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India Tours & Trips

Immerse your senses with an Indian vacation package - tuck into traditional samosas, go colour crazy at the Holi Festival or bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges. From the iconic temples of the Golden Triangle to the beaches and backwaters of Kerala , a tour of India will open your mind and soften your soul. Marvel at the architectural wonders of the Taj Mahal , play hide and seek with tigers on a Ranthambore safari adventure, hike amongst the striking mountains in Ladakh or set your sights on the Gateway of India in Mumbai, there's so much to see and do in this Land of Culture.

250+ India tour packages with 13,601 reviews

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Essential India (4 Star Hotels)

• €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Golden Triangle

Although I LOVED everything about this trip, I have to say that the experience was 10 times enhanced by our amazing CEO, Manvendra. He went above and beyond and truly made this the trip of a lifetime

India's Golden Triangle

Whilst I had an amazing time during my Golden Triangle Tour, I feel that travellers should be better prepared for the awful sights/smells and sounds that they will encounter in Delhi. I have done charity work in Uganda, Thailand and Cambodia and I thought I was prepared for Delhi, but nothing could have prepared me for the awful deprivation I encountered. That being said, I am glad that I did experience the 'real' Delhi and I also got to see some amazing sights in Jaipur and Agra. I would also like to give 5 stars to our guide, Ajay. He was fantastic. Nothing was too much for him. He was approachable, good humoured and great company throughout.

Indian Getaway

The tour guide was great, very knowledgeable and accommodating. Some of the elements felt like a school trip but that’s maybe because I have travelled alone before and am not used to doing everything en mass. Javed was fantastic and no request was too small. I would recommend the tour and also Javed as a guide.

Uncover India: High Deserts & Markets

Abhi was such a great guide - he really went above and beyond when we had any needs or concerns. He was super friendly and funny and made the experience incredible!

5 Days Private Golden Triangle India tour from New Delhi

Very much enjoyed the tour! Mr Guddu, my driver was perfect, he knew a lot of shortcuts which always help with the all the traffic jams. His driving was spot on and let me enjoy the scenery and chaos without worrying about the traffic. Hotels booked by Aahil were good and nicely located near malls or other items. The local guide were very knowledgeable and managed to answer all the questions I had, even when not specific over the site were were visiting but about Indias rich culture and history. Overall a great experience and would book a tour with Taj Tour Trips again when visiting India.

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

India's Bestseller - 5 Day Golden Triangle - Delhi, Agra & Jaipur (Guaranteed Departure)

Although I was the only one on the 5 day tour I was lucky to have Bhupinder Singh as my driver. He did an excellent job transporting me around New Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and back! I would recommend him as your driver if you want a taste of the local life and a closer look into some of India’s culture.

Looking for tours beyond just India?

Explore tours with itineraries going through multiple countries, including India.

India's Top Selling Golden Triangle India Tour w/ Meals and Sunrise Taj Mahal

Our 5 day, 4 night tour of the India's Golden Triangle was very good. I would recommend it to anyone, it is great value and well organised. Raj, our driver for the 5 days, made us feel safe and at ease, even in some of the most chaotic traffic we've ever experienced. He is a warm, gentle person. The guides were very knowledgeable. Although some insisted we visit shops at the end of the day, only to be pressured into buying their wares. This did dampen the day somewhat and not something you need at the end of a long day. Krishan, our guide in Jaipur gave us an experience of the real India, that we will never forget

Taj Mahal and Wildlife with Royal Stay at Castles

Had a wonderful time on the tour. Enjoyed every second of it. I highly recommend this tour to other travellers.

Taj Mahal, Tiger and Pink City

The hotels chosen were what we wanted and expected. Driver and guides are punctual, knowledgeable and courteous. Overall everything was well organized and enjoyable.

Colorful India with Taj Mahal & Rajasthan

Thank you for making our India holiday so special. Arun was great to communicate with and he was happy to adapt our holiday

Golden Triangle Tour With Ranthambore

Our Kathmandu visit was action packed. We visited many historical sites in and around the city. We also had a Mt. Everest flight see. Our guide, Navaraj Shrestha, was punctual, knowledgeable, and informative. He and the very competent driver managed to find convenient drop off and pick up points to visit monuments. Raj has a good sense of humor and was patient. We had a wonderful time and hope to return for a longer visit. Freddy & Jim Powell

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Golden Triangle Tour with Varanasi

An amazing adventure that provided great moments showing glimpses of what India is really is. Everyone was kind, informative, and welcoming. Would recommend it to anyone interested in an immersive trip where you will learn a lot, move non-stop, and have a true Indian feel. The only thing I would change would be an upgrade to the overnight trip so it is in Business Class. 2nd class was not bad but having a closed private space would have been much more accommodating for sleeping. Shout out to our amazing driver from Delhi who went above and beyond and to the tour guides who were walking encyclopedias.

Golden Triangle Tour - 3 Days

Excellent work done by Khan, he tries too hard to make you feel very safe and to be able to enjoy the trip and the paradises of this country. the decision was correct and I could not choose a better way to see India.

• Sightseeing

India Golden Triangle Tour - 6 Days - All Inclusive

Thank you for everything you did, Manish. We really enjoyed our holiday and it was memorable tour of India our driver Rajesh was fantastic

What people love about India Tours

Whilst I had an amazing time during my Golden Triangle Tour, I feel that travellers should be better prepared for the awful sights/smells and sounds that they will encounter in Delhi. I have done charity work in Uganda, Thailand and Cambodia and I thought I was prepared for Delhi, but nothing could have prepared me for the awful deprivation I encountered. That being said, I am glad that I did experience the 'real' Delhi and I also got to see some amazing sights in Jaipur and Agra. I would also like to give 5 stars to our guide, Ajay. He was fantastic. Nothing was too much for him. He was approachable, good humoured and great company throughout.

Very informative,a bit of a challenge ,had a great time.

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• India Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
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• India for Female Solo Travellers - Is India Safe?
• Best 2 Week India Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

International Versions

• Deutsch: Indien Rundreisen
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Travel Genes

Endless Discoveries

India Travel Guide – 25 Smart Things to Know Before Going to India

Chaotic, Inspiring, Intoxicating, Crazy, Wonderful, Incredible, Beautiful, Overwhelming, and Fantastic. India is all these things, and more. I always say – India changes you for better or worse ! India is everything and more all at once. It’s an explosion that involves all five senses be it the bright colorful clothes, the cows which are more important than you on the roads, the marigold flowers or the many smells of Indian cuisine.

India Travel Guide

How to travel india safely, smartly – india travel tips for beginners.

India For First Timers – What To Expect When Travelling to India – Scams to Avoid – Where to Eat & Drink – Where to Go – How to Blend & Things to know before Going to India

How can you possibly prepare yourself for the ultimate travel adventure that is India? Start with our India Travel Guide below for how to travel India safely, smarty first time!

1. Length of India Travel

So how long should be your first trip to India? If you ask me – a lifetime, only if you got one to spare. Is if not; at least two weeks or a month would be ideal to make the most of the best places you visit.

What I always suggest to guests of my boutique Homestay – The Hideout Agra is to spend at least two nights to the each place you plan to visit because the longer you stay in the city, the more you are able to be comfortable with the locals and they are the ones who can give you the hot insider tips which you will not be able to find in any guide books written on the internet or purchase through the bookstore. This India travel guide is a small attempt to cover the most important aspects of your India travel.

The ugly truth is that the full India cannot be experienced in just two weeks or two months or possibly with two years. First time as I suggest is to stick to the North – the land of the deserts, palaces and mountains where you can have your first Indian experience which can be both challenging and pleasing.

Have a look on:  14 Best reasons Why You should visit India Now

Also check out: 14 Best Seller Books That will Inspire The Trip to India

4 Weeks in India : Recap of Personalized India luxury Tour

2. How to Stay Safe during India Travel

The most important advice I give is don’t even think of drinking tap water even if it is filtered because you just don’t want to test your stomach abilities. Avoid eating ice, drinking fresh fruit juices right from the street and salads. Street food is ok only if it is prepared hot and right in front of you. We have a saying in India which we normally advise to my guest – If you can boil it, peel it or cook it then you can eat it, else forget it! However, don’t be too strict about brushing your teeth with normal tap water. There’s absolutely no harm in it.

Also find out: The Secret to Solo Female Travel in India

3. Get Health Insurance

It doesn’t matter whether you are fit and healthy you should not travel to India without a comprehensive health insurance and make sure your vaccinations are all up-to-date and you are having a basic medical kit which includes probiotics plus some general antibiotics prescribed by your GP, some mild pain killers and hand sanitizers.

4. The Language

India is a land of more than 22 local languages but most of the people speak English at many places because it’s one of the language which is taught in schools in India so you won’t have many issues if you are having some basic English speaking skills. However you can learn a little local lingo in Hindi which will help you surely in your travels.

5. Best Time to Visit India

India is seasonal in part because of the monsoons and the heat storms which are not always easy to travel. The months specially around April to August are incredibly hot or wet depending on which part of India you are visiting and are best to be avoided. The Northern India including Delhi, Agra and Jaipur can get very cold in the winter so you need to bring warm clothing like jackets, boots and gloves if you are coming in December and January. The mountains close up in the peak of winter because the roads are impossible to drive on. Travelling to Himalayas in November to February is best avoided.

Check out my other post – Best Places to Visit in India by Month

6. What to Pack for India

For India, like anywhere else I always say – “ Less is more! “. However here is my take on what all you should bring for India:  Ultimate India Packing List of 100 Travel Essentials for Every Activity in India

7. How to Stay Safe on Roads in India

You can travel India alone and be safe although it is not always a cakewalk. It can be really tough and a huge part of travelling in India is actually being mentally prepared. So you need to open your mind to accept that things are going to go wrong sometimes and taxis or someone might scam you any day.

Another most important thing is be kind but not over friendly with the people you meet in your daily life while you are travelling in India. You might find it strange that in the culture it is not common for women to smile and chat with stranger but if you are too nice it will put off the wrong Idea as if you are trying to give signals for a possible tinder date in the evening to the opposite sex.

Also read: Practical Tips on Solo Female Travel in India

8. Travel Arrangements

Try to get hotel pickup and drop setup from your hotel or Homestay that you are staying from train stations or bus stops. Mostly hotels will give it for free or for a very fair cost. There is a high chance that you will get ripped off if you try to book a cab yourself to the hotel or while going to the train station. Best option nowadays is to use Uber or Ola (which is equivalent to the uber in India) and they are available in most of the cities at most of the times.

If you tell the driver your hotel name and they say it’s not there anymore, burndown or fully booked up there are actually trying to scam you to go to another hotel of their choice. They do so because they get commissions from other hotel and that is the biggest reason to lie to you.

Most important tip – don’t ever let the driver bring a friend or a relative while travelling with you.

Also Read: How to Beat Jet Lag while coming to India

9. How to Budget for India

Although, India is cheap but it is not free for everything. You could choose to spend 1000 rupees a day for everything or you could spend 10,000 rupees a day. So you need to really think about your budget planning for your trip to India.

Avoid going to cities in the peak season like landing up in December in January and Goa can actually burn to big hole in your pocket because prices are sooo high and it’s not really the enjoyable time you get with so many people in such a small area.

10. What to Eat in India

The number one thing travelers coming to India want to taste out are Indian curries but it’s very difficult to make out the differences between the red and the green and the many color of curries which are available. Truth is curries are gravy like dishes made in hundreds of varieties depending upon region.

Second choice is Palak Paneer which is actually the spinach and cottage cheese – not like the cottage cheese you have in America like the cubes of the cheese but it’s very tasty and its veggies favorite but be careful from where you eat it because during the rainy season this spinach is not always properly cleaned and it can give you Delhi belly or Jaipur belly etc.

I have made a comprehensive list of 52 Best Indian Dishes to try While You’re in India

On a side note it is good to let your stomach acclimatize for a few days before you launch into some spicy street food feast.

Many travelers become completely vegetarian while there in India and it’s definitely not a bad idea as a small piece of meat can do more harm than an under-cooked vegetable. Also India is mostly vegetarian so the country offers perhaps the world’s most fabulous choice of vegetarian cuisine. But you can surely find some of the best non-vegetarian cuisine here as well.

11. Where to Eat in India

While in the north part of India Butter Chicken is the favorite dish to taste and so is the Chicken Tikka. But these are actually North Indian Mughlai cuisine which are best cooked only in North India so if you are going to order it in South India or West of India you will not get the same taste for which they are famous of.

The south of India is famous for more healthy vegetarian curries with less cream and most of the food items are cooked here in coconut oil. Don’t forget to try the Masala Dosa while you are in South of India.

Seafood in India is best while on the coast weather in Goa, Kerala or on the eastern side of India in Kolkata. Don’t forget to try the fish curry rice or prawn curry rice as well as fried prawns. In Kolkata you can also try The Prawn Cocktail.

Also read: Top 10 Must Try Bengali Food while You’e in Kolkata

Don’t be afraid of eating Street foods. Egg puffs, Egg rolls, Chicken rolls and many others will make you drool. There are number of food walks in almost every city which you can join and have an ultimate taste. Check out our most popular Food Walking tour of Agra run by me: Agra Food Walk – Explore Agra by Mouth

If you’re looking for a typical American food or the Mexican food I am sorry to disappoint you as you won’t get the real. Everything is more Indianized, however if you really want something Western then you can go for a sizzler which will be meat and veggies on a hot plate.

If you want to have a bit of everything then you should go for a Thali . The plate is an assortment of curry, rice, bread, pickle, chickpea, mix vegetables, yoghurt, desert and similar stuff depending on the local region.

The most common and the most favorite drinks in India are Salt or Sweet Lime soda, Chai which is actually the milk tea and Lassi which is yougurt mixed with fruits. Lassi is the yummiest refreshing drink you can have and acts as probiotic too keeping you safe from Delhi Belly.

12. What all to See in India

I always say try not to have huge expectations on seeing and doing everything you want. Transportation between the cities and city attractions takes longer than you will guess and then you might have to cut some places of your itinerary. So try not to stress because less is more in India. Do keep in mind it is the experience that matters not just checking things off a list and the journey in India as a whole is a crazy experience.

Also Read: Top 20 Must see India Destinations That You Should See

Do Check: Dental Tourism Holidays in India – Dental Implants, Smile Makeover in Agra

13. Go Slow

Many people try to put too much in their itinerary is do in India and as a result they burnout. To get the best from your trip is to concentrate on a few places rather than trying to take off as many as possible. Trust me over this if you spend a few days in one spot you will be less stressed, you’ll get gain a deeper understanding of where you are, who do you meet and your exchanges with friendly locals will make some of the most memorable moments of your trip.

14. Stay Calm

In spite of the beauty that India offers, it is also in-famous for touts, scams, fake tour guides and many other hassles. There are some ways in which you can reduce the chances of being overcharged or ripped off but for sure you will have some encounters with scammers during your trip. So keep your head cool and remember that deals that sounds too good to be true usually are.

Specially be careful of taxi and rickshaw drivers who insist on taking you to specific hotels, shops or travel agencies as the cost of the commissions they will earn will be added to your bill.

The most important advice I give for any India first timer is to try to remain calm no matter what. It’s very easy to get frustrated but take a deep breath and move on. That is the way to enjoy your time here.

Do check out: How Not to get Scammed or Ripped-off in India

15. The Perfect Route – Where to Go in India

Before you decide on the itinerary please think about what interest you, what you like doing and how much time you have and then you can tailor your trip accordingly because India gives you a lot of options and you’ll never have the time to see it all on one trip.

Also Read: How to survive Your First Trip to India

For first timers, the best selling Indian tour is all-time classic Golden Triangle. If you are running short of time then this is a fantastic introduction to three of India’s top destinations Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

You should be starting in Delhi to see the sites such as Humayun’s tomb, Qutub minar before hitting Agra and watching the sunrise at Taj Mahal later followed by Agra fort and Fatehpur Sikri . You can explore the pink city of Jaipur and the fort at Amber before returning to Delhi to fly back home. Also, you can combine

Read my brief guide on : How to do India’s Golden Triangle 

Also read: The Complete Insiders Guide to visiting Taj Mahal with 25 Secret Tips

If you are spiritual by nature and temples fascinate you , it’s easy find them everywhere in India but especially in North and Central India there will be too much options to choose from. From Golden Temple in Amritsar to erotic temples of Khajuraho , Konark Sun Temple and milky white marble Jain temples of Rajasthan and Gujarat – you will have plenty of choices.

Temples of the South India are totally different in architecture as compared to the North but they are stunning examples Like Hampi, Madurai and cave temples of Ajanta and Ellora near Mumbai.

For beaches and waterways – you can enjoy some of the India’s finest beaches in down south. Whether it is in Mumbai or the many beaches of Goa you can take a pick from Arambol, Vagator and Palolem which are the top spots in Goa.

If you want to see what Goa was 50 years ago then you should head on to Varkala and Kovalam in Kerala which are the black sand beaches. In Kerala you can also hire houseboats in the calm backwaters.

Check my guide on 12 Best Non-Touristy Virgin Beaches in India

Wildlife Safari – Your best chance of spotting a tiger is in the many national parks of Madhya Pradesh or Rajasthan like Ranthambore but there are many national reserves all over India where you can track many exotic wildlife as Lions, wild asses, Rhinos and wild Elephants. For the bird watchers, Bharatpur Rajasthan is famous for its migratory birds.

For the real spiritual sentiments Varanasi is the best possible option with its ancient funeral ghats where Hindus perform the last rites beside the sacred river Ganges. Pushkar in Rajasthan or Golden Temple in Amritsar are also such pilgrimage towns.

For yoga and meditation classes you can find it everywhere right from the Delhi to the ashrams of Rishikesh. And for the Buddha way of life the best option is Mcleodganj in Dharamshala which is also the home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile.

For the Love Birds – do check out Top 10 Most romantic Honeymoon Destinations in India

16. Do in India as Indians do – How to Blend in India

Most of the India is still conservative when it comes to the dressing standards. Tourist spots like mosque, temple or any other holy places require you to dress modestly by covering your head with a scarf and taking off shoes before entering. The more you blend with the locals in dressing sense, the more un-wanted attention you will avoid except when you’re in cosmopolitan places like Mumbai & Goa.

17. Explore Like a Local

It’s great to do touristy things – otherwise you’d have never explored the world-class museums or owned those gorgeous souvenirs that you picked up from different places. But it’s equally important to keep a couple of days aside to roam around like a local. You’ll get a chance to blend with the locals if you walk where they actually live and eat at cafes and restaurants frequented by them.

Go Beyond Taj Mahal: 10 Things to do in Agra After Visiting Taj Mahal

18. Get a SIM card for your unlocked phone

Being able to use your phone as you travel in India will make things so much easier. The many things you can do are like looking at the directions on Google maps, read reviews or even book and Uber taxi.

19. Religious Scams to Avoid

In many of the temples and mosques you may be pressured to make a donation or to buy a sacred offering. Most travelers feel pressured into doing this as they don’t want to be disrespectful of the local religion however there is no compulsion. If it looks like the price is very high it’s probably not a real spiritual offering but just way of getting some money out of your pockets.

20. Get Medical Help

I have seen some travelers even if they are ill they ignore the problems and hope they get better with time because they are too scared to go to a local pharmacy or a local doctor. However you will discover that not only the Indian pharmacies are cheap and friendly also often, you will be able to get antibiotics or any other pills you need without prescription.

21. The Indian Head Wiggle

Many times during your trip in India you will notice that locals have a certain way of wagging their head back and forth in response to a question. This nod is not the same as a nod up and down for YES or not from side to side for NO. I know it’s a gesture that doesn’t exist in the West so it can be a little confusing. The Indian head movement can have a lot of meanings depending on the context that is used in but most of the times when the person is trying to properly understand your query the head is used to show that he is trying to understand everything you say to him.

22. The Art of Bargaining

Haggling is a natural part of shopping in India but the important thing to remember is that it is not a battle but a friendly negotiation. No matter which part of India you are the vendor will probably quote price which is quite high and he is expecting you to give a counter offer that is lower so that you can go back and forth and reach a price that suits both of you. It’s good to start your price 50% lower that what is asked and slowly go up to the point when you are comfortable.

23. The Fake Ticket Offices

In big cities like Delhi and Mumbai you will find fake train ticket officials standing outside stations and tourist information offices. They might try to scam you by selling you fake train tickets that are useless when you actually start your journey. That is why it is a good idea to have a phone with the Indian sim card so that you can look up the company online in find out whether or not they are legitimate.

24. The Indian standard time

Don’t expect things to happen on time because in India the things happen on Indian Standard Time. It’s a part of the normal daily life and we always jokingly say to our guests – “In India everybody is in hurry always but nobody is on time.”

25. Just Do It

The truth is India travel will definitely be much more challenging than travelling in other countries. At times you may find yourself overwhelmed and exhausted, so be prepared for this. However the experience of visiting India is absolutely worth it. As I always say India changes you for better or worse.

Hope this India travel guide answers most of your questions and will make your travels in India smooth.

Bon Voyage! See You in Agra, India.

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8 Best Luxury India Tour Packages 2024

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We have knowledgeable bilingual tour guides well versed with local culture and will provide you the comfortable experince of india tour. We have plenty of options for luxury india holidays like private tours, small group tours also you can ask for the escorted tours of india. You can book the luxury India tours from all around the world including USA, UK, Germany, and Australia.

Start planning for your next luxury holiday to India now! Explore the charm of India with our India luxury tours. Create lifelong memories during luxury vacation to India. Luxury India tours provides you an opportunity to spend the luxury vacation in India and discover the culture, heritage and witness the unbeatable beauty of India. LIH offers best holiday tour packages in India. Explore the top luxury holidays to India packages on LIH.

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The Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort in Ranthambore

The Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur

• The Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur

The Oberoi Hotel in Delhi

The Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra

The Imperial Hotel in Delhi

• Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur

Taj Rambagh Palace in Jaipur

Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai

Sujan Jawai Leopard Camp

• Raas Hotel in Jodhpur

Brij Rama Palace in Varanasi

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Luxury India Tour Packages Reviews

Thanks, Lih Team, For making my TripTrip memorable… I Booked a Royal Maharaja Experience Tour for me & for my husband. The Trip was perfectly Planned. This was all possible for the LIH Team. The TripTrip was awesome. We covered “City Palace of Udaipur”, “Hawa Mahal of Jaipur” & The Famous “Taj Mahal of Agra” and Much more Places..Special Thanks to Our Travel Guide Mr Ram Singh He was a very good & professional person.

Elite Golden Triangle with Goa Beach Tour

I Booked a Golden Triangle Package Tour from LIH for my girlfriend and me. We explored the Beautiful Beaches of Goa. And ate fantastic food that was awesome. Afterwards, we explored the world-famous Taj Mahal in Agra and the Beautiful City Jaipur. The ITC & Taj group of Hotels Staff were kind & professional. The Overall Trip was awesome, and we enjoyed it a Lot. Thank You, LIH, for Making Our Trip Memorable.

Luxury Kerala Holiday Package

I Booked a Kerala Holiday package through LIH for My wife and Me. The whole trip was about 11 Days. In those days, we explored the many Cities of Kerala, Kochi, Ghats of Munnar City, Periyar National Park in Thekkady City, Trivandrum and Much More. Special Thanks to LIH Tours & Travels, who have arranged all of These. The Hotel Staff was kind & Professional and our Travel Guide Mr Rajnikant Dutta, was sincere. Thank you For Making my Trip Memorable.

• Golden Triangle Tour India

I booked a Golden Triangle Tour to India through LIH for my family and me. The TripTrip was terrific. We explored different-different Cultures & Cities of India, and the Hospitality was excellent. The Total Trip was 6 Days. We explored New Delhi, the World Famous Taj Mahal in Agra, and the Beautiful Pink City of Jaipur. The Trip was Amazing. Thank You, LIH, for making our TripTrip memorable.

Luxury Rajasthan Tour

I Booked a Luxury Rajasthan Tour from LIH for Me & My Family, and our experience was fabulous. We booked a Luxury Rajasthan Package because we loved the Rajasthani Culture & Food. Once we landed in Delhi, the Hospitality got Started at Delhi Airport. Our Tour Started the Next Day when we saw Red Fort & Jama Masjid and explored many more Places in Delhi. The next day we finally were going to Mandawa, a beautiful city in Rajasthan. After 5 Hrs of Drive, we will reach the Beautiful Luxurious Hotels of Mandawa and explore the many Historical Sites in Mandawa. After exploring Mandawa City, we explored the Many Cities of Rajasthan Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Pushkar, Jaipur and much more. The Total Trip was 17 Days. This was all possible for LIH and Team. Thank You for Making my Trip Wonderful & Memorable. Special Thanks to Himanshu Mendiratta, who has made all of these arrangements for us and coordinates the guests. So there should be no Inconvenience.

Oberoi Hotel Ranthambore Wildlife Tour

I booked a Ranthambore Tour for my boyfriend and me through LIH. The Trip was awesome. We enjoy the thrilling ride of the royal wildlife safari in the Jungle of Ranthambore. The Hotels were very luxurious & our jungle safari guide was Mr Guru Charan Singh, a very Professional & Knowledgeable Person. Thank You, LIH, for making my Journey more memorable.

Luxury India Tours FAQ’s

The best time to travel to India is from August to April as the weather will be pleasant in the daytime and colder in the evenings at this time.

Alongside our India travel pros, we have created recommendations for any outing length. Leisure India Holidays provides you customizable Luxury India Tours packages depending on your need, goals, and desire, yet the accompanying suggestions go about as foundations for a very structured outing.

Most explorers from the United States, United Kindom, Australia, and other countries spend a normal of 15 to 18 days in India. 15 to 18 days of voyaging gives you more opportunity to explore the famous Golden Triangle tour of India and best places of Rajasthan.

In your 6 to 7 Days Tour:-

If you want to spend around 6 to 7 days, we suggest you visit Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and Udaipur. You will see many places that will spellbind you with their beauty. How you plan your itinerary will maximize your ability to explore the essentials of India.

In your 8 to 9 Days Trip:-

If you want to spend around 8 to 9 days, we suggest you visit Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Ranthambore, Goa, or Varanasi in your luxury India Tours.

In your 10 to 12 Days trip:-

If you want to spend around 10 to 12 days, we suggest you visit Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Varanasi, Kochi, Alleppey, and Kumarakom.

In your 13 to 14 Days Trip:-

If you want to spend around 13 to 14 days, we suggest you visit Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Samode, Jaipur, Agra, New Delhi during your luxury India Tours.

In your 15 to 18 Days Trip:-

If you want to spend around 10 to 12 days, we suggest you visit New Delhi, Varanasi, Khajuraho, Orchha, Agra, Bharatpur, Ranthambhore, Jaipur, Mandawa, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, New Delhi in your luxury India Tours.

It almost requires 3 to 4 months to cover diversify India. But if you want to discover it in a short time, then it takes around 10 to 18 Days that will allow you to uncover the popular and Unique Highlights of India.

We have shortlisted some handpicked 5-star Luxury centrally located hotels which will give you a lifetime experience of luxury travel in India.

• The Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur

It is always suggested to take international travel insurance before visiting India though it is not compulsory.

In these given luxury tour packages in India, we provide you well equipped SUV Toyota Innova Crysta Car which has ample legroom and luggage space suitable for 4-5 travelers.

Yes, we can easily customize luxury India tour packages as per your specific requirements.

As per our company policy, we need a confirmation email from you accepting the proposed travel itinerary, then after we share you a formal tour package confirmation email confirming all the proposed services as per the finalized tour itinerary and request you to pay the advance amount and rest balance amount you can pay us after your arrival in India.

In the event of cancellation of tour/travel services due to any avoidable/unavoidable reasons, we must be notified of the same in writing. Cancellation charges will be effective from the date we receive advice in writing, and cancellation charges for luxury India holiday packages would be as follows:

• 75 days to 60 days preceding the starting date of the tour: NO RETENTION will be charged.
• 60 days to 45 days preceding the starting date of the tour: 10% of the package cost will be charged as Retention.
• 45-30 days preceding the starting date of the tour: 50% of the package cost will be charged as Retention.
• 30-0 days preceding the starting date of the tour: 100% of the package cost will be charged as retention.

In the case of Luxury India Train Tour, Luxury India tours Wildlife Safari, Flight Ticketing, and peak season hotel bookings a separate cancellation policy is applicable (which can be advised as and when required).

On your arrival at the International airport, our travel representative will meet and greet you. Then, we will brief you on the important details of your India travel plans and will share the welcome kit which has important documents like Hotel vouchers and domestic flight tickets you need during your India travel.

