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India is a country of unparalleled diversity and home to an eclectic mix of cultures, religions, and people. It is a land where modernity and tradition, urban and rural, peaks and valleys coexist in cohesive harmony. India’s fantastically paradoxical past, its breathtaking vastness, and enigmatic spirit is what makes it an inexhaustible point of interest. No wonder its snow-capped mountains and palm-fringed beaches, serene temples and bustling bazaars, rustic fishing villages and software-super cities, have earned it the title of being one of the most multi-dimensional countries on earth.

Why should you visit India?

India is as colourful and varied as its geography

There you’ll find everything including psychedelic technicolour temples; archaic forts with artfully crumbling facades; ancient ruins left by precursory empires; uber sophisticated cities buzzing with the latest fashion, film, food and art trends; paradisiacal beaches; culinary adventures; numerous bazaars and shopping malls bountiful in their assortment;
hill station resorts and nature spas; wildlife safaris where – if you’re lucky – you will encounter elephants, antelopes, cobras and an odd tiger; and numerous festivals, fairs, celebrations and activities that will keep you entertained and entranced.

India has it all neatly packaged in a heady mix of wholeness, beneath the vast array of cultures, customs, dialects, languages, ethnicities, natural phenomena
and people.

Getting around India is easy and affordable

Getting about this immense country is surprisingly easy and relatively inexpensive as India’s rail network is one of the world’s most extensive and well connected. Train bookings open 90 days before departure time but seats tend to fill up quickly with an estimated 20 million people travelling by train in India every day. It is, therefore, advisable to book in advance whenever possible.

Local and tourist buses are also widely available within the country and are perfect for short distance journeys.

Rickshaws and taxis are to be found on every street corner and will get you around speedily and cheaply.

If, however, you’re travelling from one end of the country to the next we recommend you check out some of India’s domestic airlines. It is the fastest and the most reliable way to travel around India, especially since nowadays airfare prices are very competitive and you can almost always get a great deal from one of the country’s own budget airlines such as GoAir, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India and Jet Airways.

From dormitories to luxury resorts India offers accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets

Accommodation in India is vastly varied, therefore, you are guaranteed to find something to suit your budget. As a general rule, cheap accommodation comes in many guises including hostels, dormitories, railway retiring rooms, beach huts, home-stays and very basic hotels.

Mid-range accommodation tends to be similar across the country and comes in a form of modern-style concrete blocks that usually offer free Wi-fi, small en-suites, and some extras such as cable or satellite TV, air-conditioning and in some instances hot water. Some mid-range hotels will also have in-house restaurants, chai shops, communal lounges and car rental services.

Top end places and luxury chain hotels are also aplenty in India. Almost all of these will offer supper efficient service, European style décor and facilities, in-house restaurants, bars, a 24-hour front desk, and all the creature comforts you might expect.

Prices across all sections of accommodation vary greatly depending on location as well as the time of year you intend to visit. Do keep in mind, however, that most establishments raise their tariffs during peak season, which usually coincides with the best weather for the area’s sights and activities – normally summertime in the mountains (June to October), and the cooler months in the plains (October to mid-February).