Once the playing fields of only die-hard budget New Age travelers, India has in the past decade come into its own for top-end travelers who want to be pampered and rejuvenated as well as spiritually and culturally challenged. Given its vast size, the majority of India's top attractions are remarkably easy to get to, using a clever combination of internal flights or long-haul train journeys and chauffeur-driven cars (no sane traveler would self-drive). With your own car and driver, it's also simple (and increasingly recommended) to get off the beaten track, to avoid the crowds, and perhaps discover India as it was just a few years ago. Hotels, particularly in the heritage category, offer excellent value-for-money in Western terms, and every variety of accommodation, from long-term house rentals to houseboats and homestays, is available in a range of price categories. You will dine, or rather feast, on unique and exceptional flavors, and find yourself overwhelmed by the enormous variety of cuisines; vegetarians will rejoice and carnivores might find themselves rediscovering the pleasures of "pure veg" dining. Despite a number of potential health concerns, sensible travelers will enjoy their sojourn with little more than a brief tummy upset (although you'd do well to heed our warnings about hygiene and water consumption); arm yourself against mosquitoes and make sure you've had all the necessary shots before setting off. It is, however, very important to plot out your itinerary and make reservations well in advance. Finally, you'll find almost everything you need here, particularly if you're armed with a credit card and Frommer's India, 4th Edition, of course.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
