THE INDIA JOURNAL

Stories, Guides
& Insider Dispatches

Travel writing for people who want to go deeper.

Essays, itinerary guides, cultural explainers and honest advice from our team in the field.

Rajasthan

The Rajasthan No One Writes About

Beyond the forts and palaces lies a Rajasthan of painted havelis, textile villages and desert communities who have never appeared in a travel magazine. Our guide to the real interior.

12 min read Read More →

Kerala

Why You Should Skip the Popular Houseboats

Most visitors spend a night on an Alleppey houseboat and leave underwhelmed. Here’s how to do the Kerala backwaters in a way that actually changes you.

9 min read Read More →

Travel Tips

The 7 Questions to Ask Before Booking an India Tour

Not all tour operators are equal. These questions will help you separate genuine expertise from polished brochure-ware.

7 min read Read More →

Spiritual India

Varanasi for the First-Time Visitor: A Gentle Guide

Varanasi overwhelms many first-time visitors. Here’s how to arrive prepared — emotionally, logistically and philosophically.

10 min read Read More →

Himalayan India

Ladakh Without the Crowds: A Realistic Timetable

Ladakh has been discovered. Here’s how to plan your visit around the shoulder season and the lesser-known valleys that most tourists never reach.

8 min read Read More →

NRI Homecomings

Returning to India After 20 Years: What to Expect

For NRIs planning their first long return visit with family, India has changed profoundly — and yet not at all. An honest account of what that feels like.

11 min read Read More →

Food & Culture

The 10 Indian Dishes Worth Planning a Trip Around

Not restaurant dishes — the kind you only find in specific homes, specific markets, specific seasons. Our non-negotiable food list for a serious India journey.

6 min read Read More →

Practical Guide

India Packing List for Luxury Travellers: 2025 Edition

What to bring, what to buy there, what to absolutely leave at home. Opinionated, field-tested and updated for this year.

5 min read Read More →

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Stories, Guides& Insider Dispatches