India Travel Guide
India is a country that hits every sense at once. It’s loud, colourful, chaotic, spiritual, delicious, and honestly impossible to sum up in one neat paragraph, but we’ll try. Think snow-capped Himalayas in the north, palm-fringed beaches in the south, deserts in Rajasthan, tea-covered hills in the northeast, and cities that buzz like they’ve got their own heartbeat. Add ancient temples, Mughal forts, wildlife safaris, street food that will ruin you for bland meals forever, and festivals that turn whole towns into a celebration, and you’ve got a place that never does “boring”.
India sits in South Asia and is one of the most diverse countries in the world, with a mix of languages, religions, landscapes, and cultures that changes wildly from one state to the next. Its capital, New Delhi, is a fast-moving blend of history and modern life, but the magic of India is how many completely different trips it can be. You can watch sunrise over the Taj Mahal in Agra, cruise Kerala’s backwaters on a houseboat, hike through Himachal or Ladakh, spot tigers in a national park, wander the royal palaces of Jaipur, or slow down in Goa with sea views and a chilled vibe.
Whether you’re into history, food, mountains, spirituality, wildlife, beaches, or just want a trip that feels like a full-on life experience, India has got you covered (and then some). 🇮🇳✨
Best Time To Visit
India is no stranger to big weather, and it really matters when you go. One month can be dusty heat that melts your brain, the next can be monsoon rain that turns streets into puddle obstacle courses. The trick is picking the season that matches the kind of India trip you want, because the country is huge and the climate changes a lot by region.
Winter (November to March) is generally the best time to visit for most travellers. Days are cooler and drier in places like Delhi, Rajasthan, Agra, and much of the south, which makes sightseeing way more comfortable. It’s also great for beaches in Goa and Kerala without the sweaty chaos of peak summer.
Monsoon season (June to September) is a love-it-or-hate-it vibe. Some areas get heavy rain and travel can be slower, but it’s also when places like Kerala and the Western Ghats look ridiculously green and fresh. If you do not mind showers and you want fewer crowds, it can be amazing.
Summer (April to June) is hot in many parts of India, especially the north and central regions, but it’s perfect for the mountains. This is when Himachal, Uttarakhand, Ladakh, and parts of the northeast become the escape route, with cooler air and hiking season kicking off.
What To Expect
Capital: New Delhi
Language: India has loads of languages, but Hindi and English are the main ones used by the central government. In big cities and tourist spots, English is common in hotels, restaurants, airports, and tours, so you’ll usually get by fine. In smaller towns, it varies, but people are generally helpful and you can get a long way with a smile and a few keywords. Easy wins: “Namaste” (hello), “Shukriya” (thank you), “Haan” (yes), “Nahi” (no), “Kitna?” (how much?).
Currency: The Indian Rupee (₹, INR). Handy ballpark maths: ₹1,000 ≈ £9–£10 / €11–€12 / $12–$13 and ₹100 ≈ about £1 / €1.10 / $1.20 (rates wobble, so a quick currency app check before you go saves guesswork).
Cash Machines & ATMs: ATMs are common in cities and tourist areas, and cards work well in hotels, bigger restaurants, and supermarkets. That said, cash is still king for street food, local markets, small shops, and tuk-tuks, especially outside major cities. Carry smaller notes when you can because change can be a daily adventure.
Plugs: Types C, D, and M. Standard voltage 230 V, frequency 50 Hz. A universal adapter is the safest bet, especially if you’re moving around different regions.
Safety: India can be very safe to travel, but it rewards you for being street-smart. Keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas, use reputable taxis or ride-hailing apps, and avoid wandering quiet places late at night. If you’re travelling solo, especially as a woman, stick to well-reviewed stays and trusted transport, and trust your gut. Heat and dehydration are also sneaky problems, so drink water and take shade breaks.
