India
 
From snowy peaked mountains to sandy beaches, tranquil temples to bustling markets, India is as versatile in travel experiences as it is in landscape and culture.
First time travelers tend to head north to Jaipur, Delhi, and Agra—India’s Golden Triangle. Peer into India’s past as you wander through desert forts and palaces and catch the sunset behind the idyllic Taj Mahal. Experience a bathing ceremony by the holy Ganges River in Varanasi and awaken your senses in Jaipur’s colorful spice bazaar. Visit Gandhi’s Memorial or adventure into Ranthanbar National Park on a tiger safari. For those seeking tranquility, head south to Kerala and relax in popular ayurvedic health centers, stroll the sandy beaches of Goa, meander through tea and spice plantations, or spot buffalo and elephants in Manas Wildlife Sanctuary. Whether you are a spiritual seeker, history buff, or adventure enthusiast, this country of contrasts has something for everyone. India is a vibrant, turbulent, hard-to-escape sensory experience.
Our Personal Picks
- Overnight stay in one of Kerala’s many houseboats
- Yoga class or relaxing visit to the beach in beautiful Goa
- Public speaking from the Dalai Lama
- Boat ride on the sacred Ganges River
- Camel safari in Rajasthan
- Valley of Flowers described as Paradise on Earth
When to Travel
The best weather in India is generally between October and March. In northern India, avoid the months of April and May as it can get oppressively hot—120 degrees F (50 degrees C) is not uncommon. In June, the monsoon season arrives and lasts through September, cooling things off a bit, but with daily rain showers. In the south, the monsoon is a bit more complex, with a temporary dry period for most of the month of September, before getting wet again in October and November.
Recent News and Upcoming Events
As of October 1, 2007, the Indian Embassy began outsourcing their visa collection and delivery process to Travisa Outsourcing, Inc. The new service is much more convenient with the addition of an online visa application and tracking process and acceptance of credit cards in addition to the usual money orders/cashier's checks. Follow the link below for complete instructions:
Visa Information
http://indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing.com/
Suggested Itineraries
Except for the train journeys, all of the following trips can be customized for your particular schedule and interests. However, even the train journeys can be customized with pre- or post-trip add-ons to enable you to experience other parts of India.
Luxury Train Journeys
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