Tailor-made
India
Holidays
Clare, our dedicated India expert, has all of the first-hand knowledge, real experience and passion to design a holiday that’s anything but ordinary, and that's completely tailored for you.
Overview
An India holiday should be anything but one-size-fits-all. There are palaces and pink cities, jungle lodges and backwater cruises, colourful markets and peaceful hill stations, and everything in between. We understand it can be a lot to navigate, so, whether it’s Rajasthan’s romance, Kerala’s calm or the wild national parks that you’re keen to explore, you can trust our India expert, Clare, to shape a holiday that’s completely your own. Explore our holiday ideas below.
Meet our India expert
We offer tailor-made holidays to suit a wide range of tastes. Our expert Clare is dedicated to all things India and is here to help you plan your perfect trip.
Clare Burkey
Destination Manager
Clare’s travelled all over India and loves nothing more than planning holidays that reflect you. Whether it’s temples, tea, trains or tucked-away towns, she’s got the experience (and enthusiasm) to make it unforgettable.
05 March 2026
Where to see Tigers in India
Seeing a tiger in the wild is never guaranteed. And honestly, we think that’s a big part of what makes it so special. In just over a decade, India's tiger population has doubled. It's now home to around 75% of the world’s wild tigers, but knowing where to go, when to go, and how to go about it makes all the difference. Timing your trip well, knowing which national park to choose, the brilliant local guides we work with (and a good dollop of patience) are what turn a hopeful safari into something unforgettable. This is where our India expert, Clare, really comes into her own. The best places to see tigers in India Ranthambore National Park Ranthambore is top of the list of well-known national parks in India. And, it's often people’s first introduction to tiger safaris in the country – for good reason. The open landscapes make sightings easier than in denser forests, and the backdrop of the old fort adds something pretty special to the early morning game drives as the sun rises. It also works beautifully when combined with some days spent exploring Rajasthan’s cities. India is so diverse, we always recommend seeing as many different sides of the country as you can. A few days of wildlife followed by palaces, markets and slow evenings over dinner, is a great balance. These things are near impossible to quantify, but on average, visitors to Ranthambore see a tiger once every 2–4 game drives, with some even being lucky enough to enjoy consecutive sightings when conditions are good. Best for: first-time visitors and those wanting a little variety When to go: October to April (peak sightings between March and April) Tigers in Ranthambore National Park, India Bandhavgarh National Park Bandhavgarh has one of the highest densities of Royal Bengal tigers in India. It's quite a compact park, with more tigers per square kilometres than most other reserves. So your chances of spotting one of the majestic stripey cats here is high! Bandhavgarh fixes its safari routes around the very best habitats and limits jeep numbers. This helps naturalists track the tigers effectively and responsibly, all whilst reducing crowding when a tiger is spotted. It's not just about the tigers at Bandhavgarh though. With its dramatic landscapes, historic fort and other wild residents (everything from leopards and sloth bears to an abundant ray of birdlife call the park home), your tiger sighting will usually be the cherry on top of an already memorable cake. Best for: serious wildlife lovers When to go: October to June Bandhavgarh National Park, India Kanha National Park Kanha National Park is a great destination for a chance to see wild tigers in India. It combines a strong, stable tiger population with an excellent (and beautiful!) habitat, really well‑managed tourism zones, and consistently good sighting records. Kanha is a beautiful park. It's got that classic “Jungle Book” scenery of forests and open savannah‑like meadows that make scanning for that magic tiger sighting easier and extra enjoyable. Besides tigers, there's a lot to see here. You might spot barasingha, gaur, wild dogs and even leopards. And don't forget to look up, there's a rich birdlife here, making game drives rewarding even when a tiger doesn’t make an appearance. We love pairing Kanha with Bandhavgarh for a deeper dive into Central India's wildlife. Best for: a balanced and beautiful safari experience When to go: November to April Kanha National Park, India Pench National Park Compared with Bandhavgarh or Ranthambore, Pench Tiger Reserve feels slightly wilder and less crowded. With fewer vehicles to share most sightings with, you can expect a calmer atmosphere when you do encounter a tiger. The park boasts a strong population