After sending you a formal email confirmation of your luxury tour packages in India, we will share with you our company bank details in which you can transfer the advance amount of your trip and rest balance you can pay after your arrival in India. You can make the payment via Bank Transfers or credit cards like Visa / Mastercards through a payment gateway.

Most of the hotels provide free wifi or else you can buy an Indian Sim card for calling and internet usage.

The Cost depends upon the:-

• Length of your trip
• Season (month) of travel
• Number of locations/cities you visit
• Class of hotel

Luxury India Tour Packages ranges from USD 355 to 2725 per person after all the Calculations. You can choose the package according to your needs. You can also customize your trip with us, depending on your requirements.

You have to check certain things when traveling through India, such as logistics, accessibility, and safety. Following things to consider when moving to India so that you can enjoy freely.

Is India Safe for Travel?

India is very safe for traveling. Crimes like Pickpocketing rarely occurred, and your overall safety is never questioned. But before Going to India, do not forget to take necessary Vaccines to prevent any health issues.

Travel Insurance

It’s not compulsory, but it’s always suggested to take international travel insurance before visiting India. A wide range of factors that will leave your luxury India Vacations suspended, such as Medical emergencies, inclement weather, and unexpected cancellations, can interrupt your trip, so in that situation, get travel insurance that will give you a Peace of Mind.

Research on India before going on you Vacation

Do Research on India before going on your vacation. Find out which is the best time to visit India. Pack your clothes according to that. check for the offbeat places to visit in India, what to wear in India, Famous food in India and many more things. To know about more Travel Tips for India Click here.

The ideal time for an India tour is during the winter months (October to March) for comfortable weather and festivities.

LIH Travel offers exceptional tour packages with personalized experiences, ensuring memorable journeys and exploration of diverse destinations.

For all the services contracted, a certain advance payment should be made to hold the booking on a confirmed basis & the balance amount can be paid before your departure from your country or after your arrival to India as mutually decided between team management and guests. Management personnel hold the right to decide upon the amount to be paid as advance payment based on the nature of the service & the time left for the commencement of the service. Apart from the above, in some cases, like Special Train Journeys, hotels or resort bookings during the peak season (X-Mas, New Year), full payment is required to be sent in advance (as specified in your tour proposal).

Mode of Payment for FIT (Frequent Individual Travelers):

• 30% of the amount-confirmation of the order
• 70% of the amount – Day 1 of the tour.

Mode of Payment for GIT (Groups Independent Travelers):

• 50% of the amount – confirmation of the order
• 50% of the amount – One month earlier of the tour starting date.

The overseas advance payment can be made through a Wire Transfer to our Bank or by Credit Card.

• 75 days to 60 days preceding the starting date of tour: NO RETENTION will be charged.
• 60 days to 45 days preceding the starting date of tour: 30% of package cost will be charged as Retention.
• 45-35 days preceding the starting date of tour: 50% of package cost will be charged as Retention.
• 35-0 days preceding the starting date of tour: 100% of package cost will be charged as retention.

Other Luxury India Tour Packages

Luxury india travel guide, about leisure india holidays.

Leisure India Holidays one of the Best Travel agency in India, started in 2006, is a group of experienced and certified tour professionals from a decade of serving customers with customized holiday packages. Starting from single person, Mr. Himanshu Mendiratta who was passionate about travel, has come up with a thought to eradicate of all the problems the most travelers face during their travel.

• Indian Ministry of Tourism Approved India's Best Travel Agency
• Approved Tour Operator by IATO (Indian Association of Tour Operators)
• ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company for Quality Management System
• Identified by Trip Advisor for Excellent Services
• Customizable Tour Itineraries
• Serving over 5,000+ travelers every year in all over world

• +919829257777
• [email protected]

Our Best Selling Tours

• ★ Incredible India Tours
• ★ Essence of Rural India Tour
• ★ Royal Maharaja Experience Tour

South India Tour Packages

• South India Temple Tour
• Kerala Holidays Package
• Kerala Backwaters Tour Package

Rajasthan Tour Packages

• Luxury Rajasthan Package
• Rajasthan Cultural Tour Package
• Jodhpur Udaipur Tour Package

North India Tour Packages

• Northern India Travel Package
• Taj Mahal Tour India
• Indian Gateway Tour
• Spiritual India Tour
• North India Adventure Tour
• India and Nepal Tour

Our Special Tour Packages of India

• Senior Citizen Tour Packages
• Solo Travel Packages India

India Wildlife Tour Packages

• Tiger Safari India
• Unforgettable India Tour

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India Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

I’ve never been to India. I know. Crazy, right? It’s not that I don’t want to go but life has just always gotten in the way. However, India is a place a lot of people visit and, since I can’t write about it, I want to bring in someone who can: my friend Mariellen Ward. She’d a travel writer who has been going to India since 2005 and runs the website Breathedreamgo . We’ve known each other since 2010. Today, she’s going to share some tips on how to visit India for first-time visitors.

I will never forget my first time visiting India. My first car trip in Delhi felt like a roller-coaster ride. Cars and trucks of every size, overloaded bicycles and motorcycles, and even the occasional bullock cart, seemed to be coming at me from every direction. No one was paying any attention to lanes or the rules of the road. Vehicles were driving the wrong way. I couldn’t make sense of what was happening.

I had heard about the “sensory overload” travelers feel in India, and now I was experiencing it. It was exciting and nerve-wracking in equal measure. And just a taste of things to come.

I spent six months crisscrossing the subcontinent on my first trip, back in 2005 and was often overwhelmed by the huge crowds, the foreign traditions, the perplexing bureaucracy, the mind-boggling complexity, and the bewildering culture shock.

These things combined make India a challenging — though very exciting and rewarding —destination.

However, if you read and follow these travel tips for first-time visitors, they could help smooth out some of the more disorienting bumps.

1. Slow down

It takes time and some know-how to successfully navigate in India. This is not a place for hurried travel. Don’t try and see as much as you can; that is not the right approach. It’s tiring to travel in India, and the object should be to experience it, not to check things off a list.

As a general rule, for every two weeks you are in India, pick one region. For a one-month trip, just pick two regions — say, two weeks in Rajasthan and two weeks in Kerala . You can even sit in one place and still not miss anything. No matter what, if you are in India, you will experience India.

2. Adjust your attitude

Likewise, accept that things will not go as planned. Cultivate the philosophy that things happen the way they are supposed to, not the way they are planned. This attitude can lead to the most marvelous adventures.

3. Be careful who you trust

Having said that it’s a good idea to be open, a healthy level of skepticism also comes in really handy in India. There are many con men there, especially in the travel and hospitality sector. They have a sixth sense for first-time visitors and will try and take advantage.

So, learn the prices by asking locals and other travelers before negotiating with auto-rickshaw drivers and market vendors. Don’t believe drivers — or random people you come across at airports, train stations, and tourist attractions — who tell you things such as your hotel burned down, or the train you want was canceled.

Often, an opportunity to make money off of you will spur creative tactics, and some of these scams can easily catch you off guard. Once, I was looking for a new iPhone case and the vendor showed me one and told me it was made by Apple. But a close look revealed four spelling mistakes in one short sentence engraved inside the case.

4. Practice safe travel

There are also anecdotal reports of women being molested, especially in busy, crowded places. Follow basic precautions and safe travel strategies, and use common sense in India.

Here are several safety travel tips (please read my top tips for women traveling in India for more details):

• Buy a local SIM card so that you can make local calls and stay in touch.
• Research carefully where you want to go, ensuring it is an area frequented by other travelers, with good infrastructure and hotels.
• Plan your travel so you don’t arrive late at night; travel during daylight hours only.
• Be careful when posting to social media, so that you are not revealing your current location.
• Stay alert to your surroundings, and keep a close eye on your handbag and luggage.
• Keep the Tourist Helpline number handy and call if you need any assistance: 1-800-111363.

5. Try a small group tour

For your first time in India, try taking a small group or custom tour to help you get your feet wet. My company, India for Beginners , was founded to help women travel safely and well in India. We offer a few small group tours, but we specialize in creating custom tours and providing a high level of personal service, such as meeting travelers at the airport and assigning a tour manager who is available 24/7. We hold your hand in India!

6. Take the train

Taking a train in India is a great experience and should not be missed. However, you need some basic knowledge about the classes and the trains. You may not want to dive into sleeper class or general class immediately; I would recommend 2AC (second class with air conditioning) or CC (chair car). Or even 1AC (first class with air conditioning) or EC (executive chair car).

Shatabdi and Rajdhani trains are among the best in India, so try and book one of these. Overnight trains can be a problem because they don’t clean the toilets at night, so keep that in mind when you book.

7. Eat the food

India is one of the world’s great culinary destinations, and first-time visitors should not shy away from trying all the delicious cuisine on offer, even street food. Some of the famous Indian items you shouldn’t miss are masala chai, sweet lassi, biryani, pakoras, dosas, and sweets such as gulab jamun and kheer.

It’s hard to avoid getting sick in India, though, because you never know when a tainted item will cross your plate. It could be at a street stall or a five-star restaurant. However, you can reduce the chances of getting sick by following these basic rules:

• Drink filtered or bottled water only.
• Watch for undistilled water in ice or sauces.
• Avoid salad and other raw food unless you can peel it (such as an orange or banana).
• Eat only food that is freshly cooked.
• Look for busy stalls and restaurants with high turnover.

8. Get a local SIM card

Everything in India runs on WhatsApp, one-time password (OTP) verification, and text messages. Because of this, you need a local number. To do so, get a local SIM at the airport when you arrive. Still, you may have trouble paying for things online with a foreign credit card, as India requires OTP verification, and getting registered with Indian Railways so you buy train tickets online is nearly impossible.

9. Remember where you are

For example, unless you’re on the beach in Goa, it’s wise to wear modest clothing in India . Long, loose, and flowing are key for dressing for the climate and the culture.

It’s also best to be very respectful, especially with regard to the myriad religions. And be aware that genders relate differently in India, and overfriendliness can be misconstrued. Be polite, but with strangers, and especially those working in the hospitality sector, it’s usually best to dial back effusive friendliness.

10. Follow the seasons

Weather and the season matter in India. It’s incredibly hot almost everywhere in May and June, the monsoon season is July to August, and it’s surprisingly cold in north India in winter, December to February. Do some research and find out the best places to visit in India by season .

So, when it’s cold in north India, head down to tropical Kerala or Goa and hit the beach. In the heat of summer, check out Ladakh, a high desert plateau that sometimes seems otherworldly. Note: Fall is festival season, so you can experience Durga Puja in Kolkata, Diwali in Jaipur, or the Camel Fair in Pushkar.

11. Visit attractions in the morning

(However, this rule does not apply to shopping. Stores, and even restaurants, tend not to open until 10 or even 11 am. Urban Indians tend to do everything late. Breakfast and lunch are late, and dinner can be very late indeed.)

12. Head into the countryside

You can go trekking in the mountains, take a tiger safari , visit one of the many national parks, camp out overnight on a sand dune in Rajasthan, or take a boat cruise on the Brahmaputra River.

And don’t forget the rural areas. Most Indians still live in villages. It’s really worthwhile to meander through the quaint villages of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, or Uttarakhand.

India is not an easy place to travel. It’s not a relaxing vacation destination. It is, though, an experience — often a life-changing experience. Start by doing research, read books about India , watch movies about the country, learn about the cultures and various destinations, and get ready for a transformative travel experience.

Like many before you — from The Beatles to Steve Jobs to Elizabeth Gilbert — you may just fall in love with the place. As writer Rumer Godden said, “Once you have felt the dust of India, you will never be free of it.”

Mariellen Ward fell in love with India, with travel, and with travel blogging on her first trip to the country in 2005. She has spent more than seven years of the last 18 in India, and now lives there. Though Canadian by birth, Mariellen considers India to be her “soul culture.” With her travel blog, Breathedreamgo , she tries to encourage and help other female travelers to go after their dreams. And her custom tour company, India for Beginners , is dedicated to helping women travel safely and well in India.

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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22 things you need to know before visiting India

Dec 15, 2023 • 14 min read

India is a feast for the senses and we've got everything you need to know before you visit © Andrii Lutsyk / Ascent Xmedia / Getty Images

India is a place that overwhelms your senses in the best possible way – nowhere else delivers quite the same barrage of sights, sounds and sensations as this continent-sized country at the heart of Asia.

It would take a lifetime to see all of India , let alone understand every nuance and facet of this nation of 1.4 billion inhabitants. But with a little preparation, you can learn to navigate the richness of this country, from its snow-capped peaks and velvety beaches to its historic temples and luxuriant palaces.

We've collated the top things you need to know about visiting India, but the journey begins before you leave home. Apply for your Indian visa online for a smooth arrival on the subcontinent. Read on for 22 more insider tips that will help make your vacation unforgettable.

1. Plan your trip around the seasons

India has a reputation for being hot and humid, but with beaches, mountains, hills, coastlines and plains all jammed into a relatively small geographical area, the climate is quite diverse. The southwest monsoon brings rainy weather to most of the country from June to September, but this is the best time of year to visit the high-altitude deserts of Ladakh , although depending on the route you take, you risk encountering landslides and floods.

In the far south, there’s also a milder rainy season from October to December. The ideal weather window for travel is from October to May, though temperatures and humidity climb to agonizing levels from March onwards in the run-up to the monsoon. If you find yourself in India in the spring, head to the Himalayan foothills for milder temperatures and good trekking conditions.

2. Get your jabs before you travel

There is no official requirement for vaccinations to enter India (although yellow fever vaccination is needed if you are traveling from a country where the disease is endemic).

That said, it is important that you contact a health professional at least eight weeks before you travel to ensure your jabs are up to date. Vaccinations for diphtheria and tetanus, hepatitis A and B, polio and typhoid are usually recommended, on top of childhood vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella.

Vaccinations worth considering for longer trips include Japanese B encephalitis, meningitis and rabies. Monkeys, dogs and cats can all carry the rabies parasite, and infection is fatal if untreated.

3. Take malaria precautions

Depending on where in India you are traveling to, you may want to speak to your healthcare provider about taking a course of anti-malarial tablets. For instance, northeastern and eastern parts of India, as well as the city of Mangalore, have a higher malaria risk.

Always take precautions to avoid mosquito bites – this will also help you avoid dengue fever, a viral infection that is transmitted by mosquitoes to humans. Sleeping under a mosquito net, wearing long sleeves and trousers in light colors, and using a repellent and/or a plug-in mosquito killer with a high concentration of DEET (diethyltoluamide) is advisable.

4. Get insured

Travel insurance is essential for India. Depending on where you travel to, you may find public hospitals are poorly equipped. Additionally, most private clinics and hospitals require payment ahead of treatment. Make sure you are covered for emergency evacuation and also for any adventure activities you plan to get involved in.

If you’re unlucky enough to be a victim of crime, contact the local police station or dial 100 or 112, the national emergency number. You’ll need to get the police to file a report (a “FIR" – First Information Report) to make a claim on your travel insurance.

5. Book ahead for busy times and festivals

India can get very busy from November to February, so affordable accommodation is usually swamped in peak season. It’s a good idea to book ahead, either directly with the venues or via booking aggregator sites such as Agoda and MakeMyTrip .

Also, book train tickets in advance where possible , particularly for popular routes. Tickets can be booked (with a fair amount of hassle) via the government booking site IRCTC or more easily through local booking sites such as 12Go or Cleartrip .

6. Plan your comms before you travel

Many things in India (including train bookings or ordering food online) get easier if you have a local SIM card. Bring an unlocked phone from home (or pick one up locally) and get a phone shop to sign you up for a local pay-as-you-go SIM package on arrival. You’ll need to bring passport photos and photocopies of your passport ID pages to complete the application.

7. Check your lunar calendars

While India officially follows the Gregorian calendar, the major festivals for Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Islam and several other religions follow lunar calendars and fall on different dates from year to year. Always check festival dates before you book your trip (bearing in mind these dates are subject to change); the Indian government maintains a useful online list of public holidays .

8. Learn local etiquette

English is the  lingua franca in most metropolitan areas in India, and you’ll get away with polite hellos, goodbyes and thank yous in smaller towns too. However, if you’re traveling in northern India, you can say "namaste" (I bow to you) with your hands together in a prayer-like gesture in front of your chest. Similarly, when meeting Muslims in north India, you can say "salaam alaikum" (peace be with you) – the correct response is "alaikum salaam." Most of the time, it’s the effort that’s welcomed over pronunciation, so don’t be shy!

Shaking hands is a standard business greeting between men, but outside metropolitan regions, men and women rarely shake. Only ever use your right hand. The same rule applies when passing things to people – including money.

If you get invited to someone’s home, bring a small gift (flowers or sweets are always a safe bet) and remove your shoes before entering. It’s polite to eat and drink what you are offered, even if you don’t really fancy it.

9. Dress modestly

Depending on where in India you are, modesty is taken seriously – especially for women. Travelers of any gender will have an easier time if they wear loose-fitting clothing that covers their legs and arms. Swimwear is only appropriate for the beach – although it is not uncommon to see locals swim fully clothed. To fit in, consider investing in a kurta pyjama (a traditional garment resembling a long shirt and loose trousers for men) or a salwar kameez (a long shirt, loose trousers and scarf for women).

10. What to eat and how to eat it

Many religions in India have their own dietary rules. Muslims avoid pork, many Hindus avoid beef, and some Hindus and Buddhists are vegetarian or vegan. Many Jains are vegetarians who avoid some vegetables (most notably onions, garlic and potatoes) and who try to avoid causing harm to all living creatures. These rules mean vegan and vegetarian food is often easy to find in India.

Eating with your hands is the norm in many restaurants, particularly in parts of southern India. Take your cue from other patrons in the restaurant, and remember to eat with your right hand. Mix rice and curry into balls with your fingers and push it into your mouth with your thumb. Some thalis (plate meals consisting of multiple dishes served in tandem) are served not on a plate but on a washed and flash-heated banana leaf.

11. Haggling is not a game of life and death

Haggling for a fair price when buying things – in street stalls and open-air markets – is a way of life in India. Although it can sometimes be a frustrating experience, losing your temper is extremely bad form – if you can’t agree on a price with the vendor that you are both happy with, politely decline and shop somewhere else.

The rules of the game are as follows. The vendor will quote you a price that is more than the item is worth, then you’ll come back with a counter-offer, working up from there until you reach a mutually agreeable figure.

The “walking away” trick may bring a few last-minute adjustments, but before long, you’ll reach a threshold that the vendor won’t go below. Throwing in extra items may bring a discount on the overall cost. Many travelers prefer not to haggle in places where the money goes directly to artisans.

12. Respect etiquette at religious sites

Religion is taken very seriously in India, so it pays to know the rules and expectations for visits to temples, mosques, monasteries, gurdwaras (Sikh shrines), synagogues and churches. Always check if you are allowed to enter – some temples and mosques are closed to people who don’t follow the faith. Mosques may also be closed to visitors during prayers or on Fridays.

If asked to do so, remove your shoes before entering any religious building, and be prepared to cover your head with a scarf or shawl. Generally, always cover your legs and arms (a sarong can be handy as an emergency cover-all). Some temples also ban leather goods, and many religious sites do not allow photography.

Avoid pointing the soles of your feet towards a person or deity – this is considered disrespectful. The same goes for touching any person or effigy on the head. It is conventional to walk around Buddhist and Hindu shrines in a clockwise direction, in a ceremonial circuit known as a parikrama .

Making an offering or leaving a donation is often expected – locals always offer something, but be wary of people waving receipts showing huge donations. Giving something is appropriate, but don’t feel pressured into leaving large sums.

13. Giving alms is common but up to you

The giving of alms has a long history in India, and foreigners can expect to be approached regularly with requests for money. Whether you give or not is a personal choice, but many Indians give on a daily basis, particularly when visiting temples and mosques. Be aware that some requests for money will be scams, and you may be able to do more good by giving your time or cash to charity or aid organizations you’ve taken time to research, rather than handing out cash.

14. Respect local social attitudes

India has complex social rules about respect for elders. Depending on where you are traveling to, older people are often greeted with the honorific “auntie” or “uncle,” and the ending ji may also be added to someone’s name as a sign of respect.

Outside bigger cities, India can be quite conservative when it comes to interactions between unmarried men and women. Also, most parts of India are conservative when it comes to same-sex relationships. Whatever your sexuality, it’s best to avoid public displays of affection.

15. Street harassment is unfortunately common

Although harassment can happen anywhere, parts of India are constantly in the news owing to a lack of women’s safety. Beyond long, unwelcome stares and persistent attempts to start a conversation, more serious assaults are also a risk. Groping is common in crowds (particularly during festivals).

Exercise caution like you would anywhere else, and remain alert. Never get into a taxi or auto rickshaw containing anyone other than the driver, and avoid walking alone in quiet areas, particularly at night. Decline offers of food or drinks from strangers.

If traveling by public transport as a woman, it's best to seek out train carriages and designated seating reserved for women. Wearing a wedding ring (even if not married) and using dark sunglasses and headphones can buy you some privacy on public transport. If you are being hassled, drawing loud attention to the intrusion may encourage others to come to your aid.

16. Keep track of security situations in India

India has seen deadly attacks by separatist and Marxist groups and Kashmiri insurgents. Monitor the local news and be alert for suspicious behavior, particularly around major tourist sites. Always check the security situation before traveling to Srinagar and the Kashmir Valley in case of flare-ups of unrest. Strikes, demonstrations and protests are also best avoided, as violence is a risk. It goes without saying but in the event of trouble, obey local curfews and stay inside – your hotel is probably the safest place to be.

17. Take the altitude seriously when hiking

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a risk when traveling above 2500m (8202ft), which covers most of the Indian Himalayas . AMS can be fatal, so always ascend slowly and take rest days to allow your body to acclimate to significant elevation changes. If you begin to feel ill while hiking in the mountains, stop, and if your symptoms don’t improve, descend immediately.

18. Familiarize yourself with local rules and regulations

India has a few laws and regulations that visitors might be unfamiliar with. For instance, taking photographs of bridges, the periphery of military camps and border crossings – or flying drones over them – is considered a serious security issue.

When traveling by plane internally in India, you may be asked to surrender batteries from devices in your cabin bags. Smoking is banned in most public places, and a few states also have bans on the consumption of beef – killing or injuring a cow in a road accident, even accidentally, can lead to violent reprisals.

To avoid sticky situations, take the time to research where you’re going, and talk to staff at your hotel or hostel or your B&B host for advice on things to be aware of.

19. Steer clear of drugs

India may have a reputation amongst travelers as a place to push boundaries, but its drug laws are strict. Possessing even small amounts of drugs for personal use can lead to a prison sentence.

Some religious groups are permitted to consume marijuana for ceremonial purposes, but that often doesn’t extend to tourists. You can, however, find bhaang – a marijuana mixture made with the leaves (rather than the bud) of the cannabis plant – at government-approved bhaang shops.

20. Avoid the tap water

The tap water in India is not potable. Drinking or brushing your teeth with it can be a fast track to stomach troubles – the most common illness tourists experience in India. Stick to purified or bottled water (or even better, purify your own to avoid contributing to India’s plastic waste mountain).

The water rule extends to ice (be wary of ice in drinks and ice cream) and to uncooked foods, particularly salads and dishes such as coriander chutneys, which may have been washed with contaminated water. When eating fruit, stick to things you can peel or wash thoroughly yourself, and be cautious of freshly prepared juices. Hot drinks are generally fine, so drink your fill of chai (milky tea, often spiced and sweet).

21. Watch local news to keep track of natural disasters

Some geographical areas in India are prone to natural disasters, and the risk is higher in certain seasons. Hilly areas of Himachal Pradesh, for instance, often see flash flooding and landslides during the monsoon. Be alert to signs of natural disasters and keep an eye on the local news so you know which areas to avoid. Follow the Indian Meteorological Department’s website as well as their social media handle for timely updates.

If you are caught up in a natural disaster, follow the advice of emergency workers and try to leave the area quickly.

22. Spot the scams

India has a reputation for scams designed to separate tourists from their money, and touts and confidence tricksters can often be found where tourists gather. Get tourist information and make bookings at official offices, rather than “tourist offices” you have been led to by people offering unsolicited help.

If anyone steers you to a hotel, shop or other establishment without you asking, they may be angling for a commission, which will be added to the price you pay. Be dubious of claims that the place you want to go is “closed” – always check yourself to be sure.

Exercise common sense and be wary of deals that sound too good to be true – for example, the gem scam, where travelers are tricked into buying worthless gems to “sell at a profit back home.”

This article was first published March 2022 and updated December 2023

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Breathedreamgo

The transformational travel guide

India Travel Guide

Table of Contents

Complete India Travel Guide 

INDIA IS ONE OF the world’s most fascinating travel destinations. A billion people, an ancient and unbroken culture, a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, smells … and one of the fastest changing societies on earth. There is nothing like your first India trip, your first visit to India. You find out fast that Incredible India really does accurately describe a place that is unlike anywhere else. All of the best India travel tips on earth can only go so far when you’re hit with the sensory overload and culture shock that comes with tourism to India.

On the other hand, you will never feel so alive, may never make so many travel memories, and may never again have such a life-changing and transformative trip. And it doesn’t matter what India destinations you visit, what tourist attractions or places. Travel in India will hit you between the eyes on your first visit, no matter what. But having said that, with proper research and a bit of hand-holding, you can experience more of the magic of travel to India and less of the madness. And that’s the point of this post, this India travel blog, and my India for Beginners custom tours .

Why am I qualified to write this travel to India guide?

I was drawn to India from an early age. When I finally made the leap and started travelling in India in 2005, I was hooked. I’ve spent more than  six eight nine years altogether travelling the length and breadth of the subcontinent, largely solo, since 2005 and now live in Rishikesh, the Yoga capital of the world  Delhi.(I’m also a very long-time Yoga student.)

I’ve been writing and blogging about India and my travels in India since 2005, researching India travel destinations, attending travel conferences, and getting to know the travel industry (and who the best travel agencies in India are). I have had a lifetime of travel experiences here and I want to share everything I’ve learned with you in this India Travel Guide, through the other posts on this site, and through my partnerships with trusted companies.

I have a B.A. in Journalism from Ryerson University in Toronto, Canada; a Yoga Teacher Training certificate from Yoga Space in Toronto, Canada, a certificate from the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram in Chennai; and I am a TICO certified travel agent in Ontario, Canada. I’ve been the lucky recipient of many awards for travel writing and blogging; in 2019 I won the National Tourism Award for Best Foreign Travel Journalist / Blogger from Incredible India Tourism.

Top questions about travel in India

Where are the best places to visit in india, what are the best destinations and tourist attractions in india, how much time do i need to travel in india, how do i avoid getting sick in india, do i need a visa to visit india, what is the weather like where should i travel by month, how do i travel by train in india, what indian festivals should i attend.

• Is travel in India safe? Can women travel alone in India?

What should women wear while travelling in India?

• What are the best tours to India?

Where should I go to find off-beat places in India?

• What are the best India travel guide books?

COMING SOON:

• Where should I go in Kerala?
• Where should I go in Uttar Pradesh?
• Where should I go in Uttarakhand?
• Where should I go in Madhya Pradesh?
• Where should I go in Karnataka?
• Where should I go in Odisha?

The best places to visit in India are the ones that call you. They may or may not be the most well-known. Many people feel they have to visit the Golden Triangle – Delhi, Agra for the Taj Mahal, and Jaipur – on their first trip to India. But you don’t. India has amazing places all over the country, some of which are not well publicized.

India is called a subcontinent because of the vast range of landscape, geography, and climate. Within the borders of India, you can find the soaring snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, the desert state of Rajasthan , the lush rainforests of South India, the tropical beaches of Goa, Kerala, Karnataka, and other states, and the jungles of central India, where tigers roam. You can travel in India throughout the year, following the seasons and climate, and never get bored. India is also home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites . You could literally travel around the country visiting incredible heritage sites. 

India has some of the most spectacular hotels in the world. Read my guide to the Best hotels in India and how to book them for inspiration and ideas.

There are so many amazing destinations and tourist attractions to choose from, it’s actually hard to know where to begin. A lot of it will depend on your interests. Most people start in the major cities. Make sure you read my extensive Travel Guide to Delhi if you land in the capital to begin your trip. Mumbai is an incredible city to visit, and I also love Varanasi, Amritsar, Rishikesh, Udaipur, and Jaisalmer.

