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India Travel Guide: Palaces, Pilgrimages & Infinite Discoveries

Intro to India Travel Guide

Sprawling, soulful, and sensationally diverse, India is more than a destination — it’s a world unto itself. From Himalayan monasteries to backwater cruises, marble mausoleums to bustling spice markets, this subcontinent defies summary. Every state is a story, every street a sensory journey.

Start planning your journey with our complete India Travel Guide — covering the best time to visit, travel cost in India, top places to go, and unforgettable India tours across its regions and cultures.

Looking for immersive India tours? From Rajasthan’s palaces and Varanasi’s river rituals to Kerala’s houseboats and Himalayan treks, explore the most unforgettable things to do in India with trusted local guides.

Continent: Asia (South Asia)
Country: India
Area: 3,287,263 km² (1,269,219 mi²)
Population: ~1.44 billion (2024 est.)
Density: ~438 people/km²
Capital: New Delhi
Regions/Subregions: North India, South India, East India, West India, Central India, Northeast India
Language(s): Hindi, English (official); 20+ major regional languages including Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Gujarati, Urdu
Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
Time Zone: IST (UTC+5:30)
Airports: Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bengaluru (BLR), Chennai (MAA), Kolkata (CCU), Hyderabad (HYD), Kochi (COK), Jaipur (JAI)
Climate: Tropical, subtropical, and alpine; monsoon (Jun–Sep), dry winter (Nov–Feb), hot summer (Mar–May)
Known For: Taj Mahal, spiritual traditions, diverse culture, Himalayas, cuisine, Bollywood, temples, forts, backwaters

Visa required for most travelers — e-Visa available for over 150 countries
Types: Tourist, business, medical, conference (single/multiple entry)
Passport must be valid for 6+ months beyond entry
e-Visa Application – Government of India

Required: Yellow fever (if arriving from endemic countries)
Recommended: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Rabies (if extended rural stay), Japanese Encephalitis (for long-term travelers)
Healthcare: World-class in major cities; basic in rural regions
Travel health updates — get coverage here
Stay Informed with Official Updates: World Health Organization – International Travel and Health | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Global Travel Health

Exercise increased caution in some areas due to terrorism, crime, or unrest (esp. Jammu & Kashmir, northeast border zones)
Common issues: traffic safety, petty theft, scams in tourist areas
Use registered taxis or ride apps (e.g., Ola, Uber)
Stay Informed with Official Updates: US Travel Advisory | UK Foreign Travel Advice

Jan 26: Republic Day
Aug 15: Independence Day
Oct 2: Gandhi Jayanti
Diwali (Oct–Nov), Holi (Mar), Eid, Christmas vary annually
Regional festivals like Pongal, Durga Puja, Navratri, and Onam widely celebrated

Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
Cards: Accepted in cities and hotels; carry cash for small shops and rural areas
Tipping: 5–10% in restaurants; ₹50–₹100 for porters/guides
Duty-Free: Limit of 2L alcohol and ₹15,000 in goods; declare electronics over limits

Main international hubs:
Indira Gandhi International (DEL) – Delhi
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (BOM) – Mumbai
Kempegowda Int’l (BLR) – Bengaluru
Chennai (MAA), Kolkata (CCU), Hyderabad (HYD)

Domestic flights: Extensive network with budget carriers (IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India)
Trains: Affordable and iconic — book via IRCTC in advance
Ride-hailing apps: Ola, Uber operate in most cities
Metro systems: Available in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata

SIM cards: Available at airports and mobile stores (Airtel, Jio, Vi) with passport and photo
Wi-Fi: Common in hotels, airports, cafés; not always reliable
Coverage: Excellent in cities; weaker in remote/rural zones and mountains

Drinking age: Varies by state (18–25)
Dress modestly, especially in temples and rural areas
LGBTQ+ travelers: Legal, but visibility and acceptance vary
Cultural tip: Remove shoes before entering homes and religious sites; use right hand for eating and giving/receiving

Emergency Numbers: 112 (all services), 100 (police), 102 (ambulance), 101 (fire)
Tourist Police: Available in major cities
U.S. Embassy in New Delhi: Website

Best time to visit: October–March (dry, pleasant weather in most regions)
Monsoon: June–September; lush landscapes but travel disruptions
Summer: March–June — extremely hot in plains; ideal for Ladakh, Himachal, Sikkim
Weather Forecast

India by Region – Where to Go

India’s vast geography is best explored by region — each one distinct in culture, climate, and experience.

North India – Heritage & Himalayas

Explore Delhi, the capital; Agra, home of the Taj Mahal; and Jaipur, the Pink City. Farther north lie Ladakh, Kashmir, and the Himalayas, where monasteries and mountains rule.

West India – Deserts & Palaces

Rajasthan dazzles with forts and festivals; Gujarat offers white salt flats, wildlife, and temples; Mumbai is India’s film and financial powerhouse with colonial charm and cutting-edge culture.

South India – Temples, Backwaters & Cuisine

Kerala’s houseboats, Tamil Nadu’s ancient temples, and Karnataka’s royal cities define the south. It’s lush, tropical, and steeped in Dravidian heritage.

East India – Spirituality & Tribal Culture

Kolkata offers colonial grandeur and Bengali artistry; Odisha is known for temple architecture and tribal festivals; Sundarbans holds the world’s largest mangrove forest.

Northeast India – Nature & Indigenous Life

Often called the “Seven Sisters,” this region is remote, green, and culturally distinct. Explore Meghalaya’s living root bridges, Nagaland’s tribal heritage, and Arunachal Pradesh’s monasteries.