of tigers, but Pench is also famous for very high densities of deer and antelope, as well as dholes (wild dogs), jackals, leopards and rich birdlife, so drives remain engaging even between tiger encounters. Best for: repeat visitors or those wanting something a little calmer When to go: October to April Pench National Park, India How we do tiger safaris differently The wellness of the wildlife comes first, always. We'd always avoid any overcrowded parks and pick lodges that do things responsibly. Where possible, we try to make sure you've got time for multiple game drives, not just that one-off chance. Giving you the best chance of heading home with that encounter you hope for. We work with experienced naturalist guides, not just drivers. So, you'll learn a huge amount about the park whilst you're exploring. From the flora and fauna, to the other wildlife that call it home. We're always sure to build in downtime, because early starts need a bit of balance. This is a holiday after all! We are extremely particular about the lodges we choose to work with. We pick them based on first-hand experience, for their location, their service, and their guiding quality. We’re honest! Sightings are never guaranteed with wild animals, but we work hard to make sure the experience always is. The best time to see tigers in India Late October–January: Parks reopen after the monsoon; weather is cool and pleasant, landscapes are green and beautiful, but thicker vegetation can make tigers a bit harder to spot, even though they are active. February–April (the 'sweet-spot'): Still comfortable to hot, vegetation thinning, water sources starting to shrink; a strong balance of good visibility, active wildlife and tolerable temperatures. May–June (hot, hot, hot): This is the hottest time of year in India. The forests are at their driest, meaning tigers and other wildlife tend to be congregated around a small number of permanent water sources. This means excellent viewing opportunities if you can handle the heat! Monsoon (roughly July–September): Many core zones close due to rain and track damage; some buffer areas stay open but dense foliage and weather make sightings less reliable overall. ZEN_HOLIDAY_PACK_YOUR_BAGS ZEN_HOLIDAY_SPEAK_TO_SPECIALIST ZEN_HOLIDAY_GET_A_QUOTE ZEN_HOLIDAY_TEL ZEN_HOLIDAY_OPEN_HOURS
05 March 2026
From the Taj Mahal to Tiger Safaris: A First Holiday to India
One of our favourite things about what we do, is hearing all about your amazing holidays when you land home. Our experts really care about every holiday they design (and the clients heading off on them!) So, you can imagine how chuffed our India expert, Clare, was when this popped up in her inbox. A huge thank you to HA repeat client, Rob Hensser, for not only sharing these incredible photos and words with us, but for trusting Holiday Architects with not one, not two, but FOUR precious holidays so far. Explore Rob's India holiday highlights below. We couldn’t not share them. Real travels: Our First Holiday to India "Our fourth wonderful holiday organised by Holiday Architects. We wanted to experience the colour, the vibrance, the food, the wildlife, the architecture and to try to understand the people of India. How they live, their beliefs and how 1.4 billion people live together in the same vast space. Having not been to India before, we asked Clare at Holiday Architects to put together a holiday that fulfilled all of the above and she didn’t disappoint. The highlights of Rajasthan seemed ideal for the first time visit. Experiencing the what seemed to us to be the chaotic traffic of busy Delhi, the Indian railways, the incredible spectacle that is the Taj Mahal, amazing Tigers in Ranthambore, the Pink City, the Blue City, the Leopard families in Jawai, the Forts, the Palaces, the history… it was all amazing. We felt very safe throughout the whole trip with the local agent, almost literally, holding our hands at every point. Faultless throughout. Thank you Clare. Rob Hensser Wow-worthy India holiday photos We love travel and all things holidays. So, whenever you share your adventure snaps with us, it's a joy. But every now and again, we get some through that stop the whole team in their tracks. Wow. wow. wow. These photos from Rob are nothing less than spectacular and award-worthy! He has captured Rajasthan, the Taj Mahal and the magic of Indian wildlife safaris just perfectly. Take a look for yourself. (And don't miss the brilliant late addition – and accompanying update – at the bottom!) Chat to us about your own India adventure Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [title] => Gallery Item [item_type] => image [full] => stdClass Object ( [src] => images/2026/02/13/_dsc2250.jpg [height] => 4374 [width] => 6561 [alt] => ) [video] => stdClass Object ( [src] => ) [thumbnail] => stdClass Object ( [src] => ) [video_aria_label] => Hit space to toggle, play or