Indian Subcontinent Holidays
From the enchanting temples and palaces of India to the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas and the lush-green jungles of Sri Lanka, no matter where you go on during your Indian Subcontinent holidays, you’ll experience something completely new.
The Indian Subcontinent is rich with cultural tradition, ancient cities, as well as exotic animals found nowhere else on earth.
In India, explore spectacular shrines and incense-infused bazaars combined with nature and wildlife expeditions. Our Golden Triangle tour takes you on a journey through Delhi, Agra and Jaipur and includes the palaces and markets of Delhi, the spectacle of the Taj Mahal in Agra, and the beautiful pink city of Jaipur. You’ll also venture through Ranthambore National Park, home to India’s highest density of tigers. This is the perfect spot for unforgettable animal encounters.
Head north to Nepal and embark on a hike to Mount Everest Base Camp, or for those looking for something just as adventurous but less intense, there is a wide variety of trails that offer the best panoramic views of the mighty Himalayas. Immerse yourself in Nepal’s diverse culture in the spiritual city of Kathmandu, home to a wealth of ancient history.
Indian Subcontinent Holidays: Tigers, Temples and Tea
Head to Sri Lanka and sip upon a fresh brew at one of the many charming tea plantations or take a 4x4 adventure through Yala National Park, Sri Lanka's most famous wildlife park. If you’re looking to combine culture and tropical serenity with ultimate beach indulgence, why not book a multi-centre holiday? Perhaps you might like to start your Indian Subcontinent holiday exploring the ancient sites and spiritual mountains of Bhutan, and finish your trip on a luxurious desert island, in a private-thatched villa in the Maldives?
Hayes & Jarvis have been crafting tailor-made tours for 65 years. Give our Destination Specialists a call and we’ll help you to create an unforgettable tailor-made Indian Subcontinent holiday.
Destination Highlights
Great sample itineraries
Get inspired by our selection of popular itineraries for India Subcontinent holidays. With so many options for your India Subcontinent holiday package, we recommend you talk to one of our Destination Specialists to make the perfect tailor-made holiday just for you.
India's Himalayan Heritage Tour
Guide Price £2,699 pp
This extraordinary private tour takes in the best of northern India, a cultural and religious region that can be visited year round. Visit the lower ranges of the Himalayan Mountains and discover sacred temples, charming towns and hill resorts, surrounded...
Couples Holidays
Our favourite hotels
Browse our favourite places to stay in India Subcontinent - we are here to help you find the perfect hotel.
Rich in culture, deep in diversity, outstanding in natural beauty and heaped in historic wonders, the Indian Subcontinent is a vast continent with plenty to explore and even more to experience. Here's a few highlights to give you inspiration.
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![Taj Mahal, Agra]( "Taj Mahal, Agra")
Cultural Treasures
As you explore the Indian Subcontinent, you'll come across a plethora of cultural treasures, all offering a peek inside local culture, history and heritage.
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![Himalayas]( "Himalayas")
Natural Beauty
Witness the piercing summits and jagged valleys of Nepal, where eight of the world’s 10 highest peaks reside, not least Mount Everest, or relax on Sri Lanka's stunning beaches. Home will feel miles away.
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![Tiger in Bandhavgarh National Park]( "Tiger in Bandhavgarh National Park")
Wonderful wildlife
Holidays in the Indian Subcontinent give you the chance to see creatures that usually only come with a David Attenborough voice over.
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![Jaipur]( "Jaipur")
Golden Triangle
India's Golden Triangle is formed by Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. The triangle is called golden for the wealth of cultural and historic sites available to see. India's capital, New Delhi, is large and diverse, while Jaipur is home to some fantastic bazaars a festivals. Head to Agra to see the ethereally beautiful Taj Mahal.
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![Tiger]( "Tiger")
National Parks
The Indian Subcontinent has an array of National Parks many of which are known for unique species, Ranthambore National Park, famed for Tigers, where the elusive snow leopard can be spotted at Hemis High National Park.
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Harriet
Destination Specialist
“For a holiday with a twist why not book a twin centre tour of the Indian Subcontinent? India's Golden Triangle pairs nicely with a beach stay in Goa or Kerala.”
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Katie
Brand & Advertising Campaign Manager
“Consider our Taj and Tigers tour, which takes you to the Taj Mahal in Agra; through Ranthambore jungle to find wild Bengal tigers; and across the Rajasthan desert to the pink-hued city of Jaipur.”
Events & Festivals
Festivals and events are wonderful to include during your India Subcontinent holidays, offering a glimpse into the country’s authentic culture and traditions.
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Holi Festival
Holi, a traditional Hindu festival held in spring, celebrates the beginning of spring as well as the triumph of good over evil. It is best known around the world for the paint powder that revellers throw on each other, leaving festival-goers coated in colour by the end of the day. No wonder it is called the ‘Festival of Colour’. Dates vary according to the lunar calendar, but is often during the month of March.
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International Yoga Festival
Join spiritual masters from all over India in a week-long event held in Uttarakhand during the month of March, where you can attend lectures and demonstrations of a wide range of yoga styles. Meditate on the banks of the sacred river and meet like-minded people looking to rejuvenate and experience something different.
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Diwali
Diwali is held at the end of October and is also known as the ‘Festival of Lights’. This is a religious festival commemorated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists around the world. Every autumn, millions of people attend firework displays, prayer services and festive events in celebration of the occasion, and is one of the most wonderful events to immerse yourself in local celebrations.
Local Cuisine
Get a flavour of the local culture through your palate during your India Subcontinent holiday. Here are a few of our favourite foodie dishes.
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Butter Chicken
Similar to Chicken Tikka Masala, Butter Chicken consists of chicken pieces cooked in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce.
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Dal Makhani
Dal makhani originates from the Punjab region of the Indian Subcontinent. This dish consists of whole black lentil, red kidney beans, butter and cream and can be incredibly more-ish. The best way to eat it is with your hands, using an Indian flatbread, such as naan or roti.
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Goan Fish Curry
Goa is best known for fish curries, and visiting without trying one would be a crime. Delicate white fish is served with a creamy curry sauce, lightly spiced with masala and served over a bed of rice. There's nothing like it.
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Masala Dosa
Popular in South India, a dosa is a large, crispy pancake made of rice and lentils, usually served rolled up, with sides of chutney and sambar. A stuffed dosa will come with a delicious potato filling, seasoned with mustard seeds and coriander.
