India
India is an ancient country in South Asia. Like a traditional sari, it weaves the deep hues of its heritage with the glittering embroidery of contemporary culture. India’s huge landscape encompasses the soaring peaks of the Himalayas, the arid Thar Desert and the warm tropical coastline of Goa.
Explore India’s vivid and busy major cities. In Mumbai, Western India’s cosmopolitan port city and biggest metropolis, see fascinating British colonial architecture. Discover the country’s Bengali cultural capital in Kolkata. Experience Bollywood flair in the cinema and on the streets or see the sun set over the Arabian Sea at the beach.
Experience one of the world’s oldest cities in Delhi, India’s capital. See ancient monuments such as the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, the breathtaking mosque and minarets of Qutub Minar and fascinating temples in Old Delhi. Visit markets, museums and peaceful parks in New Delhi, from where it’s just under 3 hours drive southeast to the Taj Mahal.
Venture outside the cities to experience India’s magnificent landscapes and scenery. Visit Varanasi, a sacred Hindu city, and Jaisalmer, in the heart of the Thar Desert. Find lush mangrove forests, a scenic delta and rare Royal Bengal tigers in Sundarbans National Park. Unforgettable high-altitude landscapes await you in the mountaintop city of Leh and Srinagar in the Himalayas.
For a seaside getaway, visit laid-back beaches along India’s southern coast: scenic palm groves of Kerala and sun-soaked beach cities in Cochin. Experience the French influence and lively bars in Pondicherry and dance all night at one of Goa’s famous beach parties. Visit Goa in February for a colorful carnival.
Join locals watching a cricket match, sample delicious regional Indian cuisine and enjoy the celebrations at one of India’s numerous festivals. Experience Holi, the festival of colors, all over Hindu India in spring. Diwali is an atmospheric festival of lights in the fall.
India can be reached via its international airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. Catch domestic flights within this huge country or enjoy the slow pace of regional trains, boats and buses. Explore local areas with rented motorbikes or hail auto-rickshaws.