The energy and spirit that dances through India comes from the first explosion of patchouli incensed balmy air to the second or third bizarre glimpse of a cow ambling along the road on your wild rickshaw journey into Delhi. There’s that breathtaking first sighting of the pink city of Jaipur and a spectacular sunrise view of the Taj Mahal.

I have lived a long life, and I am proud that I spend the whole of my life in the service of my people. I am only proud of this and nothing else. I shall continue to serve until my last breath, and when I die, I can say, that every drop of my blood will invigorate India and strengthen it.
Indira Gandhi

India holidays are all encompassing – one moment mouth-watering street food in Mumbai, the next a gastronomic feast in Udaipur; one day a cacophony of vibrant market shopping, Hindu temples and sacred statues, another a sedate afternoon cruising the Keralan backwaters. Imagine regal hotels clad in cool marble, cities built by Mughal emperors, undiscovered rural corners where you can share a cup of chai with locals and Rajasthan’s hectic but resplendent cities.

Our hand-picked holidays to India take you on a journey of cultural riches from bold and beautiful sights to smaller pockets of this incredible country. Pop into your local store or give one our Personal Travel Experts a call to start creating your dream India holiday.

• Experience India’s spiritual side on the banks of the River Ganges in Varanasi or the city of temples Madurai
• Seek out Asian elephants, Bengal tigers and other wildlife species in India’s National parks
• The natural landscapes range from the Himalayas in the north to the beaches of Goa and Kovalam and Kerala’s backwaters in the south
• The Golden Triangle – one of the world’s most well-travelled routes – encompasses India’s most visited cities Delhi, Jaipur and Agra
• There’s such a wide range of accommodation in India from historic havelis to sprawling spice plantations allowing you to immerse yourself in authetic Indian culture.

Best time to visit India

North India

• The climate is best from October to November and February to March, when the nights are cool and the days filled with mellow sunshine.
• Delhi is hottest May to July (up to 42°C), however prices are lower and sights can be quieter.
• Most of the rain falls between July and September.

South and Central India

• Peak season is during the winter months from November to February, when temperatures range from 23°C to 30°C.
• Monsoon season is between May and October in Goa and from June to August in Kerala.
• Summer temperatures aren’t as high as in northern India, although humidity is extreme.
• The coast benefits from some cooling breezes.