India

2020 has arrived, and with a whole new year- this year an amazing 366 days of thrilling travel experiences. India is incomparable, it is unique, diverse, colorful and addictive. From the snow-laden peaks of the Himalayas to the turquoise beaches, charming backwaters to deserts, lush jungles to bustling cities, incredible architecture to lavish hospitality, there is so much to explore. With a calendar full of festivals, events, and happenings, there is always a reason to plan India tours.

Here’s a list of the possible places to go for India tours in 2020

Where to go in India in January

January in India is blessed with pleasant winters and many excitements. The Pink City of Jaipur glows with a warm glow, luring for a visit. The walled city of Jaipur is one of the listed UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. The historic town also hosts the Jaipur Literature Festival (23-27th January 2020) which is a major draw to pay a visit. Visit the hill fort of Amer, heritage tours, culinary taste, cooking classes, shopping, and stay at heritage hotels are the highlights of Jaipur tours.

Goa offers a happening vacation to begin the year as does the Rann of Kutch. The Bikaner Camel Festival in Rajasthan also gives a reason to go visiting. The Golden Triangle Tour is a comprehensive introduction to the vast and diverse heritage of the country. Ranthambore, Varanasi, Jaisalmer, Bandhavgarh, Shimla, etc. are also popular options.

Where to go in India in February

February is the month of love and to honor the month we have something amazing in-store. Khajuraho worships erotic love and the temples, which are now listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites are a testimony of it. The carved-artistry of the outer façade of temples is truly outstanding. The Khajuraho Dance Festival to be hosted from 20th to 26th February is a spellbinding event celebrating India’s classical dance at the beautiful historic background. Goa is the perfect setting for a romantic getaway as is Royal Rajasthan with Udaipur.

Golden Triangle tours are an absolute favorite along with Ranthambore, Varanasi, Rajasthan, South India and many more.

Where to go in India in March

March is the onset of spring in India and with it the colorful festival of Holi. The festive occasion of Holi finds roots in Indian Mythology but has evolved into a fun event. Held on the 10th March 2020 this occasion presents India in a way like never seen before. The charming temple town of Mathura-Vridanavan celebrations is the most interesting while Jaipur, Delhi, and Mumbai too have their ways to celebrate the festival.

If your interest lies in Yoga, then the International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh is a must-try.

Where to go in India in April

With April, summer is right around the corner but that does not mean a stop to explore India. Explore the jungle havens of Corbett, Bandhavgarh, Ranthambore National Parks, etc. as the chances of spotting the Tiger is unbelievable. There are options of jeep safaris, elephant rides, boat safaris, stay at wildlife resorts and more.

The ever-popular tourist attractions of Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, etc. also fit the bill for your holidays. There is also Shimla, Kashmir, and the many scenic hill stations to make for some amazing memories.

Where to go in India in May

May is the official season of summer in India. The high temperatures of the plains are best avoided and for it, there are many pictorial getaways. Darjeeling & Munnar, the land of tea gardens are absolute favourites as is the colonial town of Shimla.

Darjeeling is a tad more enjoyable as there is the exciting Toy Train Ride on the Darjeeling Mountain Railway, a listed UNESCO World Heritage as is the Kalka-Shimla Toy trains. The scenic setting, serene sightseeing along with a pinch of excitements lure you to the Himalayans and its charming towns.

Where to go in India in June

June in India is marked with high temperatures and for an India tour this month there is a haven untouched by it all- Ladakh. Known as the ‘rooftop of the world’ this region of India is uniquely blessed. Barren mountains are home to ancient monasteries, scenic secrets, thrilling adventures, colorful culture, a one of kind cold desert with dunes and the very special Bactrian camels. Luxury glamping in Ladakh makes this vacation one not to miss.

Where to go in India in July

July brings in the monsoon to India. Rains amplify the beauty of the country. North-East India, especially the ‘Abode of Clouds’ Meghalaya appears heavenly. Goa is also sought after as after the rains, the coastal beauty is truly outstanding. Kerala too shines as does the rest of South India blessed with scenic delights. Udaipur calls with its charming bliss. The royal city has a magnificent palace’ The Monsoon Palace’ dedicated to enjoying the season.

Kerala in August

August is the official monsoon season of India. With showers of rains, almost every region has been rejuvenated but our recommendation is a thrilling time with Kerala tours. Titled as God’s Own Country, the South Indian state is blessed with backwaters, Ayurveda Massages, houseboat rides & so much more.