Along with an incredible diversity of landscape and climate, India is also incredibly diverse in terms of culture, so I would recommend getting to several different states. They are literally as different from each other as European countries are. My favourite states are Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Kerala. But of course I also like Goa, Punjab, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Sikkim, and Odisha. The rest I need to get to!

As for tourist attractions and landmarks, believe it or not, there are many monuments that can compete with the Taj Mahal for the wow factor – places like Ellora and Ajanta , Hampi , Mahabalipuram, Khajuraho, the forts and palaces of Rajasthan . There are so many – India has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to antiquity. Just have a look at my Landmarks of India post for a sample.

And of course there are innumerable spiritual places in India to visit. The list would be never-ending, however, you could start with Varanasi, Rishikesh, Pushkar, Dharamsala, and Haridwar. 

The first time I visited to India, I spent six months travelling the length and breadth of the country, and I’m really glad I did. It took me several months just to get my “India legs” and feel confident and comfortable. And it took the entire journey for me to immerse into the culture and begin to get to know it. India is vast, and ancient, and complicated — and every statement you can make about India, you find out eventually the opposite is also true.

Having said that, my advice is to take at least 2-3 weeks, preferably a month or two. You won’t regret it IF you are one of the people who falls madly in love with India. I also recommend that you don’t move around too much. Travel in India is tiring; it really is the ideal destination for slow travel. Pick one or two different regions and sink in. Don’t worry about FOMO (fear of missing out): India is always India. You won’t miss anything.

Many people are concerned about getting sick in India and looking for ways to stay healthy and prevent travelers diarrhea aka Delhi Belly. Check out my top tips and comprehensive guide on How to avoid getting sick in India .

For more tips on staying healthy in India, read:

• How to use the toilet in India and use water instead of toilet paper
• Boost your immune system and stay healthy with Yoga

What should I eat in India?

India is a foodie’s paradise. There is amazing food all across the country, and it differs significantly from region to region. The type of food that westerners know as “Indian food” is most typically Punjabi food — butter chicken, palak paneer, naan, roti, etc. But there are many, many other cuisines in India. The one things they all have in common is flavour! Indians like lots of flavour and use lots of spices. Not every dish is hot ‘n spicy, but most are very flavourful.

Quite often, when visitors develop “traveler’s tummy,” they are not sick, they are just adjusting to food and beverages that are completely new and different. Sometimes traveler’s get the runs, and sometimes constipation (believe it or not). This is normal. Switching to bland food like rice, toast, and bananas for a few days should do the trick.

Here’s some reading on Breathedreamgo about the food in India:

• 20 famous foods of India (with recipes)
• Guide to the famous foods of Delhi
• Unique guide to Mumbai street food

Yes, you need a Visa to travel in India. Click here for for information on obtaining an Indian tourist Visa . 

How much does it cost to travel in India?

It can cost from $20 a day to $2000 and more. Much more. India really does represent the complete spectrum of dirt-cheap hotels, guest houses, and hostels all the way up to some of the most incredible — and expensive — hotels in the world. If you are a backpacker or budget traveller, check out this budget guide to backpacking in India .

Like everything in India, the weather is extreme. And you would be very wise to do some research and plan your trip accordingly. India is a subcontinent, and this means that within the country’s borders you can find a very wide range of landscapes, geographies, and climates — from the soaring, snow-covered Himalayas to the dry deserts of Rajasthan, and from the tropical beaches of Kerala to the jungles of Madhya Pradesh.

But, generally speaking the seasons in India follow like this:

• Winter : Winter in India is from December to February and it’s a pleasant time to be in most parts of the country except the North and the mountains, where it can get very cold and snowy. Be prepared: places like Delhi, Rajasthan, and Rishikesh get COLD in late December and through January. But in tropical South India, winter is perfect.
• Shoulder seasons : October and November and February to April are the best times to be in most of India. It can still be cold in the mountains, and rainy in the Northeast, but otherwise, these are the optimum months to visit India.
• Monsoon : There are two monsoons in India. There’s a monsoon that hits the west coast (Kerala) in early June and travels north — it’s the more well-known one. There’s another monsoon in the fall that hits the east coast, especially West Bengal and the Northeast.
• Summer . Summer in India is hot. May and June are the two hottest months, with the north and the plains searing. They get some relief when the monsoon hits, but then it becomes humid and sticky. I would avoid India May-to-August if possible, except for the mountains and hill stations. Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are the best states to visit in summer — though the Chardham Yatra in Garwhal, Uttarakhand attracts masses of pilgrims and the roads are clogged with traffic. 

Taking the train in India is one of those experiences you really shouldn’t miss. It’s an adventure and it gives you a taste of “the real India,”  away from the tourist centres. There’s a lot you need to know about booking, and about different types of trains and classes. I wrote this detailed guide to Taking the train in India — which also includes travelling by plane, bus, auto, taxi and more. 

Indian festivals tend to be big, rowdy, colourful, and rambunctious. And plentiful. There are festivals every day of the year, though many are regional or religious. I live in India and I constantly hear about festivals I’ve never heard of before! The really big festivals, however, are usually pan-India or state-wide. Some are mostly in North India, like Diwali. And some are mostly in South India, like Pongal. 

Before you book your trip to India there are a couple of festivals you need to know about — as they can affect traffic and travel. Number one is Diwali, which is basically Christmas in India. Everything shuts down for about three days, and it’s hard to move around. The date changes every year, because it’s based on the lunar calendar, so do check. Same with Holi in North India.

Check out my post Top 5 Festivals for foreign visitors to India to read about Diwali, Holi, the Pushkar Camel Fair, Ganesh Chaturthi (Mumbai) and Durga Puja (Kolkata). Also check out:

• What you need to know about Holi
• How (and where) to celebrate Diwali in India
• Complete Guide to Durga Puja in Kolkata

Is India safe? Can women travel alone in India?

The negative media attention India has received in the last six years or so has skewed the perception of travel in India. I understand why women are concerned about travel safety in India, there have been some terrible incidents, and it can be very uncomfortable to be a woman in India.

However, if you are ready, take the right precautions, and use common sense, there is no reason why you can’t travel safely in India — barring the unexpected. Bad things can happen anywhere, so there’s no guarantees. 

I’ve travelled extensively alone in India over the past 13 years, and I have been uncomfortable on many occasions — but I have never really felt unsafe or threatened. I HIGHLY recommend that you read this post: Is India safe? My top 20 tips for women travelling in India . And this one: Female solo travel in India: Girls guide to being rude . 

It’s unfortunate that a travel guide to India must include sections on women’s safety and preferred clothing. But that’s the way it is, we must deal with reality. India is a traditional society in the throes of great change, and it’s very wise to understand this and dress and act accordingly. I HIGHLY recommend that you read this post: What to wear when travelling in India for detailed suggestions. 

What are the best tours in India?

I always recommend that first time visitors to India take a tour. It’s the best way to ease into travel in India, which can be very challenging until you learn the ropes. You can take a small group tour, or a custom tour.

• Custom tours. I offer India for Beginners custom tours to give people a helping hand.
• Small group tours. There are a lot of great small group tour companies, but two of my favourites are G Adventure and Intrepid Travel. You can read more about whether G Adventures or Intrepid Travel tours are right for you here .

What are the best travel guide books?

In India, the main tourism circuit is called the Golden Triangle: Delhi-Agra-Jaipur. The other most popular tourist states for foreigners are Rajasthan, Goa, and Kerala. There are a lot of amazing places to visit in Rajasthan alone! Mumbai, Rishikesh, Dharamsala and Pondicherry also get quite a lot of foreign tourists. The rest of the country — which is a LOT — is basically offbeat. 

Off-beat India tends to have very little in the way of tourism infrastructure in place, so it is for the more adventurous traveller. If you step off the well-travelled path, you will find unspoilt landscapes, friendly and honest people, and a non-stereotypical experience of India that may surprise you. It’s also a good idea to pursue these un-touristy locations if you support the principles of Responsible Tourism, which includes packing reusable water bottles and other zero waste products .

Here are a few ideas for getting off-the-beaten-track in India:

• What life is like in a  Yoga Ashram
• Get off the beaten path in Chhattisgarh
• Bundi: An unpolished gem
• 22 offbeat places to visit in India
• Responsible Tourism Guide to India
• A Himalayan adventure
• Namaste Orchha, India’s Hidden Gem
• The best places to visit in Tamil Nadu .

More reading on Breathedreamgo about travel in India

• How to speak English in India
• Learning basic Hindi for travellers
• Best movies about India
• Top 25 Books about India  

Destinations in India and itineraries

Best places to visit in Mumbai on a 3-day itinerary 

Perfect 3-day Delhi itinerary

Ideal 2-week Kerala itinerary  

Offbeat and local Madhya Pradesh itinerary 

Where should I go in Goa?

The best places to visit in Goa

Where should I go in Rajasthan?

Guide to Rajasthan

The sacred and the profane at the Pushkar Camel Fair

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If you are planning to travel in India, let us help you! We offer itinerary planning, India for Beginners custom tours , and much more to make sure your trip to India is filled with more magic … and less madness. 

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Know before you go: India

Planning a trip to this vast, vibrant nation can be overwhelming, but it’s sure to be an adventure of a lifetime.

There are so many ways to experience India, where diversity abounds in every way. Here are a few highlights to kindle your wanderlust, help you focus your interests, and inspire you to create your dream trip to a land alive with color and remarkable adventures.

CHARTING YOUR TRIP

You can’t take in all India has to offer in one visit. It’s a huge country, a third the size of the United States, yet home to more than 1 billion people. It’s divided into 29 states and is bordered by the Himalaya mountain range to the north, and extends south into the Indian Ocean between the Bay of Bengal on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west.

Experiences: India offers every kind of travel experience imaginable, from active adventures, cultural celebrations, luxury indulgences, journeys by train, yoga retreats, incredible wildlife excursions, and more than two dozen UNESCO World Heritage sites . There are 104 National Parks in India and more than 500 wildlife sanctuaries. Or time your trip to experience one of India’s sacred celebrations and famous festivals, such as Holi (February/March), Ganpati (September), or Diwali (October/November).

Old and New Delhi

India’s bustling capital is one of the oldest cities in the world, and the main spoke of the county’s famous Golden Triangle. Formed by the three most visited cities in the northwest– Delhi , Agra, and Jaipur–the triangle is aptly called “golden” for the collective abundance of cultural and historical treasures. In Agra, tour the magnificent Taj Mahal and the fortified ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri. Visit the mesmerizing Pink City of Jaipur to see architecturally stunning forts and monuments. Shop the amazing Khari Baoli spice markets Old Delhi and tour Delhi’s imposing Mughal Red Fort. As you travel, catch a cricket match and sample regional specialties like soft and sweet petha, a traditional Agra candy made from winter melon.

Romantic Rajasthan

The charming and capital city of the northern state of Rajasthan is Jaipur . It is a crown jewel and now known for its luxurious palaces-turned-hotels with impeccable services to match. Explore Jaipur’s temples, museums, and markets and get a sense of classic India that prospered along the trade route centuries ago. For a more tranquil experience, stay at the lovely Lake Palace in nearby Udaipur.

Bustling Mumbai

There’s plenty to see and do in the thriving hub of Mumbai . Catch a Bollywood movie at one of the old Art Deco theaters. Enjoy the cosmopolitan restaurants and nightlife scene, but take time for afternoon (chai) tea or a special cocktail at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel . Hunt for antiques in the Chor Bazaar. Hop the ferry to Elephanta Island to see one of India’s early Hindu cave temples. For a peaceful time out explore the nearby Ajanta Caves , built into the rock by Buddhist monks centuries ago.

Iconic Kolkata

Rich in history, densely populated, and full of extremes, today’s Kolkata is reinventing itself in the modern era. One must see the public buildings, landmarks, and churches of its Colonial heyday, especially the Victoria Memorial Hall. Try to time your trip to experience Durga Puja, the city’s most spectacular (and creative) festival, held in September and October. Kolkata is the eastern springboard to many other experiences for travelers interested in spiritual and mountain adventures.

Lush Kerala

Water rules in this distinctive state in southwest India, known for its beaches, fishing, and backwater boating. There are many ways to explore Kerala. It’s many islands, lagoons, rivers, and tributaries. Hop a public ferry or motorboat for hire. Rent a houseboat, complete with crew, for multi-day tours. Or paddle through this watery paradise at your own pace. Pamper yourself by staying at an upscale hotel in overlooking Lake Vembanad in Kumarakom.

PARKS & WILDLIFE

India is home to numerous national parks and some of the most important nature reserves on the planet. There are also wild places for adventures on land, air, and sea. To accommodate travelers interested in sustainability, eco-lodges have sprouted up in recent years that offer nature tours and the chance to view tigers, wild elephants, and even the rare Asiatic lion, all in their natural habitats. March through June are generally the best wildlife viewing months. Winter (October – February) is also a good time to visit, when sightings are plentiful and the forests are inviting and beautiful.

A number of the larger National Parks are accessible from India’s major gateways – for example:

From Delhi: Kanha is one of India’s best and largest national parks, and nearby Bandhavgarh National Park offer idlyllic fauna-rich jungles where Royal Bengal Tigers are found and you just might spot an elusive leopard. The bird sanctuary at Keoladeo National Park is home to more than a thousand species of resident and migrating birds. Jim Corbett National Park was India’s first wildlife sanctuary and its first tiger reserve, and is now home to elusive tigers, Himalayan black bears, wild boar, rhesus monkeys, crocodiles, river turtles, and more.

From Rajasthan: Make reservations in advance to visit Ranthambore National Park , a popular tiger reserve in the Aravalli and Vindhya Hills area.

From Kolkata: Don’t miss Sundarbans National Park and Tiger Reserve , a UNESCO World Heritage site and the world’s largest mangrove eco-region. You can tour the islands by boat looking for Bengal tigers that have adjusted to this aquatic landscape by both swimming and eating fish.

The Kanha National Park tiger preserve in Madhya Pradesh is legendary for its fiery red sunsets and boasts a wide array of wildlife, including tigers, jackals, and monkeys.

SPIRITUAL ADVENTURES

Gain a deeper understanding of Buddhism by following the Buddha Trail . Visit sacred sites, such as the Bodh Gaya, and spiritual places such as Upper Dharamsala, the residence of the Dalai Lama located near the Tibetan border. Visit or spend the night at a tea garden, where the backdrop is snow-capped mountains and forests. Explore the spiritual town of Rishikesh , known as the “yoga capital of the world.” As the starting point for the Buddhist Char Dham pilgrimage, it’s an ideal destination to hike, trek, and explore ancient practices on your own or at meditation retreats.

HIMALAYAS AND MORE

The northeastern region splits off geographically and is indeed other-worldly. The eight states that make up this area are all diverse and stunning, offering travelers a range of experiences from extreme to serene.

In the monsoon-enriched region of Meghalaya , explore the verdant hills of East Khasi and canoe down the Brahmaputra River. Trek Sikkim’s lush forest to see Dzongri’s rhododendron forest in May. Ride the narrow-gauge Toy Train to Darjeeling or travel there by car from Shiliguri. Walk along the Chowrasta (mall) to get a sense of Darjeeling’s Victorian era, then to the Planter’s Club, founded in 1868. Watch the sun rise from atop Tiger Hill, with its views of the three tallest mountains on Earth. Treks to many eastern areas are offered, including to Everest that leave from Darjeeling. Daring skiers can heli-ski the Himalayas in Manali (bring your own gear). There's so much to explore in starkly beautiful Ladakh ("land of high mountain passes"), a great spot for trekkers, with routes that take you through medieval monasteries perched on craggy cliffs with sparkling mountain vistas.

ADVENTURES BEYOND

India offers some of the best adventures in the world and many are located in the Himalayas. But you can also head to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal to enjoy their beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and the world’s best snorkeling and Scuba diving.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

There are a number of things you need to know before you travel to India and here are the most important:

Documents: You’ll need a valid passport and a visa obtained before arrival, plus any special permits for visiting restricted areas.

What to Pack: Helpful items to bring include sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent, hand sanitizer, sterilized wet wipes, and antiseptic cream.

Altitude: Those venturing into high-altitude zones need to allow time for acclimatization, drink plenty of bottled water, and avoid overexertion during the first few days.

Technology: Internet cafes abound, and connectivity is generally good, but can be slow in some places.

Phone service: If your cell phone will not work in India, it makes sense to buy or rent a handset and a local SIM card. Check online or with your tour operator for which cell phone service is best for the areas you’ll be visiting. International roaming charges can cause post-vacation sticker shock, so be sure to check your service agreement before leaving home.

ATMs: India has a modern banking system with credit card facilities and ATM in all major cities and most towns. Currency is the Indian rupee.

Getting around: Most cities now have ride share services, but budget permitting, renting a car with a driver is the way to go. For longer distances, the subcontinent is connected by numerous domestic airlines as well as the world’s most extensive and amazing rail network, from budget options to extreme luxury.

Language: Hindi and English are the two main languages you’ll encounter in the cities, but throughout the country, Indians speak more than 20 languages and hundreds of dialects.

When to Go: The sweet spot for visiting most areas is November through March. Traveling in summer (April - July), can be hot. Monsoon season is July – September, except for in the mountains, when prime time to visit is May - October.

For more comprehensive travel planning, visit incredibleindia.org .

About the author: Tahir Shah is a journalist and documentary filmmaker of Afghan-Indian descent. He is the author of 20 books, has produced documentaries for National Geographic Channel and is a frequent contributor to National Geographic Travel. Follow his journeys on Twitter .

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How to Prepare for your First Trip to India | india Travel Blog

This India travel blog is a guide to first time India for travellers – if it’s your first time visiting India and you’re not sure where to start, here’s some of what you can expect and how best to prepare for your trip to India! 

This post contains compensated affiliate links. You can read our full disclosure here .

First Trip in India Travel Blog: A Complete Guide to Travel in India

I’d dreamed of travelling to India all my life.

I’d wake up from fitful sleep on flights to Asia whilst flying over the subcontinent.  Not once, or twice—but every single time.

In 2015, back when I was on sabbatical from my corporate job in tourism (and pre-blogging days), the only country I knew I absolutely had to go to was India.  It took me months after my first trip to India to write about it – not for want of enthusiasm – but for the daunting task of trying to put my first trip to India into words.

The sub-continent to me stood for a land of energy, mystery, spirituality, colour and love.  I fantasised about riding around on trains and smelling the heat and energy of the place.  Of seeing elephants and tigers, colourful saris, prayer ceremonies on the banks of the ganges, chaotic streets blocked by slow moving cows and so much more.

But beyond that, Incredible India has just always held an inexplicable draw for me.   It has tugged at my heart strings . And I know I’m not the only one.

Six years on from that first time visit to India – and many subsequent solo trips to India, this is what I’ve learned. Over the last 6 years I’ve spent over 18 months travelling and staying in India. India has even become a part of me – and I’ve come to learn a little of what to expect travelling India and how to prepare for travel in India – whether it’s for the first or tenth time.

So grab a cup of something hot and keep reading to find out what you need to know to plan the trip to India you’ve always dreamed of.

India Travel Update 2022

After almost 2 years of closed borders to International tourism, India officially removed all travel restrictions and quarantine requirements for inbound travellers to India in March 2022. Regular scheduled international flights have now resumed, and tourist visas are being issued.

Prior to travelling to India, passengers are required to fill in a form via the Air Suvidha portal (check the latest instructions with your airline) in addition to any requirements put in place by your carrier. Travellers are advised to self-monitor their health on arrival in India for 14 days.

Since travel rules are subject to change, do (continue to) check with official sources for updates on Covid-19 travel protocols, such as your government’s travel advisory.

For how to plan a trip to India in the current time, find all my planning resources for India here .

First Time India: What to Expect.

The Average travel advice for India is full of cliches such as “expect the unexpected”, or even “prepare to lose yourself”. Unhelpful as they might sound, there’s a reason for these cliches. Over my journeys to India I’ve come to realise that life somehow seems much “larger” there – there’s the chaos, the bustle, the beauty, but also the sheer number of people somehow ensure, that whatever your opinions on what to expect from your first trip to India, you’ll never be quite right.

So here are my own versions of the cliches, based on this traveller’s experiences:

Boarding my flight from Bangkok to Delhi, I posted on my Facebook page “Ready for India… I think” one of my friends wrote back “You are never ready for India. But the good thing is, India is always ready for you!” .

I can’t think of anything more true.  Nothing prepares you for the reality of India .  It really is like no other place on earth.

READ MORE: How to Cope with Culture Shock in India

Leave your expectations on the plane . It’s one thing to read about India in books and see pictures.  It’s another to be there. Prime example: the Taj Mahal (a must for any visitor, despite its overburdening popularity ). No matter how many pictures of the Taj Mahal we’ve all seen, there is nothing that prepares you for the actual beauty of the place. Glistening white in the morning sunshine, rising from the misty river banks behind.  Just like the Taj, first time India is an experience best enjoyed without expectations and pre-judgements.

India will teach you patience.  This is one of the few things you can be certain of.  Getting frustrated when things don’t go to plan or you discovered you’ve been ripped off in some transaction does not serve us well.  Understanding up front that ‘staring’ is not considered particularly rude by many, and that you may attract quite a few stares during your trip, will help keep your patience in tact too.  In short—in a country where the lateness of trains is measured not by hours late but by quarter, half or full day late—adapting an open, go with the flow attitude makes travel in India a lot more enjoyable.  Which brings me to my next point…

Psst… Want to avoid Delhi’s “famous” scams? Check out my survival guide to Delhi.

You have not experienced India until you’ve taken a train.  Despite the recent growth in domestic airlines in India, 90% of India’s population travel from place to place by train.  Passenger trains extend for up to half a kilometre long, run distances such as Mumbai to Kolkata (2,000 Kilometres, taking 1.5 days) and Indian Railways is the largest employers in the world.

Trains are relatively comfortable in India (providing they’re on time that is!) and often make the most convenient and interesting option for inter-city journeys. For more comfort go for 2 or 3 tier AC as opposed to the non AC option, and enjoy the opportunity to meet and talk to people—you’ll find that many Indians are happy to have an opportunity to converse in English and are curious to know more about you. Trains can fill up quickly so advance booking is recommended and booking can be a challenge—if you’re tight on time and need to get to specific places on a schedule it is well worth looking into using a travel agent to book trains, as trains do sell out. Trains are also a good option for solo female travellers .

Be prepared for dirt, pollution and poverty. Sadly, India’s population of 1.2 billion + has taken its toll on the country and its not uncommon to see piles of rotting garbage, cows happily eating plastic in the streets, and railway lines strewn with trash. It’s easy to point fingers at the people throwing trash, but the truth is waste (let alone recycling) infrastructure is not at all up to scratch in many parts of India, as well as there being an education problem about what to do with garbage. Don’t let this put you off a visit, but it is something to be prepared for. Do your bit by avoiding single use plastic on your trip to India – tips on how to do that in our responsible travel section below.

Poverty is prevalent in many places and is heartbreaking, and it’s also a complex issue. While wealthy Indians are undoubtedly getting richer and more numerous and the middle class is growing too, there is still a large section of society who do not have access to clean water or even toilets. Many of the rural poor flock to India’s megacities in search of work and opportunity, but they find harsh conditions and often the most vulnerable are recruited into begging rings, criminal gangs, and worse.

In most of India’s towns and cities you’ll see people on the streets in a desperate state, and railway stations are ground zero for professional beggars. Whether you decide to give is up to you, but know that most temples do offer free food to those in need and many involved in begging are addicted to drugs and alcohol.

We recommend supporting charities who aim to help with the various problems. I strongly advise against giving pens, sweets, money or anything else to begging children as it sets a precedent for other visitors, and the gifts they are given are often exchanged for money afterwards, amongst other problems.

Not everyone gets sick in India.   For first time India, I’d just assumed I would get an upset stomach in India, and so was amazed that I managed a month there without incident.  As did many of the other travellers I was with.  My best tip—go vegetarian.  India has such amazing food and a rich variety of dishes and menus catering to vegetarians that going veggie is a breeze. The best place to experience Indian Cuisine to its fullest (and at its most hygienic) is in an Indian home. Filtered water is plentiful, fine to drink and usually available free of charge (take your re-usable water bottle with you to reduce plastic waste). That said, swim in the Ganges at your peril…

You don’t have to go it alone. See our tours section below! India is not always the easiest place for travellers, but there are plenty of alternatives – from meeting up with other travellers in major tourist hubs in India, to joining an organised tour.  

I used Intrepid Travel for my first trip to India and had an amazing experience. G Adventures , who I have also travelled with offer similar trips around India . Our transport and hotels were pre-booked, cutting hassle, and we got to see places that were off the beaten path as well as some of the top attractions in India such as Varanasi.

Or, search multiple tours to India on Tour Radar here!

How to Prepare for Travel to India

Here we need to remember that India is not just a country, it’s a sub-continent! To travel any distance in India and to see more than one area of the country you need  time.  We love to encourage slow travel wherever possible here on Soul Travel and in this India travel blog, and in our humble opinion there’s nothing quite like taking a train ride alongside locals, vs taking domestic flights and missing out on the beautiful Indian landscapes. Read on for how to do this!

Almost ready for India? Grab your Lonely Planet Guide to India here . 

Save this post for later on Pinterest!

Planning Your First Trip to India

The seventh largest country in the world, India occupies more than 3 million kilometres of landmass on the globe. That’s a lot of travelling. Assuming most first time visitors to India have 1-3 weeks to travel around, we recommend sticking with one area of the country.

Read all about how to plan your dream trip to India plus download your free planning timeline in this post!

Many first time visitors to India go for the Golden Triangle, which is made up of Agra, Delhi, and Jaipur, plus a bit of Rajasthan added on, time permitting. The reason is simple: Agra is home to the Taj Mahal and is just 3 hours from Delhi, Jaipur is home to stunning Mughal Arhitecture and palaces galore, and also within easy reach of Delhi too.

The fact that most travellers do just this, is the reason we suggest  not to just to the Golden Triangle  when visiting India first time. These are India’s most touristed (and to some extent over-touristed) destinations in India, and naturally are where you’ll find the tourist crowds. Because of the high level of (foreign) tourism to these areas, it’s also where you’ll find most hassle: partly from enthusiastic vendors who are used to cash-rich-time-poor tourists who aren’t used to bargaining, and partly from men who hope to catch a glimpse of less-than-well-covered skin. It’s not that I don’t like Delhi, Agra or Jaipur (ok well actually sorry Agra, I really don’t like you) , but in my view they aren’t the best places to kick off your first visit to India with: especially if travelling alone.

Where to Go on Your First Trip to India

This really depends on your preferences and interests, and what you want to experience on your travels to India. India’s North is diverse from the South in many ways – from architecture, to language, to food and landscapes.Those in search of mountains and trekking head north to the peaks of Himachal Pradesh and the Indian Himalayas in Ladakh . Beach lovers head south to Goa and Kerala , and Rajasthan is hard to beat when it comes to princely palaces and sheer impressiveness.  Food and architecture connoisseurs are spoilt for choice as the whole country is awash with tasty thalis and faith-inspiring temples.

Spiritual seekers, yogis and would-be-gurus head to the life-changing cities of Rishikesh and Varanasi . When I planned my first trip to India I knew that I had to see Varanasi: one of the oldest cities in the world. Love it or hate it, there’s no denying that Varanasi is quite unlike any other place on earth. This beautiful video gives something of a flavour:

You can read more about some of the top Pilgrimage sites in India here .

South India (usually taken as meaning Mumbai and below) is seen as having a more relaxed, easy going vibe, less conservative than the north, and so is often taken as a better option for solo female travellers to India. The reality though is a bit more complicated than that. Laid back Buddhist-influenced Ladakh in the far north of India is every bit as safe as Kerala for women, where more conservative areas still exist. While in some ways the differences between North and South India may be blurred the differences in landscape could not be more stark. While the south is home to swaying palms, heavy monsoons and lush, thick green grasses and rice paddies, the north is a sandy bowl, exposed to extreme heat each summer. If you like to get truly off the beaten path then East and North East India may be just the thing for you.

Have you found this guide useful? You can support my work on Soul Travel India by buying me a (virtual!) coffee using the button below. Thanks for your support!

Your India Packing List – Our Recommendations

First things first: Don’t pack too much! 1) You’ll want to leave enough space in your bag to buy all the pretty colourful things…. and 2) Travel in India (especially if you’re doing it independently) involves a lot of moving around, a fair amount of getting in and out of transport – not to mention various modes of transport. You won’t want to be carrying your bathroom cabinet around. If in doubt? Leave it at home!

