Once will never be enough

It is the ultimate eclectic mix of sights, sounds, spirituality and smells.

Every expectation – be it of beauty, mysticism, poverty or bureaucracy – will be outdone by what hits you when you arrive. And one visit will not be enough.

The welcome you receive, wherever you go, will be warm and friendly, and nothing will be too much trouble.

The experiences you may encounter will be just as diverse, from being slowed down by herds of water buffalo crossing the road or hearing the perpetual blowing of car horns 24/7, to avoiding monkeys as they try to steal food from your rucksack, playing cricket with the locals in the heat of the day, and even counting how many people are hanging on the outside of your train as it leaves the station!

India is embracing modernity with open arms; it is the foundation for its recent economic boom.

However, religion still remains the backbone of Indian society where it continues to provide a source of social harmony and sporadic tension.

Tourism is booming – not just with western visitors.

Domestic tourism is thriving as middle-class Indians discover a new-found wealth.

Wendy Wu Tours has a diverse range of tours, including the nine-day Golden Triangle, which the company says is one of the best ways for a first-time visitor to experience the must-see destinations.

Then there is the 28-day Grand Tour of India where you will travel from the deserts of Rajasthan in the north, to the backwaters of Kerala in the south, to experience a land of extraordinary contrasts.

The 22-day Enticing India takes you on an adventure through northern India, which is bursting with colourful characters, cultural wonders and intriguing history – and where you will witness the region’s long-standing traditions and rituals.