Escorted India tour, 2025.

India, officially known as the Republic of India, is a vibrant and diverse country located in South Asia. India is bordered by Pakistan to the northwest, China and Nepal to the north, Bhutan to the northeast, and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east. The Indian Ocean surrounds it to the south. The country features a wide range of landscapes, including the Himalayan mountain range in the north, the Thar Desert in the west, and extensive coastlines along the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

India is home to one of the world's oldest civilizations, the Indus Valley Civilization, which dates back to around 2500 BC. India is home to one of the world's oldest civilizations, the Indus Valley Civilization, which dates back to around 2500 BC. India gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947, and became a republic on January 26, 1950.

India has 22 officially recognized languages, with Hindi and English being the most widely spoken. There are also hundreds of regional languages and dialects. Indian cuisine is known for its rich flavours and diversity. Popular dishes include biryani, curry, dosa, and samosas.

India is one of the world's fastest-growing major economies, with significant contributions from sectors like information technology, agriculture, and manufacturing. India is a global leader in information technology and software services, with cities like Bangalore and Hyderabad being major tech hubs.

I booked to go on an escorted tour of India in 2025. After the poorly organised trip I made to Japan in 2024 with LogiTravel, I decided to go with JustYou, a tour company I had used before and liked. India was another place on my bucket list, and this holiday would help me cross it off.

Alan Morris at Eros Hotel, New Delhi, India.

New Delhi, the capital of India, is a vibrant and bustling metropolis. It is home to iconic landmarks such as the India Gate, Qutub Minar, and Humayun's Tomb. The city features grand structures from the British colonial era, including the Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Residence) and the Parliament House. It was also where I landed on my first day in India when I arrived at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on my Virgin Atlantic flight from Heathrow.