Packing for India

The most important thing: Travel Insurance . Don’t leave home without it! Get a quote with World Nomads (who I use) here . 

Clothing for Women – sorry guys, you can pretty much wear what you want – see more on the what to wear section below.

• Loose fitting, sleeved shirts or tunics – We love these ones for women .  Avoid solid white as the dust will spoil it easily – patterns disguise dirt better! Cotton or linen shirts/t-shirts are fine.
• 2-3 Light Scarves – useful for draping over your head / chest – go as colourful as you like! And don’t take too many as you’re sure to buy some there
• Loose fitting linen/cotton pants for women
• Closed slip on/off shoes similar to VANS / TOMS (that you don’t mind getting dirty!) are ideal as you’ll likely want to protect your feet while travelling & walking around cities, and a pair of flip-flips for hanging out in, too. If you’re planning on trekking, bring good trekking shoes.
• Ladies – Tampons are available in the big cities, but not beyond and are expensive. It’s better to avoid use of sanitary napkins due to inadequate waste disposal and the plastic waste they create. We recommend using non-polluting protection such as a menstrual cup , washable pads , or period underwear .
• Try to bring plastic-free, organic/chemical free soap and shampoo bars , as often waste goes straight into the water.

READ MORE: WHAT TO WEAR IN INDIA FOR TRAVELLERS

Electronics

• India’s power sockets are a fun mix – and are mostly 3 round pin (however you may find some type C (European 2 round pin) and British style 3 square pin. So a multi way travel adaptor (or 3) is a must. Or look for type D adaptors .
• Make sure to bring a power bank for long bus, launch and train journeys

Staying Healthy in India

• First off – not everyone gets sick in India!
• A first aid kit is highly recommended for India – bring disinfectant liquid, cream, plasters, broad spectrum antibiotics, mosquito repellant, sunscreen and meds for stomach upsets. In case you do need medical help, the major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bangalore have world-class medical facilities.
• Travel Insurance! A must for India – don’t leave home without it. I use World Nomads and recommend them. Read my full guide to travel insurance for India here !
• Water filtration / purification equipment & water bottle as tap water is not safe to drink in India (but commonly available filtered (RO) water is fine – I have drunk it for many months) – Check out my Steripen and favourite water bottle for travel in India here .

What to Wear for Travel in India

This is much more for the ladies – lads get off lightly and in general men will not have to make many adjustments to normal clothing.

Bear in mind that it can get cold in the North of India – the whole of India is not always hot! In Delhi and the North temperatures regularly get down into single figures, and a coat might even be necessary – it gets cold at night or out of the sun. The south of India is generally warm-hot and humid the year round.

Many people prefer to stick with closed shoes for travel around cities in India – as streets are not that clean. After some time though, you may decide that constantly tying and un-tying shoes to enter houses and temples is a pain and revert to your sandals/flip flops. Forget any idea of high heels unless you’re going to be mingling with the who’s who in the big cities 😉 .

Read my full India Packing List here ! 

What to Wear in India for Male Travellers

You’ll see the vast majority of Indian men in t-shirt and jeans, shirt and jeans, or work-shirt and smart trousers. That’s about the variation. Kurta Pyjama / Salwaar Kameez is all but reserved for formal occasions or worn in some rural societies, and is not needed for visitors. Shorts are becoming more common in India but long trousers are still the norm. Avoid walking around top-less and you won’t offend anybody!

What to Wear in India for Female Travellers

As a female traveller, covering up makes a huge difference to how you may be approached: in general always cover your shoulders and knees. You don’t need to wear Indian dress unless you want to, in which case buying a few beautiful Kurtas (tunic tops) may prove hard to resist!

A few do’s and don’ts for what to wear in India for women:

• Take a light cotton scarf or two – these are really useful to drape across your chest/shoulders or your head if you’re getting unwanted attention! I’ve used scarves to hide myself on buses and places where I wanted to be inconspicuous! You’ll find plenty of beautiful of scarves to buy though so don’t take too many.. 😉
• Wear light weight, long trousers – showing “leg” is not really the done thing in India (unless you’re on the beach in Goa or in a trendy Mumbai nightclub that is).
• Cover your shoulders – as above, 90% of ladies cover their shoulders. Cleavage or any hint of chest is a no-no.
• In general, in the cosmopolitan areas of Mumbai and Bangalore you can be more relaxed (the same does not apply for Delhi), and the more rural and remote you go the more conservative you need to be with your dress. If going off the beaten track local clothing is great to fit in!
• The above applies for all women but the more obviously “un-Indian” you look (think blonde hair) the more you’ll need to make an effort, sadly – as eyes will already by naturally curious.

Safe travel for women in India is a topic of its own right, but i’ve found a couple of things particularly helpful: getting a mobile phone with a local number has been great for checking my location and avoiding “detours” in rickshaws from enterprising drivers. A book is a great decoy for avoiding eye contact from would-be-romeo’s. It’s worth noting that meaningless chit chat with strange men is not the norm in Indian society, and engaging in conversations with young strangers can be taken as a sign of “interest”.

READ MORE: The Best Places in India for Solo Female Travellers

Local Transport: How to Get Around in India.

Domestic Flights.  Given the size of India, it’s perhaps no surprise that India’s domestic flight network is booming and becoming increasingly popular. We’re not fans of flying and frankly think that any other means of transport is more interesting (as well as being more carbon friendly), but we also recognise that there are times when one needs to fly.

Of the domestic operators, Jet Airways was our favourite but alas went into liquidation.  Indigo is no-frills but usually efficient, and Vistara (owned by Taj) has great service. These are two of our favourites;  on the other hand we usually try to avoid Air India who have a habit of getting delayed…

Note that it is possible to get to most places by train instead of flying – you just need time. There are popular routes that many choose to fly on – such as Mumbai to Goa – where the train ride only takes 8 hours and takes you through beautiful, lush scenery.

If you plan to fly in India be aware that the baggage limit is often 15kg (so less than international flights) and remember to bring the debit/credit card you used to make the flight booking with you to check in as airlines will ask to see it. 

Trains.  Indian Railways is a huge part of the infrastructure of India (as well as the third largest employer in the world) and to travel to India without taking a train is to miss India completely. Booking tickets can be a time-consuming process / require a little patience so if you’re in a hurry and want to book your tickets from abroad, we suggest using a travel agent.

For all you need to know about train travel in India, read this post . Some of our favourite journeys to date have been: Mumbai – Pune (get the early morning train for full effect of sun rising over the mountains); Delhi – Kolkata and the Rajdhani (express trains); Kochin – Goa and Ajmer – Udaipur in Rajasthan. Read my best Indian train journeys guide here .

Buses.  Buses and even pick-ups and mini-vans form a key part of local transport infrastructure and are the best option for getting to and from smaller towns that don’t have railway access. These are a mix between state-run buses and private buses. Depending on the state you are in, you can search for that state’s “State Road Transport” or buses: For example “Kerala State Road Transport Corporation” runs in Kerala, known as the KSRTC will get you bus schedules and information.

There are also plenty of over-night sleeper buses on longer distance routes – these tend to all be AC, and many travellers prefer to opt for Volvo buses which are considered high-end and safer. We prefer travelling by train for overnight journeys as we find it more comfortable, but buses are easier to book than trains and can be a good option if trains are sold out.

Should I Travel Alone to India?

This is an important question, as it determines to some extent the type of experience you will have. Particularly for (solo) female travellers. On my first trip to India, I travelled as part of an Intrepid Travel tour group. I had an amazing time. I got to experience plenty of India (their style of tours include travel on trains and other local transport, eating with local families, and plenty of cultural activities) so I felt that in many ways I got the best of both worlds.

On my subsequent trips to India, however, I’ve travelled without tours or groups, and for significant amounts of time by myself.

So Should you Travel to India Solo for the First Time?

It really depends on you. India is a beautiful country filled with many kind, compassionate and generous people.

On my first solo trip to India I was definitely nervous. I was reassured by the fact that i’d already been to India and so knew a little of what to expect. I’d been warned away from travelling India for the first time solo, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. Unfortunately there’s a huge amount of negative press around solo female travel in India – and an equally large number of naysayers to solo female travel there – which can put a damper on any intrepedista’s plans.

To thrive in India as a solo (especially female) traveller, you need:

• A good level of confidence and guts (or fake it til you make it – what I did!)
• Some experience of travelling in developing countries is helpful
• To have your wits about you – or do as in India and rely on intuition
• To be willing to adapt to local customs – which may mean not going out after dark, putting up with men talking over you, covering up / dressing conservatively – to name but a few things. Even if you do not agree with such customs, measures such as covering up and towing the line are essential in some parts of India.
• To be willing to keep an open mind
• To be willing to deal with stares, many a chat-up line, and possibly the odd grope. It doesn’t mean you have to “put up” with them – you can react as you please! But these things *can* happen and should not ruin your trip.

As a solo or independent traveller you get to run your own schedule, move at your own pace and have plenty of conversations with new friends over chai. Enough said.

With a group or on a tour, you have less freedom but more feeling of security, ready-made friends, and in the case of a tour most of the pain of organising things is done… leaving you to enjoy your holiday.

If you’re not sure where to head as a solo female traveller in India, we recommend starting in South India (which is more relaxed) and working your way north.

READ NOW: A Complete Guide to Solo Female Travel in India

Recommended India Tour Itineraries

If you’d prefer to experience India with some travel companions, and/or have some of the organising work done for you, a group tour of India is a great option. Group tours in India are generally good value for money, provide a good level of comfort (depending on the trip), and are a great introduction to India travel. Choosing the best India tour itinerary for you depends on your budget, how much time you have, and your preferred travel style.

We have travelled with G Adventures ourselves, and have heard very positive reviews of their India trips from fellow travellers. Plus we love that they have a whole India by rail category ! #bucketlist.

Here is one of our favourite itineraries of India:

Mysteries of India – Two Weeks, Rajasthan, National Geographic Journeys by G Adventures

For a Great Rajasthan  Experience

This is a classic India tour itinerary that covers quintessential Rajasthan (Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer) plus an opportunity to get off the beaten track and experience local culture in Rajasthani villages too. The trip is run by G Adventures under the National Geographic Journeys label which means upgraded accommodations, authentic local experiences, and guaranteed adventure . I bumped into a group on this trip during my stay at Chandelao Garh homestay and both the group and tour guide were amazing. The trip visits two G Adventures Planeterra not for profit projects and includes meals with local families and overnights at homestays for a more local, responsible experience.

Check dates, rates and more information for this itinerary here !

You can find many more India group tour itineraries here  or read my Guide to the best group tours around India in this post . 

H ave you found this guide useful? You can support my work on Soul Travel India by buying me a (virtual!) coffee using the button below. Thanks for your support!

India Travel FAQ’s

Is travel to india safe.

One of the common questions I get from family, friends, colleagues and even bloggers. To quote my favourite part of the UK Foreign Office (state dept) travel advice section for India:

“Over 940,000 British nationals visited India in 2017. Most visits are trouble-free.”

That said, India is not Bali, it’s not Spain, and it’s definitely not Florida. Unless you’re coming to India on a fully escorted tour (and even then) you need to prepare for travel to India . That means reading up in advance, being organised with your planning if you only have a short time in India, learning a bit about the culture and customs, and being prepared to adapt your expectations and behaviour (including what you wear) accordingly.

If you’re travelling to India as a solo female, we strongly urge you to read this post to determine if solo female travel in India is for you, and how to go about it.

Most Indians are incredibly warm hearted, generous, and will go out of their way to look after guests. I can’t count the number of times I’ve been taken in and looked after by kind hearted locals in India.

India has a bad reputation for travel, but it’s not really deserved. Read our tips, prepare yourself and come and give India a go. India favours those who persevere and keep an open mind!

In our (biased) opinion, the worst thing you’re likely to experience in India is getting ripped off (consider it good practice for your haggling skills) and some unwanted attention for women. Considering the HUGE pluses of travel to India: We say: Go!

Disclaimer: These are just our opinions after many trips to and living in India. If you want something more official, head to your government’s travel advisory. (Yuk – seriously, just do your research and book your flights!)

Do I need a Visa to Visit India?

Probably, yes. Most nationalities do. Check and apply on the official Government of India website here .

E-visas are gradually replacing paper visas, even for longer lengths of validity now. If you want to use an agency, I recommend I VISA, but be careful about using agencies in general as there are many fake websites and scams. Use this link for 5% off .

When is the Best Time to Visit India?

The best time to visit depends on where you plan to go. Winter is overall the best time to visit weather-wise for north/central India. March – May is the best time to visit the hills of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, and May – September is the best time to visit Ladakh in the himalayas. There is some benefit to travelling India during monsoon (July – September) to benefit from fewer crowds and lower prices.

How Much does Travel in India Cost?

At the budget end of the spectrum you can get by in India on around 1500 – 2000 Rupees (20-27 USD) per day if you’re staying in hostels and eating simple street food / thalis. That won’t get you far in the cities though (especially Mumbai and Delhi) where hotel prices are high. Inflation in India is currently at 5% and prices are on the up. Visiting lots of monuments will push your budget.

Mid range can be anything from 2500 – 5000 Rupees per day where you can stay in mid range hotels, pay for private guided tours at monuments and travel in air conditioned train classes or by taxi.

On the Luxury End , the sky is the limit! Luxury hotels go from anything from $100 per night to rooms at the Taj lake palace which are around $900 per night. If you want to live like a king / queen in India, bring deep pockets and all the red carpets shall be rolled out, or board one of India’s fine luxury trains.

Where are the Best Places to Visit in India?

There are many answers to that question, so I’ve put together a list with some ideas month – by – month over here . Some of my favourite places in India include:

– Ladakh (Himalayas) – Kerala – Karnataka – Maharashtra – North East India

Further Resources for Travel in India

This site contains a lot of India travel blogs about different places to explore and things to do in India.

• Safety tips for solo female travellers in India  
• Our Comprehensive guides to beautiful Goa ,  Rajasthan , Kerala , Mumbai and Delhi .
• Everything you ever wanted to know (or didn’t) about train travel in India  
• Have spiritual growth / a spot of yoga in mind? Read more about Rishikesh , India’s yoga capital.
• We use Lonely Planet travel guides and love that they include sustainable suggestions. Get the latest India guides here .
• Check out our complete guide to what to wear in India here .
• Stock up on books to get your Indian Odyssey started. How about Shantaram , Passage to India  or Midnight’s Children ?

“The Indians are the Italians of Asia. It can be said, certainly, with equal justice, that the Italians are the Indians of Europe, but you do understand me, I think. There is so much Italian in the Indians, and so much Indians in the Italians. They are both people of the Madonna – they demand a goddess, even if the religion does not provide one. Every man in both countries is a singer when he is happy, and every woman is a dancer when she walks to the shop at the corner. For them, food is music inside the body, and music is food inside the heart. The Language of India and the language of Italy, they make every man a poet, and make something beautiful from every banalite. They are nations where love – amore, pyaar – makes a cavalier of a Borsalino on a street corner, and makes a princess of a peasant girl, if only for the second that her eyes meet yours.” Gregory David Roberts, Shantaram

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Best Places To Visit In South India If You Have Two Weeks

Adventure Travel , India , Travel | January 7, 2020

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission if you buy anything mentioned here. It doesn't cost you anything extra.

My fiancé and I recently spent two incredible weeks travelling in India’s beautiful South. It was the best adventure we’ve been on together to date so I wanted to share our complete itinerary for two weeks in South India.

We went to some of the top places to visit in South India starting with five nights in Kerala.

Next, we flew from Kerala to Goa and explored both the North and South. We finished our two weeks in India on a high in crazy Mumbai.

Despite doing very little planning, we both felt like we’d packed in a perfect mix of slow and fast paced destinations.

Neither of us would have changed anything about our trip.

We decided to focus our first trip to India on the south of the country mainly because we’d heard that’s where the best food is, I won’t lie.

Happily, the local fare more than lived up to our expectations – and I’m happy to report that not a hint of Delhi Belly occurred (perhaps because Delhi is in the North?)!

We had a loose travel itinerary for our South India tour but no real plans beyond our Globe Travel Centre tour of Kerala.

Planning a trip to India can be overwhelming because the country is so vast and diverse so I hope this guide to some of the best tourist places and holiday destinations in South India is helpful!

The Kerala portion of this itinerary was arranged and paid for by Globe Travel Centre and Xandari Resorts, who kindly hosted us during our time in Kerala.

Where to go in South India in two weeks

Watch my full India travel video on Youtube

Of course, this isn’t an exhaustive guide to South India – we barely scratched the surface of its spicy landscape in the two weeks we had and even two years in South India wouldn’t be enough to call yourself an expert.

But this is our exact, tried-and-tested itinerary which combines a little bit of everything South India is famous for.

I did a lot of research to make sure we spent time in places that allowed us to absorb local culture, kick back on the beach and experience buzzing Indian city life.

A good trip is all about balance for me!

Day 1: Cochin, Kerala

We flew into Cochin International Airport and met our driver and guide from Globe Travel Centre at Arrivals. We were driven directly to Xandari Harbour , which was an excellent base.

Cochin (also known as Kochi) is a great place to start your first trip to India. We felt like it eased us slowly into the whole India experience, if that makes sense!

The port city is the largest city in the state of Kerala and a good place to learn about India’s colonial past.

Interestingly, the caste system in Kerala isn’t as enforced as it is elsewhere in India and education is compulsory for all there.

A local female guide from Globe Travel Centre showed us around the city, starting with the Chinese fishing nets that are still used today in the harbour.

We also visited various religious buildings and did a spot of shopping in Jew Town, which I loved.

One day in Cochin is enough to see its main highlights and it’s definitely worth stopping there if you fly into Cochin to explore Kerala.

Best tours and activities in Cochin

Search for accommodation in cochin, days 2 & 3: kerala’s backwaters.

The main attraction in Kerala for tourists is the backwaters, a network of palm-fringed lagoons and lakes that sprawl inland from Cochin to Quilon.

As part of our Kerala Globe Travel Centre tour, we headed to Lake Vembanad to spend an incredible night onboard one of Xandari Riverscapes ‘ luxurious converted rice barges.

We had the houseboat to ourselves. It had a large bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, plus a roof terrace.

Typically people book a minimum of two nights on the houseboat and enjoy delicious meals cooked onboard by a private chef, while learning about the local area from your guide.

This was an incredible experience and it’s the number one reason people visit Kerala, so you can’t miss it!

Read more about our luxury Kerala cruise

More cruise options on Kerala’s Backwaters

Days 4, 5 & 6: marari, kerala.

When we reluctantly got off the houseboat back in Kottayam we climbed back into the car that had been arranged for us by Globe Travel Centre and were driven the short distance to Xandari Pearl in Mararikulam.

This tranquil luxury beach resort is THE place to relax and unwind. It’s perfect for couples and is super environmentally conscious, which delighted us.

We slept in one of the 27 villas and absolutely loved having our own private plunge pool and an outdoor shower.

The food served at the resort was to die for and for our entire two night stay, it felt like we were walking on air. Pure bliss!

If you’re looking for a laid-back place to stay in Kerala with your partner, I can’t recommend Xandari Pearl enough.

Read my full review of Xandari Pear Resort

Search for accommodation in Marari

Days 7, 8 & 9: calungate, north goa.

As our first week in India drew to a close, we were dropped off back at Cochin airport and that was the end of our fantastic Globe Travel Centre tour of Kerala.

From there, we flew to Goa and got a taxi from the airport to Hotel Goan Heritage in Calungate .

It was perfectly located at the south end of Calungate near quieter Candolim, and a 20 minute walk along the waterfront to rowdier Baga Beach.

We went to North Goa for nightlife, and it certainly delivered!

We spent every night with our feet in the sand, and went to the infamous Titos Lane in Baga Beach for a big night on one occasion.

North Goa is fun but if you don’t have much time to spend in Goa, I’d recommend heading south, which we did next.

Tours and activities in Goa

Search for accommodation in calungate, days 10, 11 & 12: palolem, south goa.

Around three hours from Calungate by taxi, Palolem is a little slice of paradise in South Goa.

It’s an absolute must-visit in Goa and one of the best places to visit in South India if you like picture-perfect beaches.

It’s a popular South India holiday destination among independent travellers but tour companies haven’t really moved in yet, so Palolem has dodged over-tourism and there are no concrete buildings or gaudy hotel developments.

We truly felt like we’d stumbled upon a hidden gem.

We stayed in beach huts at O3 Beach Resort . The entire beach is lined with similar accommodation options. They all serve great food too!

Trying to decide between North or South Goa? I’ve compared the two in a separate blog post.

Search for accommodation in Palolem

Days 13 & 14: mumbai.

We spent 24 hours in Mumbai to end our South India trip on a high.

The flight from Goa to Mumbai, in India’s southwest, was easy and our local friend picked us up at the airport, then kindly showed us around.

One full day in Mumbai should be enough to see the city’s main highlights.

We managed to cram a lot in but traffic can be nuts so it’s best to use a combination of local driver and local trains (outside of peak times to avoid the crowds, of course) to get around.

We weren’t sure if we would enjoy Mumbai and while one full day was enough for me, I’m really glad we decided to end our trip in this heaving city.

Best tours and activities in Mumbai

Search for accommodation in mumbai, useful information for visiting south india.

Travelling to South India

We flew from Manchester to Cochi via Qatar with Qatar Airways. If you’re doing this India itinerary in reverse, you can fly to Mumbai from London direct.

My best money-saving tip for flights is to search for your preferred dates on Skyscanner and compare prices and flight durations on different airlines.

Make sure you apply for a visa online more than 72 hours before check-in opens for your flight! This is the official Indian e-visa website (don’t get caught out with scams).

Be warned that it’s a lengthy process so you’ll need to set aside around 45 minutes to complete your application.

Anyone who watches my Instagram Story will have seen the trouble we had with visas thanks to Tom’s lax attitude to travel plans…

How to get around South India

We didn’t have a super strict budget so we skipped the long train and bus journeys in favour of flights between Kerala and Goa, and Goa and Mumbai. When you’re short on time, it’s easier this way.

I’d heard a lot about how easy it is to get scammed when it comes to taxis in India but we did our research beforehand or asked a local barman or hotel worker what we should expect to pay. People are helpful!

When getting taxis from airports, we simply looked for the pre-paid taxi desks and paid the fixed price.

We’re eternally grateful for having the help of Globe Travel Centre for Kerala. It was our first trip to India so it was reassuring to have a personal guided tour planned for us.

We were picked up at the airport when we arrived in Cochi, accompanied by a guide for the bits when a local person came in useful, and had the same driver throughout our time in Kerala.

Travel insurance and vaccinations

We were a bit naughty and didn’t get vaccinations, but we have had jabs a few years ago so we hope they protected us. Obviously, you should do as I say and not as I do!

Always check whether you’ll need any vaccinations for South India before you go.

I was worried about malaria but we only visited low-risk areas so there was nothing to be nervous about.

It’s best to stay away from animals like dogs and monkeys in India because of the risk of rabies.

One great thing I learned in Mumbai was that a lot of the dogs on the street have clipped ears to indicate they have been treated for rabies. It made me feel safer because I’m nervous around dogs at the best of times!

Health insurance is essential for India trips. World Nomads have an excellent reputation among travellers. You can use the box below to get a quote.

Useful travel guides for your trip to South India

I was sent the Rough Guide to South India & Kerala for my trip and found it insanely useful for finding essential information about the best places to visit in South India.

There’s so much great information online but this book really filters out all the confusing bits and breaks each destination down into easily digestible chunks.

You can follow me on Facebook ,  Instagram  and  Twitter  from more updates from the UK and beyond. You can also  subscribe to my newsletter  to make sure you never miss a post.

Melis Living says

January 8, 2020 at 8:52 am

I’ve never fancied India but your post totally makes me want to brave it and go! What amazing pictures. It sounds like a totally unique adventure. Melis x

Vansh Tiwari says

January 30, 2020 at 5:18 pm

Hey, I had visited Goa recently and spent most of the time in North Goa side and especially at Mandrem. I hope when you come next time in Goa, you should definitely explore some quaint beaches and off beat places. Dudhsagsr falls is also present there. It was my first time there. I hope you enjoyed in India 😊.

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Plan Your trip

How to explore india in 50 days here’s the perfect itinerary.

India is a diverse country with fascinating places to visit. From bustling cities to serene hill stations, there are many interesting places in India that you can see during your vacation. You could go on an organised all India trip covering as many places in this vast country as possible or take a road trip and travel across the main destinations. The choice is yours!

Regardless of the way you choose how to travel all over India, you will need to plan a strategy that enables you to cover all the most interesting places and not get stuck at one place for too long. Luckily for you, we have some useful tips on how to explore India in 50 Days! If you are making an all India tour plan in the next few months, you’re probably wondering whether you can cover all Indian states in 50 days. After all, that’s not a lot of time to explore this vast country!

But don’t panic. Our ‘Best of India Tour in 50 Days’ itinerary has been made in a way that caters all the requirements in a safe and comfortable manner, specifically for an international tourist, who wants to explore the best of incredible India tourism in about three months. There are actually several great reasons why a trip to India must last for no less than 50 days, and our itinerary includes all those reasons extensively. Let’s know about all the reasons and the brief itinerary of a trip to India in 50 days.

Best Time to Take This Trip: Mid September – October

Here is the Brief Itinerary on Best of India in 50 Days That Cover Almost Whole of India

• Day 1: Arrive New Delhi
• Day 2: New Delhi sightseeing and drive to Dharmshala
• Day 3: Arrive Dharamshala and sight seeing
• Day 4: Early morning drive to Amritsar and visit Jalianwala Bagh
• Day 5: Morning visit Golden Temple and Drive to Srinagar

Day 6: Srinagar

Day 7: Drive to Leh via Kargil

• Day 8: Leh (visit monasteries)
• Day 9: Leh (drive to Pangong Lake)
• Day 10: Flight to New Delhi and drive to Ranthambore afternoon safari and thereafter to Jaipur
• Day 11: Jaipur (sightseeing)
• Day 12: Jaipur to Jaisalmer overnight train
• Day 13: Jaisalmer(sightseeing)
• Day 14: Early morning SAM Dunes and drive to Udaipur
• Day 15: Udaipur (sightseeing)
• Day 16: Early morning drive to Kutch (overnight camp)
• Day 17: Kutch (stay)

Day 18: Kutch to Junagadh

• Day 19: Gir National Park morning safari and then drive to Rajkot to board the train for Mumbai
• Day 20: Mumbai Arrival (Rest Day)
• Day 21: Mumbai to Ajanta – ellora and stay at Aurangabad
• Day 22: Aurangabad to Goa flight
• Day 23: Goa

Day 24: Goa

• Day 25: Goa to Munnar Drive
• Day 26: Munnar (sightseeing)
• Day 27: Munnar to Alleppey (Drive)
• Day 28: Alleppey (backwater tour)
• Day 29: Alleppey to Mahabalipuram Drive

Day 30: Mahabalipuram to Tirupati (stay)

Day 31: Tirupati to Bangalore Drive

Day 32: Bangalore (Rest Day)

Day 33: Bangalore to Hampi via Hospet (stay)

• Day 34: Hospet to Badami and drive to Bangalore

Day 35: Bangalore to Bhubaneshwar flight and thereafter drive to Puri

Day 36: Puri – Konark – Puri

Day 37: Puri – Bhubaneshwar – Board the train for Kolkata

• Day 38: Kolkata (stay)
• Day 39: Kolkata to Shillong flight
• Day 40: Shillong (sightseeing)
• Day 41: Shillong to Gangtok (Drive 12 hours)
• Day 42: Gangtok (local sightseeing)
• Day 43: Gangtok (drive to Nathu La and Changu Lake)

Day 44: Gangtok to NJP and board the train for Varanasi

• Day 45: Varanasi (sightseeing)
• Day 46: Varanasi to Khajuraho (Drive) and sightseeing

Day 47: Khajuraho sightseeing and thereafter drive to Agra

• Day 48: Agra (sightseeing)

Day 49: Agra to New Delhi Drive

Day 50: New Delhi (Departure – Evening)

Also Check Out

• Popular Heritage Tours in India
• Top Wildlife Tours in India
• Best Religious Tour Packages in India
• Popular Trekking & Hiking Tours in India
• Best Hill Stations & Nature Sightseeing Tours
• Best Beach Holidays in India

Here is the detailed itinerary of travelling in India in 50 days that starts from New Delhi and ends.

