Incredible India

India is a destination like no other. A land of contrast, from the bustling tourist destinations of the Taj Mahal and the Golden Triangle, to the relaxing beaches of Goa and Kerala. No visit to India is ever the same and there is always a reason to return to explore even more.

Occupying an area slightly more than one third the size of the United States, travelling through the various states of India can feel like visiting several different countries in one. To the North it is bordered by the world’s highest mountain chain, whereas further South, tropical rain forests and sandy deserts are bordered by palm-fringed beaches. Your visit to India can be whatever you want it to be - whether you are looking for a cultural tour to meet the local community, an adventure holiday trekking in the mountains and rafting through the Himalayas, or relaxing on a deserted beach.

This is the perfect destination for couples or larger groups who are looking for more than a typical package holiday and who want to learn more about different cultures and lifestyles. Local cultures are shaped by the various faiths, and traditional cuisine can vary immensely - our British adaptations will never taste the same again!

Communities in India are extremely proud of their heritage and will delight in telling you all about their local history and traditions, so you can expect a very warm welcome. Travelling responsibly is not only better for the local communities and India as a destination itself, preserving the natural and cultural heritage of this incredible destination, but will also mean a much deeper and enjoyable experience for the lucky explorer.

Experience the culture of India No trip to India is complete without experiencing the diverse cultures of this beautiful country. Let us take you slowly down the Ganges, the perfect way to see India’s famous sights of the Golden Triangle, whilst avoiding the hustle and bustle of the usual tourist trail. Witness the diverse cultures of Delhi, the vibrancy and charisma of Varanasi, as well as the remarkable sight of the Taj Mahal - a must-see for any trip to India. This tour takes you down the River Ganges, the heart of the Hindu faith, where you will witness first hand how communities live by the river; drifting slowly by day and camping on its banks at night. Why not try our Fair Trade Tour to Southern India, where you will get the opportunity to live amongst the local community and to get to know the people we try to support. This tour includes visits to tea plantations, education centres and Fair Trade Alliances, travelling across Southern India by boat and train to ensure you are able to soak up all the sights of the South. After learning during the day, you will have the chance to enjoy the relaxing environment or join in with the village life, taking part in the tribal dances should you have the energy! Big Adventures If you fancy a little more adventure, our Himalayas white water rafting and trekking holiday may be exactly what you need. Ideal for groups of friends travelling together, this combines the best of trekking and river running for all abilities. The tour includes casual treks through villages, past beautiful lakes and through thick jungle, followed by rafting down the Kali River, where the difficulty varies throughout each section. Nights are spent camping on large sandy beaches and outside traditional Indian villages. Keen cyclists should try the Kerala and tropical India cycling holiday. Either alone, in couples or larger groups, this is the perfect opportunity to explore the magic of Southern India. There is no better way to see the temples, old forts and bamboo forests, whilst stopping at your leisure for a closer look. No trip to Kerala is complete without a relaxing boat trip down the backwaters; a chain of tranquil lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast. Expect to be amazed by scenes of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves along with waterways and canals filled with white lilies. Wildlife One of the most popular trips for wildlife enthusiasts is the Snow Leopard trek in the Indian Himalayas. Few people have the opportunity to observe this striking species, however with our snow leopard expert leading the way the search will be far from random. This trip is not for the faint hearted. Trek across rugged mountains and along spectacular trails reaching altitudes of over 10,000 ft. Aside from the infamous Snow Leopard, our journey will cross paths with a wide range of species including the Tibetan hare, bearded vultures and Himalayan marmots, to name just a few. Accommodation will vary between tents and small homestays, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local community. For a safari experience with a difference, the Ranthambore Tiger tour takes you through thick jungle in one of the finest tiger reserves in the country. Travelling via Jeep in groups of 4 or more, witness wild cats, exotic mammals and over 35 species of reptile, all living in their natural habitat. You will have the opportunity to stay in camps around the park and enjoy traditional Rajasthani cuisine, whilst also meeting the locals. Luxury Escapes Why not escape the hustle and bustle of the main tourist trail and book yourself into the Andaman Islands accommodation for some serious relaxation. This luxury eco-retreat is the perfect base to explore the Andaman Islands, considered India’s best kept secret. The resort is spread over 8 acres and consists of 18 luxurious cottages, where you will be provided with quality seafood and Indian cuisine, stunning white sandy beaches and yoga courses, as well as plenty of activities for the children. There is also a full-service dive centre, kayaks or snorkelling equipment if you are interested in venturing off-shore. Experience the Rajput lifestyle at the Rajasthan luxury camp, where lavish tents overlook a 100 year old reservoir. Spend your days bird watching, exploring the hamlets of rural Rajasthan and visiting ancient temples at your leisure. Developed by the royal family of Nimaj, the camp consists of 11 luxury camps, where 300 acres of land has been left unscathed, harvesting its own water supply and growing its own vegetables, within a wilderness inhabiting over 200 species of wild animals. Homestays To experience the warmth and hospitality of the local people, our Eco Homestay, Nilgiri Hills, Tamil Nadu is an obvious choice. Ideal as a romantic getaway for couples, the Nilgiri Hills are listed as one of the 400 natural wonders of the world, with a climate considered to be one of the best in the world. The homestay 'Aakriti' is located at an altitude of over 2000 metres - the perfect base for exploring the rolling tea plantations or to take the Nilgiri Mountain Railway through the hills and to spend days independently trekking through the vast range of flora and fauna. Should you wish to go a little further afield, both Kerala and Karnatake are less than 3 hours away. The origin of Indian cuisine follows the 4000 year old belief that what we eat affects both the mind and body; and the Home Kitchen of Aakriti is no exception to this rule, so be prepared to experience a menu of pure vegetarian cuisine which will be served to you during your stay. You will also have the opportunity to learn theses recipes first-hand, with cooking lessons tailored to your stay. Why stay in a hotel when you can experience Heritage accommodation in Rajasthan, homestay in a fort in the 'land of the Maharajas'. Staying in the biggest house in the village, the fort comprises 7 fully furnished rooms, where family members take pride in caring for their guests; serving Indian and Continental cuisine, providing room service and also entertainment in the form of Rajasthani village folk dance and music. Spend the daytime sightseeing at your leisure - there are endless forts, temples and tourist destinations to visit and should you be unsure of which to choose or need assistance with getting there, our staff are more than happy to help. Volunteering - Make a difference Ever wanted to teach English in India? This is the perfect opportunity to work with younger children or teenagers who are extremely enthusiastic and willing to learn, and who will be fascinated to find out more about the western world. No TEFL training or previous experience is required, you will simply need to be committed to working with classes of 30-40 students for approximately 20-25 hours a week, either based in Tamil Nadu or Kerala. Accommodation will be provided with a local family or in a hostel, where you can explore the local area in your spare time and learn more about the Indian way of life. Ever had aspirations of becoming a journalist? A journalism internship in India could be exactly what you need to enhance your CV and create an impressive portfolio before heading out into the competitive market. You will be part of a team working for the Sivakasi Times, a free monthly publication which is distributed throughout the town to help the locals to improve their English and to learn about issues in the community. Whether this is your first exposure to journalism, or if you have previous experience and would like to help to mentor another team member, no day will ever be the same and your assistance and input will be greatly received by all involved. Words by Joanne Moore

Responsibletravel.com have 194 holidays in India to choose from, you can search for your perfect India holiday here

Need help finding a great value holiday? Contact our helpdesk at amelia@responsibletravel.com