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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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My Honest Thoughts on Each Place I Visited in India!

Categories Asia , India

During my first trip to India, I visited 27 places in 4 months , that’s a lot I know! I loved most of the places I visited in India. Some places I didn’t like so much but they were the ‘iconic India’ places so I’m glad I went.

If you are looking for the best places to visit in India or get more information on exactly where to visit in India, I have written this post with a little paragraph on how I felt about each place I visited and rated them out of 5 so that you can read this and decide if you want to visit too or not!

This will be especially useful if you are travelling to India on a tight timeframe and don’t want to waste time in places you may not like.

Of course everything is down to my personal opinion, some days I wasn’t feeling well especially in the South so I didn’t see as much and therefore didn’t like it as much, but the below will give you my honest thoughts on every place I visited to help you plan your trip to India and itinerary around India! 

Find What You're Looking For Easily Here!

Best time to visit India

Before we get into this India travel blog, it’s worth thinking about the best time to visit India as the country get’s very hot and wet in the middle of the year. November to March are the best times to visit both North & South India .

South India will be warmer than North India in the winter months of December and January , Delhi and further North actually get cold in these months but are still enjoyable to visit with the right clothing.

Outside these months, you can still visit but you’ll find that the heat and humidity will be much higher, especially as you go further South.

SIM CARD FOR INDIA

I really recommend having a sim card in India as it makes travel in India so much easier! You may have heard that it’s hard to get a sim card in India but you can get a sim card in Delhi Airport, read this post to see how to buy a sim card in Delhi Airport or if you fly in elsewhere 3 ways to buy a sim card in India and you’ll be connected in just a few hours!

WHAT TO WEAR IN INDIA

If you are a woman, here’s what I recommend you pack and wear in India . Technically you can wear what you like in India in most places but to get fewer stares and feel more comfortable, read my post!

DON’T GET SCAMMED IN DELHI

Most people arrive for the first time into Delhi and get scammed within a few hours! Read my Delhi Travel Tips to help you enjoy Delhi, and the best places to stay in Delhi which is so important!

North India

I really loved Mumbai! It was the first place I visited in India and the area of Colaba in South India is a traveller and tourist haven without being that touristy at all. I felt safe there and there were plenty of places to eat.

The Mumbai Local Train system is easy to use. There’s Uber too. There are enough things to do, although I do recommend doing a tour to help you see some of them and overall it’s a cool city to visit with a lot to offer.

Here are some must-do things in Mumbai

Recommended Accommodation: Backpacker Panda Hostel Colaba

Related Blog Posts:   My First Impressions of India! ,  Mumbai Slum Tour to Dharavi Slum – The Positive and Unique Side of Slum Tourism ,  Things To Do in Colaba and How To See Mumbai From Colaba!

Udaipur, also known as the White City and the City Lakes is very beautiful, just like a lot of people told me.

I loved it’s rooftops and I loved how small and easy it is to get around, but what I didn’t like is all of the guys outside the shops trying to make conversation and get you into their stores. They’re good at it I admit and I felt bad when I just walked by and ignored them but when you get asked 50 times a day ‘ma’am where are you from? are you lost? what are you looking for?’ it gets really annoying!

Discover Udaipur’s Highlights by Booking the City Palace Museum Tour and Breathtaking Lake Pichola Cruise

Score:  2

Update: After visiting more Cities in India and Rajasthan I realise that Udaipur is actually very nice and it’s size is also great as it’s easy to explore and the hassle isn’t that bad there in hindsight!

Updated Score: 4

Recommended Accommodation: Pratap Bhawan Hotel (where I stayed), Gypsy Hostel (where a traveller I met stayed and loved).

Related Blog Posts:  12 Unique Activities, Classes and Things To Do in Udaipur, India! ,  Tips for Visiting Udaipur’s City Palace & Doing a Boat Trip Around Lake Pichola!

-Kumbhalgarh

This place is not on the typical Rajasthan Itinerary but I’m really glad I split my trip up between Udaipur and Jodhpur and went here. I stayed in a lovely hotel – Shahpura Kumbhal Villas which was a bit of luxury but actually its only £40.00 a night.

Experience the Magnificent Kumbhalgarh Fort on a Private Full-Day Tour with Lunch – Book now

There are a lot of higher end resorts in Kumbhalgarh so you do need more a budget to go and you’ll need a private driver but if you have the money and you want some peace and quiet in india, Kumbhalgarh is a great place to go!

Recommended Accommodation: Shahpura Kumbhal Villas

Related Blog Posts:  Shahpura Kumbhal Villas in Kumbhalgarh Review!

I had 2 experiences in Jodhpur- a 3 nights in a homestay 30 minutes from the City and 3 nights in the City.

I loved the homestay so so much, it was literally the exact experience I wanted on this trip to India and I got it within 2 weeks of being here! I got to sleep in a mud hut, watch food being made, help cook food, play with the children, ask lots of questions and see the stars, this was truly one of my best travel experiences ever!

I did not get on with the City of Jodhpur however. It’s really dirty with s**t literally everywhere. There’s a lot of traffic in small areas and there isn’t that much to do really, also, its not that blue!

Secure Your Spot for a Jodhpur City Discovery on a Full-Day Private Tour with Camel Safari

I’m glad I went and I would still recommend it if you have time but if you are short on time I’d say to leave the city of Jodhpur out

Homestay in Jodhpur Score: 5!

City of Jodhpur Score: 2

Recommended Accommodation: Chhotaram Prajapat’s Homestay & Zostel Hostel

Related Blog Posts:  Incredible Homestay Experience in Rajasthan at Chhotaram Prajapat’s Homestay!  &  6 Of The Best Way’s to See Jodhpur aka The Blue City of India!

Pushkar is the place to come if you want to relax a bit. Compared to most places in Northern India it’s very chilled and has a backpacker, traveller, and hippy vibe. Its also very spiritual and holy which makes it popular with Indians and Hindu’s.

I spent 1 week in Pushkar to catch up on some blogging work and it was a great place to do this from. I got into a nice routine of getting up early, getting a chai, going to yoga and meditation, working, getting lunch, having a walk, watching the sunset and having dinner.

Pushkar is pretty cheap for accommodation, food and shopping too!

Recommended Accommodation: Elephant Pushkar Hostel (where I stayed) or Inn Seventh Heaven (for something a bit more fancy, my Aunty stayed here last year and loved it!).

Related Blog Posts:    7 Things To Be Aware Of When Visiting Pushkar, India! ,  The Best Places to Eat in Pushkar ,  Where To Find Yoga, Meditation and Ayurveda in Pushkar.

I’ll say now that the ‘Pink City’ is not that pink (just like Jodhpur isn’t that blue), and again like Jodhpur, I had romanticised views that the Pink City would be where I’d spend all my time and it would be really pretty but apart from being more terracotta, it’s actually only a small part of the City and very busy with traffic!

I enjoyed my stay in Jaipur but that was all down to my 2 accommodations. I stayed at Shahpura House which is a luxury heritage hotel. It is really beautiful and if you want a bit of luxury and a good price, I’d recommend it. I then moved to a hostel – Moustache Hostel which I also loved as I met great people and they have lots of activities on which makes seeing the City easier.

Because thats the thing, Jaipur has a lot to do, there are Forts, a Palace, iconic Buildings, Stepwells, Temples and more but a Rickshaw or Taxi is needed to go everywhere and although it is fairly cheap it is quite exhausting and the traffic is bad too, therefore I didn’t end up seeing everything Jaipur had to offer but I still enjoyed it!

Delve into Jaipur’s Royal Legacy and Timeless Beauty by Booking an Exclusive Tour Showcasing the City’s Iconic Palaces, Forts, and Cultural Experiences

Recommended Accommodation:  Shahpura House for some Luxury at good price or Moustache Hostel for the best hostel in Jaipur!

Related Blog Post:  The Best Way To See Jaipur aka The Pink City of India!

I was actually pleasantly surprised with Delhi! I had heard how busy it was and I was a bit worried about going but I stayed in New Delhi in the main backpacker section and although it was busy it was manageable and I enjoyed being able to walk to Connaught Place which is more modern with lots of shops.

Experience Delhi’s Architectural Wonders and Lively Atmosphere by Booking this Private Tour of Old and New Delhi

The Delhi Metro is really easy to use and is a great way to get around, a lot of the main places to visit in Delhi can actually be visited using the metro, alternatively if you do a day tour you can see everything of places in Delhi in a short amount of time!

Recommended Accommodation:  New Delhi is a good location. I stayed in Backpackers Heaven @ New King on my first visit and DO NOT recommend it! I later stayed at Zostel Delhi and really liked it there!

I’m glad I went to Amritsar, the Golden Temple is incredible, so is the kitchen experience and the Wagah Border but I was very happy to leave after 2 days, I had booked 3 nights and reduced it to 2!

The back streets are pretty dirty and very small and busy, apart from the things I have mentioned above there is not much else to do, I got food poisoning too which didn’t help my trip there, and I went on a public holiday so it was soo busy! I have heard from others that they really enjoyed their time in Amritsar and found it quite relaxed so I think my public holiday experience was a one off.

Definitely go but only stay 48 hours max!

Recommended Accommodation:  NOT WOW Backpackers, I didn’t like it there at all! I have heard that Jugadus Hostel   is good and GoStops Hostel in Amritsar  is a which is a chain of hostels in India could be good too!

Related Blog Post:  Tips for Visiting Amritsar’s Golden Temple and the Wagah Border Ceremony!

-Dharamshala / McLeod Ganj

I loved it here! And I was still ill for most of my time here! Dharamshala is in the state of Himachal Pradesh up in the Mountains, in fact at the bottom of the Himalayan Mountains. Because it’s so far away a lot of travellers don’t make it here but it really was the fresh air I needed in India!

It’s the home of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Council so it has a huge Tibetan and Buddhist influence which makes it really unique. It’s a lot quieter than anywhere else I have been with simply stunning nature, good food and good people! I stayed in McLeod Ganj which is in the Dharamshala area and thought this was a great base!

From here I really wanted to go to Manali or Shimla but it was November and too cold. I do plan to go back and I would recommend you seeing more of Himachal Pradesh whilst in Dharamshala.

Score:  5

Recommended Accommodation:  I stayed at Ram Yoga House which definitely helped enhance my experience there, it was so nice and good value. I 100% recommend staying there!

Related Blog Post:  Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj Travel Guide for Travellers!

Rishikesh is the home of yoga and a bit hippy and if you know me you’ll probably know already that I liked it here! Don’t get me wrong, I perhaps went with slightly too high expectations as I know a lot of travellers and expats end up getting ‘stuck’ here and even living here because they love it so much whereas it is still very busy and busy with Indian tourists too which made it not the shanti/peaceful place I thought it would be.

That aside, I love the vibe here. I love the abundance of yoga classes and all types of other healing classes and courses. The people it attracts are really great and there’s so many cafes overlooking the beautiful Ganga River!

Discover Inner Peace and Balance by Booking Your Yoga Retreat at the Serene Abhayaranya Yoga Ashram in Rishikesh

Recommended Accommodation: I stayed at Shiv Shakti Hostel and wasn’t a huge fan of it’s private rooms although other’s liked it for it’s dorm rooms and social vive. I also heard The Hosteller is good, so is Live Free Hostel . For something more fancy and in a great location, the Kunwar Residency would be a good option. Aside from that there are also the Ashram’s that are very popular in Rishikesh!

Related Blog Posts:  A Travel Guide to Rishikesh – Yoga, Cafes, Accommodation, Things To Do!  &  Visiting The Beatles Ashram in Rishikesh!

I really liked Agra! I mean, it wasn’t my favourite place in India BUT considering that a lot of people say to ‘get in and get out’ I found that to be wrong and I think that made me like it more because I think it’s a city you can spend 2-3 days in.

I liked that some of the streets around the Taj Mahal are a bit more modern and there’s one street that led me from the road of my hostel to the Taj Mahal which is totally pedestrian friendly with a pavement and everything (not common in India!).

Secure Your Quick Access to the Majestic Taj Mahal: Book Your Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket for Agra

I also liked how many places there are to see the Taj Mahal from and I loved seeing the Taj Mahal, I think it’s absolutely incredible and exceeded all my expectation so this really helped heighten my opinion of Agra!

Recommended Accommodation: Moustache Hostel Agra , I stayed here in a private room which was really great value. It’s in a good location, ran well and I enjoyed staying there!

Related Blog Post:  Is It Worth Visiting The Taj Mahal? And My Top Tips for Visiting!  &  7 Ways to See The Taj Mahal Without Going Inside the Taj Mahal!

People say you either love or hate Varanasi because it is a very busy, old and unique city and with that comes the fact that it is very different to a lot of places in India, let alone the world and the oldness creates a lot of dust and dirt.. or is that the burning bodies?

I went to Varanasi after being in India for 2 months and I think this is what made me enjoy it. I know people who have been at the start of their trip to India and found it very overwhelming. I think you should be prepared for Varanasi but don’t be worried about going. If you go at the start of your trip, embrace it and know that not everywhere in India is like this!

Reserve Your Unforgettable Varanasi Adventure and Explore India’s culture with Expert Guides

Recommended Accommodation:  Moustache Hostel Varanasi , I was recommended to stay here by a guy I met in Moustache Hostel Jaipur, mainly because of the location as the hostel is at Assi Ghat which is further down the river from the ‘centre’.

