To make sure you truly immerse yourself in the culture of India we pack every single one of our tours to India with authentic cultural experiences.
We’ve highlighted our favourite ones on each tour but here are just a few examples of what you can look forward to…
For advice on where to go, what to do and how to choose your perfect tour, talk to our Travel Experts.
Venture off the tourist trail to the rural village of Rawla Narlai to spend time with a local shepherd community, who will sit down with you to share a cup of tea.
Explore Kolkata's traditional potters' quarter, Komortuli, where you'll see the skilled artisans sculpting idols of gods and goddesses for festivals.
Take part in a cooking class in Bijainagar, where you'll learn the secrets of the delicious local cuisine! You'll learn tips, techniques and the perfect flavour combinations before dining on what you create.
Venture into the rural surroundings of Sardargarh to visit a remote village where, as well as meeting the local community, you can join them for a fun and fascinating art workshop, in which you'll learn about traditional handicrafts.
Spend a night feeling like royalty in the magnificent Talabgaon Castle, a beautiful 200-year-old heritage property located in the peaceful heart of rural Rajasthan.
Explore the atmospheric streets of Varanasi by rickshaw, venturing down narrow lanes, past colourful shops and age-old temples for an authentic glimpse of day to day life in this ancient city.
Experience the electric atmosphere created by the flickering candles and tinkling bells of a puja held on the banks of the River Ganges, a ceremony dedicated to the river goddess.
Explore the old backstreets of Udaipur by bicycle, passing palaces, markets, temples and locals going about their day to day lives, soaking up the atmosphere as you go
Admire the magical city of Udaipur, full of glorious, romantic architecture, from the perfect vantage point – a boat cruising the waters of Lake Pichola.
In the birthplace of yoga, start the day with an invigorating morning practice and meditation session with a master, in the spectacular surroundings of the Himalayan foothills.
Board a camel-drawn cart and venture into the desert around the holy town of Pushkar where, amongst the sand dunes, you can settle down to watch a glorious sunset.
Immerse yourself in local life with a walking tour through Pushkar's bustling market, admiring the enormous range of fresh produce, colourful textiles and interesting souvenirs!
Marvel at the extravagant grandeur of Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a British-built and UNESCO-listed Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival masterpiece that still serves as the city's main railway station today
Explore the architectural wonder that is the Jain temple of Hutheesing. Built in 1848 using traditional techniques, it is the perfect showcase of Jain architecture and the skill of the local artisans who worked on its construction.
Embark on a safari through the surreal landscapes of the Little Rann of Kutch, a sprawling salt desert that is home to one of India's largest wildlife reserves, where you can spot flamingos, wild ass and white-footed foxes.
Witness an exuberant performance of the traditional dance-drama that is Kathakali. Kerala's best-known performing art, it is an extravagant retelling of Hindu epics complete with colourful costumes and elaborate make up.
Glimpse the traditional lifestyle of Kerala's fisher-folk with a visit to Kumbalangi, where you can see the villagers going about their day to day activities and discover traditional handicrafts.
Marvel at the strength and agility of Kalaripayattu practitioners at a performance of Kerala's traditional art form. This old martial art combines defensive steps and stances with weaponry such as daggers, spears, maces and bows and arrows.
Hosted by a local family in their home, take part in a cooking demonstration of tasty, traditional treats, learning the skills and techniques needed to prepare delicious Keralan dishes.
Soak up the sights and smells of one of Jodhpur's bustling local markets, where the stalls will be piled high with locally grown fruit and vegetables, and you will learn about the essential herbs and spices needed for Indian cuisine.
Embark on a camel cart ride out into the starkly beautiful landscapes of the Thar Desert – though it may appear barren, you’ll find the desert is surprisingly full of things to see.
Embark on an exhilarating jeep safari through the stark landscapes of the Thar Desert venturing out to Bishnoi for a village visit, where you'll see local life and the practice of traditional handicrafts.
The quintessential desert transportation, ride a camel through the undulating Sam Sand Dunes to the perfect spot to take in a spectacular sunset.
Explore the bustling streets and old lanes of Jaipur, sampling all of the aromatic flavours of the Pink City's freshly-prepared local delicacies on a fun and filling street food tour.
Visit a workshop hidden in the bustling backstreets of old Jaipur to catch a glimpse of the age-old art of carpet-weaving, a fascinating artistry still practised the traditional way.
Learn astronomy the ancient way at Jaipur's fascinating Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century observatory full of old instruments used to measure the distance and positions of celestial objects.
Venture into the old alleyways of Jaipur to try your hand at block printing, the practice of hand printing textiles with a carved wooden block, a traditional art of the city.
Be a guest at a local family's home in Delhi where you'll learn all about tricks and techniques of authentic Indian cuisine with a cooking demonstration and delicious meal.
