GETTING THERE & AROUND

Direct flights from the UK to India operate between Heathrow and Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Mumbai and New Delhi, with companies including Air India, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Vistara, depending on the route. Indirect flights are also available via other UK hubs including Manchester and Edinburgh. airindia.in ba.com virginatlantic.com airvistara.com Average flight time: 9h.

Domestic air travel is an easy way to hop between different parts of the country in order to cherry-pick the best train journeys. Local airlines include IndiGo and SpiceJet. goindigo.in spicejet.com

WHEN TO GO

Visit from November to March, when skies tend to be blue and the climate dry, with temperatures around Christmas averaging 22C in northerly New Delhi and 29C in southerly Chennai. The country heats up from April onwards, peaking in June with recorded highs of over 40C in some regions. The summer monsoon affects most states between June and September, with heavy thunderstorms.

MORE INFO

Incredible India. incredibleindia.org Around India in 80 Trains, by Monisha Rajesh (2016, John Murray Press).

RRP: £10.99

HOW TO DO IT

Hayes & Jarvis offers a 12-day tour via train and private transfer through northern India, from New Dehli to Shimla and Dharamsala in the foothills of the Himalayas, from £3,299 per person, excluding international flights. hayesandjarvis.co.uk

Wild Frontiers offers The Great Indian Adventure for 34 days from £9,580, based on two sharing and excluding international flights. Includes all meals, accommodation, entrance fees and transport. wildfrontierstravel.com