Day 1: Arrive in New Delhi

After you reach the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, by morning, drive right away to your hotel. There are countless budget to luxury hotels near New Delhi airport and hence even if you have not booked in advance… you can go for current booking. Try out butter chicken with butter Naan and Lassi at lunch if you want to wake up your carnivore nature straight away on day one. But if you want to stick to some veg menu, then go for sahi paneer and butter naan with falooda, one of the popular local beverages of India. Burp! And then you head for Akshardham Temple, which is the largest Hindu temple in the world that displays millennia of traditional Hindu and Indian culture, spirituality, and architecture. Stay back at Akshardham to experience the musical fountain show and thereafter drive back to your hotel. If you are not looking for a posh wine and dine… then go for Murgh Musallam and have some chapatti. Burp! Goodnight.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: New Delhi sightseeing and Then Drive to Dharamshala

After chai (tea) and breakfast (go for puri and sabzi… Ah! Just one tasty Indian brunch wheel to Old Delhi and step inside the Jama Masjid, which is the principal mosque of Old Delhi and the largest mosque in India. It was built in the year 1656 AD by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Thereafter experience the clamour of Chandni Chowk, the old marketplace of Shah Jahanabad now a picturesque bazaar. If you are done exploring the traditional colours of Old Delhi, take a rickshaw to Red Fort , which is another red sandstone architecture built in the year 1648 by Shah Jahan. Don’t miss out on a lunch at Karim’s if you are a hardcore non-veg. If you want to go for veg… then check out some parathas at Parathe Wale Gali.

In New Delhi, visit Raj Ghat , which is a memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It is a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation on 31 January 1948. Further, drive past India Gate, a memorial built in the year 1931 to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in the World War I & Afghan Wars. From India Gate , drive to Humayun’s Tomb, which is a memorial of Mughal Emperor Humayun, built in the year 1562. The complex is a World Heritage Site and the first example of this type of Mughal architecture in India. Also visit Qutub Minar , built in the year 1206 by Qutub-ud-din Aibek. It is the tallest (72m) brick minaret in the world, an important example of Indo-Islamic Architecture. Qutub Minar and its monuments are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It’s time to move out from New Delhi and get ready for a nomadic life in the Indian Himalaya. The overnight drive to Dharmshala starts at 9 around p.m. and hence it’s your choice where and when you are going to have your dinner. I will recommend trying out Tandoor parantha with kali dal at the Murthal Dhaba, which is one of the famous highways dhabas of Indiaand located on National Highway 1 close to Karnal.

Overnight drive to Dharamshala.

Day 3: Arrive at Dharamshala and go on a sightseeing spree

Welcome to the abode of the Dalai Lama. At around 8 in the morning, you will be arriving at Dharmshala and thereafter proceed to your hotel. Dharamshala has everything for a perfect holiday. It is full of life and yet peaceful. Covering a wide area in the form of twin settlement, Lower Dharmsala (1,380m) is a busy commercial centre. Upper Dharmsala (1,830m) which includes the suburbs of Mcleodganj and Forsytheganj retains a British flavour and colonial lifestyle.

In the morning visit the Namgyal Monastery; an atmosphere of tranquility and solace surrounds it making it the perfect place for a rejuvenating sojourn in the hills. Apart from the gorgeous vistas and the prevailing serenity, Mcleodganj is frequently visited by those interested in learning Tibetan Buddhism, culture and crafts; it is also an ideal destination to pack your bags with exquisite Tibetan handicrafts, Tibetan carpets, garments and other trinkets.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 4: Drive to Amritsar and visit Jalianwala Bagh – 5 hours drive

After checking into the hotel, in the afternoon visit Jallianwala Bagh, which is the spot of the black incident where 379 people were ruthlessly killed and about 1,200 injured when General Dyer’s troops opened fire on a crowd of protesters during the British Raj in India. The Martyrs’ Gallery is a poignant reminder of this heinous crime during the British Raj.

Later transfer to the hotel (overnight stay)

Day 5: In the Morning Visit the Golden Temple and Drive to Srinagar

In the morning go on a sightseeing tour of the city and visit the Golden Temple or Darbar Sahib, the most sacred temple for Sikhs. It is a symbol of the magnificence and strength of the Sikh people all over the world. The evolution of Darbar Sahib is entwined in the history and ideology of Sikhism. The building architecture includes symbols associated with other places of worship.

After dinner the journey (drive) to Srinagar commences approximately at 11.

Upon arrival pickup & transfer to a houseboat.

Srinagar is famous for its lakes and houseboats. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits.

In the afternoon you can explore the Dal Lake and its waterways as well as visit the floating vegetable market in a traditional Shikara boat. This unique kind of market can be only witnessed in Thailand and Kashmir.

Later in the evening visit the handicraft & handloom centres famous for the production of Pashmina – Shahtoosh shawls, and exquisite carpets.

Overnight stay at a houseboat.

Today… it’s going to be a hectic day as the drive from Srinagar to Leh via Kargil takes approximately 12 hours, snaking through mountains and whizzing through the undulated platform. The drive starts early in the morning so that you can arrive in Leh, which is at an elevation of 3,500 meters, by sunset. The scenic drive on the Srinagar – Leh highway passes through the popular town of Dras, which is at an altitude of 3,280 meters, followed by Kargil at 2,676 meters.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Leh.

In the morning, after breakfast, enjoy a full day tour of the monasteries around Leh where you will be visiting the Shankar, Spituk & Phyang monasteries. Later in the afternoon walk around Leh town and thereafter visit the Leh Market, Leh Palace ruins, Leh Gompa & Shanti Stupa.

Overnight at hotel

In the morning proceed to Pangong Lake, a long narrow basin of inland drainage, hardly 6-7 km at its widest point and over 135 km long. About a third of the lake is under Indian occupation and the rest under China. The Chinese border is just beyond the mountains across the lake. Spangmik, 7 km along the southern shore from the head of the lake is the farthest point up to which foreigners are permitted.

Overnight Camp – Near Pangong Lake

Day 10: Fly to New Delhi and drive to Ranthambore for an afternoon safari and then to Jaipur

Get ready for another bumpy day as after landing at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, your tour continues to Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan , which is approximately 363 kilometers and takes around 4 – 5 hours. Right back from the mountains you are now going to step into the wilderness of the plain.

The afternoon safari at the Ranthambore National Park purr into one of the forest zones where you can expect to spot some of the endangered species like tiger, leopard, nilgai, wild boar, sambar, hyena, sloth bear and chital.

Later drive to Jaipur, which is approximately 150 kilometers away and takes roughly 3 hours.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 11: Jaipur

After breakfast the tour would take you to St. Albert Museum, City Palace , Jantar Mantar (sun Observatory) and Hawa Mahal (Palace Of winds) in Jaipur. In the afternoon enjoy a ride up the steep ramparts of Hill Fort Palace of Amber on festively decorated elephants. Later after lunch discover the beauty of the well-preserved Amber Fort built in the 16th century with a rare fusion of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Later also visit the City Palace, a perfect blend of Rajasthani & Mughal architecture. The center of the palace is a seven-storied building called Chandra Palace, with fine views over the gardens & the city.

Overnight stay at the hotel

Day 12: Jaipur to Jaisalmer Overnight Train Travel

Today after early breakfast you will be driving to one of the most untouched and unexplored forts of India, the Nahargarh Fort, which stands at the top of rugged point of the Aravalis and offers a spectacular view of the city. Keeping this fact in mind, the fort was made to serve as a means of supporting the security of Amer. The term “Nahargarh” refers to “the Abode of Tigers”, so it is also known as the Tiger Fort.

Later, after lunch, you will be boarding the train for Jaisalmer.

Overnight journey in a train.

Day 13: Jaisalmer

You now step on a 12th century complex, the Golden Fort, which stands a hundred meters and overlooks Jaisalmer town. The fort offers 99 bastions and is a splendid sight in the afternoon sun. One can enter the fort is through a series of massive forbidding gates leading to a large courtyard. Visit the Patwon ki Haveli, one of the largest and most elaborate mansion houses which is five storied high and extensively carved. Located nearby is a group of Jain temples built in the 15th century, which are beautifully carved and have a library hosting some of the oldest manuscripts of India.

Day 14: Drive to the SAM Dunes and then to Udaipur

Your day once again starts early in the morning as you will be driving to the SAM Dunes… 45 kilometers from Jaisalmer town. On your way, the drive passes through one of the ancient villages, which is now in ruins, the Kuldhara village. The village dates back to the 17th century and is mostly in ruins except a dome shaped turret and a temple that is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Your drive continues to the SAM Dunes.

Experience a moment of placidity blend with intimacy on the shifting aureate dunes of Thar Desert, Rajasthan. Feel the royal charm and live the imperial moments boast with virtuous stature. ‘A bursting holiday amidst the Shifting Dunes’ is thus a newfangled journey to experience your holiday in India.

Later in the day proceed to Udaipur .

Overnight drive to Udaipur.

Day 15: Udaipur

After breakfast the tour takes you to the 17th Century built — City Palace complex, standing on a rocky promontory with eleven constituent mahals (palaces), balconies, towers and cupolas. Walk across to the Crystal Gallery located nearby; it has personal collection from H.H. of Udaipur.

Day 16: Drive to Little Rann of Kutch

In the morning visit some of the local sightseeing places in Udaipur and after lunch after a brief rest you will be driving to Kutch , approximately 12 hours drive, which is yet another overnight journey. The drive, which follows the Bhuj – Bhachau Highway and Gujarat State Highway 45, passes through towns like Palanpur, Radhanpur, Palasava and Bhuj.

Overnight drive…

Day 17: Kutch

Little Rann of Kutch is a salt marsh located near Great Rann of Kutch. Here you can encounter the Indian Wild Ass. After arriving… you will be transferred to your tent and later on the tour proceeds to explore one of the unique places on earth with an unending possibility of discovery, numerous sites for unbelievable sights and unforgettable experiences.

Overnight stay at a Camp/Tent

After breakfast the day proceeds to Junagadh , the gateway to Gir National Park, which is approximately 410 kilometers away and takes roughly 8 – 9 hours.

Day at rest and overnight at the hotel

Day 19: Visit Gir National Park for a morning safari and then drive to Rajkot to board the train for Mumbai

Today you will spend the morning exploring the forest of Gir in an open jeep. The abode of the Asiatic Lions, this park is also a home to Indian Leopards, Sloth bears, Indian Cobras, Jungle cats, Striped Hyenas, Golden Jackals, Indian Mongoose, Indian Palm Civets, and Ratels. Desert cats and Rusty-spotted cats exist but are rarely seen.

After your morning safari at the Gir National Park the journey heads to Rajkot, which is 4 hours of drive, to board the train for Mumbai.

Overnight journey in a train…

Day 20: Arrival in Mumbai

Assistance on arrival and transfer to your hotel.

In the afternoon you will enjoy a guided tour of Mumbai , visit the Gateway of India, a colonial structure which was built as a triumphal arch to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. Followed by Assembly Hall, Secretariat and Nariman Point you will be driving along the Marine Drive stretch followed by Kamala Nehru Park, Mahalaxmi Temple and Chowpatthy Beach. Later, the tour proceeds to Taraporwala Aquarium and Jahangir Art Gallery followed by Prince of Wales Museum, Haji Ali, Bandra Worli Sea Link and Nehru Planetarium.

Day 21: Mumbai to Ajanta – Ellora and stay at Aurangabad

After breakfast the tour proceeds to Aurangabad en route Bibi Ka Maqbara, the burial place of Aurangzeb’s wife, Rabia-ud-Durrani alias Dilras Banu Begum. It is an imitation of the Taj at Agra and due to its similar design, it is popularly known as the Mini Taj of the Deccan. Further… the drive to Ajanta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a couple of hours distance from Aurangabad, takes you to the 2 – 7 century BC that hosts about 30 rock cut Buddhist cave monuments.

Overnight at a hotel in Aurangabad.

The tour proceeds to Hampi, early morning, preferably at dawn, en route to Ajanta & Ellora Caves, ancient Buddhist Pilgrimages and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

En route to Solapur, an hour stop over, the tour proceeds to Hampi. By late evening you will be reaching Hampi and transferred to your hotel.

Day 22: Aurangabad – to – Goa flight

This morning the tour heads to Ellora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is approximately an hour’s drive and boards you to the ancient abode of the Rashtrakuta dynasty of the 7th century. Ellora represents the epitome of Indian rock-cut architecture. The 34 caves are actually structures excavated out of the vertical face of the Charanandri hills. Buddhist, Hindu and Jain rock-cut temples and viharas and mathas were built between the 5th century and 10th century.

Later proceed to Aurgangabad airport to board the flight for Goa via Mumbai/Pune.

Assistance on arrival from Goa airport and thereafter you will be driving to your hotel.

Day at leisure.

Day 23: Goa (Full Day Tour)

In the morning enjoy a city tour and visit old Goa Churches ; Basilica of Boom Jesus, built in the 16th century and dedicated to Infant Jesus is the most popular & famous of all churches in Goa. Sri Mangueas Temple, surrounded by rolling green hills and dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the most important of all temples in Goa and is located at Priol in Ponda Taluka. Dona Paula is a village named after Dona Paula de Menezes, who was the wife of the noble man Antonio de Souto Maior and died as a young woman in 1682. Miramar Beach, an urban beach where the Mandovi River meets the Arabian Sea, is a point that offers the best location to watch enchanting sunsets.

Later you may proceed for a clinking and beating nightlife at Goa and splurge with trance dance and music and dip into the local Kaju Feni.

Enjoy the golden beaches , luxurious casinos & flowing spirits in Goa on your own. At this moment, if you are looking for some private moments with your partner then Baga Beach, known for its peaceful surroundings, is the ultimate destination for you. Just hold her hand firmly and enjoy the raging waves splashing the rocks, thence you will feel how your affair acquaints with the nature.

Arambol beach, which is gaining in popularity, can engage you with various therapies such as yoga, reiki, meditation and chi. It is one of the fresh and unexploited beachs in Goa and a paradise for hippies.

Day 25 & 26: Drive from Goa to Munnar

That’s gonna be another hard day and long drive. So be ready. The drive continues en route Mangalore followed by Kannaur and Kozhikode, where you will be stopping for the night.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Kozhikode.

On the morning of the 26th day start for Munnar , amid at the assemblage of the abundance streams Muthirappuzha, Chanduvarai & Kundala. It is surrounded by agrarian Jungle; it is wet and algid for a lot of the season. During the British aphorism of India, it was developed to breed tea plants. It was a popular abode of the British who were in the apperceive and it is sometimes referred to as the ‘Switzerland of India’ for its accustomed ambience and Old Apple architecture. An account book town, ambagious lanes, biking & anniversary accessories endow Munnar a different experience.

Later adore bounded sightseeing… visiting the tea acreage advance like blooming carpeting over ample area. The rolling hills, the abundance and the amazing backdrop are ideal for biking & continued abundance walks.

Day 27: Munnar to Alleppey

In the morning head to Eravikulam National Park, set up for the canning of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The esplanade has the better accepted citizenry of Tahr absolute in the apple & as well shelters Atlas Moth, Elephants, Sambhars, Gaurs, Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri, Langur, Tiger & Leopard. It exhibits the amazing accustomed brightness of rolling grasslands & alien flowers. Anamudi, the accomplished aiguille south of Himalayas, building over the pride of the sanctuary. (Closed – January & February).

After lunch the tour proceeds to Alleppey

Day 28: Alleppey

In the morning heal your mind, body and soul by cruising on traditional houseboats in the lush green lagoons. Thereafter cut off by reef of sand along the palm-fringed waterways and re-explore the slice of Venice, Alleppey will rouse you with its sensuous grace. Dig into the local life from the very most virtue of Indian ethnic culture capturing the divine beauty down the backwaters skimming water lilies, lush paddy fields, palm grooves and ancient Chinese fishing nets. The beatifying ambience will haunt you just when you stroll down the golden shore lined with palm groves, bygone colonial buildings and amusement parks. The derelict pier is yet another enchanting click for those who are leaned towards history. Allepeye also draws tourists through its Coir Industry and marine products.

Overnight stay in a houseboat.

Day 29: Drive from Alleppey to Mahabalipuram

Later travel to Mahabalipuram, boondocks of temples, bank & sea. It is acclaimed for its admirable Shore Temple & added temples. It was already the basic anchorage & argosy abject of the abounding Pallava commonwealth & was afterwards fabricated the basic of this dynasty.

On accession alteration to your hotel.

In the morning go on a guided tour of Mahabalipuram, and visit the Shore Temple, one of the oldest temples in South India. It belongs to the 7th AD and is an archetype of the aboriginal appearance of the anatomy of temples complete in the Dravidian style.

Later on travel to Tirupati, which is approximately a 4 hours of drive and in the evening visit the Tirupati Temple, one of the richest temples in India and famous pilgrimage sites in India that is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara.

After breakfast the tour continues to Bangalore, which is approximately 6 hours of drive via Chittoor, Mulbagal and Dasarahalli.

Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

After breakfast the day begins with local sightseeing in Bangalore.

In the evening you may go out for shopping and visit the nearby malls and restaurants. Nightlife in Bangalore is an interesting part of your journey and you can step inside some pubs and discs and enjoy rock music along with some light pegs of unique beverages.

Early in the morning proceed to the world’s largest natural museum, Hampi, which was the capital city of the mighty and rich Vijayanagara Empire, which ruled most of South India Peninsula as well as some parts of South East Asia. The ruins of the once impressive palace complex is spread over 26 square km area; the boulder strewn landscape, still bear strong testament of same.

Late in the afternoon, after having lunch, you will head for Vittala temple Complex with musical pillars and an iconic architectural masterpiece of Stone Chariot.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Hospet.

Day 34: Travel from Hospet to Badami and then drive to Bangalore

Today the tour proceeds to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Badami Cave Temples and Pattadakal Temple Complex. In the morning visit Badami and explore the cave sculptures, carved out of sand stone hills in the 6th century; the most imposing being the 18-armed Natraja striking 81 cosmic dance poses. Later on, proceed for an excursion to 8th century built Pattadakal Temple complex, offering unique confluence of Dravidian and Indo-Aryan styles of temple architecture.

Overnight at a hotel in Bangalore.

After breakfast the tour continues to Bangalore Airport where you will be boarding the flight for Bhubaneshwar and later drive to Puri.

In the evening visit the Jagannath Temple, yet another popular pilgrimage site in India, which is dedicated to Lord Jagannatha and is the birth place of the renowned Rath Yatra; you will then be proceeding to Puri beach.

After tea and breakfast, the tour proceeds to yet another UNESCO world heritage site, Konark Sun Temple which is also dubbed as the Black Pagoda that dates back to the 13 century and showcasing Orissan architecture of the Ganga Dynasty. The Konark Sun Temple is one the 7-wonders of India.

Thereafter you will be driving to Puri.

Overnight stay at Puri.

Spend the first half of the day at leisure. Later in the evening head to Bhubaneshwar Railway Station to board the train for Kolkata.

Day 38: Kolkata (Stay)

Expected arrival time approximately 7 am.

After breakfast enjoy the city tour visiting Victoria Memorial Hall, a creative fusion of the British and Mughal architecture, with White Makrana marbles, dedicated to Queen Victoria; the St. Paul’s Cathedral Church, part of the Anglican Communion in the city; the Indian Museum; and in the evening a leisurely walk at Esplanade where you can shop around along the bustling feet and can savor the local cuisines. Just before your day ends, opt for a delicious eatery at Park Street.

Day 39: Kolkata to Shillong via Guwahati – flight

Today you will be boarding the flight to Guwahati. From here you will be escorted to the hotel in Shillong, which is approximately 2-3 hours of journey.

In the evening you can visit the market for traditional arts and handicrafts of the Tribal and North East culture.

Day 40: Shillong

You tour proceeds to local sightseeing. In and around Shillong there are numerous waterfalls: Bishop Falls, Elephant Falls, Spread Eagle Falls, Sweet Falls, Crinoline Falls and Beadon Falls are the best known. Further you will also be wheeled down to Umiam Lake which is one of the most picturesque spots of Meghalaya forming the perfect landscape with ethereal mountains for an exotic tour. The flossy clouds, lush versant and the meandering roads along the broad country side draws in tourists from different parts of world.

By evening you are back in Shillong.

Day 41: Shillong to Gangtok (12 hours drive)

In the morning you will be heading to Cherapunji, the wettest place on earth’s surface, where you will stop spellbound at Nohkalikai Falls, the tallest plunge waterfall in India and the fourth largest waterfall in the world, forming below an unusual green color plunge pool, beholds a breathtaking vista tempting large number of tourists worldwide. Thence steer down to Mowsmai Lighted Cave, hidden behind the green drape, to the dark and dank interior of the hill. It is one of the most stunning caves with natural lime stone in India sub-continent that attracts spelunkers from Europe and other continents. The tour is followed by a mysterious myth and bruiting legend of Dain Thlen Waterfalls that holds a special attraction for tourists.

By evening the tour proceeds downhill to Guwahati and thereafter continues to head for Gangtok.

Overnight drive to Gangtok

Day 42: Gangtok

Gangtok, a fairytale capital in the clouds, balances precariously on the steep mountain slopes, surrounded by lush rice terraces, swifts flowing rivers and distant snow views. It is situated in the lower Himalayas and was a small hamlet until the construction of the Enchey Monastery in 1840 turned it into a pilgrimage centre. It became a major stopover between Tibet and British India at the end of the 19th century. It is also a centre of Tibetan Buddhist culture.

After lunch enjoy city sightseeing visiting Rumtek Monastery, seat of the Gyalwa Karmapa, head of Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, promotes research of the language & traditions of Tibet & contains one of the world’s largest collections of books & rare manuscripts on Mahayana Buddhism. Do-Drul Chorten is one of the most important reliquary stupas in Sikkim.

Day 43: Gangtok

After early tea and breakfast, the tour proceeds to Tsomgo Lake, at an altitude of 3753 mts, one of the world’s high-altitude lakes, renowned for its mystical environs and wild flowers. Thereafter the tour heads up to Nathula Pass, which at an altitude of 4310 mts is one of the highest motorable roads in the world and was the ancient Silk Road that connected Tibet.

Thereafter you drive back to Gangtok by evening.

After breakfast you will drive down to New Jalpaiguri to board your train to Varanasi.

Overnight travel in a train.

Day 45: Varanasi

Assistance on arrival and transfer to your hotel

After tea and breakfast, the tour proceeds for Dhamekh Stupa and Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath followed by lunch at a hotel and later visit the temples at Varanasi and take a boat ride on the Holy River Ganga.

Overnight stay at a hotel

Day 46: Varanasi to Khajuraho (Drive) and Sightseeing

The journey starts early in the morning and heads for the Khajuraho temple complex, built between 950 – 1050 AD by the mighty warrior kings of the Chandela dynasty, a truly inspired burst of creativity. Only 22 temples survive of the 85 that were originally built. Matangeshwara temple is still in worship today, continuing an unbroken 1000-year tradition.

Today evening after dinner, you will be heading for Agra.

Overnight drive to Agra.

Day 48: Agra Sightseeing

In the morning proceed to Agra, en route we visit Fatehpur Sikri, a masterpiece in sandstone with the stunning elegance of its palaces & courts.

On arrival at Agra transfer to your hotel.

Agra was the erstwhile capital of the great Mughals and is known for the Taj Mahal. It has always fascinated Indians and foreigners alike. Most of Agra lies on West bank of river Yamuna, with the Agra Fort and Taj Mahal at its nucleus. The Taj Mahal is quite simply one of mankind’s most remarkable creations.

In the morning enjoy a city tour visiting the Taj Mahal (Closed on Friday), built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Thereafter visit Agra Fort that was built principally as a military establishment by Akbar in 1565. The red sandstone Agra Fort was partially converted into a palace during Shah Jahan’s time. This massive Fort is 2.5 km long and is considered as the predecessor of the Delhi Red Fort.

Thereafter, the tour proceeds back to Delhi, which is approximately 4 – 5 hours of drive via Mathura. Later upon arrival at Delhi you will be escorted to a hotel.

Today you will be boarding your flight and carry away some of the best memories of your life.

Tour ends here!!! Happy Journey!

Other Interesting Blogs to Read

• Golden Triangle India – Complete Travel Guide
• Top 30 Heritage Tourist Attractions to Visit in India
• Top 12 Places to Visit in India for International Travelers
• 12 Best National Parks for Jungle Safari Experience in India

So, this is our expert-made itinerary for an all India trip in 50 Days. It includes all the major tourist places in India, which you should not miss if you want to explore India’s culture and tradition along with its dramatic landscapes. So, if you are an international traveller, and want to plan a 50 Days long vacation trip to India, call us now. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.

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Published: 09 Aug, 2022

About the author

Swairik Das

Brought up from the cultural capital of India, Kolkata, Swairik Das is a passionate traveller who seeks to travel and explore the length and breadth of the country. He is also a dedicated travel writer, blogger and photographer who by heart is also an adventure freak. His focus is mostly into exploring and writing on trekking, jungle safaris and several adventure activities; religion, festival, heritage, people and cuisine.

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My india travel experience {a travel guide}.

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A Look At My Incredible Travel Experience To India

Table of Contents

I’ve been fortunate to have enjoyed family travel as well as solo travel for many years, taking me to various destinations around the 🌎 world. Nothing compares to that of …

🛕 My India Travel Experience. 🛕 Yet, I have never been so inspired and so overwhelmed at the same time, than my Travel Experience To 🐫 India.

My Seven Weeks of Travel Throughout India Was … Incredible!

Below, is a detailed look at my time spent in India with my son, and hopefully will inspire others and especially fellow Baby Boomers and retirees out there, to consider traveling to India.

For those of you who have always thought of traveling to India, but perhaps were just a little unsure about what to expect, hopefully this article will change your mind. I’m going to tell you about the good, and the not so good experiences you can expect when traveling to this; Amazing Country.

My India Travel Experience – The Journey

Arriving in New Delhi – India

My India Travel Experience – Exploring Delhi

✔  Pre- arrange your first nights stay and airport transportation prior to your arrival.

❓ Looking for The Best Deals on Accommodations & More ❓ Along with Airbnb, I often use this very reputable world leading digital travel company and have so, for many years now. For searching and booking accommodations and more it’s called … Booking.com.

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Old and New Delhi

The Pink City Of Jaipur

My India Travel Experience – Forts & Palaces

There’s also; Ranakpur Jain Temple, a 15th Century Temple consisting of three stories of beautiful white marble architecture, surrounded by stunning 🌺 floral gardens. A very peaceful setting and just another beautiful place to explore and escape city life of noise and smog.

As you can see, there’s plenty to see and do in this lakeside resort City. Udaipur is a great place to spend a couple of nights, sit back and relax by the lake. A very welcome relief after visiting some of the larger and very busy cities in India.

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The Beautiful Beaches Of Goa

My India Travel Experience – North & South Goa

It is certainly not for the faint of heart. One must go with an open mind and accept their way of life, traditions and culture as you travel throughout this incredible country.

As a baby boomer adult, I felt completely safe at all times during my travels. Of course, always using common sense and taking the necessary steps to avoid theft and so forth. Especially when traveling on trains and walking in extremely crowded areas.

Would I recommend traveling to India?  Absolutely!

It was, after returning home and catching my breath after a month or so, that I said to others …

“What an Amazing Experience!”

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If you are the type of individual that when traveling, expect everything to be just as if you were at home, then don’t even think about traveling to India. But if you love travel and experiencing new and exciting adventures, then India is sure to please!

It is a country filled with history and intrigue, with unique individualized customs and cultures, that will leave you in awe. I hope to return one day soon, to experience much more of this vast country.

Below, I’ve included a link to a wonderful travel and tourism website, where you can access much more detailed information to help plan your travels to India.

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✨    Did You Know …

“The Very Popular Board Game “Snakes and Ladders” Actually Originated In India.”

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🚂     Helpful India Train Travel Tips – Indian Railways

🛺    New Delhi In 3 Days – Amazing Things To See

📸    A Photo Gallery Of Varanasi, India

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🚂 Experience India By Train At Least Once In Your Travels. 🚂

💵 The Indian Rupee is the official currency of India. 💵

A Blogger Since 2012, Robert has a {Passion for Travel}, having worked in the industry for over 35 years. He enjoys sharing special moments & tips on; Travel, Health & Wellness, Book Reviews and much more!

Hotel Stays {Good Things To Kn...

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The Ultimate Roadtrip Across India: 20 Cities In 30 Days!

