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India

An explosion of colour, culture and cuisine

Holi Festival

Vibrant, wild and unforgettable – this is India

India is a sensory explosion — bold, vibrant and utterly unforgettable. From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the sun-drenched beaches of Goa and Kerala, this is a country that lives life in full colour.

Watch the sun rise over the Taj Mahal, wander the palaces of Rajasthan, or lose yourself in the spiritual chaos of Varanasi. Indulge in food from sizzling street stalls — samosas, chaat, curries — their delicious aromas drifting through the air. Or browse dazzling shops for vibrant textiles and sparkling jewellery.

Get amongst it in the bustling madness of Mumbai, or find your calm with Ayurvedic treatments and yoga in a palm-fringed coastal retreat. India is whatever you need it to be — full-noise excitement or complete tranquillity.

Whether you’re drawn by the festivals, the flavours, the spirituality or the sheer beauty of it all, India is a holiday that will stay with you forever.

Let our India travel specialists create your perfect, personalised escape today.

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Flight time

The flight from Auckland to India takes roughly 18 hours with a stopover. It's not a short flight but India's energy will more than make up for the travel time once you get there.

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Best time to go

A great time to visit India is December to March, when dry, sunny days make exploring beaches, cities, temples, and national parks ideal. But with varied climates and year-round festivals, it's best to decide based on your regions or activities of interest.

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Time difference

India is 6.5-7.5 hours behind New Zealand depending on Daylight Saving here. Yes, that half hour is correct!

Meet our India specialists

Nicky Aitken

Nicky Aitken

House of Travel Papamoa

I have had a lifelong love affair for exploring the world. Raised in a family that prioritised travel, I inherited a passion for all things travel. I have lived in different countries (London, USA, Argentina) and I am fascinated with the rich tapestry of culture, people, religion and food in new places. 

My love for travel has taken me to some of the world’s most amazing places!

From Mauritius to Bahamas and all in between, I have been privileged to experience the world and being able to speak and understand 5 languages English, Afrikaans, Dutch, German and Greek) certainly comes in helpful.

I have grown up in South Africa, spending most of my adult life there, being able to show my clients what makes this region so unique is a privilege. Africa was my backyard after all and even after living in NZ for almost 12 years, my heart still beats to the African Drum.

For me, choosing a favourite destination is impossible. But .. Bali has literally captivated my heart, and even though I have been there 20+ times, I still always find new things to uncover. As does the Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles, these islands just have the “it” factor

I also love ocean cruising, especially Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Cruising offers such a great variety and a chance to see multiple destinations and experiencing iconic landmarks and locations from your hotel on the sea. 

I WOULD SAY MY PASSION IS MAKING MY CLIENTS DREAM HOLIDAYS COME TRUE AND I PRIDE MYSELF ON MY EFFICIENT SERVICE AT ALL TIMES.

Nicky
Torin Wilson

Torin Wilson

House of Travel High Street Lanes, Christchurch CBD

With over 12 years of experience in the travel industry and a proud gold award to my name, I’m passionate about discovering and sharing unique destinations with my clients. I believe that every journey should be special, which is why I take the time to understand your preferences and curate experiences that truly resonate with you. Let’s explore hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path adventures together—because travel is about creating unforgettable memories!

Torin

Kyla Strahl

Kyla Strahl

House of Travel Christchurch City

Kyla spent over 6 years crewing on luxury super yachts throughout the Mediterranean, Baltic, Adriatic, Caribbean, Pacific and North Seas; along with several Atlantic Ocean crossings. Moving to more adventure land travel Kyla has experienced India, South America and South Africa as a part of the whopping 57 countries she has explored!

"Whether it be cruising, OE's or travelling with a young family my first-hand knowledge will certainly be an asset when planning your winter break, European adventure, or once in a life time dream holiday!" 

Years in the industry:
No. of countries visited: 57 
Favourite place to visit: Italy
Next place on the list to visit: Plantation Island

"Life is short and the world is wide, the sooner you start exploring it, the better." - Simon Raven


Why I love travel: 

Travelling takes us out of our comfort zone and inspires us to experience new things that we otherwise wouldn't in our normal day to day lives. It enriches your life from meeting new people from all walks of life, trying new food from different corners of the world, and humbles you to appreciate the small things in life. 


My travel tips: 

  • Always have travel insurance
  • Wake up early - whether it be to see the sunrise, or to skip a queue, or get a coffee at the local café. 
  • Make a list of the things you want to experience and pre book as much as you can. 
  • Stay local with everything easily accessible on foot. 


My top 5 favourite destinations: 

  • Italy - rolling hills and crystal blue waters, stunning villages and cathedrals, amazing food and wine. 
  • South Africa - rich cultural experiences, amazing wildlife on safari, breath-taking landscapes. 
  • Croatia - stunning beaches and unbelievable landscapes from the islands in the Adriatic to the Krka National Park. 
  • Mexico - amazing food, fascinating Mayan culture, stunning beaches, and fabulous architecture from ancient temples to the colonial cathedrals. 
  • Canada - my birth land! The people, the rich forests, lakes, mountains and wildlife. 


What's in my suitcase: 

  • First Aid kit as you can never be too prepared. 
  • Travel Diary - make an effort to write down the highlights of your day, you will look back in appreciation. 
  • Sarong or thin, long scarf - will come in handy as a towel or to cover your shoulders when need be. 
  • Small change of local currency - whether it be to buy a bottle of water or a quick snack or to leave a tip. 

Kyla

Gavin Rasikaran

Gavin Rasikaran

House of Travel Auckland City

I'm Gavin Rasikaran, your dedicated travel expert with a passion for exploring the world and a commitment to making your travel dreams a reality.

With over 40 years of experience in the travel industry, I've had the privilege of helping countless clients embark on unforgettable journeys to destinations near and far.

When it comes to planning an International trip, be it just one destination or an around the world journey, it can all become overwhelming and daunting. Together with you, I will help you plan a perfect holiday taking the stress away, personalised to you.

Gavin

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Best. India Holidays. Ever!

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