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🇮🇳 India

A kaleidoscope of culture, color, and contrasts — India is a vast, diverse country offering everything from Himalayan peaks to tropical beaches and bustling megacities. Expect intense sensory experiences—vivid festivals, varied cuisines, and deep historical layers at sites like the Taj Mahal and Jaipur’s palaces.

Good to know

Best time to visit
October to March is the most comfortable for most regions (cooler north, dry south); monsoon (June–September) is ideal for Kerala’s backwaters and lush landscapes. Avoid extreme summer heat in north-central India and plan Himalayan treks in May–June or September–October.
Currency
Indian Rupee (INR); carry small notes for markets and tip porters/drivers ~50–200 INR for help or exceptional service
Language
Hindi and English are official at national level; many regional languages (e.g., Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Punjabi) are widely spoken
Getting around
India has an extensive rail network for long-distance travel (book AC classes in advance) and low-cost domestic flights for quicker hops; use app-based taxis (Uber/Ola) in cities and prepaid auto-rickshaws for short trips. Expect variable traffic—allow extra time.
Culture & etiquette
Show respect at religious sites by removing shoes and dressing modestly; offer and receive items with your right hand or both hands. Haggling is normal in markets, but be polite and smile.

Country highlights

Taj Mahal (Agra)

A UNESCO World Heritage white-marble mausoleum and iconic symbol of Mughal architecture.

Jaipur and Rajasthan

Pink City palaces, forts like Amber and Mehrangarh, and dramatic desert landscapes with cultural performances.

Varanasi and the Ganges

Ancient pilgrimage city with sunrise boat rides along ghats and ritual ceremonies on the riverbank.

Kerala Backwaters and Alleppey

Network of tranquil canals and houseboat cruises through palm-lined waterways and village life.

Goa Beaches

Sandy shores, Portuguese heritage in Old Goa, seafood cuisine, and a laid-back coastal vibe.

Himalayan Regions (Leh, Manali, Darjeeling)

High-altitude trekking, Buddhist monasteries, and panoramic mountain scenery.

What to eat

Biryani

A fragrant rice and meat dish with regional variants like Hyderabadi and Lucknowi.

Masala Dosa

Crisp fermented rice-and-lentil crepe filled with spiced potato, common in South India.

Butter Chicken

Creamy, mildly spiced tomato-based chicken curry from North India (Delhi/Punjab).

Thali

A plated selection of regional dishes served together—vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions show local variety.

Chaat

Street-food snacks (like pani puri, aloo chaat) offering sweet, sour, spicy flavors—best from busy stalls.

Insider tips

  • Carry a copy of your passport and visas; keep originals secure and photocopies separate.
  • Drink bottled water and avoid ice from uncertain sources; use hand sanitizer after street food.
  • Book long-distance trains/planes in advance during festivals and peak season (Diwali, Christmas/New Year).
  • Dress modestly in rural areas and religious sites; saris or long sleeves for women are useful in temples.
  • Download offline maps and translations; mobile internet via a local SIM (Airtel/Jio) is inexpensive and reliable in cities.

Cities in India

Good to know — FAQ

Do I need a visa to visit India?
Most nationalities require a visa or e-Visa—check the Government of India e-Visa portal and apply in advance; some passport holders have specific short-stay options.
Is it safe to eat street food?
Street food can be excellent—choose busy stalls with high turnover, eat freshly cooked items, and avoid raw salads or uncooked dairy to reduce stomach issues.
How should I tip in India?
Tipping is customary: around 5–10% in restaurants if service charge isn’t included, 50–200 INR for drivers/porters depending on service and duration.
What about health precautions and vaccines?
Routine vaccines should be up to date; consult a travel clinic for recommended shots like hepatitis A and typhoid and bring anti-diarrheal meds and mosquito repellent for certain regions.

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