🇮🇳 India
Experience the vibrant chaos, ancient spirituality, and architectural wonders of the subcontinent in one unforgettable journey.
New Delhi
Capital
INR
Currency
Hindi, English
Language
Oct – Mar
Best Time
42
UNESCO Sites
Left
Driving Side
UTC+5:30
Time Zone
Type C / D / M
Plug Type
6.5/10
Safety
+91
Calling Code
India is a sensory overload in the best possible way. From the snow-capped Himalayas in the north to the tropical beaches of the south, every state feels like a different country. You can watch the sunrise paint the Taj Mahal in Agra, navigate the bustling bazaars of Delhi, or spot wild Bengal tigers in Rajasthan. Our guides dive deep into the essentials, whether you are planning a classic Golden Triangle itinerary through Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, or looking to unwind on a Kerala backwaters houseboat. Mastering the logistics is half the adventure, so we also break down exactly how to book tickets and understand classes for train travel in India, ensuring your journey across the subcontinent is as smooth as it is spectacular.
Cities & Destinations
Explore our in-depth guides to India's most captivating cities.
Interactive Map
Click any pin to explore our guides for that destination.
Quick Facts
Geography
- Region
- South Asia
- Capital
- New Delhi
- Highest Peak
- Kangchenjunga (8,586m)
- UNESCO Sites
- 5
Country Info
- Languages
- Hindi, English & regional
- Currency
- Indian Rupee (INR)
- Driving Side
- Left
- Plug Type
- C, D, M (230V)
Travel Essentials
- Peak Season
- Oct – Mar
- Safety
- ⚠️ With care
- Solo-Friendly
- ⚠️ With care
- Family-Friendly
- ✅ Yes
Money & Budget
Budget Traveler
$30–$50
Hostels, street food, auto-rickshaws, and sleeper class trains.
Mid-Range
$80–$150
Boutique havelis, AC trains, domestic flights, and guided tours.
Luxury
$300–$800+
Heritage palace hotels, private drivers, fine dining, and spas.
Average Costs
- Hotel Night
- $40 – $150
- Hostel / Camp
- $8 – $15
- Local Meal
- $2 – $6
- Coffee
- $1.50 – $3
- Taxi Ride
- $2 – $5
- Museum
- $5 – $15
Money Tips
- ATMs
- Widespread, withdrawal fees apply
- Credit Cards
- Accepted in mid/high-end spots
- Cash Tips
- Small notes (₹10-₹50) useful
- Tipping
- 10% in restaurants
Entry Requirements
| Nationality | Visa Requirement | Max Stay | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | e-Visa | Up to 180 days | $10 - $25 (30-day) |
| UK | e-Visa | Up to 180 days | $10 - $25 (30-day) |
| EU / Schengen | e-Visa | Up to 90 days | $10 - $25 (30-day) |
| Canada | e-Visa | Up to 180 days | $10 - $25 (30-day) |
| Australia | e-Visa | Up to 90 days | $10 - $25 (30-day) |
| India | N/A | Unlimited | Free |
Always confirm with the official government source before travel.
Vaccinations
- Recommended
- Hep A, Typhoid, Tetanus
- Required
- Yellow Fever (if from risk area)
- Malaria Risk
- Present in rural areas
- Water
- Bottled or filtered only
Passport & Insurance
- Validity
- 6 months from arrival
- Blank Pages
- 2 minimum
- Insurance
- Highly recommended
- Coverage
- Medical & evacuation
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Getting There & Around
International Airports
- New Delhi
- DEL
- Mumbai
- BOM
- Bengaluru
- BLR
Getting Around
- Car Rental
- Hire with a driver
- Domestic Flights
- IndiGo, Air India, Vistara
- WiFi
- Good in hotels/cafes
- SIM
- Airtel or Jio
Connectivity
Mobile & Internet
- SIM Providers
- Airtel, Jio, Vi
- SIM Cost
- ~$5 for 1.5GB/day (28 days)
- eSIM
- Airalo, Holafly (data only)
- WiFi
- Reliable in major cities
- VPN Needed?
- No
Useful Apps
- Maps
- Google Maps
- Translation
- Google Translate
- Rides
- Uber, Ola
- Currency
- XE
Things to Do
01
Golden Triangle Tour
Tour the iconic historical sights and bustling bazaars of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.
