Holidays in India are an incredible experience, offering the traveller a tremendous range of opportunity in both sightseeing and challenge and every type of holiday from a relaxing beach break through to mountain climbing. This vast country has a wide range of scenery and climate from the snow covered mountains of the Himalyas in the North to the southern state of Kerala with it's tropical air. The beaches of Goa are popular with both holidaymakers and ravers and the romantic will not want to miss the Taj Mahal at Agra. With the capital of Delhi and major cities such as Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkatta and Hyderabad there are many areas where you can take separate holidays and only scrape the surface in a two week break.
The content of India holidays can vary tremendously, although many choose to take an element of touring and sightseeing combined with some rest and relaxation at the beach or a hotel resort. Accommodation standards tend to be very high in the western orientated hotels and services are often easily on a par with European and other international hotels. There is a welcome from hotel staff that many find endearing with a real can-do attitude and a desire to really help and assist the traveller. There are many options involving both group and private tours as well as incredible train journeys, especially in the north of the country across the desert like landscapes of Rajasthan. You can also enjoy extensive safaris and bird watching.
India has a long and historic heritage with both the British and Portugese having colonised areas of the country over the centuries and this is still seen today in the buildings and culture, the religions and language. The many and varied heritage sites dot the country in every area.
| This vast country has a wide range of scenery and climate... |
Best for...
Couples and groups of all ages will enjoy a holiday in India. If you enjoy a challenge and an assault on the five senses, you will love everything that this country has to offer. Children are well catered for in the beach resorts, especially Goa, which is also suitable for the young looking for lots of nightlife.
Those looking for a travel experience will enjoy the backpacking opportunities that the country presents.
What to do...
Where to start? Well if you are heading for the beach resorts of Goa be sure to spend some time away from the soft sand beaches and explore the Portugese heritage of this area. There is a tremendous market at Anjuna and the 100 miles of beaches ensure that there is always somewhere you can get away from it all.
Touring is a great option and the Red Fort in Old Delhi, the Taj Mahal at Agra and the many palaces and forts of northern and western India offer a vast range of sightseeing. The mighty Ganges allows a more spiritual experience at Varanasi, the southern Kerala state allows a journey through sub tropical landscapes while Mumbai is the gateway to Bollywood and the exciting Indian film industry.
If it is wildlife you are after, then the Ranthambore National Park will allow extensive animal sightings including Indian Tigers and incredible bird life.
If you really want to get away from it all, arranging a trip to the Himalayan foothills around Shimla will provide a respite from the heat of the north Indian plains where you can experience the stunning scenery of the mountains. Alternatively a holiday taking in the Nicobar, Andaman or Lakshadweep islands offer tropical paradises with very few tourists in evidence.
