India is many things: majestic, beautiful, fascinating, intense – and, at times, even maddening. This diverse country is vast and bursting with a variety of cultures and traditions, languages and cuisines.
We know that planning a luxury India tour often confuses and bewilders, especially those who’re travelling to the subcontinent for the first time. Finding information available online that you can trust isn’t easy. As specialists in luxury India tours – specifically tailor-made tours of Rajasthan – it’s our job to relieve you of those stresses and take care of all your logistics, allowing you to sit back, relax, and soak up the rich experiences that await you. Here, co-founder Madeleine shares her two rupees worth on things to keep in mind when planning your luxury India tour:
Madeleine at our private cooking class in Udaipur
Contents
- Getting the balance right – how long should you spend in each place?
- Handling long drives in India
- Is flying in India safe? What are the airports and planes like?
- What about train travel in India? What are the overnight trains like?
- What is the quality of hotels like in India?
- Choosing the right category of room/suite
- Travelling to India with children
- Travelling to India as/with elderly or disabled
- Dealing with ‘Delhi-Belly’ in India
- Food in India – will it all be spicy? Will my dietary requirements be met?
- Spotting tigers and other wildlife in India
- When’s the best time to visit India?
- What festivals can I experience in India?
- What are the must-sees when planning a luxury India tour?
- What should I wear on a luxury India tour?
- Medical requirements for visiting India
- What are medical facilities like in India?
- How much does a luxury India tour cost?
- How can I steer off the beaten track in India and gain authentic experiences?
- Poverty and scenes of hardship in India
- Organising your own luxury India tour vs entrusting a tour agency
- Rural stays in India
- Visa requirements for India
- How long should I spend in India?
- Why should I choose Indian Excursions for my luxury Rajasthan tour?
[sta_anchor id= “1”]1. Getting the balance right – how long should you spend in each place?
Deciding how long to spend in each particular place differs depending on the destination, though generally, we find two or three nights is a comfortable amount of time. One night is quite a squeeze, and you’ll find yourself spending more time travelling than sightseeing. Having said that, we do feel one night is sufficient to do justice to the Taj Mahal in Agra. In the capital city of Delhi, we recommend two or three nights, depending on the time you arrive – for example, if landing late in the evening you may appreciate a day at leisure to follow to rest and refresh ahead of your India tour. In Jaipur, many of our guests enjoy a third night to indulge in a bit of shopping (Jaipur is a treasure trove of vibrant bazaars and emporiums selling a range of local handicrafts, colourful textiles, carpets, jewellery and trinkets). On the whole, however, most of our guests tend to spend two nights in each destination.
The Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
[sta_anchor id=”2″]2. Handling long drives in India
During the initial planning stages, many of our guests say they want to avoid long drives or days spent in the car. We can understand that, though there will always be a certain amount of driving involved in any tour of India due to the sheer distances from place to place. Drives to tend to be about four or five hours on average. Some of our guests appreciate stops in exciting places en-route (for example at the Jain temple in Ranakpur between Jodhpur and Udaipur) to break up the long drive into two more manageable chunks. Other guests prefer to get the drive out the way and do it as swiftly as possible, perhaps even by carrying a packed lunch to eat en-route. It’s always our endeavour to create the most efficient itinerary for you and to complement your preferred style of travel. And, it might not be quite what you think – we often hear from our guests that the drives went by much quicker than they’d anticipated and that they enjoyed taking in the scenery from their window as they passed through quaint villages and bustling cities. Other guests use that time in the car to rejuvenate with a nap before reaching their next destination. For those who want to remain connected, we offer complimentary WiFi in the vehicle so you can catch up on emails and social media.
Another question we’re often asked about the long drives is if there’ll be places to stop for bathroom facilities and refreshments along the way. Yes, there will be, and our experienced drivers know exactly where the best ones are. They’ll point them out to you ahead of time. You can learn more about driving in India by clicking here.
Sanjay, one of our drivers, is much-loved by our guests. He’s been part of our team since 2013.
[sta_anchor id= “3”]3. Is flying in India safe? What are the airports and planes like?
This is a question we’re often asked by our guests when planning their luxury India tour. Yes, flying in India is safe. This is regulated not only by the airlines themselves but also by India’s aviation regulator (the DGCA) and the manufacturer of the aircraft, such as Airbus and Boeing.
Our guests often wonder what the planes will be like. Aeroplanes used by commercial airlines in India are precisely like those you’ll find in your home country. The Airbus A320 and Boeing 787 are what you’ll most likely be seated in, though smaller airports (including Bagdogra near Darjeeling, and Dehradun near Haridwar) are also served by ATR 72-600 and ATR 42-320.
