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18 Tours | From £749 p/p

Duration:

8 Days

Country(ies):

India

Tour Type:

Small Group

Group size:

Min: 2 | Max: 12

Meals:

B- 7, L - 1, D - 1

Highlights:

Old and New Delhi, Taj Mahal, Agra, local village in Suroth Mahal, Pink city of Jaipur, hill top fort, Abhaneri step well


   From

£749(p/p)

Duration:

9 Days

Country(ies):

India

Tour Type:

Small Group

Group size:

Min: 2 | Max: 12

Meals:

B- 8, L - 1, D - 1

Highlights:

Kochi, Tea Platations of Munnar, Town of Thekkady, Periyar NP, Kumarakom Backwaters, Houseboat stay


   From

£899(p/p)

Duration:

16 Days

Country(ies):

India

Tour Type:

Small Group

Group size:

Min: 2 | Max: 12

Meals:

B- 15, L - 2, D - 2

Highlights:

Delhi, Agra, Taj Mahal, Suroth Mahal, Pink City of Jaipur, Kochi, Tea Platations of Munnar, Town of Thekkady, Periyar NP, Kumarakom Backw...


   From

£1699(p/p)

Duration:

8 Days

Country(ies):

India

Tour Type:

Small Group

Group size:

Min: 2 | Max: 12

Meals:

B- 7, L - 0, D - 0

Highlights:

Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry French Quarter, Tanjore Brihadeshvara Temple, Ancient Madurai


   From

On Request

Duration:

13 Days

Country(ies):

India

Tour Type:

Small Group

Group size:

Min: 2 | Max: 12

Meals:

B- 12, L - 1, D - 1

Highlights:

Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry French Quarter, Tanjore Brihadeshvara Temple, Ancient Madurai, Kochi, Tea Platations of Munnar, Town ...


   From

On Request

Duration:

11 Days

Country(ies):

India

Tour Type:

Small Group

Group size:

Min: 2 | Max: 12

Meals:

B- 10, L - 1, D - 1

Highlights:

Old and New Delhi, Taj Mahal, Agra, local village in Suroth Mahal, Pink city of Jaipur, hill top fort, Abhaneri step well, River Ganges a...


   From

£1199(p/p)

Duration:

10 Days

Country(ies):

India

Tour Type:

Small Group

Group size:

Min: 2 | Max: 12

Meals:

B- 9, L - 1, D - 1

Highlights:

Sikh Golden Temple in Amritsar, Wagah Border ceremony, Buddhist sites at Dharamsala, Pragpur and Garli heritage villages, Toy train to Sh...


   From

On Request

Duration:

10 Days

Country(ies):

India

Tour Type:

Small Group

Group size:

Min: 2 | Max: 12

Meals:

B- 9, L - 2, D - 3

Highlights:

Old and New Delhi, Taj Mahal, Agra, local village in Suroth Mahal, Pink city of Jaipur, hill top fort, Abhaneri step well, Tigers in Rant...


   From

£1099(p/p)

Duration:

12 Days

Country(ies):

India

Tour Type:

Small Group

Group size:

Min: 2 | Max: 12

Meals:

B- 11, L - 1, D - 1

Highlights:

Sikh Golden Temple in Amritsar, Wagah Border ceremony, Buddhist sites at Dharamsala, Pragpur and Garli heritage villages, Toy train to Sh...


   From

On Request

India Tours

Bursting with colour, sights and sounds, the diverse natural and cultural history of India is wonderful to immerse yourself in. On one of our India tours, you'll find that this beautiful country is the home of breath-taking contrasts, vibrant places and people, as well as the most impressive landscapes.

All of our staff have visited and explored India, so we know it well and really enjoy opening its doors to new visitors, and showing repeat travellers places and experiences they haven't considered before.

Our India tour packages have been completely re-worked and updated with itineraries designed to strike a balance between including must-see sites like the Taj Mahal, the Golden Triangle and the Golden Temple, with a range of different activities and local experiences much more off the beaten track.