Dine with a local family in Delhi, who will invite you into their home for a meal of delicious local dishes, and chat with you about their day to day life in India's chaotic capital city.
Take an exciting rickshaw ride through Asia's largest spice market, in Old Delhi, absorbing the heady scents and colourful sights of some of the world’s most exotic powders, leaves, roots and seeds.
Visit the Golden Temple's 'langar', the kitchen that feeds up to 100,000 people a day for free! Meet the volunteers who prepare and cook the food and watch them making thousands of chapatis by hand.
Travel to the border of India and Pakistan to witness the border closing ceremony, a display of fantastically over the top showmanship that involves speed marching, high kicks and stomps, all cheered on by the crowd of locals and tourists alike.
Enjoy a performance of 'Mohabbat the Taj', a lavishly set dance spectacular that tells the story of Emperor Shah Jahan and his third wife Mumtaz Mahal and the famous monument to love, the Taj Mahal.
Take a rickshaw ride through a busy spice and ayurvedic herb market in Agra – a feast for the senses. See the extensive and exotic array of colourful powders and medicinal herbs that are on display.
Surprisingly little known outside of India, discover the magnificent artistic treasures of the Ajanta and Ellora caves, a series of caverns full of intricate frescoes and carvings created by Buddhist, Hindu and Jain monks
Ride on a rickshaw through the hustle and bustle of Bikaner's bazaar, taking in the sights, sounds and smells of this atmospheric market place and watching the locals go about their day to day life.
Enjoy a colourful folk-dancing performance at Khajuraho, a showcase of traditional India costume, music and dance.
Visit Fort Kochi with its fascinating cultural mix of Malayali Christians, Hindus, Muslims, and Jews. From charming old-world streets to the ancient Chinese fishing nets, all make this city unique.
As one of India's best waterfalls, Athirapally Waterfalls is located on Chalakudy River, and drop from a height of 80 feet through several parallel streams. It's no wonder they're Kerala's most popular attraction.
Visit a craft centre in Jaipur to witness the professionals block printing by hand and carpet weaving - then give it a go for yourself!
Enjoy a boat safari in tranquil surroundings, as you admire the regions scenic beauty. This safari offers the opportunity to spot various aquatic and bird species, while keeping a look out for predators sleeping on the riverbank.
Trying to spot tigers is an exhilarating adventure where the thrill of the chase is an unforgettable experience. With patience and luck, you may find yourself face-to-face with one of the world's most magnificent big cats.
Embark on guided jeep safaris, offering you an opportunity to witness not only leopards but also tigers, sloth bears, herds of spotted deer, and a remarkable array of bird species.
Staying overnight on a Kettuvallam in Kerala offers a memorable experience. These traditional houseboats provide comfortable accommodation, scenic views, and delicious Kerala cuisine. Enjoy the tranquility of the backwaters, relax on the deck, and witness stunning sunsets and sunrises, as you interact with local life.
The Ooty to Coonoor toy train, part of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The small but charming train offers breathtaking views of Nilgiri Hills, tea plantations, and picturesque landscapes. The journey concludes in Coonoor, a beautiful hill station with attractions like Sim's Park and Dolphin's Nose
Visit a riverside village and witness locals who here, are well known for their handloomed cotton fabrics that are used for scarves and saris and how they are created.
Embark onboard the Ganges Voyages for 6 nights and experience it's exquisite colonial beauty and high end amenities and services
The Ooty to Coonoor toy train, part of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its small size and charming appeal, the train offers breathtaking views of Nilgiri Hills, tea plantations, and picturesque landscapes. Passing through stations like Lovedale and Wellington, it uses a cog-wheel system to navigate steep terrains. The journey concludes in Coonoor, a beautiful hill station with attractions like Sim's Park and Dolphin's Nose
Offering scenic aerial views of the city and the surrounding Himalayan landscape, a thrilling experience onboard this cable car ropeway with views of snow-capped peaks and valleys.
Renowned for some of the finest tea's and playing a vital role in India's economy, observe the journey from tea bush to cup at an Indian tea estate surrounding by lush, scenic landscapes.
Spend Christmas at 'The Elgin', a heritage resort and spa right in the heart of Darjeeling that once belonged to the Maharaja of Cooch Behar. With the elegance and grace of a bygone era made cosy for those cold Himalayan nights, The Elgin is the perfect base for your explorations of the town’s vibrant Christmas markets.
Celebrate in style with New Year's Eve on Brahmaputra! Sit back, relax and watch the river landscapes drift by as you cruise upstream, then as evening comes enjoy a special celebratory dinner on board with a cheers at midnight – what a way to see out the old year and see in the new one!
At 8,586 metres, Kanchenjunga is the world's third tallest mountain; start your Christmas Day celebrations in a unique way, rising early to watch the first rays of the sun turn its snowcapped peak flaming red. If you're lucky, you may even get a snowfall for an extra Christmassy feel.
