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The imposing Amber Fort situated on top of a hill with views of the town below on a sunny day in Jaipur, India

India Holidays


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India holidays offer an unbeatable blend of culture, wildlife, beaches and history enveloped with an incredible vibrancy you won’t find elsewhere.

India's star of the show is the Golden Triangle. Wander Old Delhi’s winding alleys, visit the magnificent palaces of Jaipur and marvel at Agra’s breathtaking Taj Mahal. Alternatively explore Rajasthan’s desert cities, the holy city of Varanasi on the Ganges, India’s many tiger reserves or Amritsar, home to the Golden Temple - the world's most important Sikh shrine.

For a taste of India's culture with some downtime added in, head south. Discover Kochi’s photogenic Chinese fishing nets, Puducherry’s bougainvillea draped promenades or the ancient Hindu temple cities of Tamil Nadu. Then relax on a palm fringed beach or aboard a houseboat on Kerala’s backwaters.

Trailfinders offers a wide range of India holidays and we have a dedicated team of destination specialists who are a mine of information about what to do here, often with first-hand travel experience. Whether you want to explore India with a private car and driver, on a sociable small group tour, on a luxury rail journey, or are simply looking for advice on where best to enjoy your India holiday - they are the perfect people to ask.

A few of our favourite India 5★ reviews

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HOW TO GET AROUND INDIA

India is the perfect destination to discover with a private car and driver, accompanied by knowledgeable guides. Follow one of our carefully planned itineraries or ask our expert travel consultants to tailormake your perfect private touring India holiday.

Boasting one of the world’s most extensive rail networks, India is famed for her great rail journeys. It's possible to do the whole trip by train or include just a few journeys to give you a taster. Alternatively there's a number of luxury trains such as Maharajas' Express which traverse the country - providing perhaps the ultimate way to experience this incredible country! Read our short guide on why India is ideal to explore by train. River cruise holidays are another popular way to explore India - read our guide to cruising Kerala's backwaters to get an idea of what to expect in this region.

Small group adventure tours are a great option for those who like to share their experiences with a group of like-minded travellers whilst enjoying the services of an experienced tour leader.

OUR HOLIDAYS TO INDIA

Nobody offers more ways to explore India than Trailfinders.

Here's a snapshot of some of our most popular India holidays. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, click on the link below them to see our complete range of holidays and tours in the destination.
India's Golden Triangle
Private Tour
8 days / 7 nights

Combining Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, this private tour is the perfect way to start your love affair with India! If you have more time consider adding one of our popular extensions.

Guide Price: £1,679 pp

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Classic Rajasthan
Private Tour
15 days / 14 nights

On this popular tour you’ll explore grand forts and exquisite palaces, search for India’s elusive tigers and take time to relax in beautiful lakeside Udaipur.

Guide Price: £3,349 pp

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Grand Tour of South India
Private Tour
18 days / 17 nights

Discover Tamil Nadu’s vibrant temple cities along with Kerala’s wildlife and backwaters as you travel the breadth of southern India.

Guide Price: £3,229 pp

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Tigers & Temples
Private Tour
15 days / 14 nights

Combine sacred cities and temples with fantastic wildlife viewing and the iconic landmarks of India’s Golden Triangle on this varied itinerary.

Guide Price: £3,149 pp

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Shimla Extension
Private Tour
5 days / 4 nights

Soak up Shimla’s colonial charm whilst relaxing in two of the most luxurious hotels in the Himalayas.

Guide Price: £1,399 pp

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Brahmaputra River Cruise: Rhinos & More
River Cruise Holiday
13 days / 12 nights

This cruise in Assam on board the ABN Charaidew II offers the perfect way to enjoy the beauty of the mighty Brahmaputra River and its surroundings, as well as the chance to see rhinos in Kaziranga National Park.

Guide Price: £4,229 pp

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WHERE TO GO IN INDIA

Each region of India boasts its own attractions and it’s no exaggeration to say each merits a holiday in its own right.

It would be just as easy to spend all your time exploring the princely palaces, tombs and temples of the Golden Triangle as it would to use it discovering the sleepy backwaters, fragrant highlands and golden beaches of Kerala.

Learn more about the country's diverse landscapes and India's top sights to help you choose your next India holiday destination.

