India Items

Why visit Goa as part of a gap year in India?

If you're intending to travel to India on your gap year, you'll probably already be aware of what a huge country it is. There are vast differences between the various states, so if you want to experience all the nation has to offer you really should travel around.

Bragging rights: 5 crazy things to do on a gap year

If you've decided to take a career break and jet off on a gap year to some of the world's most exotic and adventurous destinations, you'll want to come home with a few fantastic stories to tell. Here are just five activities that are bound to provide you with a tale or two.

Choosing a gap year to suit your personality

Taking a gap year is a very personal thing and you should make sure you choose an itinerary that fits in with your interests and personality, rather than just following the crowds. With that in mind, we've got a few suggestions for themed gap years.

Ideas for a short gap year stay in Kerala

India is a vast and diverse country, with each of its regions offering a breathtaking assortment of sights and attractions to captivate gap year travellers. This is no different in Kerala, the south-western state known for its beautiful beaches, serene backwaters and fascinating cultural heritage.

Oscars inspired gap years

The most important movie event of the year is almost here, the Oscars. This year’s Oscar nominated movies are set in variety of destinations across the world and many may even inspire your choice of gap year destinations, from a road trip in the USA, to language learning in France, exploring the landscapes of India or ‘finding yourself’ in Thailand.

Top tips for getting around India

If you are looking forward to your first trip to India, it is well worth getting to grips with the transport system before you travel. At first, getting from one place to the next here can seem a little chaotic and intimidating, so some foreknowledge will help you feel more at home.

Must-visit events in Goa this February

If you're planning a trip to Goa early in 2013, there are several events taking place in February that you may want to attend. Alternatively, if you're looking for a last-minute deal, you could time your trip to coincide with one of the following events.

Top things to remember during your first trip to India

India is a popular destination among gap year travellers - and with good reason. This vast country is packed with incredible buildings, delicious food, amazing animals and a vibrant culture. To get some handy hints for your first visit, read our guide.

What makes Goa perfect for a gap year?

When you start planning a gap year, the first things you'll need to decide are where you want to go and how long you intend to be away for. If India is on your list of places to visit, make sure you squeeze in a trip to Goa while you're travelling.

Celebrate Diwali

Diwali known as ‘the festival of lights’ is one of the most important events in the Hindu calendar; it is celebrated on the 13th lunar day of the Hindu calendar month Ashwin. This year it falls on November 13.

Top spots for wildlife watching in north Goa

If you're jetting off to Goa on your gap year, chances are that you'll want to do a little more than just lounge on the beach (although sunbathing is a perfectly acceptable gap year activity!). A top tip is to seek out some of the local wildlife.

How to pack for your trip to India

If India is on your gap year itinerary, you will need to give some thought to what to pack for this leg of your trip. As with any kind of gap year adventure, you'll need to travel light, but for more useful tips on what to take on a tour around India, read our guide.

5 films that give us destination envy

Ever watched a film that made you really want to visit the country it was set in? These are the top five films that give us destination envy...

Top historical attractions in Rajasthan

Rajasthan is a must-visit for anyone planning a gap year in India. The state is pretty well known for its abundance of wildlife, but its main attraction is the many historical palaces, forts and other properties that tell the fascinating story of the region's royal past.

A guide to North Goa's best beaches

The North Goan coastline is littered with stretches of sand, each offering something different to holidaymakers who visit this beautiful corner of India. For gap year travellers, it's great, as you can see or do something new every day.

Top museums to visit in north Goa

Fitting in a stay in north Goa on your gap year holiday is a great plan if you want to have a bit of time to lounge in the sunshine on paradise beaches, as well as to discover a bit more about India's eclectic heritage by visiting some interesting museums.

Top once in a lifetime opportunities for travellers to India

India is an incredibly diverse nation, so if you're planning to spend all or part of your gap year here, you'll find there is a huge choice of things to see and do. To get a little inspiration for your trip, read our guide to the top once in a lifetime opportunities for travellers in India.

Discover central Goa's beaches on a gap year

Before you jet off on your gap year, I'm sure you'll have visions of backpacking in exotic destinations and lounging on palm-fringed beaches in glorious sunshine. Well, if you include Goa holidays in your itinerary, that's certainly what you can look forward to.

Travel Tales: "I walked through a wet forest whilst covered in leeches"

Backpacker Sarah Ward chats leeches, monsoon weather, chilli for breakfast and clubbing in Mumbai - and everything else than happened on her Indian gap year adventure!

Indian food: A guide to regional cuisine

India is a great gap year and backpacker destination and is well known for its rich culture, beautiful architecture and delicious cuisine. Indian food is widely available and living in the UK, we may think we know all about the nation’s favourite food, but in fact most of the Indian dishes to be found in the UK are actually Bangladeshi or are quite different to those found in India.

Enjoy a wonderful gap year in Goa

For a truly wonderful gap year adventure, Goa is one place you should definitely consider visiting. In heading to the Indian state you'll be able to visit historic attractions, as well as spend time on beautiful beaches and in wonderful hotels.

Why Benaulim is a great destination for backpackers

If you're looking for an exotic gap year destination that offers the opportunity to be active and try new things as well as to relax and have a good time during your adventure, Benaulim in Goa could be the perfect choice.

Have an unforgettable experience as a volunteer in India

Asia is one of the most fascinating continents on the planet, so it is little wonder it is such a firm favourite with travellers. India in particular has so much to offer someone on a gap year, particularly if you opt to spend part of your trip as a volunteer overseas.

Gap Year Company profiles – Gapforce

Each week at mapthegap.co.uk, we’ve been focusing on a different gap year company, to give you the low down on what they offer and places they go to. This week we’re focusing on Gapforce.

Gap Year Company profiles – Madventurer

We’re continuing our gap year company profile series this week with a focus on Madventurer, a non-profit volunteer organisation. These profiles are designed to help you make that decision of choosing a gap year company just that little bit easier, giving you all the information you need in one place.