India & the Subcontinent

Colour, Chaos & Sublime Beauty

A land where marble palaces rise from desert sands, sacred rivers flow through ancient cities, and every market, temple, and mountain trail overwhelms the senses in the most extraordinary way.

Explore Destinations View Sample Itinerary
1.4B
People
40
UNESCO Sites
5,000
Years of History
Jaipur Hawa Mahal pink palace Rajasthan
Why India & the Subcontinent

A Journey for Every Sense

India doesn't just fill your camera roll — it rewires your perspective. From the pink palaces of Rajasthan and the serenity of Kerala's backwaters to the raw power of the Himalayas and the spiritual intensity of Varanasi, nothing prepares you for the scale of it.

Add the beaches of Sri Lanka, the mountain kingdoms of Nepal and Bhutan, and the Maldives' overwater luxury — and the subcontinent becomes one of the most diverse travel regions on Earth.

Rajasthan Palaces
The Taj Mahal
Kerala Backwaters
Himalayan Trekking
Sri Lanka
Maldives & Nepal
Where to Go

Iconic Destinations

From desert forts and jungle temples to snow-capped peaks and tropical coastlines — the subcontinent has it all.

Rajasthan palace
India
Rajasthan & the Golden Triangle
Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur — then deeper into the desert forts, blue cities, and lake palaces of royal Rajasthan.
Kerala houseboat backwaters
India
Kerala & the South
Houseboat cruises through palm-fringed backwaters, Ayurvedic retreats, spice plantations, and Periyar wildlife.
Himalayan mountain peaks Nepal
Nepal
Himalayas & Kathmandu
Everest Base Camp, Annapurna circuit, Kathmandu temples, and the spiritual serenity of mountain monasteries.
Sri Lanka Sigiriya rock fortress
Sri Lanka
Ancient Ceylon
Sigiriya rock fortress, misty tea country, leopard safaris in Yala, temple cities, and golden southern beaches.
Varanasi ghats holy Ganges
India
Varanasi & Spiritual India
The sacred ghats of the Ganges, evening aarti ceremonies, Buddhist Sarnath, and the spiritual pulse of the nation.
Unforgettable Moments

Ways to Experience the Subcontinent

Taj Mahal sunrise

Taj Mahal at Dawn

Watch the world's most famous monument glow pink, gold, then white as the sun rises — arrive at first light to beat the crowds.

Kerala houseboat

Kerala Houseboat Cruise

Drift through palm-lined canals on a traditional kettuvallam houseboat — freshly caught fish for lunch, sunset from the upper deck.

Rajasthan palace hotel

Palace Hotel Stays

Sleep in converted maharaja palaces — Udaipur's Lake Palace, Jodhpur's Umaid Bhawan, and Jaipur's Rambagh Palace are living history.

Himalayan trekking

Himalayan Trekking

From Everest Base Camp to Ladakh's high passes and Bhutan's Tiger's Nest monastery — the roof of the world awaits.

Varanasi Ganges ceremony

Ganges Evening Aarti

Watch Varanasi's nightly fire ceremony from a boat on the Ganges — thousands of candles, chanting priests, and profound spirituality.

Sri Lanka train tea country

Sri Lanka Hill Country

The Kandy-to-Ella train winds through emerald tea plantations, waterfalls, and misty peaks — one of the world's most scenic rail journeys.

Flavours of the Subcontinent

A Culinary Revelation

Indian thali plate

North Indian Thali

Rich Mughlai curries, tandoori breads, aromatic biryanis, and dal fry — the complex spice traditions of the north are legendary.

South Indian dosa and chutney

South Indian Cuisine

Crispy dosas, coconut curries, fresh seafood, and filter coffee — Kerala and Tamil Nadu's food is lighter, brighter, and utterly addictive.

Indian street food chaat

Street Food Culture

Chaat, samosas, pani puri, vada pav, and chai from every corner — India's street food is a flavour bomb that no restaurant can replicate.

Plan Your Trip

When to Visit

☀️

Peak Season

October — March

Cool, dry, and comfortable across most of India and Sri Lanka. Ideal for Rajasthan, Kerala, and the Golden Triangle. Book well ahead.

🌧️

Monsoon

June — September

India's monsoon brings dramatic rains — lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and lower prices. Kerala and Goa are magical in the rain.

