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 vacations map & highlights
From the deserts of Northern India and Rajasthan to the wetlands and tropical mountain ranges of Kerala and Karnataka, landscape and climate often influence culture in India. So does religious or colonial heritage. The Taj Mahal is the greatest icon of the Mughal period, and the palaces of Rajasthan capture the glories of the Raj eras. Royalty, Islam and Hinduism all play vital roles in contemporary culture too, as does Buddhism in the far north. Our cultural map and highlights of India are just meant to be springboards from where culture vultures can perch and peruse. Dive into the actual vacations to find all the rich pickings.
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
North India cultural tour
An adventure to one of the planet's exotic destinations
From
US $1118 to US $1445
22 days
ex flights
Southern India 15 day tour
An exciting mix of the best that South India has to offer.
From
£1355
15 days
ex flights
Rajasthan 15 day tour
A well crafted northern Indian and Rajasthani experience
From
£1749
15 days
ex flights
Delhi to Goa overland tour
Indian curries temples harems & Himalayas
From
US $1232 to US $1549
15 days
ex flights
South India tour, Trivandrum to Goa
Head to the beaches and backwaters of southern India.
From
US $1020 to US $1375
16 days
ex flights
Golden Triangle small group vacation, India
India's 3 most popular destinations, Delhi, Agra & Jaipur
From
US $718 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 $2019 to US $2600
15 days
ex flights
Rajasthan tours, India
Discover the evocative northern province of Rajasthan
From
US $1284 to US $1780
15 days
ex flights
India tour, mountains, temples & hillstations
Explore India's cultural diversity
From
US $2015 to US $2095
15 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
£1535
15 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
India 9 day express tour
Ideal if you're short on time but wish to see the real India
From
£945
9 days
ex flights
Rajasthan art history & architecture tour
Rajasthan cultural heritage, art history, music and wildlife
From
£650 to £700
7 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
North East India tour, Nagaland & the Hornbill Festival
The unique festivals of the tribes of remote Northeast India
From
£2350
15 days
ex flights
Central India vacation, journey through Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh’s best of wildlife and tribal culture.
From
Rupee 165000
14 days
ex flights
Kathmandu to Delhi overland vacation
Adventure tour of magnificent and colourful Nepal and India
From
US $1649 to US $1940
15 days
ex flights
Southern India tour
Enter a world where time feels like it has stood still forever
From
US $1275 to US $1499
14 days
ex flights
Kerala walking, culture & wildlife vacation, India
‘Feel’ the place through people, experiences and local food
From
£1450
15 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 India vacation, mountains and hidden villages
Inspirational Trekking with Indian Culture and Communities
From
£1545 to £1895
14 days
ex flights
India small group tour
An express pass through India to see all the best!
From
£749 to £949
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
Southern India tour, temples & nature
Tour from Coimbatore to Bangalore via Mysore
From
£494
6 days
ex flights
1. Jaipur
2. Karnataka
3. Kerala’s backwaters
4. Jaisalmer
5. Jodhpur
6. Kochi
7. Old Delhi
8. Punjab
9. Rajasthan’s sacred cities
10. Taj Mahal
11. Tamil Nadu’s temples
12. Varanasi
2. Karnataka
3. Kerala’s backwaters
4. Jaisalmer
5. Jodhpur
6. Kochi
7. Old Delhi
8. Punjab
9. Rajasthan’s sacred cities
10. Taj Mahal
11. Tamil Nadu’s temples
12. Varanasi
Jaipur
1. Jaipur
This is the jewel in Rajasthan’s royal crown, and a pink crown at that, with buildings painted in pink to highlight their natural sandstone colouring. It is like bursting a piñata of colour and culture, with flower markets, intricately designed palaces such as the Palace of the Winds, bazaars packed with beautiful Rajastani crafts and art, and
palaces that are now iconic heritage hotels. All truly Marigold in its magnificence.
Karnataka
2. Karnataka
With so many cultural and natural highlights, it is always amazing to us that the state of Karnataka is not so well known internationally. It is highly regarded amongst responsible tourism companies, however. Check out its Western Ghats hill station heritage, its Konkan coastal cool and the UNESCO heritage site at Hampi, home to one of the oldest, working temples in India – Virupaksha.
Kerala’s backwaters
3. Kerala’s backwaters
The most traditional way to visit these wetlands that spread through the inland tropics is on board a converted rice boat, now
houseboats, known as kettuvallams. Kayak to more remote spots stopping at waterfront villages, where people still live very traditional lives fishing, mussel diving and duck farming. There have been overcrowding issues on the waterways but responsible companies know how to escape the crowds.
