Delhi
Spending a few days on holiday in Delhi is a wonderful introduction to this great country and to its extensive and fascinating…
India
From the white of snow-capped Himalayan peaks and the green of tiger-stalked jungles to the red of Mughal palaces and the opulent gold of Sikh temples, nowhere redefines “colourful” quite like India.
Words do little justice to a country as vast and varied as India. This is a place where rich history meets living culture and imposing natural beauty competes with architectural magnificence.
From the Mughal palaces of Uttar Pradesh to the quiet backwaters of Kerala, every region of India offers something distinct and different. In the north, the peaks of Ladakh hide elusive snow leopards. In the east, traditional funerary rites still grace the shores of the sacred Ganges. In the south, colonial-era hill stations top tropical ghats. In the west, the desert fortresses of Rajasthan guard ancient kingdoms.
Regions to explore
Rajasthan
If you only visit India once, make sure to set your sights on Rajasthan.
Kashmir and Ladakh
Home to the elusive snow leopard and some of the most extraordinary landscapes, a visit to Ladakh and Kashmir will take you…
Kolkata and Eastern India
Explore thriving tea estates, mingle with tribes and discover the colonial past of Kolkata.
Central India
Central India boasts some of the country's cultural highlights and best tiger parks.
Himalayan Foothills
The unique hill culture of the various regions has been fostered and protected for generations.
Karnataka
Karnataka offers the visitor a mix of interests, in particular, the distinctive architectural styles found in Hampi.
Kerala
Kerala holidays are perfect for a first-time visitor to India and an excellent holiday option for families.
Goa
Overlooking the Arabian Sea, this tiny state is home to miles of beautiful beaches.
Mumbai
Formerly known as Bombay, Mumbai is a city teeming with culture, architecture and people.
Chennai and Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu, with its once referred to 'Coromandel Coast' boasts some of the most remarkable temple architecture in India.
Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh is a relatively small area with a strong tiger population.
Kanha National Park
A diverse habitat to support many mammal and bird species.
Kaziranga National Park
A stunning park with a great conservation success story for the Indian one-horned rhinoceros.
Panna National Park
From safaris to boat rides from spotting birdlife to tigers and sloth bears, Panna offers many exciting opportunities to the wildlife lover.
Pench National Park
Pench, on the border of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, has been known through the ages for its rich flora and fauna.
Ranthambore National Park
Famous for its tigers and is one of the most accessible parks on the tourist trail
Tadoba National Park
One of India’s most exciting and best-protected tiger reserves, with excellent tiger sightings, reported regularly.
Satpura National Park
Satpura is uncharted and unspoilt and represents wilderness at its very best.
Sasan Gir
The Gir Forest National Park is one of the oldest sanctuaries in India and is home to the last remaining Asiatic lion.
Dudhwa National Park
Home to tigers, leopards, Asiatic black bears, sloth bears, swamp deer, rhinoceros, elephants, chitals, hog deer, barking deer, sambars, wild pigs and…
Why choose India
India offers something for everyone. Foodies can graze on Old Delhi’s street food, historians can discover Ajanta’s millennia-old cave murals, hikers can walk in the shadow of the Himalayas and wildlife enthusiasts can stalk tigers in the country’s many national parks.
And to unpack these experiences – bringing context and knowledge – are just as many enthusiastic and passionate guides. It is this often underappreciated guiding that really brings a holiday to India to life.
Group tour
India
India: A Private View with Ursula Weekes
For centuries people have tried to understand India. Most have failed. For those keen to try, for those who believe that knowledge and understanding of a country is best achieved through art and history, this alternative itinerary through Rajasthan and the ‘Golden…
Idea
India
Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan
Picture India in your mind’s eye and there’s a strong chance you will think of Rajasthan. From Agra to Jaipur and Jodhpur, few places in the world pack such a powerful, cultural punch with festivals, architecture, people and food all combining to…
Idea
India
Highlights of Ladakh
This itinerary has been designed for those seeking to explore deep into the northernmost reaches of India. The region of Ladakh boasts some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet. The high altitude, rugged mountain terrain is beautiful and remote.
Idea
India
A Family Friendly Holiday to South India
This family-friendly journey to South India is brimming with activities to satisfy even the most adventurous of children. A beautiful combination of private river cruising, wildlife safaris and child-friendly, insightful experiences amongst working plantations guarantees a holiday packed with variety. We have…
Group tour
India
On the Trail of Snow Leopards
*Departure dates for 2025 to be confirmed. To register your interest speak to our of our India experts* Our snow leopard group tour works with the Snow Leopard Conservancy Trust India in Ladakh and is accompanied by its team of expert trackers.…
Idea
India
Wildlife Safari in Kanha, Pench and Satpura
With small private eco-lodges providing a comfortable base, discover the rich biodiversity of India’s most prolific national parks. Pench is famous for its leopard sightings, while the dense forests and the large prey base at Kanha, provide the perfect territory for tigers.
