Why I love India

“The moment I start to think I'm right on the precipice of unravelling one of India's deep mysteries, she has an uncanny way of reminding me that it would take more than just a few lifetimes to do so. Indeed, demystifying India is a perpetual work in progress. And that is precisely what makes the country so deeply addictive for me. The constant exploration. The playful unpredictability. And knowing that, just when...” Read More

Image of Sarina Singh
Sarina Singh
Writer

Top experiences in India

Recent articles

Tribes, treks and tree bridges in Meghalaya, India's new adventure playground

It's raining on the limestone plateau that soars above the delta of the Brahmaputra River in Northeast India. Big, fat, heavy drops, that dribble down the back of the neck and soak into the ends of coatsleeves. However, I'm assured by the young man selling cinnamon bark and cardamom pods at one of the area's most famous viewpoints that this is totally normal. 'It always rains in Meghalaya! That's why it's so beautiful!'

Living root bridge at Mawlynnong, Meghalaya © Axiom Photographic / Getty Images
Joe Bindloss
Lonely Planet Writer

Wild India: step into the real-life Jungle Book

To mark Disney's remake of The Jungle Book, Lonely Planet travels to the forested heart of India that inspired Rudyard Kipling’s original Mowgli stories.

Exploring the life of the writer who almost single-handedly conjured the popular image of ‘British India’, we look at the legacy of the Raj in other locations close to his heart: from the magnificent architecture of Mumbai – where he was born in 1865 – to the hill station of Shimla, former summer capital and colonialist playground, in the foothills of the Himalayas.
Orla Thomas
Lonely Planet Writer
Read more articles

Travel guides

Starting at $21.99

Image for Image for

India adventures

$2519 Small group tours

Ganges River Cruise Encompassed

Plan ahead and combine two river cruising tours along the famous Ganges River for 15 days so you don’t have to worry about missing anything. Get unpacked and comfortable in your cabin once and then relax and enjoy the journey from Patna to Kolkata. Explore palace ruins at Rajmahal, check out sixth-century rock carvings, take breathtaking photos of the Jain temple in the middle of a lake at Pawapuri, and sail through local villages to see historical battlegrounds, terracotta temples, and the Katgola palace. Experience India in a way only river cruising can show you.
$489.32 Small group tours

Private Tour: 4-Day Golden Triangle Trip to Agra and Jaipur from Delhi

Immerse yourself in the history and culture of India on this 4-day private tour of India's Golden Triangle. From Delhi travel by private air-conditioned vehicle to Agra. Visit the magnificent Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and many legacies of the mighty Mughal Empire including Fatehpur Sikri. In the 'pink city' of Jaipur, Rajasthan capital's visit hilltop forts and glorious palaces as you explore India's royal past. Enjoy the personalized service of your own guide as your senses are overloaded on this journey of discovery.
$1508.75 Small group tours

Private Tour: 5-Day Varanasi and Khajuraho from Delhi

Discover the best of Varanasi and Khajuraho on a private 5-day tour from Delhi. Visit Varanasi, the most sacred city in India, and see where Hindus practice their spiritual rituals before heading to Khajuraho to view the impressive temples with intricate carvings. This 5-day itinerary offers insight into India's religious culture, great sightseeing with a local guide and plenty of time for your own exploration.
$247 Small group tours

2-Day Private Tour of Agra from Delhi including Taj Mahal at Full Moon

Discover India’s incredible architectural history on this 2-day private tour that will check many of the country’s must-see monuments off your list. See Agra’s most-renowned structures on guided visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri and the Taj Mahal. Best of all, take a nighttime visit of the Taj Mahal with your guide and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience of viewing the incredible structure lit up by a full moon!  Learn about the history of the monuments, as well as the history of India from your knowledgeable private guide. 
$1259 Small group tours

Ganges River Cruise Adventure

Imagine the cruise of a lifetime along India's Ganges River. Unpack once in your cabin and let the riverboat move you from place to life-changing place for seven incredible days. Explore palace ruins at Rajmahal, trace 6th-century rock carvings with your own fingers, and photograph to your heart's content the picturesque Pawapuri Jain temple in the middle of a lake. Experience India in a way you haven't yet imagined.
$2449 History & culture

Explore North India & the Ganges

Imagine the rare opportunity to experience India’s greatest highlights and cruise the mighty Ganges River in one extraordinary adventure. This unique 16-day itinerary covers the lively rush of Delhi, the tranquility of the Taj Mahal, the character of rural villages, and the pure serenity of sailing the river from temple to palace and everything in between. This once-in-a-lifetime journey on water and land will have you wanting to return to the glory of India sooner than later.
See More Adventures
India photo credits