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...
India cultural tips from our experts
Where to go
Where to go
Jonny Bealby, founder of our supplier Wild Frontiers, is an expert in rural India:
“In Kashmir, the lakes around Srinagar, both Dal and Nagin, are just so serene and beautiful and the waterways in between – that take you through the Old Town – offer up a wonderful glimpse behind the scenes of life in this ancient world. Kashmir is popular with Indian tourists so if you want a quieter time pick a houseboat away from the main group at Lal Ghat or take a houseboat on Nagin Lake. It’s very quiet and beautiful.”
Bikash Sharma, the Punjab expert at Intrepid Travel:
“The Golden Temple in Amritsar is one of the biggest holy places for Sikhs. It is the most beautiful place and cleanest temple. You get to see the world biggest kitchen where they offer free food to anyone who visits the temple. The meal is completely vegetarian. The religion believes in helping everyone so the first reaction from people is ‘Wow!’”
Food tips
Food tips
Rajat Kumar, Managing Director of our supplier ExplorIndya: “Don’t underestimate the importance of food as part of the Indian experience. The best thing you can ask an Indian is ‘what do you eat as a family?’ – you will be surprised how much of his cuisine he hides from visitors. But actually, we love to talk about food, and to share it - just like Italians.“
Shanane Davis, Director of our supplier, True Luxury Tours:
“Muhgai cuisine is wonderful and can be found in Old Delhi. It was developed under Islamic rule. The Mughals adopted a lot of Persian and local Rajput royal families’ etiquettes and became very cultured over the next few generations. It is very different from what people expect of Indian cuisine which is spicier and comes from Gujarat or Punjab. But these cuisines that were in the different courts over time are very sophisticated and very different.”
Diana Syrett, Managing Director of one of our top suppliers, Kerala Connections:
“My husband and I are both vegetarian and it is one of the reasons we love south India so much, as the food it is the easiest place on the planet to be vegetarian. You can get meat though, and there is a lot of fish eaten. Interestingly, beef is eaten in Kerala; it is only one of two states in India that is licensed to eat it."
Vishal Koshy, general manager of our supplier Kalypso Adventures:
"One of the specialties from the backwaters, especially in an area called Kuttandad, where farming happens below sea level, is duck roast, prepared with local spices of. This is a must.”
"One of the specialties from the backwaters, especially in an area called Kuttandad, where farming happens below sea level, is duck roast, prepared with local spices of. This is a must.”
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
£1565
15 days
ex flights
Rajasthan 15 day tour
A well crafted northern Indian and Rajasthani experience
From
£1749
15 days
ex flights
North India cultural tour
An adventure to one of the planet's exotic destinations
From
US $1024 to US $1405
22 days
ex flights
India tour, mountains, temples & hillstations
Explore India's cultural diversity
From
US $1935 to US $2135
15 days
ex flights
Delhi to Goa overland tour
Indian curries temples harems & Himalayas
From
US $1110 to US $1549
15 days
ex flights
Rajasthan tours, India
Discover the evocative northern province of Rajasthan
From
US $1402 to US $1780
15 days
ex flights
Golden Triangle small group vacation, India
India's 3 most popular destinations, Delhi, Agra & Jaipur
From
US $837 to US $985
8 days
ex flights
South India tour, Trivandrum to Goa
Head to the beaches and backwaters of southern India.
From
US $1075 to US $1335
16 days
ex flights
India small group vacation, a food adventure
2 week discovery of the sights, sounds & flavours of India.
From
US $2210 to US $2655
15 days
ex flights
India 9 day express tour
Ideal if you're short on time but wish to see the real India
From
£1115
9 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
Rural cycling tours in South India
The perfect way to cycle in rural Keralan countryside.
From
US $980
8 days
ex flights
Rajasthan art history & architecture tour
Rajasthan cultural heritage, art history, music and wildlife
From
£650 to £700
7 days
ex flights
History, culture & wildlife of India vacation
From the Nilgiri Hills to the beaches of Goa
From
£1336
15 days
ex flights
Assam and Nagaland photography tour, India
Superb photography in Assam & Tribal villages of Nagaland.
