India: Louder, Brighter, More Beautiful Than You Expect
Rajasthan forts. Kerala backwaters. Himalayan peaks. One country, a thousand versions of unforgettable.
India doesn’t ease you in. It hits every sense at once, the colours, the noise, the smell of spices and incense and exhaust, the sheer scale of everything. One state looks nothing like the next. The north gives you deserts, Mughal forts, and the Taj Mahal. The south gives you coconut palms, spice plantations, and backwater canals so quiet they feel like another world. And somewhere in between you’ve got the Himalayas, Bengal tigers, Rajasthan palaces, and street food that will permanently ruin your opinion of the food back home. This guide covers all of it.
9-10 hrs
From the UK
Oct – Mar
Best time
Hindi / English
Main language
INR (₹)
Currency
Best Time To Visit
India’s weather can totally shape your trip, and it changes a lot by region. One month can be intense dry heat, the next brings monsoon rain, so it’s worth choosing the season based on the kind of trip you want.
Winter (November to March) is usually the best time for most travellers. It’s cooler and drier in places like Delhi, Rajasthan, Agra, and much of the south, which makes sightseeing far more comfortable. It’s also a great time for Goa and Kerala beaches.
Monsoon (June to September) is a mixed bag. Some areas get heavy rain and slower travel, but places like Kerala and the Western Ghats look lush and beautiful. If you don’t mind showers and want fewer crowds, it can be a lovely time to visit.
Summer (April to June) is very hot in many parts of India, especially the north and centre, but it’s ideal for the mountains. Himachal, Uttarakhand, Ladakh, and parts of the northeast become popular cooler escapes, with hiking season starting up.
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.
Explore India
From the Taj Mahal to tiger safaris — everything you need to plan your India trip.
City Guides (coming soon)
Itineraries + Maps (coming soon)
Best Places to Visit & Things to Do (coming soon)
Best Time to Visit (coming soon)
Travel Tips
Everything Else
How Much Does India Cost?
India is one of the world’s best-value destinations — but costs vary wildly depending on how you travel. Here’s the real breakdown
🎒
Backpacker
£17–39 - $22–50/day - €20–45/day
- Hostel dorms from £4–12 / $5–15 / €5–14 per night
- Dhabas and street food only
- Local trains and buses throughout
- Free temples, markets, and wandering days
🍜
Mid-Range
£43–86 - $55–110 - €50–100/day
- Private rooms and solid hotels with AC
- Mix of restaurants and street food
- Ride-hailing apps and train travel
- Guided tours, safaris, and major sites
🏨
Upscale
£112+ - $143+ - €130+/day
- Heritage hotels and luxury resorts
- Fine dining and rooftop restaurants
- Private guides and drivers throughout
- Luxury tiger safaris and palace stays
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Budget
- Hostel dorm: £4–12 / $5–15 / €5–14 per night
- Budget guesthouse: £12–35 / $15–45 / €14–40 per night
- Campsite: £3–10 / $4–13 / €4–12 per night
Mid–Luxury
- Airbnb apartment: £20–55 / $25–70 / €23–64 per night
- Boutique hotel: £50–120 / $65–155 / €58–140 per night
- Heritage or luxury stay: £150+ / $190+ / €175+ per night
City Travel
- Metro or bus per ride: £0.20–1 / $0.25–1.25 / €0.25–1.20
- Tuk-tuk or auto short ride: £1–4 / $1.25–5 / €1.20–4.70
- Ola or Uber short trip: £2–6 / $2.50–8 / €2.30–7
Long Distance
- Train sleeper class (advance): £2–20 / $3–25 / €2.50–23
- Intercity bus: £2–12 / $3–15 / €2.50–14
- Domestic flight: £25–70 / $32–90 / €29–82
Eat Cheap
- Dhaba meal: £1.50–4 / $2–5 / €1.75–4.70
