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8 trips

Destination
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Australasia
  • Central & South America
  • Europe
  • Middle East & Central Asia
  • North America
  • Polar Regions
  • Travel Around the World
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  • Adventure Trips
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India Group Tours & Trips

View of Taj Mahal in India at sunrise
Download India Key Facts

Adventure is always around the corner on our India group tours. Complete India’s travel rite of passage, the Golden Triangle, and fall in love at first sight with the majestic Taj Mahal. Discover India’s exceptionally diverse landscapes, from the Himalayan Mountains and Thar Desert to the tropical coast in India’s deep south. Just when you think you’ve seen it all in India, this epic gap year destination has another colourful temple, lively market, or natural wonder up its sleeve. Throw in one of the world’s most magnificent culinary palettes, which can be made to be as spicy as you’d like, and our India trips are a fantasy come to life.

Read more in our India Travel Guide.

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India Facts

Capital City

New Delhi

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Language

Hindi and English

Dialling Code

+91

Plug Type

Types C, D and M

India Highlights

Tuk-tuk cars driving through wide street with orange sand and buildings, New Delhi

New Delhi

Kickstart your India adventure in its larger-than-life capital. Famous for its medieval ruins, vibrant streets and outstanding culinary treasures, this city is an experience in every sense. From haggling at spice markets to visiting awe-inspiring mosques and flower-shaped temples, New Delhi is a dream destination.

Narrow fountain with bushes leading to huge white domed temple and towers, Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal - Agra

A World Heritage masterpiece, the legendary Taj Mahal surpasses all travellers’ expectations. The Taj Mahal’s history is an epic love story, as Mughal emperor Shah Jahan commissioned it in memory of his favourite wife. As the most recognisable sight in South Asia, a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse of this wonder is worth the journey alone.

Rows of orange pink domed windows towering on top of each other, Hawal Mahal

Jaipur

Jaipur is the jewel at the end of India’s treasured Golden Triangle route. Nicknamed the ā€œPink Cityā€ after its cotton candy coloured architecture, Jaipur leaves a legacy like no other. Chase the rainbow inside Patrika Gate, marvel at the spectacular Hawa Mahal and admire the centuries-old textile tradition that is just as vibrant as Jaipur itself.

Desert sand hill with sunset, three men walking with camels

Thar Desert

Yearning to experience India off the beaten path? Retreat into the Thar Desert, filled with elusive dunes, secret civilisations and infinite stretches of sand. Camping in this vast desert is a story you’ll be retelling for decades, from sunsets that transform the desert into a bronze planet, to endless constellations that set fire to the night sky.

Lush jungle palm trees with small wooden hut by dark river

Kerala

Kerala proves just how diverse India’s magical scenery is. Immerse yourself in a tropical jungle oasis, featuring roads that wind through valleys, cascading tea garden terraces and palm trees by the open rivers. Exploring this rich landscape is a mystical experience, especially if you’re riding a traditional Shikara boat along its jade waters.

Vibrant cityscape with majority bright blue buildings with flat rooftops, Jodhpur

Jodhpur

The blue to Jaipur’s pink, India’s vast cities come in every shade. Jodhpur’s vibrant cityscape is like an ocean reimagined, leading up to the epic Mehrangarh Fort atop an enchanting hill. From its opulent historical sites to the royal blue landscapes, Jodhpur is a photographer’s paradise.

Golden, sandstone temples carved with intricate mosaics and curved roofs with a small pole and flag on top, Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer

India’s golden city of Jaisalmer is glorious. From sandstone complexes with domed rooftops to fortresses nestled into emerald hills, this mysterious city has centuries of history ready to be revealed. Besides its iconic fort, the best way to experience Jaisalmer is on a trip to the inviting bazaars and savouring the sumptuous culinary palette.

Rows of blue and brown beach houses with palm trees in between on a golden beach with boats, Goa

Goa

Plan a sandy escape to Goa, a tropical getaway in India’s enchanting south. Its dreamy beaches stretch along the Arabian Sea, while inland you can expect an unforgettable blend of Indian and Portuguese influences. This destination is a real cultural fusion and offers a distinct culinary palate that tastes light and fresh.

India Travel Advice

Bright orange sky with electric blue ocean with narrow sun and boat in distance, covered by a shaded palm tree in left, Goa

Climate & Weather

India has an extraordinarily varied climate, with Himalayan mountains in the north and tropical weather in the south. Whether you prefer mountains, deserts, beaches or city breaks, India has it all! Overall, temperatures get very hot from April onwards with a monsoon season from June to September.

Red mosaic candle plates lit for Diwali, laid on bed of flowers on the floor

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit India is during October and March. This is during the winter months when the weather is cooler and drier throughout the entire country, although India’s south is a good 10ā„ƒ warmer than the north.

Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, takes place between October and November every year. The five days of festivities, fireworks and feasts are culturally enriching and beautiful to witness, with lanterns and candles illuminating the night sky. Meanwhile the Holi festival in March is a celebration of love and life, with each colourful powder having a unique cultural meaning.

Group of women smiling and laughing while wearing traditional Indian clothing and carrying children

Customs & Culture

India is a huge country with multiple religions, so customs & culture will vary based on the region you visit. Travellers are encouraged to dress conservatively, particularly when visiting a household or place of worship. Always wash your hands before and after eating, and try to avoid using your left hand to give/receive objects or touch people because it can cause offence.

Red and blue british passports

Passports & Visas

British passport holders will need a visa to visit India. You can apply for a regular or e-visa through the Indian Embassy in the UK. Check your eligibility and any restrictions before applying. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into India. It must also have 2 blank pages for your visa.

We recommend staying up to date with FCDO advice before you go travelling, as entry requirements and visa rules can be subject to change.

Holi celebrations with pink and yellow confetti and crowd dressed in traditional dress

Health & Safety

At Gap 360, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. From the moment your trip is confirmed until you arrive back home, you'll have access to a 24/7 emergency contact number for any urgent issues. For anything non-urgent, our friendly team is also available during office hours to help.

We strongly recommend checking the FCDO advice for India, as it’s regularly updated with the latest safety and travel information and you can even sign up for email alerts to stay informed of any changes. In addition, you can check the FCDO general travel advice for British nationals abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Flights to India from the UK generally take 8 hours and 40 minutes. It is common to find direct flights from London to Delhi.

Earplugs can be helpful in India’s major cities, as well as a mask or scarf on days when pollution is higher. Pack a portable charger, backup batteries for electronic devices, bug spray, sunscreen, a mini first-aid and medication kit, a water bottle and a small bag of toiletries for train journeys. Dry shampoo can come in handy on hotter days.

Always pack long, lightweight and loose-fitting clothing to stay cool in the heat. Scarfs are helpful for tuk-tuk rides and on cool nights. Dark-coloured shoes that are easy to walk in, plus comfortable flip-flops are recommended. When visiting temples, dressing modestly and not wearing leather is encouraged.

India is a haven for wildlife, as it is home to Bengal tigers, Asiatic lions, Asian elephants, sloth bears and monkeys. Cows are sacred creatures in India and are believed to represent the divine Mother Goddess of fertility and maternal love.

Indian food is typically hot, spicy and delicious. Flavours vary depending on the region, as Northern Indian food is rich and comforting while the South’s dishes are light and refreshing. Staple ingredients are lentils, vegetables, whole-wheat flour and rice. From a wide variety of curry dishes to street food like samosas and pani puri (crispy, hollow dough balls stuffed with potato and vegetables), Indian food is one to remember. And if you are a vegetarian or vegan traveller, India is arguably the best destination in the world for plant-based food!

Gap 360 has partnered with Masta and Nomad Clinics, one of the UK’s largest networks of private travel clinics. Through Masta, you can arrange a Travel Telephone Consultation, an in-person Consultation, and book your vaccinations at your nearest clinic.

Between the incredible range of adventures and the affordable prices, India is a great destination for gap years. Explore the legendary Golden Triangle, retreat into the Thar Desert, visit beautiful temples and find tropical paradise in the South. Every corner of India offers something different, and if you are looking to extend your travels further through Asia, it is easy to reach Nepal’s Kathmandu region from here!

India Trip Reviews

4.7
Rating
84
Reviews

Henry Sayer

Amazing, guide very good and friendly. Unforgettable experiences.

Daniel Neary

Amazing! Douchan the tour guide is the best and went the extra mile for us

Ayisha Mahmood

A rollercoaster of sound, smells, tastes, colours and culture!

Finnley Hicking

Amazing experience!! Always felt safe when out with the group doing activities:)

Emily Falle

Seeing the Taj Mahal and the boat trips on the Ganges river in Varanasi was an eye opening but amazing experience.

Elizabeth Wood

Absolutely amazing

Ellie Parminter

Great tour of India, perfect balance of cultural insight, visiting local villages and seeing the big cities and landmarks in a good amount of time. I would recommend anyone looking to travel India to do this tour as I did not feel…

Lydia Crump

Easy to book, well organised, and allowed me to see lots of India without worrying about getting around and where to stay. There was an excellent range of authentic activities included and recommended, which I might not have found…

Joanna Edmonds

This was an amazing introduction to India and Nepal. I've experienced things and met people that I hope will stay in my memory for a lifetime.

Alice Baird

Efficient, helpful and friendly service. An amazing and memorable experience!

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Any questions about our trips in India?
Luke Personal Travel Advisor