"David crafted a once-in-a-lifetime safari for us. Every detail, from the lodges to the guides, was flawless."
Emma & James Wilson
From Australia · Travelled to Kenya
September 2024
Best Time to Travel: October–March
Tailor-made India Tours 2026, 2027 & 2028
India is a subcontinent of extreme cultural and geographical diversity, containing one-sixth of the world’s population and a history spanning five millennia. It is the birthplace of four major world religions and home to 42 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ranging from the Himalayan peaks of the north to the tropical backwaters of the south. India’s identity is defined by its massive scale—a federal union of 28 states, each with its own distinct language, cuisine, and architectural tradition.
India
Why Travel to India?
Craft & Colour of Western India
In the Rann of Kutch, artisans practice Ajrakh block-printing and Rabari mirrorwork, using natural indigo and madder root. Ahmedabad’s Adalaj Stepwell is a five-storey subterranean sandstone structure designed for water conservation and cooling. Rajasthan’s Chittorgarh and Kumbhalgarh are massive defensive bastions, the latter featuring a 36-kilometre wall—the second longest in the world after the Great Wall of China.
South India’s Temple Belt
Tamil Nadu’s landscape is defined by Dravidian architecture, where gopurams (gateway towers) like those at Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple reach heights of 50 metres. In Karnataka, the UNESCO site of Hampi contains the 14th-century ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire, including the stone chariot and musical pillars of the Vittala Temple. The Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot, produce 70% of India’s coffee and high-altitude Nilgiri teas.
Green Spine of Eastern India
Odisha’s Dhokra artisans use the 4,000-year-old lost-wax process to cast non-ferrous metal into folk figures. In Assam’s Kaziranga National Park, a successful conservation program protects the world’s largest population of Great One-horned Rhinoceroses. Kolkata, the former capital of the British Raj, retains its 19th-century tram system and the highest density of second-hand bookstores in the country along College Street, fuelled by a deep-rooted Adda (intellectual dialogue) culture.
India at a Glance
- Capital
New Delhi
- Population
1.4 billion
- People
Indo-Aryan, Dravidian, Austroasiatic, Tibeto-Burman
- Religions
Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism
- Languages
Hindi, English, Assamese, Bengali, Boro, Dogri, Gujarati, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Bhujel, Garo, Khasi, Kokborok, Lepcha, Limbu, Magar, Mizo, Newar, Rai, Sherpa, Sikkimese, Sunuwar, Tamang
- Currency
Indian rupee (INR)
- Phone Code
+91
- Time Zone
UTC+5:30
- Power Plug
Types C, D & M
- Peak Season
October–March
- Dishes
Biryani (several regional variants), masala dosa filled with potato and chilli, dal (lentil stew), roti (flatbread), butter chicken, cardamom chai
- Neighbours
Pakistan to the northwest, China, Nepal, and Bhutan to the north, Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east, faces Sri Lanka and the Maldives across the Indian Ocean
- E-sim
Get an India e-sim from Airalo or Holafly, or locally from Airtel, Vodafone, or Jio outlets after SIM registration with passport and visa.
- Visa
Bhutan tourist visa information is available on the Bhutan Immigration Services Portal. Contact us for visa assistance.
Bhutan Tour Packages
Prefer something entirely bespoke? Design a private India journey.
What makes us different from the rest
Compare how Forward Travel stacks up against traditional travel agents and large tour operators.
| Feature | Forward Travel | Travel Agents | Tour Operators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personalised itineraries built around your interests | |||
| Direct access to a dedicated travel expert (David) | |||
| Handpicked local guides in every destination | |||
| Flexible dates, pace, and on-trip adjustments | |||
| Transparent, ethical pricing with no hidden margins | |||
| 24/7 in-destination support | |||
| Exclusive small-group experiences (max 15) | |||
| Responsible travel & community give-back |
India Travel Guide
Stories from the road
Traveller Testimonials
Real journeys, real words — hear from explorers who've travelled the world with Forward Travel.
"Our Patagonia trek exceeded every expectation. Forward Travel's local connections opened doors we never imagined."
Marcus Chen
From Singapore · Travelled to Argentina
March 2024
"The cultural immersion in Japan was extraordinary. We felt like welcomed guests, not tourists."
Priya Sharma
From United Kingdom · Travelled to Japan
April 2024
"From the Galápagos to Machu Picchu, every moment was thoughtfully curated. Truly bespoke luxury travel."
Sophie Laurent
From France · Travelled to Peru & Ecuador
November 2023
"Our family Antarctic expedition was the trip of a lifetime. David's expertise made all the difference."
The Patel Family
From Canada · Travelled to Antarctica
January 2024
"Morocco came alive through Forward Travel's guides. Every souk, riad, and dune was magical."
Olivia Bennett
From United States · Travelled to Morocco
October 2024
"The Bhutan itinerary was spiritual and breathtaking. We returned transformed and grateful."
Hiroshi Tanaka
From Japan · Travelled to Bhutan
May 2024
"An Iceland adventure beyond compare — glaciers, waterfalls, and northern lights, all seamlessly arranged."
Lukas Müller
From Germany · Travelled to Iceland
February 2024
"David crafted a once-in-a-lifetime safari for us. Every detail, from the lodges to the guides, was flawless."
Emma & James Wilson
From Australia · Travelled to Kenya
September 2024
"Our Patagonia trek exceeded every expectation. Forward Travel's local connections opened doors we never imagined."
Marcus Chen
From Singapore · Travelled to Argentina
March 2024
"The cultural immersion in Japan was extraordinary. We felt like welcomed guests, not tourists."
Priya Sharma
From United Kingdom · Travelled to Japan
April 2024
"From the Galápagos to Machu Picchu, every moment was thoughtfully curated. Truly bespoke luxury travel."
Sophie Laurent
From France · Travelled to Peru & Ecuador
November 2023
"Our family Antarctic expedition was the trip of a lifetime. David's expertise made all the difference."
The Patel Family
From Canada · Travelled to Antarctica
January 2024
"Morocco came alive through Forward Travel's guides. Every souk, riad, and dune was magical."
Olivia Bennett
From United States · Travelled to Morocco
October 2024
"The Bhutan itinerary was spiritual and breathtaking. We returned transformed and grateful."
Hiroshi Tanaka
From Japan · Travelled to Bhutan
May 2024
"An Iceland adventure beyond compare — glaciers, waterfalls, and northern lights, all seamlessly arranged."
Lukas Müller
From Germany · Travelled to Iceland
February 2024
Tailor-made journeys
Want to See India on Your Own Terms?
Let's bring your dreams to reality. Whether you know exactly what you want or need inspiration, we'll design a journey as unique as you are.