Examples of this on our India tours could include a walk through fields and homesteads with a local villager on the opposite bank of the Yamuna River to the Taj Mahal, more exploration on foot through villages and markets, and performing Langar Sevar (helping prepare and serve food) in the huge community kitchen at the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

With an updated and improved selection of hotels, including some fascinating heritage properties, smaller group sizes, and excellent drivers and guides, we're confident in saying that our current itineraries will provide travellers with the best India tours money can buy. You will find both small-group, shoestring and tailor-made tours featured.

All of our India tour packages, including the group tour itineraries, can be run privately and customised to fit your personal requirements, interests, budget and available dates. For more information about this beautiful country, here are 10 things not to miss in India.

More information about India tours

Do you want to know more about India and its beauty? Or do you need accurate visa information?

Contact the India tourism board for more information.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the top cities to visit in India?

Delhi, the Capital of India, has numerous historic monuments, markets, and is a major gateway to rest of Northern India.Bengaluru also known as the garden city, has been transformed into Silicon Valley with major software companies and an aviation/rail hub for South Central India.Chennai is the main port in Southern India - the cradle of Carnatic Music, Bharatanatyam and Indian Tamil Film Industry, and home of the famous Marina beach, Automobile Capital of India and a fast emerging IT hub.Jaipur, the Pink City, is a major exhibit of the Hindu Rajput culture of medieval Northern India.Kochi, the Queen of Arabian Sea, is the gateway to sandy beaches and backwaters.Kolkata is the hub to Eastern/North Eastern India and home to numerous colonial relics, eclectic culture, street food, Indian Bengali film industry, Oscar winners and Nobel Laureates, has earned the sobriquets of City of Joy, and the Cultural Capital of India.Mumbai, known as the financial capital of India, houses most of the Indian/multinational corporations, and not forgetting home to Bollywood.Shimla, the former summer capital of British India located in the Himalayan foothills with a large legacy of Victorian architecture.Varanasi is considered the most sacred Hindu city and one of the oldest continually inhabited cities of the world.

What currency is used in India?

The currency in India is the Indian rupee (sign: ?; code: INR). The rupee is subdivided into 100 paise (singular: paisa). 5 rupees 75 paise would normally be written as ?5.75.There are many ATMs in most towns, but we suggest carrying cash as a backup. A useful technique is to keep small notes (?10-50) in your wallet or in a pocket, and to keep larger notes separate. Then, it will not be obvious how much money you have.

What type of food can I expect to eat in India?

Indian food has a well-deserved reputation for being hot, owing to the Indian penchant for the liberal use of a variety of spices, and potent fresh green chilies or red chilies powder - however the degree of spiciness does vary throughout the country.It is, of course, impossible to do full justice to the range and diversity of Indian food - not only does every region of India have a distinctive cuisine, but you will also find that within a region its communities have different styles of cooking and often have their own signature. The adventurous traveler is to try various by lanes of the city and look for food in unlikely places like temples in search of culinary nirvana.

What type of food can I expect to eat on your India tours?

Indian food has a well-deserved reputation for being hot, owing to the Indian penchant for the liberal use of a variety of spices, and potent fresh green chilies or red chilies powder - however the degree of spiciness does vary throughout the country.It is, of course, impossible to do full justice to the range and diversity of Indian food - not only does every region of India have a distinctive cuisine, but you will also find that within a region its communities have different styles of cooking and often have their own signature. The adventurous traveler is to try various by lanes of the city and look for food in unlikely places like temples in search of culinary nirvana.

How do I plan a trip to India?

Planning a trip in India depends not only on the length of your stay but also what all you would like to do and see. However, you can leave all the planning to us if you book your India trip with us - have a look at what tours we have to offer here.

How much is a meal in India?

While meal prices in India can vary, the average cost of food in India is around RS468 per day.If you’re plan on dining out then it’s good to note that an average meal in India should cost around RS187 per person – breakfast prices are usually cheaper than lunch or dinner.

