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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!

93% of customers who book with House of Travel rate us 5/5

"Totally friendly, knowledgeable and helpful"

Patricia

"Went the extra mile to check that transfers would happen when times were tight"

Paul

"He was very conscious of our requirements and came up with the best solution for our travel needs"

Joelyn

Meet our India specialists

Mike (Buzz) Thomson

Mike (Buzz) Thomson

House of Travel Hobsonville

With 20 years experience in the travel industry both here and abroad I use this knowledge every day to create unforgettable journeys for my clients.

I'd love to hear what your plans are and together we'll create a well organised memorable trip.

Mike

Toni Rendell

Toni Rendell

House of Travel Rotorua

As a 17 year old, I headed off to Finland on a student exchange  for a year, my first ever overseas trip and the  start of my passion for travel. 

Whether it’s a quick jaunt across the Tasman,  an adventure through Vietnam  or a guided coach tour of Europe, I love working with you to create the perfect holiday.

Having been in the industry for over 30 years,  I have an extensive knowledge of airfares, and travel providers, I combine that with the knowledge of my returning customers and the wisdom of the House of Travel collective to craft your travel.

There sure is a lot you need to know and I pride myself on keeping up to date with industry trends and changes. That may be new destinations to visit, beautiful places to stay or changes in travel  requirements.

So get in touch  and let me  help make your travel dreams come true. 


Toni

Carmel Layton

Carmel Layton

House of Travel Nelson

Hi, I’m Carmel Layton. Travel has been a huge part of my life from my first trip overseas as a 6 year old to travelling independently in my twenties and I have travelled to over 72 countries around the world, it has always been a key ingredient in my life.

I am an experienced and passionate travel professional with over 15 years in the industry. From a short South Pacific getaway to a trip around the globe, I look forward to helping you realise your travel dreams.

Carmel
Andy Gosnell

Andy Gosnell

House of Travel Christchurch City

There is nothing like having an outgoing and versatile member on a team and Andy is ours! His easy and honest approach makes for an enjoyable relationship and experience for clients, suppliers and all the team. 

Travel has always been a constant in Andy's life. 

Andy first developed a love for travel early, living in the USA for 3 years from the age of 5. After this he has taken every opportunity, travelling the world to some of its most remote spots. Whether he is trekking in the Patagonian Andes, strolling the piazzas of Italy, or visiting family spread across USA, Asia, Europe and the Pacific, Andy's in his element. 

Being in the travel industry for almost 7 years has given Andy a great opportunity to visit amazing places and diversify his knowledge, so no matter where you want to go, he will have some expert advice to make your trip unforgettable. 

"I can help you visit anywhere and experience anything, your only limited by how far your imagination can stretch."

Years in the industry:
No. of countries visited: 10 
Favourite place to visit: Amalfi Coast
Nest place on the list to visit: Yosemite, California

Not all those who wander are lost - J.R.R. Tolkien. 


Why I love travel: 

The places I see and the people I meet, travel really is the best way to broaden the mind. It allows you to experience and learn from all cultures and walks of life. Remember life is short, travel often. 


My travel tips: 

  • If you are always early, you are never late. 
  • Prebook as much as possible before you go and schedule rest days on long trips.
  • Live courageously - you miss 100% of the opportunities you don't take. 


My top 3 favourite destinations: 

  • Italy - The food, the history, the people, the stunning coastlines, and mountains. Italy should be on everyone's bucket list. 
  • USA - With a multitude of cultures to experience and adventures to be had, you could spend your life just in the USA and not see everything. 
  • Patagonia - A challenge to reach, the landscapes that will great you make every minute of the journey worth the effort. 


What's in my suitcase: 

  • Kindle/E-reader - it is easy to pack, light to carry, and has a long battery life; this is an essential on all my trips. 
  • Noise cancelling headphones - perfect for noisy flights and airports. 
  • Travel plug adapter - easy to forget but a must have.

Andy

Best. Holidays. Ever!

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