The rainy season is believed to be the best time to visit as the weather conditions are perfect to indulge in Ayurveda treatments. Also, the thrill of exploring the backwaters on a houseboat is simply incomparable. Stay at the luxury ayurveda resorts, explore the culture, try the delicious cuisine, and have a good time. There are also the amazing opportunities of wildlife safari at Periyar, walk through tea gardens & spice plantations, go on heritage walks in the multi-ethnic Kochi and so much more.

Where to go in India in September

The rains have bid adieu to most of India with some showers here and there. Sparkling in the refreshed glory the recommend India tour to undertake is to the beautiful city of Udaipur. The backdrop of the Aravalli Hills along with aplenty scenic lakes makes the royal Rajasthan town an idyllic getaway. With so many luxury hotels, especially the palace hotels every moment spent here is a cherished memory.

Where to go in India in October

October marks the calendar with many festivals. India is celebrating and some of the grandest celebrations are in Kolkata ‘The City of Joy’. Varanasi also shines in its infinite wisdom. The ethereal Ganga Aarti, boat ride at sunset, visit the ancient temples, heritage walks, food trail, shopping and so much more.

Touring the Golden Triangle, visit the other UNESCO listed heritage sites, holy temple towns or any of the tourist attractions can also be added to the list of places to visit in October.

Where to go in India in November

November is the official winter season in India. Winters have been traditionally the popular tourist season in the country. With every part in India enjoying favorable weather conditions, festivities and other amazements, there are lots to choose from while planning tours in India.

Our recommendation is Jaisalmer and Pushkar for the exciting chance of camel safari amid the desert dunes. The Golden Triangle Tour is a perfect holiday awaiting as is South India Tours, especially Kerala, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, etc. Madhya Pradesh bedazzles with its wilderness, heritage sites, and cultural tours. Think of a wonderful vacation and you have a plethora of options.

Where to go in India in December

End of the year, December deserves a truly amazing vacation. There is Goa with its sun, sand, sea and other thrills. From the heritage of old churches & forts, cultural tours, festivities, nightlife and more, there is plenty to experience.

The pleasant weather conditions are such that you simply need to state your interests and there is always something exciting on offer. Think of history, heritage and culture, there is the popular Golden Triangle, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and more. For the adventure pursuits there is the mountain, sea, desert, jungles and so much more. Wildlife tours in India allow tiger safaris, bird-watching, spotting rhinos, and many other species of the animal kingdom. Luxury trains in India are also a sought delight to experience India like true royalty. There is also stay at heritage hotels, beach resorts, houseboats, etc. that make India tour truly worthwhile!

India is a country unlike another! Making way into cherished memories, the country is a bundle of life-changing experiences. For a female solo traveller there is absolutely nothing as amazing and educational at the vast and diverse country. From the snowy heights of the Himalayas to the tropical beaches, golden desert to a cold desert, lush jungles to backwaters, colourful towns steeped in history & culture, some even as old as civilization to cities matching pace with the world, there is so much to explore.

If you are making last minute plans for India then you have nothing to worry, here’s our guide. Once you are done with the visa, you need to simple book your tickets & hotels and simply get going to be amazed.

Our top three picks of India tour packages for last minute holidays for solo female travellers are:

Delhi & the Golden Triangle

The Golden Triangle is certainly the most preferred tour of India. Arrive at the Delhi International Airport and get an introduction to India’s heritage and culture. The capital city of India has is sorted to ensure a smooth transition into the very unique culture of the country. The well-travelled itinerary is well-suited for the first-time traveller in India. With well-connected roads, range of accommodation, things to do and places to see, it is an absolute winner!

Delhi, the city of cities, has been witness to many eras and rulers, each of the episodes having left footprints in the form of monuments and culture. Delhi has eight such cities to boast of, from the first of Muslim rulers, Mughals to the British Raj. The Golden Triangle tour packages is the most popular itinerary in India, covering the cities of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. Agra is home to the ‘icon of love’ the Taj Mahal. The white-marble monument is pretty much one of the major reasons to visit India. Jaipur is the land of the Kings, palaces, forts, and colourful culture that is charmingly Indian!

For the girls, the itinerary has plenty to see, do and experience. The pleasure of shopping their hearts out certainly adds to the charm.

Kerala

Located in South India, Kerala is more than a destination, it is a bundle of wonderful experiences. Titled ‘God’s Own Country’, this place is heaven. From lush hills covered in tea gardens & spice plantations to golden beaches leading to azure waters, backwaters navigable by houseboat, traditional villages to historic towns, Kerala never fails to surprise. Arrive to the historic town of Kochi and then proceed with days and weeks of fun exploring the length and breadth of the earthly paradise.

