4 Best Luxury Train Tours in India

So you think butter chicken and naan is the pinnacle of Indian food? Prepare to stand corrected! Distinguished for its rich tapestry of cultures and 4,500-year-old history, Indian traditional food, or “desi food,” offers much more than the diluted modern versions you find at your nearby takeout joint. From the coconut-laden seafood curries of the South to the butter-smeared flatbreads of the North, India's regional cuisines proudly reflect the country's historic role as a hub of spice routes and empires. With a plethora of exotic flavors to discover, a food-hunting tour in India promises to be an exciting feast for adventurous palates. If we tried to list all the incredible Indian food names, it would make for a really long article, so, to narrow it down, here are our picks for the top 13 traditional Indian foods to try on your culinary expedition across this diverse land.

India is a special, unique destination; it doesn’t matter where you’ve been before, nothing will prepare you for the experiences that await in this fascinating country. Unfortunately, due to a growing reputation for scams, the infamous Delhi-belly, pollution and increasing cases of sexual harassment on women, many wonder if traveling to India is safe and thus worth it. Let’s find out!

Few countries have managed to cling to its alluring mystery like India. This mesmerizing land of colourful traditions, religious festivals, opulent history and promising future keeps fascinating many, but only a few dare to really venture within. But for those that do make that leap, India burns long and bright in their memories and hearts. India’s attractions stretch far beyond the iconic landmarks of Taj Mahal, Amer Fort and Varanasi. It is a country that wears its big tickets on the sleeve to lure you in, but once there, prepare to get hooked for a long time to come. India is home to a motherlode treasure chest of lesser-known (albeit no less impressive) historical sites, hypnotic natural landscapes, ancient traditions and wildly rich culture that will change your perception of this country forever. And let’s not forget the flavourful, distinctive food. So, buckle up and get ready for your trip to India. It will be one to remember long after you have settled back home, full of fond memories and tantalising stories to tell.

If you dream of a fairytale honeymoon somewhere exotic, surrounded by gorgeous scenery and with a hint of magic in the air, then India should be on your list. Whether you choose Kashmir and the mystical far-north, or slow-paced Kerala in the south, or the remote paradisiac islands of the Andamans, a honeymoon in India delivers everything you could hope for — and so much more.

Taking a Taj Mahal tour is the highlight of any India itinerary. Often referred to as being the most beautiful building in the world, the Taj stands out among Agra’s haze like a beautiful mirage. The ornately carved archways, the stunning white marble pillars, and the lush green gardens on the banks of the Yamuna river are guaranteed to take the breath away from even the most hard-to-please travelers. The Taj is India’s most famous monument and was built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved third wife, Mumtaz Mahal who passed away during childbirth. It is not a temple or a palace, but a mausoleum. The Taj took years, and the assistance of 20,000 workers to build. Sadly, following its completion, the Shah was overthrown by his son, who sentenced him to living out the rest of his life in jail while gazing at his beloved creation out of his cell window in Agra. After passing away, the Shah was buried alongside Mumtaz in the Taj. Today, millions of people visit the Taj every year.

Delhi and Agra make up two of the three points in India’s Golden Triangle, so travel between the two cities is common. Especially since Agra houses India’s greatest claim to fame, the Taj Mahal. There are multiple transportation options to get from Delhi to Agra. If you are in one city, you should definitely take the time to discover the other. The things to do in each place vary greatly and they are conveniently located in close proximity to one another. If you’re planning a trip to Delhi, make sure you read this article on how to travel to Agra and take the time to experience two of India’s most fascinating cities.

North India offers a diverse mix of cultures and terrains. It will take your entire vacation just to explore India and some of the most famous offerings in northern India: including Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, and Rajasthan! North India houses some of the most popular tourist destinations in all of India. This includes the Golden Triangle, the desert beauty of Rajasthan, the historical Uttar Pradesh, and countless religious destinations. The historical cities of New Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra should be on the top of your list - as you will get to see the grand monuments, including the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort! The beauty of Rajasthan, with its grand forts, endless deserts, and beautiful oasis cities like Jaisalmer, and the lake palaces of Udaipur should not be missed! For those who want to explore their spiritual side, destinations like Varanasi, Rishikesh, and Gaya will be the main draw.

A tiger safari in India is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the power and grace of India’s most treasured animal. Under a conservation program titled Project Tiger launched by the Indian Government in 1972, 47 Project Tiger Reserves were established, making this country undoubtedly one of the best in the world when it comes to tiger safaris. All of the National Parks listed below have tiger reserves founded by Project Tiger in addition to housing some of the largest tiger populations in India. Not only that, there are plenty of other wild and wonderful creatures, flora, and striking landscapes all of which make India a desirable travel destination. If you’re a wildlife enthusiast or animal lover, don’t miss the chance at safari in India!

The wondrous of India lies in the fact that along with claiming it to be secular, India also proves that it is secular. India is a land of not just brilliant Hindu temples, but also some thriving and beautiful Buddhist monasteries that dot the hills and mountains of India. Closer to the India-Tibet border, the breathtaking monasteries are not only tourist destinations, but also an abode of peace. These monasteries also a great place to visit if you are looking for some peace along with a spiritual awakening. You will especially find many monasteries in Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh and the picturesque town of Ladakh. These monasteries are not only culturally rich but also historically significant to India. Here is a list of the 10 most amazing and mind-blowing monasteries in India that must be on top of your bucket list.

From palm-lined beaches to the Taj Mahal to Himalayan hill stations, each corner of India is unique in its own way; no two regions in this vast country are alike. With so many places to go and things to see, planning a trip to India may seem like a daunting task but it's only a matter of a quick geography lesson and some top recommendations that will have you on your way to an adventure of a lifetime. Pack your bags and get ready to explore India with us. Here’s our list of the 20 best places to visit in India, by region, starting with the mesmerizing north.

A short 5-day tour of India is an excellent opportunity to focus on one exciting part of this vast country. If you have 5 days in India, you can do the famous Golden Triangle, which includes a visit to the Taj Mahal, the country’s most popular monument. Or go on repeat safaris at the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, increasing the chance of spotting the elusive Bengal tiger. You plan a customized trip to Kerala for 5 days and enjoy its backwaters. Or spend 5 days in Goa for the perfect introduction to some of India’s finest beaches like Palolem.

India is an incredible destination that offers a plethora of experiences perfect for any traveler on a limited timeframe. While four days may sound too short a travel duration for India, you can actually get a lot done if you focus on 2-3 destinations. With so many destinations to visit, spending four days in this vibrant country will allow you to explore its rich cultures, historic sites, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you spend 4 days in India immersing yourself in bustling cities like Mumbai or interacting with wildlife at Ranthambore National Park, each day promises awe-inspiring activities and attractions. For inspiration on how to make the most of your trip, check out our India 4-day tours.