I’m really glad I stayed here as I loved the location, much less stress and craziness than accommodation in the centre and it has some great cafes and restaurants around it.

Related Blog Post: 2 Day Itinerary for Varanasi – Will You Love it or Hate it??

Now we’re at the end of my North India locations be sure to see:

How Much it Really Costs to Backpack Around Northern India!

4 Awesome & Different One Month Itineraries for North India with Maps!

South India

Even though Goa is pretty big and differs in each place I’m going to bunch it together because it is mostly the beaches!

I visited Arambol and Candolim in North Goa and Palolem in South Goa. Palolem was my absolute favourite, in fact realising that India had a beach just like you find in Thailand or Philippines made me love India even more because it proved to me that India really does have it all!

I loved the vibe of Palolem, it’s a bit hippy, a bit holiday maker but there are no big ugly buildings and most of the accommodation is huts by the beach. After 3 days in Palolem with friends I stayed at Earth Yoga Village and did their yoga holiday for 1 week which was so so nice too!

I did like Arambol too but only because that was the first place I went in Goa, it’s a lot more holiday vibe and popular with Russians and Indian’s, which was fine. It’s also one of the original hippy places in North Goa but these days there are a lot of neon lights and loud music coming from the beach bars.

Discover the Enchanting Sal Backwaters Mangroves in Goa by Booking Your Kayaking Adventure Today

Candolim was fine for 2 days but I wouldn’t go back or recommend it. It seemed most popular with Brits and the main road is very much a busy road whereas Arambol and Palolem’s main road is a lot quieter and full of shops. The beach is nice and there’s lot of beach bars but it didn’t have anything that special about it in my opinion.

I know there are so many more beaches to visit in Goa but Palolem for me will take some beating!

The one thing I didn’t like about Goa is how hard it is to get from beach to beach! There are local buses but they do not go directly to each popular beach and are local so they take a long time. There is a train line in Goa but a lot of stations are not main stations.

I ended up getting taxi’s between places with my friends, luckily we could split the cost otherwise as a solo traveller this would get very expensive!

Score: Palolem – 5, Arambol – 3.5, Candolim – 2 .

Recommended Accommodation:   Palolem – Tent Cressida Cyrus – really nice tents and huts just off the beach. Arambol – Sunny’s Guesthouse – huts on the cliffside close to Arambol Beach. Candolim – Niki Guest House – nice guesthouse close to the beach .

Related Blog Post:  My Magic Yoga Holiday in Goa at Earth Yoga Village!  

To also help you plan your trip be sure to read these posts after:

3 Different One Month Itineraries for South India with Maps!

8 Things to Know Before You Travel Around South India.

Alleppey in Kerala is a ‘get in, get out’ place, and I say that because I was there an extra day longer than needed! It’s the best place to visit the Backwaters of Kerala from making it popular place to visit but aside from that there’s not much there.

There is a beach but I didn’t feel comfortable sunbathing and there are a few places to eat so its best to go there, do the backwaters and either chill or leave.

Score: 5 because the Backwaters were amazing!

Recommended Accommodation:  Pine Beach Residency  or   Zostel Hostel

Related Blog Post:  Cruising the Backwaters of Kerala from Alleppey!

Look for the best flights to India here!

I use Skyscanner to book all of my flights! I’m a huge fan of Skyscanner because I love how easy it is to compare different dates and routes to help me find the best flight at the best price! 

Open Skyscanner by clicking here and search for the best flights as you read this post.

Another beach place I loved is Varkala. It’s hard to decide whether I loved it more than Palolem although I guess I don’t really need to! Varkala is super chilled but has more edge than the beaches I visited in Goa. The beach itself is more wild and open and I love the cliffside full of accommodation and restaurants.

There are some cool cafes which I found great to work from with good food, there’s lots of yoga on offer and the overall vibe is rally good! I’ll definitely come back to Varkala!

Recommended Accommodation: The Lungi Vibe Hostel   and  Puccini Lala Eco Wellness Resort

Related Blog Post:  A Guide to Varakala Beach.

BOOKING TRAINS IN INDIA

India is best travelled by train because its the quickest, cheapest and best way of getting to know the country. For an EASY option of booking trains in India use 12GO to search and book trains really easily. If you’ll be in India for awhile, you can use the local booking system, it’s a bit tricker but possible, here’s my post on how to book trains in India as a tourist .

BEST ACCOMMODATION IN INDIA

I always use Booking.com to book my hotels in India and Hostelworld to book my hostels . India has a great range of accommodation with brilliant hostel chains like Moustache, Zostel and Backpacker Panda as well as homestays to luxury hotels.

GUIDED TOURS IN INDIA

Many cities in India are best seen with a guide , even if it’s just a half day tour on your first day . Cities in India are chaotic and complex and what better way to taste the food and get to know the city than with a local. I recommend Get Your Guide & Viator for the best tours in India!

Kochi/ Cochin is an interesting City as it’s like no other place in India with a real Portuguese influence. Fort Kochi is the area where travellers stay and I’d say there’s no need to spend any time anywhere else in the City. I found Kochi a bit boring to be honest and I wasn’t a huge fan.

Although I was there over New Year which meant that many of it’s nice cafes were too busy to get a seat and the beach area was also really busy with tourists – Indian and foreigners so I felt like I couldn’t fully enjoy it and appreciate it’s vibe.

I have heard good opinions from other people though so I wouldn’t fully take my word on that it’s boring but there is only enough to cover 2 days in my opinion.

Recommended Accommodation: Bastian Homestay in Fort Kochi.

Related Blog Post:  I was so underwhelmed I didn’t even write one!

Munnar shows a totally different side of Kerala and I really loved it! Munnar is a popular place to see the tea plantations in this area along with lots of Mountains. I stayed in Munnar for 3 nights and 2 days and did a hike to see the tea plantations and some awesome viewpoints.

For me, this is what I wanted to see of inland Kerala and I’m really glad I did. I did see some blog posts saying Munnar is too touristy now and suggesting other hill stations in Kerala but I didn’t even go into the town of Munnar, instead staying at a homestay type place where they offer meals and tours which I’d really recommend doing too and made me really enjoy my time there!

Recommended Accommodation: The Wayside Cottage which is the homestay I stayed in.

Related Blog Post:  Hiking in the Tea Plantations of Munnar, Kerala!

Thekkady also known as Thekkady National Park and Periyar National Park was another nice inland destination in Kerala. The main town to stay in is actually called Kumily. It’s very much centred around tourism but I actually quite liked it.

The most popular thing to do of course is to head out into the National Park which I did on the Borders Hiking Day Tour. It started off quite intense and I was worried I’d gotten myself into a hike that was too hard for me but the main aim of the hike is to see animals, we saw a few like Bisen, Monkeys and some Wild Cows but Wild Elephants were what I wanted to see and thankfully at the end of the trek I did!

It made going there totally worth it and I enjoyed my time there and actually could have stayed for a second full day.

Recommended Accommodation: Green View Hotel

Have you booked your flight to India yet??

I use Skyscanner to book all of my flights! I’m a huge fan of Skyscanner because I love how easy it is to compare different dates and routes to help me find the best flight at the best price!  Open Skyscanner by clicking here and search for the best flights as you read this post.

Madurai was the first place I visited in the state of Tamil Nadu, I had no expectations for it and knew nothing about it apart from it’s iconic Hindu Temple.

To be honest there isn’t that much more to do in Madurai but I did really enjoy the City. It’s bustling like all other Cities but it’s manageable and the locals are very friendly! I took a walking tour out with Story Trails which helped me understand more about the City.

I enjoyed The Lost Hostel where I stayed which helped enhance my few days in Madurai. I feel like this city may get missed off travellers India itinerary but it’s worth a visit I think!

Recommended Accommodation: The Lost Hostel , it’s the only hostel in Madurai but it has a kitchen, great rooftop and a washing machine.. bonus!

Related Blog Post:  What To Do in Madurai, Tamil Nadu in Just One Day!

-Pondicherry

Pondicherry was what I thought it would be, it’s a very Indian Town but the main centre and the ‘tourist area’ is a place called White Town where the French once lived which means it’s filled with lots of nice buildings.

Some are more preserved than others and in no way is it an ‘artificial’ town, it’s very real and raw India but I liked seeing something a bit different to the usual Cities and Towns.

Plus Pondicherry has some nice cafes selling international food.. and lots of bread! I ate as much bread as I could here and it was great!

Auroville is a popular place to visit as a day trip from Pondicherry for for a few days so I enjoyed taking myself there for the morning.

Recommended Accommodation:  The only hostel in Pondicherry right now is Micasa Hostel but that’s fine because I really liked it, really comfy beds and a kitchen!  Villa Krish   and Hotel de Petit  are good hotel in Pondicherry options.

Related Blog Post:  Visiting Auroville on a Day Trip from Pondicherry.  &  10 Things To Do in Pondicherry in Tamil Nadu!

-Mahabalipuram

I did not like this place at all and felt that I wasted two days there. Firstly it was much busier than usual there as it was a state holiday but the town is very small and the main attractions of mahabalipuram are to see some rocks, rock carvings and caves.

The free ones that I saw were impressive in that they are so old but I just felt myself think- have I used up 2 days just to see some rocks??

Mahabalipuram Beach is a local beach and not that clean and the accommodation in the town is very lacking in good quality places.

Even though I had a particularly bad experience I wouldn’t recommend it anyway. The best way to see Mahabalipuram if you really want to is on a day trip from Chennai or staying at a nice resort to make it like a holiday!

Score:  0

Recommended Accommodation:  The Radisson Blu with its own pool and dining complex looks like the best way to enjoy the area!

Chennai doesn’t have any major attractions but it has a nice Hindu Temple, some Churches, some viewpoints and although it’s big it’s easy to get around. I did a tour with Story Trails which I enjoyed and helped me understand more about Hinduism and the City.

I wasn’t in love with Chennai and don’t have any need to go back but I enjoyed a few days there especially learning about the History of the British in Chennai and the Portuguese.

I did think it was a good place to visit for first time travellers to India though and I know it’s a popular first destination due to it’s cheap flights.

Recommended Accommodation:  One of the only hostels is Red Lollipop Hostel which is where I stayed, it’s a good place to meet new people, and has a kitchen!

Mysore is kind of split into two. It’s known for its grand architecture and especially the Palace which is very impressive. It has many other attractions too but they are all quite far from the City.

It’s also known as a good yoga hub in India but as I found out, this isn’t in the centre of Mysore City, it’s out in the neighbourhood of Gokulam.

I wasn’t a huge fan of Mysore but that’s because I stayed near the palace (I was ill and a bit over cities by this point), however I did enjoy my day out to Gokulam visiting some of its nice cafes. And I have heard that many other people do really like the city of Mysore. It is very unique and different to anywhere else with some very nice buildings.

Mysore has Uber which works really well and is a cheap way of getting around.

If you want to sight

Recommended Accommodation: The Green Hotel is very nice if you have the budget. The Manor Hostel is highly recommended too, and if you want Yoga in Mysore stay in Gokulam .

HELP WITH YOUR INDIA ITINERARY

I’ve spent many months travelling India in the last few years visiting over 50 places around the country, here are my recommended itinerary posts for India to help you plan your trip!

2 WEEK INDIA ITINERARY, PERFECT FOR YOUR FIRST TRIP!

2 WEEK SOUTH INDIA ITINERARY – GOA & KERELA

1 MONTH NORTH INDIA ITINERARY IDEAS!

1 MONTH SOUTH INDIA ITINERARY IDEAS!

2 MONTH INDIA ITINERARY IN THE NORTH & SOUTH

MY 4 MONTH INDIA ITINERARY!

24 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN INDIA!

Bangalore was my last stop in India after nearly 4 weeks. I enjoyed it but mainly because it felt so much more westernised and that made ma happy! Bangalore’s Metro system is clean and easy to use which I loved.

I stayed in the area of Indiranagar which I would really recommend, it has a metro stop but also so many cool places to eat and drink from local independent places to big chains like Nando’s, Costa, Pizza Hut.

Sightseeing in Bangalore isn’t the easiest I found. I went to the Palace via metro and tuk tuk but it cost so much to get in plus extra charges for camera’s, the art museum also cost a lot. It has a few nice parks though and some shopping centres if you need to do some shopping.

I’d say Bangalore is a good stopping point or half way point in India if you need some Westernisation!

Recommended Accommodation:  I stayed in  Blooms Room  Indiranagar and really loved it! Otherwise there is a  Zostel Hostel  &   Backpacker Panda Hostel  in Indiranagar too.

This is a super long post but I hope it gives you some real insights into what each place in India is like from where I visited and I visited most of the major tourist places in India!

I will be going back to India and will continue to keep this updated so make sure you bookmark it for future use!

This post contains affiliate links but at no extra cost to you.

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Saturday 13th of April 2019

My friend just got back from India and loved it! He went in summer though and said it was unbearably hot. I definitely want to get there someday. Thanks for so much info!

TheWanderingQuinn

Thanks for reading Eric. Ooh yes you want to avoid the Summer in India unless you’re going high into the mountains in the North. Their Autumn & winter is the best time to visit. :)

Friday 22nd of February 2019

Wow this is an Encylopedia of India’s best places to visit! What a fantastic read.

Haha thank you Nikki! Hopefully it’s useful! :)

nerede çekiliyor

Sunday 10th of February 2019

Really great place. I'd like to be there. Thanks.

