Best India Tours & Holidays

We offer a range of India tours to match different travel styles and interests. You can choose from our comprehensive Classic tours featuring must-see destinations, intimate Small Group tours for a more personal experience, custom Private tours, Tailor-made tours designed just for you, or flexible Independent Tours. 

Our India tour packages span anywhere from 7 to 28 days, offering a broad range of unforgettable experiences—whether you dream of exploring the iconic Golden Triangle or unwinding in the serene backwaters of Kerala. With so many diverse itineraries to choose from, you’ll find the journey that perfectly fits your travel style.

Our Classic Indian group tours generally accommodate 8-20 travellers, combining all the must-see highlights with unbeatable value—perfect for experiencing India's magic without the premium price tag.

Travelling on our Small Group Tours, you’ll enjoy smaller groups of just 2-16 participants. These thoughtfully sized small groups give you the perfect mix of social connection and individual attention: large enough to meet interesting fellow travellers but small enough that our local guides can provide personalised insights.

When you book our tours to India, your package includes carefully chosen accommodation, daily breakfast and selected meals, all transportation within India (including internal flights where listed), admission to attractions included in your itinerary, experienced English-speaking guides, and all tipping for drivers and guides. 

Many tours also feature exclusive Inspiring Sights and Inspiring Tastes experiences that go beyond typical tourist activities. While international flights aren't included, we're happy to arrange these for you when booking, or you can opt to book them yourself using our intuitive Flight Portal.

Food is a highlight of any India travel experience. Daily breakfast is included, along with select meals mentioned in your itinerary. Your guide will recommend trustworthy local restaurants for other meals, giving you the freedom to explore India's incredible culinary landscape. 

Our Inspiring Tastes experiences might include anything from a home-cooked meal with a local family to a street food tour with an expert who knows exactly which stalls are both authentic and safe. Don't worry if you don't handle spice well—there are plenty of milder options available, and vegetarians will find themselves in paradise with India's incredible meat-free dishes.

Our guided tours of India balance structured activities with personal exploration time. We include the must-see attractions and unique experiences in each destination, but we also understand you might want to shop for textiles in Jaipur's markets, get an Ayurvedic massage in Kerala, or simply sit in a café watching the world go by. Your tour guide can suggest additional activities during free time based on your interests, whether that's finding the best local crafts, photographing hidden gems, or discovering the perfect chai stall.

Our group tours to India use a mix of transportation methods to make your journey comfortable and efficient. For longer distances, we typically use domestic flights to maximise your time at destinations rather than on the road. For shorter journeys, you'll travel in air-conditioned vehicles suited to your group size. 

Some tours include unique transportation experiences like heritage train journeys, rickshaw rides through Old Delhi, or boat cruises on the Ganges or Kerala's backwaters. All transportation mentioned in your itinerary is included in your tour price, and we handle all the logistics so you can simply enjoy the journey.

India's size means the ideal time for tours in India varies by region. For most of Northern India, including Delhi, Agra, and Rajasthan, the most comfortable months are October to March, when days are sunny but not scorching. 

Southern India is generally best from November to February when humidity levels drop. Try to avoid the monsoon season (June to September) in most regions, when heavy rainfall can affect your experience. 

If you're heading to the Himalayan regions, May to June offers stunning mountain views before the monsoon, while September to October brings clear skies after the rains. For detailed seasonal advice, check out our guide to the best time to visit India.

Smart packing makes a huge difference for your India holidays. For clothing, think "modest but comfortable"—lightweight pants, below-knee skirts/dresses, and tops that cover your shoulders will keep you cool while respecting local customs. 

A scarf or shawl is invaluable for women to cover their heads and shoulders at certain religious sites. Comfortable walking shoes are essential as you'll be exploring lots of temples and historical sites, and you’ll often need to slip them off at the temples. Don't forget a hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, hand sanitiser, and toilet paper for public bathrooms. 

India uses 230V electricity with Type C, D, and M sockets, so bring a universal adapter. For a detailed seasonal packing list, see what to pack for your trip to India.

The Indian Rupee (INR) is very challenging to obtain outside India, so plan to exchange money upon arrival at airports or hotels (which offer convenience but not always the best rates) or at authorised banks and currency exchanges. ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas, though it's wise to carry some cash, especially when venturing into smaller towns. 

Credit cards are accepted at hotels, upscale restaurants, and larger shops, but smaller vendors and markets only take cash. Let your bank know about your travel plans before departure to prevent card blocking. Keep small bills handy for tipping, street food, and market purchases – breaking large notes can be challenging with small vendors.

Understanding a few key customs will enrich your India travel experience. 

