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India

A kaleidoscope of colour

Tailor-made India holidays

Introduction

Welcome to India. A land of over a billion people, it's a place staggering in its diversity and sheer richness of life. Here, among the throngs, you'll discover ancient temples, imposing forts, fairy-tale palaces, wildlife-filled jungles, golden beaches, verdant tea plantations and the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. But where to start?

A holiday to India opens both the eyes and the mind, feeds the imagination and the spirit, enriches the soul, astounds, excites and confounds in equal measure. The sheer volume of people, rather than being oppressive, is often exhilarating, a feeling that’s further fuelled by the beaming smiles and unbridled optimism of almost everyone you meet along the way. Call our India specialists to start planning your holiday.

India's extraordinary architecture 

India’s civilisations, from the Mughal Empire to the British Raj, have spawned a rich and remarkable history dating back to at least 2,500 BC. Throughout the country you’ll find a wealth of mesmerising monuments, such as the iconic Taj Mahal, the great temples of Tamil Nadu and Jaipur’s magnificent Amber Fort, to name just a few. Our India holidays take in the very best of these man-made icons, and plenty of lesser-known gems, too. And, you'll explore them all in the company of guides who can really bring their often colourful histories to life.

Amber Fort, Rajasthan

Vibrant celebrations in India

India is a country of vibrant celebration, and its festivals showcase the diverse cultural traditions and intoxicating religious fervour that make it one of the most spiritual nations on earth. Expect things to get loud and lively, especially if you happen to be around during Holi. Known as the 'festival of colours', devotees take to the streets in incalculable numbers to dance, eat, drink and cover each other in riotously coloured paints – it really is an incredible spectacle.

Holi Festival, India

India: A foodie's paradise

Food and drink play a vital role in Indian life. And, from aromatic curries to the steaming glasses of chai served on almost every street corner, each region has its own flavours and cooking styles. Perhaps the best way to experience the culinary diversity of each region is to tuck into a thali – a collection of small-plates designed to showcase the very best of a region's cuisine, whether that's the fresh fish and tropical flavours of Kerala or the richly spiced curries of Rajasthan. And, don't miss out on the street food which, from kati rolls to chaats and puris, are a staple of traditional Indian cuisine and a true insight into the sheer breadth of spices that make India one of the world's tastiest nations. 

traditional Indian dosa

India's incredible wildlife 

India’s wildlife is also extraordinary, with elephants, leopards, rhinos and over 1,250 species of birds found throughout the country. You can see many of these species in India’s national parks such as Ranthambore, where crumbling forts and mist-shrouded hills provide the ideal habitat for a whole host of species, including the royal Bengal tiger. And, to the southeast, the national parks of Madhya PradeshBandhavgarh, Pench, Panna and Kanha – offer similarly diverse nature, as well as arguably the best tiger spotting opportunities in the country. No matter where your travels take you, you can expect the very best in service and facilities, at luxury lodges that pair standout locations with gourmet dining and activities that truly bring these region's and their wildlife into the sharpest focus.

tigers at Bandhavgarh National Park

 

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At a glance

Flying time from UK
9½ hours

Time zone
GMT +5½

Currency
Rupee (Rs) = 100 paise

Language
English & Hindi, among 14 other official languages

Travel advice
Check the FCDO for visa & travel advice

See India travel guide

Special offers in India

Maharajas' Express

Indian Splendour: Delhi, Mumbai & The Maharajas' Express

10-day luxury rail holiday from £7,670 pp incl. flights

Special
offer

50% companion discount for train departure on 15 December – Save up to £1,915pp
Book by: 30 November 2024

Visit Agra's Taj Mahal, take a tiger safari in Ranthambore and explore the glittering palaces of royal Rajasthan before sweeping south to Mumbai aboard the opulent Maharajas' Express.

