Having travelled to India almost 40 times, and once lived there, Sarah Meikle gives her top tips and must-see sights for your first, or perhaps next, journey to one of the most sensual, storied and most exciting destinations in the world.
Sarah Meikle
India is a land that lingers with you. It’s vivid, vibrant, and unforgettable, resisting tidy definitions in the best possible way. Imagine wandering spice bazaars humming with life, hearing temple bells echo through alleyways, glimpsing saris that flash hot pink, bright orange and magenta. In India, nothing fades quietly – every moment is a sensory feast.
India rewards those who are curious and unhurried. And while small-group travel might not seem like the obvious choice, the right group, thoughtfully curated, allows you to dive beneath the surface. With considered guidance, you gain access to people, places, and stories you might never find on your own, and without the overwhelm or logistical guesswork.
I’ve travelled to India almost 40 times and once lived there, surrounded by India’s contrasts – sometimes confronting, other times joyful and intense. Here are my top tips and must-sees for your first, or perhaps next, journey to India.
It’s not just forts and palaces
When most people imagine India, it’s the majestic forts and palaces of the north that come to mind. And rightly so – the influence of the Mughal Empire, from the 16th century onward, has left an indelible imprint on architecture, cuisine, and culture. The Taj Mahal alone is reason enough to visit.
But what about the lesser-known corners of India? For example, the incredible artisan villages in Gujarat where intricate textiles are still made by hand. You can book a starlit, rooftop dinner in Jaipur, or drift through the backwater canals of Kerala watching life unfold along the riverbanks. While many of India’s stories are shaped by emperors, many more speak of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
Venturing beyond curry: India’s modern dining scene
If your idea of Indian food starts and ends with curry, it’s time to broaden your palate. Over the last decade, India’s dining scene has undergone a quiet revolution. Today, it’s about chef-led tasting menus, inventive interpretations of traditional dishes, and a fierce pride in regional ingredients. Some of the world’s most exciting restaurants now call India home. Indian Accent, Masque and The Bombay Canteen, just to name a few, are reimagining Indian cuisine and earning global acclaim in the process.
You’ll find India’s culinary map to be both vast and delicious. From delicate coastal fish stews to smoky Rajasthani spice blends and creamy North Indian gravies, each region has its own food story, and its own flavours. And if you’re worried about spice, don’t be. In India, “spicy” doesn’t mean hot – it means layered, aromatic, and satisfying.
There are also plenty of chances to roll up your sleeves, if getting hands-on in the kitchen is your kind of fun. Local cooking classes let you explore everything from time-honoured favourites like dal makhani and rogan josh to contemporary takes on street food icons, like the beloved vada pav, a spicy potato slider that’s become a Mumbai icon.
How to do street food like a local
Not just a snack on the run, street food in India is diverse, exciting, and delicious. In the cities, towns and villages all over India, it’s not uncommon to find families running the same street stall for generations, perfecting some pretty legendary dishes.
Must-try bites include the tangy crunch of pani puri, tasty kathi rolls, crisp paranthas, flavour-packed golgappas, sticky-sweet jalebis, and kebabs that practically melt in your mouth. But pace yourself, because India’s street food is a thrill for the tastebuds, but not always for the uninitiated tummy.
The good news? There are some outstanding street food tours led by highly knowledgeable locals who know exactly where to go and what to try. You’ll get the full flavour of the experience, safely, hygienically, and with plenty of stories to take home. And alongside these extraordinary small bites, you’ll be offered a deeper glimpse into how India’s rich and diverse culture has been shaped through its food.
Threads of time: India’s textile revival
History, identity, and artistry all woven together. That’s the textile industry in India in a nutshell.
Across the country, handloom traditions continue to thrive, thanks to both heritage craftspeople and a new wave of contemporary designers. One moment, you’ll find yourself watching a traditional indigo-dyed weaver in rural Kutch, or experimenting with natural dyes in a block-printing workshop. The next, you might be visiting a cutting-edge textile studios in Ahmedabad or Delhi.
But you don’t need to be a textile aficionado to enjoy the fabrics of India. You just need a curious mind and a love of the beautiful and the handmade. As a bonus, purchasing gifts for others (or yourself) direct from the maker is both cost-effective and incredibly special.
All India Permit’s Textile and Design Tour is fast becoming one of the favourites – and is designed for this kind of immersive travel. You’ll meet artisans preserving centuries-old skills, try your hand at age-old techniques, and discover how cloth in India is memory, beauty, and meaning all at once.
Solo, but never alone
Travelling solo doesn’t mean travelling alone, especially in the right company. In fact, joining a small, curated group can be one of the best ways to experience India. Everyone’s there for the same reason: to connect, explore, and share something extraordinary.
At All India Permit, we’ve seen a steady rise in solo travellers, many of whom are adventurous, independent, and looking for something meaningful. There are plenty of flexible options for the solo adventurer, including private rooms for those who want space. But we also offer a ‘matchmaking’ service that pairs like-minded solo guests in shared rooms.
We take the time to get to know our travellers before the tour begins, which means we’re often able to pair guests who go on to become genuine friends. And because you’re part of a small group tour, someone else has done the research and discovered experiences that are often missed by first-time travellers or those going it alone.
If you’ve ever dreamed of going to India but felt unsure about doing it alone, you might remind yourself that some of the most rewarding journeys begin exactly that way. Be sure to check out the options – there’s safety in booking through a reputable, experienced operator who goes the extra mile to ensure your experience is everything you wish for, and nothing you don’t.
Let’s go!
My final piece of advice is this: true luxury in India isn’t found in five-star lobbies or gold-plated fixtures.
While you will likely spend time in some very glamorous environments, it’s the access to remarkable people, the insight gained from shared stories, and the connections forged that can’t be manufactured.
Sarah Meikle is the director of All India Permit Tours and an India holiday specialist. To find out more about All India Permit Tours and its range of curated small group tours visit allindiapermit.co.nz
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