Thursday 14th of February 2019

Your Ultimate Trip to India: The Complete Guide

How to Get an Indian Visa

India's Visa Types, Explained

Applying for an E-Visa

India's Climate & Seasons

Monsoon in India

Your Essential Packing List

Things to Buy Before You Go

What to Pack for Monsoon

The Best India Guidebooks

How to Save on Your India Trip

The Top Destinations in India

The Most Iconic Sights in India

Which Region Is Right for You?

India's Top Historical Destinations

Romantic Indian Destinations

India's Top Hill Stations

India's Top National Parks

The Best Beaches in India

India's Best Backpacker Spots

India's Most Spiritual Destinations

The Best Luxury Spas in India

India Off the Beaten Path

India for Adventure Travelers

Where to Experience Rural India

The Top Things to Do in India

Palaces & Forts in India

India's Best Surfing Beaches

Volunteer on a Budget in India

7 Cool Sound & Light Shows

India's Most Popular Festivals

India's Best Bike Tours

See India by Motorcycle

India's Top Tribal Tours

Offbeat Tours to Take in India

India's Best Homestays

Palace Hotels in India

India's Coolest Treehouse Hotels

Top Wildlife & Jungle Lodges

The Best Hostels in India

Best Budget Hotels in India

Transport in India: An Overview

India's Major Airports

India's Best Airlines

Domestic Airlines in India

Hiring a Car & Driver in India

Your Intro to Indian Railways

Travel Classes on Indian Trains

How to Reserve a Train Ticket

How to Find & Board Your Train

Tips for Train Travel in India

India's Scenic Toy Trains

12 Indian Etiquette Don'ts

The Top 10 Indian Stereotypes

Tipping in India

What Does the Head Shake Mean?

9 Challenges You'll Face in India

How to Avoid Culture Shock

Top 5 Monsoon Health Concerns

Voltage Information for India

How to Use Your Cell Phone

How to Say Hello in Hindi

Often Misunderstood Hindi Terms

Hindi Language Books

Most Common Indian Scams

How to Handle Begging in India

How to Spot Fake Indian Currency

What to Buy in India

How to Buy a Sari in India

How to Bargain at Indian Markets

Things to Know Before Going to India

Tips for Less Surprises and a Smoother Trip to India

hadynyah / Getty Images

There are a few things to know before going to India that will help eliminate surprise challenges later.

The Indian subcontinent is crammed with every extreme of nature, humanity, and history. Traveling to India for the first time can be an eye-opening experience. The old saying from the road is true: India can make you laugh, cry, and shout all in the same afternoon! While enjoyable, traveling there independently can be a test of the senses and fortitude for uninitiated travelers.

Knowing a few India travel essentials before hitting the ground will help you adjust more quickly. The less culture shock and small challenges to navigate , the faster you can get on with trying to understand exactly what is happening around you!

The Indian Head Wobble

The quirky head wobble is fun but tricky to master. It's been bewildering Westerners for centuries.

You'll encounter the all-purpose gesture all over India. A head wobble can mean "yes" or "OK," is sometimes used as a greeting, and can be used to acknowledge what you are saying. For instance, your busy waiter may give a head wobble when you come in to show he noticed, and later he may give another when you ask if something on the menu is available.

Don't be surprised if your question is answered with a silent head wobble! Try to take your question into context to understand the meaning of the wobble.

Squat Toilets in India

Although sit-down toilets are frequently found in hotels and tourist restaurants, you'll still encounter plenty of squat toilets in public places such as monuments, attractions, markets, and temples. Some of these toilets are grotesque enough to prompt nightmares later.

Carrying toilet paper with you is a very good idea — but never flush it! Instead, put TP and other items into the bin beside the toilet. You may want to carry hand sanitizer or wet wipes as well; soap is rarely available in public bathrooms.

Wandering Cows

Maybe cliché, but yes: cows do wander freely throughout India, even in the streets of major cities.

Give them room; they are harmless. Try not to be the stereotypical tourist who points, laughs, and takes obnoxious pictures of the respected animals. Cows are honored and esteemed by Hindus. You won't make any friends by messing with the cows in India.

Money in India

You'll find ATMs on the usual major networks in all urban and tourist areas around India. Avoid using remote ATMs at night when you may be followed while carrying a large amount of cash.

Card skimmers are a problem throughout Asia. Be mindful of the card slot on the machine; some are rigged to capture your credentials as the card passes through. If it looks tampered with or modified, move on to another machine. The safest ATMs to choose are the ones in busy areas, especially the ones with armed guards.

When possible, horde your small change and accumulate some. Enter odd amounts in the ATM to receive smaller denominations . Small shops and vendors will have difficulty making change for large banknotes.

Power Outlets in India

Despite a history of British influence, power sockets in India are of the round, two and three-pronged types (type "C" / BS-546) used in Europe rather than the square plugs found in the UK (type "G"). Frustratingly, you'll also encounter some of the three-pronged type "D" sockets. These are less common and more prevalent in local or budget guesthouses. Big hotels should have universal sockets.

Power is 230 volts at 50 Hz. Check the chargers and transformers for your electronic devices to ensure that they work in this range and won't produce fireworks. Most modern devices with transformers or USB chargers are dual voltage; they'll be fine. Watch out for hair dryers and power-splitting implements with built-in surge protection.

The power can sometimes be unreliable with surprise outages and surges. Be cautious about leaving electronics to charge when not in the room. Power surges when generators are switched on can damage sensitive electronic devices. When you see the lights dimming and brightening, unplug!

Don't be surprised if the wall in your room has more unlabeled switches than the Starship Enterprise. Having individual switches for controlling each light, outlet , and appliance is the norm, especially in budget accommodation in India .

Older hotels in India may not have centralize hot water; you'll need to switch on the small hot-water tank in your bathroom to warm the water at least 30 minutes before you shower.

The breaker switch may be in the bathroom, outside the door, or even outside your room in the hallway! Don't complain: the breakers save power and are also a safety feature.

Tipping and Taxes in India

The prices displayed for items in shops should be inclusive of tax, however, that may not always be the case for restaurants and hotels. Nicer restaurants may itemize additional charges for VAT (government tax), service, bottled water, and alcoholic drinks — all at different rates! The bills can be slightly bewildering.

Hotel rooms above a cutoff price have additional government tax levied on them. Your bill may reflect a 10 percent service charge added.

Although tipping isn't the norm in Asia , a little gratuity is sometimes expected in India. Tips in India are generally referred to as baksheesh . A tip of 10 percent is generous, while other services have loosely fixed amounts. For instance, you can tip hotel porters 20 rupees per bag carried to your room.

The service charge added in restaurants may go to pay the salary of the staff or just into the owner's pocket. Unfortunately, there's no way to be sure. If you want to ensure that your hard-working waiter is rewarded, you'll need to leave them a small tip in addition to what is already added to the bill.

Checking Into Hotels

Handling check-in is not as arduous as completing the Indian visa online application , but it's still very bureaucratic. Checking into hotels and guesthouses often requires a good 15 minutes of paperwork due to government regulations. Copies will be run, signatures are required, and paperwork gets stamped and stapled.

You'll need to keep your passport handy , even if you have the number memorized, for your India visa number and issue/expiry dates. Have it available so you don't have to lift a shirt and dig through your money belt at reception!

Time Difference in India

India has an interesting time configuration: The country's only timezone, India Standard Time, is 5.5 hours ahead of GMT/UTC. That means the whole Indian subcontinent is 9.5 hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Time (New York City).

Water in India

Tap water is generally unsafe to drink in India. Some local residents, particularly nearer the Himalayas, will argue otherwise. Even if the piped water is deemed safe by the government, the aged plumbing of each guesthouse or hotel must also be taken into account. Don't risk parasites and heavy metals: stick to drinking bottled water.

Check the seals on bottled water before paying. An old scam in India consists of refilling old bottles with unsafe tap water and resealing them. The bottles that simply came open in transit are safe but get passed on to tourists because locals won't accept them.

Many cafes and tourist places will refill drinking bottles for a small fee. Doing so is a great way to avoid contributing to the epic problem of plastic rubbish in Asia. Declining plastic straws or bringing your own reusable straw is a good idea, too.

What Is Ghee?

Ghee is a clarified butter made from cow's milk; it turns up nearly everywhere in India. Ghee is used in food, sweets, medicine, blessings, and even lanterns. It's valuable stuff!

Although ghee is high in saturated fat, it is considered healthier than hydrogenated oils or regular butter. Unless rejected by particular vegan religious sects, ghee is used in dishes and breads throughout India.

If you are vegan or suffer from dairy allergies, you may want to learn how to ask for food without ghee. Note: asking for your meal to be prepared without ghee doesn't always mean that it will be! But there is some good news: ghee is low in the protein that triggers allergic reactions for dairy sensitive people. It also contains only trace amounts of lactose, so lactose intolerant travelers are often fine as well.

Check out the essential items to pack for India .

The 9 Best Power Adapters for European Travel of 2024

15 Easy Ways to Save Money on Your India Trip

The 10 Best Travel Adapters of 2024

The Ultimate Guide to the Taj Mahal in India

Electrical Outlets That Are Used in Norway

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Kolkata Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport Guide

India Travel: Issues to Know at Top Tourist Places

Top 10 Travel Essentials

HAOZI Universal Travel Adapter Review

India Travel Tips

Travel Ready AC Power Adapter Review

A Guide to Tipping in India

18 Farmstays in India to Get Back to Nature

Your Trip to Udaipur: The Complete Guide

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The best ways to fly to India with points and miles

India is a top destination for many travelers. You can occasionally find flight deals to India, especially if you are patient and have flexible travel dates. If you find a good flight deal, you may want to use a credit card travel portal to book your flights .

Otherwise, you may want to redeem points and miles for flights to India . This guide will discuss some of the top airline loyalty programs to use when booking award flights between the U.S. and India.

Whether you are booking paid flights or award flights, remember to consider booking positioning flights in the U.S. and India. Doing so may unlock more award options or better pricing. Let's get started.

Related: Best credit cards for airport lounge access

ANA Mileage Club

If you're looking to book a round-trip award, booking with ANA Mileage Club may be a good option. ANA is a member of the Star Alliance but also partners with some airlines outside Star Alliance, including Etihad Airways and Virgin Atlantic.

You can redeem ANA miles to fly round-trip between North America and Asia (which includes India) at the following rates:

• Economy : 55,000 to 70,000 miles on ANA-operated flights; 80,000 miles on partners.
• Premium economy : 84,000 to 99,000 miles on ANA-operated flights; not available on partners.
• Business : 100,000 to 115,000 miles on ANA-operated flights; 136,000 miles on partners.
• First : 195,000 to 210,000 miles on ANA-operated flights; 240,000 miles on partners.

You'll still pay these rates even if you fly one-way. So you'll only want to consider ANA Mileage Club if you plan to book a round-trip award.

For example, here's an economy round-trip award operated by Singapore Airlines that you can book for 80,000 ANA miles plus 84.30 Singapore Dollars (about $64):

However, taxes and fees are a lot higher on ANA-operated awards. Here's a premium economy round-trip award operated by ANA that you can book for 94,000 ANA miles plus 817.90 Singapore dollars (about $618):

If you need to earn ANA miles to book your award, you can transfer American Express Membership Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio or Marriott Bonvoy points at a 3:1 ratio (with 5,000 bonus miles for every 60,000 points transferred).

Related: Quick Points: Book mixed-cabin awards with ANA Mileage Club to stretch your miles

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club is another option for flights between the U.S. and India.

You can redeem for flights on Virgin Atlantic, although the taxes and fees are often too high for this to make sense. For example, consider the following off-peak awards from New York to Mumbai via London:

The award costs jump higher for Virgin Atlantic-operated awards on peak dates, though. Combined with the high taxes and fees, these awards won't appeal to most travelers.

You can also redeem Virgin points according to off-peak and peak zone-based charts for long-haul flights operated by Air France and KLM. Here's the pricing you should see for one-way awards between the U.S. and India operated by Air France or KLM:

• Economy : 28,000 points off-peak to/from eastern U.S., 38,000 points peak to/from eastern U.S., 31,000 points off-peak to/from central or western U.S. and 41,000 points peak to/from central or western U.S.
• Premium economy (only on Air France): 56,000 points off-peak to/from the eastern U.S., 76,000 points peak to/from the eastern U.S., 62,000 points off-peak to/from central or western U.S. and 72,000 points peak to/from central or western U.S.
• Business : 110,000 points off-peak to/from eastern U.S., 120,000 points peak to/from eastern U.S., 122,500 points off-peak to/from central or western U.S. and 132,500 points peak to/from central or western U.S.

But in practice, the rates you'll see for awards operated by Air France and KLM on the Flying Club website may not match the award chart rates. For example, these awards operated by Air France and KLM cost 27,000 points (1,000 points less than we'd expect).

If you want to earn Virgin points , you can leverage the following transferable currencies:

• American Express Membership Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio.
• Citi ThankYou Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio (if you have the Citi Premier® Card (see rates and fees ) or the Citi Prestige® Card , which is no longer open to new applicants).
• Chase Ultimate Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio.
• Bilt Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio.
• Marriott Bonvoy points at a 3:1 ratio (with 5,000 bonus points for every 60,000 points transferred).
• Capital One miles at a 1:1 ratio (to Virgin Red ).

The information for the Citi Prestige has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: When and how to book Delta awards with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Flying Blue

The Flying Blue program is another option for award flights between the U.S. and India. One-way awards between the U.S. and India start at 35,000 miles in economy, 65,000 miles in premium economy and 95,000 miles in business.