Never ever: Don’t underestimate the sun and spice on day one 😅. Go gentle with street food until your stomach adjusts, avoid ice or unfiltered water if you’re unsure, and do not flash valuables in crowded places. Also, dress modestly in temples and religious sites, and always remove shoes where required.
Travel Guides
City Guides
Itineraries + Map
Best Places to Visit & Things to Do
Best Time to Visit (City Specific)
India Travel Tips and Advice
Everything Else
Search for your Accommodation
Find the Cheapest Flights
Book tours and purchase tickets
Top 5 Things to See and Do in India
1. Watching Sunrise at the Taj Mahal (yes, it’s worth the early alarm)
The Taj Mahal is one of those places you think you’ve “already seen” from photos, then you stand in front of it and your brain goes quiet for a second. Sunrise is the move. The crowds are lighter, the light is soft, and the marble shifts colour as the sky wakes up. Give yourself time to wander the gardens, take the classic photo, then just stand there and soak it in. Agra can be hectic, but the Taj is pure calm magic once you’re inside 🕌✨
2. Diving into Rajasthan’s Forts, Palaces, and Pink City Chaos
Rajasthan is India turned up to full colour. Jaipur’s got bustling bazaars, grand forts, and that “everything is happening at once” energy, while Udaipur feels more romantic with lakes and palace views. Jodhpur’s blue houses and Mehrangarh Fort are genuinely jaw-dropping, and Jaisalmer gives you desert vibes and golden sandstone streets. Expect heat, honking, and a bit of sensory overload, but it’s the good kind, the kind you talk about for years 🐪🏰
3. Cruising Kerala’s Backwaters Like You’ve Suddenly Become a Slow-Life Person
Kerala is where India softens. The backwaters around Alleppey and Kumarakom are all palms, canals, quiet villages, and that gentle swaying boat rhythm that makes you forget what day it is. Do a houseboat if you want the full experience, or take a smaller canoe for a more local feel. Add a proper South Indian meal, fresh coconut, and a sunset over the water and you’ll get why people come here to breathe again 🌴🚤
4. Going Full Mountain Mode in the Himalayas
If you want cooler air and big scenery, head north. Places like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand deliver pine forests, mountain villages, and hikes that range from “nice little walk” to “why are my legs negotiating with me?”. If you’re heading to Ladakh, you’ll get high-altitude landscapes that feel almost unreal, plus monasteries and dramatic roads. Just take altitude seriously, rest, hydrate, and do not try to be a hero on day one 🏔️🥾
5. Doing a Safari and Actually Seeing a Tiger (or at least having a good story)
India’s wildlife scene is brilliant, and a national park safari is one of the most memorable things you can do. Ranthambore and Bandhavgarh are popular for tiger spotting, and even if you don’t see one, you’ll likely spot deer, monkeys, birds, and maybe a leopard if the universe is feeling generous. Early morning drives are chilly and sleepy, but that first moment you hear the jungle wake up is pure magic. Binoculars help. Patience helps more 🐅🌿
India Travel Costs
Accommodation
- Hostel Dorms – £4–£12 / $5–$15 / €5–€14
- Hostel Private Rooms – £10–£25 / $13–$32 / €12–€29
- Budget Hotels – £12–£35 / $15–$45 / €14–€40
- Airbnb Private Rooms – £10–£25 / $13–$32 / €12–€29
- Airbnb Apartments – £20–£55 / $25–$70 / €23–€64
- Campsites – £3–£10 / $4–$13 / €4–€12
Transportation
- Local Metro/Bus (per ride) – £0.20–£1 / $0.25–$1.25 / €0.25–€1.20
- Intercity Bus – £2–£12 / $3–$15 / €2.50–€14
- Train (advance tickets) – £2–£20 / $3–$25 / €2.50–€23
- Taxi or Tuk-tuk (short ride) – £1–£4 / $1.25–$5 / €1.20–€4.70
- Car Rental (per day) – £25–£60 / $32–$76 / €29–€70
Food
- Budget Meal – £1.50–£4 / $2–$5 / €1.75–€4.70
- Mid-Range Restaurant Meal – £4–£12 / $5–$15 / €4.70–€14
- Coffee – £1–£3 / $1.25–$4 / €1.20–€3.50