pause video [video_loop] => 0 [image_focus] => center [caption] => ) [1] => stdClass Object ( [title] => Gallery Item [item_type] => image [full] => stdClass Object ( [src] => images/2026/02/13/image010.jpg [height] => 3215 [width] => 4822 [alt] => ) [video] => stdClass Object ( [src] => ) [thumbnail] => stdClass Object ( [src] => ) [video_aria_label] => Hit space to toggle, play or pause video [video_loop] => 0 [image_focus] => center [caption] => ) [2] => stdClass Object ( [title] => Gallery Item [item_type] => image [full] => stdClass Object ( [src] => images/2026/02/13/image006.jpg [height] => 3412 [width] => 5118 [alt] => ) [video] => stdClass Object ( [src] => ) [thumbnail] => stdClass Object ( [src] => ) [video_aria_label] => Hit space to toggle, play or pause video [video_loop] => 0 [image_focus] => center [caption] => ) [3] => stdClass Object ( [title] => Gallery Item [item_type] => image [full] => stdClass Object ( [src] => images/2026/02/13/20260128_090736.jpg [height] => 4504 [width] => 8000 [alt] => ) [video] => stdClass Object ( [src] => ) [thumbnail] => stdClass Object ( [src] => ) [video_aria_label] => Hit space to toggle, play or pause video [video_loop] => 0 [image_focus] => center [caption] => ) ) Show More @media (min-width: 1200px) { #zen-gallery-expand { display: none; } } @media (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1199px) { #zen-gallery-expand { display: none; } } @media (max-width: 767px) { #zen-gallery-expand { display: none; } } document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function() { const videos = document.querySelectorAll(".zen-gallery-video"); videos.forEach(function(img, index) { if (!img.getAttribute("src") || img.getAttribute("src") === "/") { img.src = "https://placehold.co/600x400/transparent/000?text=Video+thumbnail+loading..."; const video = document.createElement("video"); video.crossOrigin = "anonymous"; video.muted = true; video.preload = "auto"; const videoUrl = decodeURIComponent(img.dataset.videoSrc); let isProcessing = false; let errorTimeout; errorTimeout = setTimeout(() => { if (!isProcessing) { video.remove(); } }, 5000); video.addEventListener("canplay", function() { if (isProcessing) return; isProcessing = true; clearTimeout(errorTimeout); video.currentTime = 0.1; // just a tiny bit in }); video.addEventListener("error", function(e) { console.error("Video load error:", e.target.error.message); video.remove(); img.src = "https://placehold.co/600x400/EEE/31343C?text=Browser+cannot+play+video+:(+"; }); video.addEventListener("seeked", function() { if (!isProcessing) return; const canvas = document.createElement("canvas"); canvas.width = video.videoWidth; canvas.height = video.videoHeight; try { canvas.getContext("2d").drawImage(video, 0, 0); const dataUrl = canvas.toDataURL("image/jpeg", 0.8); img.setAttribute("src", dataUrl); } catch(e) { console.error("Failed to generate thumbnail:", e); } video.remove(); canvas.remove(); }); // Add media fragment to only load first second video.src = `${videoUrl}#t=0,1`; video.load(); } }); }); document.addEventListener("click", function(e) { if (e.target.matches(".zen-gallery-expand")) { const items = document.querySelectorAll(".zen-gallery-item"); items.forEach((item, index) => { if (index >= 12) { item.classList.toggle("d-xl-none"); } if (index >= 9) { item.classList.toggle("d-md-none"); item.classList.toggle("d-xl-block"); } if (index >= 6) { item.classList.toggle("d-none"); item.classList.toggle("d-md-block"); } }); const anyHidden = Array.from(items).some(item => item.classList.contains("d-none") || item.classList.contains("d-md-none") || item.classList.contains("d-xl-none") ); e.target.textContent = anyHidden ? "Show More" : "Show Less"; if (anyHidden) { const expandButton = document.getElementById("zen-gallery-expand"); const rect = expandButton.getBoundingClientRect(); const scrollTop = window.pageYOffset || document.documentElement.scrollTop; window.scrollTo({ top: rect.top + scrollTop - 200, behavior: "instant" }); } } }); And a brilliant late addition "Sorry - one more. I almost accidentally bought a camel at the auction. 200,000 people 50,000 camels - wow. India - always another surprise..." Rob Clare Burkey Destination Manager For Rob's first trip to India, Clare suggested focusing on Rajasthan – pairing the energy of Delhi with the grandeur of the Taj Mahal, tiger safaris in Ranthambore National Park, the pink-hued streets of Jaipur, the blue-washed lanes of Jodhpur, and leopard tracking in Jawai. It’s a route she often recommends for first timers. It's got the big sights, big wildlife and big stories. Fancy your own india adventure? Clare's here to help. Chat to Clare India is waiting... ZEN_HOLIDAY_SPEAK_TO_SPECIALIST ZEN_HOLIDAY_GET_A_QUOTE ZEN_HOLIDAY_TEL ZEN_HOLIDAY_OPEN_HOURS
26 February 2026
Clare's Three Weeks in India
