There’s probably no other country on the planet that blazes its way into your memory like India. With its sumptuous mix of traditions, spiritual beliefs, festivals, architecture, and landscapes, India will set your memories ablaze long after you’ve left its shores.
Some people are overwhelmed when they pick up their first India travel guide. But India doesn’t need to be seen in one go. Think of it like a box of exquisite handmade chocolates. You would only cram them all in at a time. You read the ingredients and savor each, relishing every parcel’s taste. Taking it slowly is the best way to break down all our presumptions about this vast country.
“There’s an expression in Hindi – Aaaram Se, meaning to ‘chill out’. It is the rule of thumb in India. Because if you ‘Aaaram Se’ – good things will come your way.”
India is a land painted in a vivid palette of geographical and cultural contrasts, inspiring and intriguing visitors since Roman times. For travelers today, the options are vast and varied. From luxury vacations in India to rugged trekking or deep relaxation, cultural immersion and more – the choices are as diverse as the subcontinent itself.
So where to start on your Indian adventure? Here’s our India travel guide for first time travellers.
Any journey through India is an adventure, woven into the very fabric of this extraordinary land, where imperfection and incredible beauty coexist.
India’s geography is a mesmerizing tapestry, from the snow-capped Himalayan peaks in Himachal Pradesh to the 4,600-mile coastline adorning the southern peninsula. Here, you’ll discover the sandy beaches of Goa, the Sundarbans’ mystical mangroves, and the historic seaside temples of Mamallapuram. And don’t miss Kanyakumari, where the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, and Bay of Bengal converge at the southernmost tip of India.
India has often been described as sheer chaos, but amidst this apparent disorder lies a captivating pattern. Allow Inescape Travel’s experts, masters of crafting private tours to India, to reveal this hidden order. From the very beginning, you only need to trust, open your mind to incredible experiences, and savor the rich flavors of chai.
No matter which direction you explore, India’s history, etched into its magnificent monuments, will leave you humbled and spellbound. In Tamil Nadu, witness profound religiosity and ritual at Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple. Venture west to Rajasthan, where Mehrangarh Fort reigns supreme over the azure city of Jodhpur, a majestic symbol of medieval military tradition. In the north, the resplendent Mughal Empire’s legacy lives on in the monuments of Fatehpur Sikri and Delhi. Plan for at least two weeks to capture a glimpse of the wonders of this incredible country, even if your heart longs for just one thing right now – a visit to the Taj Mahal.
Let’s face it: Delhi is a lot to take in. What with all the colours to see, action to catch and general hustle and bustle of the city, you could easily end up feeling utterly overwhelmed. To get you acquainted with what’s what, this city is best explored from the (albeit rickety) comfort of your rickshaw as you weave through the busy backstreets. That way, you’ll take in the sights without losing out on the electric atmosphere and delicious aromas of the passing street vendors.
Varanasi is known as the spiritual capital of India, home to over 2,000 temples, and people journey from all over to bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges and give holy rites to their loved ones. As you can expect, the streets of Varanasi are bursting with life and colour at all hours of the day, but a sunrise boat ride along the river provides a serene and gorgeous view of the ancient city walls and ghats, before the bustle of the day takes over. This boat ride will be one to remember.
Agra is home to two of India’s most famous and most visited buildings: the simply breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site of Agra Fort, and the ivory palatial glory that is the Taj Mahal. It’s an impossible choice, and one you don’t have to make. We’ve got you tickets to both. Don’t say we don’t spoil you…
In the city where old meets new, colour meets chaos and cars meet camels, it’s tough to know where to even start. A guided tour will give you the very best of this complex city, including the chance to explore the colourful bazaars to stock up on souvenirs (or just gifts for yourself) and a chance to explore the impressive courtyards and gardens of the City Palace. giving you a glimpse into the alluring world of medieval India.
There’s no better way to set your wanderlust alight than with a tour around the gob-smackingly magnificent palace complex of Udaipur, with its intricate decor, arches that can be seen anywhere and cupolas that tower over the city’s lake. What could top that? Perhaps a visit to the stunning serenity of Jagdish Temple, a 16th-century Hindu temple. With the Hindu god Vishnu carved into black stone and steps flanked by tiny elephants, this is a temple like no other.
In India, Bollywood is king – so much so that’s it’s become part and parcel of Indian heritage. Its influence is felt everywhere, with the music blasted through the streets and the Bollywood stars sitting at the centre of Indian celebrity life. India and Bollywood go hand in hand, so whether musicals are your thing or not, it’s practically a must to get your dance on in a fabulous Bollywood dance class.
Mumbai is India’s powerhouse city, but dawn is when its true beauty reveals itself – the city transforms and the breaking sunlight illuminates its unique Indian charm. You’ll rise with the locals, and see the city come to life as you visit the fish market, newspaper stand and flower market. You might not be a morning person now, but we guarantee once a cup of of warm chai hits your soul, your day will be off to an awesome start.
Goa sets itself apart from the rest of India for being an international hub and hotspot for trance-lovers. But above that, Goa is decidedly zen. You’ll get back in touch with yours with yoga on the gorgeous sandy Goan beach, recharging, clearing your mind and giving a stretch to those travel-tired limbs. Far from the trappings of your phone (leave it in your room) and surrounded by baroque architecture, hippie markets and palm trees, this is self-reflection the Goan way.
As well as being equal parts super cool and totally terrifying, the Bengal tiger is India’s national animal. Ranthambore National Park is the home of the Bengal tiger and dedicates itself to their preservation and protection. A safari experience at this unique park will bring you just close enough for comfort, and you’ll share the life-changing experience of spotting your first tiger or adorable tiger cub.
Some sites are just worth trekking for, and Jaipur’s famous Amber Fort (a.k.a Amer Fort, Amer Palace or Amer Palace) is no exception. This gorgeous 16th-century fort is the jewel of Jaipur, the extensive complex is made up of palaces, stairways and balconies, and the amber hues and pink sandstone of this stunning site will have you utterly captivated.
India’s vast size means that there are numerous weather patterns. The best time to visit most areas for warm, dry and sunny weather is between the months of October to March.
From currency to communication, travel information, tourist visas, health, and matters of etiquette, take a look at our guide to traveling in India, curated by destination experts.
India is by and large a safe country to travel in. As with any other destination in Asia, we advise you to take some basic safety measures to ensure a stress-free vacation.
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