Destinations

India

India is one of the most colorful and enticing destinations in the world. From the Himalayan foothills to the Ranthambore jungle, the beaches of Goa to the backwaters of Kerala – more than 5,000 years of history and vast regional variation combine for unparalleled travel options. It could truly take a lifetime to experience all that India has to offer. Many first-time visits are focused on the riches of Rajasthan, and with good reason – its opulent palace-hotels, ancient forts, safari drives, and proximity to Delhi and Agra, home of the unsurpassed Taj Mahal, make it one of the world’s most compelling destinations.

But just as Cambodia is not merely Siem Reap, nor Indonesia only Bali, India’s allure extends so much farther than the “Golden Triangle.” For repeat visitors or those gazing beyond the beaten path, there is the dynamism of modern Mumbai, the undulating tea fields of Darjeeling, the French colonial charm of Pondicherry, or the wildlife of Assam, to name but a few. Travelers looking to tap India’s ancient traditions of holistic well-being might seek a regimen of physical and spiritual renewal at a luxury Himalayan retreat or a customized yoga program in the leafy suburbs of booming Bangalore.

India Regions

Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.

Northern

Southern

North-Eastern

Rajasthan

Wildlife Parks

Western

Mumbai

Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Andaman And Nicobar Islands

Central

India Itineraries

Classic India

Explore India’s age-old culture and witness its beauty across its most popular destinations on this 14-day journey. Travel through New Delhi’s bustling Chandni Chowk market, to the steps of the iconic Taj Mahal, into the bushland home of royal tigers, and the banks of the sacred Ganges river, all while staying at some of the country’s most luxurious hotels.

Destination India

Duration: 14 days / 13 nights

Price Per Person: From $17,500

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A Journey Through Bengal: Bangladesh and India

Explore the sights and attractions of India’s exciting Bengal region, on a 12-day luxury journey from Bangladesh’s bustling Dhaka, through the lush Sundarbans mangrove forest, onwards to Calcutta for lunch at the Polo Club, and ending Darjeeling for a tour and stay at Glenburn Tea Estate.

Interests Architecture, Heritage

Destinations India, Bangladesh

Duration: 12 days / 11 nights

Price Per Person: From $9,000

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A Mindful and Cultural Journey | Aman Jet Expeditions | October 14–28, 2024

A Mindful and Cultural Journey returns in 2024 for a spiritual journey through the Indian Subcontinent aboard our custom-outfitted Airbus ACJ 319, from the peaks of the Himalayas to the tropical beaches of Sri Lanka.

Destinations Nepal, Bhutan, India, Sri Lanka

Date: October 14–28, 2024

Price Per Person: $108,888

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A Mindful and Cultural Journey 2025 | Aman Jet Expeditions | October 19–November 2, 2025

Destinations Nepal, Bhutan, India, Sri Lanka

Date: October 19–November 2, 2025

Price Per Person: $118,888

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A Naturalist’s Trip Through the National Parks of Madhya Pradesh

The trip takes intrepid travelers through India's expansive central state of Madhya Pradesh. Over the course of 11 days, you will have the opportunity to explore three of the state’s major parks. Along the way, visit some of Madhya Pradesh's historical palaces and temples.

Interest Wildlife

Destination India

Duration: 12 days / 11 nights

Price Per Person: From $7,600

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Archaeological Excursion Through Madhya Pradesh

This 10-day quest through the central state of Madhya Pradesh, India, will take you to numerous off the beaten path archaeological and UNESCO world heritage sites to discover the vibrant cultural traditions of Indian’s expansive inland state.

Destination India

Duration: 10 days / 9 nights

Price Per Person: From $6,000

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Beaches of Goa, Backwaters of Kerala

Travel from Kerala’s languid backwaters to Goa’s famous white-sand beaches on this 10-day luxury India journey. You’ll sleep aboard a luxury kettuvallam, learn to make a rich, thick Indian curry, and spend days doing nothing but relaxing by the pool and observing the Arabian Sea at either the Leela or Taj Exotica Goa.

