India is almost a collection of countries, due to its vast size and dazzling regional array of languages, cuisines and religions. The topography of the northern states varies from colossal Himalayan peaks in the far north of the country to the forested tiger country of the centre; from the dramatic Ganges delta wetlands of the Sunderbands in the northeast, to the exotic deserts of Rajasthan. There are walled cities and citadels, desert villages and colonial hill stations, national parks and great rivers lined with temples and ghats. The north Indian cities are also unique Delhi, the capital, is divided into the bustling, labyrinthine Old City and the majestic colonial avenues of New Delhi. Mumbai (Bombay) is famous for its massive population, thriving business culture and Bollywood film industry Calcutta (Kolkata) sees itself as the capital of contemporary culture. Jaipur and Jodhpur are the great princely cities of the north-west, with thriving textiles industries and wonderful faded buildings. Few people visit the north without fitting in the luminously beautiful Taj Mahal and nearby red sandstone Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. Many visitors come to Rajasthan to see the impossibly glamorous palaces and forts of the maharajas, many of which have become luxury hotels. The trick with India is probably to do less, rather than more, and plan to go back.
There are direct flights from Britain to Delhi, Bombay, Chennai, Calcutta, Amritsar, Bangalore and direct flight times are between 8 - 10 hours. India has an excellent network of domestic flights and combining the north and south is easy.
India is subject to two monsoons, southwest and northeast. The former, which is more significant, hits the south coast of Kerala in early June and moves up the west coast to Delhi and beyond. Regional weather varies wildly, but January to September is the most comfortable time to visit the south and March to August the northeast. Rajasthan and the desert country are wonderful during the monsoon (around July) and the Himalayan regions from May to September, before the snows come. Aim for Delhi in spring and autumn - the summer can be insufferable and mid-winter grey and overcast. November to February is best for Bombay.
All visitors to India must obtain a visa prior to departure. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your return from India and have at least 2 blank pages. We can arrange this on your behalf at a cost of £90.00 per passport using Royal Mail Special Delivery. If you are arranging your own visa, you can apply online at VFS Global. All visas are valid from the date of issue. You will need to give the name of two India referees with your visa application. For this and any other information, please contact your Ampersand Travel consultant.
For information on vaccinations and health requirements, we suggest you contact your GP or a travel clinic such as Fit For Travel at least 2 months prior to departure for advice and to arrange immunisations. Recommended vaccinations for travel to India are polio, tetanus, typhoid, meningitis and hepatitis A. We would also recommend you take anti-malarial tablets, but please consult your doctor for his/her advice.
Delhi: 8 hours 15 minutesMumbai (Bombay): 8 hours 30 minutesCalcutta: 9 hours 30 minutes
North India is 5 hours 30 minutes ahead of GMT