Route 1: delhi - amritsar (2) - srinagar (2) - leh (2).

Distance : Delhi to Amritsar (448 km: 7 hours 30 minutes) Amritsar to Srinagar (434 km: 9 hours 30 minutes) Srinagar to Leh ( 418 km: 10 hours)   Duration : 6 days  Major Attractions Amritsar : The Golden Temple , Wagah border , Jallianwala Bagh  Srinagar : Dal Lake , Mughal Gardens , Tulip Garden Leh : Magnetic Hill , Pangong Lake , Thiksey Monastery

Route 2: Leh - Manali   (2) - Agra (1)

Distance : Leh to Manali (473.3 km: 13 hours 41 mins) Manali to Agra (770.8 km: 14 hours 39 mins) Duration : 3 days  Major Attractions : Manali :  Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass Agra : Taj Mahal , Fatehpur Sikri

Route 3: Agra - Jaipur (2) - Ahmedabad (1) - Mumbai (2) - Goa (3)

Distance : Agra to Jaipur (240.4 km: 4 hours 6 mins) Jaipur to Ahmedabad (678.3 km: 11 hours 34 mins) Ahmedabad to Mumbai (523.9 km: 8 hours 50 mins) Mumbai to Goa (591.1 km: 10 hours 49 mins) Duration : 8 days Major Attractions :  Jaipur : Hawa Mahal , Amer Fort , Jantar Mantar Ahmedabad : Swami Narayan mandir, Sabarmati Ashram  Mumbai : Marine Drive, Gateway of India, Juhu Beach Goa : Calangute Beach , Baga Beach , Fort Aguada. 

Route 4: Goa - Alleppey (2) - Kanyakumari (1) - Madurai (1) - Hampi (1)

Distance : Goa to Alleppey (813.2 km: 19 hours 49 mins) Alleppey to Kanyakumari ( 243.7 km: 6 hours 24 mins) Kanyakumari to Madurai (244.5 km: 3 hours 48 min) Madurai to Hampi (785.0 km: 12 hours 55 mins) Duration : 5 days  Major Attractions: Alleppey : Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Backwaters   Kanyakumari : Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiraparappu falls  Madurai : Meenakshi Temple , Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal Hampi : Virupaksha temple, Vithala Temple 

Route 5: Hampi - Puri (1) - Kolkata (2) - Gangtok (2)

Distance : Hampi to Puri (1,333.6 km: 28 hours) Puri to Kolkata (495.2 km: 9 h 21 mins) Kolkata to Gangtok (673.4 km: 17 hours 54 mins) Duration : 5 days  Major Attractions :  Puri : Jagannath Puri temple, Chilka Lake.  Kolkata : Victoria Memorial , Eden Garden, Howrah Bridge  Gangtok : Nathu La Pass, Tsomgo lake 

Route 6: Gangtok - Bodhgaya (1) - Varanasi (2) - Delhi

Distance : Gangtok to Bodhgaya (619.9 km: 16 hours 8 mins) Bodhgaya to Varanasi (251.4 km: 5 hours 57 mins) Varanasi to Delhi (846.8 km: 13 hours 37 mins) Duration : 3 days  Major Attractions:   Bodhgaya : Mahabodhi temple , Buddhist Statue  Varanasi : Kashi Vishwanath temple , Dashashwamedha Ghat 

Travel Tips for the Ultimate Road Trip 

• Before you head for your long road trip make sure of the following. 
• Your car should be well equipped and you need to keep backup tyres for the outskirts. 
• Keep snacks and water to avoid dehydration and starving. 
• Map out your route before you actually start. Keep Google maps handy. 
• Don't step out anywhere and everywhere during the road trip. 
• Carry your license and other documents handy, in case of road checks. 
• Keep your personal entertainment like music in reach. 

Ideal Time to Take the Road Trip 

This post was published by Sony Punjabi

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12 India Travel Stories From The Crazy To The Inspiring

Looking for India travel stories ?

Then you’re in the right place!

The following captivating short travel stories about India range from the crazy to the inspiring, leaving you at times with sweaty palms and others with a warm heart.

But no matter what feelings each powerful story instills in you, one thing is for sure: you’ll be transported to incredible India.

And you may even pick up some travel tips and discover some new experiences along the way!

Keep reading to take a trip to India through storytelling.

Table of Contents

Free Travel Planning Resources

But first, before we enjoy some of the best travel stories about India…

Click here to get my free travel planning printables !

You’ll snag access to 37+ printables, cheat sheets, guides, Google Maps, and even fun travel personality quizzes — all meant to help you plan a meaningful trip that takes you beyond the guidebook.

Grabbed the resources?

Then let’s dive into the short travel stories from India .

Crazy India Travel Stories

1. getting high in varanasi.

I love sharing short travel stories and this is one of my craziest of all times.

And I’ll be sharing it with you through video:

While many stories of India talk about the Taj Mahal and the amazing sites recommended by Lonely Planet , this one is about an experience in Varanasi that was both wild and funny:

Trying bhang lassi — a cannabis-laced yogurt drink — and then attempting to go out for the night.

Before trying it for myself I knew that I’d feel something.

I just didn’t know how intense and crazy that something would be. Spoiler: This night is now one of my wildest adventure travel stories to share with others.

Watch the video to hear about my travel experience in India trying bhang lassi, then continue reading for more India travel stories.

By the way, for my fellow solo travelers, Varanasi is one of the top places for a solo trip near Delhi !

-Jessie Festa of Jessie on a Journey

2. An Eventful Trip To Varanasi

I landed in Varanasi after 24 hours of traveling from Pachmarhi in Madhya Pradesh.

It was the second leg of my trip, and after four days during which I had been attending a conference and taken care of 24/7, I’d finally be visiting India by myself.

The trip had been eventful:

Eight hours on a shuttle bus to cover a distance I had later learned to be just 200 kilometers (~124 miles), with the driver hitting the horn at regular intervals of five seconds or so, followed by a flight to Delhi and another one to Varanasi.

By the time I landed in Varanasi I had a splitting headache. I had arranged for a driver to pick me up and take me to my guesthouse, but after waiting for him for a while and looking around the arrivals terminal, it became clear he would not show up -– so I walked to the taxi stand.

I didn’t understand the value of Indian Rupees at that point, so in order to save what must have been 10 cents I hopped on a taxi that was not air conditioned.

As soon as we pulled out of the airport, it was chaos. Dust, cows, dogs, people, and cars; an India I had yet to get to know. I was terrified and kept wondering why I was doing this to myself.

Moments later, I resolved to book my flight back the minute I got to my room -– whenever that would be.

Indeed, the taxi dropped me off outside the old city and I had to make my way to the guest house. Thankfully, a friend I had met at the conference in Madhya Pradesh gave me his SIM card so I could use Google maps to find my guesthouse.

The moment I walked inside the old city the atmosphere changed.

A Belgian guy outside a bakery invited me in to have breakfast, a huge smile on his face. I even resolved to return the following day, and that’s when I’d meet a few other people traveling solo who’d roam the city with me.

Once I made it to the guest house, the sweet smile of the owner convinced me to postpone buying the flight back after a much-needed nap.

I ended up staying.

Varanasi was the highlight of my trip to India and to date I still wish to go back.

-Claudia from My Adventures Across The World

3. A Bus Ride Into The Himalayas

File this under India travel horror stories , at least the beginning of it.

The time had come for my two-month visa in India to end, when a series of small disasters struck, forcing my carefully laid plans to change.

My love of traveling standby and living in the exhilaration of the moment backfired, and I had to backtrack from the magnificent banks of the Ganges in the holy city of Haridwar, back down to Delhi to try and find a new route out of India.

Arriving into Delhi in the afternoon, I scrambled around to find a bite to eat before sundown. I found a small restaurant near my hostel, but after a few bites of putrid, rotten flavored chicken I had a bad feeling and left, meal unfinished, to try get an early night.

But it was already too late. All it took was a few bites.

The next morning I was up early and headed to the bus stop before sunrise, thankful to have found a last-minute ticket on a long distance bus to Kathmandu.

The dirty, rickety old bus left from a dusty underpass — not a bus stop or station in site. It was full of upright seats with nowhere to recline and rest for the massive 26-hour journey ahead.

I was eight hours into a long windy journey through lush jungle when the food poisoning took hold. Without warning, I began violently vomiting — mostly into a bag I had, but also all over myself and my seat.

Despite this being one of my more embarrassing travel stories , it wasn’t long before most of the other passengers were mad at me because the air conditioning wouldn’t work with the windows up.

But I had nowhere else to be sick; there were no buckets, trash cans, or bags that could hold my relentless evacuation of what felt like everything I’d ever eaten.

There were only two other foreigners on the bus; women who offered me sips of water and medicine.

I was sick, sticky, and drifting in and out of feverish dreams for the next 18 hours until I was able to get to a hospital in Nepal . We passed through magnificent valleys through the Himalayas, I saw fireflies for the first time, we passed picturesque towns and tiger sanctuaries.

Despite being the sickest I’ve ever felt, in the most inconvenient of locations, I was constantly amazed by the beauty of India, and the kindness of the strangers I met along the way.

-Anna from Meander

4. Locked Down Abroad: A COVID Crisis

I had been head-first in a toilet for the past three days and had just mustered up the strength to drag myself to the nearby hospital for a drip when all hell broke loose.

The coronavirus had been on my radar for months now as I traveled across Asia , but when I arrived in India in early March they were still reporting no cases.

Naively, I thought this would be a great time to explore India since many travelers back in the United States and elsewhere were grounded.

Famous, last words.

I went from food-poisoning to panic as the entire country shut down around me.

Hooked up to my IV, I couldn’t exactly just head to the nearest airport. And with only 14 hours to leave the country, the 10-hour drive to Delhi from Udaipur seemed impossible.

The decision to stay was made for me.

For the next month, I was a captive prisoner in my lovely guesthouse. Thankfully, I had splurged on a decent place when I got ill.

The streets of India were silent.

This wasn’t a USA-style lockdown. You couldn’t just leave to get groceries or take-out.

Instead, you were to remain in your home — which was enforced by police wielding wooden batons — aside from the allotted hour every few days when the local market would open.

As all hope began to fade that COVID-19 would have a quick and simple conclusion, I contacted the embassy.

I spent my evenings sitting on our rooftop, recovering, laying in the warm Indian sun, watching some of the most spectacular sunsets I’d ever seen. Udaipur is known for them.

Every evening at 6pm locals all took to their roofs and banged pots, pans, anything they could get their hands on. A sign of solidarity, that we were all in this together.  

When the US finally secured repatriation flights, I had to find a way to get from Udaipur to Delhi. Fortunately, finding a driver was not difficult. Most had been unable to work for the past six weeks.

After talking to countless government officials, the paperwork sent to us was taped to the windshield of our taxi and we set off in the dead of night.

We were stopped 26 times by police barricades enforcing curfew laws. Arguments ensued. But in the end, they finally let us pass to the airport.

India’s infamous 10-lane highways were empty aside from long-eared cows and roaming wild pigs.

My lockdown in India was not the way I wanted to see the country but I’ll always savor those moments spent on my rooftop in India dancing in the rain and watching sunsets amidst the chaos.

-Geena from Beyond the Bucketlist

5. How My iPhone Flashlight Saved My Life

A couple of years ago, my family of six went to India.

One of our destinations was Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, Northern India .

It was a dream of mine to do a tiger safari and Ranthambore is one of the few places left in the world where Bengal tigers roam free.

While there, we glamped in gorgeous tents just outside the park. On our first night, our hosts prepared a beautiful dinner next to a campfire. It was pitch dark beyond the fire.

After dinner, I was tired and decided to walk back alone along dark paths to our tents using my iPhone which barely lit up the path a few feet beyond me.

As I approached my tent, I saw a large lumpy creature outside. I could not see anything else, so I thought it was a cow or one of the deer from the park. I was almost upon it when it startled and bolted away.

I couldn’t see where it went, but it didn’t matter as I was tired and only wanted to go to bed.

As I started to unzip my tent, I felt something behind me. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up as I turned and tried to find what it was.

Sensing movement above me and casting my iPhone flashlight upwards, there, to my horror, was a Bengal Tiger staring down at me.

I screamed for help, but nobody came. Turning back to the tiger with my flashlight I noticed it blinked and looked away.

Then I turned back to the tent and tried desperately to unzip the door, but only managed a bit. I then turned back to the tiger with my flashlight. Back and forth, and back and forth, until I slowly unzipped the tent door.

Each time, I pointed my flashlight at the tiger, it blinked and looked away, but did not move.

Eventually, I realized that I was blinding it each time with my flashlight and knew that I had a chance to survive.

Finally, the tent door was fully open and I jumped inside.

-Nicole from Go Far Grow Close

6. A Night To Remember…Or Forget

One of the scariest, indelible, and craziest travel stories I’ll ever tell has to be this one.

My family was off to one of our dream destinations:

Ladakh, India.

Rather than taking an easy flight from New Delhi to Leh, we decided to take on a road trip that’s counted among the best road trips in India.

YES, THE BEST!

The road journey follows one of the most dangerous — and exciting — highways in the world, Leh Manali Highway.

The twisty 490-kilometer (~305-mile) long highway is all things risky and beautiful, with challenging and unpaved snow-carpeted passes, deep gorges, high altitude plains, and never-ending streams.

The oxygen levels drop drastically as you gain height. That’s another challenge!

We made several pitstops on this road journey to get acclimatized to low oxygen levels.

One of the pitstops was Sarchu. Unfortunately, staying at Sarchu camps was a mistake, though we realized that quite late.

Sarchu is infamous for low oxygen levels, which we didn’t know. Lack of research, I guess.

Unforgiving chilly winds, horribly low-temperature levels, and the oxygen shortage made us feel sick. The situation was quickly becoming one of our worst travel stories .

We were shivering even under three blankets and were gasping for air. The situation worsened and the kids started vomiting due to lack of oxygen. The camp officials were unable to help.

We had no option but to leave the camp. It was 2am by this point and our driver warned us that it would be stupid to drive on treacherous roads in the pitch dark.

But we had no choice but to leave the dreadful situation.

We took a risk and left Sarchu in the middle of the night. It truly felt like the longest night of our lives.

As if that wasn’t enough, our car got punctured near Lachung La Pass   — one of the most perilous passes of all — and there was not a single soul in sight.

By this point, the events of the night were adding up to become one of the scariest travel stories I could ever tell. And if this all wasn’t terrifying enough, my husband then had to hike a few kilometers — when the oxygen levels were already low — to get help.

We finally got help (God Bless that man who fixed our car!) and survived, or rather thrived, the riskiest highway in the world.

Each travel experience, good or bad, becomes a part of you, helps you grow, and redefines the meaning of life.

That night taught me that challenges make life meaningful and worth living.

-Anjali from Travel Melodies

7. A Crazy Border Crossing

After spending three months adventuring all over Northern India , from the high-altitude desert-scape of Spiti Valley to the golden city of Amritsar, my partner and I were ready to move on to another destination on our backpacking adventure; a destination that was so close, we would be heading there on foot.

After hours upon hours of research, we decided to take a chance on India’s closest neighbor and deepest foe; a country that used to be a part of India itself:

On the morning of August 3rd, 2019, after spending the past five days falling in love with the culinary and temple delights of Amritsar, we were finally ready to leave incredible India and cross the Wagah Border that separates the Indian city of Amritsar from the Pakistani city of Lahore. 

Unfortunately, not only did we overestimate what time the border was open until, but we also underestimated how long it would take to reach said border.

In typical Samantha fashion, we ended up leaving our Amritsari guesthouse a bit too late before calling our Uber.

As I tried to put in the destination, I was faced with the glaring realization that Uber wouldn’t allow me to select the Wagah Border as a drop-off point, and the last “pinnable” location would have meant walking over two kilometers (~1.2 miles). 

After we finally got into our driver’s car and tried to explain this, he simply did not understand why we had all of our bags.

While accustomed to tourists visiting the Wagah Border to see the famous daily border closing ceremony, it seemed to be the first time he’d encountered riders looking to actually be left at the border.

After what felt like an eternity of back and forth as I obsessively watched the clock tick closer and closer to 3:30 pm — the time the border officially closed — he relented and we were on our way.

After a whole year researching this infrequently visited country, we were finally on our way to the foodie city of Lahore… 

…but not before a whole lot of stress. 

It quickly became apparent that the border wasn’t as close as we had thought, and my anxiety levels increased tenfold.

As soon as we approached what appeared to finally be the separation between the two lands, I could see hundreds of Indians preparing to attend the infamous ceremony.

Running around seemingly aimlessly as we hopped out of the car, we were finally pointed in the right direction by an army official, who made sure to remind us that there wasn’t much time.

The entire process of stamping out of India and having our bags checked was permeated with stress:

It was 2:57pm and we still had to “cross” the border — and even then we still had to go through Pakistani customs!

With the help of some friendly border agents, we managed to cross the line that used to never exist with mere moments to spare.

Breathing a sigh of relief, we slowed our pace as we handed over our passports to the Pakistani official guarding the gate.

“Welcome to Pakistan,” he said.

And what a welcome it was.

It was almost as if the crazy border crossing was some sort of prequel, as the four months that followed were some of the wildest and most memorable of my entire life.

And the craziest part?

Said months ended with yet another crossing back into India, where instead of learning from our mistakes, we ended up stamping back into the country with even less time to spare!

Perhaps the third time will be the charm?

Only time will tell!

-Samantha from International Detours Travel Blog

8. Being “Tom Hanks” In India – 24 Hours In Delhi Airport

I wasn’t even meant to be in India.

Sitting in the international lounge of Delhi Airport, in the eyes of the Indian police force, I was in India.

But to the team of border agents that had put me there, I was not. I was instead in “no man’s land” unable to leave the airport. I felt like Tom Hanks in the movie Terminal .

Let this be a cautionary tale to all – make sure you have an Indian Visa.

These days Indian Visas are easier to come by thanks to an e-Visa system for most nationalities that can be acquired as little as four days before travel.

But back in 2010, an Indian Visa meant the hassle and slog of visiting a not-so-local embassy and a fair amount of paperwork.

Except — and here’s the rub — I hadn’t even realized I needed one.

I was heading back from a glorious trip from Nepal to the United Kingdom after trekking to Everest Base Camp, high on yak butter, mountain air, and the “taste” of success.

In my mind, I’d hit proverbial gold by getting very cheap flights from Kathmandu to Delhi to Mumbai to London. It meant a three-legged route over most of the routes that flew direct (very expensive) or with one connection in India (still fairly expensive), but I had saved hundreds of my hard-earned English Pounds.

But I hadn’t thought through the following:

Touching down in Delhi meant picking up my bag and then transferring both bag and myself to the Domestic Terminal for a national flight.

That meant stepping foot properly on Indian soil, and that meant having a Visa.

All of which meant I ended up having to cancel my two flights — with no refund due to my incompetence — and spend a huge amount of money on a last-minute flight to re-route directly to London. A flight, moreover, that left in 23 hours time having just missed the daily flight out.

Luckily, Delhi Airport had just been renovated, and it was comfortable. But 24 hours is a long time to kill with no Indian money and just Pringles for company.

The hours blurred as I slipped in and out of sleep. At around the 20-hour mark, Pringles long-gone and bored of trips to the free water faucet, I cracked.

I put my credit card down on a full breakfast buffet despite the extortionate cost I thought I would be lumbered with. It turned out to be $6 USD when I received the bill, chuckling in hindsight, a month later.

But it’s definitely not a mistake I’ll make again.

-Dave from Dave Chant

Inspiring Travel Stories About India

9. Experiencing True Hospitality In Jaipur

It was my first solo female travel trip outside of Europe.

I had always wanted to go to India and therefore decided to go to Rajasthan, India’s most colorful desert state.

As a student, I was limited to my college breaks which happened to be the monsoon season in India. 

I knew the monsoon wasn’t the best time to travel to India, but I was lucky with the weather. There was hardly any rain.

The other perk of traveling off-season was the lack of tourist crowds; however, this also meant that I rarely met other foreign travelers. Being overwhelmed by the culture shock of India, I felt lonely sometimes.

My first three weeks in India were a roller coaster.

As a young white girl, I got a lot of attention and was confronted with my fair share of hassles and scams. There were times I wanted to run away and take the first plane back to my hometown.

At the same time, I was amazed by the beauty and diversity of Rajasthan. After a rough start, I slowly started to fall in love with India. 

It was in Jaipur that I knew I would love India forever. By that time I was dying to meet some fellow travelers to share all the crazy things that I experienced. Therefore I decided to sign up for a full day tour to the palaces and forts that surround the city.  

I started my day hopeful, but when I entered the tour bus it was full of South Indian tourists. Being the only white lady on the bus, there was a lot of staring and giggling. As the tour guide explained the program, most eyes were set on me and I felt really awkward.

Thankfully, things soon changed, and I got to see the kindness of strangers while traveling .

At the first stop, one family asked me to sit with them and they gave me a cup of tea from their thermos.

At the next stop, families shared their homemade lunches with me. All these families made sure I did not feel alone for one minute.

Although we could not communicate with words, hospitality needs no language and the day ended up being a heartwarming experience.

-Ellis from Backpack Adventures

10. Becoming A More Confident Traveler In Varanasi

Before I traveled to India, I was nervous to explore the country and I was unsure of what to expect in a culture so different from my own.

I was raised in the USA and had been living in Denmark for two years, but I knew that India would be a significant culture shock.

My plan was to travel to India on my own and meet a tour group for a 25-day tour heading from north to south. At the urging of a friend, I booked three additional nights on my own in Varanasi after my tour ended.

When I landed in Delhi to begin my group tour my nervousness was at a high. The massive city, the constant car horns, and the erratic driving of my airport transfer welcomed me to India.

That first night I was on my own and I went right to my hotel room. Overwhelmed, I thought that I would be crazy to think I could travel solo in India at the end of the trip. 

As I relaxed, I slowly became acculturated and comfortable in India. I found the beauty in the chaos of the northern cities and by the end of my trip I was ready to fly to Varanasi.

My nervousness evolved into confidence and I felt a sense of achievement as I returned to the north and made my way to Varanasi. I loved exploring so many places in Varanasi — the city is a stunning and magical destination.

I loved getting out on the Ganges River and experiencing the sunrise and sunset ceremonies on top of exploring temples.

It’s hard to believe I started in Delhi, almost afraid to leave my hotel room, and finished in Varanasi, feeling like I could travel anywhere solo.

India really changed my confidence as a person and as a traveler and I can’t wait to go back.

-Derek from Robe Trotting

11. Escaping Life & Loneliness

I was standing at the end of the ridge. Chilly winds were stroking my hair and I was there, admiring the greatness of the mighty Himalayas.

This was my first escape; my first solo trip. I’d come here to mend the pain of losing someone and to find peace.

One hazy morning in Lucknow, I booked a ticket to McLeodganj, a small suburb in Himachal Pradesh.

Nothing was clear for me. I was overwhelmed with doubt, fear, uncertainty, and an ache in the heart; the kind of ache you feel when you know something terrible is about to happen but you can’t do a thing to change it. 

You see, I was just a college kid who knew nothing about buzzwords like “self-discovery,” “finding peace,” or “letting go.” I was on the verge of breaking up with my long-time girlfriend; forced to discover that nothing is permanent in life. My chaotic mind had a hard time processing this truth.

I was stepping out of my home state for the first time, reaching Himachal via Delhi. Overrun by mixed feelings of delight and dilemma, I hopped on the bus from Kashmiri Gate ISBT and reached my destination the next morning after an eight-hour drive. 

But…what was next? What was I supposed to do? Where would I find peace? I’d never been given a guidebook for this.

I wandered the streets of McLeodganj, observed monks near the Dalai Lama Temple, and gazed at the sunset. There was no one to talk to me or to laugh with me.

There I was, alone.

But, this wasn’t a bad thing. Soon, I found myself watching local kids smile, dancing to the rhythm of a stranger’s guitar, and eating whatever I liked.

Solo travel was providing freedom I hadn’t felt in years. I found solitude when I’d expected loneliness.

I returned home with clarity and peace within. A decision that was taken in haste became one of the best I’ve ever made in my life. From then on travel became therapy to me; a solace I always look forward to.

You see, we complicate life too much; overthinking, irrational fears, and doubts.

Our minds become our own enemies. But clarity comes when you let go of control and let go of your mind to wander, to see possibilities, and to realize that the world isn’t so bad at all.

In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

-Vipin from Misfit Wanderers

12. Kindness On The Road In India

This is an inspiring travel story about the kindness of strangers ; an angel helping me out when I stood helpless and penniless in a completely unknown place.

It so happened that I was solo backpacking in the interiors of Tamil Nadu, in South India, and the region was new to me. I didn’t know the local language and most of the time had to manage by sign language.

Once I was traveling in a crowded public bus in rural Tamil Nadu. It was the last leg of my journey and so far I was happy that I could manage it well.

The plan was to reach a place from where a night bus would take me to Chennai and from there I would fly back home. On the bus, a woman with an infant sat next to me. Her child was crying badly and the woman kept adjusting her position to feed him under a shawl.

The sun had already set. After some time, I got off at a place that was just a stop for connecting buses, with about 10 people waiting around. There was only one night bus going to Chennai.

Getting off the bus, I slipped my hand inside my sling bag for my wallet…

…when I realized I had been pickpocketed!  

At the bus stop, nobody could understand what I was saying due to the language barrier, and I didn’t have a dime on me to buy a further ticket for the only night bus to Chennai. All my money and cards were gone — and the bus I’d been on was gone, too!

Suddenly a teenager appeared and asked me in broken English what was wrong. He narrated the story to others and people started advising me to be careful and to learn how to avoid pickpockets .

While they were still chatting, I moved away from the ticket counter, feeling completely clueless about what to do next.

Luckily, a few minutes later the teenager appeared again with some money. Apparently, the boy had requested fellow passengers to help and they all contributed 10 Rupees each!

The amount was sufficient to buy me a ticket and some refreshments. All of those who gave money told me to accept the offering, and the situation also commanded that I do so.

I had actual tears in my eyes. My trust and faith in strangers grew immensely after that day.

-Nisha & Vasu from Le Monde the Poetic Travels

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10 Comments

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Bucket List - 10 Road Trips to Cover All of India

Road Trips are the best way to explore the unknown with in you and outside. Not only it allows you to customize your itinerary the way you want but also it gives you complete freedom to visit places where no one else goes. India is a big beautiful country and to travel by road on one go you will need to spend a lot of days and of course huge fortune. To keep it less hectic and more fun for a middle class traveler. Let me put 10 road trips on the plate which will help one to know this country from all directions. Even after a lot of cuts and shortenings, these trips are very long road trips but you can always select one segment of one trip and cover remaining other segment in your next trip but you can trust one one thing that it will feed your hunger to travel for quite a long time as you can plan these trips with family friends or your special one and then again repeat it.

1. Leh & Srinagar:

12-18 days, 2500km, may - nov.

Delhi – Jammu (1Nt) – Srinagar (3Nt) – Kargil (1Nt) – Ladakh (3Nt) – Manali (2Nt) – Delhi

This route does not need any introduction. Leh is a dream destination for all road lovers. Traveling in between snowy peaks of himalaya on the highest motorable road is an experience in itself. This does exist in bucket list of each and every road trip enthusiast. You can always clip this circuit to Leh-Manali-Leh or Srinagar-Leh-Manali as most of the group bike tours are planned in this region only. Knowledge to keep in hand is outsiders rented vehicles are not allowed to travel with in Leh so plan your expenses and itinerary accordingly.

You can find tonnes of information available on internet for itinerary planning. Group bike tours are also available through tourist agencies which are safer and a good way to mingle with like minded people. A general notion is that this circuit is for adventure enthusiast only but if you are planning it with a family or child it is equally beautiful. However it is advised to have thorough knowledge of AMS and prefer to travel by SUV.

2. East Coast:

10 - 15 days, 2000 km, nov - feb.

Chennai – Mahabalipuram (1Nt) – Pondicherry (2Nt) – Pichavaram -Rameshwaram (2Nt) – Kanyakumari (2Nt) – Munnar (2Nt) – Yelagiri (1Nt) - Chennai

While watching Chennai Express, you must be secretly desiring to experience the journey of Shahrukh and Deepika. Here is your chance to drive on glorious Pamban Bridge over the sea. Road conditions are pretty good and all the en-route destinations are well known for its scenic beauty and traditional culture. Food is scrumptious if you chose to eat at right places.

