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India
India is a kaleidoscopic sub-continent that defies simple description, offering an intoxicating blend of ancient tradition and modern dynamism. From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the tropical palm-fringed beaches of the south, the landscape is as diverse as the cultures that inhabit it. You will encounter architectural marvels like the Taj Mahal, vibrant street markets teeming with life, and spiritual ceremonies along the sacred Ganges. It is a destination that demands patience and curiosity, rewarding travelers with profound experiences and unmatched sensory richness. Whether you seek spiritual enlightenment, culinary adventure, or a deep dive into history, India provides a journey unlike any other on earth.
On This Page
We built this guide using official tourism data, local travel insights, and real pricing from our city guides, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
5 cities
15 guides
$59 – $88 Daily Budget
Quick Facts
Capital
New Delhi
Languages
Hindi, English
Currency
Indian Rupee (INR)
1 $ ≈ 91 ₹
Plug Type
Type C/D/M (230V, 50Hz)
Driving Side
Left
Dial Code
+91
Entry Requirements
Check requirements →
Time Zone
IST (UTC+5:30)
Emergency
112 (all services); also 100 (Police), 101 (Fire), 102 (Ambulance)
Why Visit India
Architectural Wonders
From the marble perfection of the Taj Mahal to the sprawling hilltop forts of Rajasthan, India's heritage sites are breathtaking in scale and detail. You can explore thousand-year-old temples carved from solid rock and opulent palaces that still house royal descendants.
A Culinary Odyssey
The food culture changes every few hundred km, offering an endless variety of flavors, spices, and techniques. You can move from the rich, cream-based curries of the north to the coconut-infused seafood and tangy sambars of the south.
Spiritual Depth
India is the birthplace of four major religions and remains a hub for spiritual seekers worldwide. You can witness the evening Ganga Aarti in Varanasi, practice yoga in the ashrams of Rishikesh, or visit the serene Golden Temple in Amritsar.
Natural Diversity
The geography spans from the arid Thar Desert to the lush backwaters of Kerala and the dense jungles of Madhya Pradesh. Wildlife enthusiasts have the rare chance to spot Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinos, and wild elephants in their natural habitats.
Incredible Value
India offers great value with costs varying widely by travel style. Traveler-reported averages are about U$13 / ₹1,182/day (budget), U$33 / ₹3,001/day (mid-range) and U$92 / ₹8,366/day (luxury) per person (excluding international flights). This allows you to experience luxury heritage hotels and internal flights that would be significantly more expensive in other parts of the world.
Top Experiences
Top-rated tours and activities in India
Cities & Destinations
Regions
The Golden Triangle
This classic tourist circuit connects Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, offering the most concentrated dose of Indian history and architecture. It is the best starting point for first-time visitors, featuring the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort, and the Pink City's Hawa Mahal.
The Kerala Backwaters
Located in the tropical south, this region is famous for its serene network of lagoons, lakes, and canals. Travelers often hire traditional kettuvallam houseboats to drift past palm groves and rice paddies for a relaxing escape from the urban hustle.
Rajasthan's Desert Cities
The land of kings is home to the blue city of Jodhpur, the golden city of Jaisalmer, and the lake-filled Udaipur. It offers camel safaris in the Thar Desert and some of the most impressive forts and havelis in the country.
The Konkan Coast and Goa
Famous for its vast stretches of sand and Portuguese-influenced architecture, this region offers a laid-back atmosphere. While North Goa is known for its vibrant nightlife and markets, South Goa provides secluded beaches and luxury resorts.
Cities & Destinations:
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is during the cool, dry winter months when temperatures are pleasant for sightseeing. Avoid the extreme heat of late spring and the heavy rains of the monsoon season which can disrupt travel.
Peak Season
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Winter offers clear skies and comfortable temperatures ranging from 10–25°C (50–77°F) in the north. This is the busiest season for major sites like the Taj Mahal and the beaches of Goa, leading to higher prices and crowds.
Shoulder Season
Mar, Oct
October marks the end of the monsoon with lush landscapes, while March features warming temperatures before the summer heat. These months offer a balance of manageable weather and fewer tourists.
Off-Peak
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
The summer (April–June) sees intense heat reaching 45°C in central regions. The monsoon (July–September) brings heavy rainfall and high humidity, though it is the best time for budget travel and visiting the Himalayan highlands.
Getting Around
India possesses one of the world's largest rail networks and a rapidly expanding aviation sector. While urban transport is affordable and frequent, road travel can be hazardous due to congestion and poor lighting.
Train
The primary mode for long distances; options range from high-speed Vande Bharat trains to historic UNESCO 'Toy Trains'. Foreign tourists can access a dedicated booking quota via the IRCTC portal.
Metro
Modern, air-conditioned metro systems operate in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. They are the most efficient way to bypass city traffic, though they require security screenings at entry.
Flight
Low-cost carriers connect all major hubs and many regional towns under the UDAN scheme. It is the fastest way to travel between distant regions like Delhi and Kerala.
Auto-Rickshaw
Ubiquitous three-wheeled vehicles ideal for short urban trips. Prices should be negotiated in advance or tracked via apps like Uber and Ola to avoid overcharging.
Food & Drink
Indian cuisine is a complex tapestry of regional styles characterized by the sophisticated use of spices, herbs, and vegetables. Dining is often a communal experience where multiple dishes are shared to balance sweet, sour, spicy, and salty notes.