Interests Beaches, Luxury Cruises

Destination India

Duration: 10 days / 9 nights

Price Per Person: From $7,300

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Celebrating Dev Deepawali and Other Gems of Madhya Pradesh

The exciting 12-day agenda includes numerous stops at historic, lesser-known gems away from the standard tourist-heavy beat with a final stop at Varanasi. Though travelers may opt for this itinerary at any time of year, we highly recommend timing this trip in late October to early November to coincide with Dev Deepawali – an annual celebration that occurs in Varanasi and translates to “Festival of Lights of the Gods” in Hindi.

Destination India

Duration: 12 days / 11 nights

Price Per Person: From $5,100

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Central India Cultural Highlights

Take a journey through Central India, passing through Mumbai, Hampi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad on this 11-day luxury journey. You’ll sleep in some of India’s most luxurious hotels, including the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, spend time in Bollywood, visit the ancient ruins of Golkonda, and rock climb in Hampi.

Interest Heritage

Destination India

Duration: 11 days / 10 nights

Price Per Person: From $8,900

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Darjeeling & Northeastern India

This 8-day luxury tour of Darjeeling and Northeastern India starts in Calcutta at the city’s famous Polo Club, and continues on to fragrant Darjeeling, with a tour and stay at Glenburn Tea Estate, rounding off in Sikkim, with its friendly locals, and incredible mountain views.

Destination India

Duration: 8 days / 7 nights

Price Per Person: From $7,000

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ABN Charaidew II

Calcutta, India

Assam Bengal Navigation is famous for river cruising in India and the ABN Charaidew is one of the longest established boats of the Brahmaputra River. The original vessel is now moored near Majuli Island, providing accommodation and sightseeing opportunities in its new life as a floating hotel. Meanwhile, the new ABN Charaidew II continues the sailing route between Calcutta and Dibrugarh. Travelers can choose from four, seven or ten nights on the river, taking in nature reserves, tea gardens, tribal village performances and endangered wildlife safaris. Accommodation aboard is comprised of 18 cozy and comfortable cabins, all featuring balconies for views of the passing river scenery. The limited accommodation allows for an intimate experience and guests can socialize in the vessel's saloon & bar after a day of excursions to see historical, cultural and natural wonders. Or, keep fit in the gym, relax at the spa, or lie out on the sun deck - the choice is yours.

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Taj Faluknama Palace

Hyderabad, India

Built in the 19th century as a guesthouse for visiting dignitaries, the Faluknama was once one of India's finest palaces; today, it is one of the country's most luxurious hotels. Local artifacts, Italian marble, and fixtures & fittings from around the globe make the Taj Faluknama a fascinating attraction in and of itself. Its sixty rooms and suites combine contemporary amenities, such as high-speed internet access, in-room safes, plush beds, and DVD players, with classic design features including hardwood floors and colorful, hand-painted walls. The Royal Presidential Suite, the most luxurious of these rooms, even has its own private swimming pool. The Taj’s culinary options include Adaa, which serves slow cooked, traditional Hyderabadi cuisine such as biryani, or rice slow-cooked with meat, vegetables, spices, and saffron; Celeste, an Italian and Mediterranean eatery that is open all day; Jade Verandah, a breakfast only venue; and a hookah lounge and a poolside bar. Amenities include a spa, pool, library and billiards room, as well as an in-house historian who will walk guests through the property's fascinating history.

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ABN Raj Mahal

Sikkim, India

Travelers aboard Assam Bengal Navigation’s newest cruiser, the beautiful Raj Mahal, have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the beautiful and enchanting scenery surrounding the mighty River Ganges. Guests can choose to spend six nights traveling downstream or eight nights sailing upstream, between the cities of Farakka and Patna, witnessing all the spectacular landscapes in between and stopping off to visit mosques, monasteries and temples, bazaars and villages. Guests can travel in comfort, retiring each evening to their fresh and stylishly-decorated cabins, all of which boast river-facing windows, perfect for a little reflection as the cruiser glides along. Delicious local and international dishes are served in the ship’s restaurant and guests can take in the morning air or enjoy sunset views on the canopied observation deck. What’s more, for those in need of a little pampering, the ship’s spa offers a range of indulgent treatments.

