India’s rich tapestry of culture and history has lured world travellers for centuries.
From its bustling spice markets to majestic temples and palaces and vibrant cities, India is a country that will surprise you in many ways.
Are you planning an Indian adventure soon? Here’s our luxury guide to visiting India.
1. How To Get To India
Before packing your bags to fly to India, it’s worth researching where you will fly into.
India is a massive country made up of 28 states and is home to hundreds of international airports.
Therefore, find out which part of the country you want to see and book a ticket to the city close to the destination you wish to visit.
With more and more visitors heading to India, finding a flight to the country should be easy.
Most visitors would fly to Delhi, the capital city. Delhi has a modern airport with numerous flights from major airports worldwide, including the United States and many European countries.
Another major city you can fly into is Mumbai, which lies on the west coast of India. If you plan on exploring the southern part of India, you can arrive here and take a domestic flight to your destination.
Those who wish to explore India’s most popular attractions, such as the Taj Mahal, should fly into Delhi.
From Delhi, you can take a train or book a private tour of Agra, home to the Taj Mahal.
Most tourists would book the Golden Triangle Tour from Delhi, taking you to Agra and the pink city of Jaipur.
2. The Best Time To Visit India
With piping-hot summers and snowy winters, India is a country of extremes. Therefore, the weather is a significant consideration when deciding when to go.
But generally speaking, the best time to visit India is between October and March, when much of the country is sunny and pleasantly warm.
In the autumn season, temperatures in India are cooling, and days are still long, giving you plenty of time to explore.
If you’re planning to explore the Golden Triangle circuit, autumn is the best time to visit, which should be between October and mid-April.
Since this part of India requires a fair bit of walking, you should avoid visiting before May and June, when it’s excruciatingly hot.
Those who want to explore the southern part of India, including the beaches of Goa and the backwaters of Kerala, plan your trip around December and January.
You can avoid the monsoon rains, which arrive in May and stay until October.
3. Things To Do In India
In a vast country like India, you’ll find numerous things to see and do that it can be daunting to plan your trip.
Thankfully, you can book some luxury excursions in India to help make things easier for you. They can curate a personalised itinerary and tours according to your interests and preferences.
If you’re visiting India for the first time, seeing the Taj Mahal should be the first thing on your list.
Listed as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, the iconic monument is a sight to behold!
From Agra, travel to the pink city of Jaipur, where you’ll find some of the country’s most iconic attractions, such as the City Palace, Amber Fort, and Hawa Mahal.
Going on a boat tour in the Varanasi at sunrise or sunset to explore the ghats along the Ganges River is a fascinating experience.
You’ll be with a guide who will share some interesting insights about this sacred river.
Those who are into wildlife can go on a safari at India’s national parks.
There are over a hundred tiger reserves and national parks around the country, home to incredible wildlife, from snow leopards to Bengal tigers and the critically endangered one-horned rhinos.
If you find the chaos of India’s bustling streets overwhelming, head to Goa, home to beautiful beaches where you can relax and unwind.
Being a Portuguese colony for many years, Goa has many Portuguese influences, from ancient old churches to delectable Portuguese dishes.
Highlights Of India
As you see, there are absolutely so many things to do in India, and a single visit is not enough to see the best the country has to offer.
But if you only have a limited time, you should focus on exploring the highlights of India.
First on the list is the iconic Taj Mahal, which you can best admire during sunset or sunrise.
Built-in 1632 by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his favourite wife, the Taj Mahal is also called the symbol of love.
Another highlight of your visit to India is riding the houseboat along the backwaters of the southern state of Kerala.
You can spend overnight or take a day tour to explore local villages and paddy fields.
Whether you’re a foodie or not, feasting on authentic Indian delicacies should be the highlight of your Indian holiday.
The best places to indulge in delicious street foods are in the bustling streets of Mumbai or Delhi’s Chandi Chowk, a bustling area in the heart of Old Delhi.
5. How To Get Around India
India is a massive country, and getting around can be tricky. The most convenient option is to hire a chauffeur-driven car to take you to the country’s top attractions.
But if you want to travel slowly and visit faraway places, you can travel by train, bus, or coach. It’s also a fantastic way to immerse in local life.
But if you want to get to your destination faster, it is best to take a domestic flight from one city to another.
When going on a public train, book a first-class ticket so you will be sitting in an air-conditioned carriage. To experience ultimate luxury, take the luxury trains, Maharajas’ Express and Palace on Wheels.
These luxury trains will take you to the top attractions in India while you sleep in comfortable and luxurious cabins. The experience also includes delectable meals and fun excursions and activities. Some of the most popular routes are Delhi to Jaipur, Agra, and Varanasi.