For example, we could book the one-way KLM-operated economy award that costs 27,000 Virgin points plus $219 (see the previous section) for 35,000 Flying Blue miles plus $125.

Finding business class awards at the starting rate of 95,000 miles can be challenging. But you can easily check award pricing by cabin around your desired travel dates by looking at the bar above the results. Unfortunately, as you'll see in the one-way business class award example below, the taxes and fees are rather high on business class awards.

If you want to earn Flying Blue miles , you can transfer any of the following transferable currencies:

• Capital One miles at a 1:1 ratio.
• Citi ThankYou Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio (if you have the Citi Premier Card or the Citi Prestige Card ).
• Marriott Bonvoy points at a 3:1 ratio (with 5,000 bonus miles for every 60,000 points transferred).
• Bilt Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio to either Air France or KLM (both of which use Flying Blue as their loyalty program).

Related: This month's Flying Blue Promo Rewards

Air Canada Aeroplan

Air Canada Aeroplan award prices follow region-based award charts . The U.S. is in the North America region and India is in the Atlantic region. However, most one-way awards between the U.S. and India have a distance of 6,001 to 8,000 miles and hence are priced as follows:

• Economy : 55,000 to 80,000 points for Air Canada-operated flights; 55,000 points for partner-operated flights.
• Premium economy : 70,000 to 100,000 points for Air Canada-operated flights; not offered on partner-operated flights.
• Business : 85,000 to 200,000 points for Air Canada-operated flights; 90,000 points for partner-operated flights.
• First : 120,000 to 225,000 points on Air Canada-operated flights; 130,000 points on partner-operated flights.

However, if you combine Air Canada-operated flights with flights operated by partner airlines, you may see different pricing.

Aeroplan's rates are higher than what you'll find with other programs, especially once you consider the partner booking fee.

But, if you want to add in a stopover or have inflexible travel dates, you may find that the Aeroplan program is best for your trip to India. I had little trouble finding partner awards pricing as expected from major cities in the U.S. to major cities in India.

If you need to earn Aeroplan points for an award, you could use the Aeroplan® Credit Card . However, if you need points more urgently, you could leverage the following transferable currencies:

Related: Complete guide to Aeroplan's stopover and routing rules

Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles

Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles can be a good way to book Star Alliance awards between the U.S. and India. You can book round-trip promotional awards on Turkish Airlines or its partners between the U.S. and India at the following rates:

• Economy : 68,000 miles.
• Business : 105,000 miles.
• First : 154,000 miles.

You can also book a one-way promotional award for half the cost in miles of a round-trip award. There's plenty of economy award availability on Turkish Airlines-operated flights from the U.S. to India for 34,000 miles plus $128.80 one-way.

You can also find some availability on Star Alliance partners. For example, here's a one-way business class award on an Air India-operated flight from New York to Delhi for 52,500 miles plus $277.90.

If you want to earn Turkish miles to book an award, you can transfer Capital One miles at a 1:1 ratio, Citi ThankYou Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio (if you have the Citi Premier Card or the Citi Prestige Card ), Bilt Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio and Marriott Bonvoy points at a 3:1 ratio (with 5,000 bonus miles for every 60,000 points transferred).

Related: 10 things to know about flying Turkish Airlines

Avianca LifeMiles

Avianca LifeMiles is another option you could use if you want to fly Star Alliance airlines between the U.S. and India.

You'll usually find one-way Star Alliance awards between the U.S. and India for 47,000 miles in economy, 90,000 miles in business and 120,000 miles in first.

But one interesting part of the Avianca LifeMiles program is how it prices mixed cabin awards. For example, you could pay just 3,330 miles more to fly Air India business class instead of economy class from Hong Kong to Delhi on the following award.

If you want to earn Avianca LifeMiles, you can transfer American Express Membership Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio, Capital One miles at a 1:1 ratio, Citi ThankYou Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio (if you have the Citi Premier Card or the Citi Prestige Card ) and Marriott Bonvoy points at a 3:1 ratio.

Related: Can't find award availability with Avianca LifeMiles? Don't give up until you try this trick

United MileagePlus

United MileagePlus offers reasonably priced economy awards between the U.S. and India on most dates. On most dates, you'll find one-way economy awards for 46,800 miles plus modest taxes and fees. For example, here's a calendar view of economy awards from Austin, Texas, to Delhi:

You'll likely end up on Air India if you're looking for the least-expensive one-stop routing:

But keep an eye out for other Star Alliance carriers, such as LOT Polish:

United MileagePlus awards between the U.S. and India are often expensive in premium cabins. So unless you have a lot of United miles , you'll likely want to utilize other programs if you want to fly in premium cabins. Here's an example of some of the least expensive business and first class awards I found between New York and Delhi:

If you want to earn United miles , you have multiple options. For example, you can use a United credit card or transfer rewards from Chase Ultimate Rewards at a 1:1 ratio, Marriott Bonvoy at a 3:1.1 ratio (with 5,500 bonus miles for every 60,000 points transferred) and Bilt Rewards at a 1:1 ratio.

Related: 6 things you need to know about United Airlines MileagePlus

Alaska Mileage Plan

Alaska Mileage Plan provides some nice options between the U.S. and India. Based on Alaska's new simplified award chart , you'd expect to see one-way awards starting at the following rates between the U.S. and India:

• Economy : 42,500 miles
• Premium economy : 55,000 miles.
• Business : 65,000 miles.
• First : 80,000 miles.

But in practice, you may find less-expensive awards when you search on Alaska's website. For example, here's a Japan Airlines-operated economy award from Seattle to Bangalore for 35,000 miles plus $31.

And here's a Japan Airlines-operated business award from New York to Delhi for 60,000 miles plus $30.

Alaska Mileage Plan may be very appealing if you want to build a stopover into your one-way award. For example, you can book the same Japan Airlines itinerary shown above with about a week stopover in Tokyo for the same number of miles and just slightly higher taxes and fees.

The primary downside of redeeming Alaska miles is the difficulty you may face in earning Alaska miles . That said, you can earn miles through Alaska credit cards , the Alaska Mileage Plan shopping portal and by transferring rewards from Marriott Bonvoy at a 3:1 ratio (with 5,000 bonus miles for every 60,000 points transferred).

Related: Maximizing redemptions with Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

American AAdvantage

Finally, American Airlines AAdvantage provides some good options between the U.S. and India. You can fly one-way awards that involve American's partners between the U.S. and India at the following rates:

• Economy : 40,000 miles.
• Premium economy : 62,500 miles.
• Business : 70,000 miles.
• First : 115,000 miles.

You'll usually see reasonable taxes and fees if you avoid British Airways-operated flights. Also, American's large network within the U.S. makes it easy to connect within the U.S. at the start or end of your award.

It's relatively easy to find economy awards involving American's partners for 40,000 miles each way. For example, here's a one-way economy award on Qatar Airways-operated flights from Los Angeles to Bengaluru for 40,000 miles plus $41.80:

And here's a one-way business class award on Finnair-operated flights from Dallas to Mumbai for 70,000 miles plus $12.30:

The biggest downside of American Airlines AAdvantage awards is that it can be difficult to earn American miles . But you can earn miles through American Airlines credit cards , Bask Bank and the AAdvantage shopping portal . Plus, you can transfer rewards to AAdvantage from Bilt Rewards at a 1:1 ratio and Marriott Bonvoy at a 3:1 ratio.

Related: Maximizing redemptions with American Airlines AAdvantage

Bottom line

This guide discussed various ways to redeem points and miles for flights to India. The best program for you will depend on various factors, including award availability, what points and miles you currently have and how you want to fly.

Booking flights is just the start of your trip planning. Luckily, you can also redeem hotel points in India — and there are some excellent properties to consider. For example, Hyatt's Alila Fort Bishangarh near Jaipur is spectacular. You can stay at the world's only Category 1 Park Hyatt in Chennai . And the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Agra offers views of the Taj Mahal from its roof-top infinity pool.

If you don't want to plan what to do in India once you book your flights, Elsewhere (owned by TPG's sister brand, Lonely Planet) may be able to plan the perfect trip for you.

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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 .
• Review your personal security plans and remain alert to your surroundings.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report for India.
• 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 .

India-Pakistan Border – Level 4: Do Not Travel

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 . 

Embassy Messages

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Quick Facts

Must be valid for six months beyond date of visa application to obtain a visa.

Two pages required.

Yes. Travelers must enter in either on a paper visa, valid for 10 years for U.S. citizens, or an e-tourist visa.

Required for yellow fever if the traveler is arriving from an infected area; others are suggested.

The possession of satellite phones is prohibited in India; Currency in excess of USD $5,000 must be declared. Please check with the Indian Embassy in Washington if you are planning to carry a large amount of currency into India.

Check local law for reporting requirements for exiting with large quantities of foreign currency and Indian rupees.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy new delhi.

Shantipath, Chanakyapuri New Delhi - 110021 India Telephone: +(91) (11) 2419-8000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(91) (11) 2419-8000 Fax: +(91) (11) 2419-0017 [email protected]

The U.S. Embassy, New Delhi   serves American citizens in the Indian states of  Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh, the union territories of Chandigarh, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, and the country of Bhutan.

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]

The Consulate General in Mumbai provides consular services for the states of Goa, Gujarat, Chhatisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, and the union territory of Diu and Daman, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

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]

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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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India Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

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After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in India. Learn how to protect yourself.

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• Global Measles March 22, 2024 Many international destinations are reporting increased numbers of cases of measles. Destination List: Afghanistan, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Qatar, Republic of South Sudan, Republic of the Congo, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Togo, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Zambia

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Cholera is  presumed to be present  in India. Cholera is rare in travelers.  Certain factors  may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease ( more information ). Avoiding unsafe food and water and washing your hands can also help prevent cholera. Avoiding unsafe food and water and washing your hands can also help prevent cholera.

Vaccination may be considered for children and adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission.

Cholera - CDC Yellow Book

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to India.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to India. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to India.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Japanese Encephalitis

Recommended for travelers who

• Are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live
• Spend long periods of time, such as a month or more, in areas with Japanese encephalitis
• Frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis

Consider vaccination for travelers

• Spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets
• Going to areas with Japanese encephalitis who are uncertain of their activities or how long they will be there

Not recommended for travelers planning short-term travel to urban areas or travel to areas with no clear Japanese encephalitis season. 

Japanese encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine for US Children

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of India take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for India.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Rabid dogs are commonly found in India. However, if you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in India, rabies treatment is often available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to India. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

• Arrive within 6 days of leaving an area with risk for YF virus transmission, or
• Have been in such an area in transit (exception: passengers and members of flight crews who, while in transit through an airport in an area with risk for YF virus transmission, remained in the airport during their entire stay and the health officer agrees to such an exemption), or
• Arrive on a ship that started from or touched at any port in an area with risk for YF virus transmission ≤30 days before its arrival in India, unless such a ship has been disinsected in accordance with the procedure recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), or
• Arrive on an aircraft that has been in an area with risk for YF virus transmission and has not been disinsected in accordance with the Indian Aircraft Public Health Rules, 1954, or as recommended by WHO.
• Africa: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Uganda
• Americas: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago (Trinidad only), Venezuela

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites.

Chikungunya

• Mosquito bite
• Avoid Bug Bites

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever

• Tick bite 
• Touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF
• Mosquito bite

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite
• An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

Avian/bird flu.

• Being around, touching, or working with infected poultry, such as visiting poultry farms or live-animal markets
• Avoid domestic and wild poultry
• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in India, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in India. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Some diseases in India—such as dengue, Zika, filariasis, and leishmaniasis—are spread by bugs and cannot be prevented with a vaccine. Follow the insect avoidance measures described above to prevent these and other illnesses.

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in India include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis and leptospirosis, infections that can be spread in fresh water, are found in India. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call India’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in India. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of India may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in India, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

For information traffic safety and road conditions in India, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for India .

Traffic flows on the left side of the road in India.

• Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
• LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

To call for emergency services while in India, dial 100 or, from a mobile phone, 112. Write these numbers down to carry with you during your trip.

Learn as much as you can about India before you travel there. A good place to start is the country-specific information on India from the US Department of State.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for India for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

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Is India Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

• India : Safety by City
• Navi Mumbai
• Thiruvananthapuram

The largest country in the South Asia Region, the land impossible to remember once you visit it, India, is located in the center of South Asia.

Officially referred to as the Republic of India, it is the seventh-largest country in the world by area and has a population of over one billion people.

It is second only to China in population, though probably not for long.

India is an extremely memorable country, and due to its size, it varies widely in geography, climate, culture, language and ethnicity across the country.

As for tourist attractions and things to see and do in India, there are so many options that you would probably need to stay in India for a period of six months in order to see it all.

It one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and fastest developing countries which make its cities an attraction by themselves.

Though it has its parts that are ridden with poverty, it’s considered to be an emerging superpower.

Among the breathtaking things to see in India is one of the world wonders – the Taj Mahal, you can see tigers in some of the best national parks, and enjoy the Goa beach that is visited by more and more tourists every year.