Three weeks in India is enough to fall in love with it, enough to be surprised, enough to be a little challenged... And more than enough to come home with a head full of stories! Our Clare has spent countless weeks in the country, and below she shares her experiences from her latest visit. On this India trip, Clare set out to reconnect with some of the places she already knew, and to explore a few that were completely new to her. From the backstreets and flower markets of Kolkata, to the forts, deserts and lake cities of Rajasthan, and on into the quieter corners of central India, this was a journey shaped as much by the people she met as the places she visited. There were early mornings on riverbanks, long drives through changing landscapes, and evenings spent in the company of conservationists, families and local guides who shared their India in a way no guidebook ever could. It’s exactly this kind of first-hand, on-the-ground experience that helps us design better holidays – and it’s what makes trips like this so valuable. Here’s Clare’s story, in her own words. Where did you go? My three weeks in India took me from Kolkata in the northeast, across Rajasthan and down into Central India, before finishing in Delhi. Along the way I explored the Pink City of Jaipur, the Blue City of Jodhpur, the Golden City of Jaisalmer , and the Venice of the East – Udaipur, peppered along my route with rural homestays, noble ancestral forts and palaces. I traversed the changing scenery by car; from the far western wilderness of the Thar Desert, to the stark contrast of overflowing monsoonal lakes, to greener than imaginable grasslands and teak forests of Panna National Park, with Pandav falls at bursting point. Clare enjoying high tea at Nagaur Fort What did you learn on this trip? A real mix of culture, wildlife, history and everyday life. I visited four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a UNESCO Creative City, and a protected tiger reserve. I explored forts, palaces, temples and markets, travelled by car through Rajasthan’s shifting landscapes, and took trains through remote villages. I also spent time with conservationists, noble families, artists, wildlife filmmakers and local communities – as well as eating my way through India , which is always part of the job. Did you discover any secret spots you can tell us about? Yes! Nagaur completely stole my heart. Its vast Ahhichatragarh Fort dates back to the 4th century and has been beautifully restored. The water systems are now working again, with 90 fountains flowing through the gardens and courtyards, and it’s now a centre for wall-painting conservation and the annual Sufi Festival. I also loved Sundar Rang in Chandeleo, an arts and crafts centre where local women create traditional Rajasthani crafts from up-cycled materials. It’s social, relaxed and genuinely empowering; it's a really lovely thing to see. Clare joining the women at Chandeleo Craft Centre Talk to us about the food I honestly ate my way across the country, from street food to home-cooked meals. What stood out most was eating with local families and at small, traditional hawker stalls – watching food being cooked fresh in front of you and chatting to the people behind it. Those simple, everyday meals were far more memorable than anything fancy. Where was your favourite place you stayed? I stayed in so many wonderful places throughout my three weeks in India, but, Ramathra Fort , without question. It’s owner-run by the original family and has such a relaxed, welcoming feel. Why is it so special? Firstly, I believe any property passionately run as an owner-led concern by the original ancestral family wins hands down. Ravi and his son care about the experience of their guests intently. Their love of the land and the village of Ramathra was so evident, and they shared their home with us with such a sense of pride and privilege. The relaxed and informal atmosphere was an invitation to stop for a while and truly switch off. The far-reaching and uninterrupted views of the lake were a delight to gaze on as I bubbled away in the jacuzzi on the turret. By night the sky pops with stars. The village visit was thoughtful and respectful – singing with the schoolchildren, chatting to families and seeing daily life was a real honour. The family also runs nature walks, night safaris, boating and wilderness drives, and they really know the land inside out. Migratory birds arrive in October, so if you're a keen twitcher, that's an extra reason to visit! Just two hours detour from Ranthambore, and less than five hours drive from Agra, Jaipur and Gwalior, Ramathra Fort can be a good stop before returning to Delhi, adding a rural element to your Golden Triangle experience. It's worth the journey, I promise! Clare (and HA's Rachel!) visiting a local school with Ramathra Fort. What was your favourite interaction? We love authentic connections on our travels here at HA. My favourite