India Transformative Tours & Trip Packages

India Transformative Tours & Trips

707 India trips. Tours from 197 tour companies. 2,071 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

32 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Transformative
Spiritual Yoga Meditation Tour
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5/5 Excellent
46 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Delhi, India Gate, Jama Masjid

Highlights

  • Visit the Jama Mosque- the largest mosque of India
  • Explore the visiting places of Delhi like Raj Ghat, Parliament building and Qutub Minar
  • Discover the spiritual places Haridwar and Rishikesh
  • Visit the famous Golden Temple
  • Enjoy the train ride from Amritsar to Delhi

Themes

Cultural, Transformative, Yoga, Meditation & Wellness

What travelers are saying

"The hotels, which were actually mostly palaces, and the tour guides and driver -all were beyond our highest expectations! We were treated like royalty everywhere we went, people were kind and humble with us. The main tour sites, such as the Taj, the Amber Fort, and Ranthambore Safari attractions were all exquisite -we even had a close encounter with a tiger."

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India: Ladakh Sampler
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4.8/5 Excellent
64 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Delhi, Jama Masjid, Ladakh, Red Fort

Highlights

  • Signature MTS guides lead you on a 3-day trek through Ladakhi villages, where you'll have the rare opportunity to visit local homes
  • Visit ancient monasteries set against a harsh but breathtakingly stunning landscape
  • Explore Old Delhi and Leh, ancient capital of Ladakh

Themes

Cultural, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"First, let me say our tour guide Tomomi S. is hands down THE best tour guide I’ve ever had - knowledgeable, fun and made great efforts to ensure that we were comfortable and happy (MTSobek tour guides are independent contractors. Tomomi also works for other Adventure/Tour companies) Secondly, Japan is beautiful, clean and the Japanese people are very welcoming. The hiking in the national parks was amazing. It could have been a truly five-star experience if MtSobek had not cut corners so egregiously. The website said (at the time) group tours are 5-22 people. The tour gets canceled if the minimum is not met. When I paid there were TWO other people booked-a mother and daughter duo. Shortly before our departure date I called to see if the tour would be cancelled. I wanted my money back but Mt Sobek was “pleased to say that the trip would not be canceled”. In other words, I could not get a refund. At the last minute a guy named Matt signed up so there were four of us. Five days into the trip Matt left and took a train back to Tokyo. I said to him “You realize Mt Sobek is not going to refund you”. He said, “I don’t care, Mt Sobek scammed us.” With tax, the tour costs $11,645 for 13 nights. For that price there is an expectation that the accommodations Mt Sobek chooses would be decent and clean. We all fully expected a ‘traditional Japanese experience’ which often means no private bath and 8 out of the 13 nights we slept on futon mats on the floor. However, Mt Sobek consistently booked us in the cheapest Ryokans (hotels) in each area in which we travelled. Most of these hotels were unclean and very out-dated. One Ryokan they booked us in was listed on a hotel website for $40 USD/night when there were much nicer accommodations nearby for $100 USD/night. (The Japanese yen is way down, the luxury Park Hotel in Tokyo was $200 USD/night. A comparable hotel would have been about $800/night in Austin.). We were the only people staying in several hotels that accomadated many more people. The most egregious example of MtSobek’s booking the cheapest rooms is when we were booked at a large traditional ski lodge at the base of a spectacular mountain. It was beautiful on the website but had two very different wings. One wing was modern, clean and beautiful with simple beds. The other wing was very old (similar to a cheap Motel 6 that had not been updated since the 1970’s). The carpet and bathrooms were disgusting and like many of the Ryocans where we stayed the futon mats seemed as though they had not been cleaned In 30 years. Only after our tour guide checked us in did we realize we had been booked in the cheap rooms. I asked Tomo why. Immediately someone from MtSobek reached out to me and said, “gosh, I’m sorry you did not realize you were going to have a traditional Japanese experience”. Really? “Traditional” experience depends upon one’s budget. In the US, “traditional” to some people may be the Marriott, a Motel 6 or the Four Seasons Hotels. We were paying for a Marriott experience and received the one-star Motel 6 experience. Upon arrival in Tokyo I expected to be met at the airport by a driver (as many tour companies do). However, several days before our arrival dates in Tokyo, MtSobek sent an email telling us how to locate taking a city bus from the bustling Tokyo airport. That is interesting if you do not speak Japanese. MtSobek cleverly uses great photography and elaborate descriptions of the national parks and the hiking while using terms like “traditional Japanese experience with tatami-mat sleeping” to disguise sub-standard accommodations. At one point we were looking on-line at the very hotel where we were staying and did not even recognize it from the website pictures. The hiking was amazing. The group size was disappointing with just the three of us. I would absolutely recommend a hiking tour through Japan, just not with MtSobek."