• Warnings & Dangers in India

OVERALL RISK: HIGH

Though India is considered a generally safe country, due to its size, there are more dangerous areas and less dangerous ones. It is necessary that you remain vigilant at all times.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Be wary of pickpockets in public transport, and taxi drivers (as well as tuk-tuk drivers) trying to rip you off. Be especially careful in the overnight buses or trains and don't accept any food or drinks as they might be spiked. Keep in mind that driving is dangerous because of poor road conditions and the fact that India follows the left-hand driving system.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Pickpockets operate literally everywhere in India. Be careful not to get your pockets picked and bag snatching is another very common form of petty theft. Pickpockets are especially common in public transport.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH

The main threats to India when it comes to natural disasters are earthquakes, floods and severe storms that commonly hit this beautiful country causing great damage.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Muggings and kidnappings aren't at all common in India.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

India keeps being targeted by terrorists so there is a great risk of them trying to carry out an attack again. Anti-Western terrorist groups sometimes operate in India, including Islamist extremist groups.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

This is a serious issue in India. If you're a first-time traveler to India, you will most certainly get scammed as this country is notorious for scams performed on tourists. Taxi scams with taxi drivers convincing you to take other accommodation are very common, as are those where vendors give you less change than they should. Whatever service anyone offers you - you find out how much it costs first, because they will try to charge literally everything.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH

Sexual assaults are on the rise in India, and it is dangerous for women to travel alone in this country, whether by day or night. Always strive to be accompanied by someone when outside. Move-in groups and avoid poorly lit and deserted streets.

• So... How Safe Is India Really?

Generally speaking, India is mostly safe for tourists.

Violent crime isn’t common in this country, especially not against foreigners, while petty theft does exist but it is more prominent in areas frequented by tourist.

You can expect pickpockets in crowded places such as bus and train stations, and it is highly advised that you keep your bags and belongings tightly by your side because bag snatching is also one of the popular forms of petty crime.

Thieves have been known to break into accommodations and rooms where tourists reside.

Be prepared that people are going to try and scam you or extort money from you, even the police, though the situation with corruption has improved during the last couple of years.

Keep in mind that homosexuality is illegal in India under a colonial-era law, with penalties of imprisonment or a fine.

The law that is still in force has been used for years to harass the LGBTQ community.

Police officers have been known to harass, extort money from and blackmail homosexuals in India, so members of LGBTQ might want to think twice before venturing into this country.

India follows the left-hand driving system, which can cause difficulties for tourists wishing to rent a car.

If you plan on driving in India, bear in mind that Indian roads aren’t in the best condition and that Indian drivers can oftentimes be reckless when behind the wheel, and don’t forget that you might run into wandering livestock on the road.

• How Does India Compare?
• Useful Information

Most countries need a visa in order to enter India. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past your planned date of return. If you are not sure about your visa status, it is best to visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa.

The Indian rupee is the official currency in India. ATMs are widespread in most towns and as for credit cards, it is advised to always carry cash as a backup. MasterCard and Visa are the most widely accepted credit cards.

Indian climate is mostly influenced by the Himalayas and the Thar Desert. Since it is so large, the climate in India vastly varies, ranging from tropical in the south to temperate and alpine in the Himalayan north. The elevated areas in the north commonly receive sustained winter snowfall.

Indira Gandhi International Airport is the primary civilian hub for the National Capital Region of Delhi, India. It is located in Palam, 15 km south-west of the New Delhi railway station and 16 km from New Delhi city centre.

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to India, since it covers not only the costs medical problems, but also theft and loss of valuables.

India Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature

India - Safety by City

Explore india.

• 10 Best Beaches in India
• 10 Most Dangerous Cities in India
• 10 Most Beautiful Castles in India
• 10 Safest Cities in India
• A Culinary Tour of India for Vegetarians
• Where to Next?

113 Reviews on India

Section 377, LGBTQ+ people are now legal in India.

Awesome India

Contrary to what internet mentions, India is a very safe country if you understand and respect local culture, tradition and beliefs. Excluding the 7 metros, women dont go out putting their meat on display. Dress modestly and in comfortable clothing without putting your undergarments on display. You are seeking unwanted attention when you dont dresss properly. I have travelled every other year to India and not once I have been mugged or my drink has been spiked even after accepting drinks from strangers. The biggest safety factor in India for tourists is its population !! There are just people everywhere and nowhere to hide from public. Tell me which city in west doesnt have shady areas in its cities and towns? Indian also has its fair share. Avoid them and you will be safe. Day time is very very safe in India and dow aht you want. pickpocket is a huge problem but mainly in 4 metros and big cities like Bangalore and Hyderabad. On another note, it is fun to watch how people of differnet religion, belief, culture live in one country with such a good harmony. They not only celebrate Hindu festivals like Diwali and Holi, but also celebrate Eid, Christmas, Mahavir jayanthi and Hanukkah. You will NEVER see that ANYWHERE in the world.

Thank you soooooo much

You will see multi ethnic celebrations in Mauritius too

I went and was almost scammed every 5-10 minutes… people trying to pick pocket and being annoyed by everyone trying to be my friend….. holiday turned into a nightmare

How surprising, people in India have fear from law and order. So, no such thing happens. Yes, of course wherever this happens are not tourist or general place to visit by tourist or normal Indians even. India is safe to travel in night even. Roads are much better now in past 5-6 years. Everything is online and record of booking and can be shared with any of your known. Every genuine travel co. is on apps enabled with police alerting system. Everyone in India will tell you where to go if you want some such adventure. That is for Indians themselves as well. But no one will kill you.

Well said 🙏

I agree...India is quite safe.

You might want to visit Suriname on the northwest coast of South America. Diwali and Holi, Eid, Christmas, Mahavir Jayanti as well as Hanukkah, all publicly celebrated there as well. BTW – I enjoyed my visit to India very much and found it quite safe. Of course, I investigated and respected local customs during my visit.

This is why my Dutch Indian friend said We Indian always said we’re proud of something or we’re good at something but in the end, they are not. They are just skippy mean they rather ignore the mistake and keep doing mistake. Why not just said we’re not proud human beings but we are trying to make things living better and make it safe. Like for India r*pe crime is like Holy *** that s*** higher than Covid infection

religious hatred on raise

I don’t know when you wrote this review… but today India is a country of concern for women, minorities and hindu dalits Multiple agressions against minorities, religious hate speech by politicians and hindu godmens have rosen to 1130 % last year… Unfortunately the bjp ruling party pays heavily the medias to mask all the odds but only lies on the net.. Anyway just check your consul services and you will have better information

Best Country to visit, live, learn and enjoy.

am not sure which part of country or even the world you have roam around! India is by far one of the most safest countries for people of all the cast, color and sex. Its population is almost 4 times of USA and there are more than 18 officially recognized languages in India, with every 100 Kms the dialect gets changed and every state having there own mother and state languages. With so much of diversity and with a population of 1.39 billions its pity how the fewer cases of violence and aggression are read as biggest threats to the community and harmony. When the whole world is crippling against the religious hatred India is holding its head way higher as epitome of religious harmony. In US, every other day some or the other racial attack will happen, people will ignore, go to Paris the most beautiful city in the Europe, every minute of your walk will be full of fear of getting looted or attacked by small miscreants. Forget nights, even in the day time its so unsafe to walk in the streets of Paris. Everywhere pick pocketing will happen. On the concern of women, no western world can stand in front of India. As every day hundreds of cases will come up as the crime against women, child in the US, Germany, France but nothing seems to effect you people but the cases or crimes once it happened in India becomes a world wide spectra. Agreed India is still developing and still in lag with the western world but when it comes to the safety and developments it is and it will always be the best country to visit, live, learn and enjoy. cheers!

It’s an amazing country,best place for tourists to enjoy and above all I guarantee you the safety as well .Yes go well dressed be decent enough and there you go the finest things ,places food shopping to enjoy .Yes there is no country in the world 100% safe but from all India is the safest .Thanks.

Nope..just because you are india..you won’t deny anything right..rape cases happen in india every 13 sec lol

Your attitude makes things better or worse

pick pockets, frauds are around everything else is good. nowadays some moral policing cases reported. anyhow dont believe any one blindly then it would be a nice vacation over there

India is Safe

India is the most misunderstood country in the world.

There is no country in the world which assure 100% safety in the world, same with India.

There are few pointers which separate India from the outside world:

1. People carrying a gun or any dangerous weapon is uncommon and not legal in India. While most of the nations are fighting with this problem, India is far better and secure in these terms. 2. Indian people are genuinely good, especially in tourist areas like Goa, Kerala, Maharashtra, Northern State, Kashmir and more. They accepted tourism as a culture and source of earning. 3. I do not buy writers comment about terrorism in India. I am not denying terrorism especially in one state JnK has some issues, but even in that state they treat guests and tourist well and there is not a single incident in JnK in last 20+ years where foreign tourist face any problem. All other India is completely safe. 4. Women safety is a world wide issue and needs to be taken seriously. Basic precautions are necessary not only in India but in every part of the world. Indians are mostly well-behaved but misunderstood in this term. 5. India is too crowded to be unsafe :-).

India is a beautiful country with all the flavors and culture.

Few things as per me you need to take care of are:

1. Don’t drive. If you are an outsider do not even try to drive in India, even if you are a certified F1 driver. 2. Avoid street food, especially who has a weak stomach. 3. Choose your time carefully to visit India in terms of weather.

Edit it man

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Thank you for your advice.

Nice joke,india is safe country

Really nice pieces of information. Thanks for sharing. We have not seen any terrorist attack out of J&K for the last 7 years. Today India has the best government that nicely maintains terrorism.

What ever Hemendra Singh told about india is absolutely correct generally indian people are friendly behivour with others they give all respect to evey one , they won’t think indian are foreign but unfortunately media either india are foreign not giving importance about this beautiful country to visit every one . regarding safety some croudy places may be pickpocketers problem arise this is not in all only populated cites that’s in railway station Most rush areas if person takes care there is nothing to be done .

Not good for all community.

Aptly said…in fact you gave a realistic picture of India as a country. It is pretty better in safety compared to the other countries in the subcontinent

Stop being bias Hemendra Singh Patel

Reading your reply it shows that you are a bias Indian trying to defend his country without knowing much about other countries.

1. Gun problem is typically a US problem. Saying that most nations are fighting this problem shows your ignorancy about other countries. 2. The problem is you don’t see it from a tourist’s point of view. Depending on where, you are literally harrased every few minutes from people asking money, wherever you go prices are more than actual prices, same for taxis and such… Ofc you’ll never experience this as a local. 3. Are you living under a rock if you seriously think there hasn’t been terrorist attacks in the last 20 years? The 2008 attack on Mumbai was so horrible why would you pretend it never happen. While I agree that many countries are more at risk, we can’t say that India outside J&K is completely safe. That’s a lie. 4. Women safety is not a world issue. Go to most european countries. Go to Scandinavia. People over there will laugh at your ignorant statement. You just can’t deny the number of rape and sexual agressions. Well-behaved or not, numbers don’t lie… 5. Population cannot be an excuse. China has around the same population but it is way more safe for tourists.

safest place in the world

Everything said in this page is wrong, India is one of the safest places in the world. first rape and other sexual assault has been going down for 12 years straight now and mugging is not a problem. Terriosim is a very small risk but still it is a risk but very little. if you go to India theirs almost no chance of being the victim of a terrorist attack. transportation is mainly safe but i will say India is very corrupt its also very cheap which is good for you. honestly its the perfect place to visit theirs so many things to do. you will probably hear a lot about dont travel to the Pakistan boarder but actually theirs a bunch of festivals and gatherings at the boarder and its perfectly safe. India is extremely safe period.

Do not visit unless you want to catch a third world undiscovered disease

Ignorance is bliss, clearly.

Racist much?

No racism in her comment, but I didn't see anyone get sick.

Wait. Did Magdelena write anything about race? This fake “wokeness” is getting too thick. She said nothing about race, she commented on the liklihood of getting sick, which I might add is quite low, because of all of the vaccinations one needs to get before visiting India. I had a great time (2016) and did not witness anyone getting sick, but I did see several people who were carrying guns and they were not police. With the prevalence of guns in the US, it might not surprise you to know many people like me are tuned to be able to spot someone with a concealed weapon. I spotted several while in India. I minded my own business and had lots of fun. India not dangerous for me, but I could see how a woman might be intimidated in some situations there more so than in most countries.

Now get lost

We are very happy that you won’t visit, we have enough chutiye as it is. India is as safe as you want it to be. Don’t be stupid and you’ll have the best time of your life, but that’s applicable for the entire planet, not just India.

You are Just Idiots. Most Corona cases are in USA and even after so much Population less number of cases

What does that have to do with it?

What does COVID-19 have to do with traveler safety in India? Did you post to the wrong thread or something?

You must be Pakistani

India is Safe, cultured and friendly

There is no such issue. How surprising, people in India have fear from law and order. they care of safety, food and life much more than any European or American now. So, no such thing happens. Yes, of course wherever this happens are not tourist or general place to visit by tourist or normal Indians even. India is safe to travel in night even. Roads are much better now in past 5-6 years. Everything is online and record of booking and can be shared with any of your known. Every genuine travel co. is on apps enabled with police alerting system. Everyone in India will tell you where to go if you want some such adventure. That is for Indians themselves as well. But no one will kill you.

SO RUDE!!!!!!!

Historically, most epidemics have started in European countries due to the terrible sanitation systems and the high population density in their overcrowded cities (Smallpox plague spread through North America by colonizers). I hope you’re trying to be sarcastic, because I’m not. Not talking about Covid, but a high population density OVERALL does not equate “third world undiscovered disease”, and it definitely does not equate ignorance, that mantle is held firmly by Internet users and review posters.

Safe, but not completely safe.