Do people in India speak English?

While many countries have one national language, India has a different language for each of its 29 states.India still harbours a place for English. English is widely spoken – so much so, that there is a whole new word that describes the way English words creep into the local vernacular: Hinglish.

Do you need vaccinations to go to India?

Yes, the CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for India: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

How much would a trip to India cost?

How much your trip to India costs is determined by how long you’re planning on staying and what you plan on doing and seeing. At Encounters Travel we offer a wide range of tours that caters to every type of traveller – tours range from $1135 per person. Have a look at our India tours here.

Where should we go in India?

The Taj Mahal - bigger and more majestic in person. This world wonder was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and took over twenty-two years to complete.Varanasi - the oldest city in the world and home to Hindu religious rituals, some harking back to the Vedic age, 5,000 years ago. Don't miss the evening Ganga Aarti.Sundarbans - home to the famous Royal Bengal tigers and estuarine crocodiles.Sangla Valley - considered one of the most beautiful valleys of the world lies in the upper regions of Himachal Pradesh.Leh - one of the highest inhabited cities of the world offering unbelievable landscapes.Srinagar - the capital of the State of Jammu and Kashmir is a beautiful city in the midst of the Himalayas.Gangtok - the Capital city of Sikkim is a bewitching hill-station located amidst the multiple-hued mountains.Holi - the Spring Festival of India, Holi - is a festival of colors. Celebrated in March or April, to welcome the spring and win the blessings of Gods for good harvests and fertility of the land.Diwali - the festival of lights, celebrated on a nation-wide scale on Amavasya - the 15th day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Ashwin every year. It symbolizes that age-old culture of India which teaches to vanquish ignorance that subdues humanity and to drive away darkness.Pushkar Mela - Every November, the township of Pushkar in Rajasthan comes alive with a riot of colors and a frenzied burst of activity during the Pushkar Fair.

How many days in India is enough?

Ideally, try and visit only one region in a time frame of two weeks. You can do a good mix of highlight places and some less popular places in North India, or the same for South India. You could also look at an 8-9 day North India tour and end with 4-5 days on the beach.

What is the best month to visit India?

The best time to visit India is between October and March when the monsoon rains have stopped and the country starts to warm up.The climate does vary considerably by region though this is the peak travel season in Rajasthan and Kerala due to the agreeable weather conditions.

Is India expensive?

India is commonly known as one of the least expensive destinations for travellers. For those of you on the tightest of budgets, you could survive here in India with a daily spending limit of $15 per day.

What type of climate can I expect on your India tours?

The best time to visit is between October to March as the weather is warm, dry and sunny.India usually only experiences three seasons a year – mainly, summer, monsoon, and winter. The north of India will experience extreme heat in the summer and icy cold winters . November to January is the winter season whereas April and May are the hotter months – there is a brief spring season in February and March but mainly in North India.India experiencing autumn is debatable but the ancients have identified such a season among the five other seasons: Vasanta - Spring, Greeshma - Summer, Varsha - Rainy, Sharat - Autumn, Shishira - Winter, and Hemanta - mild winter.

What currency is used in India?

The currency in India is the Indian rupee (code: INR). The rupee is subdivided into 100 paise (singular: paisa). 5 rupees 75 paise would normally be written as 5.75.There are many ATMs in most towns, but we suggest carrying cash as a backup. A useful technique is to keep small notes (10-50) in your wallet or in a pocket, and to keep larger notes separate. Then, it will not be obvious how much money you have.

TOUR REVIEWS

Ant provided excellent service. He always responded as quickly as he could, attending to the questions I had for him. He was also very patient and pleasant. I depended on his knowledge and service to make the trip.
I liked the service and the tour guide & driver on the tour. They were professional and provided very good service. I thought 1-2 hotels on the trip were not quite 4-star. It also happened that this group of people was always late for schedule and our walk pace was too slow. It really needs the guide to make people on schedule and be punctual for the activity. Overall I think the time management of this tour needs improvement.

