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Elise Christian January 21, 2025

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Jules VerneIndia is vibrant, diverse, spiritual, chaotic, dynamic, and difficult to summarise with words. It’s the kind of place you need to visit to understand and may have a profound and lasting impact on your life.

Every corner of India has a story waiting to be discovered, a sensory experience to be felt, and a perspective that broadens the horizon of anyone who visits.

The bustling cities, like New Delhi and Mumbai, are alive with vibrant markets, historic landmarks, and pulsating energy. Meanwhile, natural landscapes – from the snow-capped Himalayas to the lush backwaters of Kerala – offer a serene escape. India is also known for its warm, resilient people, fantastic food, deep-rooted spirituality, and, of course, the iconic Bengal tiger.

India is the seventh largest country in the world so, while there’s plenty to love, one of the biggest challenges is deciding what to focus on during a visit. To help you discover more about what you could gain from a holiday in India and why it should top your travel list, we’ve partnered with the award-winning Jules Verne, who has 45 years of experience delivering escorted tours of India.

Their small group tours of 10-16 people are packed with special touches and expert guides take guests beyond the norm to provide a rich, rewarding, and memorable experience. Jules Vernes’ India tour packages also offer plenty of variety – so, whether you want to go wildlife spotting, witness soul-baring religious rituals, immerse yourself in the clamour of colourful cities, or escape to the quiet countryside, you’re sure to find the right experience for you.

Plus, when you quote RESTLESS, you can also get an exclusive 5% off on your Jules Verne holiday. Book online or call 020 38113861.

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So, without further ado, here are 10 reasons to add India to your travel list.

1. The diversity of languages, religions, and landscapes

The diversity of languages, religions, and landscapes

Often called the “land of diversity”, India is a country of contrasts, where vibrant cities pulse with energy and the gorgeous countryside offers peace and tranquillity. The dynamic landscapes, ranging from lush national parks and seemingly endless stretches of desert to relaxed beaches, seem almost too diverse to belong to a single nation.

With nearly 1.5 billion residents, India is also a cultural mosaic, boasting over 200 native languages, thousands of ethnic and tribal communities, and a rich tapestry of religions. This unparalleled diversity arguably makes it one of the world’s most thrilling travel destinations, offering something for everyone.

Jules Verne’s Along the Banks of the Hoogly – Downstream tour offers travellers a wonderful opportunity to explore some of India’s most diverse cultures and landscapes.

2. The Taj Mahal – one of the New 7 Wonders of the World

The Taj Mahal – one of the New 7 Wonders of the World

Located on the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra, India, the Taj Mahal has been described as one of the most beautiful buildings ever created – and it has a fascinating history. Mughal Emperor Shag Jahan began building the marble mausoleum in 1632 as a resting place for his wife Mumtaz Mahal who tragically died in childbirth in 1631.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World in 2007, the Taj Mahal combines Persian, Islamic, and Indian styles with perfect symmetry and exquisite details. Intricate flower designs are carved into iridescent white marble and inlaid with semi-precious stones, standing as a timeless symbol of love.

A trip to India wouldn’t be complete without a visit to this spectacle – but there are also 42 other UNESCO World Heritage sites to enjoy nationwide. This includes the gorgeous pink city of Jaipur, which is part of the popular Golden Triangle and home to incredible palaces. On Jules Verne’s Taj Tour, you can enjoy a sunrise over the Taj Mahal, explore Jaipur, visit the Golden Temple of Amritsar, and much more.

3. The beautiful beaches

The beautiful beaches

You might be surprised to learn that India has a staggering 4,671 miles of stunning coastline, with some beaches so gorgeous that you’d think you’d fallen into a dream. And just like everything else in India, the diversity of these coastal settings is vast – from sleepy, secluded coves and wild jungle escapes to big beach resorts and world-class snorkelling opportunities.

Goa, in particular, is known for its idyllic ribbons of golden, powder-soft sand, lined with lush coconut palms, and lapped by clear, warm waters. But Goa is about far more than beach life. It also has a unique culture because of its Portuguese influence (the Portuguese took Goa as its own in 1510 and set it up as an important control centre for the spice trade). So history and culture enthusiasts will have plenty to explore and learn about here.