interaction was between myself and Jafar, a 20-year-old former street kid, turned university student/tourist guide. We met for a walking tour in his home town of Delhi. He was guiding for Salam Balaak Trust, who saved him at the age of eight from a life of recycling rubbish. During our time together, I had chance to ask candid and probing questions about life on the streets for the kids of today. My curiosity led us into deep, long and interesting conversations, and talking with him felt completely different to a normal tour – it was first-hand, honest and really moving. It gave me a much deeper understanding of life in the city. The enterprising charity helps kids turn their lives around and see potential where there was no hope. What was your best experience this time around? Two things (I can't pick just one!). Firstly, spending time with conservationist Shatrunjay Pratap Singh, who is fighting to protect the leopards of Bera and Jawai from mining. And secondly, the sheer madness and joy of the evening arti ceremony at Govind Ji Templein in Jaipur – it’s loud, chaotic and unforgettable, and you just clap along and get swept up in it. Browse our India holiday ideas What were your key take homes from this trip? Travel around India has become much easier. Flights, trains and roads have improved hugely, making remote areas far more accessible than they used to be. I also saw how changing weather patterns are affecting when and where I’d recommend clients travel. And perhaps most of all, it reinforced that an India holiday really does work best when you slow down – less rushing, more time in each place. What was it like to return to Jaisalmer after 25 years? It was really emotional, actually! The first time I visited Jaisalmer, it took three local buses and felt like a frontier town, full of tribal women with jewellery and churns of sand. Thanks to UNESCO protections, the fort and skyline are still beautifully preserved, so sitting in Kila Bhawan, looking out through the carved stone windows, felt like stepping back into that same world. The difference now is how much easier it is to reach, with daily flights into the city – but the magic is still very much there. Clare at Jaisalmer Fort, now and back in 1998 What’s the one thing your clients absolutely can’t miss? A mix of big sights and everyday life – the Taj Mahal is an absolute must-visit, of course, but also village visits, market days, festivals, street food, and a train journey. Those moments are what really bring an India holiday to life. You also took a very special train ride, tell us about that... The Monkey Train in the Pali region was brilliant. It runs between Marwar and Kamlighat, serving tiny villages along the way. I stood in the open doorway with the wind in my hair as we rattled along the narrow-gauge track, thinking about everyone who has travelled this line since 1930. When we reached Kamlighat, troops of monkeys were waiting by the tracks, hoping the locals would throw them snacks. It was completely surreal and very funny – definitely not a feeding opportunity, that's not recommended! What are your top tips for clients? Sim card/dongle - Using your own phone will rack up a ridiculously high bill. We may have an Indian phone in the car for your use whilst you are away, but the alternative is to take a preloaded SIM at the airport (ask your guide when they meet you). This will allow texts and phone calls to the UK without any unexpected contracted costs. Take paper copies of all important documents – The Indian bureaucracy loves to see a printout! This avoids an issue if the internet goes rogue, and is best to do for the following documents: 1. Your Indian Visa 2. Domestic flight tickets. 3. Copy of your biometric passport page. Carry small change - Carry small change, ideally 100 rupees, for tipping porters, paying for local street snacks, and temple offerings. Spend at least two nights in each location, as transfers are often longer than you anticipate due to comfort stops, photo opportunities, and road and weather conditions. Ask questions – please don't be embarrassed. Generally, people love talking about themselves and stay curious. Good supportive shoes are essential, even in the cities, due to the uneven ground—think steps, uneven roads, and cobbles. Make time for downtime – have a few days between the cities to decompress, process, reflect, and relax. Bring a cushion from home if you are particular about where your head lands at night! When is the best time to go to India? Weather patterns are shifting these days, with monsoons arriving later and temperatures rising, so timing matters more than it used to. I now look very carefully at the region and the season before advising clients – and I often suggest travelling a little earlier or later than people expect to get the best balance of weather and experience. India holidays Clare recommends Fancy India? Chat to Clare about your India adventure today. ZEN_HOLIDAY_GET_A_QUOTE ZEN_HOLIDAY_TEL ZEN_HOLIDAY_OPEN_HOURS
