India Tours

• Nearly 80% of India’s population are Hindu
• The Indian sari dates back to at least 3000B.C. and the colour chosen by the wearer often holds significance. For example, red is often worn by brides to symbolise prosperity and fertility
• Bollywood is the world’s largest producer of films, releasing 1500-2000 feature films per year
• India is home to the wettest inhabited place on Earth – Meghalaya, in the country’s northeast, receives 12,000mm of rain per year, on average. That’s approximately 33mm of rain per day!
• India is the only country to have an ocean named after it
• India became an independent nation in 1947 after ending British rule that began in 1858
• The national symbol of India is the endangered Bengal Tiger
• India is the world's biggest producer and consumer of mangoes, which are officially India's national fruit

Australian passport holders travelling to India need a visa at this time. An eVisa must be applied for before you travel online at: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/

We require that your passport is valid for travel for at least six months from the date you are planning to return to Australia. Your passport must be valid to travel internationally and must be machine-readable. You also need to carry a valid return ticket on you.

Whether travelling on an Australian passport or the passport of another country, all travellers require visas for a number of countries, and it is your responsibility to secure what may be required before departing Australia. You can consult with your travel agent, but it is also recommended that you check the foreign embassy website for your respective destination as it can also provide you with useful information.

Australian High Commission:

No. 1/50 G Shantipath (Gate 1)
Chanakyapuri
New Delhi 110 021
Ph. +91 11 4139 9900
Fax. +91 11 2687 2228

The official currency of India is the Indian Rupee (INR). Notes come in denominations of 5INR, 10INR, 20 INR, 50INR, 100INR, 200INR, 500INR and 2000INR.

The recommended currency to take to India is AUD, as their local currencies are not available outside of the region. Ensure you request smaller clean notes as many places will not exchange large denominations or notes that are torn and dirty. Once there, you can exchange your AUD for the INR. Ensure you change a small amount into small denominations.

Advise your bank of your travel plans so that they can make a note of it, otherwise they may cancel your credit card as a safety measure due to the overseas transactions. Also make a note of the 24-hour emergency contact number of the bank or building society which issued your credit card in the unlikely event that your card is lost or stolen.

Whenever possible use ATMs when the banks are open (Mon – Fri) so that if a machine ‘eats’ your card you can then deal with it straight away. It is always advisable to carry a supply of cash in addition to your credit card.

If you don’t have AUD with you on arrival, we advise you to exchange some money into the local currency at the airport even if the exchange rate is not the best, this way you’ll have money to get a drink, snack or give a tip during those first few hours of arrival. Your guide will be able to advise you on the best places to exchange money.

Small change is also useful for paying for toilets while on tour which is customary in many places outside of Australia.

India’s climate can be classified as hot and tropical, except the northern regions which have a cooler, more continental influenced climate. Summer in India can get very hot.  It begins in April and continues till the beginning of October, when the monsoon rains start to fall. The heat peaks in June with temperatures reaching 45° C. The plains in the north and even the barren countryside of Rajasthan have a cold wave every year in December-January. Minimum temperatures can drop below 5°C and maximum temperatures reach around 12°C.

Want to get out and explore on your own?

Travelling by train is one of India’s classic experiences. India’s rail network cover almost all of the country, so you can rely on the transport to get you anywhere you need. Overnight trains are a popular way to travel across the country as you can save you a day’s travelling and a night’s hotel bill, assuming you sleep well on trains. Another way to get around would be by bus. buses go almost everywhere, usually more frequently than trains (though mostly in daylight hours), and are also sometimes faster. Travelling by bus also saves you the hassle of needing to reserve a ticket in advance. For short distance s you could give Tuk-Tuks a go. The Motor rickshaws work a lot like taxis. You still have to bargain for them and you can flag them down from the side of the road.

So, you’d love to bring home a special souvenir from India…

India has a rich and diverse set of  textiles, jewellery  and  handicrafts inspired by the counties history & culture. Therefore, it is not surprising that tourists in India are always on the lookout for interesting souvenirs. Popular and traditional souvenirs to purchase on your visit include, Kashmiri carpets, pashmina shawls, bronze statues, Ayurvedic products and silk fabrics. 

