We’re the experts on holidays to India
Our tours to India are crafted with care and a whole lot of love! Designed by our team of India enthusiasts and led by Tour Managers who know all the local secrets, it’s no wonder Riviera is the go-to for unforgettable India holidays!
Will Sarson, Product Director, explains how you can visit this incredible country, and the differences between our tours.
If it’s your first time visiting India, the Golden Triangle – Delhi, Jaipur, and the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra – is the perfect place to start. Lucky for you, we’ve got some fantastic options!
Our Classic India tour is incredible value and covers all the highlights of the Golden Triangle with a visit to Ranthambore too, home of majestic tigers.
If you want to explore for longer and to dive deeper into India, our Grand Journey from India’s Golden Triangle to Shimla is just the ticket. This adventure takes you north on a charming narrow-gauge railway into the mountainous Shimla region. If you’re a solo explorer, we have exclusive departures just for you too. Prefer a more intimate group experience? The Signature version of this tour has smaller groups (on average 22 guests) and extra-special excursions, including a visit to the serene gardens of Mehtab Bagh and the exquisite I’timad-ud-Daulah – the ‘Baby Taj.’
For those who’ve already experienced India, then these more varied tours might be for you:
Southern India’s Coastal Route – Tamil Nadu to Kerala tour. Explore a different side of India with the tranquil and rural charm of the south. It’s a laid-back contrast to the hustle and bustle of the north, offering unforgettable experiences and mouthwatering cuisine. Solo travellers can enjoy solo exclusive
Will – Product Director
departures too, while the Signature version of this tour, includes a birdwatching boat cruise through the wetlands of Kumarakom.
Our Rajasthan, the Taj Mahal & Amritsar’s Golden Temple tour takes in all the grandeur that India has to offer. With highlights of the Golden Temple of Amritsar, and a ride on the Shatabdi Express before a visit to the fascinating blue city of Jodhpur. You can upgrade to a Signature tour and enjoy a magical sunset cruise on Lake Pichola.
Last but not least, and new for 2026, our India & Nepal tour offers the perfect blend of India’s vibrant energy and Nepal’s serene calm. Along with the mustsee sights, we venture deeper into India, visiting the stunning temples of Khajuraho and the sacred city of Varanasi, located on the Ganges – one of India’s holiest sites. In Nepal, get ready for breathtaking natural beauty, including a flight over the Himalayas to catch a glimpse of Mount Everest, and game viewing at Chitwan National Park.
India really does have something for everyone!
Bollywood, based in Mumbai, is the world’s largest film industry by the number of films produced annually, even surpassing Hollywood. It churns out around 1,500–2,000 movies each year!
Diwali – festival of lights
Our expert Tour Managers
Our Riviera Tour Managers are India enthusiasts through and through! They take care of all the logistics and are with you every step of the way! Introducing Matt and Serdjo...
I have been working as a Tour Manager for Riviera Travel since 2009 and I absolutely love my job! I get to visit incredible places and meet amazing people along the way!
Food – glorious food...
My favourite tour has to be Southern India and Kerala. It offers such a diverse and fascinating view of India - exploring Tamil Nadu with its ancient temples and ties to British rule, the French occupation of Pondicherry, and Kerala with its spice plantations, coconut groves, tranquil backwaters, houseboats, and, of course, its delicious food! Matt
Rajasthan, Taj Mahal, Amritsar’s Golden Temple is my favourite tour of India. It offers a deep insight to all aspects of Indian life and religion, taking you through magnificent cities, iconic monuments, art museums,
mosques, and temples, all while exploring the unforgettable countryside, fortresses and palaces. You’ll travel by plane, coach, train, boat, and jeep, experiencing the vibrant contrast, colours, and spices that make India so extraordinary. Serdjo
We know that some of you might have concerns about the food in India and the dreaded ‘Delhi belly’! Although we can’t make any guarantees, we want to reassure you that we stay in high quality hotels that produce wonderful cuisine to suit all tastes. For many guests, the food ends up being one of their favourite parts of the tour!
India is the birthplace of yoga, an ancient practice that has been an integral part of its culture for over 5,000 years.
What to wear in India – male and female attire
Two things are important when it comes to knowing how to dress on a tour to India. You need to feel comfortable in your clothing, and you also need to respect the local cultures. India is a conservative country, and while the dress code may appear a little more relaxed in some large cities such as Delhi and Mumbai, elsewhere it’s appropriate and polite to dress modestly, keeping your shoulders and knees covered. This applies to both male and female visitors and is especially imperative when visiting a mosque, temple, mausoleum or any other religious building.
Jodhpur
Serdjo – Tour Manager
Matt – Tour Manager
Old Delhi
In vibrant Old Delhi, surrounded by imposing walls, you’ll discover spectacular examples of Mughal architecture. The magnificent Red Fort, so-called after its massive red sandstone exterior, is Delhi’s most iconic landmark.
Amber Fort, Jaipur
The Amber Fort is a joy to behold – and worth the steep climb up to the palace complex and courtyards. On a guided tour, visitors can discover more about the remarkable hall of mirrors and see inside the secluded women’s quarters that were reserved for the Maharajah’s wives and concubines.
Taj Mahal, Agra
The impressive white marble mausoleum was built in the mid-17th century as a memorial to Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s favourite wife. It’s often regarded as the ultimate symbol of love. It took approximately 22 years to complete, finishing in 1653. At sunrise, the white marble takes on a rosy glow, whereas as the sun sets, the building appears to turn a soft shade of orange.