Jama Masjid, Old Delhi, India

The Maharajas' Express & Treasures of India: Delhi to Mumbai

11-day tailor-made rail holiday from £7,870 pp incl. flights

Special
offer

50% companion discount for train departure on 15 December – Save up to £1,745pp
Book by: 30 November 2024

The Maharajas' Express is the latest word in luxury train travel in India. In a country renowned for its majestic opulence, this palace on wheels is the perfect way to experience the many sights and sounds of India in total comfort and style.

Taj Mahal India

India's Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges

14-day luxury river cruise holiday from £6,235 pp incl. flights

Special
cruise offer

Early booking offer: save 10% on departures dates in 2026
Book by: 30 November 2024

Join Uniworld for a luxury river cruise holiday to northern India. Created for culturally curious travellers, you'll enjoy a truly immersive experience, combined with stays at three opulent Oberoi hotels.

Our top India holidays

Taj Mahal, India

The Essence of Agra & Rajasthan

12-day tailor-made holiday from £3,350 pp incl. flights

This luxury holiday is a showcase for the very best of Rajasthan, from its warm and welcoming people, to its bustling cities, rural villages, and regal heritage.

Houseboat backwaters cruise

Keralan Spice Coast

13-day tailor-made holiday from £2,790 pp incl. flights

Put simply, this is the best of Kerala, knitted together by stays in boutique lodges and explored on included private tours, with the services of a private driver throughout.

Tigers in Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

Rajasthan, Taj Mahal & the tigers of Ranthambore

11-day tailor-made holiday from £4,080 pp incl. flights

This curated journey takes in many of northern India's most iconic sights, from Agra's Taj Mahal to the 'pink city' of Jaipur, followed by a tiger safari in Ranthambore National Park.

Udaipur

India's royal palaces & rural charms with The Leela hotels

13-day tailor-made holiday from £5,095 pp incl. flights

This distinct tour is tailored to showcase India's rich heritage, vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes, offering a harmonious blend of world-renowned sights and immersive rural experiences, alongside stays in renowned The Leela Hotels and Palaces.

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What our clients say about our India holidays

  • The Tour leaders Natasha and Benedict were fantastic, their company, knowledge and good humour made the trip. I would happily go on any trip led by them. The bus was kept very clean and tidy and we were regularly supplied with bottled water throughout the trip. I was happy with the standard of hotels.

    Katy K

  • All the arrangements went according to plan and on time. A most enjoyable and relaxing insight into Kerala

    David D

  • Very pleased with the service

    Robin John R

Top places to stay in India

The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra

The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra

Grand & elegant hotel

At the leading luxury hotel in Agra you can wake up and experience your own private moment with the world's greatest monument to love, the Taj Mahal, as each room, suite, lobby, bar and lounge offer breathtaking views of the monument.

Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

Historic hotel

When greeted with a shower of rose petals on arrival, you can see why this is one of India's most famous and romantic hotels. This 19th century summer palace is brimming with old world elegance.

Lobby, The Imperial, New Delhi

The Imperial Hotel, Delhi

Historic hotel

An iconic property in Delhi, The Imperial Hotel is evocative of the 1930s colonial rule, and is just a stone's throw from the shopping and commercial district of Connaught Place.

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Andamans

Contemporary hotel

The Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Andamans lies in the otherworldly Havelock Islands, an archipelago of looming rocks that lie among turquoise waters. Thatched-roofed huts pepper a sugar-white beach and three exquisite restaurants offer al fresco dining created using local produce.

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Where to go in India

The Golden Triangle is India's beloved travellers' route and a perfect introduction to the country, incorporating Delhi, the Taj Mahal in Agra, and the splendid Jaipur. Further south, India abounds with colonial architecture, lush jungles, ruined forts, centuries-old churches and lavish basilica.

Udaipur, Rajasthan

Rajasthan

Rajasthan was once a land of royalty and today revels in its regal past. Scores of forts and palaces loom from the arid desert sands, along with cities as colourful as their brightly swathed locals, who fill the streets in dazzling fabric outfits.