[sta_anchor id= “4”]4. What about train travel in India? What are the overnight trains like?
In a quest to avoid long drives, our guests often ask if it will be quicker to go by train. In the majority of cases, it’s not. Indian trains tend to stop at lots of local stations en-route. When taking into account the time spent travelling to/from the station at either end, waiting for the train, and the likely possibility of delay, driving is almost always the quicker option. Our vehicles are clean, spacious and air-conditioned, so driving is the more comfortable option too. Lastly, trains often depart or arrive at awkward times whereas driving frees you to set off when you like. Having said that, there are a few occasions where travelling by train is quicker and this will be suggested to you by us during the planning stages.
Many of our guests wish to take a ride on an Indian train purely for the experience rather than convenience, and it can be a wonderfully exciting way to meet local people (you can learn more about what it’s like to travel by train in India by clicking here). There’s always so much life at the railway stations.
We do not recommend travelling overnight on an Indian train – the facilities and food available onboard are poor. Sleeping on a hard bunk in a wobbly train that has people getting on and off throughout the night does not provide a decent sleep. Overnight trains tend to depart very late at night and arrive very early – much before the hotel check-in time – so you’re unable to get to your room straight away to freshen up. And, unfortunately, we’re unable to select a two-person or a four-person cabin (this is assigned by Indian Rail), so you may end up sharing with other passengers.
[sta_anchor id= “5”]5. What is the quality of hotels like in India?
India is home to some of the very best hotels in the world. Users of TripAdvisor voted Jodhpur’s Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace as their ‘Best Hotel in the World’ for 2016, and The Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur was Travel+Leisure magazine’s ‘Best Hotel in the World’ for 2015. These hotels come with all the modern comforts a five-star traveller expects, and the service is extraordinary – the Oberoi hotels, in particular, are known for going above and beyond anything offered elsewhere in the world. Luxury aside, there are also some wonderfully charming boutique hotels and heritage havelis available too, which at a modest price offer comfortable lodgings with a rich history. As specialists in tailor-made tours of Rajasthan, we regularly stay at and visit all the hotels we recommend, ensuring not only a memorable and comfortable experience for you but also that we as your specialist can hand-pick specific properties to suit your taste and budget perfectly. When choosing Indian Excursions, a bad hotel is not something you need to worry about.
A beautifully painted suite at the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
[sta_anchor id=”6″]6. Choosing the right category of room/suite
We know that the hotel room you’re allocated is just as important as the destination – in some cases, more – and we take hotel choices very seriously. Having regularly visited all the properties we recommend, we have our finger on the pulse. You can expect first-hand, up-to-date knowledge on the ins and outs of the hotel; from the level of service to the décor, atmosphere, location, and rooms. We also know that a more expensive room isn’t necessarily always the best (for example, in Jodhpur, our favourite room at RAAS is their Luxury Room, the second category of five. At The Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur, we prefer the entry-level Premier Room). We have remained an intentionally small organisation as we love getting to know each of our guests, tailoring every detail of their luxury India tour to best suit their preferences. A series of conversations throughout the design process allows us to get to know you, your likes and dislikes, and recommend the perfect room. We can also offer our first-hand opinion on a property that’s caught your eye online, or been recommended by a friend – often the friend travelled quite a few years ago, and there may now be much better options available to you.
A fabulous view of Mehrangarh Fort from a Luxury Room at RAAS in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
[sta_anchor id= “7”]7. Travelling to India with children
India isn’t always the first country that comes to mind when thinking of where to book your family holiday, but it should be! Families who’ve travelled with us in the past have initially been concerned that their child(ren) will tire of the forts and palaces. In reality, there are lots of wonderfully exciting hands-on experiences to keep little ones engaged.
For inspiration, please check out our favourite child-friendly activities in Rajasthan.
[sta_anchor id=”8″]8. Travelling to India as/with elderly or disabled
Indian culture places a lot of care and respect for the old and infirm. When combined with their attitude of Atithi Devo Bhawan (‘guest is God’) to foreigners, you’re assured of hands-on service, more so than you’d perhaps experience in the West. We have welcomed wheelchair users to India in the past and are familiar with the most accessible hotels and destinations. If you don’t use a wheelchair full-time but require the use of one occasionally on busier days, we have wheelchairs and walking aids available for your complimentary use. Many of our guests at Indian Excursions are older and enjoying their retirement years – our guides will go at the right pace for you to ensure you’re comfortable and make the most of your time in India.