One holiday in Kerala allows the bliss of the misty hills, romantic houseboat rides, relaxing on the beach, exploring history that dates over thousands of years, wildlife safaris, pampering Ayurveda sessions, the science of health and wellness, and more. What more can a girl crave?

Goa

The beautiful party destination of India, Goa, is the land of sun, sand, and sea. Goa conjures images of tropical bliss. Golden sands lead to the cerulean waters, coconut and palm groves sway in the breeze, and charming villages tucked away in the backwoods put a magical spell on visitors.  Goa has a reputation of being the hottest party destination in the country. The night-time activities include beach shacks, pubs, clubs, beach parties, casinos, cruises, and more. Beyond the peppy setting, there are elegant churches intact in their olden charms, forts that withstood the changing times, spice plantations, bird sanctuaries, trekking trails, waterfalls, and more. Additional delights include exciting water sports, mouth-watering food, shopping, and other thrills

Arrive at the Goa International Airport and be prepared to spend time in the tropical haven. With abundant options of stay in very budget (from villas, beach resorts, homestays to hotels), safe roads and a delightful crowd, this is got to be one of the places in India that you can visit anytime and be surprised every time. Girls get to rock their favourite beachwear, lazing on the dreamy beaches.

Over 1000% growth! Whoa! Sounds unbelievable! But it's true that the number of foreign tourists coming to India on e-tourist visas has jumped by over 1000% in 2019.

These numbers are evidence to the success story of e-Tourist Visas in India.  Ever since the launch of the e-visa facility by the Indian government, there has been no looking back and the Ministry of Tourism has been continuously recording a sharp increase in tourists' number visiting India. Are e-tourist visas/visa-on-arrival attracting more tourists to India? See, the numbers bespeak its bemusing success story!

With the launch of the e-tourist visas, the dynamics of tourism in India have changed drastically. It has emerged as a game-changer by bringing up new growth equations in the tourism arena.

According to a Press Information Bureau (PIB) report, a total of 445,300 tourists visited India on e-tourist visas during January-December 2015 as compared to 39,046 during January-December 2014. This was a phenomenal growth of 1040.4% in tourists' number entering India on e-visas.

The month of December 2015 had 1,03,617 tourists visiting India on e-tourist visas as compared to 14,083 during December 2014, recording a growth of 635.8%.
In January 2016, 88,162 tourists arrived in India on e-tourist visa as compared to 25,023 during the same month last year, registering a growth of 252.3%.

Similarly, in February 2016, a total of 1,17, 210 tourists arrived on e-Tourist Visa as compared to 24,985 during February 2015, registering a growth of 369.1 per cent.

UK stood on top to avail the e-tourist visa facility to visit India, followed by the USA, Russia, Australia and Germany. The New Delhi Airport grabbed the maximum share of tourists arriving and leaving the country on e-tourist visas in 2015, followed by the Mumbai Airport and the Goa Airport.

It was on November 27, 2014 when the Indian Government had introduced the TVoA, enabled by Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), presently known as e-Tourist Visa scheme.

At initial stage, the ETA enabled TVoA scheme was limited to 43 countries, however, later, it was extended to 113 countries, enabling a large number of international tourists to take advantage of the facility. Recently, 37 more countries were added to the list to take the final number to 150.

Presently, the tourist travelling to India with an e-visa is allowed to enter and depart from 16 international airports in the country. However, at the time of launch of the facility, it was limited to 9 international airports in 9 cities of the country.

The e-tourist visa fee structure has also been revised with effect from 3rd November, 2015. The 113 countries that can avail the e-tourist visa facilities have been divided into four groups where each group has to pay a different rate. Even the bank charges are reduced now for the e-tourist visa fees.

These initiatives have helped to increase the number of tourists travelling to India.

The new system has really made things easier for tourists! While they can apply for a visa online without having to visit the Indian embassy, they will can also receive an email authorising them to travel to India when their visa application gets approved. This notification can then be presented to immigration authorities at one of 16 Indian airports, allowing the visitor to obtain a visa-on-arrival. The ETA remains valid for 30 days from the date of approval.

It will be valid for entry at the following 16 airports: Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bangalore, Chennai, Cochin, Delhi, Gaya, Goa, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Tiruchirapalli, Trivandrum, and Varanasi.

Looking at the spectacular rise in tourist numbers, it seems that eTourist Visa would help tourism in India attain newer heights.