• Always remove your shoes before entering temples, mosques, and people's homes. Look for shoe racks or attendants who may store them for a small fee. 
• The traditional greeting "Namaste" with palms pressed together is always appreciated.
• Use your right hand for eating, giving, and receiving items, as the left hand is traditionally considered unclean. 
• Ask permission before photographing people, especially at religious sites. 
• When visiting temples, both men and women should have shoulders and knees covered, and women may need to cover their heads in certain places. 
• Displays of affection between couples are best kept private. 
• Indians generally have a more flexible concept of personal space and queuing than Westerners—what might seem like pushing is often just a cultural difference. 

As mentioned in our first-timers guide to India, a smile and patient attitude go a long way in navigating cultural differences.

A few simple precautions will help keep you healthy during tour of India. The golden rule is "boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it." 

• Stick to bottled water (check the seal is intact) even for brushing your teeth. 
• Be cautious with ice, salads, and unpeeled fruits. 
• Street food can be amazing, but choose busy stalls where locals eat and where food is freshly prepared. 
• Carry hand sanitiser and use it frequently, especially before eating. 
• Pack basic medications for stomach upsets, pain relief, and any prescription medicines you need (in their original packaging with your prescription). 
• Consult your doctor about recommended vaccinations at least 6-8 weeks before departure. 

Our guides are experienced in helping travellers stay healthy and can direct you to reliable medical help if needed.

Depending on your chosen itinerary, you might witness the mesmerising aarti ceremony on the Ganges with hundreds of flickering lamps illuminating the river at dusk, enjoy a homestay cooking experience to discover authentic Indian cuisine or wake early for a peaceful sunrise boat ride along Varanasi's ancient ghats. 

Selected tours feature overnight stays in converted palace hotels, wildlife safaris in search of Bengal tigers, or cruising Kerala's serene backwaters aboard a traditional houseboat. Check your specific tour itinerary for included experiences, and remember that our guides can also help you discover additional cultural encounters during your free time. These authentic moments often become the highlight of your journey, transforming a sightseeing trip into a truly immersive adventure.

Photography etiquette is important for respectful travel in India. Many temples and monuments prohibit interior photography or charge a camera fee (usually modest for smartphones/small cameras, higher for professional equipment). Always check for "no photography" signs or ask your guide before taking pictures. When photographing people, especially at religious sites or in rural areas, always ask permission first—a smile and gesture toward your camera is usually understood. 

Some holy men (sadhus) at places like Varanasi expect a small donation for photos. During religious ceremonies, maintain a respectful distance and follow your guide's advice on appropriate behaviour. At the Taj Mahal, tripods aren't allowed, and there are specific areas where photography is restricted—your guide will explain the rules.

Tipping is a common part of daily life in India and is appreciated for good service. While tipping isn’t covered in your tour cost, it’s recommended to tip guides, drivers, hotel porters, and other service providers directly. Here’s a rough guide:

• Guides and drivers: It’s customary to tip at the end of your tour or day. Your guide can offer advice on appropriate amounts.
  
  
• Hotel porters: Around 20–50 rupees per bag is appreciated.
  
  
• Restaurants: If a service charge isn’t already added to your bill, a tip of around 5–10% is typical.
  
  
• Bathroom attendants: 10–20 rupees is customary at public facilities.
  
  
• Additional services: For spa treatments or similar services, a 10% tip is standard.
  
  

Keep small notes handy for convenience. If a guide takes you to a shop, it’s good to know that commissions are sometimes involved. Ultimately, tipping is always optional, but a small gesture can go a long way in supporting local workers and showing appreciation for great service.

Connectivity varies widely across India. Major cities and tourist areas generally have good 4G coverage and widely available Wi-Fi in hotels, restaurants, and cafes. In rural areas like parts of Rajasthan or remote areas in Kerala, service can be spotty. Most hotels on our India tours offer Wi-Fi, though speed and reliability vary. 

For mobile service, purchasing a local SIM card is inexpensive and provides better coverage than international roaming—these are available at airports and major shopping areas with your passport as ID. Popular providers include Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone. Power outages occasionally occur even in major cities, so a portable charger is handy. Some remote locations, like houseboats in Kerala or desert camps in Rajasthan, may have limited or no connectivity—a perfect opportunity to disconnect and fully immerse in your surroundings.

Most international travellers need a visa to enter India. The good news is India's e-Tourist Visa (e-TV) system makes the process relatively straightforward for many nationalities. You'll need to apply online before travelling, and processing can take anywhere from 3-10 business days, though we recommend applying at least 4-6 weeks before departure to avoid any last-minute stress. 

After booking, visit our Visa Entry Requirements page for updated information and application links. Remember that visa requirements can change, so always check the latest conditions even if you've visited India previously.

Ready to experience India? You can book your India tour from Australia directly through our website—just browse the options, select your preferred dates, and follow the simple booking process. If you'd rather chat with someone who knows the tours inside and out, call our friendly Inspiring Vacations team on 1300 88 66 88. We're here to help you find the perfect adventure that matches your travel style, budget, and bucket list dreams.