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Golden Triangle Tour in India – Delhi, Agra & Jaipur
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5/5 Excellent
38 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Agra, Agra Fort, Amber Fort, Delhi, Fatehpur Sikri, Jaipur, Jama Masjid, Qutab Minar, Red Fort, Taj Mahal

Highlights

  • Explore tourist places of Delhi like Qutab Minar, Lotus Temple, Humayun’s Tomb.
  • Visit Chandni Chowk, Explore old Delhi cuisines
  • Discover Fatehpur Sikri, It is a UNESCO World Heritage town built by Akbar.
  • Explore famous Buland Darwaza and Jama Masjid

Themes

Cultural, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"Chopta batch 22-26 Jan First of all I would like to say that I was forced to write the review because i saw that go hikes was not taking any responsiblity for the shortcomings of the trip and instead anyone who has spoken was removed from the whatsapp group. Some people in group had choosen harsh languages as their journey was far worse than mine, but still they should not threaten others to stop from giving the honest review. They even don't follow the written itineary. Please refer the following link for their itinieary. Https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oy8qu5-l9u5y9nc2pifuddda1seshtq1/view?usp=sharing 1. No trek guide provided for the trek to Tungnath as promissed. 2. Two trek leaders were provided but they were also first time in chopta( but go hikes team forcefully says that they were well aware of Chopta ) 3. Neither of the trek leader assisted us to peak of Chandrashilla. 4. Driver is flatly denying to go to trek starting point and trek leaders have to convince him. It is responsiblity of go hikes to explain everything in advance to the driver. 5. Vehicle was oversized to reach sari village(Deoritaal trek) and it was choosen by the experienced team of go hikes(they should have done two tempo travellers if there was such problem). Driver had valid reason to deny due to safety issue but we are glad that he took us there. But an unapologetic go hike teams reply is that they have done a favour to us by convincing the driver. 6. They promissed to show confluence of rivers in Devprayag and Rudraprayag but neither of them was covered even after complaining to trek leaders. 7. On complaining they are saying that you came down from trek late as if they had informed us earlier about some time limit. We did as per guidance by our trek leaders. I can share lots of new complains( like we got to eat dinner at 2.30 am and 6.30 am thanks to driver who chooses specific shiva dhaba only). 8. I travelled under the banner of go hikes so i am complaining to them .may be some other company had outsourced their trip to them.but while complaining they are asking to talk to personwith whom you have done the booking. No one takes ownership. Now a specific problem faced by a freind. We were to return on 26th jan 2021.he was expecting the kisaan agitation on that day. He was travelling with ladies so for safety he enquired wether it's ok to travel,in case of any problem will they assist and their response was affirmative. But he was left to face a situation where he has to deal with tear gas and stampede with a ladies on the road. I am not here to malign any company. Our overall experience was good.there were some shortcomings that i mentioned above. But the way these guys treated us after the trip is not acceptable. I have a right to complain and you need to apologize."

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Tibet: Ladakh –Hike and Tour the Last Shangri-La
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Delhi, Ladakh, Red Fort

Themes

Cultural, Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel, Education / Learning, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"It is a difficult job to make everybody happy all of the time, but you ladies do a superb job. We were definitely off the beaten path, and when following that path there are sometimes unexpected surprises, but every bump was handled beautifully."

