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INDIA TRAVEL GUIDE
Not surprising perhaps, but for many Westerners the huge country of India (with a population of over 1,000 million people) is considered one of the world’s more challenging countries in which to travel, on account of its developing infrastructure and the in-your-face nature of its bustling cities. Overcome these minor obstacles and you’ll find India offers everything from entrancing religious centres to relaxing beach resorts – and plenty of memories that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Delhi is the nation’s capital and offers the best of old and new India alike, making it a good starting point from which to visit other parts of the country. Mumbai (Bombay) is a major metropolis and where the country’s biggest movie hits are created, while Agra is the home of the iconic Taj Mahal mausoleum. Beach lovers find Goa or Kerala meet the highest of expectations, while religious enthusiasts are rarely disappointed by the holy qualities of the Hindu city of Varanasi.
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INDIA WEATHER - When to Go
Though the weather varies significantly from region to region, the entire country experiences three discernible seasons: cool, hot and wet. The hot and the wet seasons can present conditions that some tourists may find unfavourable for sightseeing and other activities, so the cool season, lasting from November through to February, is the best time to take a holiday. In some areas of the country, temperatures can drop to below freezing during the cold season but in the most popular tourist areas, they rarely fall very far below 10°C.
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INDIA HIGHLIGHTS - Places to Visit
- Delhi: the nation’s capital is comprised of its respective old and new parts making it a city with an eclectic environment and a highly varied selection of sights and attractions. Old Delhi dates back to the 17th century and is still home to ancient mosques, forts, mausoleums and other historic structures, while New Delhi bears evidence of British occupation with its colonial buildings and Western-style street layout. On a sightseeing tour of the city, must-sees include Humayun’s Tomb, the Red Fort, the Jama Masjid Palace, the Rashtrapati Bhavan Boulevard and the Qutb Minar Tower. The city is busy from dawn until dusk and visitors will need to adjust to the constant throng of activity and the stark contrast between examples of affluence and opulence and those of total poverty.
- Mumbai: previously referred to as Bombay, Mumbai is a huge city with a population of around 17 million people and a reputation for being the centre of the country’s highly successful and internationally famous Bollywood film industry. The quayside area of the city, where the iconic Gate of India is situated, is perhaps the area that epitomises the character of Mumbai, but there are numerous other areas in which the essence of the city can be experienced. Top places to visit on a sightseeing tour of the city include Fort Area, Colaba, Marine Drive and Crawford Market. Mumbai is an hour and fifty minutes by plane from the capital.
- Agra: this city forms one part of India’s ‘Golden Triangle’ (Delhi and Jaipur sitting on the other two corners) and is a destination that on initial inspection may seem like a poverty-ridden hovel but for those who make the effort to delve deeper, it’s one with some of the country’s most precious sightseeing gems. The Taj Mahal is unquestionably the greatest attraction and for many visitors, the principle reason for coming to the city, though the Agra Fort and the ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri are also major draw cards. At 120 miles from Delhi, Agra can be visited on an overnight trip.
- Goa: situated halfway down India's west coast, Goa is a small state and former Portuguese colony (independence was established in 1961). The appearance of the state still bears testament to its colonial days, while the laidback ambience that is such a major appeal for many of its visitors is also a throwback to overseas influences. Apart from great beaches, there’s plenty to see in the area, with the famous Anjuna Flea Market among the most popular places to include on a self-guided tour. Old Goa, meanwhile, the former capital of the state, is a must for anyone interested in the history of the area.
- Jaipur: at 180 miles from Delhi, Jaipur can be reached by rail with relative ease, making it a good destination for a weekend or overnight trip from the capital. This thriving commercial city is enchanting, if not at times a little overbearing. Popularly known as the Pink City on account of the colour of some of its founding structures, Jaipur is home to eye-catching attractions such as City Palace, the Amber Palace and the Palace of the Winds. The last of these, known locally as Hawa Mahal, is the city’s biggest draw card and dates back to the late 18th century.
- Kerala: you can take the train from Delhi to Kerala and though it’s a lengthy journey, the scenery along the way is reputedly both breathtaking and culturally enlightening. The state sits on the country’s southwest corner and its name means 'land of coconuts’, on account of the abundance of palm trees that cover pretty much its entire area. The destination is a favourite with beach lovers on account of its excellent coastal resorts, among which is the particularly beautiful Kovalam. For sightseeing visitors usually try to visit the port city of Kochi, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram.
- Udaipur: hailed as Rajasthan’s most romantic city, Udaipur is either a short plane ride or an overnight train ride from Delhi and is a destination often given the nickname the ‘Venice of the East’ on account of its inherent attractiveness. Lake Pichola is central to the city and is one its most popular attractions, on account of the palaces of Jagniwas and Jagmandir that sit on islands in the middle of it. The Jain Temples of Ranakpur are located just north of the city and make for an interesting destination to visit on a daytrip.
- Varanasi: among the country’s oldest centres of religious learning, Varanasi lies on a bend in the River Ganges, between Delhi and Kolkata. The city attracts religious scholars who come to study the ancient texts known as the Vedas and hence is considered one of the country’s most significant pilgrimage destinations. For foreign visitors, it’s a place that promises a rich cultural experience and the opportunity to experience practices rarely evident in other parts of the country. The sacred steps known as the ‘Ghats’ are the city’s most revered religious attraction.
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INDIA HOSPITALITY - Eat, Drink, Sleep
- Food and Eating Out: You either like Indian food or you don’t and though dishes vary from region to region, the essence of the cuisine remains the same. Rice, vegetables and spices play a central role. Dining can be enjoyed everywhere from street side vendors to upmarket restaurants, though visitors should be wary of the dreaded ‘Delhi belly’ when digesting food from the former. Vegetarian food is widely available in many cities.
- Entertainment and Nightlife: Goa and Mumbai have the reputation for being India’s greatest party destinations but evening entertainment scenes can be found in most big cities. Venues open early and close early also due to local curfews, and age limits for drinking alcohol vary from city to city.
- Accommodation: India’s accommodation options run the gamut, with everything from no-frills backpacker joints to lavish five-star hotels. In the big cities, the selections are broad but venture off the beaten track and you may find yourself with no more than a couple of establishments to choose between, none of which offer luxury or abundant modern facilities and comforts.
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INDIA FLIGHTS - Flying from the UK
Quite a few flight options are available to India from the UK, including flights with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. While a few flight leave from regional UK airports, the best flight options are available out of London.
Try Expedia.co.uk, Lastminute.com or ebookers for flight options to India, including direct flights from London as well as flights from regional UK airports via the Middle East to India.
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