As more people become net-savvy, there is a high possibility that the number of tourists visiting India with e-visas will grow many times in the coming years. Also the government has permitted to issue an E-Tourist Visa twice in a calendar year increasing the possibility of attaining higher foreign tourists’ number.

So let’s keep the fingers crossed and wait and watch to see the ETA scheme smashing old records by registering higher growth in the number of foreign travellers visiting India!

The countries eligible for an E-Tourist Visa!

Andorra, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Cayman Island, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Colombia, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, Laos, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niue Island, Norway, Oman, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Macedonia, Russia, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Sweden, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tonga, Turks and Caicos Island, Tuvalu, UAE, Ukraine, United Kingdom, USA, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, and Vietnam.

Author Bio: Archana Sharma is freelance writer who is passionate about her profession. Travelling is something which excites her. She has been in the creative field for over 15 years and has been writing for print media and digital media.

Indian culture and its cultural sites have been on travellers' mind since time immemorial! Tourists from across the globe have been flocking to India to see and feel the mysterious cultural element in this holy land. Around 90% of foreign travellers visit India to explore the melting pot of its cultural diversity. This diversity exists in different forms such as history, archaeology, music, festivals, dance, etc!

The vibrancy of cultural diversity is at its epitome in states like Kerala, Rajasthan, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. While Uttarakhand basks in the light of culture and spiritual tourism, Tamil Nadu sheds light on Dravid tradition and culture. Cities like Varanasi, Allahabad, Vrindavan, and Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh encapsulates beautiful vignettes of India, attracting a large number of foreign tourists. Taj Mahal in Agra, one among seven wonders of the world, mesmerizes tourists with its majestic beauty.

Rajasthan is yet another state on top of foreign tourists’ minds. This state has been exhibiting its rich culture via its royal and majestic monuments and traditional festivals. Different fairs and festivals have also been singing the cultural saga of India. Pushkar Fair, Taj Mahotsav, and Suraj Kund Mela are a few to be named here which have marked their presence on international charts for exhibiting Indian culture.

Hence, it won’t be wrong to say that cultural tourism is the predominant factor behind India’s meteoric rise in the tourism segment. Let’s look at the important parameters of Indian culture that have been wooing tourists to this country…

1. Archaeology: The historical and archaeological monuments in India are the assets which have been attracting the biggest chunk of international tourists. These monuments reflect the influence of different rulers, and take the tourists back to an era of kings and queens.

2. Music: The synchronisation of rhythm with musical instruments has been mesmerising all since ages. From a variety of folk music to classical notes, Indian music comes with a wide range of traditions and regional styles. North Indian Hindustani, South Indian Carnatic traditions and their various forms of regional folk music are always soothing to ears and eventually foreign travellers have also fallen in love with these melodies.

3. Festivals: Festivals form the heart and soul of India. While most of them have a religious origin, there are many others that are celebrated irrespective of caste and creed. Some of the most popular festivals in India are Diwali, Ugadi, Pongal, Holi, Onam, Vijayadashami, Durga Puja, Eid ul-Fitr, Christmas, Buddha Jayanti, and Vaisakhi.

4. Dance: Dances in India have come a long way from the ancient classical or temple dance to folk and modern styles. Indian folk dances such as Bhangra, Bihu, Ghumura Dance, Sambalpuri, Chhau, Garba and special dances in regional festivals have a high-speed rhythm and vibrancy Foreign travellers could also be seen shaking their legs on foot-tapping beats of folk songs in different states.

5. Art and Craft: Indian art and craft is yet another area where foreign tourists have a keen interest! Art and culture in India are classified into specific periods where each period is reflected in the form of a particular religious, political and cultural development. From ancient period (3500 BCE-1200 CE) to Islamic ascendancy (1192-1757), colonial period (1757–1947) to Independent and the postcolonial period (Post-1947), the Indian art and craft reflect the rich culture which evolved and progressed under different eras.

6. Pilgrimage: India has been thronged by travellers from across the world to explore spirituality. Varanasi, Bodhgaya, Mathura, Vrindavan etc are places where tourists visit in high number seeking spiritual solace.

7. Cuisines: The Indian cuisine also symbolises the rich cultural diversity. While Lucknow and Hyderabad are known for the relishing Nawabi dishes, the cities in Rajasthan have also earned fame by serving the royal Daal baatis and choorma. Similarly, North India cities have its own delicious variety of cuisine and Kolkata in the East has made a mark with its yummy delicious sweets. South Indian food too has made its own distinguished identity with wada sambhar, idli sambhar and masala dosa!