• Men will often also shake hands when meeting or leaving
• Indian culture is based on a hierarchical system so elders and superior are greeted first
• In India it’s traditional to greet people using ‘Namaste’ – place both hands together and bow slightly. In urban areas this is often overlooked
• Communication may not be straightforward – you may have to read between the lines and interpret gestures/signs
• Some gestures can be easily misinterpreted – a western hand wave from side to side can mean ‘no’ or ‘go-away’ in India
• Pointing, with either one or two fingers, is considered rude and used for inferiors only
• Refrain from standing within an arm’s length of others
• A host will always serve their guests. Accept whatever you are offered but don’t feel obliged to finish everything on your plate

Diwali – festival of lights

Diwali, also known as the festival of lights is India’s most anticipated festival of the year. The 5 day Hindu holiday celebrates Rama's eventual defeat of the evil spirit Ravana, and his triumphant return to his home. During this festival of lights, homes are decorated with clay lamps, candles, and Ashok leaves. People wear new clothes, participate in family rituals, and share food with friends, families, and neighbours. 

Holi: The Vibrant Festival of Colours 

The celebration of Holi is a Hindu festival observed across India every year. It celebrates the arrival of spring, and it signifies the triumph of good over evil. On the eve of the festival, large pyres are lit in many parts of India to signify the burning of evil spirits. People often throw wood, dried leaves and twigs into bonfires. Participants in a Holi festival often throw brightly coloured powder and scented water at each other.

Other national public holidays to be aware of include:

• 1 Jan      New Year's Day
• 26 Jan  Republic Day
• 1 Mar      Maha Shivaratri
• 19 Mar   Holi
• 14 Apr   Dr Ambedkar Jayanti
• 15 Apr   Good Friday
• 3 May    Idul Fitr
• 10 Jul    Bakrid / Eid al Adha
• 9 Aug    Muharram
• 15 Aug  Independence Day
• 19 Aug  Janmashtami
• 2 Oct     Gandhi Jayanti
• 5 Oct     Vijaya Dashami
• 9 Oct     Eid e Milad
• 25 Oct  Diwali
• 8 Nov     Guru Nanak Jayanti
• 25 Dec  Christmas Day

You can plan a trip to India on a small group tour with Bunnik Tours to simplify your plans. Simply book, pack (we recommend a modest wardrobe) and embark on a guided tour. We select our tour destinations and times to ensure you experience the best seasons to visit. Be sure to book early as these tours are bound to sell out! 

Indian cuisine is renowned for its rich flavours and spices, with many vegetarian or vegan dishes available too.

It depends on the length of the small group tour and how many destinations you visit. At Bunnik Tours, we have an India tour package where you’ll journey across Rajasthan, known as the ‘Land of the Kings’ and discover the ancient cities. You’ll uncover the bustling city delights of Delhi, safari through the Thar Desert, cruise across Lake Pichola and witness the beauty of the Taj Mahal.

India is an affordable destination! At Bunnik Tours, we offer a small group tour that gives you the best value for money, with included benefits such as airfares, transport, accommodation, local guides, tips and many meals. Our Colours of Rajasthan tour starts from around $6,500pp for 20 days.

The best time to book an India holiday is during spring time, from March to April and the autumn months, from September to October. The weather is warm and sunny, ideal for all types of outdoor sightseeing, without the foggy and cooler climate. 

India is a safe destination for tourists. The crime rate is low and pickpockets are not common. But, as we advise with travelling to any international destination, please ensure you keep your personal possessions and valuables safe and secure. India is one of the most loved tourist destinations in the world due to its diverse culture and stunning natural landscapes, so always make sure you are respectful of their culture and customs to have the best possible travel experience.

At Bunnik Tours, we are committed to safe travel for everyone. Visit our Book & Travel with Confidence page to find out about our latest policies.

At Bunnik Tours, we believe in responsible travel and sustainable tourism. For more information, visit our Sustainable Tourism hub.