India tours discovery guide
Colors and cultures collide in the pulsating heart of Delhi, the regal splendor of Jaipur’s pink palaces, and the gentle lap of Kerala’s backwaters. Ready to experience the country’s iridescent tapestry—spice markets, sanctuaries, and all? Let’s find your trip to India.
What to know before you go
POPULATION
India is now the most populous country in the world with 1.4 billion people—making it the world’s largest democracy.
CAPITAL
New Delhi, which was established in 1912, when the British moved India’s capital city from Kolkata to Delhi. The building of New Delhi was completed in 1931, leaving the old city to be known as Old Delhi.
CULTURAL QUICK TAKE
While the majority of Indians practice Hinduism, many are also Muslim, Sikh, Jain, or Christian—and you’ll get to visit their respective sanctuaries on tour.
WHAT TO GO FOR
Marvels like the Taj Mahal and Red Fort, sacred rituals along the Ganges, the swirl of spices in teeming markets, and maybe, just maybe, a sighting of the elusive Bengal tiger.
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES ON TOUR
Let Kerala’s gentle backwaters lull you to sleep on a traditional houseboat, soar above the rose palaces of Rajasthan in a hot-air balloon, and twirl your way through a Bollywood dance class.
Snow-capped mountains to sun-kissed beaches, this is infinite India
We all need a little India for both perspective and pure joy. Explore intricately carved temples that weave myths into their very walls alongside primeval jungles bursting with wildlife—then nourish your soul with the creamy richness of butter chicken or the fiery kick of vindaloo.
India’s Royal Rajasthan
Fall under the spell of Ranakpur Temple and Jaipur’s Amber Fort.
Explore the 14-day itineraryNorth India Highlights
Discover Delhi’s buzz, a tiger reserve, the Taj Mahal, and Varanasi.
Explore the 11-day itineraryIndia: Delhi, Agra & Jaipur
Scout the Golden Triangle for unique architecture and wildlife.
Explore the 11-day itineraryLove letter to India
“I went to India for culture and what I got was even more: a connection and family halfway around the world,” said traveler Amber. What will your letter to India say?
Expand your experience beyond borders
Add to your Indian sojourn with a stay in Sri Lanka—known for its tropical countryside and bubbling melting pot of cultures—or venture into Tibet for its spiritual significance, Buddhist traditions, and otherworldly, sky-kissing Himalayas.
Signature experiences for your memory vault. Why don’t you...
Sway like a Bollywood star
You’ve seen the extravagant dance numbers—now it’s your turn to try Bollywood’s mesmerizing blend of traditional Indian and Western steps. Try it on our India’s Royal Rajasthan: Udaipur, Jaipur & Agra tour.
Take to the skies above Jaipur
Gently soar over the “Pink City” of Jaipur in a hot-air balloon for a sweeping survey of the grand palaces of Rajasthan. Take flight on our Highlights of India & Nepal: Delhi, Agra & Kathmandu tour.
Whip up traditional flavors
Join a local chef to learn how to cook typical Keralite cuisine—crackling with fiery chiles, fragrant curry leaves, and sweet coconut—before digging into your tasty creations. Try it on our South India and Sri Lanka tour.
Witness holy rituals on the Ganges
Experience the glow of the Aarti, a ceremony devoted to Ganga, goddess of the river, capped by candlelit flower bowls floating downriver. See it on our Highlights of North India: Delhi, Varanasi & Agra tour.
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Take off on your big adventure— but why stop there? Every trip you book with us earns rewards that you can use to keep expanding your horizons.
What travelers are saying about our guided India trips
5 out of 5 stars
1st-time traveler Melissa
My trip to India far exceeded my expectations. Our guide, Abhi was absolutely fantastic as were our driver and assistant. The activities were diverse and memorable. My...
Traveled in Nov 2024 on India: Delhi, Agra & Jaipur
5 out of 5 stars
4th-time traveler Daniel
India was fascinating and the food was amazing. The people, however, made it extra special-especially our guide Anwar. I’m looking to come back but to see the south at some time...
Traveled in Jan 2024 on India: Delhi, Agra & Jaipur
5 out of 5 stars
5th-time traveler Sonia
I totally enjoyed the trip and the extension for a total of 15 days. The Taj Mahal was awesome. The visit to Delhi, Jaipor, Agra, Kerala and Mumbai were educational and...
Traveled in Mar 2024 on India: Delhi, Agra & Jaipur
5 out of 5 stars
1st-time traveler Sarah
India had long been in my travel wish list and this trip didn’t disappoint! The sights, sounds, smells were vibrant and intense! Our tour director Jasvir was fantastic. He was...
Traveled in Feb 2024 on India: Delhi, Agra & Jaipur
5 out of 5 stars
1st-time traveler Kandi
Our guide was one of the best I have ever had. He went over and above daily
Traveled in Mar 2024 on India: Delhi, Agra & Jaipur
5 out of 5 stars
8th-time traveler Lorraine
Our Tour Director was excellent. He was knowledgeable and interesting in his presentation. He was personable and made sure everyone was stayed safe and got what they wanted from...
Traveled in Feb 2024 on India: Delhi, Agra & Jaipur
Even more tours to choose from
For even more of Asia’s distinctive culture, scenery, history, and cuisine, check out these itineraries.
Travel tips for India trips
June through September make up monsoon or rainy season in India, so consider India tours that are offered outside those months. Whether you plan to join one of our guided tours of India or prefer to let our travel experts help you plan a Customized Tour of the country, the best months to plan travel to India are October through March, which are warmer, drier, and sunnier.