Must Try
Murgh Makhani
Commonly known as Butter Chicken, this dish features tender chicken in a mild, creamy tomato gravy enriched with butter and fenugreek.
Masala Dosa
A thin, crispy fermented rice and lentil crepe stuffed with a spiced potato filling, typically served with coconut chutney and sambar.
Chole Bhature
A popular North Indian breakfast consisting of spicy chickpeas paired with a large, deep-fried puffed bread.
Biryani
A fragrant rice dish cooked with aromatic spices, saffron, and marinated meat or vegetables, with famous regional variations found in Hyderabad and Lucknow.
Lassi
A traditional yogurt-based drink that can be served sweet, salty, or flavored with mango, perfect for cooling the palate after a spicy meal.
Gulab Jamun
Soft, berry-sized balls made of milk solids that are deep-fried and soaked in a warm rose-scented sugar syrup.
Vada Pav
Often called the Bombay burger, this consists of a spicy deep-fried potato patty inside a soft bread bun with various chutneys.
Money & Costs
Costs vary widely by travel style. Traveler-reported averages are about U$13 / ₹1,182/day (budget), U$33 / ₹3,001/day (mid-range) and U$92 / ₹8,366/day (luxury) per person (excluding international flights).
Tipping
Tipping is expected in the tourism industry; 5–10% is standard in restaurants, and small tips of ~$1.18–$2.36 / ₹107–₹214 are appreciated for hotel staff and guides.
Cards
Major credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, malls, and upscale restaurants in cities, but cash remains essential for small vendors and rural areas.
ATMs
ATMs are widespread in cities but rare in remote villages. ATM fees vary by bank/ATM and your card issuer; your home bank may add FX/ATM fees too.
Culture & Etiquette
Indian culture is deeply rooted in tradition, family values, and religious respect. While locals are generally forgiving of foreign visitors, following local customs will significantly enhance your interactions and show respect for their way of life.
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Remove your shoes before entering someone's home or a place of worship, as footwear is considered unclean.
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Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites; covering your shoulders and knees is mandatory in many temples and mosques.
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Use your right hand for eating, shaking hands, or passing items, as the left hand is traditionally associated with personal hygiene.
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Avoid public displays of affection, such as kissing or hugging, which are generally frowned upon in Indian society.
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Ask for permission before taking photos of people, particularly women or during religious ceremonies.
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Don't point your feet at people or religious idols, as the feet are considered the lowliest part of the body.
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Expect to be asked personal questions about your job or marital status; this is usually meant as friendly curiosity rather than intrusion.
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Don't expect transactions or transport to always happen on a strict schedule; a flexible attitude toward time will reduce stress.
Safety & Health
Most visits are trouble-free, but follow current government travel advisories. Several governments advise avoiding travel to the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir (this does not include Ladakh), Manipur, and areas within 10 km of the India–Pakistan border; check the current status of land border crossings (e.g., Attari–Wagah).
Tap Water
Not safe to drink
Vaccinations
A Yellow Fever certificate is mandatory if arriving from endemic areas. Typhoid and Hepatitis A vaccinations are highly recommended.
Common Scams
- ⚠ The 'Marble Trap' where guides lead tourists to shops selling overpriced souvenirs under the guise of 'demonstrations'.
- ⚠ Fake tourist information offices claiming official government status to sell expensive tour packages.
- ⚠ Fraudulent hotel websites and listings that take advance payments for non-existent accommodations.
- ⚠ Taxi or rickshaw drivers claiming a destination is 'closed' or 'burnt down' to divert you to commission-paying shops.
Healthcare in major cities is excellent at private hospitals, but rural facilities are often basic. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential.
Language
English is the secondary official language and is widely used in business, government, and the tourism sector. Travelers will find most signs in cities are bilingual.
English Spoken: Moderately spoken
Key Phrases
| Meaning | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Namaste | Nah-mah-stay |
| Thank you | Dhanyavaad | Dun-yah-vahd |
| How much? | Yeh kitne ka hai? | Yay kit-nay kah hay? |
| Yes | Haan | Hahn |
| No | Nahi | Nuh-hee |
| Sorry / Excuse me | Maaf kijiye | Mahf kee-jee-yay |
| Where is the bathroom? | Bathroom kahaan hai? | Baath-room kah-hahn hay? |
| The bill, please | Bill dijiye | Bill dee-jee-yay |
Visa & Entry
India provides e-Visas for tourists that must be applied for at least 4 days before arrival. e-Visa holders may enter only via designated airports (currently 33) and 5 designated seaports; entry via land borders is not permitted. Departure is allowed from any authorized immigration checkpost.
Max Stay
30-day e-Tourist (double entry). 1-year & 5-year e-Tourist (multiple entry): maximum stay in India during one calendar year should not exceed 180 days.
Passport Validity
Passport should have at least 6 months validity at the time of making the e-Visa application and at least two blank pages for immigration stamping.
Visa-free for
Nepal, Bhutan (some exceptions if entering from certain countries), Maldives
Frequently Asked Questions
Is India safe for solo travelers?
How expensive is it to travel in India?
What is the best time to visit India?
Do I need a visa for India?
Is English spoken in India?
How do I get around India?
Is the tap water safe to drink in India?
What should I eat to avoid getting sick?
How much should I tip in India?
Why you can trust this guide
Jan Křenek
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
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