02
Kerala Backwaters
Cruise the tranquil palm-fringed canals on a traditional converted rice barge houseboat.
03
Taj Mahal Sunrise
Witness the world's most famous monument to love glowing in the early morning light.
04
Varanasi Ghats
Experience the spiritual evening Aarti ceremony on the sacred banks of the Ganges River.
05
Rajasthan Forts
Explore the massive, intricate hilltop fortresses of Jodhpur, Amber, and Jaisalmer.
06
Train Travel
Ride the vast railway network, experiencing everything from busy sleeper classes to luxury expresses.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Taj Mahal
Shah Jahan's breathtaking 17th-century white marble mausoleum in Agra, a masterpiece of Mughal architecture.
Jaipur City
The Pink City, famous for its grid plan, Vedic architecture, and vibrant historic centre.
Qutb Minar
A towering red sandstone minaret and victory tower built in the early 13th century in Delhi.
Ajanta Caves
Ancient Buddhist rock-cut cave monuments featuring masterpiece paintings in Maharashtra.
Hampi
The surreal boulder-strewn ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire scattered across the Karnataka landscape.
Wildlife Experiences
Bengal Tigers
Spot apex predators in Ranthambore or Bandhavgarh National Parks (best from October to May).
Asiatic Lions
The last remaining wild population lives in Gujarat's Gir Forest (best seen December to April).
One-Horned Rhinos
Take a jeep safari through the tall elephant grasses of Kaziranga National Park (November to April).
Wild Elephants
See large herds bathing in the rivers of Periyar or Nagarhole National Parks (October to March).
Snow Leopards
Trek the high-altitude rugged terrain of Hemis National Park in Ladakh (January to March).
Migratory Birds
Spot cranes and pelicans at Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur (October to February).
Hidden Gems
Off-the-beaten-path spots most tourists miss.
Majuli Island
The world's largest river island, rich in Assamese neo-Vaishnavite culture and serene landscapes.
Spiti Valley
A cold desert mountain valley offering ancient Tibetan monasteries and dramatic, stark scenery.
Gokarna
Laid-back beaches and sacred temples offering a quieter, more spiritual alternative to Goa.
Living Root Bridges
Trek to ancient bridges grown from rubber fig roots in the dense jungles of Meghalaya.
Food & Drink
Masala Dosa
A crispy, fermented crepe from the south stuffed with mildly spiced mashed potatoes.
Butter Chicken
Tender tandoori chicken simmered in a rich, creamy, and mildly spiced tomato gravy.
Chole Bhature
Spicy Punjabi chickpea curry served with a puffy, deep-fried leavened bread.
Thali
A platter offering a balanced variety of curries, dal, rice, roti, and sweets.
Pani Puri
Hollow crispy shells filled with spiced water, tamarind chutney, and potatoes.
Masala Chai
Sweet, milky tea brewed with warming spices like cardamom, cloves, and ginger.
Where to Stay
Our handpicked recommendations across every budget tier.
Shopping & Souvenirs
Pashmina Shawls
Soft, luxurious wool from Kashmir.
Spices
Cardamom, turmeric, cumin, and saffron.
Block-Printed Textiles
Colourful cottons and linens from Rajasthan.
Jewellery
Intricate silver and semi-precious stones.
Darjeeling Tea
Premium loose-leaf black tea.
Ayurvedic Products
Natural skincare, soaps, and massage oils.
