Description

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.

Getting There

There are direct flights from Britain to Delhi, Bombay, Chennai, Calcutta, Amritsar and Bangalore. Direct flight times are between 8 - 10 hours. India has an excellent network of domestic flights and combining the north and south is easy.

Visa Requirements

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 recommend Visa Express (0207 251 4822), who will organise your visa on your behalf for a charge of £25 per passport (in addition to the charge for the visa itself). 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.

Health Advice

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.

Flying times from UK

Delhi: 8 hours 15 minutes
Mumbai (Bombay): 8 hours 30 minutes
Calcutta: 9 hours 30 minutes

Local Time

GMT + 530 hours

Gallery