From
£3750
14 days
ex flights
Rajasthan, off the beaten track tour
Discover the exotic extravagance of Rajasthan.
From
£1788
15 days
ex flights
Southern India tour
Enter a world where time feels like it has stood still forever
From
US $1050 to US $1499
14 days
ex flights
Binsar to Jageshwar trekking vacation, India
Thrilling, tailor-made walking trips in the Indian Himalayas
From
£1205 to £1287
13 days
ex flights
North East India tour, Nagaland & the Hornbill Festival
The unique festivals of the tribes of remote Northeast India
From
£2350
15 days
ex flights
Ladakh and Changtang cultural tour, India
Cultural immersive tour ideal for couples and small groups
From
US $1300 to US $1550
10 days
ex flights
Kerala small group tour, India, 15 days
Small group tour exploring the best of South India.
From
US $2180
15 days
ex flights
Chhattisgarh to Orissa tour in India, tribes and villages
A journey through the tribal heartlands of Central India
From
£1700
14 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
North India vacation, mountains and hidden villages
Inspirational Trekking with Indian Culture and Communities
From
£1545 to £1895
14 days
ex flights
Southern India tour, temples & nature
Tour from Coimbatore to Bangalore via Mysore
From
£494
6 days
ex flights
Local
etiquette
etiquette
Local etiquette
Rajat Kumar, Managing Director of our supplier ExplorIndya, shares his top conversational tip:
“Every tourist knows how to say namaste as a greeting. It has become such a cliché from tourists that it is now almost an empty greeting. When you extend your vocabulary to ask 'aap keise hain?' or 'how are you?' an Indian person knows that you are genuinely inviting a conversation.”
Liv Bohn, from our India cultural vacation expert, Intrepid Travel:
“Dressing modestly is a must! Not only to be respectful and minimise unwanted attention, but also to protect you from the heat and sun. Be sure to pack loose fitting clothes that cover your arms and trousers or skirts that fall below the knee. A lightweight scarf is perfect for putting over your shoulders or wrapping around yourself when visiting religious temples too.”
Shopping
tips
tips
Shopping tips
Shanane Davis, director of our supplier, True Luxury Tours:
“There are two worlds for shopping in India. Most people just see the low quality handicrafts made for tourists. But there are also the places where Indians like to shop, which sell things handmade in India but very high quality… perfumes, handmade silks and delicate decorative arts such as the traditional and indigenous lacquer work. For high quality, genuine handicrafts in Delhi, go to the state emporium called Baba Kharak Singh Marg in Connaught Place, New Delhi.”
Golden Triangle tips
Golden Triangle tips
Shanane Davis, Director of our supplier, True Luxury Tours:
“My family has been in conservation patronage for four generations, and I would say that of course the Taj Mahal is wonderful but there are other buildings which are architectural masterpieces at a finer level. Do not miss Fatehpur Sikri nearby because architecturally it is a perfect mix of European, Jain, Rajput and Islamic influences. And although Agra is quite a difficult city, and not a very good representation of India, these buildings are definitely worth honouring.”
“The Royal Art Collections in Rajasthan are something not something many tourists know about, but they are in most of the provinces and open to the public to go as museums. These are in extraordinary palaces still owned by the erstwhile royal families, but they are open to the public. Seeing them with a guide who really has in depth knowledge is a wonderful experience and not usually on traditional tourist itineraries.”
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
Helpdesk
Hello. If you'd like to chat about India culture or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help. Rosy & team.
Tips from our travelers
At Responsible Travel, we think the best people to advise our travelers are often... other travelers. They always return from our tours with packing tips, weather reports, ideas about what to do - and opinions about what not to.
We have selected some of the most useful India cultural travel advice that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your vacation.
The most memorable part? Indian train travel. Sumptuous hotels. Beautiful new Delhi. But end of May in India is probably too hot. 
– Lydia Walton
"We were really cautioned against using any form of elephant transport, because of the conditions that they are allegedly kept in. The tour leader was very geared up towards that." – Anne Steyn. Read a full interview with Anne about her Golden Triangle vacation.