Jules Verne offers the option to add North or South Goa beach extensions to their India tours. This means you can see many of the amazing things India has to offer, with the chance to relax in the tranquillity of the Arabian Sea at the end of your trip.

4. The tigers – there are more here than anywhere else in the world

The tigers – there are more here than anywhere else in the world

India is home to 75% of the world’s tigers so if you’ve always dreamt of seeing these majestic creatures in nature, you stand a good chance here. That said, tiger numbers have plummeted by 95% over the past century, due to factors like habitat loss and poaching – and, according to WWF, there are only around 5,600 of these beautiful animals left in the wild, so it’s important we don’t take them for granted.

The best time to spot tigers in India is generally during the dry season between October and April when the vegetation is thinner. There’s nothing quite like being within a few feet of one of nature’s most powerful, beautiful, and fearsome predators – taking in their vibrant stripes, rippling muscles, and glowing amber eyes.

On Jules Verne’s Wild India’s Safaris & Parks tour, you can visit Ranthambore National Park, in Rajasthan and six other reserves. Ranthambore is one of India’s largest tiger habitats, offering one of the best opportunities to see these elusive animals on safari, as well as other amazing wildlife, like leopards, marsh crocodiles, and around 300 species of birds.

5. The spiritual experience

The spiritual experience

Spirituality flows through India like a thread. The country is home to the four major religions, plus many others, and it’s the birthplace of yoga and meditation. Many also describe travelling to India and experiencing its riot of noise, smells, and colours as an “awakening of the senses”; an absorbing experience that helps to ground you in the present moment.

From visiting sacred temples and meditating in peaceful surroundings to witnessing the calming rituals along the Ganges, India invites travellers to connect with something deeper while providing a unique space for personal reflection and growth.

If this appeals to you, Jules Verne’s Sikhs & Exiles tour might be of interest. Travelling amid the landscapes of the Himalayan foothills, you can visit the residence of the Dalai Lama and the home of Tibetan Buddhism, tour ancient temples and places of pilgrimage, witness sacred ceremonies and hypnotic religious chants – plus plenty more.

  • Sikhs & Exiles

    Jules Verne Sikhs & Exiles*

    India | 11 nights | Flights, Transfers & Accommodation Included

    Quote RESTLESS2 and get an exclusive 5% off on your holiday.
    Book online or call 020 38113861. No single supplement.

    From £2,865pp

6. The amazing food

The amazing food

Though Indian cuisine is best known for its rich flavours, fresh ingredients, and skilful use of aromatic spices, dishes vary countrywide depending on what’s in season or local to the area. India is also the world’s most vegetarian country, so veggie dishes are popular and widely available here, especially in the south.

Often the toughest part about travelling to India is deciding what to try first. Stalls line Old Delhi’s labyrinth of streets, selling treats like aloo chaat (crispy fried potatoes), parathas (stuffed flatbread), and pani puri (a hollow crisp filled with chutneys, chaats, and yoghurts). Across restaurants and homestays in India, thali banquets also offer a rainbow of flavoursome dishes, served in small bowls, crammed onto one large plate, and served with bread and rice.

In South India, dosas are popular, too, especially as a lighter breakfast alternative. These thin, savoury, crispy crepes, are made with fermented chickpeas and eaten with various fillings, such as potato masala. And, when it comes to drinks, chai (black tea boiled with milk and spices) is a staple of Indian culture and available everywhere – on trains and streets and in sari shops and restaurants.

Foodies might like to check out Jules Verne’s Splendours of Southern India tour, which includes a spice plantation visit, an evening cooking demo, and dinner with a local family.

7. The warm people

The warm people

While India’s vibrant cities and ancient monuments draw visitors from around the world, the incredible warmth of its people often becomes the most cherished memory of any trip.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll experience the true meaning of “Atithi Devo Bhava” – the ancient Sanskrit principle that treats every guest as divine. This isn’t just a saying; it’s lived daily by Indians who will welcome you into their homes, share their family celebrations, and treat you like one of their own, often within hours of meeting you.

The beauty of Indian hospitality lies in how it transforms potential cultural barriers into bridges. Made a faux pas? You’ll likely be met with understanding smiles and gentle guidance. Lost in a bustling market? Don’t be surprised when locals go out of their way to help you find your destination, often accompanying you personally to make sure you arrive safely. These countless small acts of kindness create the kind of deep, human connections that turn a simple vacation into a life-changing journey.

