India

Brimming with colour, culture and life, India is like no other. Steeped in culture and spirituality, blessed with vast and varied landscapes, birthplace of some of our most important religions and philosophies and home to more than a billion people, Mother India is ancient, fascinating and shamelessly photogenic.

It can be both peaceful and exhausting, confronting and inspiring; but there's so much on offer here that you need to simply dive in and explore its countless cultural and natural treasures.

Lose yourself among colourful textiles, spices and handicrafts in bustling market bazaars; savour the heady flavours of one of the world's great cuisines; and explore India's incredible architecture - ancient citadels, temples and palaces in rich earthy tones and gaudy candy colours.

See the sun rise over the "teardrop on the cheek of time", the spectacular Taj Mahal; watch the faithful pray on the banks of the sacred Ganges in Varanasi; explore the flamboyant architecture of the coloured cities of Rajasthan; or take a houseboat trip down the beautiful palm-fringed backwaters of Kerala.

Trek among the snowcapped peaks, glaciers and wildflowers of the Indian Himalaya; experience rich local cultures as you pass through traditional towns and remote villages; and encounter stunning wildlife and endlessly varied landscapes.

No matter when or where you visit, there's so much to experience here that the hardest part will be narrowing down an itinerary. Take a look at our huge collection of unique India journeys and start planning your India adventure today!

Wonderful scenes during Holi Festival  | Richard I'Anson

Find your India adventure

India highlights

 

Why travel with us

Our all inclusive approach

Featuring good quality, centrally located hotels and expert leadership, our India adventures are great value for money. We aim to incorporate as many inclusions as possible in the tour cost such as most meals, entrance and permit fees and private transportation, eliminating the need for you to carry large sums of money.

Innovative itineraries

Whether you are cycling through rural Rajasthan, sampling the renowned flavours of the local cuisine, experiencing the diversity of village life or discovering the stunning architecture, our adventures provide real insight to India's vibrant culture.

Experienced local guides

Our guides in the field will make your India adventure special. Their ability to enhance your experience with their knowledge of the local culture, beautiful landscapes and colourful history are second to none.

Leaders in responsible travel

Responsible travel practice is at the heart of every program that we offer in India. When you book one of our adventures you're supporting true sustainability in the protection of local communities, natural environments and wildlife.

Responsible travel

 

Animal welfare focus

We adhere to our Animal Welfare Code of Conduct in India. We engage the services of reputable and registered horsemen and yak contractors, insisting that all animals are in good health before carrying loads and that the loads are appropriate for the animal.

Support of local economies

We ensure that the landowners whose fields we use for camping are paid fairly for the use of their land and we encourage travellers to shop at handicraft shops within the small villages we pass through.

Cultural sensitivity

Positive interactions are achieved when the traveller is aware of the cultural sensitivities of the community they are visiting. Our guides are always ready to inform travellers about the correct etiquette, including matters of appropriate clothing and actions when entering a temple.

Accommodation

Hotels

In cities or large towns you will be accommodated in 3 to 4 star properties that are centrally located, atmospheric and reliable.

Lodges

Our lodges provide comfortable accommodation that is well maintained and with good facilities.

Inns/guesthouses

We use quality inns that have been handpicked for their charm. They are not luxury inns however we ensure they offer you a truly authentic experience.

Camping

Enjoy our fully supported camping in quality two person tents erected in scenic wilderness.

Leaders in the field

Wangchuk Samshu

Since 1985 Wangchuk has managed our operations in India and has a real knack for developing programs centred on discovery of the regions using active travel as the vehicle. This philosophy is reflected in our trekking, cycling and camel riding holidays in northern India. Wangchuk, who himself lives and breathes adventure, ensures that our itineraries are at the cutting edge of tourism development.

Greg Lee

There's nothing Greg enjoys more than setting out in search of adventure. This passion shines through in the breadth of unique adventures reflected in the fantastic line-up of trips on offer. Greg is drawn to the beauty of the region's scenery, fascinating history, varied cultures and most of all, its people.

Dr Ross Anderson

Dr Anderson lives with his wife in a small town near the Lakes District in the north of England. He is a family doctor and spends much of his spare time travelling as an expedition doctor. He has more than 10 years of altitude and travel medicine experience. Previous treks and expeditions have focused on the Himalayas, with others in the Scandinavian Arctic and mountainous areas of Africa. He also enjoys trail running, cycling and open-water swimming.

Custom made itineraries

A custom made itinerary is the ultimate way to see the world how YOU want. They are created especially for you, giving you complete freedom to choose what you want to see, where you want to go and when you want to do it. If you love our current itineraries but want to customise it privately as a couple, a group of friends, family, club, business or school, you have the freedom to add or remove as many elements as you like to suit the interests of your group. Alternatively, you can start with a blank canvas and create a new and exciting itinerary from scratch! Our well-travelled consultants can give you firsthand suggestions and eliminate any uncertainty with trip planning to ensure you maximise the quality of your experience and get truly off the beaten track. Simply email, phone or visit us to start planning your dream adventure.

Trip reviews

Videos

Markha Valley Trek - and Beyond | Ladakh with World Expeditions

Country information

Currency

Indian Rupee

We recommend that you bring a small reserve of US dollars, Australian Dollars, or Euros, all are readily exchangeable in Delhi and Leh.

Credit cards and ATM are available in most large cities and hotels, however it is not recommended to rely on these solely. Always keep a watch when your card is being processed and please note that you will be surcharged for the use of your card.

International Dialing Code

+91

Electricity
Type C plug

Electricity in India is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is C. (2 round prong).

Visas

Visas are required to enter India and visitors from some countries (including Australia, New Zealand, United States, Canada and United Kingdom) can obtain an online visa, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) prior to arrival. For stays of less than 30 days, travellers can apply for an ETA online (approximately US$10 -25 for most nationalities) at the official website https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html no less than four days and no more than 30 days before the date of arrival in India.

Please print a hard copy of your visa, you will be required to show it to board your international flight.

Note your passport must be machine readable or you will be denied entry.

Safety

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.