You will experience unaltered ancient dravid culture as you go south. This trip will start with serene views of east coast road along with one of a kind ancient coastal town of Mahabalipuram and it will conclude at jaw dropping tea states of nilgiri hills in Munnar.

3. West Coast:

10 – 15 days, 2500 km, nov-feb.

Agonda– Karwar - Gokarna(1Nt) – Udupi(1Nt) – Coorg(1Nt) – Wayanad(1Nt) – Alleppey(1Nt) – Kovalam(1Nt) – Kodaikanal(1Nt) - Ooty(2N) – Mysore – Chikmagalur (1Nt) - Agonda

It includes everything a traveler wishes for; Serene beaches of Gokarna and Kovalam, breathtaking ghats at Wayanad, heavenly food at Coorg, backwaters of Alleppey, glorious stories of Mysore and hill towns of Kodaikanal and Ooty.

Goa or Bangalore is a perfect place to start the journey. Monsoon is a good season to experience the best of the northern region of the circuit while southern region is best explored in winters.All and all October to December is the perfect to treasure the spellbinding beauty of the region.

Must Read: Road trip from India

5. Road to Bhutan:

7 - 10 days, 1000 km, oct–apr.

Siliguri – Phuentsholing(1Nt) – Paro(2Nt) - Punakha(1Nt) – Gangtey - Thimphu(1Nt) – Gorumara(1Nt) – Siliguri

Indian passport holders do not need visa to visit Bhutan and it is easily accessible by road too. You can hire car or bike from Siliguri and ride it in Bhutan for a week, only country to rank Gyalyong Gakid Palzom, or Gross National Happiness (GNH), above GDP.

For more enthusiastic traveller, continue forward from Punakha and exit to Guwahati on the other side of the map. Tiger Nest at Paro is one of the most beautiful treks in the world and visited by thousands of travelers.

6. Western Ghats:

7 day, 1000 km, jun - nov.

Mumbai – Lonavala(Della)(1Nt) – Satara - Ratnagiri(1Nt)– Chiplun - Mahabaleshwar(2Nt) – Tamhini – Kolad(Rafting)– Khopoli(Imagica)(1Nt) – Mumbai

It is a list of weekend getaways for Mumbaikars which you can keep in your bucket list for each weekend of Monsoon. For others, you may have to do it in one go. Follow me on one thing, that is to visit western ghats in rainy season strictly and I can guarantee that you will return here every year. Mumbai or Pune is ideal base camp to explore the region. These are the places where journey is more beautiful than destinations.

Visit Imagica and Della Adventures for some fun activities on the way. While exploring these unimaginably beautiful ghats you may find breathtaking small towns. Do not hesitate to spend a night or two in such innate places.

6. Royal Rajasthan:

10–12 days, 2400 km, nov–feb.

Delhi – Jaipur(2Nt) – Pushkar – Ajmer(1Nt) – Jodhpur(2Nt) – Jaisalmer(1Nt) – Mt Abu(1Nt) - Udaipur(2Nt) – Ranthambore(1Nt) – Delhi

Royalty of Rajasthan is not only popular among local tourists, most of the foreign tourists visit India to experience the rich culture of this Rajputana State. Winters are ideal season to enjoy the traditional hospitality.

This circuit can be completed either way, starting from Ranthambore or starting from Jaipur. Udaipur and Jaisalmer are the highlights of the trip, concluding it with a jungle camp and safari is a perfect way to end the long journey.

7. Road to Himalayas:

7 - 10 days, 1400 km, mar – sep.

Delhi – Rishikesh(1Nt) – Dehradun – Mussoorie(2Nt) – Chakrata – Auli(1Nt) – Kinnaur*(2Nt) - Spiti(1Nt) - Kufri – Shimla(2Nt) – Solan – Delhi

This is quite an impractical circuit and it is highly recommended to gather all the information which you can for the Kinnaur to Spiti leg because most of the time roads are closed and even when it is open conditions are not very good. Hill towns along the way are insanely raw and disconnected with outer world.

Tick your bucket list for river rafting and bungee jumping at Rishikesh at the start of the circuit and enjoy the journey along the small towns of sacred Uttarakhand. A shortcut is moving directly from Auli to Kufri.

8. Valley of Flowers:

7 – 10 days, 1200 km, may – sep.

Delhi – Lansdowne(1Nt) – Chopta – Valley Of Flowers(2Nt) – Kausani(1Nt) – Almora – Ranikhet(1Nt) – Nainital(1Nt) – Delhi

Valley of Flowers is a lifetime experience in itself. It is a complete package of road trip, trekking and camping in wild. You will need to do medium level trekking to reach to the valley. It remains open for a very short period of year.

While returning spend a day or two along the beautiful naini lake relaxing your legs after a the hard time of trekking.

9. Sikkim – Old Silk Route:

10 – 15 days, 800 km, may – nov.

Siliguri – Darjeeling(2Nt) – Pelling(1Nt) – Ravangla - Gangtok(3Nt) – Lachung(2Nt) – Nathula – Zuluk(1Nt) – Kalimpong(1Nt) – Siliguri

My personal favorite is silk route which was used for trading from china to western and middle eastern countries. It is one of the most scenic routes on himalayas with a lot of hairpin bends. Sikkim is a cocktail of north eastern mix with other indian culture.

Restricted Area Permit will be required to travel to Lachung, Nathula and Zuluk (Silk Route) which can be obtained at Gangtok. Keep a day spare in Gangtok for arranging same.

10. North East Road Trip:

10 – 15 days, 2000 km, mar – oct.

Guwahati – Tawang(2N) – Kaziranga(1N) – Majuli(1N) – Kohima(2N) – Haflong(1N) – Dawki – Cherrapunji(1N) – Shillong(2) – Guwahati

To explore all the hidden gems in one go, a road trip of 2000 km passing through all major states of north east india is perfect. It will definitely take a long of time as traveling after sunset is not advisable except near Shillong.

A trip from Guwahati to Tawang is a challenge in itself as weather conditions are extreme and you will find very few resources on the way. This region is volatile so better have a good knowledge of current affairs in the region and do not be too dependent on internet.

All above trips are designed with a proper research and analysis. However each circuit needs a detailed preparation of your own. Road trips always need some advance preparation for your vehicle, family and your own self (driver). You can also plan partial circuits and remaining destinations can be covered in during next trip as life is long and we have to keep traveling no matter what. Some areas of Gujarat, MP, UP, West Bengal & Orissa are not included in any of the trips because it consists of individual tourist spots which are difficult to link with each other but small trips of Araku Valley, Rann of Kutch, Golden Triangle of Agra, Puri and Kolkata and cultural circuit of Kashi, Khajuraho & Sanchi can also be planned with very little amount of research.

Happy Travelling!

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Why The World’s Top Travel Brands Are Betting Big On Indian Tourists

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India’s surging middle class is projected to spend as much as $144 billion a year on international travel by 2030. And hotels, airlines and cities are spending millions to land them.

By suzanne rowan kelleher , forbes staff.

L ast week, hundreds of global travel professionals gathered in Delhi for the inaugural Skift India Summit and the opportunity to glean valuable insights from the CEOs of major travel brands, including The Oberoi Group, OYO, Agoda and the country’s flag carrier, Air India. “India is having a moment,” explains Brian Quinn, head of event programming at Skift, “with the India outbound traveler poised to become the biggest global force in coming years.”

A decade ago, you could have said the same about Chinese tourists. Back in 2014, some 117 million Chinese tourists traveled internationally, which was a 20% increase from the previous year. But 10 years and one pandemic later, Chinese outbound travel still hasn’t rebounded to its pre-Covid heights, while the energy and focus of the global tourism machine has shifted southeast—to India.

With more than 1.4 billion people, India now has the world’s largest population and the fifth-largest economy . Outbound travel from India is growing much faster than from any other country, which has led to a flurry of predictions that have travel brands salivating.

“There’s such huge potential,” says Caroline Bremner, head of travel and tourism research at Euromonitor International , which projects 47 million Indian outbound travelers by 2030. “That’s more than doubling from 2019. And then on the spending side, it’s even better, going from $35 billion in 2019 to $84 billion in 2030,” she says. “Essentially, India is jumping up the ranks and will be the sixth-largest outbound source market globally by 2030, after China, the U.S., the U.K., Germany and France.”

A 2023 report by Nangia Andersen , the Indian arm of Andersen Global, forecasts that Indian outbound travel will grow at an 11.2% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between now and 2032—which roughly aligns with Euromonitor’s prediction for tourist volume. If these projections bear out, then another, wilder prediction may not be so implausible after all: organizers of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), an industry conference to be held in Dubai in May, have touted that India’s outbound market will be worth $144 billion a year by the end of this decade.

And a recent report from McKinsey is similarly bullish on the longer-term prospects for Indian tourism. “India’s outbound travel has the potential to grow from 13 million trips in 2022 to over 80 million in 2040,” the authors write. “If India follows China’s outbound travel trajectory (which it could, due to similarity in population size and per capita income trajectory), then Indian tourists could make 80 million to 90 million trips a year by 2040.”

Given all the hype, travel brands have, naturally, begun heavily courting Indian tourists, often by tapping celebrities as influencers. Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan promotes Dubai and Katrina Kaif, a British actress who makes Hindi-language films, professes her loyalty to Accor. Actor Ranveer Singh appears in ads for Abu Dhabi , while his wife, Deepika Padukone, is the global brand ambassador of Qatar Airways . Meanwhile, Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic gold medalist and world champion in javelin, has been enlisted to promote Switzerland’s spectacular alpine landscapes.

Yet before India’s outbound travel can reach its full potential, industry experts say, the volume of flights in and out of the country—a number mutually decided by the two respective governments—must increase dramatically. There were roughly 14% more flight routes by city pairs to and from India last year compared to 2019, according to data from FlightAware . Right now, airlines are operating just 18 scheduled passenger flights each week from India to the United States—up from 14 in 2019.

Some destinations have made policy tweaks to boost capacity. In late 2022, Canada lifted the cap on the number of flights from India from 35 per week to “unlimited” and gave Indian airlines access to six hubs, including Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, and Vancouver. South Africa Tourism, meanwhile, has teamed up with Ethiopian Airlines to provide faster links between India and Africa. Even Bhutan’s prime minister has emphasized the need to strengthen air connectivity between India and the tiny Buddhist kingdom.

Airlines are taking note of India’s growing importance as well. Most notably, Singapore Airlines inked a deal in late 2022 with Tata Group, paying a reported $250 million for a 25% stake in Air India. Last November, Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong told Forbes Asia of his plans to make India a new hub. “You can just tell how much potential there is,” Goh said. “India is growing but it’s significantly underserved.”

Hotel CEOs are also being seduced by the dizzying economic forecasts. “We just are blessed by the increase of demography in the world and blessed by the increase of households that want to travel,” Sébastien Bazin, CEO of the French hospitality giant Accor, told investors on the company’s most recent earnings call in February. He offered a short lesson on global economics, noting that the world’s emerging middle-class population exploded by one billion over the last 10 years. “Half of those are from India,” he emphasized. “We probably can wisely say that for the next 10 years, demand will no longer grow 3% to 5%, but probably 4% to 6%. You very well could be looking at a 3x demand over supply. And a lot of it, again, has to do with India alone, which is [expected to add] 500 million [to its] emerging middle class.”

“India is definitely an economic bright light,” echoes Bremner, noting that the country’s current 8% economic growth rate is stronger than China’s. Moreover, it shows no signs of slowing down.

Last year, 1.7 million Indian tourists visited the United States, making India the country’s fourth-largest travel source after Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom. The average Indian tourist also spends money when traveling internationally—roughly $5,252 per trip, according to the last six months of data collected by the National Travel & Tourism Office (NTTO), the agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that tracks tourism statistics. Comparatively, the typical visitor from the United Kingdom and Brazil spends $2,656 and $3,344, respectively, while the average Japanese tourist spends $3,672. In other words, it takes two British tourists to spend as much as one Indian traveler.

If the United States wants to attract more Indian tourists in the future, experts say it needs to make entering the country much easier. “I am a firm believer that less friction will lead to more travel,” says Omri Morgenshtern, CEO of Agoda, the largest online travel agency in Asia. “Friction can be removed by adding direct flights, as well as by the introduction of visa waivers or by being able to book accommodation, flights and activities on one app.”

Currently, 62 countries permit Indian travelers to visit without first obtaining a visa—that’s 10 more than in 2016, the year that the Henley & Partners Passport Index launched. But the United States neither grants visa-free entry to Indian tourists nor does it make procuring a visa fast and easy.

While the U.S. is approving more visas for Indians today than in pre-pandemic years, the average visa wait time is still about 10 months, according to the U.S. State Department website . Before a leisure trip to America, an Indian citizen must wait for a visa interview, which can take anywhere from 197 days at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi to 423 days at the U.S. Consulate in Mumbai. In comparison, Indian tourists can get a visa for Canada in just 23 days or the United Kingdom in roughly three weeks.

U.S. officials readily acknowledge that visa wait times are a big problem. Speaking at the Skift India Summit on Tuesday, Eric Garcetti, the U.S. Ambassador to India, told conference-goers that President Joe Biden specifically asked him to tackle the backlog. “I bet it’s the only time the United States president has told the ambassador, ‘Please work on visa issues,’” Garcetti said.

Visa waivers have a proven track record and give nations a competitive edge, insists Agoda CEO Morgenstern. After Azerbaijan introduced the ASAN system, which processes electronic visas within three working days of submitting an application, interest from Indian tourists skyrocketed and arrivals increased fivefold in two years. “Thailand and Malaysia both introduced visa waivers for tourists from India late last year, and that led to an immediate increase in searches from India to both markets,” Morgenshtern says, noting that searches for Thailand grow by 46% even though Thailand was already the top searched destination by Indians. “In the two months after the visa waiver came into effect, Bangkok overtook Dubai as the most-booked city destinations for Indians.” Yet the emirate was not to be outmaneuvered. In February, Dubai introduced a five-year multiple-entry visa for inbound Indian travelers.

Another reason why India is such an attractive source market is its youthful population. Only 7% of India’s population is 65 years and older, compared with 14% in China and 18% in the U.S., according to data from a recent report from the Pew Research Center. People under the age of 25 account for more than 40% of India’s population . “ In fact, there are so many Indians in this age group that roughly one-in-five people globally who are under the age of 25 live in India,” notes the Pew report. “Looking at India’s age distribution another way, the country’s median age is 28. By comparison, the median age is 38 in the United States and 39 in China.”

“It’s an extremely well-educated populace, very digitally savvy,” says Bremner, adding that more than 75% of Indian millennials and Gen Xers traveled in 2023, according to Euromonitor data.

“Indian travelers are more engaged with ecotourism and sustainability than their global counterparts. They are open to all kinds of experiences, from luxury to eco-adventure,” Bremner continues. “And, of course, they are high spending. I’m not at all surprised that destinations from Asia to the Middle East and Europe and U.S. are chasing them.”

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Travel Advisory June 23, 2023

India - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with updates to health information.

Exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism.

Do not travel to:

• The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir (except the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest .
• Within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border due to the potential for armed conflict .

Country Summary : Indian authorities report rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Violent crime, such as sexual assault, has occurred at tourist sites and in other locations.

Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and government facilities.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in rural areas from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to these areas.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to India.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined India has a moderate level of COVID-19.  Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to India:

• Do not travel alone, particularly if you are a woman. Visit our website for Women Travelers .
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• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
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• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest are possible in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Avoid all travel to this state (with the exception of visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh). Sporadic violence occurs particularly along the Line of Control (LOC) separating India and Pakistan, and in tourist destinations in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. The Indian government prohibits foreign tourists from visiting certain areas along the LOC.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .

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India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border. The only official India-Pakistan border crossing point for persons who are not citizens of India or Pakistan is in the state of Punjab between Attari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan. The border crossing is usually open but confirm the current status of the border crossing prior to commencing travel. A Pakistani visa is required to enter Pakistan. Only U.S. citizens residing in India may apply for a Pakistani visa in India. Otherwise apply for a Pakistani visa in your country of residence before traveling to India.

Northeastern States – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Incidents of violence by ethnic insurgent groups, including bombings of buses, trains, rail lines, and markets, occur occasionally in the northeast.

U.S. government employees at the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India are prohibited from traveling to the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Manipur without special authorization from the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata.

Central and East India – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Maoist extremist groups, or “Naxalites,” are active in a large swath of India from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal, particularly in rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and on the borders of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. The Naxalites have conducted frequent terrorist attacks on local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials.

Due to the fluid nature of the threat, all U.S. government travelers to states with Naxalite activity must receive special authorization from the U.S. consulate responsible for the area to be visited. U.S. officials traveling only to the capital cities in these states do not need prior authorization.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas . 

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U.S. Consulate General Mumbai (Bombay) C-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex Bandra East, Mumbai 400051 India Telephone: +(91) (22) 2672-4000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(91) (22) 2672-4000 If you are calling from within India, but outside Mumbai, first dial 022. Fax: 91-(0)22-2672-4786 [email protected]

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U.S. Consulate General Kolkata (Calcutta) 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani Kolkata - 700 071, West Bengal, India Telephone: +(91) (33) 3984-2400 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(91) 99030 42956 or +(91) (33) 3984-2400 then dial "0" Fax: +(91) (33) 2282-2335

The United States Consulate General in Kolkata provides consular services for the states of Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Tripura and Assam. [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Chennai (Madras) 220 Anna Salai at Gemini Circle Chennai, India 600006 Telephone: +(91) (44) 2857-4000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: (0) 44-2857-4000. Ask for American Citizen Services.(Within India, but outside Chennai, first dial 044. From the United States, first dial 011-(91) (44) ) Fax: +(91) (044) 2811-2020

The Consulate General in Chennai provides consular services for the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and the Union Territories of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Pondicherry and Lakshwadeep Islands. [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad Survey No. 115/1, Financial District, Nanakramguda Hyderabad, Telangana, 500032 Phone: 040 6932 8000

The Consulate General in Hyderabad provides services to the U.S. citizens in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha. [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

All U.S. citizens need a valid passport as well as a valid Indian visa or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, to enter and exit India for any purpose. Travelers without valid documents or the correct type of visa may be denied entry into India. Indian visa regulations and instructions change frequently, often with little advance notice. Travelers are urged to check the  website of the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C.  before any travel to India to review the most current information. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in India cannot assist you if you arrive without proper documentation.

U.S. citizens seeking to enter India solely for tourist purposes for stays of less than 60 days may apply for an eVisa at least four days prior to their arrival. Please visit the  Indian government's website for electronic travel authorization for additional information and to submit an application.  

U.S. citizens seeking to enter India as a tourist for longer than 60 days or for any other purpose must apply for a visa from an Indian embassy or consulate. The Government of India has appointed VFS Global to assist with visa services to individuals in the United States. Applicants may apply for Indian visas through the application link https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/apply-visa .

Diplomatic and Official visa applications are accepted directly at the Indian Embassy and Consulates. All U.S. government employees traveling on official orders, including military personnel, must obtain country clearance for travel to India. Once you have received your visa, check it carefully to ensure that the type of visa and number of entries is appropriate for your travel plans.

Keep copies of your U.S. passport data page, as well as the pages containing the Indian visa and Indian immigration stamps with you at all times. Consider downloading these documents to your mobile phone in case of emergency. If your passport is lost or stolen, copies will help you apply for a replacement passport and an exit visa from the Indian government. Replacing a lost visa, which is required in order to exit the country, may take four or five business days.   

U.S. citizens of Pakistani origin or descent are subject to administrative processing and should expect additional delays when applying for Indian visas.

Foreign citizens who visit India to  study, do research, work, or act as missionaries,  as well as all travelers and residents planning to stay more than 180 days,  are required to register their visit or residency within 14 days of arrival with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO)  closest to where they will be staying in addition  to having the appropriate visa  when they enter India. The FRRO maintains offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru (Bangalore), Lucknow, Calicut, Goa, Cochin, Trivandrum, and Amritsar. District Superintendents of Police serve as Foreigners Registration Officers (FROs) in all other places. We recommend all U.S. citizens review the entry requirements described on the  Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)  section on the Indian Bureau of Immigration website.

If you overstay your Indian visa, or otherwise violate Indian visa regulations, you may require clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs to leave the country. Generally, you will be fined and, in some cases, may be jailed for months. Visa violators seeking an exit permit must visit  the Foreigners Regional Registration Office portal  to submit the application and pay any levied fines. Processing of an exit permit under these circumstances can take up to 90 days and decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.  

For the most current information on entry and exit requirements, please contact the  Embassy of India  at 2536 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone (202) 939-9806 or the Indian Consulates in Atlanta ,  Chicago , Houston ,  New York , or  San Francisco . Outside the United States, inquiries should be made at the nearest Indian embassy or consulate.

General information regarding Indian visa and immigration rules, including the addresses and telephone numbers for the FRRO offices, can be found at the  Indian Ministry of Home Affairs Bureau of Immigration website.

HIV/AIDS RESTRICTIONS:  There are no disclosure requirements or restrictions for HIV/AIDS patients who enter India on a tourist visa. Disclosure regarding HIV/AIDS is required of anyone seeking a resident permit in India. Foreign residents found to be suffering from HIV/AIDS will be deported. Please verify this information with the  Embassy of India  before you travel.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

U.S. citizens should always practice good personal security and situational awareness. Be aware of your surroundings (including local customs and etiquette) and keep a low profile. Monitor local news reports, vary your routes and times in carrying out daily activities, and consider the level of security present when you visit public places, including religious sites, and when choosing hotels, restaurants, and entertainment and recreation venues.

India continues to experience terrorist and insurgent activities which may affect U.S. citizens directly or indirectly. Anti-Western terrorist groups, some on the U.S. government's list of foreign terrorist organizations, are active in India, including Islamist extremist groups such as Harkat-ul-Jihad-i-Islami, Harakat ul-Mujahidin, Indian Mujahideen, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Lashkar-e Tayyiba. The U.S. government occasionally receives information regarding possible terrorist attacks that could take place in India, monitors such information to determine credibility, and advises U.S. citizens accordingly.  Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive messages from the Embassy automatically.   

Past attacks have targeted public places, including some frequented by Westerners, such as luxury and other hotels, trains, train stations, markets, cinemas, mosques, and restaurants in large urban areas. Attacks have taken place during the busy evening hours in markets and other crowded places, but could occur at any time.  Alerts are usually more frequent around major holidays. The Maoists (also known as “Naxalites”) are the most active insurgent group in India. The Naxalites typically attack Indian government officials, but have also derailed trains, targeted other government buildings such as police stations, and conducted other criminal activity.  In eastern India’s Bihar state, 10 security personnel were killed and five injured in a Naxalite-triggered Improvised Explosive Device blast on July 18, 2016.  In the eastern state of Jharkhand, seven policemen were killed and eight others injured in a landmine blast by Naxalites on January 27, 2016.   

Beyond the threat from terrorism and insurgencies, demonstrations and general strikes, or “bandh,” often cause major inconvenience and unrest. These strikes can result in the stoppage of all transportation and tourist-related services, at times for 24 hours or more. U.S. citizens caught in such a strike may find they are unable to make flight and rail connections, as local transportation can be severely limited. Local media generally give an idea of the length and geographical location of the strike. Large religious gatherings that attract hundreds of thousands of people can result in dangerous and often life-threatening stampedes. Local demonstrations can begin spontaneously and escalate with little warning, disrupting transportation systems and city services and posing risks to travelers. In response to such events, Indian authorities occasionally impose curfews and/or restrict travel. You are urged to obey such curfews and travel restrictions and to avoid demonstrations and rallies as they have the potential for violence, especially immediately preceding and following political rallies, elections, and religious festivals (particularly when Hindu and Muslim festivals coincide). Tensions between castes and religious groups can also result in disruptions and violence. In some cases, demonstrators specifically block roads near popular tourist sites and disrupt train operations in order to gain the attention of Indian authorities; occasionally vehicles transporting tourists are attacked in these incidents. India generally goes on “High Alert” status prior to major holidays or events. You should monitor local television, print media, Mission India’s American Citizens Services  Facebook  page, and enroll with the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  for further information about the current situation in areas where you will travel.

The U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulates General in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai will post information about routine demonstrations on the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulates General websites, under the heading “Demonstration Notices.” Please monitor our websites regularly for information about protest activities in the country. Please note that the Embassy and Consulates General will issue emergency/security messages for other purposes, as necessary.

Religious violence occasionally occurs in India, especially when tensions between different religious communities are purposefully exacerbated by groups pushing religiously chauvinistic agendas. There are active "anti-conversion" laws in some Indian states, and acts of conversion sometimes elicit violent reactions from Hindu extremists. Foreigners suspected of proselytizing Hindus have been attacked and killed in conservative, rural areas in India in the past. 

Swimming in India:  You should exercise caution if you intend to swim in open waters along the Indian coastline, particularly during the monsoon season. Every year, several people in Goa, Mumbai, Puri (Odisha), off the Eastern Coast in the Bay of Bengal, and other areas drown due to strong undertows. It is important to heed warnings posted at beaches and to avoid swimming in the ocean during the monsoon season. Trained lifeguards are very rare along beaches.

If you visit the Andaman Islands, be aware that there have been reports of crocodile attacks in salt water resulting in fatalities.  Ask local residents about dangerous sea life before swimming and keep a safe distance from animals at all times.

Wildlife safaris:  India offers opportunities for observation of wildlife in its natural habitat and many tour operators and lodges advertise structured, safe excursions into parks and other wildlife viewing areas for close observation of flora and fauna. However, safety standards and training vary, and it is a good idea to ascertain whether operators are trained and licensed. Even animals marketed as “tame” should be respected as wild and extremely dangerous. Keep a safe distance from animals at all times, remaining in vehicles or other protected enclosures when venturing into game parks.

Trekking in India:  Trekking expeditions should be limited to routes identified for this purpose by local authorities. Use only registered trekking agencies, porters, and guides, suspend trekking after dark, camp at designated camping places, and travel in groups rather than individually or with one or two companions. Altitudes in popular trekking spots can be as high as 25,170 feet (7,672 m); please make sure that you have had a recent medical checkup to ensure that you are fit to trek at these altitudes and carry sufficient medical insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage.

Train Travel:  India has the third largest rail network in the world, and train travel in India generally is safe. Nevertheless, accidents and on-board fires are sometimes caused by aging infrastructure, poorly maintained equipment, overcrowding, and operator errors. Train accidents and fires have resulted in the death and serious injury of passengers.

Areas of Instability: Jammu & Kashmir:  The Department of State strongly recommends that you avoid travel to the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir because of the potential for terrorist incidents as well as violent public unrest. A number of terrorist groups operate in the territory targeting security forces, particularly along the Line of Control (LOC) separating Indian and Pakistani-controlled Kashmir, and those stationed in primary tourist destinations in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. Since 1989, as many as 70,000 people (terrorists, security forces, and civilians) have been killed in the Kashmir conflict. Foreigners are particularly visible, vulnerable, and at risk. In the past, serious communal violence left the territory mostly paralyzed due to massive strikes and business shutdowns, and U.S. citizens have had to be evacuated by local police. The Indian government prohibits foreign tourists from visiting certain areas along the LOC (see the section on Restricted Areas, below).

India-Pakistan Border:  The Department of State recommends that you avoid travel to areas within ten kilometers of the border between India and Pakistan. Both India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border. The only official India-Pakistan border crossing point for persons who are not citizens of India or Pakistan is in the state of Punjab between Atari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan. The border crossing is usually open, but you are advised to confirm the current status of the border crossing prior to commencing travel. A Pakistani visa is required to enter Pakistan. Only U.S. citizens residing in India may apply for a Pakistani visa in India. Otherwise you should apply for a Pakistani visa in your country of residence before traveling to India.

Both India and Pakistan claim an area of the Karakoram mountain range that includes the Siachen glacier. Travel or mountain climbing in this area is highly dangerous. The disputed area includes the following peaks: Rimo Peak; Apsarasas I, II, and III; Tegam Kangri I, II and III; Suingri Kangri; Ghiant I and II; Indira Col; and Sia Kangri. Check with the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi for information on current conditions.

Northeastern states:  Incidents of violence by ethnic insurgent groups, including bombings of buses, trains, rail lines, and markets, occur occasionally in the northeast. While U.S. citizens have not been specifically targeted, it is possible that you could be affected as a bystander. If you travel to the northeast, you should avoid travel by train at night, travel outside major cities at night, and crowds. U.S. government employees at the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India are prohibited from traveling to the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Manipur without permission from the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata. Restricted Area Permits are required for foreigners to visit certain Northeastern states (see the section on Restricted Areas, below.) Contact the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata for information on current conditions.