Group tour
India
India: A Private View with Ursula Weekes
For centuries people have tried to understand India. Most have failed. For those keen to try, for those who believe that knowledge and understanding of a country is best achieved through art and history, this alternative itinerary through Rajasthan and…
Idea
India
A Family Friendly Holiday to South India
This family-friendly journey to South India is brimming with activities to satisfy even the most adventurous of children. A beautiful combination of private river cruising, wildlife safaris and child-friendly, insightful experiences amongst working plantations guarantees a holiday packed with variety.…
Idea
India
Wildlife Safari in Kanha, Pench and Satpura
With small private eco-lodges providing a comfortable base, discover the rich biodiversity of India’s most prolific national parks. Pench is famous for its leopard sightings, while the dense forests and the large prey base at Kanha, provide the perfect territory for…
Why travel to India with Steppes Travel
A complimentary massage on arrival in India begins any trip on the right note, but we feel that a rewarding holiday to India is about far more than first impressions. Our travel experts will aim to pace your trip to make the most of your time and relish the experience, steering clear of check box itineraries.
We are also careful to choose hotels that are more than just a bed for the night. In particular, we recommend “heritage hotels” – ancestral homes converted by their owners into boutique hotels. Staying in these is an experience in itself.
Where to Stay
Every captivating tailor-made itinerary needs a perfect base. Our team has handpicked this collection of properties to give you luxury options in styles to suit any adventure.
India
Leela Palace Udaipur
The Leela Palace Udaipur with its breathtaking view of the Aravali Mountains is located on the banks of Lake Pichola. All 72 Rooms and eight Suites overlook the tranquil waters of the lake. Whether arriving by…
India
Taj Falaknuma Palace
The former residence of the royal family of Hyderabad, The Falaknuma Palace has been leased to the Taj Group of Hotels and refurbished into a truly remarkable palace hotel.
India
Taj Banjaar Tola
Banjaar Tola is an outstanding property, belonging to the &Beyond safari group of lodges. Luxuriate in this stylish and comfortable safari lodge and only a few minutes from the quieter Mukki gate of Kanha National Park…
Experiences
It’s all here. Things to see and do, places to explore and moments to discover.
Meet our experts
A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.
Kate Hitchen
My travels were first inspired by my love of the UK, which I take as much pleasure in exploring as countries far and wide. For me, travel is all about the adventure, the people I meet and the food I sample along the way.
Talk with our experts
- 01285 880 980
Charlotte Lawton
Charlotte is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Asia.
My strong sense of belonging in Asia stemmed from a childhood in Hong Kong and Nepal. My Grandmother was born in a tent in India. Some of my clearest memories are of walking through a dense, tropical jungle while hailstones the size of cricket balls rained down on us; of being carried on my father’s shoulders as we trekked through the Himalayas; my mother wearing flipflops on a snowy mountainside; and me falling into Dal Lake in Srinagar as we disembarked from our houseboat.
Talk with our experts
- 01285 880 980
Explore India
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Delhi
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Rajasthan
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Gujarat
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Kerala
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Chennai and Tamil Nadu
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Assam
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Pench National Park
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Kanha National Park
When to travel
Read our brief monthly summary below or explore our complete best time to visit India guide with temperature information and further details.
India in January
January is a very popular time to travel to India, due to mild temperatures and very little rainfall. The climate varies across India from snow in the Northern States to the Southern regions experiencing daily sunshine – perfect for an escape to Kerala’s beaches.
India in February
During peak season, February is an ideal month to travel to India, experiencing all regions of the country from Rajasthan in the North to Karnataka in the South.
India in March
Temperatures begin to rise with March typically being the last month of the peak season. A significant month for religious, Hindu festivals, March can become busy in some regions however also a perfect time to travel to experience Indian culture and wildlife.
India in April
With temperatures starting to rise, regions in Northern India start to become more accessible with excellent opportunities to discover hiking trails and the wildlife of these regions. Temperatures can sometimes exceed 40°C, with high levels of humidity in Southern India.
India in May
From May to September, Monsoon rains affect the North and Central states of India with daily rainfall and thunderstorms. During the Monsoon season, it is best to experience high altitude regions and avoid beach resorts.
India in June
Most regions of India will experience the Monsoon season in June alongside high daily temperatures and high levels of humidity. Whilst, not a popular time to travel, experience the mountainous regions as opposed to Central India to experience slightly cooler temperatures at the start of the month.
India in July
At the peak of the Monsoon season, most of the country experiences frequent, heavy rainfall. Whilst travel plans may be interrupted due to the climate, it is a great time to visit India to experience the national parks and the great outdoors.
India in August
As the Monsoon continues, the climate is very similar to that of June and July. Whilst not a suitable time to travel to India’s Southern beaches, other Northern Regions are popular with locals for hiking and outdoor pursuits.
India in September
As the final month of the Monsoon season, rainfall will be less frequent with the occasional sunny spell showcasing the lush, green vegetation that has flourished during the heavy rains.
India in October
As the monsoon rains have finished, humidity levels remain high and the peak travel season begins. During the month of October, there are lots of religious festivals, including Diwali, where some regions may become busier with domestic tourists.
India in November
As one of the best times to visit the country, November brings comfortable temperatures for sightseeing with the monsoon rains dying out from October. As the temperatures drop, however, Northern India and the Himalayas will become less accessible.
India in December
In December, temperatures and climate will be dependant on the region. In the Southern States, India will see a pleasant and mild climate, ideal for sightseeing, whereas, in Northern India and mountainous regions, snow and cold temperatures are likely.
Recommended reads
HISTORY
A Passage to India
HISTORY
City of Djinns: A Year in Delhi
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?
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