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Aman-i-Khas

Ranthambhore, India

With just 10 luxury tents dotted around a lake, Aman-i-Khás is one of the most exclusive properties in the world. Located near the famed Ranthambore National Park, Aman-i- Khás offers supreme comfort in this rugged area with its dining tent, spa tent with four treatment beds total, lounge tent, a step-well, a traditional shallow wading pool, and wireless Internet access. Each tent has a central living room area, which opens on to three other areas for sleeping, bathing and dressing. The “bedroom” has a king-size bed and two writing desks, while the bathing area includes a shower, soaking tub and separate toilet while the dressing area contains wardrobes and twin vanities. There is a lovely campfire that is lit every evening and surrounded by stone benches with pillows such that guests can socialize with one another and chat about any game sightings over drinks and live music.

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Amanbagh

Alwar, India

The sumptuous Amanbagh hotel is located in the remote Alwar region of Rajasthan on one of the sites used long ago by the Maharajah of Alwar for his mobile tiger hunting camps. With 32 rooms and suites, Amanbagh, which translates as "peaceful garden" is designed as a contemporary interpretation of the great palaces built during India's golden age of architecture. The Restaurant serves a deluxe version of the region's home-style cooking as well as western specialties in a refined atmosphere including indoor and outdoor seating areas. Additionally, there is a courtyard for more casual dining near the pool area. The Bar and Lounge is an intimate place to relax and unwind during the afternoon and into the evening. An ongoing series of lectures on regional art and architecture, history, and philosophy is offered to guests in the hotel's library. Amanbagh has a comprehensive spa program specializing in Ayurvedic treatments as well as a devoted area for the practice and instruction of yoga.

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Ananda in the Himalayas

Rishikesh, India

Rishikesh is the yoga capital of the world, and the best of its myriad schools and ashrams is undoubtedly Ananda. Once a maharajah’s palace, today it is a luxurious, seventy-five room spa and resort overlooking the Ganges Valley. Each of its rooms and suites feature wireless internet, televisions, walk-in closets, safes, climate control, and terraces with commanding views of the Ganges Valley. Ananda’s signature restaurant offers a rotating menu of light meals from Indian, Asian, and Western cuisines; a tree-top deck where guests can savor views of the nearby river; and a quiet, comfortable tea lounge that evokes the genteel, nostalgic days of the British Raj. Amenities include a gym and spa, and, of course, individual and group yoga sessions – available in a number of indoor and outdoor locations. Located in the countryside outside the town, Ananda is a short, half-hour drive from Rishikesh.

Please note that children under the age of 14 are not allowed at Ananda Spa and Resort.

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Chamba Camp Diskit

Ladakh, India

Cradled by the towering peaks of the Himalayas near India’s northern border, the Ladakh plateau is a getaway long popular with hikers and mountaineers seeking full immersion in its stunning natural environment. The Nubra Valley, located near the town of Leh in central Ladakh, is the region in a nutshell, with cobalt blue lakes, glaciated peaks, and cozy nomadic villages dotting the landscape. This tranquil backdrop, and the thriving centuries-old local culture, animates Chamba Camp Diskit, a plush “glamping” hotel built as a cozy campsite near the village of Diskit. Offering four luxuriously appointed tents in the shadow of the Diskit Buddhist Monastery, Chamba Camp Diskit features a spectacular natural setting complemented by contemporary comforts. Ensuite bathrooms, private decks, crisp linen, and prompt service are all standards, as are a host of unique experiences, including walking tours through ancient villages, stargazing, camel safaris, and traditional Ladakhi food served around a bonfire. Inspired by the traditions and nomadic lifestyle of Ladakh’s inhabitants, Chamba Camp Diskit melds tent-side luxury with a focus on staying true to the natural beauty of the trans-Himalayan vistas and their rich ecology.