I would not say it is the safest place in the world, but it is relatively safe to travel there. Pickpockets are there, and it does have quite a few common scams in the busy district of India, such as a bird poop scam, in which they often deliberately spill poop on your shoes without you noticing, then pretend that they are the good ones, helping you clean your shoe up. Afterwards, they charge crazy prices for your cleaning after they are done. Terrorism may happen here as well, but I bet it is quite rare in India. What I don’t exactly agree with you is the sexual assault. India is a place where you have to be wary. Avoid going to dimly lit areas because that’s where most prey. Other than that, enjoy your trip to India. Have been there thrice, and will do it again.

obviously Indian ppl care too much abt their country image and try to defend whenever and wherever possible–it only tells me one thing–their lack of confidence and eagerness of getting acknowledge and accepted

ye paka pakistani hai… m sure!!!

Says the well-behaved Indian ^

As an Indian I observed how chinese media loves to portray India as the worst place possible yet Chinese are among the top five countries which visit India so you enjoy living in your small bubble of ignorance. It would be better for us.

Stop being bias

Anonymous, your reply made no sense. Chinese are not even top 10 countries that visit india the most. Most are from the US, UK, Bangladesh, Canada, Nepal. And what that shows is they are probably Indians visiting their relatives in India… Your comment just proved the point of the OP.

Unsafe for attractive women

Don’t go as an attractive American female. You’ll be harassed, yelled at, followed and in fear.

You can’t wear normal American attire. You can’t even go to a bar and drink without being physically intimidated or even mildly assaulted as a woman. You can’t go to any tourist attraction without being consistently bombarded and scammed. You’ll spend weeks sick to your stomach. I’ve traveled all over the world and never felt more unsafe than when in India.

I’ve seen men beat women openly in public with the police onlooking and not caring; I’ve seen an older orphan beat a toddler until his head split open and the police told me not to try to stop it, that this is how it’s supposed to be. The men are the most sexually aggressive of any country I’ve ever been to and won’t take no for an answer, and that says a lot.

I’ve been to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey, and felt less threatened as a woman in all three. I’m not a tourist with a bad attitude, I opened an entire office in India with hundreds of employees and lived there for 6 months while doing so. It was quite possibly the worst human rights violation I’ve ever witnessed.

Equal rights are not a thing

People who think women’s basic rights are safe in India are blind to a growing problem of epic proportions. I’ve seen too much documented proof to believe that India is just as safe, as say, Norway, for the female traveler.

+BN yes violence is not nice and the police should be more vigilant when they see things like that but if by ‘normal american attire’ you mean skimpy/tight clothes and mini skirts drinking in a country where girls wear long shalwar kameez and dupaatas on their heads and don’t leave the house without their fathers/brothers/husbands so men don’t have a chance to raise an eyebrow or harass them then i would also be ashamed of you if i saw you like that. even women TV presenters wear a headscarf when they visit countries where women cover their hair to show respect. and seriously go sort out your abusive, racist president before talking about a country that was divided, scammed and robbed of for years by all of u ppl in exchange for your bloody alcohol and is now a third world country. and who said you are ‘attractive’?????? maybe in fifty kilos of makeup (that one of the 60,000,000 child laborers in india has mined minerals for in tunnels to put in your lipsticks) learn some manners.

…okay calm down…

You are not talking about India, women do not need anyone’s permission do go anywhere unless they are Muslim. Islam is one of many religions in India, do not give an unnecessary impression of an Islamic country. In general, if you are planning to visit a country, try to respect local customs. If you are not interested in understanding other cultures then there is very little point in your being here, and India already has enough people as it is. You are free to wear what you please as long as it is legal, but if you have noticed that people around you dress more conservatively, then you can’t with any conviction complain about the amount of attention you draw when you are aware why you are drawing it. Tourist scams are a thing, the exchange rate is so high that tourists don’t notice when they are being overcharged and they get taken advantage of at times. It is better to travel in a group, and bars in India are as unsafe as they are all over the world.

As for the violence you are talking about, I’ve lived 20 years in India and never seen anything like it, and I don’t even live in a “safe area”. Granted, some people engage in violence. That is rare, and rarer in India than its occurence worldwide.

It seems you open your office right in the middle of Wasseypur. I’ve never seen the amount of crime you’ve seen in just 6 months, that’s got be a record. The point about children spilitting each other’s heads open was a nice one, did you take video? The amount of BS you’ve written is insane’. There are some parts of the country that are definitely bad, and it seems you chose those exact places for some odd reason. Can’t blame a stupid person for being stupid.

DONT GO THERE I got robbed 3 times when I only went there only for 3 days just to visit the mosque and I am an American.

Danger country in the would

Yes , I am agree with you and I am live in India from birth , I am also some experience.

I think you travelled to Pakistan and mistakenly writing about India 😂😂🍌🍌

Rapist/Goons\uneducTed/ uncuvilized/castesystem/ poverty/overpopulation

Lets face the truth my fellow Indians, India is very unsafe for its own ppl too. My gf from germany visited india and was harassed to almost mentally raped level.

An Honest Reply to this Comment.

I have to write this reply to clear others’ misconceptions (most of them). and mind you… I’m not writing this to save my country’s image and “eagerness to get acknowledged and accepted”.

I’ll be honest with you all.

First, you tell me, if you could… How many places have you and your “gf” visited in India?

1. I do accept the point of overpopulation, but hardly any few places are there where you’ll be choked to death (***sarcasm if you didn’t get***).

2. According to you, if you’re considering a person “not knowing English” as uneducated, then… my boy… I’ll have to assume that, you’ve never visited any European countries (except the UK ofc).

3. Rapes and goons… well tbh, rapes cases happen in India in a significant amount. so for that one, I’ll recommend taking extra care while visiting any places. But goons?? are you that “popular/demanded to be dead” person? if you’ve faced any cases of goons (I’m assuming your life got threatened multiple times)… I think because of the naiveness you’ve got from fake news on the internet, any person got impatient and wanted you to be dead (***sarcasm again***). but tbh…. I’ve hardly seen any goons cases in both mainstream media (authorized) and in my personal life.

4. Uncivilized (pls improve your chatting/typing skills)… now I don’t know where’ve you went for tourism, or lived? If you think most of the people around you are uncivilized… nothing to say, teach your “elite” standard of living to your “uneducated” people in those countries where your concept of “being civilized” is accepted by most of the people there. Here, people will live their lives according to their lifestyle and livelihood… and yeah… different countries have their own culture… tourism is meant to know and experience those different cultures and lifestyle apart from their own. (that’s one of the basic things you should know if you’re touring).

5. Caste system… yeah. This happens but not in all places. you’ll see this in rural and few town areas of the northern region in India (states like UP). but it doesn’t make sense how this integral matter (poverty point too) of our country will affect any other’s tourism…

Female traveler alert

yes thats my experience as a female traveler from North Asia I tend to wear trousers and t shirts when sightseeing which isnt generally considered skimpy. Even when travelling with groups, the women with us would get harassed constantly by the local men. It was just shocking and stressful.

She lives in India, dude.

It is getting worse with Hindu Nationalism on the rise.

Yeah, right.

Sure. Hindu extreme terrorists are destroying all sense of safety you could feel in your home. Do try to sound less ridiculous next time.

Muslims are the problem

LOL, tell me one hindu terrorist group in the world.. everywhere Muslims make the mess. Now, enough, hindus have started countering terrorist Muslims.

India is unsafe place for woman to travel alone or in small group

Come on I haven’t been to Norway , but been to Dubai, London ,Toronto and all are way safer than India especially Haryana and Delhi are most unsafe for woman to travel alone even in day.I have heard so many cat calls and rowdy behavior in India.No need to sugar coat the fact.India is possibly worst place for woman to visit

Yes, our country is not the most safest for women. I would not recommend visiting rural areas as it is more unsafe there, most of the urban areas with the exception of Delhi are very safe for everyone. Just be sure to not get out of your way to cause trouble and mostly youd be ok!

Safety precautions

India is not safe as everywhere in the world.As a foreigner u need to take a little more precaution and do a little homework before u go there. Book a decent 4 or 5 * international chain hotel and u will be safe.As for taxis and tuk tuks, u cannot trust them better hire a uber or ola .Or ask the hotel for advice.As for the food u just have to check inside the restaurant if u fund it clean . Or u can eat in food courts or take rooms with kitchenette where u can prepare ur own.If u want a budget hotel better book with Airbnb i think they r more reliable.Hope this helps.

Update this page !!

This page is not factually correct LGBTQ is now legal in India and corruption in India has decreased considerably. I have gone with friends who are white women and who were safe throughout their trip. Be cautious as when travelling to every country.

This website is a shit

This is a soo biased website that it says Honduras and El Salvador are safer than India shame on them

yes, I agree with you, because they haven’t updated the things in ages. they have given terrorism as high. Can you please help me with the last terrorist attack in a public place that has casualties except for J&K as scenario it is different and Tourist and normal ppl(Indians) are not allowed to go as of now

How can you exclude terrorist in J&K? The rating is for the entire country and terrorist is indeed high.

The meaning of travel safety has changed in 2020.

if you’re a woman or muslim don’t go

Uhh, 15% of India is Muslim. That’s 196, 374, 000 people. Please elaborate. Women’s safety is dubious in rural regions if they are alone, but travel with just one more person and use your wits to avoid falling into exchange-rate scams. You’ll be fine. Or not.

Wrong Information by website

Who wrote this poppycock ? Surely this person never visited India !! Terrorism is high in India😂😂 Women Traveler’s risk is High 😂😂 The person writing this is High I guess 🙄🤔

Women Traveler’s risk IS high in India.

And if I say about Woman safety – As per NCRB REPORT 2019 1. Over 4 lakh reported cases of crimes against Women 2. 32,033 Rape cases reported (in 2019) So, you decide yourself, you high or the writer high?

That didn’t happen to tourists in india. Also police would support u better if u are a tourist. Even in Jammu where terrorism is high it don’t happen to tourists they literally have so much respect for tourists there.

So you’re saying those things don’t happen? Maybe you want us to come so you can harass the women and scam everyone.

Generally Speaking,India is one of the safest country in the world crime rates are low but serious security crime is rare in India.

Best joke of 2020 😂😂😂

Amazing + PKMKB

The country and it’s people are amazing. Do a bit of research and the scenery will blow your mind. South India is better.

Just stay away from Pakistan border region like Kashmir and you are safe. Really sad what radical islamic insurgency from Pakistan has turned this place into.

Terrorism is non-existent in India now (besides Kashmir valley), women’s safety is a major priority now. Some parts of the country, including parts of Delhi can be considered unsafe but what country doesn’t have such parts? If you use your brain, you will alright.

Delh is unsafe because haryana and UP are its neighbouring states

This does not reflect the India I know. Almost all people you’ll meet are very friendly and hospitable. Simply follow some basics

1. If eating street food: Make sure food is made freshly for you. It should be sizzling hot, Avoid the side salads and ice in drinks Keep to bottled water for drinking n brushing

2. When travelling: Inform hotel or relatives of journey. Use Uber and Ola, most others will charge more. Apply common sense on security of valuables. Hire a driver for the whole day or the entire trip.

3. Sight seeing: Check your guide is an official one. Book excursions with hotel or an agency. Do not give alms to beggars (organised crime).

Overall advice, be vigilante, be sensible but above all enjoy yourself (simple really).

India is Best country in world to visit. People are friendly , World class infrastructure ,4G internet , 3, 5 Star hotel’s Restaurants in every city. Indian food is best in World. From last 10 yrs no terrorist attacks. Everyone is safe here. No serious crimes.

one of best country in the world, where I went, lots of love from pakistan

one of the best country in the world, where I went, lots of love from Pakistan

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO WRONG

THIS ARTICLE IS SOOO WRONG, I VISITED INDIA AND HAD NO PROBLEM AT ALL Please actually visit India and see how safe the is !!!!!!!!!!!

Just mind your own business, stay quiet, and avoid any topics related to religion, caste, and politics … you will be on the safe side.

And if I say about Woman safety – As per NCRB REPORT 2019 1. Over 4 lakh reported cases of crimes against Women 2. 32,033 Rape cases reported (in 2019) So, you decide yourself.

144,300 in USA. and India has 1.4 billion people the USA has 332 million. so the USA has almost 5 times more rape cases per million citizens.

Not too safe

This article is literally a joke.

India is the most unsafe country to live. One of the minsters in india said if girls(tourists) don’t want to get molested they shouldn’t wear revealing clothes. This country is disgusting.

Seriously! , India is unsafe just because some rubbish politician said like that. You are too dumb to if you are believing a single word from a politician. It could be due to the low class mentality or maybe just a publicity stunt to become popular. Yes, people here from 2 tier cities are of conservative thinking. But people in big cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Kolkata they do wear like you said revealing clothes and believe me no one bothers.

Haryana, UP, Bihar, Rajasthan are dustbins of India. Delhi is unsafe for women because Haryana and UP are its neighbouring states

Haryana is a million times safer than Delhi.

OMG is its safer than the united states. this country is like our unsafest city st louis

India not safer than St Louis

Wow. India is a way more dangerous place than St Louis, but I still found India quite safe. But then I’m a 6’3″ 250lb well-muscled man; I don’t even get hassled as a white guy in Zimbabwe.

But I have to ask…you really think St. Louis is “our unsafest city”? Ever been to Baltimore? Yes, St. Louis is not exactly “posh” compared to almost anywhere else in the US, but it really is not unsafe unless you walk around shouting racial slurs in North County. In case you couldn’t tell, I’ve lived in St Louis…didn’t stay long…but still longer than my time in India.

