The Ganges passes through Varasani, a holy city for Hindus, Buddhists and Jains
For Hindus – who make up 80% of India’s population – the soul is eternal, living many lifetimes in one body after another, which is rather lucky, considering India provides so many stunning sights that it’s a challenge to fit all of them into an average lifespan.
There’s something addictive about India. Many will visit the country, planning to tick the Taj Mahal off their list of must-see places, and come home enchanted, vowing to return to this land that offers a welcome as warm as its sunshine.
So if you’ve sent a client to India, now is the time to drop them a line suggesting a return trip.
The vast majority of first-timers head for the Golden Triangle – the tourist honeypot that includes Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra, home of the Taj Mahal. Many will also add on a tiger safari at Ranthambore National Park.
Other popular first-time options – which also work well for second-time visitors – include Kerala and Rajasthan.
Kerala
Kerala, the state in the southwest of India, is a great first-time option as it offers a softer, calmer experience than the north, but this contrast also means it works well for second-timers looking for a change.
Nikhil Chhibber, India product manager at W&O Travel, grew up in northern India, and visited Kerala for the first time when he was six years old. “I thought we were in a new country,” he says.
Cochin, the largest city, seems sleepy in contrast to Delhi, Mumbai or Kolkata, and visitors can watch as fishermen balance on thin poles and dip vast nets into the Indian Ocean – a signature sight in Kerala. Alongside hilltop tea plantations and golden beaches reminiscent of Goa without the crowds, visitors won’t want to miss the backwaters.
This chain of lagoons and lakes run alongside the Malabar coast, and the best way to see them is from a traditional kettuvallam or houseboat, slipping slowly and quietly past coconut palms and through rice paddies.
Rajasthan
Rajasthan, Jaipur’s home state, is popular due to its regal history, with imposing forts and ornate palaces to explore and even stay in – the area is famous for its heritage hotels.
Jaipur, nicknamed the Pink City, is just the tip of the iceberg, so if clients loved this on their first trip, it’s a safe bet that they’ll enjoy returning to delve beneath the surface.
As well as spending time seeing the sights of other cities such as Jodhpur and Udaipur, Cox & Kings sales development manager Roop Kumar recommends sending clients a little off the beaten track, visiting villages to see rural life, and staying in the former homes of royals to experience authentic Rajput hospitality.
The Himalayas
The Himalayas run along India’s northern border like a backbone, and tours of the area can range from active trekking itineraries to softer sightseeing options in the foothills. For those who’ve visited the deserts of Rajasthan or the backwaters of Kerala, this majestic, mountainous landscape filled with the curved rooflines of Tibetan Buddhist temples will provide a whole new aspect of India.
Amritsar, Shimla and Dharamsala form a triangle of attraction in the western Himalayas. Amritsar is just a short flight from Delhi, and is an important pilgrimage site for Sikhs. The shimmering Golden Temple sits in the middle of a lake and is guarded by lance-bearing warriors, but is open to visitors of all faiths. A visit to nearby village Wagah on the India-Pakistan border, where troops in colourful dress from both nations parade at the so-called retreat ceremony is a must.
Dharamsala is the headquarters of the Dalai Lama in exile, and feels very Tibetan, with Buddhist temples backed by tall peaks. Shimla was the summer capital of the Raj, and many of the Victorian buildings remain.
The eastern Himalayas are often popular with visitors who have family connections with India, due to Kolkata’s imperial heritage. Its history is still evident, although it’s now a teeming modern city. After Kolkata, most visitors head up into the Darjeeling hills to relax among the tea plantations and a ride on the tiny, winding route of the Toy Train. The state of Sikkim borders Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan, and among its snow-covered peaks and lush green valleys visitors will find curving roofed temples and Buddhist prayer flags.
Best of the rest
For a combination of iconic sights and off-the-beaten track delights, consider recommending a journey across the Ganges plain from Kolkata to Deli.
Stops can include Varanasi, the holy city of the Hindus, where clients can take a boat trip at sunrise and sunset to see religious ceremonies taking place. Khajuraho is also well worth a visit, with its well-preserved carved medieval temples, along with Lucknow, which is known for its rich and elaborate cuisine.
Gujarat, India’s westernmost state, is just making its way on to the tourist map. It contrasts distinctly to other areas of India with its Islamic designs that combine with Hindu craftsmanship in handicrafts, textiles and architecture.
India’s south isn’t just about Goa and Kerala. Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are often paired, with tours visiting Mysore, the hill station of Ooty, the temple town of Madurai, and Pondicherry, where the city’s French colonial history is still evident.
Trains
India is famous for its tourist trains, with the Palace on Wheels perhaps the best-known. The Maharajas Express has been very popular since its launch last year, with routes across Rajasthan and the Ganges Plain.
The Royal Sojourn itinerary, new for this autumn, visits Delhi, Jaipur, Kota, Ranthambore National Park and Agra, with highlights including an elephant polo match, a boat cruise on the River Chambal, a tiger safari and a champagne breakfast overlooking the Taj Mahal.
Other train options include the Golden Chariot, which starts in Bangalore and visits Mysore, the Nagarhole National Park, the Unesco World Heritage Site of Hampi and the stunning beaches of Goa.
Sample packages
Wendy Wu Tours offers a 29-day Grand Tour of India from £4,890 including flights, transport, meals and guides. The tour visits the Golden Triangle, Varanasi, Rajasthan, Mumbai and Kerala. wendywutours.co.uk, 0844 875 2433
Explore’s Backwaters and Beaches is a 12-day trip around Kerala for families with teenagers, visiting Cochin, the backwaters, tea plantations and Kovalam’s beaches, from £1,713 including flights. explore.co.uk, 0844 499 0904
Cox & Kings offers a 12-day heritage tour called Princely India which visits the highlights of Rajasthan, staying in palaces and exploring rural areas as well as visiting cities such as Jodhpur and Udaipur. From £2,295 including flights. coxandkings.co.uk, 020 7873 5000
W&O Travel’s 15-day Journey Through the Eastern Himalayas starts from £2,480 including flights, and visits Kolkata, Darjeeling and various areas of Sikkim. wandotravel.com, 020 7963 6653
