Culture, Food & Everyday Life

The Golden Triangle links Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, taking in the Mughal grandeur of the capital, the Taj Mahal, and the palaces and bazaars of Rajasthan's Pink City. It is the classic introduction to northern India and combines easily with a tiger reserve or a wider Rajasthan loop.

India is full of them: the Taj Mahal in Agra, the forts and palaces of Rajasthan, the temples of Tamil Nadu, the backwaters of Kerala, the ghats of Varanasi and the monasteries of Ladakh, to name only a few. Your specialist will help you choose what suits your time and your interests.

The Taj Mahal is every bit as remarkable as its reputation, and yes, it is worth every moment. It sits in Agra, an easy part of the classic northern route. Because it is so popular, we recommend visiting at the quieter, most beautiful ends of the day, sunrise or late afternoon towards sunset, when the light is soft and the crowds are thinnest, and your guide will time things to make the most of it. We also love to pair a visit with time among Agra's marble inlay artisans nearby, many of them direct descendants of the craftsmen who built the Taj, for a far deeper insight into how it was made and the communities who still carry that skill today. One thing to know: the Taj is closed to visitors every Friday, so we always plan your Agra days around that.

India's festivals are extraordinary, and timing a trip around one can be magical. Holi, the festival of colour, usually falls in March; Diwali, the festival of lights, in October or November; and Rajasthan has wonderful set pieces such as the Pushkar Camel Fair, usually in November, the Jaipur Literature Festival in January or February, and the Jaisalmer Desert Festival in February. Dates shift each year with the lunar calendar, and the most atmospheric places fill up fast, so it is worth planning well ahead. Tell us what appeals and we will build your trip around it.

Hinduism is the largest, alongside significant Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Jain communities, among others. This rich mix is part of what makes the country so layered and fascinating.

India's food is one of the great reasons to visit, and it changes completely from region to region. In the north, expect rich tandoor-cooked meat and vegetable dishes with breads; in the south, lighter, spicier, largely vegetarian fare with rice, dosa and thali. Wherever you are, the tea, the sweets and the street food are a joy. If you would like to know where we love to eat, see our guides to where to eat in Jaipur and the best restaurants in Jodhpur.

It can be, particularly in the south, but it varies hugely and there is always plenty that is mild. Just let your guide or hotel know your preference and they will steer you.

Exceptionally so. India is one of the easiest places in the world to eat vegetarian, with superb plant-based cooking everywhere you go.

It can be wonderful, but choose carefully. The rule is freshly cooked, piping hot food from busy places, and we would avoid anything washed in tap water or left standing. A guided street food walk, such as ours through the lanes of Varanasi, is a great, safe way in.

In most of India, yes, alcohol is readily available in hotels, licensed restaurants and bars. A few states are dry, where sale and consumption are restricted, including Gujarat and Bihar, and there are occasional dry days around certain holidays and elections. If a glass of wine with dinner matters to you, just let us know and we will factor it into where you stay and eat.

Yes. India recognises many languages, with Hindi and English the most widely used, and you will be able to communicate in English in most places. A few words of the local language always go down well.

A little awareness goes a long way. Conservative, modest dress is appreciated, particularly at religious sites, where you may need to cover your arms and legs and remove your shoes. Your guides will quietly help you with the etiquette wherever you go.