Festivals & Events
| Month | Festival / Holiday | Where | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| March | Holi | Nationwide | The vibrant festival of colours; expect to get covered in coloured powder and water. |
| Oct / Nov | Diwali | Nationwide | The festival of lights featuring oil lamps, fireworks, and exchange of sweets. |
| Aug / Sep | Ganesh Chaturthi | Maharashtra | Massive clay idols of Lord Ganesha paraded through the streets to the water. |
| October | Durga Puja | West Bengal | Elaborate pandals (marquees) and cultural celebrations culminating in idol immersion in Kolkata. |
| November | Pushkar Camel Fair | Rajasthan | Thousands of livestock, carnival rides, and cultural competitions in a desert town. |
| January | Republic Day | Delhi | A massive military and cultural parade down the Kartavya Path. |
Language & Useful Phrases
| English | Local (Hindi) | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Namaste | nah-mah-stay |
| Thank you | Dhanyavad | dahn-yah-vahd |
| Please | Kripya | krip-yah |
| Yes | Haan | haan |
| No | Nahi | nah-hee |
| How much? | Kitna hai? | kit-nah hay |
| Where is...? | ...kahan hai? | ...kah-haan hay |
| Excuse me | Suniye | sun-ee-yay |
| Goodbye | Alvida | al-vee-dah |
| Cheers | Badhai ho | bah-dye ho |
Safety
Overview
- Overall
- Requires high situational awareness
- Petty Crime
- Pickpocketing common in crowds
- Health Risks
- Delhi belly, mosquito diseases
- Solo Female
- Dress modestly, avoid night travel
- At Night
- No
Emergency Numbers
- Police
- 112
- Ambulance
- 102
- Fire
- 101
- Tourist Help
- 1363 (Tourist Helpline)
Culture & Etiquette
Do: Dress modestly
Cover your shoulders and knees, especially when visiting temples, mosques, or rural areas.
Don't: Use your left hand
Avoid using your left hand for eating, passing items, or handing over money, as it is considered unclean.
Do: Remove your shoes
Always take off your footwear before entering someone's home or any place of worship.
Don't: Show public affection
Keep public displays of affection to a minimum; kissing or hugging in public is frowned upon in traditional areas.
Packing Checklist
- Modest, breathable cotton clothing
- Slip-on shoes for temples
- Universal power adapter (Type C/D/M)
- Scarf or shawl (for head covering)
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
- Probiotics and rehydration salts
- Mosquito repellent with DEET
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Toilet paper (rare in public toilets)
- A sturdy combination padlock for trains
- Filtered water bottle (e.g., LifeStraw)
- Earplugs (cities are very loud)
- Power bank for long train rides
- Light jacket for AC trains/evenings
- Travel insurance documents
- Passport copies and spare photos
Sample Itineraries
01
Arrive in Delhi
Settle into your accommodation and recover from jet lag in India's bustling capital.
02
Explore Old Delhi
Take a rickshaw through Chandni Chowk, visit the Jama Masjid, and see the Red Fort.
03
Train to Agra
Catch a morning train, visit the imposing Agra Fort, and watch the sunset from Mehtab Bagh.
04
Taj Mahal Sunrise
See the iconic monument at dawn, then drive to Jaipur via the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri.
05
Jaipur's Pink City
Explore the grand City Palace, the Jantar Mantar observatory, and the facade of the Hawa Mahal.
06
Amber Fort
Climb to the majestic hilltop fort in the morning and shop in Jaipur's textile bazaars later.
07
Drive to Jodhpur
Travel west into Rajasthan to the Blue City and relax at a traditional heritage haveli.
08
Mehrangarh Fort
Tour the imposing fort towering above the city and wander the blue-painted alleyways below.
09
Drive to Udaipur
Journey south through the Aravalli Hills, stopping at the intricately carved Ranakpur Jain Temple.
10
Udaipur City Palace
Explore the massive palace complex overlooking Lake Pichola and wander the romantic city streets.
11
Lake Pichola Boat Ride
Take a sunset cruise past the floating Taj Lake Palace and Jag Mandir island.
12
Fly to Mumbai
Catch a domestic flight to arrive in India's fast-paced financial and entertainment capital.
13
South Mumbai Tour
See the Gateway of India, the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, and the historic Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.
14
Depart Mumbai
Enjoy a final street food snack on Marine Drive before heading to the airport for your flight home.
Beyond India
Suggested Budget Breakdown
How to allocate your daily travel budget in India.
Combine India With
Popular multi-country trip combinations.
🇮🇳 India + 🇳🇵 Nepal
Travel from the Taj Mahal and Varanasi up into the Kathmandu Valley for a deep dive into Hindu and Buddhist cultures. Duration: 14–21 days.
🇮🇳 India + 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
Contrast the bustling temples and forts of Tamil Nadu with the laid-back surf towns and tea plantations of Sri Lanka. Duration: 14–20 days.
🇮🇳 India + 🇲🇻 Maldives
Pair an intense, culturally rich tour of Rajasthan's palaces with a week of pure relaxation in an overwater villa. Duration: 12–18 days.
Common Questions