As an Indian who lived in St Louis its really scary especially living closeby to a bad neighbourhood, it was kind of scary as I have literally never heard gunshots in my life and it felt like I was going to die right there.. not to say I have been so close to being mugged…

Jesus Christ yes. The USA is so f… up. But thank god they got rid of trump in the dump!

The good, the bad and the ugly

Poor, filthy and over priced. Scammers everywhere in big cities. Not safe at all for foreign women, lot of sexual harassment if not properly taken care of. Though the food was good but the hygiene was very poor. Ahmedabad is my favorite city and hate Mumbai. Delhi had some awesome food.

Full of rapists, scammers and filthy unwashed people. Also they will greet you while pooping on the street. Yuck.

Allegedly Good.

You should avoid getting raped, this can range from getting raped with a rod, or penis. Better have a pepper spray with you all the time. Also, scammers have their ears raised all the time, hunting for rich white tourists. Religion can be the cause of trouble too. If you’re a Muslim, better not get lynched publicly. Also, don’t get very honest about the ground realities in India, or they’ll call you a “Pakistani Agent” or “Anti-national”. Hindutva Terrorism risk is quite high too, so is the transport risk. Other than these very minor things which are part of any civilized and highly evolved society, India is an extremely safe and tolerant country ☺

Such a foolish and 3rd grade observation. There is no Hindutva terrorism and no one calls you by religion or country. Locals know their culture better than your observation and System know their law and authority to safe guard foreigners. People are supportive to keep you safe and sound. No one cheats you until you yourself get into such groups or places. And that is same for Indians as well. But they will not kill you. Indians have fear of law and order. System and transport and Roads are developed in past 5-6 years like anything.. Everything is online and through internet to connect to govt system. No one can guarantee about scammers though all over the world. But all genuine travelers, Taxi, Air, Train system is well connected now and even connected to police station and Safety system now. All Indians know what is good and bad in taste for their own safety. So, it can be told to tourist as well.

India safe? No, but it's better then it was.

India has been improving in recent decades but make no mistake, it’s still third world. You can see incredible wealth and even more incredible poverty all in the span of a few minutes. It’s a beautiful country, but many have no problems trying to rip you off.

I go to Goa at least once a year, but occasionally go to other parts of the country as well. My company (I work for, not own) does a lot of business in New Delphi, but I try to avoid it like that plague. I much prefer the smaller villages/towns over the massive cities.

Almost everywhere you go, you’ll see a great number of people.

if you say terrorism risk in india is very high tell me how much last year terrorist attack in india and he had captured the tourist or indian people if you really want india visit india

“Transport and Taxis Risk: Keep in mind that driving is dangerous because of poor road conditions and the fact that India follows the left-hand driving system.”

What nonsense. I’m willing to believe that road conditions are probably poor, but SURELY the taxi drivers are used to the ‘left-hand driving system’ and have probably spent their whole adult life driving on the left!

Lovely Place to Visit

India is such a good country to visit. Lots of amazing food and places to visit. It’s also getting better. It has improved a lot over the past few years. You should go to india

India is more Secure I have visited plenty of countries like USA, Canada, China but I feel India is Safe Like other countries you Can Enjoy Here

Don’t visit India if you think its not safe for you. Simple.

Hi. I’m Iranian and love India. Visit India soon but i can’t create in bank cuz i’m Iranian :/

Way better than it used to be

I felt safer here than when I visited in the 90s, things have changed drastically. Yes, you still have the occasional petty crimes but if you’re careful and avoid flashing your wallet’s content you will be ok. Plan your daily routes using popular locations, going off track might set you up for a meeting with a desperate mugger.

hindutva fanatism on raise

Current political business by ruling party and other hindu facts : Hate speec, multiple agressions against minorities, communal hatred, religiosity In the last 7 years and particularly in the last 3 years, multiple lynching of muslims and dalit hindus and christians. Beware those people with white skin are considered ‘ Christians ‘ and those with beards and scarfs as mulsims.

I agree…India is quite safe I feel India is Safe Like other countries you Can Enjoy Here Lovely Place to Visit India is such a good country to visit. Lots of amazing food and places to visit. It’s also getting better. It has improved a lot over the past few years. You should go to india

India is no more safe country tnx to Hindutawa

The most important reason is the Hindutva policies of the Modi government. local roits out break there in most area of the country india. For a long time me Hindutva on the peak in India with the advent of Modi government. Not only with Sikhs and Muslims but also Hindu and now Christians rights are not safe in India. The ratio of rape cases are increased at dangerous level, to elaborate this is enough to write that an old age will women about 90 years has been gang rapped in India few days ago. The video of a Hindu boy is viral in which he cuts the girl’s throat in front of his family in past week in the shade of hindutawa,,, just bcz he failed to win the love of that girl.. Tourist are not safe there also bcz of the security is only in the eyes of the media of india but not in the reality. Kashmir issue and khalistan issue has gained more power and danger of local roits no one can deny this…

India is a Safest country

India is a safest country. There is no doubt about it. As Indians are facing too many issues in america and other countries. India is a safest country

Safe Place, just use common sense and try to respect local tradition and blend in

I visited Chennai, Tanjore, Trichy, Kozhikode, Kovalam, Wayanad, Munnar and a few more places in Kerala during September 2018 along with my family. I can throw some light on a few aspects :

1. Transport – We only used Cab (OLA ?) so I cant speak about public transit. But we did try the metro in Chennai and it was exactly like here in DC but much more clean. I don’t know who would accept food and drinks from strangers anywhere so that point doesn’t make sense.

2. Pickpockets – Cant comment on this but I did carry cash everywhere and I was fine. I never used any coins and the currency is very similar, just round off everything to the nearest 10. This honestly seems so minor but I would suggest keeping any important IDs like passport in a Hotel or something if you are worried.

3. Terrorism – I did some reading on this while planning for the trip, apparently most of the terrorism is concentrated in the northern areas and its pretty much non-existent anywhere else. Honestly I am more scared of mugging and homeless shootings here in DC.

4. Natural Disaster – India is such a big country and this is something that can happen anywhere anytime. Unless you are travelling to say Japan this entire section is ridiculous. It rained and there was water everywhere but never enough to cause a problem.

5. Risk for women – This seems to be the most debated issue. There were a lot of stares but NO ONE misbehaved inappropriately. Again, we have a lot of experience travelling abroad and we do our best to dress conservatively and not stand out in a crowd.

My overall take is to just use common sense and respect the local customs. India is a conservative place so don’t go running around in swimsuits. Its not our place to question if its right or wrong just respect the local tradition and blend in as much as possible. We were planning a second trip to Delhi. Agra, Leh etc. last year but you know what happened !

Poor and developing country usally safe for travelling.

India is a diverse country. So there is a high chance you will end up unfollowing societal and cultural practices and could cause trouble to yourselfs. Better use an authorised Tourist Guide if you are concerned of safety while travelling in India even though the country is generally Safe.

(Disregard my rating but do read my opinion)

The most common myth about India is that crimes against women are frequent. People should know that safety level is judged by crime rate (i.e., per capita) and not by total number of occurrences. There are certainly discriminations against women, especially in rural India, but women are no way in a disadvantageous position in urban India than anywhere else in the world. (we know there is underreporting and the ideal rate should be zero but one cannot simply inflate the figure to suit one’s narrative.)

Further, although petty crimes like pickpocketing and theft are common, violent crimes are rare. If you know the things to avoid while in the country, you can enjoy your time very much. All you need is to ask someone from your circle and your country what are things to be cautious about.

the hindu terrorism is increasing. People of other religions like muslims, sikhs and christians are in danger if living or traveling in India.

Indian delights

Most guys in India don`t respect women, that`s the problem. We travelled a lot in India as two always very decently dressed women and we felt harassed in most cities except Kerala. we truly not recommand you to travel in India as a woman.Even with men`s companion people widely dont hesitate to bother you, may be beggars or shopkeepers. Its very exhausting. The other issue is, that India is a very, very dirty country and most people don`t care about cleanliness and hygiene, especilly the toilets are unexplically dirty and no wonder the food is also unsafe. So travel in India is really an experience far from safety! If you want to enjoy indian culture, you better go to Mauritius or Singapur!

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Article Contents

• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
• Weather Averages (Temperatures)
• User Reviews
• Share Your Experience

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Faqs - booking india flights, if i’m traveling to india to attend durga puja, where should i fly to.

To attend this festival, it's easier to fly to Kolkata. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) is at the heart of Kolkata and it's easy to get transfer services from this airport to your residence in Kolkata.

If I want to experience the historical heritage of India, where should I fly to?

Ahmedabad in Gujarat is one of UNESCO’s named world heritage cities because of its rich cultural and architectural history. It has many historical temples and mosques. To get there, fly into Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) and take a taxi or a town car and you’ll be there in around 10 minutes.

Which airport is closest to Pushkar?

Jaipur International Airport (JAI) in Sanganer is the nearest international airport to Pushkar. The most cost-effective way to get to Pushkar from JAI is taking the bus while the most convenient way is taking a taxi to the Jaipur Junction Station to board a train.

What is the best airport to fly in and out of South India?

Chennai International Airport (MAA) is one of the airports in the southern part of India and is known as the center of the southern flight region. From MAA you can explore the cities in the southern part of India including Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Madurai, Ooty, Mangalore, Vijayawada, and Kochi, have the ultimate shopping experience and dive into the Indian culture.

What’s the best way to get to Madhya Pradesh?

The Central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh is bordered by Uttar Pradesh in the north and Maharashtra in the west, so it really depends on where exactly you are going. For example, the city of Bhopal lies almost exactly between Mumbai (482 mi) and New Delhi (477 mi), so you can fly to either city and arrange further air or ground transport as you wish.

Are there any nonstop flights to India from the US?

Unfortunately, due to the great distances involved there are no nonstop flights from the US to India. All airlines offer layover service to Mumbai, Delhi and Amritsar (ATQ) from many major cities including Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK), Washington, DC (IAD), Houston (IAH) and both Chicago international airports (ORD and MDW).

Which Indian airport is closest to the Taj Mahal?

The Taj Mahal is the most-visited place in India and is in the city of Agra, Uttar Pradesh. If you plan on visiting this iconic structure, then you should fly into Indira Gandhi International Airport in the capital city of New Delhi and take a bus to Agra, which is about three hours away.

Can I buy local currency at the airport in India?

Yes, you can. The Indian Rupee (INR) is the official currency of the country and visitors to India can exchange dollars for rupees upon arrival in one of the many foreign exchange kiosks and banks located at all the major international airports in India.

How long is the flight to India?

An average nonstop flight from the United States to India takes 19h 25m, covering a distance of 8122 miles. The most popular route is San Francisco - New Delhi with an average flight time of 15h 45m.

What is the cheapest flight to India?

The cheapest ticket to India from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $316 one-way, and $554 round-trip. The most popular route is from San Francisco to New Delhi and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $597.

Which airlines fly to India?

Air India, Air Canada & United Airlines fly the most frequently from the United States to India.

What are the most popular destinations in India?

The next most popular destinations are Mumbai (17%) and Hyderabad (15%). Searches for flights to Chennai (10%), to Bengaluru (Bangalore) (9%) and to Ahmedabad (7%) are also popular.

How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to India

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest India flight deals.
• Holi is one of the biggest festivals in India popular among foreign visitors. It's a celebration of Spring that involves throwing around colored powder that happens between February and March. When flying to India during this festival, make sure to plan at least three months ahead and buy your tickets before the prices sky-rocket.
• When flying on the layover flights from the USA to India, the best locations to layover are Munich (MUN), Doha (DIA), Frankfurt (FRA), Istanbul (IST), and Zurich (ZRH) because of their top-tier layover services and the historical and modern tourist attractions found near the airport.
• Among the over 15 airlines that operate between India and the USA, the top two airlines are Delta Airlines and Air India. Delta Airlines flies into 6 airports in India and Air India has a hub in 12 airports in the US.
• Air India has direct flights from the USA to India and one of the most popular routes is from New York John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport(DEL) because of its affordable rate.
• New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport is the biggest and busiest airport in India serving over eight of the airlines that operate between India and the US. If you want to tour cities like Delhi, New Delhi, Gurgaon or Loni, DEL is a convenient airport to land in.
• The flight from the US to India is quite long and can be very exhausting. Consider upgrading your seat to business class to get spacious cabins, plush seats, aisle or window seats, gourmet meals, priority baggage and other perks to make your trip a little less tiring.
• India is a vast and ancient country that is served by several international hubs in the major cities of Delhi (DEL) in the north, Mumbai (BOM) in the west, Kolkata (CCU) in the east and Chennai (MAA) in the south. Other major international airports serve the cities of Hyderabad (HYD) and Bengaluru (Bangalore) (BLR).
• If you are planning a flight from the US to India, you should be aware that US citizens need a visa to enter the country. The standard tourist visa is good for multiple entries, valid for a year from the date of issue and allows you to stay for up to 180 days.
• If you wish to visit Puducherry, Madurai or Chennai in the state of Tamil Nadu, you can either fly into Mumbai and get a connecting flight south or consider flying from Jaffna (Sri Lanka), which is actually closer to Tamil Nadu and will save you travel time.
• If you wish to explore the banks of the Ganges River, flying to New Delhi is a good starting point. From there you can take a train, bus or car to Varanasi, Allahabad and Patra. However, catching the ferry down the famous river can’t be beat.
• Apart from its numerous temples and holy sites, India is also well known for its festivals which attract many visitors from all over the world. You can book a flight in the fall and witness Diwali, the Festival of Lights, watch the burning of the effigies at Dussehra festival in October or take a flight in March and enjoy Holi, The Festival of Colors.