Where to visit in India
About India
India stretches from the snowy summits of the Himalayas to the tropical backwaters of Kerala in the south. It’s more like a continent than a country, with the second-largest population in the world spread through its 29 extraordinary states. Nowhere on earth quite compares with its devout religions, its varying and incomparable landscapes, the exquisite palaces, formidable forts and rolling tea plantations. It’s a country packed full of contradictions, where peaceful national parks sit side by side with colourful and congested towns. There are pink cities, blue cities and even rose-tinted cities, with palaces floating on lakes and monasteries hidden away in mountain peaks. India is the only place where the world’s religions and great faiths rub shoulders so peacefully; you’ll regularly find Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist temples sitting side by side along dusty streets. Echoes of the Raj sprinkle the country; you can’t go far without finding colonial mansions, tea merchants’ bungalows and extravagant railway stations.
Most don’t have a desperate need to visit India, but once you’ve been, you’ll understand why people get hooked. Often described as life-affirming, India is an extraordinary country that most certainly gets under the skin, and there’s no better time to visit. India is the only place where the world’s religions and great faiths rub shoulders so peacefully; you’ll regularly find Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist temples sitting side by side along dusty streets. Echoes of the Raj sprinkle the country; you can’t go far without finding colonial mansions, tea merchants’ bungalows and extravagant railway stations. Most don’t have a desperate need to visit India, but once you’ve been, you’ll understand why people get hooked. Often described as life-affirming, India is an extraordinary country that most certainly gets under the skin, and there’s no better time to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
India’s weather is extremely varied; however, in general, the best time to visit is between late October (the end of the monsoon season) and mid-March. April and May can be particularly hot and humid. The monsoon generally arrives on the Keralan coast at the end of May, and from here it moves north across the country for the next month and a half. Between October and November, the south east coast (Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, as well as southern Kerala) get a second soaking. This is known as the retreating monsoon and is less severe.
During monsoonal periods, expect short, sharp bursts of rainfall broken up with periods of sunshine. It’s worth considering travelling during this time in places such as Rajasthan, as there are fewer tourists and the region is quite dry in comparison with other areas.
In the foothills of the Himalayas, in places such as Shimla, we recommend visiting between November and March again, however from December to late February, heavy snow is common, and it can get very cold. Make sure you take lots of layers if you’re planning to visit during this time.
Food
Food is a massive highlight of any trip to India, and we advise that you don’t shy away from it; it’s so much more flavoursome in India when compared to Indian food that you find in the UK. Each region has its own delicacies and distinctive flavours to discover. In the coastal regions, particularly in Kerala, you’ll find coconut-based curries packed full with seafood and fresh fish. The more traditional and thicker curries with juicy gravies are often found further north, where the weather is cooler. Here, delicious breads often accompany food. In 4 and 5* hotels, you’ll find a range of Western and Chinese alternatives if you’re craving a break from the curry. Restaurants outside of India’s hotels vary from elaborate fine dining to cheap and cheerful roadside restaurants. The cheaper alternatives often just recommend veg or non-veg alternatives, so you get little choice. Some of the best food is found in homestays; it’s here where you’ll get to try true home cooking and learn how to cook some of the basics yourself.
Drink
Alcohol should be available in some of your hotels, but not all. In some states, particularly in Kerala, gaining a license to sell alcohol is getting increasingly difficult. This is normally more difficult for small boutique hotels and homestays. We’ll do our best to inform you prior to travel, but things change quickly, so advice on the ground is usually the most up-to-date source. We recommend speaking to your driver about this while you are travelling, as there’s always the option of picking some up to take with you. Please note that the first day of each month is a dry day in Cochin.