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India: Splendors of the South
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5/5 Excellent
50 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Arabian Sea, Kerala, Kochi, Mumbai

Highlights

  • Unique small group itinerary
  • Enjoy Mumbai touring
  • Visit Dharavi slum
  • See Wildlife safaris in Nagarhole National Park
  • Explore 9th-century Ranganatha Temple in Srirangapatna
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We just finished our Tanzanian Adventure tour to Tanzania and Zanzibar. It was a dream come true trip! On safari, our guide Augustine, was stellar, and our driver, Meshak was wonderful! The lodges on safari were wonderful, food excellent. The Breezes resort on Zanzibar was lovely and the Indian Ocean is sooooo warm! Thank you, Odyssey, for delivering on all counts!"

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India's Golden Triangle (Delhi and Taj Mahal)
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5/5 Excellent
54 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Agra, Agra Fort, Amber Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, India Gate, Jaipur, Jama Masjid, Qutab Minar, Red Fort, Taj Mahal

Highlights

  • See India's greatest highlights in just 7 days!
  • Visit the incomparable Taj Mahal
  • Travel to Agra, 200 KM away by road, with sightseeing along the way
  • Explore fascinating Jaipur, the fabled Pink City
  • Explore Delhi
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Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"Just got back from an incredible adventure. Bhutan was more than I could have ever expected. There was an abundance of good travel karma throughout the trip. The guide, Bhim, was great, very accommodating, and personalized the trip in many amazing ways, and though him I got to know the people and the culture close up and personal. The whole thing went off without a hitch. Bhutan was the most amazing place I have ever been."

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Bhutan And The Brahmaputra
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4.6/5 Excellent
9 reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Himalayas, Punakha, Thimpu

Highlights

  • Visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten, a newly built stupa.
  • Visit Wangduephodrang famous for its bamboo products, slate and stone carvings.
  • Explore to the Simtokha Dzong
  • Visit Kaziranga National Park
  • Visit to the distinctive Ta Dzong and Rinpung Dzong

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Singles Travel, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We joined the RV Mekong Pandaw in Kampong Cham for a 3 night cruise to Phnom Penh. I wish we had booked for 7 nights! Amazing staff, gorgeous staterooms, a welcoming and comfortable sun deck and saloon bar. The ship is beautiful and was the perfect place to relax and watch the world go by. Thank you Pandaw for a truly fantastic holiday experience. Your staff are courteous, hard working and lots of fun to be around. Brilliant."

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India's Golden Triangle And The Brahmaputra
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4.6/5 Excellent
9 reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Agra, Agra Fort, Delhi, India Gate, Jaipur, Jama Masjid, Qutab Minar, Red Fort, Taj Mahal

Highlights

  • Explore Guwahati and visit ‘Kama-khya Temple’
  • Discover Kaziranga National Park
  • Explore The Pink City Jaipur
  • Experience boat safari on the Eastern range of Kaziranga where River Dhansiri and River Brahmaputra meet
  • Enjoy the stunning natural scenery and wildlife of the Brahmaputra River
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Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Singles Travel, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We joined the RV Mekong Pandaw in Kampong Cham for a 3 night cruise to Phnom Penh. I wish we had booked for 7 nights! Amazing staff, gorgeous staterooms, a welcoming and comfortable sun deck and saloon bar. The ship is beautiful and was the perfect place to relax and watch the world go by. Thank you Pandaw for a truly fantastic holiday experience. Your staff are courteous, hard working and lots of fun to be around. Brilliant."

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Historical India with Rajasthan
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By Odynovo
premier
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
They are able to handcraft custom trip plans in over 70 different destinations worldwide.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Agra, Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur

Highlights

  • Enjoy a Delhi city tour to see the landmarks and get a glimpse of local life
  • Marvel at the breathtaking dawn view of Taj Mahal in Agra
  • Visit the Jaipur's stunning buildings incl. Amber Fort, Sheesh Mahal, and City Palace Museum
  • Take an exciting jeep safari to the rural Bishnoi Village
  • Through the bustling bazaars of Udaipur and pay a visit to the Jagdish Temple

