Women with pots on heads walking through meadow in India

NAMASTE INDIA

Name: Icons of India
Brand: Costsaver
Price: 1525.0 GBP
Availability: InStock

Destination guide

A country where action, colour and flavour are turned all the way up, it's got to be India. All your senses will come alive as you explore the mouthwatering markets, soul-warming festivals and impressive architecture. We’ll take care of all your India tour essentials, while you choose from our optional experiences to create your ultimate India trip, because that’s how we like it best. Whether you want to go in search of tigers and leopards in the jungle, or witness a sacred ritual on the River Ganges, you’ll get lost and discover India, but always your way.

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OUR FAVOURITE WAYS TO SEE INDIA

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ESSENTIAL INDIA BUCKET LIST ITEMS BY US

An India tour with Costsaver will have you falling in love with all the top sights, from the forts and palaces of Jaipur to the iconic Taj Mahal.

ADMIRE THE TAJ MAHAL AT SUNSET

You'll experience one of the most unforgettable sunrises of your life at the Taj Mahal, the ultimate symbol of love and luxury. This world-famous building is a hundred times more impressive in real life, and you’ll be amazed as you watch the glistening white marble turn all shades of pink and gold. You can even snap a photo on the iconic ‘Diana seat’!

EXPERIENCE AN AARTI CEREMONY ON THE RIVER GANGES

Get to the spiritual heart of India when we take you to witness a traditional Aarti ceremony on the banks of the sacred River Ganges at dusk. It’s a truly magical experience to watch the Hindu priests lighting lamps and chanting for Mother Ganga, and you’ll have to pinch yourself as you watch the offerings of candles and flowers floating down the river.

VISIT THE AMBER FORT AND VIEW THE PALACE OF WINDS IN JAIPUR

If you’re into ancient history, you’ll be blown away by the city of Jaipur. It’s one of the best destinations in India, home to the UNESCO-listed Amber Fort, a huge palace of glittering white marble and pink and yellow sandstone, plus the Palace of the Winds. With five stories of stunning latticed windows, your camera is sure to get a workout here!

INDIA TAILORED BY YOU

Tailor the India trip of your dreams with our range of Optional Experiences. Choose from adventures like exploring the ancient Agra Fort or listening to the moving qawwalis on your Delhi tour.

Katie Birtles

happy Get Going past guest

VISIT THE IMPRESSIVE AGRA FORT

History buffs can't miss visiting the UNESCO-listed Agra Fort, one of India's greatest Mughal forts. It was an incredible experience to wander the maze of buildings and large underground sections, and I filled my camera with shots of the fairytale palaces and stunning mosques.

Irina Gorskaia

Costsaver team member

LISTEN TO QAWWALIS IN DELHI

The best place to hear qawwalis (devotional music) is at the dargah (tomb) of the Sufi saint Nizam-ud-din Auliya. Resounding professions of faith ring out around sunset at one of Sufism’s most revered sites. The qawwalis take on a special hue during Basant, the festival of Spring, when both dargah and devotees are adorned with yellow robes and blooms. Absolutely mesmerising!

Ginny Smith

Costsaver team member

VISIT THE REVERED PILGRIMAGE SITE OF SARNATH

There was something truly magical about Sarnath. It's said to be the place where Buddha gave his first sermon after he found enlightenment and the beautiful Dhamek Stupa still stands in the place where he preached. There are many other ancient ruins to explore, including a holy Bodhi tree, cut from the famous Bodhi Tree where Buddha found enlightenment.

WHAT TO EAT & DRINK IN INDIA

Indian food is one of the world’s most beloved cuisines and we’ll show you where to try all the iconic dishes from tandoor chicken to rogan josh.

TANDOORI CHICKEN

You can’t visit India without tasting an authentic tandoori chicken. It’s made by marinating chunks of chicken in yoghurt and spices, then roasting the chicken in a special clay oven called a tandoor, which is how the dish got its name! It comes out soft, juicy and oh so delicious.

ROGAN JOSH

You’ve may have had a rogan josh before but never like this. In India, it’s traditionally made with lamb or goat smothered in yoghurt and all kinds of herbs and spices, including Kashmiri chilies, one of the signature ingredients of the delicious Kashmiri cuisine. Get it while it’s hot!

MASALA CHAI

An authentic masala chai is the perfect pick-me-up, made from black tea brewed with a delicious-smelling blend of Indian herbs and spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and ginger. You can find it in tea houses all over India and we’ll show you where to find the best.

WHEN IS BEST TO VISIT INDIA

We love exploring India any time from October to June, when the weather is fine, the wildlife is easier to spot, and the festivals are in full swing.

BEST TIME TO EXPLORE INDIA’S NATIONAL PARKS

If you’re keen to spot the tigers of Ranthambore National Park, it’s best to go during the hottest and driest months of April to June when wildlife comes out to search for water.

BEST TIME TO EXPERIENCE THE FESTIVALS OF INDIA

India has a full roster of wonderful festivals, like Diwali, the Festival of Light which falls in October or November, and Holi, the iconic Festival of Colour, which usually falls in March.

BEST TIME TO VISIT INDIA’S GOLDEN TRIANGLE

You can go exploring through the Golden Triangle any time of the year, but our favourite months are October to March, for milder temperatures and sunny days.

PACKING TIPS FOR INDIA

Light and modest clothing

When in India, it’s best to wear long, light clothing to protect yourself from the heat and to respect the conservative culture, especially when visiting religious sites.

Sun protection

India is famed for its blazing heat and sunshine so pack a hat, UV protected sunglasses and SPF 30 sunscreen to stay sun safe on your India trip

Binoculars

Pack a pair of binoculars for your jungle game drives in India, to help spot those elusive tigers and other incredible wildlife of Ranthambore National Park.

HOW TO TRAVEL RESPONSIBLY IN INDIA

Do not support exploitative elephant tourism

Do not participate in exploitative elephant tourism, like elephant riding or trekking, as these beautiful creatures are often abused and mistreated for years to ensure they comply or perform according to the tourism venue.

Maintain modesty

It’s very important to be culturally sensitive in India. You should always cover your legs and shoulders, and public displays of affection like kissing are a big no-no.

Say no to plastic

You can avoid contributing to India’s waste disposal problems, by using refillable bottles and bags. That way, you won’t bring lots of plastic waste into the country.

YOUR ASIA, YOUR WAY

INDIA

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MALAYSIA