Massive and multifaceted, India is a traveller’s dream come true. With dozens of religions, hundreds of languages and more than one billion people, this remarkable country boasts immense cultural and natural diversity.

Visitors to India can track tigers through steamy mangrove forests, ride camels across an endless desert, enjoy the frantic activity of bustling mega-cities, admire the architecture of ancient forts and temples, stand on top of the world in a Himalayan village or just lie back on a gorgeous palm-fringed beach.

Key Highlights

Experience the ancient traditions and modern exuberance of India’s major cities. Wander through the narrow alleyways and markets of Delhi, discover the glitz and glamour of Bollywood in Mumbai or admire the stately colonial architecture of Kolkata and Chennai.

By far India’s most colourful state, Rajasthan offers more picture-perfect images than you can shake a wide-angle lens at. Marvel at the magnificent fort in Jodhpur, watch the sun sink over the Lake Palace in romantic Udaipur, explore the princely palaces of Jaipur or take a camel trek through the untouched dunes of the vast Thar Desert.

Not far from Rajasthan, Agra is best known as the location for the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful structures ever made, this milky-white monument to love is an essential stop on any trip through Northern India.

One of the oldest cities in the world, Varanasi is an important Hindu pilgrimage place. Taking a rowboat ride along the River Ganges at sunrise offers a fascinating insight into the rituals of this ancient holy city.

Located on the Subcontinent’s southwest coast, Kerala offers a laid-back alternative to the often-frenetic North. Enjoy a lazy houseboat cruise through the state’s idyllic backwaters, chill out on golden, palm-lined beaches or discover the multicultural traditions and superb local cuisine of Cochin.

In Depth

India has numerous national parks where you can admire native flora and fauna, and maybe even catch a glimpse of an elusive tiger. Some of the best nature reserves are Ranthambore, in Rajasthan; Bandhavgarh, Kanha and Pench, in Central India; and the Corbett Tiger Reserve in the Himalayan foothills.

Home to India’s most exquisite stone carvings, the temples of Khajuraho are not to be missed. Some of the sculptures features images of Gods and everyday life, while others are of steamy scenes from the Kama Sutra!

Head north for a taste of Tibetan and colonial culture in the Himalayas. You can visit the Dalai Lama’s own temple in McLeod Ganj, shop for Tibetan handicrafts under towering mountain peaks in Manali, take tea in the historic British hill station of Shimla, or explore the pretty tea plantations of Darjeeling.

With white-sand beaches, delicious food and beautiful Portuguese architecture, Goa has been attracting travellers for decades. Enjoy the famous Goan fish curry at a ocean-side restaurant, take a wander through the Old Town of Panaji or just sit back and watch the waves roll gently in.