Overview
India, the world's most diverse subcontinent, offers an extraordinary range of luxury travel experiences — from the snow-capped Himalayas of Ladakh and the spiritual banks of the Ganges to the royal palaces of Rajasthan and the tranquil backwaters of Kerala. With over 5,000 years of unbroken civilization, India weaves together ancient temples, vibrant bazaars, world-class cuisine, and breathtaking natural beauty into journeys that are as enriching as they are exhilarating.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring
- Warming temperatures, wildflowers in the hills
- Summer
- Hot in plains, pleasant in hill stations; monsoon June-September
- Autumn
- Post-monsoon clarity, comfortable temperatures
- Winter
- Cool and dry — ideal for most destinations
Highlights
Rajasthan's Royal Palaces
Magnificent forts and heritage palace hotels across the Land of Kings
Ladakh & the Himalayas
High-altitude monasteries, pristine lakes, and dramatic mountain passes
Kerala Backwaters
Luxury houseboat cruises through palm-fringed waterways
Rishikesh & Yoga
World capital of yoga on the banks of the sacred Ganges
Golden Triangle
Delhi, Agra (Taj Mahal), and Jaipur — India's iconic cultural circuit
Darjeeling & Tea Country
Colonial hill stations, Himalayan panoramas, and world-famous tea estates
Explore India
Discover the distinct regions and experiences that make India extraordinary.
Ladakh
Explore Ladakh in luxury. Ancient Buddhist monasteries, high-altitude lakes, dra...
Sikkim
Discover Sikkim's Himalayan beauty. Kanchenjunga views, ancient monasteries, alp...
Darjeeling
Experience Darjeeling in luxury. World-famous tea estates, Kanchenjunga sunrise,...
Rajasthan
Experience royal Rajasthan in luxury. Magnificent palaces, desert safaris, vibra...
Kerala
Discover Kerala in luxury. Tranquil backwaters, Ayurvedic retreats, spice planta...
Getting There
India has multiple international gateways: Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), and Bangalore (BLR). Direct flights connect from all major global hubs. For Ladakh, domestic flights operate from Delhi to Leh.
Getting Around
India has an extensive domestic flight network. Premium trains like Palace on Wheels offer luxury rail journeys. Private chauffeur-driven cars are the preferred touring option.
Cultural Tips
Remove shoes before entering temples and homes
Footwear is considered impure at sacred and domestic spaces
Dress modestly at religious sites
Cover shoulders and knees at temples, mosques, and gurudwaras
Use your right hand for eating and greetings
The left hand is traditionally considered unclean
Greet with 'Namaste' (palms together)
A respectful and universally understood greeting across India
Ask permission before photographing people
Especially important at temples, with sadhus, and in rural areas
Bargain at markets but not at fixed-price shops
Negotiation is expected at bazaars; start at 40-50% of quoted price
Packing List
General
- ●Lightweight cotton clothing
- ●Comfortable walking shoes
- ●Sun hat
- ●Sunscreen SPF50+
- ●Insect repellent
- ●Modest attire for temples
- ●Power adapter
- ●Reusable water bottle
Himalayan
- ●Warm layered clothing
- ●Down jacket
- ●Sturdy hiking boots
- ●UV-protection sunglasses
- ●Altitude sickness medication
Cultural
- ●Light scarf/shawl for temples
- ●Camera
- ●Daypack
- ●Hand sanitizer
Health & Safety
Drink only bottled or purified water. Travel insurance with medical evacuation is essential. Altitude sickness is a concern above 3,000m in Ladakh. Vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus are recommended.
Money Matters
The Indian Rupee (INR) is the local currency. ATMs are widely available. Credit cards accepted at hotels and shops in tourist areas. Tipping is customary — 10% at restaurants, INR 200-500 per day for drivers and guides.
Emergency Information
- Max Super Speciality Hospital (New Delhi)
- Apollo Hospitals (multiple cities)
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute (Gurugram)
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