Click on the tiles below the map for more details on each India holiday destination. Alternatively, if you are looking for some inspiration, give us a call and speak to one of our expert travel consultants.
Delhi & the Golden Triangle
Delhi, Agra and Jaipur make up the three corners of India’s legendary ‘Golden Triangle’. The gateway city of Delhi boasts rich Mughal and colonial heritage, Jaipur offers an incredible treasure trove of historic sites and Agra is home to the simply unsurpassable Taj Mahal.
Rajasthan
This is the India you’ve probably been dreaming about, a land of bewitching palaces, imposing fortresses and breathtaking landscapes. Many of the country’s most historic landmarks can be found in this state, including Japiur’s City Palace, Amber Fort and ‘Palace of the Wind’, Jodhpur’s Mehrangarh Fort, and Jaisalmer Fort.
Kolkata & North East India
Flowing through northeast India, the mighty rivers of the Lower Ganges and Brahmaputra provide the lifeblood to this largely rural region. Explore historic landmarks in Kolkata (formerly known as Calcutta), and spot wildlife in Kaziranga National Park. Discover one of our most popular Brahamputra holidays.
North India
North India holidays are home to a land of mystical temples, spiritual places and magnificent scenery. This is the India you’ve probably been dreaming about. Climb north from the plains to the quaint colonial hill station of Shimla, visit one of India’s holiest cities – Varanasi, and visit the cultural hub of the Punjab region – Amritsar.
India’s Tiger Reserves & Wildlife Sanctuaries
Dotted around Central India and Rajasthan, India’s tiger reserves and national parks are home to the elusive Bengal tiger. They draw visitors from around the world hoping to get a glimpse of one of these majestic animals, but are also home to a wealth of other wildlife including the one-horned rhino, langur monkeys, Indian wild dogs and the shy sloth bear.
Mumbai, Goa & Central India
Welcome to India’s region of contrasts; formerly Bombay, vibrant Mumbai is the fastest moving and most affluent city in India. It is also the country’s commercial capital, earning the nickname of the ‘City of Dreams’. Goa is a former Portuguese colony with a rich and colourful culture with renowned beaches boasting soft golden sand, tropical palms and calm waters.
Kerala & South India
South India lays claim to some of the country’s best beaches, ideal for a spot of relaxation, whereas the stunning backwaters of Kerala offer the chance to get a glimpse of rural village life. The rich culture of the region is well worth exploring, from the ancient temple cities of Tamil Nadu to the historical charm of Kochi and Puducherry.
Off the Beaten Track in India
We have also created some holidays which include stays in a number of wonderful hidden gem properties. Located a little off the beaten track, but handily en route between main tourist destinations, these hotels are designed to allow you to soak up the peaceful atmosphere and have time to relax. These properties also offer a variety of enriching experiences for you to enjoy during your stay.
India Beaches
India boasts a host of premier beach destinations. In central India, Goa is renowned for its golden beaches and unique blend of Indian and Portuguese influences. Further south, Kerala’s coastal towns offer perfect beach relaxation while the secluded archipelago of the Andaman Islands offers pristine beaches, coral reefs and lush forests.

OUR RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN INDIA

We feature a great range of accommodation in India, with something to suit all budgets. Maybe you’re looking for a luxury hotel with views of the Taj Mahal or a traditional homestay experience on Kerala’s Backwaters? Or perhaps it’s a heritage hotel in lakeside Udaipur, a comfortable safari lodge in a tiger reserve or a relaxing resort on the beach in Goa.

What you won’t find here are thousands of India hotels to wade through. We have done the hard work for you and selected the best places to stay and our travel consultants are on hand to help, often with first-hand experience.
The Taj Mahal Palace
5 plus star

Mumbai

Opened in 1903, this magnificent landmark property is renowned as one of India’s finest hotels and exudes old world charm and elegance.
Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa, Goa
4 star

North Goa

Set on a hill above the ramparts of a 16th Century Portuguese fortress, this popular hotel has been long favoured by royals and enjoys glorious views of North Goa’s coastline.
SUJAN Sher Bagh, Ranthambore NP
5 star

Ranthambore National Park

This stunning luxury tented camp has been designed to evoke the feel of life on safari during the heyday of the British Raj.
Haveli Dharampura, Delhi
4 star

Delhi

Set within a beautifully restored haveli (mansion) which dates back to the 1800s, this charming property boasts wonderful city views from the rooftop terrace.
Taj Lake Palace
5 star

Udaipur

Situated on an island in Lake Pichola and reached by a short boat ride, this is one of the world’s most romantic and unique hotels.
Tree of Life Resort & Spa, Jaipur
4 plus star

Hidden Rajasthan

This delightful resort has been designed to reflect the style of the local architecture and provides a peaceful, stylish hideaway.

