India packs a punch with sensory overload. It is a fascinating country, filled with wonders and an abundance of history and culture. Mountains, deserts and beaches; tea gardens, coffee and spice plantations – there is so much to explore and experience. This is an hospitable and welcoming land with colourful markets, bustling bazaars, delicious food, and some amazing places to stay. With so much to see and do we advise you to take some time for your travels here; it is a more enriching experience to see a few places well, than rush through too many.
Kolkata & Eastern India
Delhi & Rajasthan
South India
Mumbai, Gujerat & Goa
Central India & Wildlife
North India & Himalayas
When to Go?
Generally the best time to visit India is from October to March, during the cool dry season when there are clear, sunny days and mild nights.
The monsoon rains break in coastal Kerala in May or June and then travel inland to reach Delhi in July. These last until early September.
However, Ladakh and Kashmir lie beyond the monsoon rains and July and August are peak season here.
North India
Dry and sunny from October to March. Delhi can experience fog in December and January. In mid-winter the night temperatures in Delhi and to the north can get very cold. May and June are very hot and the monsoon months are July and August.
Wildlife parks open from October to May, with a better chance of sightings in the hotter months.
Himalayas
The Himalayan foothills are at their best from March to October, except in July and August when it rains.
Ladakh and Kashmir lie beyond much of the monsoon rains and July and August are peak season here, with their warm days and cool nights.
East and West
Kolkata and Mumbai and the coastal areas of Gujarat, Goa and Orissa remain hot and humid, although the winter months are cooler. The monsoon lasts from June until August here.
South India
November to April is the best time to visit South India. The monsoon is at its peak along the west coast from June to August; the east coast of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and the south of Kerala are affected by the northwest monsoon between October and December.
An outstanding holiday. The practical arrangements put in place by Maxwell Scott Travel were faultless and your local knowledge and contacts were impressive. I would not hesitate to use Maxwell Scott Travel for future trips, nor to recommend you to friends.
I wanted to thank you again for everything you did for my mother and I to make her 70th Birthday Grand Tour so perfect, special and memorable! Every eventuality was covered and excellent hotel recommendations throughout. We particularly liked our guide, Abhi, who made the tour so interesting and educational.
A Wade
Itinerary Ideas
There are so many places to see in India that we find that many people return to explore different areas of this fascinating country.
These are just a few ideas; there are so many more. Please do contact us for more information and about tailor-made travel to the places that interest you.
The Golden Triangle (8 days)
Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Delhi.
Extend your tour to include TIGERS, FORTS AND PALACES OF RAJASTHAN.
Ranthambore – Udaipur – Jodhpur – Delhi (and special forts and palaces situated between these major places in the desert state of Rajasthan).
The Golden Temple & Himalayas (12 days)
Delhi – Amritsar – Dharamsala – Shimla – Delhi.
Extend this journey to include some Indian Wildlife at Corbett, or Bandhavgarh National Parks.
Eastern India & Tea Gardens (12 days)
Kolkata – Darjeeling – Glenburn Tea Estate – Sikkim – Kolkata.
Extend this journey to include the Kingdom of Bhutan, or Kaziranga National Park, famous for its one-horned rhino.
Central India & Wildlife (12 days)
Delhi – Agra – Bandhavgarh – Kanha – Nagpur – Mumbai.
Southern Highlights (14 days)
Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Thanjavur (Tanjore) – Chettinad – Madurai – Chennai.
Tour of South India & Kerala (14 days)
Bangalore – Mysore – Nagarhole National Park – Tranquil Resort – Kochi – The Backwaters – Marari Beach.
Or SIMPLY KERALA for 10-12 days: Kochi – Munnar – Periyar – Backwaters – Marari Beach.
Temples & the Holy River (14 days)
Delhi – Agra – Gwalior – Orchha – Khajuraho – Varanasi – Delhi.
Villages & Beaches of Goa
Explore the villages with colonial mansions and white-washed churches, and the many beaches in Goa.
Ladakh (14 days)
Delhi – Leh – Alchi – Leh – Nubra Valley – Leh.
Combine village visits and local monasteries; river rafting, bicycling and walking. Coincide your visit with one of the local festivals. A perfect summer holiday for families and friends.