My experience with Encounters was excellent from start to finish. The Tour Guide, Sheriff, was the most passionate, enthusiastic and professional guide I have ever had on a tour and his love for Egypt really made me enjoy my time so much more.
I was cautious about arriving in Egypt given the current circumstances about the country, but felt safer that I did living in London as soon as I arrived. All of the Encounters staff are very professional.

There was a lot of communication from the beginning. The encounters staff was very responsive and the tour guide was great and very accommodating. Encounters was also able to help me with last minute changes to my itinerary while I was on the trip.

I have dealt with Anthony Horrobin on a number of occasions and it is like talking to an old friend on the phone. Anthony is super-efficient and will always go the extra mile to create the perfect trip.

When a single women in her 50's, traveling from the US to Egypt, stumbles across a website offering a tour, and then they make her feel totaling comfortable about every step of the process, you know you've hit a homerun!

ratings

India Country Guide

India Country Guide Flag

Factfile


Time: GMT+5:30
Dial Code: +91
Area: 3,287 million km2
Elevation: The lowest point In India is Kuttanad at 2.2m (7.2 ft.) | The highest point in India is Kangchenjunga at 8,586m (28,169 ft.)
Population: 1,354,051,854 (2018)
Capital: New Delhi
Government: Parliamentary system
Language: Hindi, English

India also called the Republic of India is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by area, the second-most populous country, and the most populous democracy in the world. It is bordered by the Indian Ocean on the south, the Arabian Sea on the southwest, and the Bay of Bengal on the southeast.

The Indian subcontinent was the birthplace of the urban Indus Valley Civilisation of the 3rd millennium BCE. The following millennium saw the composition of the oldest scriptures associated with Hinduism.

In 2017, the Indian economy was the world's sixth largest by nominal GDP and third largest by purchasing power parity. After market-based economic reforms in 1991, India became one of the fastest growing economies in the world and is considered a newly industrialised country.

With a pluralistic, multilingual and multi-ethnic society, India also has a variety of wildlife in a collection of protected habitats. The Indian climate is greatly influenced by the Himalayas and the Thar Desert. 

The two major language families that are spoken in India include Indo-Aryan (spoken by about 74% of the population) and Dravidian (spoken by 24% of the population). India has no national language, but Hindi has the largest number of speakers and is the official language of the government. English is used in administration, business and education. India is renowned for its religious diversity and Hinduism is the predominant religion, followed by Islam.

Highlights

  • Akshardham Temple - a Hindu shrine and spiritual-cultural campus in Delhi featuring intricate details and different architectural styles.
  • Abhaneri Step Well - located in the village of Abanheri, this step well has 3,500 steps and 13 stories.
  • Keoladeo National Park - a bird sanctuary and former royal game reserve in the state of Rajasthan.
  • The Lost City of Fatehpur Sikri - a town in the Agra District of Uttar Pradesh that was abandoned in 1610.
  • New Delhi - a district of Delhi, serving as the capital of India with historic sites and museums.
  • Pushkar - a town bordering the Thar Desert and overlooking the Pushkar Lake, a sacred Hindu site.
  • Agra Fort - a historical fort in Agra that was home to the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty.
  • Humayun's tomb - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the tomb of the Mughal emperor Humayun in Deli.

Tips

  • Tourists, especially women are encouraged to dress modestly when travelling through India.
  • When entering a home or a religious site, it is polite to remove your shoes.
  • Ask permission before taking a photograph of a person, sacred site or ceremony.
  • Be conscious about washing your hands and eat freshly cooked food that is served hot.
  • Bargaining is acceptable in markets and most shops so be prepared to haggle.
  • Beware of fraudsters and watch your valuables when walking around busy areas.
  • Learn a few basic Hindi phrases and greetings to interact and engage with the locals.

VIDEO FEATURE

Our video features bring our tours to life in a way the no photo can, you'll feel like you're on the tour.

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10 Things Not to Miss in India

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Thinking about travelling to India? Here are 10 things not to miss on your India tour.

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