India is home to thousands of grand temples, tombs, mosques, monuments, forts, palaces, and historic landmarks. Here are several to see when you travel to India, with your group, or during your free time on our India: Delhi, Agra & Jaipur tour.
- Taj Mahal. Arguably India’s most iconic landmark, this massive, white-marble mausoleum was built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife.
- Jaipur City Palace. Situated in central Jaipur (a.k.a. “The Pink City”), this architectural marvel was built by, and as a residence for, Sawai Jai Singh, who’s credited with founding the city.
- Hawa Mahal. This eye-popping, pink palace (its name means “palace of breeze”) in Jaipur was built in 1799 as an extension to the Royal City Palace of Jaipur. There, royal ladies observing pardah, or the practice of seclusion from public observation, could watch processions and activities on the street without being seen by the public.
- Amber Fort. This 16th-century palace, located near Jaipur in Rajasthan, is one of the most-visited forts in India. It was the residence of Rajput rulers.
- Humayun’s Tomb. Built in Delhi in the 16th century, this grand, garden mausoleum and UNESCO World Heritage Site inspired several major architectural innovations, including the Taj Mahal.
- Ranthambore National Park. This national park in Northern India is home to a reserve for Bengal tigers, which visitors on tours of India can watch for while on safari.
- India Gate. This sandstone arch towers nearly 140 feet above the Rajpath area of New Delhi and is a monument to Undivided British Army soldiers who died during World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War of 1919.
- National Gandhi Museum. On a visit to this cultural site in Delhi, travelers on tours of India can see books, furnishings, and other items that belonged to the famed Indian figure, and learn more about his life from exhibitions, films, and other features.
Check out highlights from staffer Brittany’s trip to India →
Regardless of when you visit India, a few items will be essential additions to your suitcase. They include:
- Comfortable walking shoes. To keep your feet happy and protected whether you’re climbing stairs, walking along busy streets, or wandering through a museum.
- A small tote bag or crossbody bag. India tours include visits to sites that can be quite crowded, and a small bag will keep your daily essentials close by and within easy reach.
- Sun protection. The sun in India can be very strong, so travelers on India trips should bring hats, sunglasses, and SPF.
- Light layers. These will come in handy whether you use them to ward off a late-night chill or to cover your head and shoulders when visiting mosques, temples, and other religious sites.
- Loose, lightweight clothing. Temperatures can soar in India, and light, loose clothes will help keep you cool.
- Over-the-counter remedies. Delhi Belly isn’t just a myth. It can happen, and when it does, it pays to be prepared with Imodium or other digestive troubleshooters. Air quality can be lacking in parts of India, so consider bringing along eyedrops, and an inhaler if you use one.
Packed with flavor from spices, Indian food is some of the most delicious on the planet if you ask us. Traditional dishes and specialties vary depending on where you travel, but here are a few dishes to try on trips to India when you see them.
- Daal. These dried, split pulses, or lentils, are often simmered with ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, and spices, but different versions are served throughout the country.
- Butter chicken. Equal parts creamy, savory, and tart, this popular Indian dish consists of chicken that’s cooked in a sauce of butter, cream, and tomato. It’s often eaten over basmati rice.
- Naan. This flat bread, common in the north, is baked inside a piping-hot clay oven and is the perfect vessel for sopping up flavorful sauces.
- Bhel puri. A popular street food in Mumbai, this dish consists of a mixture of crispy puffed rice, tangy chutneys, fresh herbs, ground spices, roasted peanuts, and other texture-rich ingredients.
- Biryani. Regional versions of this mixed rice dish are made with spices, meat, eggs, vegetables, nuts, dried fruit, and potatoes.
- Aloo gobhi. Earthy and fragrant, this popular vegetarian dish consists of tender cauliflower and potatoes cooked together in a masala (think gravy or sauce) of turmeric, cumin seeds, garlic, and other ingredients.
- Gulab jamun. These crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside fritters are soaked in sweet syrup—the perfect treat at the end of a savory, spicy meal.
Packed with flavor from spices, Indian food is some of the most delicious on the planet if you ask us. Traditional dishes and specialties vary depending on where you travel, but here are a few dishes to try on trips to India when you see them.
- Daal. These dried, split pulses, or lentils, are often simmered with ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, and spices, but different versions are served throughout the country.
- Butter chicken. Equal parts creamy, savory, and tart, this popular Indian dish consists of chicken that’s cooked in a sauce of butter, cream, and tomato. It’s often eaten over basmati rice.
- Naan. This flat bread, common in the north, is baked inside a piping-hot clay oven and is the perfect vessel for sopping up flavorful sauces.
- Bhel puri. A popular street food in Mumbai, this dish consists of a mixture of crispy puffed rice, tangy chutneys, fresh herbs, ground spices, roasted peanuts, and other texture-rich ingredients.
- Biryani. Regional versions of this mixed rice dish are made with spices, meat, eggs, vegetables, nuts, dried fruit, and potatoes.
- Aloo gobhi. Earthy and fragrant, this popular vegetarian dish consists of tender cauliflower and potatoes cooked together in a masala (think gravy or sauce) of turmeric, cumin seeds, garlic, and other ingredients.
- Gulab jamun. These crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside fritters are soaked in sweet syrup—the perfect treat at the end of a savory, spicy meal.