Themes

Cultural, Family Friendly, Local Immersion & Homestays, Photography

What travelers are saying

"I didn’t take this tour exactly, but made some changes based on my schedule and interests and travel dates. It was my first time in Southeast Asia and I was a traveling solo female. Liz my trip consultant and contact person was so helpful and responsive to any and all my concerns and questions. It was a trip of a lifetime. I can not gush enough about the itinerary and experiences. I am completely impressed with is company and this person. Ya ya in Chang Mai and Sam in Bangkok are top notch guides. The diving in Phuket was arranged with Siam diving, a small private boat not an over stuffed crowded one. It felt like we were the only people in the ocean. Goo, GO, GO!!!!"

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Premium India
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Delhi, Jaipur, Varanasi

Highlights

  • Discover the beauty in buildings that lie across the north of India, from Jaipur’s Amber Fort and Royal City Palace to Agra’s Red Fort and iconic Taj Mahal.
  • Taste the best of Indian cuisine during Exclusive Experiences, including a street food tour with a local expert in Agra and a wonderful meal in the home of a Brahmin family in Jaipur.
  • Embark on both morning and sunset safaris through Ranthambore National Park in search of antelope, sloth bears, leopards and the elusive tigers that call this park home.
  • Spend two elegant evenings at your Feature Stay hotel in Jaipur. The heritage hotel has been in the same family since its opening in 1928 and offers opulent details and warm, friendly service.
  • Take part in Exclusive Experiences to remember – visit to a royal haveli in Jaipur and hear the stories of its owner’s ancestors, and cruise down the Ganges at sunset accompanied by local musicians.
Show more

Themes

High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Discover India
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Agra, Agra Fort, Amber Fort, Delhi, Jaipur, Jama Masjid, Khajuraho, Rajasthan, Taj Mahal, Udaipur, Varanasi

Highlights

  • Walk the backstreets of delhi with a local guide
  • Enjoy a talk with a local historian and scholar
  • Explore the grand forts and palaces in rajasthan
  • Enjoy a safari in ranthambore national park
  • Experience village life near the holy town of pushkar

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

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India Tiger Safari
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Agra

Highlights

  • Embark on 15 game drives
  • Visit the magnificent Taj Mahal
  • Support the TOFTigers campaign to protect biodiversity and restore habitats

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Safari

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

Trip dates & details
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Health Safety +

Generous cancellation

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Highlights of Southern India
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4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Arabian Sea, Chennai, Kerala, Kochi

Highlights

  • A 2-week adventure through South India's varied scenery, cuisine, culture and history
  • Explore Tamil Nadu's ancient temples, a riot of colour and packed with local pilgrims
  • Discover Kerala's peaceful backwaters, spice gardens and lush Western Ghats mountains
  • 20

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"I really enjoyed every aspect of the tour. It was a relatively small group of great people with an excellent guide, comfortable accommodation and interesting itinerary. The walking aspect was a little challenging but within my capabilities giving me a sense of achievement each day. The food everywhere we were taken was exceptional. Overall - I didn't want it to end!"

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32 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Transformative
...

1

2

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India Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
2,071  Reviews
See all India tour reviews
Excellent
829
Great
180
Average
19
Disappointing
2
Terrible
2
C

Carol

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

We did all the tourist things but also say another side of India that's to KV

We did all the tourist things but also say another side of India that's to KV. Our trip ran smoothly despite issues beyond KVs control. He did everything to alter it...

E

Evelyn

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

Colourful and magical introduction to India

Colourful and magical introduction to India

D

Deborah

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

This G adventure tour was a wonderful way to visit India for the first time

This G adventure tour was a wonderful way to visit India for the first time. We were always safe, despite the traffic and the population density. The tour covered fa...

B

Barbara

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

great

great

K

Karen

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

Amazing

Amazing! Loved what we saw in India, such a contrast from the craziness of New Delhi and Varanasi, to the more layed back and small village feel of Jojowar, to the m...