When travelling with Jules Verne on their Taj Tour, you’ll visit the ‘world’s largest’ community kitchen where thousands of volunteers feed tens of thousands of people every day.

8. The vibrant festivals, such as Holi and Diwali

The vibrant festivals, such as Holi and Diwali

Indian festivals are a huge part of the culture and there’s pretty much a festival for everything here – including kites, snakes, and camels. But two of the most iconic, widely celebrated festivals are Holi and Diwali, offering travellers wonderful opportunities to immerse themselves in the country’s vibrant culture.

Holi typically falls in March, celebrating the arrival of spring, love, and new life. It involves playful colour-throwing, music, and dancing, celebrating the triumph of good over evil and the joy of renewal. On the other hand, Diwali (or the Festival of Lights) is celebrated in October or November, depending on the lunar calendar. It marks the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, with homes adorned with oil lamps, vibrant rangoli designs, fireworks, and feasts.

If you’d like to visit India in March when Holi is celebrated, why not take a look at India’s Golden Triangle tour with Jules Verne?

9. The transport

The transport

Another interesting thing about India is its incredible variation in transport. You can travel by rickshaw, bus, train, taxi, motorbike, plane, bicycle, and even boat. Travelling in a rickshaw or on a traditional houseboat are perhaps two of the most unique experiences – and can be enjoyed on Jules Verne’s Highlights of Southern India tour.

Rickshaws are inexpensive, authentic ways to get around cities and towns in India, and can be arranged locally or hailed in the street. Rides are typically bumpy, thrilling, and unforgettable. While your driver weaves through busy roads, expertly navigating narrow lanes, the open-sided cart fills with traffic sounds, the aromas of roadside food stalls, and a warm breeze.

Traditional houseboats, on the other hand, are a gateway to Kerala’s mesmerising backwaters; a vast network of interconnected lagoons, lakes, rivers, and canals stretching along India’s southwestern coast. Exploring by houseboat lets you experience this unique ecosystem intimately – watching rural life unfold, spotting diverse wildlife, and accessing remote villages while enjoying traditional hospitality in serene surroundings.

10. To gain a new perspective

To gain a new perspective

Many people say that nothing can prepare you for India’s striking contrasts. Chaotic cities, crazy traffic, vivid smells, and stark poverty are blended with outstanding natural beauty, incredible people, fantastic food, and iconic cultural and historical hotspots.

This journey can be both challenging and deeply rewarding. The startling divide between rich and poor can transform the way we feel about even the smallest details of our own lives. And the country’s beautiful mix of ancient traditions and modern life means that there’s something new to see and learn around every corner.

Jules Verne’s Images of India tour offers an inspiring introduction to India’s colours and culture. It includes visits to eight UNESCO sites, as well as iconic landmarks from Jodhpur to Jaipur and Agra, and from Delhi to Shimla and Amritsar.

Final thoughts…

India’s beauty, vibrancy, culinary delights, beguiling history, and unique cultures aren’t to be missed. While India’s cities can be frenetic, many would agree that this adds to the country’s charm and can be balanced with the country’s serene rural landscapes – from the vast desert and majestic mountains to the lush countryside and beautiful beaches.

A wonderful way to see some of the best of what India has to offer is to take an escorted tour. With Jules Verne, you can travel with a small group, led by expert guides with local knowledge for an extraordinary experience.

Whether you’re interested in getting a glimpse of a Bengal tiger, cruising Kerala’s enchanting backwaters, visiting the Taj Mahal or exploring the country’s best-kept secrets, Jules Verne combines iconic landmarks and lesser-known sites for a well-rounded experience. You can browse their full range of India tours below.

Plus, when you quote RESTLESS, you can also get an exclusive 5% off on your holiday. Book online or call 020 38113861.

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Elise Christian

Elise Christian is Lifestyle Editor at Rest Less. She joined Rest Less in 2018 after achieving a first class Master’s Degree in Journalism from the University of Kent, and writes across a range of lifestyle topics such as mental health, home and garden, and fashion and beauty. Prior to this, she worked as a freelance writer for small businesses and also spent a year training to be a midwife. Elise spends her spare time going to the gym, reading trashy romance novels, and hanging out with loved ones. She also loves animals, and has a fascination with sharks and tornadoes.

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