WHAT TO DO IN INDIA

As well as some awe-inspiring sights, India is also home to unforgettable experiences. These provide a unique insight into the culture that sightseeing alone simply can’t replace.

Activities range from enjoying a refined high tea in one of India’s iconic hotels to a street food culinary adventure, from a cruise on the Ganges as Kolkata wakes up or around Kochi harbour as the sun sets, from soaring over the countryside surrounding Jaipur in a hot air balloon to taking a spin in a vintage car around Udaipur.

Our collection of unmissable experiences will really help bring your India holiday to life.
Old Delhi Walking Tour
3 hours
Departs: Delhi

Old Delhi is an intoxicating mix of narrow laneways and bustling side streets and the best way to ...

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon, near Jaipur
3 hours (1 hour flight)
Departs: Jaipur

Head up, up and away in your hot air balloon before drifting slowly over villages, fields and ...

A Magical Haveli Dining Experience in Old Delhi
4 hours
Departs: Delhi

Tucked away down an alley in Old Delhi, the beautifully restored Haveli Dharampura is the perfect ...

Udaipur Cooking Class
2 hours
Departs: Udaipur

Rajasthan has long been famed for its mouthwatering food so what better souvenir to bring home than ...

Golden Temple at Night, Amritsar
2 hours
Departs: Amritsar

Witness the atmospheric ‘Putting to Bed’ ceremony at the Golden Temple, which takes place every ...

A Spin in a Vintage Car, Udaipur
2 hours
Departs: Udaipur

Feel as if you have truly stepped back in time as you enjoy a spin in a beautifully restored ...

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT INDIA?

The best time to visit India varies by region. North India’s cool season is from October to April while in South India it’s from November to March. Cool does not necessarily mean cold as daytime temperatures remain high, with clear skies and sunshine.

The exception is the far north in the Himalayas. From October to April the nights here are very cold and from December to February the daytime temperature also drops considerably. The summer months bring warmer temperatures, averaging 25°C.

From April to June, with the exception of the Himalayas, India experiences a hot and humid climate by day and night. The monsoon typically falls on North India from July to September, Goa from May to September and South India from June to November. The climate is very humid and wet at this time.

For more information, take a look at our guide to the best time to visit India.

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India Top Tips From Our Travel Experts

Inca McFarlane -  expert
Inca McFarlane

Grab a tuk tuk to Dasawamedh Ghat early evening to witness the daily Ganga Aarti. For a more intimate experience sit on the steps alongside the locals and pilgrims to watch these beautiful rituals.

Carrie Hawes -  expert
Carrie Hawes

If staying at certain top end Ranthambore lodges, upgraded options for game drives are available which I highly recommend. These premium game drives use more comfortable vehicles and will be with the lodge's dedicated naturalist/drivers, who are among the best in the reserves.

Jayne Bradford -  expert
Jayne Bradford

Our first visit to the Amber Fort was amazing. The enormity and history of it all was so interesting. We also saw elephants, water buffalo, snakes and goats all within 15 minutes of leaving our hotel!

India Fast Facts

What is the time difference in India?

India is 5:30 hours ahead of GMT and there are no daylight savings clock changes

How long is the flight to India?

Flight time to India averages between 9 to 11 hours depending on the destination

What currency is used in India?

Indian Rupee (INR). ATM's are available in cities and large towns and most hotels accept credit/debit cards

Do you tip in India?

Tipping in India is customary but not obligatory. A tip of around 10% for service staff is usually sufficient

What language is spoken in India?

There are many languages spoken in India, the most common being Hindi. English is also widely spoken

Do I need a visa to travel to India?

A visa is required for travel to India (UK passport holders). Visit our visa pages for more information


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