India Travel FAQ

We recommend booking at least 3 to 6 months in advance, particularly for travel during peak season (October to March). India's finest palace hotels and boutique properties have limited availability, and the most sought-after suites can be reserved months ahead. For festive periods such as Diwali or Christmas, 6 to 9 months is advisable. That said, we can sometimes arrange exceptional last-minute journeys — so do get in touch regardless of your timeline.

India is a vast country and there is always somewhere magnificent to visit. The most popular season is October to March, when most of the country enjoys pleasant, dry weather — ideal for Rajasthan, the Golden Triangle, Kerala, and tiger safaris. The Himalayas and Ladakh are best from May to September. The monsoon season (July to September) offers a unique, lush beauty and far fewer crowds. We will advise you on the ideal timing based on your chosen regions and experiences.

Our bespoke luxury journeys typically range from €3,000 to €12,000+ per person, depending on duration, choice of hotels, experiences, and level of exclusivity. A 10-night journey staying in five-star palace hotels with private guides and curated experiences generally falls in the €5,000 to €8,000 range per person. We design each journey individually and provide a detailed, transparent proposal with no hidden costs. Request a proposal to receive an accurate estimate for your dream journey.

Yes, most nationalities require a visa to enter India. The good news is that India offers an efficient e-Visa system for citizens of over 150 countries, which can be obtained online in advance. The process is straightforward and typically takes a few business days. We provide full guidance on the visa process as part of our pre-departure support, ensuring you have everything in order well before you travel.

India is a safe and welcoming destination for tourists, particularly when travelling with an experienced specialist like Alchimie du Voyage. Our clients travel with private guides and drivers, stay in carefully vetted luxury properties, and benefit from our 24/7 on-ground support throughout their journey. We plan every detail to ensure your comfort and security, and our local knowledge allows us to navigate the country with confidence. Learn more about our approach.

We specialise in one country only — India. This singular focus means we possess a depth of knowledge, personal relationships, and insider access that generalist agencies simply cannot match. Every journey is designed from scratch, never off-the-shelf. We are a licensed DMC and IATA member based in France, with over 11 years of expertise and deep on-ground connections across India. Read our full story.

Yes, exclusively. India is the only country we work with. We believe that true expertise comes from singular devotion. By focusing entirely on India, we are able to offer a level of knowledge, relationships, and access that would be impossible if we spread ourselves across multiple destinations.

Absolutely. In fact, customisation is at the heart of what we do. The itineraries on our website are starting points — inspiration to spark your imagination. Every journey we create is built entirely around you: your interests, your pace, your travel style, and your sense of adventure. Nothing is fixed until you are completely happy. Browse our signature itineraries for inspiration, then let us tailor something uniquely yours.

Our proposals are comprehensive and transparent. They typically include all accommodation, private transfers and transportation within India, private English-speaking guides, curated experiences and activities, domestic flights where needed, and 24/7 on-ground support. International flights are quoted separately so you have flexibility. Every proposal is detailed line by line — no hidden costs, no surprises.

We do not operate fixed-departure group tours. However, we are delighted to design bespoke journeys for groups of friends, families, or special interest groups. These are private journeys, crafted specifically for your group, with the same level of personalisation and attention to detail as our journeys for couples and solo travellers. Tell us about your group.

We work with India's finest properties — from iconic palace hotels like the Taj Lake Palace and Umaid Bhawan to intimate boutique havelis, luxury tented camps in the desert, private houseboats in Kerala, and award-winning wellness retreats. Every property in our portfolio has been personally vetted. We select hotels based on character, service, location, and that intangible sense of place that transforms a stay into a memory.

Yes, always. Every Alchimie du Voyage journey includes a dedicated private guide — someone who does far more than recite facts. Our guides are storytellers, cultural interpreters, and local insiders. They open doors that would otherwise remain closed, from private temple ceremonies to invitations into local homes. Many of our guides have worked with us for years, and we match each one carefully to your interests and personality.

We recommend consulting your doctor or a travel health specialist at least 6 to 8 weeks before departure. While there are no mandatory vaccinations for India (unless arriving from a yellow fever zone), commonly recommended ones include Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and ensuring routine vaccinations are up to date. We provide detailed pre-departure health guidance and our luxury hotels maintain the highest standards of hygiene and food safety.

Absolutely — and we encourage it. India is extraordinarily diverse, and combining regions creates a richer, more textured journey. A classic example might pair the palaces of Rajasthan with the beaches of Goa, or the cultural intensity of Varanasi with the serenity of Kerala's backwaters. We manage all internal logistics — flights, trains, private transfers — so transitions between regions are seamless and effortless.

Flexibility is built into every journey. Our 24/7 on-ground support team is always available by phone or WhatsApp. Whether you want to extend a stay, skip an excursion, add a last-minute experience, or change direction entirely, we handle it. India rewards spontaneity, and we make sure you have the freedom to follow your instincts.

The Indian Rupee (INR) is the local currency. Major credit cards are widely accepted in luxury hotels, high-end restaurants, and larger shops. We recommend carrying some cash for smaller purchases, tips, and local markets. ATMs are readily available in cities. Your guide can assist with any currency-related needs during your journey.

Yes, we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance for every journey to India. Your policy should cover medical expenses, trip cancellation, baggage loss, and emergency evacuation. We can recommend reputable providers if needed. Travel insurance gives you peace of mind and is an essential part of responsible travel planning.

We provide a detailed, personalised packing guide as part of your pre-departure information, tailored to your specific itinerary, season, and regions. General essentials include lightweight, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and modest attire for temple visits (covering shoulders and knees). Smart casual is appropriate for fine dining at palace hotels. Layers are essential for the Himalayas and winter evenings in Rajasthan.

Tipping is customary in India and greatly appreciated. We provide detailed tipping guidelines as part of your pre-departure pack, with suggested amounts for guides, drivers, hotel staff, and restaurant service. This takes the guesswork out of a practice that can feel unfamiliar. As a general guide, tips for your private guide and driver are typically offered at the end of your time together and reflect the quality of the relationship.

Yes, we handle all internal logistics including domestic flights, private transfers, and train journeys. India's domestic flight network is extensive and efficient, connecting major cities and regions. Where appropriate, we may also recommend scenic train journeys — such as the Palace on Wheels or a journey through the Himalayan foothills — as an experience in themselves. All internal transport is included in your detailed proposal. Get in touch to start planning.