Jaisalmer
4. Jaisalmer
Not only the gateway to the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer is also home to one of Rajasthan’s most famous forts, and worthy of an adventure into the remote, arid terrain. Built in 1156 by King Rawal Jaisal, it looks almost like a mirage, its yellow sandstone walls segueing with the surrounding sands. This being Rajasthan, home to some of India’s classiest heritage hotels, you can stay in a hotel inside the walls of this famous fort.
Jodhpur
5. Jodhpur
If you are exploring beyond the Golden Triangle and into the heart of Rajasthan, Jodhpur is a must. As well as its magnificent Mehrangarh Fort that overlooks this blue painted city, it has superb markets, and the recently restored Step Well is a must, as are its royal heritage hotels. It is also the gateway to the desert, where you can visit the desert dwelling Bishnoi and Bhil tribes.
Kochi
6. Kochi
Formerly known as Cochin, this is a fort and port city which is as stimulating as the spices it is famous for. It has beaches at Cherai and Fort Cochi, a lively cultural and arts scene, magnificent food and a wholesome approach to life. Its history is also fascinating, as many explorers and traders started their journeys here, and Dutch, Portuguese and Chinese communities still thrive. Kochi is the height of Kerala cool.
Old Delhi
7. Old Delhi
Even though Delhi has a rough reputation, it also has many glories, and the crazy cosmopolitan cornucopia is loved by many people. Old Delhi is the ancient walled city at the heart of the behemoth, with three UNESCO sites: Humayun's Tomb, Qutub complex and The Red Fort. All emanating from the Mughal period, the souks and food in its streets and Chandni Chowk market are a must.
Punjab
8. Punjab
An extraordinary region comprising several states including Punjab itself, it is packed with history, great sacred sites and stunning train journeys. As well as the great Himalayas as backdrop. Cultural tours to Punjab often begin in Delhi, with long distances on trains that take you into another world. A world that includes great food, the Golden Temple at Amritsar, Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj.
Rajasthan’s sacred cities
9. Rajasthan’s sacred cities
The city of Pushkar and the temple complex at Ranakpur are often on cultural vacation itineraries. The former is a sacred site for Hindus as Pushkar Lake is believed to be holy water and is, therefore, surrounded by temples and bathing ghats. At Ranakpur, the Jain temple complex is one of five sacred Jain sites in the country. The Birla Mandir and the Galtaji Temple in Jaipur are also stunning sacred sites.
Taj Mahal
10. Taj Mahal
If any building can be described as unique in India, the Taj Mahal is it. You can’t help be moved by the story of the Taj, although the history of the Shah Jahan’s love life isn’t as pure as the white marble mausoleum he built in memory of his late wife. It is also a working mosque, so although it is very busy, remember this is still a place of worship.
Tamil Nadu’s temples
11. Tamil Nadu’s temples
Unlike many of neighbouring Kerala’s temples, where non Hindus are often not granted entry, you are able to go inside most of Tamil Nadu’s sacred sites. And they have some spectacular ones. Meenakshi Temple is just one example in the temple filled city of Madurai. Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur and Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Chennai are also must sees, both highly decorative and impressive.
Varanasi
12. Varanasi
Probably the most famous of India’s sacred cities, Varanasi is the pinnacle of pilgrimage points for Hindus. Life revolves around the Ganges in Varanasi, where incense always fills the air, people bathe in the holy waters and lead funerals. It is colourful, culture-ful and definitely soulful place to be. And also full on, so take a big breath and be prepared for a cultural onslaught.
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.
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...
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
Why book with Responsible Travel
Photo credits: [Page banner: Uzi Yachin] [Kerala's backwaters - Houseboat with man in scence : kyran low]
[Jaipur - Pink palace Rajasthan: Annie Spratt]
[Karnataka - Virupaksha temple : Soham Banerjee]
[Kerala backwaters - boatride: Silver blue]
[Bazaar Delhi: David Gil]
[Jaisalmer - Yellow Fort : Pascal Versaci]
[Jodhpur - Mehrangarh fort (view out to blue city): Plusgood ]
[Kochi - wall painting: Photasia]
[Old Delhi - Humayun's Tomb : Selmer van Alten]
[Golden Temple Amritsar: Arian Zwegers]
[Pushkar lake : Ling Wang Marina]
[Taj Mahal: Julian Yu]
[Tamil Nadu's temples - Kapaleeshwarar Shiva temple : Richard Mortel]
[Varanasi - People : Plusgood]
- Recently viewed