Ranthambore National Park
If you’re a wildlife lover, don’t miss out on a trip to Ranthambore National Park. This vast reserve is home to the elusive Bengal tiger, leopards, marsh crocodiles, sloth bears and over 300 species of birds. A safari on an open-top, four-wheel-drive vehicle is sure to be unforgettable.
NEPAL INDIA
Kathmandu
The palaces and sacred temples of Kathmandu are the perfect place to experience the country's charming age-old traditions whilst the shores of Lake Phewa offer unending moments of serenity – especially when gazing up at the Himalayan Mountains in the distance.
Varanasi
Located on the Ganges, Varanasi is considered to be one the holiest sites in India. A fascinating and spiritual place, it is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Varanasi is a holy city for Hindu’s and pilgrims who go to dip in the holy Ganges river as they believe it will wash away a lifetime of sins.
Cochin
Cochin is the Malabar Coast’s most historic port, traditionally from where India’s invaluable spices were shipped to Europe. The city’s oldest quarter is Fort Cochin, a fascinating maze of narrow alleyways and large merchants’ houses, whilst the nearby bazaar district of Mattancherry has the Dutch Palace and the subcontinent’s oldest synagogue. The iconic sight in Cochin is the famed Chinese fishing nets, vast cantilevered contraptions that still work to this day.
A well organised trip. The local guides and the tour manager were both excellent and ensured we got a glimpse of this amazing place. Had experiences and saw sights that would have been extremely difficult to arrange independently.
Grand Journey from India's Golden Triangle to Shimla tour November 2024
Kathmandu
Varanasi
Pokhara
The best time to visit India
India has a tropical climate, with much of the country experiencing high temperatures all year round. For exploring India, it’s best to travel between October and March, when you can enjoy sunshine, warm temperatures and minimal rainfall.
Summer
March to May
Summer can be a scorcher, with temperatures soaring up to 45°C, although coastal areas are cooler. March is a sweet spot to visit the Golden Triangle when there are pleasantly warm days, cool nights and fewer crowds than in winter. The vibrant Holi festival fills the streets with colour. April is perfect for wildlife-spotting and enjoying Shimla’s flowers. In May, parts of India sizzle while the south remains pleasant.
Winter
December to February
Monsoon June to September
India's monsoon season sometimes lingers into October. August can be the coolest month, although the rainfall is lighter than in July. It’s also the time for Onam, a Hindu festival filled with parades and floats. By September, the rain starts to ease, bringing pleasant temperatures.
Post-monsoon October to November
October brings the sunshine back, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 33°C, making it the perfect time to visit the Taj Mahal before the crowds roll in. Brightening the country is Diwali, the festival of lights and India’s biggest celebration. November continues with ideal weather for sightseeing and being outdoors.
Winter is the perfect time to visit, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 34°C. January brings Pongal, a harvest festival marking the end of the winter solstice. February is prime time for a coastal getaway, especially in Kerala, where the dry weather makes for a peaceful retreat. In Delhi, vibrant flowers paint the city.
Accommodation chosen to complement your tour
Every hotel has been carefully selected for its ideal location or to offer you something just a little bit different... like staying on a houseboat!
Kerala Houseboat, Kerala
For something a little different, on our Southern India tour you’ll stay in a charming houseboat for one night. You’ll see the stunning views of the backwaters.
Oberoi Trident Hotel, Agra
This hotel grows all its own vegetables and is surrounded by beautiful gardens. During the times of the British Raj, this hotel was the most exclusive five-star hotel in Shimla.
Situated on a peninsula with the Phewa Lake on one side and a forest-covered hill on the other, the Fish Tail Lodge offers spectacular views all around. It’s best reached by shuttle-floats or boats, put on by the hotel.
Fish Tail Lodge Pokhara, Nepal
Hand-crafted itineraries
We partner with local experts in India, which ensures itineraries have the perfect blend of seeing the iconic sights and little-known wonders, along with free time.
India
9-day tour from £1,999pp rivieratravel.co.uk/mid
Grand Journey from India’s Golden Triangle to Shimla
15-day tour from £2,549pp rivieratravel.co.uk/mids
Grand Journey from India’s Golden Triangle to Shimla
15-day Signature tour from £2,799pp rivieratravel.co.uk/mids
Southern India’s Coastal Route – Tamil Nadu to Kerala tour
15-day tour from £2,499pp rivieratravel.co.uk/msi
Southern India’s Coastal Route – Tamil Nadu to Kerala tour
15-day Signature tour from £3,099pp rivieratravel.co.uk/msi
Holi, the festive of colours, celebrates unity as people joyfully throw vibrant colours, dance, and break societal barriers, symbolising love, equality, and spring’s arrival!
India & Nepal
15-day Signature tour from £3,999pp rivieratravel.co.uk/mnp
Rajasthan, the Taj Mahal & Amritsar’s Golden Temple tour
15-day tour from £2,699pp rivieratravel.co.uk/mra
Wonderful trip to the golden triangle in India. We visited the Taj Mahal early in the morning when only a few people were around and later in the moonlight. A true wonder of the modern world. We saw tigers on safari and visited Jaipur, Rajasthan and Delhi. We had an expert guide with us who was really knowledgeable about the Mughal Empire and all the really interesting monuments and palaces we visited. Riviera thought of everything with excellent hotel stays, a lovely Riviera representative who had so much experience of India and managing tours… I would urge anyone considering India to book a Riviera holiday tour.
India tour May 2024
Prices and availability correct at time of print. Prices are per person based on two sharing, and are inclusive of any price reductions unless otherwise specified. If you prefer not to receive mail from us in the future, call 01283 245337. All rights reserved.
Code: JAN25IND
Published 01/25