8. Clothing: The traditional attire in India changes as one travels from one state to another. Clothing is influenced immensely by local culture, geography and climate. While katha work has made a mark in Gujarat, the colorful bandhej sarees and dupattas have won a million hearts of tourists here. Phulkari work in Punjab and Haryana has also garnered the interest of foreign travellers.

9. Multiple religions: Many religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism were founded in India. This, yet again, brought diversity in culture and the different religious influences have made India a very popular destination!

10. History: The rich history of India has also made it culturally rich! The country was ruled by different rulers such as Rajputs, Mughals, English and Portuguese. And, it is due to the influence of different dynasties that the heritage and culture of India have become exhaustive and vibrant. 

Author Bio: Archana Sharma is freelance writer who is passionate about her profession. Travelling is something that excites her. She has been in the creative field for over 15 years and has been writing for print media and digital media.

India is a land that has a rich ancient history and deep cultural roots. It is a land of spiritual blessings. A visit to India is unlike any other place one can visit in the world. Indian customs and rituals have been admired by most of the travelers who have visited the country and the vast range of geographical locations in India has made it one of the top tourist destinations.

1. Incredible diversity: India is famous for its unimaginable amount of diversity and yet in the midst of this there is unity. One can travel through India and experience a distinct cultural difference in every region. Even though historical standpoint India's assimilation strength always stays at a greater height. India truly offers countless shades in terms of culture, tradition, cuisines, languages and even landscapes. 

2. History: India has a mixed record of successes and failures. It is the world's most ancient surviving civilization and has thousands of years of history to be explored. Home to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization and a region of historic trade routes, the Indian subcontinent was identified with its commercial and cultural wealth for much of its long history. 

3. Folk Art: India has a profusion of folk art that is kept alive mostly in rural communities. Every region in India has its own style and pattern of art. The folk art of India is cultural and simple, yet very colorful and lively enough to speak volumes about the country's rich cultural heritage.

4. The Taj Mahal: It is a bit cliché, but travelers visiting India should at least save a day in their schedule to visit this enchanting beauty, the Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal is an enthralling piece of architectural art that portrays the love that Emperor Shah Jahan had for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.

5. Religious festivals: The best way to understand the cultural map of India is by visiting India during an important local festival like Holi in Jaipur, Pushkar festival in Pushkar and Janmashtami in Vrindavan etc. Throughout the year different occasions bring together people from different walks of life to forget all their differences and get involved in pure fun. By taking part in these colorful festivities, one can see the liveliness of India today as it holds the traditions of its intriguing past.

6. Indian Hospitality: Indians consider it an immense honor to have visitors in their abodes, and go out of their way to gratify them. There's a famous saying in India, Athithi Devo Bhava, which means that the "Guest is God". There's nothing like Indian hospitality. And, as a result of the growing status of homestays in India, there are plenty of occasions to experience it.

7. Thrilling Wildlife: The wildlife sanctuaries of India are home to many of the World's endangered species of mammals and birds. Some of the destinations that offer an enthralling experience of the wild abode include Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Ranthambore National Park, Kanha Tiger Reserve, Sunderban Wildlife Sanctuary and Kaziranga National Park, etc. 

8. Delicious Food: In India, there is a well-known saying that "Appetizing food paves the way to someone's heart". Indian food is famous throughout the world, for being rich and flavorful. The cuisines in India vary from region to region, and street food is extremely popular too. 

9. Spiritual Experience: India is the origin of various religions and religious thinking. Many people visit India, not for the tourist attractions, but to experience a calm and serene environment and get in touch with their spiritual selves. Spiritual arts like yoga and meditation have fascinated a huge number of tourists from all around the globe. A visit to various temples, a look at the religious texts and the stories of how different legends initiated can provide a deeper vision into Indian culture and will definitely refresh your wits like no place in the world.

10. Music: India is well-known for its various folk arts and especially classical Indian music. Music is a vital part of the Indian society and many distinguished world musicians have originated from India since ancient times. The Carnatic influence from the 15th and 16th centuries AD plays a major role in shaping traditional Indian music. However, there are various forms of folk music which plays a distinctive sound and feel which is specific to their region of origination.

India is a sensory feast, and these are just a few reasons for you to visit this beautiful land.

Author Bio:

Priyanka is a travel writer at Trans India Holidays, she is passionate about visiting different destinations and sharing her experience through articles and blogs.