India

Why India on an organized tour?

India is a country-continent: 1.4 billion people, 28 states, dozens of languages, a 5,000-year history. In a single day's drive, you go from a sixteenth-century Mughal fortress to a medieval spice market, and then to a sunset over a palace lake. This extraordinary sensory density is both the promise and the challenge of India.

The distances between the major stages of Rajasthan or the Golden Triangle are significant (300 to 400 km between the cities). The driving is perilous for the uninitiated. A local guide transforms a mysterious fort into a vivid tale of maharaja battles and court jealousies. With mastered logistics, India reveals its depth without its friction.

Note on climate: the data in this sheet correspond to Jaipur, the heart of Rajasthan and the reference city of the dominant circuits. The north (Delhi) and the Himalayan regions (Shimla, Darjeeling) are cooler. The south (Kerala, Tamil Nadu) follows a different monsoon calendar, shifted by a few weeks.

When to go to India?

The golden season runs from October to March. The Indian winter (November-February) offers mild days (20-30°C in Rajasthan), cool nights, and clear skies, ideal for photos. January hosts the Jaipur Literature Festival and the Makar Sankranti Kite Festival. October and November are marked by Diwali, the Festival of Lights, and the spectacular Pushkar Camel Fair.

Absolutely avoid April-September for the lowland circuits. The heat reaches 42°C in May in Jaipur, and the monsoon (June-September) turns the roads into torrents. Only the Himalayan altitudes remain passable in summer.

Budget: how much does a tour in India cost?

India is an affordable destination once you are there. A meal in a dhaba (local restaurant) costs 2 to 5 EUR, a rickshaw less than 2 EUR. On the other hand, flights from Paris represent a significant item (450 to 950 EUR depending on the season). Organized tours of 9 to 15 days (Golden Triangle or Greater Rajasthan) start at around 1,200 EUR per person, including accommodation and local transport, flights not included.

Must-see cities

Rajasthan concentrates the majority of the circuits. Each city has its own colour: Delhi the imperial, Agra the eternal, Jaipur the rose, Jodhpur the blue, Udaipur the romantic, Jaisalmer the golden. Varanasi, in the east, and Pushkar complete the thematic itineraries.

Photo gallery

Typical itineraries

These routes are educational examples to give you an idea of what is possible. They do not correspond to a specific product. Use the questionnaire to find the tour that really suits you.

Practical advice

Formalities and visa

French nationals must obtain an e-visa before leaving, via the official portal indianvisaonline.gov.in. The application takes a few minutes online and must be submitted at least 4 days before arrival (ideally 2 to 4 weeks before). Please allow for a processing fee of around EUR 25. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date.

No vaccination is required to enter India, but several are strongly recommended: up-to-date DTP, hepatitis A, typhoid. Malaria is present throughout the country, including in cities: prophylactic treatment is recommended after consultation with a travel doctor. Consult the Quai d'Orsay (diplomatie.gouv.fr) India sheet before departure for safety updates.

Getting around

On an organized tour, all transfers between cities are included, usually by air-conditioned car with driver. This is the most comfortable formula. For the self-employed, the Indian Railway Network (IRCTC) is efficient on the main lines and must be booked several weeks in advance. Avoid driving yourself: the Indian Highway Code is a reality of its own.

In the city, rickshaws (cyclo or car) and Ola/Uber apps are available in major cities. Always negotiate the price before getting into a traditional rickshaw.

Culture and uses

India is a mosaic of cultures and religions: Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Jainism often coexist in the same neighborhood. In temples and mosques, cover your shoulders and knees and take off your shoes. Accept a glass of chai (spiced milk tea) if offered: it is a sign of hospitality. Haggling is the order of the day in the bazaars.

Exclusive bottled water, without exception. Avoid raw vegetables and ice cubes in small restaurants. Wash your hands regularly. These simple precautions prevent the vast majority of digestive disorders.

Jet lag and money

India is +3h30 from Paris in summer time, +4h30 in winter time. The difference is moderate and absorbs quickly. The currency is the Indian rupee (INR): 1 EUR is worth about 111 INR (August 2026). ATMs are ubiquitous in tourist areas. Cash remains essential for markets, local transport and tips.

Frequently asked questions