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Chamba Camp Thiksey

Ladakh, India

Ladakh, at an elevation of over 9,800 feet, is known for its icy lakes, glaciers, clear blue skies, picturesque valleys and historic monasteries festooned with colorful prayer flags. From the Chamba Camp, guests are well-placed to go on excursions to Thiksey, Hemis and Alchi monasteries, embark on hikes and treks, visit local homes, stage picnics or even play a game of polo. The area is rich in culture and history, with an Old City to explore and beautiful hamlets to visit. It’s also replete with natural beauty, known for its abundant birdlife and spectacular Tso-Moriri Lake. At Chamba Camp, guests will be treated to homestyle cooking by local chefs, and be regaled with tales from fellow guests or from travel experts while around the campfire. There’s a private butler on call 24/7 to cater to guests’ needs, whether they want to organize an intimate dinner for two or a day-trip to the Indus River. In their tents, guests are treated to five-star luxury, with spacious, beautifully-appointed living spaces, a private ensuite and indoor and outdoor seating areas.

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Drenmo Lodge

Drass, India

A stay at Drenmo Lodge offers guests an unforgettable wildlife experience and the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Trans-Himalayas. With its unique location in the heart of western Ladakh, guests can see incredible wildlife and explore the local culture and natural beauty of the region. Witness the majestic Himalayan Brown Bear in its natural habitat, as well as take part in various activities like village and nature walks, hiking, birding, fishing, and glamping. The lodge itself has six rooms and is equipped with modern amenities and traditional touches, an ideal base in this remote area. The lodge provides an in-house naturalist and local wildlife spotters to accompany guests on daily wildlife excursions.

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Elgin Mount Pandim Hotel

Gangtok, India

Originally the home of the Sikkim royal family, the Elgin Mount Pandim enjoys a magnificent location, set amidst virgin forest and landscape gardens with splendid views of the Singalila mountain range. All of its 30 rooms are unique in design and colour scheme, but all come with internet, LCD TV and en-suite bathroom, as well as 24-hour room service. The hotel offers numerous activities including birdwatching (the area is rich in birdlife including several rare species) and mountain biking. The hotel also has a multi-cuisine dining room, bar and afternoon tea lounge.

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With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

Seasonality & Festivals

Browse a month-by-month breakdown of suggested itineraries, seasonal activities, climate considerations and festivals.

When to Go

Choose Your Month

Festivals

Choose Your Month

Weather in India

Generally, the best time to visit India is between November and March, when it is dry, cooler and sunny (although it can be chilly in the north). For hill stations and the Himalayan north visit in Summer.

India is a vast country containing a huge array of climates and environments, and weather can therefore vary dramatically from region to region. In general, the coolest weather lasts from November to mid-March, with fresh mornings and evenings and dry, sunny days. Between April and June, the weather can be very hot and generally dry, dusty, and unpleasant. Between June and September is monsoon season, so heavy rains should be expected in most regions; waterproof clothing is essential in these months.
Western Himalayas: Summers are sunny with cool nights and heat increasing in July and August; winters are cold and damp. During the winter months of December to March, higher-altitude regions will experience low temperatures and snow. Since the weather can change rapidly in the mountains, layered clothing is recommended.
Northern Plains: April to mid-June are warm months. In the winter months of November to February, temperatures can fall to almost freezing at night. June through September is monsoon season in which heavy rains and heat waves should be expected.
Central India: Monsoons are heavy between July and September, and waterproofing is essential during this period. In the winter, temperatures drop significantly at night.
Western India: November to February is most comfortable, although evenings can be cold. Summers are extremely hot with monsoon rainfall between mid-June and mid-September.
Southern India: The most pleasant weather is from November to March. Monsoon rains arrive between late April and August. Summer temperatures are milder than in Northern India, although humidity is extreme. Sea breezes keep the coastal regions cool, and the inland climate is also pleasant with relatively low rainfall

Multi-Country Specialists

India Goes Well With

Sri Lanka

Nepal

Maldives

Bhutan

Travelogues

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