May 2024 India Tours

India Travel Guide

India Tours Things To Do

• 
  New Delhi

  One of the places India tours often visit is New Delhi. Don't confuse Delhi, India and New Delhi though as being one and the same. While New Delhi is India's capital, Delhi describes the surrounding area. New Delhi mixes past India with contemporary buildings, giving you a place marked by past cultural influences and today's advances.

  Best Time To Visit

  Visit New Delhi when the weather is pleasanter, or during February.

   

  You Should Know

  The tallest structure in the world is located in New Delhi. It is the Mughal landmark, the Qutub Minar – standing at 73 meters or 240 feet tall. The city is the second most populated city worldwide, next to Tokyo. New Delhi experiences regular quakes, of which 33% rank above 2.5 on the Richter scale.

• 
  Agra – The Taj Mahal

  Agra is located south of the capital of India, or New Delhi. The main reason people visit Agra is to see the beautiful Taj Mahal – a landmark named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. It is considered an excellent example of the Mughal design in architecture.

  Best Time To Visit

  Keep your travel calendar open to the month of February – the best time to see Agra and the Taj Mahal.

   

  You Should Know

  The Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan, a Mughal ruler. He designed and constructed the structure to commemorate his third wife Mumtaz Muhal in the seventeenth century. The name, Taj Mahal, means "crown of palaces," in Arabic – an apt description. While India primarily embraces the Hindu religion, the Taj Mahal follows an Islamic architectural design.

• 
  Jaipur

  Known as the capital of the state of Rajasthan, Jaipur is known for its Pink City – a palace complex that has a pink hue. The lovely structure is surrounded by gardens and courtyards and features museums. A part of the building is used as royal living quarters.

  Best Time To Visit

  The weather is better in February, as there is less threat of rain, the skies are clearer, and the temperatures are milder.

   

  You Should Know

  Jaipur earned the reputation of the Pink City during the rule of Sawai Ram Singh, who ordered that the city's palace's color be painted pink for the visit of Prince Edward of Wales. The pink color still remains. Also, Amber Fort, near Jaipur, is the most popular site to visit in India if you want to ride an elephant. The site sits on a hilltop, which offers a stunning view of the surrounding area.

• 
  Kolkata

  Once popularly known as Calcutta, Kolkata, today, reveals remnants of its colonial history through some of its building's architectural designs. One of the best examples is the city's large Victoria Memorial Hall, which features a museum and garden area. By contrast, the city is also known for its slums – places where Mother Teresa cared for the sick and poor. Mother Teresa's former home is a must-see Kolkata attraction.

  Best Time To Visit

  You can sight-see more easily in February, as you won't be plagued by smog, and the temperatures are more tolerable.

   

  You Should Know

  The religious organization, the Hare Krishna, gives tours of their main facility in Kolkata. Also, people who live in Kolkata love the game of chess. One place in the city, Gariahat Road, is the main location chess lovers go to take their turns at playing the game.

• 
  Kalna

  Named for the deity Ma Ambika, Kalna is known for its temples with their terra cotta styling. The structures were built in the eighteenth century by Maharajas of Bardhaman. The temples clue visitors in on the town's important history and illustrious past.

  Best Time To Visit

  Mark February on your calendar as the best time to see Kalna.

   

  You Should Know

  Besides walking, you can get around Kalna by taking a toto, or a three-wheeled battery-operated vehicle, or by going by a three-wheeled diesel-fueled rickshaw. You have to barter with the driver first, as the fees for rides are not fixed. The Rajbari temple complex in Kalna features crisscrossed walking trails and nicely maintained flower beds and hedges. You can also see two of the town's 25 Kalna pinnacled temples at the site. The Pratapeswar Temple is one of the best examples of terracotta temples in Kalna. It is located at the Rajbari site's west entrance. Built in 1849, the Pratapeswar Temple shows off terracotta embellishments on its exterior.

• 
  Matiari

  A town sitting along a branch of the Ganges, Matiari spans the Hooghly River. Brass craftspeople from Kolkata established the town about 100 years ago. Vendors in town sell copper and brass souvenirs, such as statures depicting Hindu deities, and popular jewelry items, such as bangles.

  Best Time To Visit

  The best time to see Matiari is in the late winter, or February.

   

  You Should Know

  Locals call Matiari a "Brass Working Village" – a testament to the city's founding. The people still make brass-making their main occupation. The Krishna Rai Jeu Temple is an interesting temple and tourist attraction in town.

• 
  Murshidabad

  Murshidabad is a district and town in West Bengal, which lies along the left bank of the Ganges River. The town is known for its production of silk. It once was the Bengal capital from 1717 to 1773. At that time, the British switched the capital to Calcutta (now Kolkata).

  Best Time To Visit

  It is best to see Murshidabad in February when the weather is not as hot and humid. The average temperature is around 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

   

  You Should Know

  You can see some of the town's attractions by hiring a horse-drawn cart. For example, some visitors choose to see the Katra Mosque with this mode of transport. You will also want to see the Hazarduari Palace, which was built in the nineteenth century. The structure display 1,000 doors, most of which are not real or do not lead anywhere. Take a tuk-tuk to the center of town if you are shopping for textiles and other local items.

• 
  Varanasi

  Sitting at the Ganges River, Varanasi is of religious importance to the Hindu people who bathe in the river. Visitors who journey to the Hindi holy city believe, if they die in Varanasi, they will experience enlightenment.

  Best Time To Visit

  Visit Varanasi in February when the temperatures and humidity are lower.

   

  You Should Know

  The last rites are performed in Varanasi in the sacred waters of the Ganges. The city, itself, is home to over 2,000 temples, one of which is the famous Golden Temple, built in honor of the Hindu deity, Shiva.

India Tour Packages

• Monsoon Season

  The monsoon season usually starts in June and ends in September. The southern part of India is beautiful during the monsoon, with lush green landscapes and waterfalls at their peak.

• Winter Season

  The winter season, from October to February, is considered the best time for touring India. The weather is pleasant across the country, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The Thar Desert in Rajasthan and the beaches of Goa are particularly attractive during this period.

• Are You Ready to Tour India?

  India is a country that offers an incredible blend of culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes. Touring India is like stepping into a different world where every city has its own unique charm. From the grandeur of the Taj Mahal, the tranquility of Kerala's backwaters, the colorful festivals of Rajasthan, to the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, India is a destination that promises unforgettable experiences. Guided tours can help you explore this diverse country and its many hidden gems.

India Tours Frequently Asked Questions

• What are India Tours?

  Tours to India often last for 7 days, although you can lengthen your stay up to 21 days or more. Some of the major attractions are located in Agra (home of the Taj Mahal), the capital of India, (New Delhi), Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), and Jaipur.

• What Is Included in India Tours?

  Most tour schedules highlight the local life and culture of India towns and cities. Tours are guided and feature the local making of crafts, such as brass and textiles. You receive deluxe accommodations and some meals are provided free (usually breakfast).

• What Is the Best India Tour?

  The best India tour is the trip that will meet your tour preferences and schedule while staying within your budget. Talk to a travel representative so you can customize a plan of travel and review the travel packages.

• How Much Do India Tours Cost?

  The amount you will pay for India tours depends on when you plan to go, the length of the tour, and its amenities. Plan to spend about $1,300 per person.