A view of the Blue City from Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, Rajasthan
[sta_anchor id= “9”]9. Dealing with ‘Delhi-Belly’ in India
The dreaded ‘Delhi-Belly’ is often a concern for our guests, though, in reality, few fall ill. There has been a drastic improvement in food preparation standards in the Indian hospitality industry in recent years, and you don’t have to worry when dining at a restaurant or hotel we’ve recommended. If you do experience a bit of an off tummy, it usually clears up within a day with over-the-counter medication such as Immodium. Medication is readily available in India though it can be comforting to have known brands that you’ve brought with you from home. If you’re feeling under the weather, please let us know – we’ll do everything we can to ensure you’re comfortable, and we can source specific meals for you or adjust your sightseeing plans until you’re feeling better. The complimentary phone we provide means we’re only a quick call away for assistance (or WhatsApp, if you prefer).
[sta_anchor id= “10”]10. Food in India – will it all be spicy? Will my dietary requirements be met?
Food is a highlight of any India tour, and incredible culinary experiences will occur naturally throughout your time here (do check out our favourite restaurants in Rajasthan). Staff are always keen to prepare your dish exactly how you’d like it, and will often ask your preferred spice level when taking your order (much in the same way you’d order your steak as medium or rare in the West). Not everyone relishes Indian food or spicy food and that absolutely need not affect your enjoyment of the country – Continental and Chinese options are widely available, with familiar favourites such as fish and chips, macaroni cheese, baked beans, scrambled eggs, and pizza all easy to find. Any other kind of cuisine you can imagine – from Japanese to Thai and French – can all be found in larger cities in speciality restaurants. Guests with dietary preferences or medical requirements, such as for gluten-free or kosher meals, will be safer dining at high-end establishments. Conditions like Celiac Disease are not as well known in smaller restaurants, so you will want to take extra care. Your guides and driver are always on hand to translate for you if needed, and in the past, we’ve made up translation cards in Hindi for our guests to carry with them and present restaurant staff.
[sta_anchor id= “11”]11. Spotting tigers and other wildlife in India
A safari in the Indian jungle on the trail of tiger is an exhilarating experience. There are several different parks to choose from. We recommend Ranthambhore National Park, not only for its high tiger population but also its close proximity to other places of interest. For example, Ranthambhore is just four hours away from Jaipur. In comparison, Bandhavgarh and Kanha are much further away and require a day of travel to-and-from. Guests who’ve experienced a safari in South Africa may prefer to omit the idea of safari in India, in favour of exploring more of its cultural and architectural highlights instead.
Spotting a tiger on safari in Ranthambhore National Park is an exhilarating experience
[sta_anchor id= “12”]12. When’s the best time to visit India?
Weather-wise, the best time to visit India is from October to March. The winter months of December and January can be quite chilly so we recommend October, November, February or March if you’re seeking warmer climes. In terms of cost, the two week period over Christmas and New Year is the most expensive time to visit north India, with hotels charging significantly more. The best value can be sought from April to September, which is generally considered ‘off-season’. Travel during April, May and June is best avoided as the heat is quite insufferable. This is followed by heavy monsoon rains in July, August and early September. Travelling during the tail-end of the off-season can be wise as you’re able to take advantage of lower rates while escaping the worst of the weather. However, keep in mind that India’s luxury camps and national parks (including Ranthambhore) are closed for part or all the off-season.
The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambhore, is an intimate luxury camp with just 25 tents. It’s open from October to the end of June.
[sta_anchor id= “13”]13. What festivals can I experience in India?
It is often said there are more festivals in India than there are days in the year! No matter when you travel, there’ll be some form of celebration or ritual taking place. The most prominent festivals, however, include Diwali (October/November) and Holi (March), as well as the Pushkar Camel Fair (October/November). Those with a keen interest in music may like to experience RIFF, the Rajasthan International Folk Festival, held in Jodhpur every October. Celebrating Diwali or Holi with a local family is an experience our guests have thoroughly enjoyed in the past, and something we’d be delighted to arrange for you. It’s worth noting that most monuments are closed on the day of Holi.
The Taj Lake Palace is often regarded as Indias ultimate palace hotel experience
[sta_anchor id= “14”]14. What are the must-sees when planning a luxury India tour?