- Beer – £2–£5 / $2.50–$6.50 / €2.30–€6
Activities
- Museum Entry – £1–£6 / $1.25–$8 / €1.20–€7
- Guided Tours – £8–£40 / $10–$50 / €9–€47
- Theatre or Cultural Show Tickets – £5–£30 / $6–$38 / €6–€35
- Day Trips – £15–£60 / $19–$76 / €17–€70
India Suggested Budgets
Backpacker – €20–€45 per day (≈ £17–£39 / $22–$50)
India is a dream for budget travellers if you keep it simple. Think hostel dorms or basic guesthouses, local trains and buses, and eating like a champion at street stalls and small cafés. Your biggest cost swings are comfort and transport choices, take sleeper trains instead of flights and you’ll save loads. Many top experiences are low-cost too: temples, markets, fort wandering, and big “just walk around and absorb it” days. Add a couple of chai stops and you’re basically living your best life for the price of a fancy coffee back home ☕😅
Midrange – €50–€100 per day (≈ £43–£86 / $55–$110)
This is the comfy sweet spot in India. You can stay in solid hotels with air con, use ride-hailing apps for easy transport, and mix street food with proper sit-down meals without worrying. You’ll have room for a guided tour here and there, a nicer train class, and the occasional internal flight if you want to save time. It’s also the budget where you can build in rest days, which in India is not lazy, it’s tactical.
Upscale – €130+ per day (≈ £112+ / $143+)
Now you’re in boutique stays, heritage hotels, and “yes, we’re getting the driver” territory. Think private guides, smoother logistics, great restaurants, and more comfort in intense places like big cities or hot weather months. In Rajasthan, this can mean palace-style hotels and special experiences, and in Kerala it can look like higher-end resorts and a proper backwater stay. India still offers strong value at this level, you just get more calm, more comfort, and fewer compromises.
India Money-Saving Tips
Bring a reusable water bottle – Latvia’s tap water is generally safe to drink, especially in cities like Riga, so you can top up at your accommodation and skip buying bottles all day 💧
Use public transport smartly – Riga’s trams and buses are cheap, but it still pays to grab the right ticket option if you’re doing lots of rides. For day trips, trains and intercity buses are usually great value.
Travel off-peak – Midweek and outside school holidays means cheaper rooms and a calmer Old Town. Summer weekends can push prices up, especially in Riga and Jūrmala.
Stay in budget digs – Hostels, simple hotels, and apartments can be excellent value in Latvia. If Riga prices feel higher, stay a little outside the Old Town and use public transport to hop in.
Cook a few meals – Supermarkets like Rimi, Maxima, and Lidl are your best mates. Grab breakfast stuff, picnic bits, and a couple of easy dinners, then spend your money on one genuinely nice meal out.
Join free walking tours – Riga has tip-based walking tours that are perfect for getting your bearings and hearing the good local stories without paying a fixed fee.
Hunt discounts and combo tickets – Museums and attractions often have student rates, family tickets, or combined entry deals. Always ask at the counter, worst case you get a polite “no”.
Prioritise free nature – Latvia’s best value is outdoors. Gauja National Park hikes, beach walks, forest trails, and riverside viewpoints cost nothing and feel like you’re getting away with something.
Skip overpriced “experiences” when DIY works – You can do Jūrmala by train and walk the beach for pennies, or explore Gauja with public transport and self-guided trails instead of paying for a packaged tour.
Book popular stays early – Summer in Riga and Jūrmala can book up fast. Early booking usually gets you better prices and better locations.
Use cards, but keep a little cash – Cards and contactless are common, but small cash is handy for markets, tiny cafés, and rural spots. Also useful for tips and small entry fees.
