Why visit India?
India offers a rich mix of ancient heritage, colourful cities, and powerful landscapes, from desert forts to tropical coasts. You can explore grand monuments, bustling streets, and quiet temples, often just a short journey apart.
What to expect
First-time visits often focus on classic routes linking Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, or the cultural centres of Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata. Beyond the cities, you will find tea-covered hills in the north-east, backwaters in the south, and wildlife reserves across central India.
Plan your trip
You can shape your journey around festivals, nature, or food, combining famous sights with quieter regions. India also connects easily with the wider subcontinent, making it a natural gateway if you plan to explore neighbouring countries in one trip.
Discover India
Discover India
Top experiences in India
Visit iconic monuments
See centuries of history in palaces, forts, and landmark structures scattered across India’s major cities and former royal capitals.
Explore historic Kolkata
Stroll past colonial-era buildings, leafy parks, and riverside ghats that reveal Kolkata’s literary and artistic spirit.
Cruise along scenic rivers
Join a river cruise to watch daily life unfold on the banks, from early morning rituals to lively evening gatherings.
Unwind in hill stations
Escape the heat in cool hill towns, where walking trails, viewpoints, and tea gardens offer a slower pace.
Discover wildlife reserves
Take guided safaris in national parks to spot deer, birds, and, with luck, big cats in their natural habitats.
Experience India’s arts and theatre
Attend classical dance, live music, and theatre performances that showcase regional stories and styles.
Join a heritage walking tour
Follow expert guides through old neighbourhoods to uncover hidden courtyards, craft workshops, and street-side shrines.
Experience India’s way of life
Getting around
India is linked by an extensive domestic flight network, making it easy to connect major cities such as Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. On shorter routes, fast trains, private cars, and app-based taxis help you move between city centres and nearby attractions.
Local life & culture
Street life is vivid, with markets, roadside stalls, and neighbourhood parks serving as social hubs at almost any hour. You will notice strong regional identities, reflected in languages, festivals, architecture, and daily routines from state to state.
Where to unwind
You can slow down in lakeside retreats, coastal stretches, and hill stations where the air is cooler and views are wide. Many travellers also choose wellness stays offering yoga, spa treatments, and peaceful gardens on the edge of busy cities.
A taste of India
National dishes & specialties
India’s flavours change with every region, from rich gravies in the north to lighter, spice-forward dishes in the south and east. Kolkata is known for its sweets and delicate fish preparations, as well as classic street snacks.
Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find everything from simple cafés and family-run eateries to modern bistros in most cities. Food districts in larger urban centres gather many options in one place, making it easy to try different regional styles in a single evening.
Signature & scenic dining
Rooftop restaurants, riverfront venues, and heritage hotels often pair their menus with impressive views. In historic cores, you can also dine in restored mansions and old clubs that echo India’s layered past.
Retail therapy in India
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Major cities feature modern malls with international labels, cinemas, and dining under one roof. These centres are convenient stops for fashion, electronics, and everyday essentials in air-conditioned comfort.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and craft districts showcase textiles, jewellery, and hand-made décor, especially in cities such as Kolkata, Delhi, and Jaipur. Many regions also have cooperatives where you can buy items directly from artisans.
Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets and bazaars stay lively, with lit-up storefronts and late-opening stalls. In larger cities, night-time promenades mix street food, casual shopping, and local entertainment in one compact area.
Best time to visit India
Peak season: November to February brings cooler, drier weather across much of India, with average temperatures around 15–25°C (59–77°F) in many northern and eastern cities, making it comfortable for sightseeing.
Shoulder season: March to May and October can be warm to hot, with temperatures around 25–35°C (77–95°F). These months offer fewer crowds, but you should plan for heat in the middle of the day.
Low season: June to September is the monsoon in many regions, with temperatures around 24–32°C (75–90°F) and higher humidity. Rain can be heavy, but landscapes turn lush and green, and indoor activities become more appealing.