The Taj Mahal, despite being very touristy, is a must-see when in India. The Pink City of Jaipur embodies what Rajasthan’s all about – with its splendid forts, palaces, and bustling bazaars – so that shouldn’t be missed either. Delhi often suffers a bad reputation, but we feel it has a lot to offer and exploring its monuments sets the scene for those you’ll be discovering later on. For example, Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi was thought to have inspired Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for the design of the Taj Mahal. If you have more time, both Jodhpur and Udaipur are also a must. The city of Udaipur is fairy-tale-like and a really easy-going place to end a tour of India. In Jodhpur, Mehrangarh Fort is perhaps the best maintained of all India’s forts. The desert city of Jaisalmer is also a must, and many of our guests feel they haven’t “done” Rajasthan without it. Varanasi and the river Ganges is also very popular. There are so many beautiful things to see in India that it can be challenging to decide and tempting to try and fit too much in. We always recommend taking a slower pace and focusing on a select number of destinations rather than rushing about. It also provides you with the perfect excuse to come back!
[sta_anchor id= “15”]15. What should I wear on a luxury India tour?
First and foremost, we recommend a comfortable pair of sturdy shoes, as you’ll be walking a lot and the ground is often uneven. Clothing-wise, light linens and other breathable fabrics are best for keeping you fresh during the warm afternoons. Female guests will want to avoid wearing fitted clothing while sightseeing, but back at the hotel should feel free to wear anything they like. It’s not mandatory for tourists to adhere to local dress code, though it’s culturally appropriate for ladies to dress modestly while in India (particularly in rural areas). Maxi skirts are a great idea, as are long tunic tops paired with leggings.
If Ranthambhore is on your itinerary, we suggest carrying old clothes that you’re not too bothered about (or wearing dirty clothes you’ve already worn in Delhi and Agra) as the park is very dusty. There’s no colour or dress code in the park, but some feel neutral khakis are best.
At places of worship, you will need to remove your shoes. We recommend carrying a pair of clean socks in your bag to wear, or else bringing along the complimentary slippers from your room. The ground can otherwise be very hot for your bare feet and the dust can feel uncomfortable to walk on.
Jain temples, such as the one in Ranakpur, don’t allow leather items inside. This includes shoes, so you’ll want to pack a pair that aren’t made from leather. Other leather items like wallets and belts can be left securely with your driver in the car, while you enter the temple.
At Sikh temples including the Golden Temple in Amritsar, men and women are required to cover their heads with a scarf. Hats and caps are not acceptable. Scarves are available to hire (free of charge) outside, though we recommend carrying your own with you. Or, pick one up when you’re here – there are so many beautiful ones to choose from in the markets.
[sta_anchor id=”16″]16. Medical requirements for visiting India
Recommended boosters include Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid. Other vaccines to discuss with your GP are Cholera, Diptheria, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis and Rabies. Rajasthan and north India are ‘low-to-no-risk’ for malaria and not high enough to warrant antimalarial tablets for most travellers.
We recommend scheduling an appointment with your doctor well in advance. He or she can offer qualified advice and take into account your medical history.
Colourful spices and dried red chilis for sale in Udaipur’s old city
[sta_anchor id= “17”]17. What are medical facilities like in India?
Private hospitals in India’s big cities like Delhi are at the forefront of medical technology, offering all the facilities and skilled medical professionals one could want. Rural areas are not nearly as well equipped, but when exploring Rajasthan you’re never more than a day’s travel away from Delhi, and flights are available from Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur. In more severe cases, your travel insurance should cover medical evacuation. Insurance is not included in our tours and should be arranged independently.
[sta_anchor id= “18”]18. How much does a luxury India tour cost?
The tours we prepare for our guests vary significantly in cost, depending on the time of year, the standard of accommodation, the length of stay and the excursions included. Our sample itineraries include a rough indication of the price towards the end of the page.
[sta_anchor id= “19”]19. How can I steer off the beaten track in India and gain authentic experiences?
We offer many unique and authentic experiences wherein you can look past the monuments and embrace the people, their culture, and their traditions. For example, a private cooking class at a family home in Udaipur, or a private cultural performance in Jodhpur. These experiences are often the highlight of the stay. During the design stages, we’ll learn a bit about you by asking questions about your likes and dislikes, what you enjoyed on previous trips, and what you might like to experience in India. This allows us to suggest amazing experiences, tailored to you, that we know you’ll love. Take a look at 25 of our favourite luxury experiences in Rajasthan by clicking here.
