India guide
India is an explosion of colour. The Golden Triangle glistens with culture, Rajasthan has pink and blue cities, and Kerala has lush green Ghat Mountains...
Month by month guide
We headed to Punjab for pleasant temperatures in March. We combined it with the Holi Festival, which got the holi-day off to a superb start.
The wonderful thing about cultural vacations is that they don’t have to be too affected by the weather. In fact, culture is usually informed by the weather.
Festivals are a big feature of Indian culture, so we share some of the great ones below. You don’t want to be doing too much architecture in hot season either, with May and June hitting a scorching 45°C. The best time to visit Rajasthan is Oct-Mar, avoiding Kerala during its Jul-Aug monsoon. But it is gorgeous just after the rains. Weather is like culture; everyone has their own favourite aspect.
Our India culture Vacations
Kerala tailor made vacation, 11 days
Revitalize in Kerala - A most wonderful and balanced trip
From
£1349 to £1779
11 days
ex flights
Southern India 15 day tour
An exciting mix of the best that South India has to offer.
From
£1015
15 days
ex flights
North India cultural tour
An adventure to one of the planet's exotic destinations
From
US $949 to US $1435
22 days
ex flights
Rajasthan 15 day tour
A well crafted northern Indian and Rajasthani experience
From
£1749
15 days
ex flights
Golden Triangle small group vacation, India
India's 3 most popular destinations, Delhi, Agra & Jaipur
From
US $731 to US $1005
8 days
ex flights
India small group vacation, a food adventure
2 week discovery of the sights, sounds & flavours of India.
From
US $2410 to US $2730
15 days
ex flights
Delhi to Goa overland tour
Indian curries temples harems & Himalayas
From
US $1190 to US $1549
15 days
ex flights
South India tour, Trivandrum to Goa
Head to the beaches and backwaters of southern India.
From
US $1094 to US $1375
16 days
ex flights
Rajasthan tours, India
Discover the evocative northern province of Rajasthan
From
US $1300 to US $1750
15 days
ex flights
India tour, mountains, temples & hillstations
Explore India's cultural diversity
From
US $2249
15 days
ex flights
Assam and Nagaland photography tour, India
Superb photography in Assam & Tribal villages of Nagaland.
From
£3850
14 days
ex flights
Rajasthan Educational vacation on Art and Craft
Rajasthan Cultural Heritage and Educational Tour
From
£1110
14 days
ex flights
Central India vacation, culture and wildlife
The very best of central India's wildlife and history
From
Rupee 145000 to Rupee 195000
16 days
ex flights
Rajasthan, off the beaten track tour
Discover the exotic extravagance of Rajasthan.
From
£1538
15 days
ex flights
Rural cycling tours in South India
The perfect way to cycle in rural Keralan countryside.
From
US $980
8 days
ex flights
India 9 day express tour
Ideal if you're short on time but wish to see the real India
From
£938
9 days
ex flights
History, culture & wildlife of India vacation
From the Nilgiri Hills to the beaches of Goa
From
£1336
15 days
ex flights
North India, Himalayas and Shimla toy train tour
North India: Inspiring Mountains, Culture and Communities
From
£1399 to £1799
14 days
ex flights
Southern India tour, temples & nature
Tour from Coimbatore to Bangalore via Mysore
From
£494
6 days
ex flights
Golden Triangle 7 day tour in India
Classic iconic trip for the India First timer..in style
From
£589 to £2899
7 days
ex flights
India wildlife and culture tour, Rajasthan
Your stay in Jungle core, erstwhile hunting lodge of king.
From
£1270 to £2150
18 days
ex flights
Northern Kerala tailor tour, tailor made
Uncover the rich culture of northern Kerala
From
£1400
13 days
ex flights
Golden Triangle 9 day tour in India
Top Quality Golden triangle Trip at an excellent price.
From
£1099 to £1299
9 days
ex flights
India luxury 16 day tour
India Made Incredible - Be ready to be amazed!
From
£5999 to £6999
16 days
inc UK flights
Family vacation to India, sightseeing and safari
Taj Mahal in Agra to the Palace of the Winds in Jaipur
From
US $924 to US $1260
10 days
ex flights
Kerala walking, culture & wildlife vacation, India
‘Feel’ the place through people, experiences and local food
From
£1450
15 days
ex flights
India vacation, small group
Vibrant, intoxicating, inspiring and dramatic India
From
US $1472 to US $1760
15 days
ex flights
Best time to go on an Indian Cultural Vacation
Our top India culture Vacation
Kerala tailor made vacation, 11 days
Revitalize in Kerala - A most wonderful and balanced trip
From
£1349 to £1779
11 days
ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about India culture or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.
Responsible travel recommends
Shanane Davis, Director of our supplier, True Luxury Tours:
“There are three seasonal events in India that are under the radar and very special. The first one is RIFF, the Rajasthan International Folk Festival , in October, with the highest level of traditional dancers from our regions. The second is the Jaipur Literature Festival in January, and famous authors and poets from all around the world are invited. The third one is the International Kite Festival which takes place in Gujarat in January. Every region has a kite festival too, but this one in Ahmedabad is mega sized.”
Bikash Sharma, from our leading Punjab supplier Intrepid Travel:
“The best time to visit Himachal Pradesh is in March to May. The weather during this time is pleasant and there are no issues like landslides or road blockages. The end of May until August is rainy season and from December to February it snows in some regions of Himachal Pradesh, so we don’t run trips.”
Diana Syrett, Managing Director of one of our top Kerala suppliers, Kerala Connections:
Easter vacations are good for families. August to September is still low season in a lot of the lowlands, but you need to book flights well in advance for that time of year. Also we used to warn people about the second monsoon, in October and November, but it has virtually fizzled out."
Easter vacations are good for families. August to September is still low season in a lot of the lowlands, but you need to book flights well in advance for that time of year. Also we used to warn people about the second monsoon, in October and November, but it has virtually fizzled out."
More about India culture
This India cultural vacation guide is for India newbies who want to know where to start, or India aficionados on where to go next...
Take a look at our map and highlights of cultural vacations in India. From classics like the Golden Triangle to southern belles like Kerala and lesser known Karnataka...
The Taj Mahal sets the standard for romance. Learn how to ge there as well as places to see nearby, including the Red Fort and Fatehpur Sikri...
India is a veritable feast, and exploring it through food will give you the best insight into its culture, history, geography and stuff your faceology...
Even if for only one night, do stay in one of Rajasthan’s palaces. You’ll be in a state of joy, shock, self indulgence and excitement all rolled into one...
Indian art and handicrafts are simply exquisite and this really is a country packed with master craftspeople. You just need to know where to go. Read on for tips...
Read our guide to the multicultural and multi faith aspects of India and some of the incredible places of worship that you can visit...
Read our Indian travel suppliers’ travel tips when it comes to cultural vacations in India. Favourites, faux pas and food are high up the list...
Etiquette and respect are central to India’s culture. Read on for some of the cultural fortes and faux to ensure you are a responsible tourist in India...
More relevant guides
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Photo credits: [Page banner: Uzi Yachin] [Holi festival: J.S. Jaimohan]
[Kite festival - Gujerat: Kaushik Patel]
[Himachal Pradesh: Ashish Gupta ]
[The Lowlands of Kerala : Vivek Kumar]
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