Top 5 airlines flying to India

Staff were friendly, and provided great service. The food was plentiful and delicious. Food could have been hotter.

I was traveling business purposes and I only had one carry on and a personal computer back pack . My carry on was 8.5 kg little more than allowable. At jfk airport check in they did not let me carry it . I was little disappointed.

More leg room and comfortable seats at least for long flights

The entertainment selections are amazing. But the live TV is sometimes spotty. If you’re going to have it, then have it. If you can’t make it consistent, then, perhaps it’s better not to have it. The crew are always cordial when approached, but they seem to do the minimum and sit around, talking to each other in the back of the plane during the flight. I realize that delays are not always predictable, but I missed my flight in Dubai because we left 90 minutes late from Washington. I will say that Emirates took very good care of me in Dubai. But I would rather not be delayed.

Probably the best flight I’ve ever been on. Emirates first class is leagues beyond British airways and Lufthansa’s.

Great flight. Comfortable seats, courteous service, and excellent selection for entertainment.

Emirates flights always nice. Service rendered by the staff is superb.I am always comfortable in Emirates flights.

Serving food took so long . Almost time close to lend. Plus during landing air pressure in cabin cuss ear blocked took long time to unblock.

Emirates is usually on time, but not this trip. Also, during the flight the attendants disappear unless called upon. Very strange. I have watched the quality of Emirates service diminish over the last five years.

Food was not great. Crew members were created hassle with attitude at the gates and wasted my valuable time. I have been traveling in Emirates airlines many times. Over all not happy flying in Emirates airlines this time. Seats are very small and not comfortable. Seats looks like very very old and congested. It would be nice if they fix these kind of issues. I hope my next trip will be hassle free and comfortable journey in Emirates airlines. Thank you.

No towels or tissue and chocolate and mint provided before arrival

Qatar airways from Doha to guangzhau was excellent big bird Boeing 777 more room and smoothly flight, I Love it

It was good no problems made it on time for the next flight overseas!

They made us deliberate waste time by holding our passports and boarding passes making us miss the flight

The made us waiting and held our passports and boarding pass making us miss our flights

Not impressed. Only allowed one carry on on such a long flight.

The flight was good but my neighbor had the vent open full power for the whole flight and because the air was blowing from the side instead of from the top and I got very cold and ended up with a sore throat.

Bad experience with the delay n long wait time for connecting flight after missing the connection flight from Doha.

Wore experience due to delay and took me 3 days to reach my destination.

All over with Qatar airlines my experience was really bad due to delays and then putting me on different airlines and after 8 hours of wait I had to listen to their is no plane to fly for another 24 hours. Wore experience ever.

One thing is very important is you people not giving seat arrangement together to couple, senior citizen. You have to take care of senior citizen. Do not look about money. Money is not important everywhere. Make relationship strong is very very important. I like Etiyad air line out of all air line. Food was hot and delicious. Air hostess gave very good service, nice attitude, very good behaviour. I gave 10 out of 10 marks. Thanks Jivraj

Entertainment did not work from flight from Abu Dhabi to Kolkata. Emirates has a much better flight in that sector.

Very unfriendly team. It was very difficult to get a cup of coffee. Legroom was extremely small. Old, dilapidated plane.

Ripped off and broken seats in Business class. Seats stink and need to request the staff for additional bedsheets. Crew if very friendly though

Food was very good. Again tray could use a non-skid mat. I had a regular seat - comfortable - able to sleep undisturbed. Boarding was uneventful.

Boarding was quick and efficient. Ground staff were pleasant and courteous. Food was tasty, portions were good for me. Food containers kept slipping on the tray. Tray would look better with an anti-skid tray mat. I had the bulkhead seat which was very uncomfortable for couple of reasons. Aircraft is designed with no throughput to move across aisle to aisle. Passengers kept jumping over my legs to get from one side to the other to use the toilet. Secondly I had a mother and 9 month baby next to me. Mom had to hold baby for 12 hours in her lap as he did not fit into the bassinet. Half the baby was on my lap during the flight. Aircraft temperature was very cold - light attendant said it was the central cooling and nothing could be done about it. Movie selection was very poor old and outdated.

Crew member took too long time to take back leftover food plates from passenger seats. Food was nice.Easy excellent checking.Guy at checking counter was really kind and helpful.Made our checking very quickly. Leftover food should be taken back ASAP. Because in economy class passanger have narrow space . In the long journey like this, passanger have difficulties to sit with the plates.overall experience was good.

Crew did not cooperate… I just asked water twice for one crew member and she didn’t get anything.. and when I asked other crew member he gave me water and he was not respectful.. I kept Hindu non veg meal chicken .. when I get my turn chicken was not provided and then they gave me veg paneer and green peas curry which I don’t like..

Sits are very uncomfortable Don’t feel like to travel in Etihad. It was 1st time we traveled in Etihad now we decided we don’t want to travel in Etihad.

Sits are very uncomfortable and food quality should be improved. Alcohol you have to ask and wait for more then 1/2 hrs. Don’t feel like to travel in Etihad. It was 1st time we traveled in Etihad now we decided we don’t want to travel in Etihad.

My concern is with Flight: 441 IAH-FRA I was very cramped in my seat and the person in front of me was reclined. I pulled my wallet out of my purse and when finished I did my best to cram it back into my purse. Our flight was very delayed and we were rebooked twice and lots of airport time. As I got off the flight I noticed that I had dropped my wallet( containing all my credit & debit bank cards + 240 US dollars & 240 Euros. I spoke to customer service & Lost &Found. I was denied access to look on the plane. Therefore I have been without money and given no help. Paula Bjork 503.545.6698

Dinner was good by air travel standards but breakfast was too light and heavy on carbs/sugar.

Used to love Lufthansa, but Rowe are too close together in Economy and passengers are allowed to recline their seats so far back it is impossible for those behind them to even reach for carry-on essentials during flight - except for meal service when flight attendants ask for seat backs to be raised, we can’t sleep on planes so this flight was most uncomfortable ever! Rod Rose

So far so good. I missed my flight because of the Lufthansa diversion. United helped me to figure out how to get accommodations from Lufthansa for my long layover. They help me book appropriate onward flight.

Horrible crowding on the seats, headphones provided did not fit or work in the entertainment center, seriously the most uncomfortable flight I have taken in a LONG time. The people in front of me were literally 5 inches from my face the entire flight. Did they change their seats recently? I remember it being tight but wow this was a whole new level. Also I am a 5'3" small woman so I can't even imagine a larger person dealing with that for 11 hrs.

Seat controls of lights were broken, and only 1 of the 2 seat TVs ever worked on the long flight. On the short flight there were no USB connections, on the long one they were difficult to access. Part of my meal was frozen, though the hot portion was good.

Lufthansa fails at mentioning no luggage when booking through points. We had to pay added fees to take checked bags to Europe for 2 weeks. The staff at check in were not helpful at all. told us "if we don't like it, then book another flight". Food was bad, they ran out of half the options. Vegetarian was terrible. The flight crew was nice, and tried to make it work ok.

Always a pleasure to deal with United's helpful and knowledgeable staff

Always a pleasure to deal with United's helpful and knowledgeable saff

My school age daughter was not sat near me. We left almost an hour late. Therefore arriving late and missing another flight. Since it was not a connecting flight there was nothing Lufthansa could do about it. After the selay in take off and arrival we waited almost an hour for baggage claim. There was zero concern for my inconvenience. I asked if we could insure being seated together on the return. They stated no because we booked through Kayak. I typically love Lufthansa. This was very disappointing.

Food could be better they need a better caterer in DC flight from India always has better food

Everything! To start with, seats, food tray table, entertainment console all are broken! Imposing duty free baggage fees for $250 as a surprise penalty cannot be appreciated! Airlines should be responsible for transferring the checked baggages to the connecting flight. Having customer go through the transfer is painful considering the travel tiredness! No soft drinks served on flight is another crumble!

Old creaky plane, poor entertainment, USB port did not work. Food was ok.

Old fittings. Went business class. Staff not very considerate regards comfort.

Very old plane. Broken tray tables n seats. Entertainment system super slow to operate and very little content.

Service was good, crew response was prompt. The baked fish and Malay fish as well as the sauces with them were bland.

Screen are not working. Windows not clean. Staff is very good. Food is okay. Experience is good. I hope the up coming is more then betters for others airlines thank you.

This time I felt better. Air hostlers. Need more and more improvement on transit. Get more trouble and painful with service.

Lot of things AIR INDIA needs to improve. Poor service for wheelchair. Crew has improved after TATA took over, yet there are some crew who are still live in old mindset . Throughout the journey we have faced number of issues. For example , my wife boarding pas was issued in some other passenger's name which put us in problem. When AIR INDIA at San Franscisco later issued correct boarding pass, they did not change tag on checked in bag with correct name, This led to hold on of our checked bag. They moved us here and there to get our bag. Food was dried.eg. Rice plate was hot but it rice were dried. Once, I was not given my food even upto all completed their dish. It was given after reminders and when I got later some items were missing. Wheelchair service is poor. The wheelchair carriers ask money at every stage, not only that but they demand more money. How can they ask money from old, aged citizens and disabled persons. This is absolutely nonsense. Even I did not get my checked in bag at Vadodara Airport, it is still missing. They have not given me copy of complaint, only they registered complaint. I also got my one checked bag in damaged condition. There are different issues at different locations which I do not want to highlight. So overall service is poor.

Food was ok. Crew were good. Tv and outlets weren't working at all so nothing to watch and no way to charge devices on a 17 1/2 hr flight. That was not great. Bathrooms were dirty and smelled terrible. Also my multi tool was stolen out of my checked suitcase.

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India Advises Citizens Against Travel To Iran, Israel

The foreign ministry said indians in the two countries should observe "utmost precautions about their safety and restrict their movements to the minimum"..

MEA has advised citizens against traveling to Iran and Israel until further notice (Representational)

The Centre has advised citizens on Friday against travelling to Iran and Israel until further notice in view of the "prevailing situation in the region".

The advisory from the foreign ministry came amid Iran's threats to retaliate against a suspected Israeli airstrike on its embassy in Syria this month.

Countries including the US and Russia have issued similar travel advisories for their staff and citizens in the region.

The foreign ministry said its citizens in the two countries should observe "utmost precautions about their safety and restrict their movements to the minimum".

It is feared that retaliation by Iran can widen the six-month old conflict between Iran-backed Hamas militants and Israel in Gaza.

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The US has reached out to the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Iraq, asking them to urge Iran to lower tensions with Israel, as part of its efforts to contain the conflict.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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When is Eid al-Fitr 2024 and how is it celebrated?

The three-day festival celebrates the completion of the fasting month of Ramadan by Muslims across the world.

As a new moon was not sighted on Monday evening after Maghrib prayers, Muslims in Saudi Arabia and neighbouring countries will fast one more day, completing 30 days of Ramadan. The first day of Eid will then be celebrated on Wednesday, April 10.

The first day of Eid al-Fitr is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon marking the start of the month of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar.

Keep reading

A ramadan no palestinian will ever forget, the cost of a ramadan iftar meal around the world, ramadan 2024: where do your dates come from, in washington, dc: celebrating ramadan, protesting israel’s siege of gaza.

Lunar months last between 29 and 30 days so Muslims usually have to wait until the night before Eid to verify its date.

Other countries follow independent sightings.

When the sighting has been verified, Eid is declared on television, radio stations and at mosques.

How do Muslims celebrate Eid?

Traditionally, Eid is celebrated for three days as an official holiday in Muslim-majority countries. However, the number of holiday days varies by country.

Muslims begin Eid day celebrations by partaking in a prayer service that takes place shortly after dawn, followed by a short sermon.

On their way to the prayer, which is traditionally held in an open area, Muslims recite takbeerat, praising God by saying “Allahu Akbar”, meaning “God is great”.

It is customary to eat something sweet before the prayer, such as date -filled biscuits known as maamoul in the Middle East. This particular festival is known as the “sweet” Eid – and the distribution of sweets is common across the Muslim world.

Muslims usually spend the day visiting relatives and neighbours and accepting sweets as they move around from house to house.

Each country has traditional desserts and sweets that are prepared before Eid or on the morning of the first day.

Children, dressed in new clothes, are offered gifts and money to celebrate the joyous occasion.

Girls and women in many countries decorate their hands with henna. The celebration for Eid begins the night before as women gather in neighbourhoods and large family gatherings for the application of henna.

In some countries, families visit graveyards to offer their respects to departed family members right after the morning prayers.

It is common for Muslim-majority countries to decorate their cities with lights and hold festivities to commemorate the end of the fasting month.

Eid amid the onslaught in Gaza

For some 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza this Eid, this will be the first Muslim religious holiday after more than 33,000 people have been killed in Israeli attacks. With little food aid, and very limited water, Gaza’s Eid al-Fitr will be mired in destruction amid the continuing attacks.

What are common Eid greetings?

The most popular greeting is “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid) or “Eid sa’id” (Happy Eid). Eid greetings also vary depending on the country and language.

The video below shows how people say Eid Mubarak in different languages around the world.