A carefully planned India tour helps you traverse a country with at least 5,000 years of archeological evidence dating back to the Indus civilization. Many confess amazement at the enormous population, the spirituality, and epic food variations.
Explore nearly 5,000 miles of coastline littered with deserted beaches, forgotten hippies, and a laid-back atmosphere.
The birthplace of yoga and chess, our India trip packages take in towering Himalayan peaks and the home of the Dalai Lama in the north. The tropical south is famous for sun-kissed beaches, temples in multitudes, and a thriving culture with mouthwatering cuisine.
Enjoy an adventure into the vast desert with forts, palaces, and monuments in Rajasthan. Spot one of the 3,000 tigers that remain in this country of 22 official languages.
Attend one of the traditional celebrations, like Diwali (festival of lights), Holi (festival of color), or Maha Shivaratri (the great night of Shiva). They’re all dwarfed by the iconic Kumbh Mela, a peaceful gathering of 200 million people.
The country is famous for producing 70% of the world’s spices. It’s also home to the Bollywood film industry, which releases impressive cinematic offerings. Chaotic and bustling, it’s also friendly, tolerant, mystical, and mystifying.
Top points of interest in India
The seventh-largest country by area with the second-highest population, tour packages in India offer numerous attractions. This list merely scratches the surface of options in this intriguing nation.
Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is in the middle of the Great Indian Desert, with the iconic 12th-century fort at its heart. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it displays the palaces and deserts of Rajasthan.
The sprawling citadel has impressive walls and is operational, with a population of around 4,000 inhabitants. There are shops, hotels, the Maharaja Palace, and intricate Jain temples.
It dominates the skyline with its finely carved sandstone architecture, but there’s more to the “Golden City.” Shop at the local bazaar for handicrafts, camel leather items, souvenirs, brassware, rugs, and shawls.
Include a camel safari in your India tour package. Venture into the Thar Desert and spend a traditional evening under the stars with folk music and dance. Jeep safaris are also popular, or take a boat out for the Instagram-friendly views around Gadisar Lake.
Goa
The smallest state, Goa tempts Indian tour packages with its white sand beaches, happening nightlife, and colorful markets. There’s epic colonial architecture and fantastic seafood, while smiling locals continue to welcome busloads of tourists each year.
From the hippies, flea markets, and nightlife of Anjuna to the laid-back village vibe of Agonda or picturesque Palolem, the 100 km coast has something for everyone. It’s got churches, temples, spice farms, national parks, and waterfalls before you even get to the idyllic beaches.
Action junkies can dive into scuba, bike tours, river cruises, waterfalls, bungee jumping, fishing, and kayaking. There’s also surfing and other watersports, including parasailing, to keep you entertained and in shape. Soak up the sun with a cocktail or coconut if you prefer.
Agra
The home of the Taj Mahal, Agra is a must-see for those who tour India. Backed against the Yamuna River, the ivory-white crypt is among the world’s most fantastic architectural monuments, with a love story to match.
The city boomed in the golden age of the Mughal emperors. They included Shah Jahan, who constructed the mausoleum for his favorite empress, Mumtaz Mahal. It’s the jewel of Islamic art in India and a universally admired UNESCO World Heritage monument.
Calligraphy depicts verses from the Koran on the exterior, but the gateway, spectacular central dome, and minarets are also stunning. It’s the main attraction of an India tour, but Agra Fort, the 16th century Mughal garden Ram Bagh, and the tomb of Akbar the Great offer alternatives.
Jaipur
The “Pink City” is the capital of the colorful and arid state of Rajasthan. In the 19th century, Maharaja Singh ordered it painted pink, the color of hospitality, for Queen Victoria’s visit. On the eastern edge of the Thar Desert, it’s a rare example of a planned Indian city.
At the center of the grid is the Jaipur City Palace complex, with buildings, gardens, museums, courtyards, temples, and the royal residence. The Amer (Amber) fort sits on the hill about seven miles from the city center, featuring beautiful yellow and pink sandstone with marble.
The Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds, is another architectural marvel made from red and pink sandstone. Most of our India trips take in this bustling city with museums, temples, and bright saris characteristic of the region. It’s also a great place to launch your desert safari.
Other attractions
Varanasi is the spiritual heart of Hinduism. On the banks of the Ganges River, the old, sacred ghats are steps next to the river used for cremation, among other things. Watch the pilgrims hail the sunrise by immersing in this holiest of rivers on our Indian tours.
The highlands of Darjeeling are famed for tea, Assam for the one-horned rhino, Amritsar for the Golden Temple, Mumbai for the iconic Gateway to India, and Hampi for its ruins. There’s a long list of compelling sights in one of the world’s most fascinating destinations.