British Airways, Vistara (now part of Air India) and Virgin Atlantic all run non-stop flights to Delhi and/or Mumbai. Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar also offer good value flight options via Gulf airports. These work particularly well for airports in South India. We hold no allegiance to any particular carrier and have access to hundreds of different fares. Flights are quoted on a case-by-case basis, allowing us to always search for the best possible deal for you. Please let us know if you have a preferred option or if you would like us to look at upgrading your flights, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Airport taxes
Airport taxes should always be included in the cost of your ticket, we’ll be sure to let you know if there are any charges.
Luggage allowance
As a general rule, economy flights within India only offer up to a 15 kg check-in baggage allowance. Business class allows for 25 kg or more, and is much more flexible. Please note that extra kilograms can be purchased by Holiday Architects on your behalf as standard, in advance. If you have any concerns about this or would like to consider upgrading to business class, please let us know.
Please do make sure your passport is valid for at least six months at the time of applying for the Indian Tourist Visa, and three months from the return date of travel. For children travelling to India, they are required to have their own individual passports. Any child under 12 years of age travelling with only one parent will require a written letter authorising travel from the second parent, where possible.
The e-visa can be applied for online up to four months before your arrival date in India. Please use only the official website here: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
For all updates please check the latest FCO Travel Advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india
As we’re not medical experts, we feel it’s essential that you contact your GP well in advance of travelling. It is possible that you may need vaccinations, as vaccinations against a range of diseases are required for much of South Asia. Anti-malarial medication is sometimes a necessity, depending on your itinerary. Please note that if you have travelled to Africa or South America recently, you may need proof of your Yellow Fever vaccination.
A great source for more information is The Travel Doctor, an interactive site that provides specialist health information for travellers, along with customised lists of travel medicines, vaccines, and malaria tablets.
We recommend taking a good mosquito repellent with you and light clothing to cover up in the evenings and protect your skin from bites.
Like in all developing countries, it’s worth being diligent and exercising a common-sense approach when travelling through India. If you have any safety or security concerns, we recommend that you read the FCO Travel Advice.
Swimming
Swimming in the ocean around India is a wonderful pleasure; however, in some areas, the coastline is rocky, and the sea can quickly become rough due to strong currents. Remain cautious, and if in doub,t only swim if there’s a lifeguard nearby.
We advise that you don’t drink tap water in India. Bottled water is widely available throughout the country at an affordable price, and safe, filtered water is often available in restaurants and hotels. Please be aware of the environmental implications of drinking bottled water and attempt to refill them with filtered water where possible. Filtered water is referred to as RO water (reverse osmosis). It is perfectly safe and has a lower mineral content than bottled water.
We only use experienced drivers who are professionally certified and who can moderate their driving to meet our expectations. Remember, you are in charge. If you feel your driver is driving too quickly or in any way that makes you feel uncomfortable, you must say something to your guide immediately. If the driving does not improve immediately, we will arrange for a different driver for you. Self-driving is not an option in India.
The India currency is the Rupee (Rs). It is technically a ‘closed currency’, so you’ll need to get this on arrival in India, and you will not be able to change it back into pounds once you are back home. Your guide or driver will assist you with this when you first arrive. There are plenty of ATMs throughout India, but mainly in the larger towns. The rupee is split into the following denominations: Rs1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Please remember to tell your bank before you leave that you are travelling to India to avoid any problems.
If you are visiting the neighbouring countries of Nepal and Bhutan, you can carry Indian currency as long as the denomination of the notes is less than Rs 1000.
A prepaid cash travel card is the very latest way to carry cash in India. The card is loaded with a pre-fixed amount, and it is a safe and secure way to carry cash. You can draw cash at ATMs or use it as a debit card. The exchange rate is fixed at the time of purchase, so it is not affected by fluctuating rates and the uncertainty of credit/debit card charges on return. Unused amounts are refunded to you on your return to your home country and you can purchase these prior to travelling to India. Other online accounts that work similarly with prepaid cards are Wise, Monzo, and Zing.
We have a handy summary of recommended tipping amounts that we'll share with you before you head off on your holiday.