Explore the narrow streets of Jodhpur’s old bazaars on our unique cycling tour
[sta_anchor id= “20”]20. Poverty and scenes of hardship in India
India is a country of extreme opposites, particularly in terms of wealth. The immense riches enjoyed by Maharajas and businessmen is juxtaposed by some of the greatest poverty on earth. This can understandably be quite shocking and upsetting, though you’ll also be astonished by the positivity and cheer you meet from those who’re facing such hardship. Their spiritual beliefs may even have you questioning what really makes someone happy. Lots of our guests are keen to help in any way they can, but we recommend you avoid giving anything to beggars. Instead, make a donation to a reputable charity or take Salaam Baalak Trust’s charitable walk to learn about the lives of children living on the streets of Delhi.
[sta_anchor id= “21”]21. Organising your own luxury India tour vs tour agency
We have been told in the past that one can arrange a visit themselves at a lower cost. While that may be true, what we offer is much more than a simple hotel booking facility or your standard travel agency. When choosing Indian Excursions, you are investing in years of first-hand experience and specialism. Our guests are typically the type of traveller who realises their time is their most precious asset, and they wish to entrust it with experienced individuals who have an excellent track record. Our guests are always telling us they were amazed at how smooth everything ran, and that’s really very challenging to replicate for someone who’s new to India and arranging their own itinerary. For us, it’s easy. It’s what we do – we’ve done it a thousand times. We provide expert advice that you simply can’t get from booking.com, ensuring the very best itinerary for your schedule, budget and tastes. Luxury travellers have a different set of expectations than the average traveller – they wish to ensure the whole trip comes together seamlessly and in comfort, without any mishaps, while soaking up the best hotels, guides and drivers, and that’s precisely what we promise. In the unlikely event, you do encounter a logistical hiccup – such as a delayed flight or adverse weather – we’re always on hand to put things right as efficiently and professionally as possible. Again, that’s something you just don’t get from TripAdvisor or booking.com.
[sta_anchor id=”22″]22. Rural stays in India
At Indian Excursions, we believe that luxury travel is about more than opulent hotels; it’s about new experiences, stepping off the usual tourist circuit to embrace something more rewarding. A great way to do that is by staying at one of two of Rajasthan’s hidden gems – you can check out our favourite rural hideaways in Rajasthan, here.
Lakshman Sagar is one of our favourite off-beat hotels in Rajasthan, India
[sta_anchor id=”23″]23. Visa requirements for India
All foreign nationals require a tourist visa to enter India. There are two methods visitors can use to obtain this:
1. the more traditional route is to post off your passport and application to the nearest visa processing centre and receive a tourist visa valid for six months multiple entries;
2. a newer and more convenient way is to apply for an e-visa online, at this link. The e-Visa is single entry and valid for 30 days (30 days from arrival, not from issuance). It is all done online, so you don’t need to send off your passport. You can apply for an e-Visa within a window of 30 – 5 days before you intend to arrive.
For the traditional route, you should ideally apply at least a month in advance. We recommend the e-Visa as its cheaper and more convenient. You can read more about applying for an e-Tourist visa, here.
[sta_anchor id= “24”]24. How long should my luxury India tour be?
While we have prepared itineraries from as short as a day to as long as six weeks, most of our guests tend to spend about ten days in India. This allows you time to comfortably explore Delhi, Agra, Ranthambhore, Jaipur and Udaipur; or Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur. Those with a little more time in hand – say, two weeks – can head out to Jaisalmer too, or pepper in a rural stay or two.
[sta_anchor id= “25”]25. Why should I choose Indian Excursions for my luxury India tour?
We know Rajasthan. We love it, and it’s what we do. Day in and day out for the past decade, we’ve had the pleasure of crafting unique itineraries and ensuring everything runs smoothly on the ground. We have a reputation for excellence that will become clear as soon as you read a few of our recent reviews. If you’re seeking a luxury, private tour of north India and want to ensure the entire experience runs like clockwork, you’re assured of that by entrusting Indian Excursions. By choosing Indian Excursions, you gain all the first-hand experience and flexibility of an Indian ground agent, alongside the understanding and professionalism of a foreign travel agency. Having cut out the middleman, we also offer noticeable cost advantages as compared to your traditional, overseas travel agent. So you get the best hotels, guides and driver, and the flexibility to design a unique tour at a great price.
If you’d like to begin planning your luxury India tour, do get in touch to share your ideas with us. We’ll prepare a suggested itinerary with every detail tailor-made around you and can continue to tweak or completely transform it until we’ve created your perfect luxury India tour. Meanwhile, you might like to check out Reasons to Book with Indian Excursions Co., and What It’s Really Like to Travel with Indian Excursions Co.