History seeps from the walls of every fort, palace, haveli and temple in India, conjuring bygone ages. Every city, village, hill station and building has stories to tell of past emperors and colonial rule. Our escorted historical tours of India for UK travellers delve deep into India’s rich heritage, providing an experience that is both enjoyable and informative.

History Holidays in India

Prime historical sites in India include the stunning UNESCO-listed Ellora and Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra, dating back well over 1,000 years and featuring rock-carved temples, sculptures and frescoes bearing witness to the age-old presence of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain religions in the region. In Karnataka lie the remarkable ruins of Hampi, founded in 14^th century as the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire and comprising a vast complex of spectacular palaces, temples and city streets.

Among the most impressive historical structures visited on the best India tours are the Mughal forts, such as the 16^th century Agra Fort built by Emperor Akbar, which blends different architectural styles. The nearby Taj Mahal is one of the most world’s most famous mausoleums, commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. History trips in India also visit the country’s famous stepwells, which served for water supply, ritual cleansing and social gathering. The Chand Baori stepwell in Abhaneri dates back as far as the 8^th century and is 13 levels deep.

Indian Heritage Tours

Escorted tours in Asia often take you to important historical sites. The complex layers of India’s past are revealed in its cities, where palaces, temples and mosques reveal interwoven influences. Historical highlights in Delhi include the Qutub Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world, and the 16^th century Humayan’s Tomb, a magnificent Mughal masterpiece built to honour the deceased emperor. Elsewhere, Fatehpur Sikri is famous as the Ghost City, a 16^th century fortified complex of ornate red sandstone buildings intended to serve as the capital of the Mughal Empire – but abandoned after only 10 years.

Historical excursions in India also showcase more recent history, including the British Raj era. Kolkata’s position at the centre of British power is reflected in numerous buildings, such as the white-marble Victoria Memorial. Colonial architecture in Shimla in the Himalayan foothills reveal the hill station’s past as a summer retreat for British Raj officials. Meanwhile, the India Gate in Delhi commemorates Indian and British soldiers who lost their lives in WWI.

We have a superb variety of history tours to remarkable destinations throughout the world, putting places like the Acropolis, the Pyramids, the Terracotta Warriors and many more at a fingertip’s reach. Browse the full collection today and indulge your inner historian.

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