We believe travel should be a force for good. That means exploring with open eyes, treading lightly, and respecting the people and places that make the world so special. Our code of conduct isn’t about rules, it’s simply a guide to help you travel thoughtfully, ethically, and with care. Because every small choice makes a big difference.
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If you choose to trust us with your holiday, we’ll send you a “Travel Facts” document when confirming your booking. This includes useful facts and travel advice, such as restaurant recommendations, reading tips, basic language information, cultural traditions, climate information, brief historical overviews, and more. We feel that this offers a useful insight and can help you interact with local residents in a more sensitive, well-informed manner. Please do try to take the time to read this information before your visit, it’s worth the time!
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A number of the countries in which we operate holidays are religious societies with a widely observed set of customs. Always respect these norms, particularly when visiting religious buildings.
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To the best of our knowledge, all hotels, lodges, and camps within our portfolio operate stringent measures to minimise water usage. All of our destinations have issues with water supplies to a certain extent, so feel free to raise any possible wastage should you encounter it during your stay, either with the accommodation or with us upon your return.
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Please ask permission before taking photographs of people, and respect their wishes if they are not happy to be photographed. We find that friendly requests and a smile are usually met with a ‘yes!’
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Strive, where possible, to make your own contribution to environmental practices as you travel. This might include minimising your electricity usage, not smoking in protected areas, avoiding coral while snorkelling, and safely disposing of all litter (recycling where possible).
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Where possible, try to purchase from local suppliers. This includes shopping for souvenirs, dining out at restaurants, and booking additional excursions during your free time. In areas where haggling is an accepted part of daily life, don’t be offended if you’re unable to obtain what you perceive as a fair price for an item.
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We emphasise to local suppliers that our clients should never be taken on unsolicited shopping trips, but if this does happen, try to retain your sense of humour, provide a firm refusal to participate and do let us know about it on your return. We pass on all feedback from every trip undertaken with us to our relevant local suppliers, who all share our commitment to travelling with sensitivity.
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Please don’t remove any indigenous items from their natural habitat and attempt to bring them home as a souvenir. This particularly applies to everything from coral, shells, plants and food in the natural world, to cultural artefacts and antiques.
If you’re unsure about anything relating to the above, please feel free to chat to us. We’ve travelled extensively in the country and will be more than happy to offer our considered advice.
Meet our India expert
We offer tailor-made holidays to suit a wide range of tastes. Our expert Clare is dedicated to all things India and is here to help you plan your perfect trip.
Clare Burkey
Destination Manager
Clare’s travelled all over India and loves nothing more than planning holidays that reflect you. Whether it’s temples, tea, trains or tucked-away towns, she’s got the experience (and enthusiasm) to make it unforgettable.
What You're Saying
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First time clients of Holiday Architects and what a memorable trip they planned and delivered for us. Lisa and Clare put together 5 weeks of criss-crossing Sri Lanka and Rajasthan in India, whilst their excellent partners on the ground made sure we had the best experience possible. What made it so special were the quirky places we stayed, the unique experiences scheduled just for us and above all the generosity of our drivers and the many guides willing to share their personal insights on local customs and culture. It goes without saying we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Holiday Architects if you are planning that special trip and thank you Lisa and Clare, we loved it all!
Debbie O'Shea
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“
We recently booked a holiday to India; we were helped all the way by Clare, who put together a wonderful itinerary for us. Whilst in India, we were really well supported by the local team. Our driver was fabulous and really looked after us. India is a truly amazing country with so much rich history, culture, wildlife and scenery. Above this, the people we met were friendly, interesting and interested, and a joy to meet. Thank you for a truly memorable trip.
HA India client
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“
We have just returned from India and it was honestly the best holiday we have had! The itinerary was brilliant, Holiday Architects were so helpful while booking the holiday and the information and help before we travelled was great. When we arrived in India we couldn't have felt more looked after. I highly recommend this company. We really can't fault anything. Thank you for the memories.
Nicky Edwards
”
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Speak to one of our travel specialists today.
Get a Quote 01242 253 073Open Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm
Classic Rajasthan, Scenic South India, Treasures of North India, Wild India, India North East Explorer, Taj & Tigers
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