Central India – Wildlife & Ruins

Visit Khajuraho’s erotic temples, Varanasi on the Ganges, or go tiger-tracking in Madhya Pradesh’s national parks like Kanha and Bandhavgarh.

Top Places to Visit in India

Iconic Sites

Taj Mahal (Agra): Timeless symbol of love
Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh): Sacred city on the Ganges
Jaipur (Rajasthan): Forts, bazaars, and palaces
Hampi (Karnataka): Ancient ruins and boulder-strewn landscapes
Kerala Backwaters: Cruise through palm-fringed canals

Cultural Cities

Delhi: Historic monuments, street food, and markets
Mumbai: Gateway of India, Bollywood, and colonial relics
Kolkata: Art, literature, Durga Puja, and sweets
Amritsar: Golden Temple and Punjabi hospitality
Madurai: Meenakshi Temple and sacred festivals

Nature & Wildlife

Leh-Ladakh: High-altitude lakes and Buddhist monasteries
Ranthambhore & Bandhavgarh: Tiger safaris
Meghalaya: Caves, cliffs, and clouds
Goa: Beaches, forts, and a blend of East and West

How to Choose Where to Go in India

India is best experienced by interest:

First-time visitors: Delhi, Agra, Jaipur (Golden Triangle) + Varanasi or Kerala
Adventure lovers: Ladakh, Himachal treks, Northeast India
Culture & History: Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh
Spiritual seekers: Varanasi, Rishikesh, Amritsar, Bodh Gaya
Beach life & relaxation: Goa, Kerala, Andaman Islands
Wildlife & nature: National parks in Central India or Sundarbans

Suggested pairings:

Golden Triangle + Varanasi (heritage + spirituality)
Kerala + Karnataka (backwaters + palaces)
Delhi + Himachal Pradesh (city + mountains)

How to Get Around India

Domestic Flights: Fast and frequent between cities
Trains: Iconic and scenic; use Rajdhani, Shatabdi, or Vande Bharat for comfort
Buses: Budget option, but less comfortable on long routes
Private Cars with Drivers: Ideal for road trips or Rajasthan itineraries
Rickshaws & Metro: Efficient within cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata

Apps like IRCTC, RedBus, and Ola (ride-hailing) are useful for transport bookings.

Travel Budget & Costs in India

India offers incredible value — from budget backpacking to luxury heritage hotels.

Budget travelers: $25–$40/day (hostels, street food, local trains)
Mid-range: $60–$120/day (3-star hotels, flights, tours)
Luxury: $150–$500+/day (palace stays, private guides, business class)

Sample prices:

Taj Mahal entry: ~$15
Domestic flight: $30–$100
Rickshaw ride: $1–$5
Guided day tour: $30–$80
Thali meal: $2–$6
Boutique hotel: $50–$120/night

Best Time to Visit India

Best time to visit India: October to March (cooler, dry season)

North India: Best Oct–March (avoid May–June heat)
South India: November–March is most pleasant
Himalayas & Ladakh: Best May–September
Monsoon Season (June–September): Lush landscapes but regional flooding possible

Festival highlights:

Diwali (Oct/Nov): Festival of lights
Holi (March): Color-throwing spring festival
Pushkar Camel Fair (Nov): Unique desert gathering
Durga Puja (Sept/Oct): Especially vibrant in Kolkata

Must-See Experiences in India

Watch sunrise at the Taj Mahal
Cruise Kerala’s backwaters on a traditional houseboat
Attend an aarti ceremony on the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi
Go on a tiger safari in Bandhavgarh or Ranthambhore
Take a cooking class in Jaipur or Delhi
Ride the toy train to Darjeeling or Shimla
Stay in a royal palace hotel in Rajasthan
Trek to monasteries in Ladakh or Spiti Valley

Book immersive India tours and experience unforgettable things to do in India — from sacred river rituals and jungle safaris to palace stays and spice market strolls.

Best Travel Itineraries in India

7-Day Golden Triangle + Spiritual Extension
Day 1–2: Delhi
Day 3: Agra (Taj Mahal)
Day 4–5: Jaipur (Amber Fort, City Palace)
Day 6–7: Varanasi (sunrise boat ride, aarti ceremony)

10-Day South India Itinerary
Day 1–2: Kochi
Day 3–4: Munnar (tea plantations)
Day 5–6: Thekkady or Periyar (wildlife)
Day 7: Alleppey backwaters
Day 8–10: Varkala or Kovalam beach time

14-Day Classic North + Adventure Combo
Golden Triangle + Varanasi + flight to Leh-Ladakh (Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake)

Local Cuisine & Culinary Experiences

India’s food is richly regional and globally loved.

North: Butter chicken, tandoori, naan, chaat
South: Dosa, sambar, fish curry, coconut chutney
West: Pav bhaji, vada pav, Gujarati thali
East: Momos, fish curry, sweets like rasgulla
Drinks: Masala chai, lassi, sugarcane juice
Street Food: Pani puri, samosas, kebabs

Book a cooking class, food walk, or spice market tour in cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, or Kochi.

Travel Safety & Cultural Etiquette in India

Safety: Be cautious in crowded areas; petty theft is rare but possible
Health: Stick to bottled water; avoid raw street salads
Clothing: Modest dress recommended; cover shoulders in temples
Shoes off: Always remove shoes before entering homes and temples
Local customs: Use right hand for eating and handshakes; tipping is customary (10%)
Scams: Avoid touts near stations and monuments — book official tours and transport