Aim for shoulder season – May, early June, and September are the sweet spot for decent weather, fewer crowds, and better accommodation deals, especially in Riga.
How to Get Around in India
Getting Around India: The Basics
India is huge, and getting around can feel like part of the adventure. Big cities have decent transport, long-distance trains are iconic, and buses reach almost everywhere. The main thing is to plan with a bit of flexibility, because traffic, weather, and “India time” can occasionally laugh at your schedule. If you build in buffer time, you’ll have a much smoother trip.
Walking
In older neighbourhoods and smaller towns, walking is great for soaking up the atmosphere, markets, street food, temples, and general people-watching. In big cities, walking can be intense due to traffic, heat, and pavements that sometimes disappear without warning. Early mornings and evenings are your best friend, and comfy shoes are non-negotiable.
Public Transportation
Public transport varies a lot by city. Delhi has a brilliant metro, Mumbai has its famous local trains, and many places rely on buses and auto-rickshaws for shorter hops.
Tickets: Usually bought at stations, kiosks, apps, or directly on board depending on the city.
Metro systems: Great for avoiding traffic in Delhi and other major cities with metro networks.
Local buses: Cheap and everywhere, but can be crowded and confusing if you’re new.
Airport Transfers
Major gateways include Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bengaluru (BLR), Chennai (MAA), Kolkata (CCU), Hyderabad (HYD), and Goa (GOI).
City connections: Many big airports have metro links or airport buses into the centre.
Ride-hailing: Often the easiest option if you’re arriving late or carrying lots.
Private transfers: Worth it for late-night arrivals, families, or when you just want zero hassle on day one.
Trains
Trains are one of the best ways to see India, and also one of the most practical for long distances.
Great for classic routes like Delhi to Agra, Delhi to Jaipur, Mumbai to Goa, and big cross-country journeys.
Book ahead for popular routes and peak seasons, especially for higher classes and overnight trains.
Expect stations to be busy, and keep an eye on your belongings like you would anywhere crowded.
Buses and Coaches
Buses fill the gaps where trains are less convenient, and they’re often the main way to reach smaller towns and hill areas.
Sleeper buses are common for overnight travel, but comfort can vary a lot.
State-run buses are usually cheap and reliable, private buses can be faster or nicer, but quality depends on the operator.
In mountain regions, delays can happen due to weather and road conditions.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Ride-hailing apps are a game-changer in many Indian cities and can reduce the stress of fare negotiating.
Use reputable apps where available for clearer pricing and safer pickups.
For auto-rickshaws, agree the fare before you go unless there’s a meter.
Always double-check your pickup location, busy streets can turn “two minutes away” into twenty.
Car Rental
Self-driving in India is not for the faint-hearted. Traffic can be chaotic, driving styles vary, and navigation can be a full-time job.
Hiring a car with a driver is often the better move, especially for Rajasthan loops, Kerala routes, or multi-stop itineraries.
For remote areas, check road conditions and travel times, distances can look short but take ages.
Cycling
Cycling exists, but it’s very location-dependent. Some areas are great for it, while big cities can be stressful due to traffic.
Best for quieter places like parts of Kerala, some coastal towns, or guided cycling tours in calmer areas.
If you cycle, go early, stay visible, and stick to safer routes.
Apps to Use
Google Maps is helpful, but travel times can be optimistic in heavy traffic. Train booking and status apps are useful for rail travel, and ride-hailing apps make city movement much easier. Offline maps can be a lifesaver when signal drops.
Money & Tickets
Cards work well in hotels, bigger restaurants, and malls, but cash is still essential for local transport, street food, markets, and small shops. Keep small notes when you can, change is not always easy to get.
Tips for Smooth Travel
Build buffer time into travel days, delays happen.
Book key trains and popular routes early, especially in peak season.
Avoid arriving in a new city late at night if you can help it, daytime arrivals are simpler.
Keep essentials handy on trains and buses: water, snacks, tissues, and a power bank.
Travel Resources
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