Intriguing India
Alive with colour, India offers a dazzling combination of imposing monuments, chaotic bazaars and natural beauty.
Welcome to Delhi, a city that encapsulates two very different worlds of old and new.
Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is now a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In absolute contrast, the spacious New Delhi was built as the imperial capital of India by the British and is filled with tree lined avenues and imposing government buildings.
No visit to India is complete without a visit to Rajasthan - full to the brim with palaces and forts that provide iconic postcard perfect moments, as well as hidden gems off the beaten tourist trail.
The centrepiece of the nation, and the capital in the time of the Moghuls. Agra is a virtual fort of history and architecture featuring the Yamuna River as a suitably sacred backdrop. The Taj Mahal, a striking monument to love by Shah Jahan is not to be missed. (Note: closed on Fridays)
Amritsar is spiritual and cultural capital of the Sikh religion. The name of the city itself means 'Holy Pool of Nectar' from the body of water around the sparkling Golden Temple. Retaining its heart and soul from its’ somber past, Amritsar has become a fast growing town blessed with wonderful and hospitable people, complete with its fair share of cosmopolitan cafes & hotels that rival the states capital.
Welcome to Delhi, a city that encapsulates two very different worlds of old and new.
Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is now a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In absolute contrast, the spacious New Delhi was built as the imperial capital of India by the British and is filled with tree lined avenues and imposing government buildings.
No visit to India is complete without a visit to Rajasthan - full to the brim with palaces and forts that provide iconic postcard perfect moments, as well as hidden gems off the beaten tourist trail.
The centrepiece of the nation, and the capital in the time of the Moghuls. Agra is a virtual fort of history and architecture featuring the Yamuna River as a suitably sacred backdrop. The Taj Mahal, a striking monument to love by Shah Jahan is not to be missed. (Note: closed on Fridays)
Amritsar is spiritual and cultural capital of the Sikh religion. The name of the city itself means 'Holy Pool of Nectar' from the body of water around the sparkling Golden Temple. Retaining its heart and soul from its’ somber past, Amritsar has become a fast growing town blessed with wonderful and hospitable people, complete with its fair share of cosmopolitan cafes & hotels that rival the states capital.
Capital city: New Delhi
Population: 1.324 billion
Official Language: Hindi
Currency: Indian Rupee
Timezone: GMT +5.30
Electricity:Type C (European 2-pin) Type D (Indian three round prongs that form a triangle)
International Dial Code: +91
Travel Insurance is mandatory for all group journeys and Sundowners Overland strongly recommends travel insurance for all other journeys. You must ensure that your insurance policy covers you for the entire duration of your journey, for all activities you will be participating in and that you have purchased the highest level of cover available to you for medical emergencies (including repatriation/evacuation cover) which are relevant to ALL the destinations that you will be visiting. Contact us for further information and quotes.
If you are taking special medication, it is a good idea to carry a letter from your doctor to show authorities if necessary.
Since some medications can also be affected by changes in temperature or require special care, we recommend you discuss this with your doctor before departure.
There is no simple answer to this question. India's vast size and diverse landscapes result in it's climate and weather patterns being extremely varied between each region. The cooler, dry season between November and March are generally the peak time to visit most of the country.
Monsoon season is from July to September bringing heavy downpours and high humidity that gradually makes its way up the country. However, the sun can still be shining in the north, and the mountain air is crisp. October to February are usually ideal conditions for sun lovers in the south. Whist February, March, October and November bring more pleasant temperatures in Delhi and Rajasthan, although you may also encounter more crowds at popular sights.
India is a country of rich, colourful festivals celebrated throughout the year, that reflect the cultural and natural diversity of this country;
Local currency is the Indian Rupee.
ATMs are widely available in India, and you should have no trouble finding one in major cities and toursim hubs. Limits vary depending on the machine. You should be able to withdraw up to your local bank’s ATM withdrawal limit. If not, 10,000 Rupee is a standard amount to withdraw.
Credit cards are more widely accepted than you would expect in India, however always make sure you have some rupees for back up.
India is very ‘hip-pocket friendly’ and even though you can eat like a maharaja for next to nothing, sightseeing can get pricier with so many major attractions to see costing USD$5.00-$20.00 for entrance fees (plus any photo fees). Our recommend budget varies depending on where you are going and how much you want to do when you are there.
As a guide Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A and Polio are strongly recommended. You are also advised to take anti-Malarial medication.
We recommend you seek medical advice before travelling to India from your local health practitioner and ensure that you receive all of the appropriate information and vaccinations.
No, it isn't safe to drink tap water in India. Only drink bottled mineral water which is readily available in hotels, shops and restaurants. You should also avoid salads which may be washed in tap or unclean water.
You are in for a treat! On our Moghul Caravan we cross the border into Pakistan at Wagah, famous for its very unique daily ceremony.
The process is fairly straightforward - passport, baggage and immigration checks take place on either side. Upon your arrival on the Pakistani side you will need to complete an Arrival Card. The whole process does not take too long, in border crossing terms.
Internet access is readily available in larger cities and towns across India. Some hotels will offer free Wi-Fi.