India

OVERVIEW

A sprawling, diverse and thrilling country, India joined China in the billion population club sometime around the year 2000, but there still remain millions of unspoilt square kilometres of coastline, forest, mountain and plain to explore. Our resorts focus on the bustle of the city and the tranquillity of the coastal regions with their miles of pristine sands.

The northern region is where the majority of the population lives, and stretches from the foothills of the Himalayas to the tropical latitudes of the centre. It’s also home to the capital, New Delhi, and cultural centres such as Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Kanpur and Agra, home to the iconic Taj Mahal. We provide some enchanting tours of the area that are guaranteed to blow your mind and give you memories you’ll treasure forever.

Kerala is a state in the South of the subcontinent, famed for its beauty and its vast spice plantations, lagoons and rivers. We offer both a tour of the region and a sumptuous stay at one of its retreats.

Finally we give you Goa, a coastal resort that is as spiritual as it is magnificently beautiful. A week or two in this immaculate haven will leave you cleansed inside and out, ready to face the world with a new, calmer outlook. A sprawling, diverse and thrilling country, India joined China in the billion population club sometime around the year 2000, but there still remain millions of unspoilt square kilometres of coastline, forest, mountain and plain to explore. Our resorts focus on the bustle of the city and the tranquillity of the coastal regions with their miles of pristine sands.

The northern region is where the majority of the population lives, and stretches from the foothills of the Himalayas to the tropical latitudes of the centre. It’s also home to the capital, New Delhi, and cultural centres such as Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Kanpur and Agra, home to the iconic Taj Mahal. We provide some enchanting tours of the area that are guaranteed to blow your mind and give you memories you’ll treasure forever.

Kerala is a state in the South of the subcontinent, famed for its beauty and its vast spice plantations, lagoons and rivers. We offer both a tour of the region and a sumptuous stay at one of its retreats.

Finally we give you Goa, a coastal resort that is as spiritual as it is magnificently beautiful. A week or two in this immaculate haven will leave you cleansed inside and out, ready to face the world with a new, calmer outlook. 

WEATHER

The weather in India remains hot for most of the year, however changes significantly based on regional variations. The hottest weather can be experienced in the months of March to June, whilst the weather begins to get cooler from the end of November to the beginning of March, temperatures still remain warm and sunny throughout the day, however mornings and evenings are much fresher.

From a weather perspective India is often split into numerous climatic regions owing to their varying terrains and geographical locations.

The East and West coast of India can be classed as having a hot, tropical climate, with temperatures remaining consistent above 18 degrees Celsius throughout the year with dry winters.

The Southern peninsula of India experiences a hot tropical climate, similar to that of the rainforest, with monsoon rains and consistent temperatures.

Northwest and Central India have a dry climate, Summers are hot with monsoons between June and September but monsoons are heavy between July and September.

The Northern mountainous areas have three distinct seasons winter, summer, and the monsoon. The summer season runs from April through to June, whilst the monsoon season is known to hit from July to September. Often, the best time to visit is winter, if you’re looking to visit the Himalayas summer is when the weather there is at its most pleasant.

MUST SEE & DO

India has so much to offer, from tantalising cuisines, bustling culture and a land that’s steeped in heritage and stunning landscapes – with so much to choose from these are some of our top picks.

TAJ MAHAL

The majestic Taj Mahal in Agra, built between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, is one of India’s and the world’s most visited landmarks and it’s easy to understand why. Its white marble structure and manicured gardens will leave you in awe – a highlight to any trip to India.

KERALA BACKWATERS

No visit to India would be complete without a trip to see Kerala’s network of canals and backwaters, and what better way to explore the waterways than on a traditional houseboat. Explore a labyrinth of lagoons, rivers, lakes and inlets spread over nine hundred kilometres home to small towns and fascinating wildlife.

HEDONISTIC GOA

The beaches of Goa, simply put, are beyond words - famous for its 105 kilometre long sweeping idyllic strips of sand, lapping waves and vibrant colourful beach shacks, not to mention mesmerising sunsets, great food and a friendly atmosphere making it a place not to miss.

AMBER FORT

This magnificent fort overlooking Amer, comprises four main structures, including an extensive palace complex, detailed courtyards and private quarters all beautifully intricately designed. Head there early morning when the suns rays cause the fort to glow golden owing to its pale yellow and pink sandstone, and white marble, giving you a picture you will not forget.

ROUGH GUIDE

CULTURE

Indians are very friendly people, known for their warm hospitality and warm smile. Don’t be alarmed if you find them always wanting to engage in a conversation with you, they may come across as abrupt at first, but they are just inquisitive, and will often go out of their way to help you, offering recommendations or directions.

Whilst visiting, it is important that you adhere to Indian conventions with this in mind, be sure to show as little flesh as possible, as people in India dress very conservatively. Shorts and swimwear are only acceptable at the beach or at your hotel resort, and shirts should be worn to cover your shoulders to prevent showing as little skin as possible. Kissing or embracing in public is a big no-no and considered as having sex, and holding hands is also frowned upon, so be sure to withstand from these acts whilst out in the open, keeping for behind closed doors only.

In India the usage of hands is very important, Indians use the left hand when going to the toilet or for carrying out tasks considered unhygienic, so it is important that you never eat with this hand, always use the right hand to put any food in your mouth. In addition to this, do not use your left hand to give or pass anything on to anyone, you should accept things presented to you with you right hand, as a sign of respect.

ETIQUETTE

When greeting people in India, it is ok for tourists to shake hands, however if you want to show your respect for Indian conventions, greeting by placing both hands together with a slight bow, called ‘namaste’ will be greatly appreciated. It is important to note that men do not touch women when meeting or greeting.

Tipping: In India it is expected that you tip 10% of the bill in restaurants and cafes, however in bigger more established restaurants the service charge might be included so it’s worth checking before you tip. Taxi or rickshaw drivers will often expect you to round up the fare to the nearest full amount.

GREETINGS & LANGUAGE

If you’re looking to socialise or greet your fellow Indians whilst away on holiday, here are a few handy phrases to help you on your travels, note that English is widely spoken in some of the more touristy regions.

To say hello, it’s ‘Namaste’ whilst goodbye is ‘alavida’.

Be sure not to forget your please and thank yous, to say please it’s ‘Kripya’ and thank you is ‘Dhanevaad’.

Other useful phrases include, Nice to meet you, which is ‘Aap se milkar khusi hui’ and, Can you help me which is ‘Kya aap meri madaad karenge’.