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India Tour Selection Trips

  • Trekking in India can be an incredible experience, particularly in the Himalayan regions of the North, however, intensity levels vary. Make sure you pick a trek that is suitable to your fitness level.
  • Pack appropriately. The weather varies greatly in different regions and at different times of the year, so bring suitable clothes and invest in decent gear. If you're hiking, make sure to wear decent hiking shoes that have been fully broken in. Also, make sure that gear advertised as waterproof is actually waterproof (stuck up a mountain in monsoon rain is not the time to be figuring this out!).
  • When booking a tour, find out as much as possible about what is included. For example: Do you need to bring your own drinking water? Does renting a sleeping bag or mosquito net cost extra? Will you be picked up and/or dropped at your hotel?
  • Different operators offer different levels of comfort, so be sure to investigate the sleeping and transport conditions. It's also worth asking how many people will be on the tour, as a comfy jeep becomes a lot less so when over a dozen people are shoved inside.
  • Inform the operator about your dietary needs beforehand. Vegetarians and vegans will usually be well catered for, but some more specific requirements (allergies, etc.) may require additional planning. The food can also be far spicier than the food back home, so let the operator know if you'd like the heat dialed down a bit.
  • India can be quite the sensory overload, so take it slow to fully adjust to all the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes around you. Most tours have a good balance between organized activities and free time, but some more than others. If you predict that India will be overwhelming for you, choose a trip with an itinerary labelled as “relaxed”.
  • Get ready to walk, a lot. Most tours in India have a moderate level of physical activity because so much of the exploration requires walking. Be prepared for a lot of uneven terrain and dust while walking on the roads.
  • More days = more regions. India is incredibly large. If you decide to pick a tour that’s roughly 10 days or less, your tour will only have time to explore one region. Culture, pace of life, food, and even language vary within regions. If you have the time and want to explore all that India has to offer, choose a tour that’s 18 days or longer.

Additional details

Best time to visit India

The best time to visit India is between October and March. Winters are generally very pleasant, but keep in mind that this means the country is packed with tourists during the winter.

Summers in India can get unbearably hot, and monsoons drench the country in rain from June to September. That said, visitors to India during or right after monsoon season can experience the beautiful green countryside, many areas of which are brown and dry most months of the year. 

Currency in India

The official currency in India is the Rupee. Visitors are not allowed to bring any amount of Indian currency into India, so bring cash, checks, and/or a credit card to exchange or withdraw currency upon arrival. Many vendors in India will not accept credit or debit cards, so it will be useful to carry small amounts of cash. 

What languages are spoken in India?

India has 22 official languages, and each of the 29 states in India has an official language. Hindi is the most common language spoken, and English is the second most common. Many Indians can speak two or more languages fluently, and most people that you interact with in the hospitality industry will speak English. 

Packing list for India

What you bring on your trip to India will depend on the season and itinerary of your trip. However, there are a few items that are recommended for any India tour:

  • Modest clothing - Clothing in India tends to be modest. Women should bring long skirts and shawls to cover their shoulders, especially when visiting holy sites. 
  • A traveler’s wallet and/or passport holder - Pickpocketing and theft is common in many of the crowded cities, so keeping cash and other valuables in a traveler’s wallet (theft-safe wallet that you can keep under your clothes) may help protect your belongings.
  • Sturdy walking shoes - Public transportation in most parts of India is lacking, so you will likely do a lot of walking.
  • Prescriptions, contacts, and other necessities - Although bodegas and drugstores are common in the major cities, they may not carry the same products that you find at home. 
  • Mosquito nets - Mosquitos are common in India, especially during the monsoon season.

Make sure to leave some room in your suitcase-- India is well-known for its clothing industry, and even the street markets tend to offer high-quality items.

Popular India tour routes

Many tours will take travelers through the cities of Delhi, Varanasi, Agra, and Jaipur. New Delhi has the largest airport in India, so most tours will begin and end there. Tours using private buses or cars for transportation will likely visit smaller villages and areas in the countryside, while tours that rely on public transportation tend to stick to the major cities. 

Cruises along the Ganges River give travelers opportunities to visit small towns and villages that other tours generally do not visit. The river runs through the cities of Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), Varanasi, and Kanpur, among others. Many cruises begin near New Delhi and end at Kolkata.

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