"The guide took all the hassle out of it. He gave us guidelines on costs, he showed us the best value for money places to eat in the location and doing activities as a group meant not only was it sociable, but we got good deals. We travelled at the end of the monsoon season so sometimes it was very wet and overcast, but the plus was that there were fewer tourists. You can opt out of activities so there was nothing I didn't enjoy." – Hazel Durbridge, in the Golden Triangle.
“Take a universal sink plug – they were a rarity. Take travel wash, because although washing services are universal and cheap, one is rarely in one place long enough to employ them, and we were reliably informed that in any case the dhobi wallah will smash your buttons on the rock!” – Kate & Adrian Parker
"Pack your suitcase with old clothes that can be donated to charity at the end of the trip" – R and K Mackenzie on our Rajasthan tours, India vacation
"The guide took all the hassle out of it. He gave us guidelines on costs, he showed us the best value for money places to eat in the location and doing activities as a group meant not only was it sociable, but we got good deals. We travelled at the end of the monsoon season so sometimes it was very wet and overcast, but the plus was that there were fewer tourists. You can opt out of activities so there was nothing I didn't enjoy." – Hazel Durbridge, in the Golden Triangle.
“Take a universal sink plug – they were a rarity. Take travel wash, because although washing services are universal and cheap, one is rarely in one place long enough to employ them, and we were reliably informed that in any case the dhobi wallah will smash your buttons on the rock!” – Kate & Adrian Parker
"Pack your suitcase with old clothes that can be donated to charity at the end of the trip" – R and K Mackenzie on our Rajasthan tours, India vacation
Take the chance with smaller hotels and homestays. It means you get to see more of everyday Kerala. Also make sure you experience Ayurvedic massage.
– Samantha Smithin Kerala.
“Don't expect to race from sight to sight over the course of each day. The pace is more gracious, focusing on experiencing important sights deeply rather than cramming in every possible experience. This is not a cookie-cutter tour that larger agencies will arrange for you, but rather a personalised experience” - Robert Macauley on our Rajasthan art history and architecture tour
“I really enjoyed the overnight train rides to and from Varanassi. It was great to take part in something that it so inherent to Indian life, we met some great people on the train and it was an excellent way to see the countryside.” – Jerrine Barnett
“Plenty of warm clothes for the top of the mountains. A torch - and maybe a few games/cards, etc., When the sun sets and you are on top of a mountain, staying on a rice boat, or simply at a camp site/homestay with no entertainment, you need to make your own.” – Janice Eastmanin Southern India
“Read !! Read !!! Read !!! If you go without reading first you will be blind. Nothing will make sense. Good books on India are out there. Travel guides need to be digested before leaving.” – Joel Montague
“I really enjoyed the overnight train rides to and from Varanassi. It was great to take part in something that it so inherent to Indian life, we met some great people on the train and it was an excellent way to see the countryside.” – Jerrine Barnett
“Plenty of warm clothes for the top of the mountains. A torch - and maybe a few games/cards, etc., When the sun sets and you are on top of a mountain, staying on a rice boat, or simply at a camp site/homestay with no entertainment, you need to make your own.” – Janice Eastmanin Southern India
“Read !! Read !!! Read !!! If you go without reading first you will be blind. Nothing will make sense. Good books on India are out there. Travel guides need to be digested before leaving.” – Joel Montague
More about India culture
The best time to go on an India culture vacation depends on your idea of cultural greatness. It’s a big country with lots of climate variations.
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...
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
Why book with Responsible Travel
Photo credits: [Page banner: Uzi Yachin] [Lakes around Srinagar: Lensnmatter ]
[Golden temple - Amritsar: Kuljeet Hans]
[Dough - man on floor: Magdalena Roeseler]
[Mughai cuisine: Sri]
[Vegetarian cuisine - Southern India: PriyaBooks ]
[People smiling - fruit stall: Abhijit Kar Gupta]
[Local Etiquette - Dressing Modestly : Martin Adams ]
[Embroidered fabric: Leena]
[Fatehpur Sikri: Marcin Bialek ]
[The Royal Art Collections - Rajasthan: Ashley Van Haeften ]
[Rickshaws: Pexels]
[Train: Navaneeth Kishor ]
[Family -homestay: Jerry John]
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