🏔️

Himalayan Season

April — October

Trekking season in Nepal, Ladakh, and the Indian Himalayas. Clear skies, open passes, and mountain wildflowers at altitude.

🎋

Festival Season

Varies

Diwali (Oct/Nov), Holi (Mar), Pushkar Camel Fair (Nov), Durga Puja (Oct) — time your visit around India's dazzling festivals.

Sample Journey

16-Day Golden Triangle & Kerala

Delhi to Cochin — palaces, the Taj Mahal, tiger country, and houseboat serenity on India's most popular route.

01

Arrive in Delhi

Welcome to India. Evening rickshaw ride through the chaos and colour of Old Delhi — Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid, and street food.

02

Delhi Exploration

Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar, India Gate, and the Sikh temple of Bangla Sahib. Afternoon in Lutyens' New Delhi.

03

Delhi to Agra

Drive to Agra. Afternoon at the Taj Mahal — the world's greatest monument to love, bathed in golden light.

04

Agra to Jaipur

Sunrise Taj from across the Yamuna. Visit Agra Fort, then drive to Jaipur via the abandoned Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri.

05

Jaipur — The Pink City

Amber Fort elephant ride, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, and Jantar Mantar observatory. Evening bazaar shopping for textiles and gems.

06

Jaipur to Jodhpur

Drive to the Blue City. Mehrangarh Fort towers above a sea of indigo houses. Evening rooftop dinner watching sunset paint the walls.

07

Jodhpur to Udaipur

Drive through Aravalli hills to Udaipur — the City of Lakes. Check into a haveli on the lake, evening boat ride at sunset.

08

Udaipur

City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon ki Bari gardens. Optional cooking class or miniature painting workshop.

09

Fly to Ranthambore

Safari in Ranthambore National Park — one of India's best chances to see wild Bengal tigers in the wild among ancient ruins.

10

Ranthambore Safari

Morning and afternoon game drives. Leopards, sloth bears, spotted deer, and — with luck — the magnificent tiger.

11

Fly to Cochin (Kerala)

Arrive in Cochin — spice capital of the Malabar Coast. Evening Kathakali dance performance and fresh seafood dinner at the harbour.

12

Cochin & Munnar

Chinese fishing nets, Jewish Quarter, Dutch Palace. Afternoon drive to Munnar — tea plantations stretching across the Western Ghats.

13

Munnar Tea Country

Tea estate visit, spice plantation tour, and Eravikulam National Park for Nilgiri tahr sightings. Misty mountain serenity.

14

Drive to Alleppey

Descend from the hills to the backwaters. Board a traditional kettuvallam houseboat — canals, rice paddies, and village life at water level.

15

Backwater Cruise

Full day drifting through Kerala's waterways. Fresh fish lunch on deck, toddy tapper visits, and sunset from the upper deck.

16

Depart Cochin

Morning Ayurvedic massage, then transfer to Cochin airport — or extend to Marari Beach, the Maldives, or Sri Lanka.

Before You Go

Essential Travel Tips

🛂

Visa Required

Australians need an e-Visa for India (apply online). Sri Lanka requires an ETA. Nepal offers visa on arrival. Apply at least 4 weeks before travel.

💉

Health & Vaccinations

See a travel doctor 6–8 weeks before. Hepatitis A&B, typhoid, and routine boosters recommended. Avoid tap water — drink bottled only.

👔

Dress Modestly

Cover shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are ideal. Remove shoes before entering temples.

💰

Currency & Bargaining

Indian Rupee (INR). Cash is essential for markets and smaller shops. Bargain firmly but respectfully — start at 30–40% of the asking price.

🚕

Getting Around

Hire a driver for intercity travel — it's affordable and eliminates the stress of Indian roads. Trains are a cultural experience in themselves.

🌡️

Heat Management

Summer temperatures hit 45°C+. Travel Oct–Mar for comfort. Carry water, wear sun protection, and plan sightseeing for morning and late afternoon.

🍛

Food Safety

Eat at busy places with high turnover. Avoid raw salads and ice from unknown sources. Your stomach will adjust — bring rehydration salts just in case.

🛡️

Travel Insurance

Non-negotiable. Ensure cover for medical evacuation (especially if trekking), trip cancellation, and adventure activities in Nepal.

Begin Your Indian Odyssey

From palace hotels and tiger safaris to backwater houseboats and Himalayan treks — let our specialists craft your perfect subcontinent journey.

Start Planning Your Trip