of extremes. Spring and fall tend to be the mildest and most temperate, but each region has its own high season and weather patterns - making India an ideal destination no matter when you want to go.
This tour takes you to some of the most spiritually important places in North India. Be introduced to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism at Rishikesh, Dharamsala, and Amritsar, and learn about ancient yoga and Ayurvedic traditions. Visit the classic and popular “Golden Triangle” of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur but from a different perspective by meeting local artisans, staying in village homestays, and engaging in other socially responsible tourism and business ventures.
This two-week journey will take you on an epic odyssey through two of the most fascinating states of southern India. You'll be enchanted by the French flavors of Pondicherry and the grand temple complex at Madurai in Tamil Nadu, the lush natural world of Periyar and the traditional culture of the backwaters of Kerala. Discover why this laid-back part of the country is a traveler favorite.
There are almost too many spectacular sights and experiences in Rajasthan — camel trekking in the Thar Desert, the watery splendors of Udaipur, open-air art museums in Bundi, the sandcastle city of Jaisalmer, the mesmerizing blue of Jodhpur, and the sacred lake-side town of Pushkar. Add on the must-sees of Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra and you'll begin to understand why so many travelers are drawn back to India time and again.
South India is a hot, steaming, colorful mix of untamed nature and mesmerizing culture. This tour will immerse you in some of the more exotic traditions of peninsula India: the art and temples of Tamil Nadu, the flavors and jungles of Kerala, and plenty of chill-out time on the backwaters and in the hills that permeate the region.
Travel in India will open your eyes like nowhere else on earth. You'll see beauty and experience wonder in a new way in this incredible country. The triangle of Delhi - Agra - Jaipur is popular with tourists for good reason, but this tour offers a unique perspective. As well as seeing the Taj Mahal, you'll visit local communities, women’s cooperatives, and an elephant rescue center in Agra.
Only an hour’s flight from Delhi, Ladakh looks like nowhere else on earth. Turquoise lakes reflect snow-dusted peaks. Monasteries tower like beehives over the stark, sun-drenched hillside. The high-altitude desert, home to a welcoming Buddhist and Muslim population, is one of India’s safest and most spectacular regions. And it is best explored on foot. Here are some of the best treks in Ladakh to choose from.
With its colorful culture and rich history, Rajasthan is a splendid display of a unique Indian heritage. This trip focuses on spectacular sights of India’s largest state, including the palaces and temples of Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur. This itinerary not only showcases the traditional architecture characteristic of the region, but also allows you to understand the depth of India’s past, making for an unforgettable experience.
Perhaps the most popular route in India, you'll visit the three famous sites of India's northwest — Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur — known as the Golden Triangle. You'll travel by road or train tour over the course of 6 days, exploring the cultural and historical heritage of each city. This is a great tour for people's first visit to India if you're looking to see the main highlights.
