India will intoxicate you with its colourful festivals, magnificent architecture and tantalising local cuisine. Iconic sights such as the Taj Mahal and Red Fort will take your breath away, while experiences like tiger safaris and high-altitude trekking will satisfy your appetite for adventure.

Things to do

One of the most famous routes in India, the Golden Triangle takes you to a trio of storied cities. Get lost in the vibrant street markets of Delhi, be mesmerised by the beauty of the Taj Mahal in Agra and stroll through ancient palaces and beautiful royal gardens in Jaipur.

India is famous for its flavourful cuisine, and devouring local delicacies is all part of the experience. In the north, save your appetite for creamy curries, served with steaming piles of basmati rice and naan bread.

Dotted with holy cities and ancient pilgrimage sites, there’s no better place to discover yourself than India. In the riverside city of Rishikesh, you can escape to some of the best yoga and meditation centres in the world.

From the sun-drenched beaches of Goa to the snow-capped peaks of Ladakh, India is a country with incredible diversity. Beach lovers will be in their element in laid-back beach towns such as Anjuna, where you can bask on the golden sand and sip coconuts under swaying palms. If you’re craving adventure, try hiking in the Himalayas and rock climbing in Hampi.

India is dotted with tiger reserves where you can get up close with the majestic big cats. Ranthambore National Park is one of the most popular destinations for tiger safaris, though you can also head to gems such as the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve.

Getting around

Auto rickshaws are generally the fastest and cheapest way to get around, while trains run between towns, cities and villages. There are several major airports, including Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport in the north and Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in the south.