Tailor-Made India: The Taj Mahal & Beyond

From frantic metropolises like the seaside city of Mumbai and the colonial-style capital of Delhi to the ancient relics of Jaipur and UNESCO-listed sites like the Taj Mahal, there’s plenty to be seen in the fascinatingly diverse nation of India. While journeying north from Mumbai, you can gain insights into the ancient Mughal empires through to more modern cultural institutions like Bollywood. You can also stay at award-winning hotels, ride a rickshaw through a famous bazaar, soak up tea-strewn landscapes, enjoy a tipple atop a rooftop bar, and sail along famous waterways. And while you’re here, you’d be mad to miss out on India’s world-famous gastronomy.

You’d need a lifetime to see all the highlights and hidden corners of the world’s second-most populous nation, but 11 days is enough to squeeze vibrant megacities, ancient ruins, beach visits, and plenty of local culture into your trip.

India at a Glance

It may come as no surprise that the Indian subcontinent is subject to a broad range of weather conditions, from alpine climates in the Himalayas to the tropical beaches of the deep south. No less diverse than the weather is India’s cultural traditions. Hinduism and Islam have the most followers, but Sikhism, Christianity and more are widespread, as is reflected by India’s vast array of religious monuments. While Indian cuisine is famous the world-over, it’s worth remembering that each region has its own unique spin on gastronomy – and it’s all mouth-wateringly tasty. Parades, festivals and historical landmarks add to India’s excitement, as does that fact that the nation’s cities flick from fascinating to frustrating and back rather quickly. The best time to visit India depends on where you want to go, though between November and February is a good option. Bear in mind that December and January is the peak season. The Himalayas are busiest during summer.

Homosexuality became decriminalised in India in 2018, overturning oppressive colonial-era laws that were introduced by the British and remained in place for over a century. Before colonialism, India had accepted homosexuality into societal norms and Hinduist beliefs. We may be seeing a return to this tradition, particularly now that India also recognises third genders, but there’s still a little way to go before Indian society, which is conservative overall, holds welcoming attitudes towards the gay community. Things are getting better, but homosexuality remains frowned upon in many places, including big cities. But then again, so are public displays of affection, regardless of sexual orientation. It’s best to practice discretion and respect local customs during your stay, but gay couples shouldn’t be put off travelling through the amazing nation of India, particularly if you choose 4 and 5-star hotels.