Munnar in Kerala, India

Kerala

Translating as 'Land of the Coconuts' Kerala is awash with verdant backwaters and is known as God's Own Country. Experience the relaxed rivers, postcard-perfect beaches, sensational food and laid-back lifestyle of this sleepy region.

Kanchenjunga, India

Himalayas & Foothills

Framed by the ice-caped peaks of the Himalaya, India's mountainous north is a region of verdant, tea-studded valleys, remote hill stations and monasteries hidden amid the rock, ice and snow.

Taj Mahal, Agra

Agra & the Taj Mahal

Agra, in Uttar Pradesh, is home to the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and also a wealth of imperial palaces, tombs, forts and gardens dotting its riverine landscape.

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What to do in India

On your holidays you can see snow-capped mountains in the Himalayas, beaches and backwaters in Kerala, tranquil temples and dusty villages. Go in search of exotic wildlife, including the regal Bengal tiger, and combine it with a tour of India's magnificent fort landscape that makes Rajasthan stand out as perhaps the most spectacular state of them all.

Tigers in Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

Nature Holidays

Mountains, jungles, rivers, even deserts—the rich natural landscapes of India are sure to tempt you outdoors, and these holidays will make the most of every opportunity.

Taj Mahal, Agra

History and culture

Monarchs, generals, religious leaders, artists... they’ve all left their mark on India over the millennia. Get to know the country’s rich and varied legacy with trips that bring it all to life.

Club, Maharajas' Express

Rail Journeys

India is known for its vast railway network, and it remains one of the best ways to explore the country. And with opulent, luxurious rail services available through Wexas, you can travel in classic style.

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When to go to India

Rajasthan
Average temperature (℃)
Average rainfall (mm)
  • 50
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  • 30
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  • 10
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  • 320
  • 240
  • 160
  • 80
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Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

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Dec

Max temp Min temp Rainfall

Broadly speaking, India is defined by three seasons, the hot, the wet and the cool. The coolest and most pleasant time to visit is after the monsoon is over, from October to March. That said, Rajasthan, which stays largely dry in the monsoon (loosely May to September) is worth considering in the off-season as hotels are better value and attractions are quieter. And bear in mind the monsoon moves across the country, breaking in Kerala in May and then moving northeast across the country, so it should be possible to plan your trip to avoid it - or like author Alexander Frater, who wrote the wonderful Chasing The Monsoon, to follow it. There are …

See regional weather

India articles

  • Tigers, Ranthambore National Park, India

    Tiger spotting in India

    There can be few more exciting experiences than spotting a tiger in the wild. From Ranthambore National Park to the jungles of Madyha Pradesh, here we round up the best places in India to enjoy what is a truly unforgettable wildlife encounter.

  • Holi Festival, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, India (Credit: Bhupesh Pal)

    India’s Best Festivals

    Exciting, enchanting and exotic, India is a land of vivid colour and contrasts, where an unparalleled diversity of religious traditions and customs play an integral role in the lives of its 1.2 billion inhabitants. Holidays and festivals - religious or otherwise - are a vital part of life in India.

  • RV Vaikundam Kerala HouseBoat

    RV Vaikundam: Hidden treasures of the Kerala backwaters

    Our travel specialist Rui Ribeiro reviews an exotic journey on the RV Vaikundam, through the backwaters of Kerala, India.

  • MV Mahabaahu

    Brahmaputra River Cruise

    Wexas India specialist Krisha Ghosh reports on her journey aboard the M.V Mahabaahu, travelling along the Brahmaputra River from Nimati to Guwahati.

See all articles

Meet our India experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0798

Meet the team

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0798 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

Visit us in our London office

Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

  • Inspirational ideas based on experience
  • Established for over 50 years
  • Tailor a holiday to your precise requirements
  • Personalised quotes and documentation

Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

  • Dedicated personal consultants
  • Free airport lounges on qualifying bookings
  • Care and guidance pre, post and during holiday
  • Full financial security: ATOL & ABTOT protected