East Central and Southern India:  Maoist extremist groups, or “Naxalites,” are active in East Central India primarily in rural areas. The Naxalites have a long history of conflict with state and national authorities, including frequent terrorist attacks on local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials, and are responsible for more attacks in the country than any other organization through an ongoing campaign of violence and intimidation Naxalites have not specifically targeted U.S. citizens but have attacked symbolic targets that have included Western companies and rail lines. While Naxalite violence does not normally occur in places frequented by foreigners, there is a risk that visitors could become victims of violence.

Naxalites are active in a large swath of India from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal, particularly in rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and on the borders of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. Due to the fluid nature of the threat, all U.S. government travelers to states with Naxalite activity must receive authorization from the U.S. Consulate responsible for the area to be visited. U.S. officials traveling only to the capital cities in these states do not need prior authorization.

Restricted/Protected areas:  While the Indian Government has designated that travelers to “portions” of certain areas need special advance permission, actual practice has been to require a permit to enter any portion of certain states or territories. Areas requiring a permit include:

• The state of Arunachal Pradesh
• Portions of the state of Sikkim
• Portions of the state of Himachal Pradesh near the Chinese border
• Portions of the state of Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal) near the Chinese border
• Portions of the state of Rajasthan near the Pakistani border
• Portions of the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir near the Line of Control with Pakistan and certain portions of the union territory of Ladakh
• The union territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands
• The union territory of the Laccadives Islands (Lakshadweep)
• Portions of the state of Manipur
• Portions of the state of Mizoram
• Portions of the state of Nagaland

More information about travel to/in restricted/protected areas can be found from India’s  Bureau of Immigration .

“Restricted Area Permits" are available outside India at Indian embassies and consulates abroad, or in India from the Ministry of Home Affairs (Foreigners Division) at Jaisalmer House, 26 Man Singh Road, New Delhi. The states of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim maintain official guesthouses in New Delhi, which can also issue Restricted Area Permits for their respective states for certain travelers. While visiting Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) in Tamil Nadu, be aware the Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Center, Kalpakkam, is located just south of the site and is not clearly marked as a restricted and dangerous area.

For the latest security information, travelers should enroll in  STEP  to receive updated security information and regularly monitor travel information available from the  U.S. Embassy in New Delhi  as well as the U.S. Consulates General in  Mumbai  (Bombay),  Chennai (Madras),  Hyderabad , and  Kolkata  (Calcutta).

CRIME:  Petty crime, especially theft of personal property (including U.S. passports), is common, particularly on trains or buses, at airports, and in major tourist areas. Pickpockets can be very adept and women have reported having their bags snatched, purse-straps cut, or the bottom of their purses slit without their knowledge. If you are traveling by train, lock your sleeping compartments and take your valuables with you when leaving your berth. If you travel by air, be careful with your bags in the arrival and departure areas outside airports. Violent crime, especially directed against foreigners, has traditionally been uncommon, although in recent years there has been a modest increase. Be cautious about displaying cash or expensive items to reduce the chance of being a target for robbery or other crime, and be aware of your surroundings when you use ATMs. ATM card scams have been used to clone credit card details to withdraw money.

Sexual Assault:  Travelers should be aware that there have been reported cases of sexual assault, including rape, of U.S. citizens traveling throughout India. U.S. citizens, particularly women, are cautioned not to travel alone in India. Women traveling in India are advised to respect local dress and customs. Customary everyday dress for Indian women throughout the country is conservative, and even more so in non-urban areas,  with women wearing clothing that covers their legs and shoulders. Exceptions are vacation resorts catering to foreign clientele and some neighborhoods of the major cities of New Delhi and Mumbai. Western women, especially those of African descent, continue to report incidents of verbal and physical harassment by individuals and groups of men. Known locally as “Eve-teasing,” these incidents of sexual harassment can be quite frightening and can quickly cross the line from verbal to physical. Sexual harassment can occur anytime or anywhere, but most frequently has happened in crowded areas such as in market places, train stations, buses, and public streets. The harassment can range from sexually suggestive or lewd comments to catcalls to outright groping. The Government of India has focused greater attention on addressing issues of gender violence. One outcome has been greater reporting of incidences of sexual assault country-wide, and Indian authorities report rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Among large cities, Delhi experienced the highest number of reported crimes against women. Although most victims have been local residents, recent sexual attacks against female visitors in tourist areas across India underline the fact that foreign women are at risk and should exercise vigilance.

Women should observe stringent security precautions, including avoiding use of public transport after dark without the company of known and trustworthy companions, restricting evening entertainment to well-known venues, and avoiding isolated areas when alone at any time of day. Keep your hotel room number confidential and make sure hotel room doors have chains, deadlocks, and peep holes. Travel with groups of friends rather than alone. In addition, only hire reliable cars and drivers and avoid traveling alone in hired taxis, especially at night. Use taxis from hotels and pre-paid taxis at airports rather than hailing them on the street. If you encounter threatening situations, call “100” for police assistance (“112” from mobile phones).

Scams:  Major airports, train stations, popular restaurants, and tourist sites are often used by scam artists looking to prey on visitors, often by creating a distraction. Beware of taxi drivers and others, including train porters, who solicit travelers with "come-on" offers of cheap transportation and/or hotels. Travelers accepting such offers have frequently found themselves the victims of scams, including offers to assist with "necessary" transfers to the domestic airport, disproportionately expensive hotel rooms, unwanted "tours," unwelcome "purchases," extended cab rides, and even threats when the tourists decline to pay.  There have been reports of tourists being lured, held hostage and extorted for money in the face of threats of violence against the traveler and his/her family members.

You should exercise care when hiring transportation and/or guides and use only well-known travel agents to book trips. Some scam artists have lured travelers by displaying their name on a sign when they leave the airport. Another popular scam is to drop money or to squirt something on the clothing of an unsuspecting traveler and use the distraction to rob them of their valuables. Tourists have also been given drugged drinks or tainted food to make them more vulnerable to theft, particularly at train stations. Even food or drink prepared in front of the traveler from a canteen or vendor could be tainted.

Some vendors sell carpets, jewelry, gemstones, or other expensive items that may not be of the quality promised. Deal only with reputable businesses and do not hand over your credit cards or money unless you are certain that goods being shipped are the goods you purchased. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it is best avoided. Most Indian states have official tourism bureaus set up to handle complaints.

There have been a number of other scams perpetrated against foreign travelers, particularly in Goa, Jaipur, and Agra that target younger travelers and involve suggestions that money can be made by privately transporting gems or gold (both of which can result in arrest) or by taking delivery abroad of expensive carpets, supposedly while avoiding customs duties. The scam artists describe profits that can be made upon delivery of the goods, and require the traveler to pay a "deposit" as part of the transaction.

India-based criminals use the internet to extort money from victims abroad.  In a common scam, the victim develops a close romantic relationship with an alleged U.S. citizen they meet online. When the “friend” travels to India, a series of accidents occur and the victim begins to receive requests for financial assistance, sometimes through an intermediary.  In fact, the U.S. citizen “friend” does not exist; they are only online personas used by criminal networks. Victims have been defrauded of thousands of dollars in these schemes. Do not send money to anyone you have not met in person and carefully read the Department of State’s advice on  international financial scams . 

U.S. citizens have had problems with business partners, usually involving property investments. You may wish to seek professional legal advice in reviewing any contracts for business or services offered in India. The U.S. Embassy and/or consulates are unable to provide legal advice or intervene on behalf of United States citizens with Indian courts on civil or criminal matters.  A list of local attorneys is available on the Embassy and Consulates General  websites .

In another common scam, family members in the United States, particularly older people, are approached for funds to help callers claiming to be grandchildren or relatives who have been arrested or are without money to return home. Do not send money without contacting the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General to confirm the other party’s situation. You can also call our Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 888-407-4747 (from overseas: 202-501-4444). Review our information on  Emergency Assistance to Americans Abroad . 

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for more information on scams.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Victims of Crime:  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should first contact the local police, then inform the U.S. Embassy or local Consulate.

Report crimes to the local police by calling “100” or “112” from a mobile phone.                      

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Please note that you should ask for a copy of the police report, known as a “First Information Report” (FIR), from local police when you report an incident. Local authorities generally are unable to take any meaningful action without the filing of a police report. 

If your passport is stolen, you should immediately report the theft or loss to the police in the location where your passport was stolen. A FIR is required by the Indian government in order for you to obtain an exit visa to leave India if the lost passport contained your Indian visa. Although the Embassy or Consulate General is able to replace a stolen or lost passport, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) are responsible for approving an exit permit. This process usually takes three to four working days, but can take longer.

In cases of sexual assault or rape, the Embassy or Consulates General can provide a list of local doctors and hospitals, if needed, to determine if you have been injured and to discuss treatment and prevention options for diseases and pregnancy. You should be aware that in order for evidence of an assault to be submitted in a court case, Indian authorities require that the medical exam be completed at a government hospital. Therefore, if a victim goes to a private hospital for treatment, the hospital will refer them to a government hospital for this aspect of the medical process. 

There are a number of resources in India for victims of rape and sexual assault. The specific toll-free Women’s Helpline Service number in Delhi is 1091; in Mumbai it is 103; in Kolkata, 1090; in Chennai, 1091 or 2345-2365; and in Hyderabad one can dial 1-800-425-2908 or 1098 for crimes in general.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in India is “100.” An additional emergency number, “112,” can be accessed from mobile phones.

Please see our  information for victims of crime , including possible victim compensation programs in the United States. 

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur.  Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field.  In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities.  First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment.  U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.  See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. 

Furthermore, some activities are crimes under U.S. law and can be prosecuted in the U.S. regardless of whether they are allowed under local law.  For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Alcohol: Each of India’s states has independent regulations concerning alcohol purchase and consumption. Legal drinking ages range from 18 to 25 and can vary by beverage type. Some states permit alcohol use for medicinal purposes only, others require you to hold a permit to buy, transport, or consume alcohol. Penalties for violation can be harsh.

Drugs:  Several U.S. citizens have been arrested at Indian airports for attempting to smuggle illegal drugs from India.  All claimed that they did not realize they were carrying narcotics.  Never transport or mail packages that do not belong to you and maintain direct control of your luggage at all times.

Beef and Cow Hide: Several states in India impose various types of prohibition on beef.  In some rural areas, cow protection vigilantes have attacked people they suspected of selling or consuming beef, or possessing items made with cow hide.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:

Dual nationality: India does not permit its citizens to hold dual nationality. In 2006, India launched the "Overseas Citizens of India" (OCI) program, which does not grant Indian citizenship but is similar to a U.S. "green card" in that you can travel to and from India indefinitely, work in India, study in India, and own property in India (except for certain agricultural and plantation properties). If you are a U.S. citizen and obtain an OCI card you will not become a citizen of India; you will remain a citizen of the United States. An OCI card holder does not receive an Indian passport, cannot vote in Indian elections, and is not eligible for Indian government employment. The OCI program is similar to the Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) card except that PIO holders must still register with Indian immigration authorities, and PIO cards are not issued for an indefinite period. U.S. citizens of Indian descent can apply for PIO or OCI cards at the Indian Embassy in Washington, or at the Indian Consulates in Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Atlanta, and Houston. Inside India, U.S. citizens can apply at the nearest FRRO office (please see “Entry/Exit Requirements” section above for more information on the FRRO). U.S. citizens are required to travel on a U.S. passport when traveling in and out of the United States.

Religious activities and faith-based travelers:  See the Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report .  If you plan to engage in religious proselytizing you are required by Indian law to have a "missionary" visa. Immigration authorities have determined that certain activities, including speaking at religious meetings to which the general public is invited, may violate immigration law if the traveler does not hold a missionary visa. Foreigners with tourist visas who engage in missionary activity are subject to deportation and possible criminal prosecution. The states of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh have legislation that regulates or places restrictions on conversion from one religious faith to another. If you intend to engage in missionary activity, you may wish to seek legal advice to determine whether the activities you intend to pursue are permitted under Indian law.

Tourists should also be mindful of restrictions and observances when planning to visit any religious establishment, whether Hindu temples, mosques, churches, or other locations considered sacred by the local population. Many individual temples and mosques do not permit non-members to enter all or parts of the facilities, and may require the removal of shoes, the covering of the head, or have other specific requirements for appropriate attire.  

Customs restrictions: Before traveling to or from India, you are urged to inspect all bags and clothing thoroughly to ensure they do not inadvertently contain prohibited items. Several U.S. citizens have been arrested or detained when airport security officials discovered loose ammunition (even spent individual bullets and casings) or weapons in their luggage. If you are found to have loose ammunition or bullets (including empty bullet shells used in souvenirs) on your person or in your bags, you could be charged with violation of the Indian Arms Act, incarcerated, and/or deported from India.

In addition, U.S. citizens have been arrested for possession of satellite phones. Satellite phones, personal locator beacons, and hand-held GPS devices are illegal in India.

Indian customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from India of such items as, antiquities, electronic equipment, currency, ivory, gold objects, and other prohibited materials. Permission from the Government of India is required to bring in restricted items, even if you are only transiting through India. If you do not comply with these regulations, you risk arrest or fine or both and confiscation of these items. If you are charged with any legal violations by Indian law enforcement, have an attorney review any document before you sign it. The Government of India requires the registration of antique items with the local police along with a photograph of the item. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of India in Washington or one of India's consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements. More information is available from the Indian Central Board of Excise and Customs .

Indian customs authorities encourage the use of an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) Carnet for the temporary admission of professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes. ATA Carnet Headquarters, located at the U.S. Council for International Business , 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, issues and guarantees the ATA Carnet in the United States. For additional information call (212) 354-4480, or email USCIB for details. Please see our section on Customs Information for more information.

Natural disaster threats: Parts of northern India are highly susceptible to earthquakes. Regions of highest risk, ranked 5 on a scale of 1 to 5, include areas around Srinagar, Himachal Pradesh, Rishikesh and Dehra Dun, the northern parts of Punjab, northwest Gujarat, northern Bihar, and the entire northeast. Ranked 4 (high damage risk) is an area that sweeps along the north through Jammu and Kashmir, Eastern Punjab, Haryana, Northern Uttar Pradesh, central Bihar and the northern parts of West Bengal. New Delhi is located in zone 4. Severe flooding is common in hilly and mountainous areas throughout India. Flooding in 2013 in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and other areas left thousands of people presumed dead and temporarily stranded dozens of U.S. citizens.

Typhoons/cyclones and subsequent flooding are common along the Indian coasts, in particular the Eastern coastal states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal, and have at times resulted in massive loss of life.  Tourists and residents in areas prone to these events should remain vigilant during severe weather, monitor local media for latest developments, and heed all municipal warnings.  Residents in these areas should have contingency plans for loss of power and inavailability of goods and services, including supplies for multiple days after a severe weather event.

Accessibility: While in India, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different than what you find in the United States. Despite legislation that all public buildings and transport be accessible for disabled people, accessibility remains limited. One notable exception is the Delhi metro system, designed to be accessible to those with physical disabilities.

Women Travelers: Please review our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Students:  See our   Students Abroad  page and FBI travel tips .

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  Section 377 of India’s penal code makes same-sex sexual acts illegal in India. On September 6, 2018, the Supreme Court of India declared unconstitutional the application of Section 377, barring discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, effectively legalizing homosexuality in India. Reports of widespread discrimination and violence against LGBTQI+ persons, particularly in rural areas, persist. See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Zika is present in India. See the Centers for Disease Control’s website for more information.

The quality of medical care in India varies considerably. Medical care in the major population centers approaches and occasionally meets Western standards, but adequate medical care is usually very limited or unavailable in rural areas.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. 

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas.  Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . 

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance (our webpage) to cover medical evacuation.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of India to ensure the medication is legal in India.  Always, carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. 

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If you are arriving in India from Sub-Saharan Africa or other yellow-fever areas, Indian health regulations require that you present evidence of vaccination against yellow fever. If you do not have such proof, you could be subjected to immediate deportation or a six-day detention in the yellow-fever quarantine center. If you transit through any part of sub-Saharan Africa, even for one day, you are advised to carry proof of yellow fever immunization.

Dogs and bats create a high risk of rabies transmission in most of India. Vaccination is recommended for all prolonged stays, especially for young children and travelers in rural areas. It is also recommended for shorter stays that involve occupational exposure, locations more than 24 hours from a reliable source of human rabies immune globulin and rabies vaccine for post-exposure treatment, adventure travelers, hikers, cave explorers, and backpackers. Monkeys also can transmit rabies and herpes B, among other diseases, to human victims. Avoid feeding monkeys. If bitten, you should immediately soak and scrub the bite for at least 15 minutes and seek urgent medical attention.

Influenza is transmitted from November to April in areas north of the Tropic of Cancer (north India), and from June through November (the rainy season) in areas south of the Tropic of Cancer (south India), with a smaller peak from February through April; off-season transmission can also occur. All travelers are at risk. Influenza vaccine is recommended for all travelers during the flu season.

Outbreaks of avian influenza (H5N1 virus) occur intermittently in eastern India, including West Bengal, Manipur, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Assam. For further information on pandemic influenza, please refer to the Department of State's 2009-H1N1, Pandemic Influenza, and H5N1 Fact Sheet .

Malaria prophylaxis depends on time of year and area the traveler is visiting. Please consult the CDC website for more information. Dengue fever presents significant risk in urban and rural areas. The highest number of cases is reported from July to December, with cases peaking from September to October. Daytime insect precautions such as wearing long-sleeved shirts and mosquito repellent are recommended by the CDC.

Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in India. For further information, please consult the CDC’s Travel Notice on TB .

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in India, and you should consult your doctor prior to travel and consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you.  The air quality in India varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons.  It is typically at its worst in the winter. Anyone who travels where pollution levels are high is at risk. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include:

• Infants, children, and teens
• People over 65 years of age
• People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema;
• People with heart disease or diabetes
• People who work or are active outdoors

Current air quality data can be found on the Embassy’s Air Quality page . The data on this site are updated hourly.

Rh-negative blood may be difficult to obtain as it is not common in Asia.

For emergency services, dial 112 from a cell phone; from a land line, dial 100 for police, 102 for ambulance (108 in parts of South India), and 101 for fire. Ambulances are not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment, and traffic does not yield to emergency vehicles. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance. Most hospitals require advance payment or confirmation of insurance prior to treatment. Payment practices vary and credit cards are not routinely accepted for medical care.

Medical Tourism: Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. Companies offering vacation packages bundled with medical consultations and financing options provide direct-to-consumer advertising over the internet. Such medical packages often claim to provide high quality care, but the quality of health care in India is highly variable. People seeking health care in India should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and refer to the information from the CDC . Persons traveling to India for medical purposes require the proper “medical” visa. Please check with the nearest Indian embassy or consulate for more information.

Despite reports of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in hospitals, in general travelers should not delay or avoid treatment for urgent or emergent medical situations. However, health tourists and other travelers who may be contemplating elective procedures in this country should carefully research individual hospital infection control practices.

Surrogacy: Commercial surrogacy is illegal for foreigners in India, subject to complex local regulation.  For additional information, visit the Government of India’s official information on foreigner surrogacy . 

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in India maintain lists of local doctors and hospitals, all of which are published on their respective websites under "U.S. Citizen Services." We cannot endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Travel by road in India is dangerous. India leads the world in traffic-related deaths and a number of U.S. citizens have suffered fatal traffic accidents in recent years. You should exercise extreme caution when crossing streets, even in marked pedestrian areas, and try to use only cars that have seatbelts. Seatbelts are not common in three-wheel taxis (autos) and in taxis’ back seats. Helmets should always be worn on motorcycles and bicycles.Travel at night is particularly hazardous.

On Indian roads, the safest driving policy is always to assume that other drivers will not respond to a traffic situation in the same way you would in the United States. Buses and trucks often run red lights and merge directly into traffic at yield points and traffic circles. Cars, autos, bicycles, and pedestrians behave only slightly more cautiously. Use your horn or flash your headlights frequently to announce your presence. It is both customary and wise.

Inside and outside major cities, roads are often poorly maintained and congested. Even main roads frequently have only two lanes, with poor visibility and inadequate warning markers. On the few divided highways one can expect to meet local transportation traveling in the wrong direction, often without lights. Heavy traffic is the norm and includes (but is not limited to) overloaded trucks and buses, scooters, pedestrians, bullock and camel carts, horse or elephant riders en route to weddings, bicycles, and free-roaming livestock.

Public Transportation: Buses, patronized by hundreds of millions of Indians, are convenient in that they serve almost every city of any size. However, they are often driven fast, recklessly, and without consideration for the rules of the road. Accidents are quite common.

Traffic Laws: Traffic in India moves on the left. It is important to be alert while crossing streets and intersections, especially after dark as traffic is coming in the "wrong" direction. Travelers should remember to use seatbelts in both rear and front seats where available, and to ask their drivers to maintain a safe speed.

In order to drive in India, you must have either a valid Indian driver’s license or a valid international driver’s license. Because of difficult road and traffic conditions, you may wish to consider hiring a local driver.

If a driver hits a pedestrian or a cow, the vehicle and its occupants are at risk of being attacked by passersby. Such attacks pose significant risk of injury or death to the vehicle's occupants or risk of incineration of the vehicle. It could be unsafe to remain at the scene of an accident of this nature, and drivers may instead wish to seek out the nearest police station. Protestors often use road blockage as a means of publicizing their grievances, causing severe inconvenience to travelers. Visitors should monitor local news reports for any reports of road disturbances.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

Emergency Numbers: The following emergency numbers work in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata:

• Fire Brigade 101
• Ambulance 102

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of India’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of India’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page . Travelers are urged to use caution while booking private helicopters for travel, especially in the northeast. 

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

India was cited in the State Department’s 2023 Annual Report to Congress on International Child Abduction for demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance with respect to international parental child abduction. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in  India . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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Travel trends 2024: Srinagar, Varanasi, Guwahati among the most searched travel destinations in India

Times of India TIMESOFINDIA.COM / TRAVEL NEWS , INDIA / Created : Mar 17, 2024, 18:00 IST

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To measure the preferred choice of travel destinations of Indians, Wowtickets.com, a UK-based platform recently launched in India, conducted a survey. The findings reveal intriguing trends: alongside popular destinations like Goa … Read more

To measure the preferred choice of travel destinations of Indians, Wowtickets.com, a UK-based platform recently launched in India, conducted a survey. The findings reveal intriguing trends: alongside popular destinations like Goa and Srinagar, many Indians are venturing to tier two cities such as Pune and Patna. Furthermore, there's a noticeable uptick in spiritual tourism, with destinations like Varanasi witnessing increased footfall. Read less

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Offbeat tracks: 8 unusual train routes to quench your summer wanderlust

From himalayan slopes to coastal vistas, embark on a summer escape through india's diverse tapestry on these iconic train routes..

Train travel paints vibrant pictures in our minds, often featuring the exciting journeys we share with loved ones. When the rhythm of the rails sets the pace of travel, journeys are filled with simple pleasures – books, steaming chai, laughter echoing through card games, and landscapes painting themselves onto our memories. India's diverse tapestry unfolds beautifully from the window of a train, offering unique experiences and breathtaking sights at every turn.

If you yearn to capture the magic of rail travel or simply embrace a more relaxing pace, redRail has curated a list of 8 incredible train journeys you can take during the summer . Each route promises to mesmerize you with its scenic splendour, leaving you breathless. So, this summer, pack your bags, book your tickets, and embark on an unforgettable adventure where the journey itself becomes the destination. (Also read: Discovering Middle Eastern allure beyond sand dunes: Top 5 Saudi destinations that need to be in your 2024 travel list )

Top train routes to take this summer

1. Kalka to Shimla (5.5 hours, Himalayan Queen): Escape the Delhi furnace aboard the iconic "Himalayan Queen." This toy train winds through pine-clad slopes and verdant valleys, culminating in Shimla, a charming town where Victorian-era architecture meets crisp mountain air. Picture horse-drawn carriage rides, colonial-era buildings whispering stories of the past, and breathtaking views that will leave you breathless.

2. Siliguri to Darjeeling (7 hours, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway): Step back in time with this UNESCO gem. Meander through emerald tea plantations and soak in the breathtaking Himalayan vistas. Darjeeling, your destination, awaits its iconic architecture, fragrant Darjeeling tea, and the promise of misty mornings and cosy evenings by the fireplace.

3. Mettupalayam to Ooty (4.5 hours, Nilgiri Mountain Railway): Embark on a journey through time and mist aboard the "Toy Train of the South." Snake through emerald hills and verdant valleys, arriving in Ooty, the "Queen of the Hills." Rolling hills, colonial charm, refreshing lakes, and, of course, the promise of delicious strawberries await in this summer haven.

4. Mumbai to Goa (12-15 hours, various train options are available): Escape the urban gridlock and chase the sun on this iconic Konkan Railway route. Watch palms sway and listen to the rhythm of the waves as the train snakes along the Arabian Sea, leading you to Goa's pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and laid-back charm. RedRail tip: book your tickets early, as this route is a summer hotspot!

5. Hassan to Mangalore (5.5 hours, various train options are available): Embrace a sensory overload on this Western Ghats adventure. Lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and verdant coffee plantations greet you as the train chugs through the landscape. In Mangalore, pristine beaches, delicious seafood, and the unique Tulu culture await, offering a perfect summer escape from the ordinary.

6. Bhubaneshwar to Brahmapur/Berhampur (3 hours, various train options are available): Witness the serene beauty of Chilika Lake, Asia's largest lagoon, on this short yet spectacular journey. Watch exotic birds, migratory flamingos, and the unique Irrawaddy dolphins as the train skirts the lake, leading to Brahmapur, where rich heritage and delectable Odia cuisine promise a summer experience that tantalizes both your eyes and taste buds.

7. Kanyakumari to Trivandrum (2 hours, various train options are available): Witness the confluence of three oceans - the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean - on this coastal journey. Watch the sun rise and set over the endless horizon, reaching Trivandrum with its historical backwaters, lush greenery, and delicious South Indian cuisine. This is a summer escape for those who love the serenity of the sea and the charm of Kerala's backwaters.

8. Ajmer to Udaipur (5-6 hours, various train options are available): Immerse yourself in the Rajput splendour of Rajasthan on this daytime journey. Pass through Aravalli hills, catch glimpses of ancient forts, and witness vibrant villages painted in hues of gold and ochre. Udaipur, the "City of Lakes," awaits with its shimmering Lake Pichola, majestic palaces, and bustling bazaars, offering a summer escape steeped in history and culture.

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Holi 2024: A glimpse of the Lathmar Holi celebration in Uttar Pradesh.

Holi, also known as the 'festival of colours', is one of the most vibrant festivals in India, celebrated with great zeal and fervour. It signifies the triumph of good over evil, the arrival of spring, and brings joy to life. This year, the festival will be celebrated on March 25. A variety of colours, upbeat music, good time with family and friends, and mouth-watering treats are all used to commemorate Holi each year. Preparations for the two-day celebration begin weeks in advance, with streets adorned with vivid decorations and markets brimming with people buying coloured powders (gulal), water guns, and sweets.

The festival, which falls on a Monday this year, makes for an extended weekend and gives a chance for people to see the vibrant mix of traditional and contemporary celebration.

Here are the top destinations to celebrate Holi in India:

• Mathura, Uttar Pradesh : Barsana in Mathura is famous for Lathmar Holi and is centred around Lord Krishna and Radha. Women traditionally dress up as Gopis and the men as Gops. The women playfully 'hit' the men with sticks to drive them away and also play with colours.
• Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh : Phoolwalon Ki Holi is played with spring flowers and colours. It is famous at the Bankey Bihari Temple in Vrindavan. Holi is not a one-day event here. It usually goes on for a week surrounding legends and local folklore.
• Shantiniketan, West Bengal : The city celebrates the festival with a lot of enthusiasm. It is also called Basanta Utsav and is inspired by Rabindranath Tagore. People can witness cultural performances, dance, poetry along with the usual celebrations. 
• Anandpur Sahib, Punjab : Holi is celebrated here with Hola Mohalla, a celebration that features martial arts demonstrations and mock fights between Nihang Sikhs and the customary bright colours.
• Udaipur, Rajasthan : The royal celebration hosted at City Palace, where the Udaipur royal family participates in all preparations and functions, is one of the many celebrations, parties, and special events conducted around the city that makes the festival special alongside the colourful sight.

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