- Street food snack: £0.30–1.50 / $0.40–2 / €0.35–1.75
- Chai: £0.10–0.40 / $0.15–0.50 / €0.12–0.50
Eating Out
- Mid-range restaurant: £4–12 / $5–15 / €4.70–14
- Western café: £5–15 / $6–19 / €6–17
- Beer at a bar: £2–5 / $2.50–6.50 / €2.30–6
Budget Fun
- Museum entry: £1–6 / $1.25–8 / €1.20–7
- Taj Mahal entry (foreign national): approx £13 / $16 / €15
- Cooking class: £8–25 / $10–32 / €9–29
Big Experiences
- Tiger safari at Ranthambore: £25–80 / $32–102 / €29–94
- Guided Rajasthan day tour: £20–60 / $25–76 / €23–70
- Varanasi dawn boat: £5–15 / $6–19 / €6–17
10 Ways to Save Money in India
💧 1. Bring a reusable bottle with a filter, but don’t drink tap water directly, use filtered or bottled water instead
🍛 2. Eat at busy local spots with high turnover, food is usually fresher, tastier, and much cheaper than tourist restaurants
🚆 3. Use trains for long distances and book ahead when you can, they’re one of the best-value ways to get around India
🛺 4. Use tuk-tuks and taxis smartly, agree the fare first or use ride apps to avoid tourist pricing
🛍️ 5. Buy snacks, toiletries, and basics from local supermarkets or pharmacies, not stalls near major attractions
🛏️ 6. Choose guesthouses and budget hotels a little outside the main tourist zones, you’ll often get better value for the same comfort
📅 7. Travel in shoulder season where possible, prices drop and popular places feel much less hectic
🏷️ 8. Negotiate politely in markets, bargaining is normal in many places but a friendly approach goes a long way
💵 9. Carry small rupee notes for tips, tuk-tuks, and local shops, exact change makes life much easier
📍 10. Group your sightseeing by area, Indian cities can take ages to cross, so planning by neighbourhood saves money and energy
Getting Around India
India is vast and getting around is part of the adventure. Here’s what actually works — and what to watch out for.
Domestic Flights
For covering huge distances quickly. Delhi to Goa or Mumbai to Kolkata in 2 hours vs 2 days by train.
✅ Fast and increasingly affordable
✅ IndiGo and Air India run regular sales
❌ Budget airlines have strict baggage rules — check before booking
Car with Driver
Highly recommended over self-driving. A private driver for the day often costs less than you’d expect and removes a lot of stress.
✅ Best option for Rajasthan loops and Kerala routes
✅ Often cheaper than booking multiple separate taxis
❌ Not really necessary within major cities
Auto-Rickshaws
The classic India city experience. Essential for short hops. Short ride: £1–4 / $1.25–5 / €1.20–4.70.
✅ Cheap for short city trips
✅ Genuinely fun and atmospheric
❌ Always agree a fare upfront or insist on the meter
Indian Railways
The backbone of India travel. Cheap, far-reaching, and genuinely one of the best ways to see the country.
✅ Extremely cheap advance fares
✅ Overnight trains save on accommodation
❌ Book early — popular routes fill up fast
Long-Distance Buses
Best for reaching mountain towns, hill stations, and places the train doesn’t quite reach.
✅ Reaches remote areas trains don’t cover
✅ Sleeper buses available for overnight travel
❌ Comfort varies a lot — check reviews first
Ola & Uber
Takes the negotiation stress out of city travel. Fixed prices, GPS tracked. Much calmer than flagging an unmarked cab.
✅ Transparent pricing in all major cities
✅ Safer for solo travellers and late nights
❌ Surge pricing at busy times
Which Is Right For You?
Exploring one city
Ola or Uber plus auto-rickshaws
Covering city to city
Train where possible, fly for huge distances
Rajasthan or Kerala road trip
Hire a car with a driver
Mountain towns and hill stations
Local buses or shared jeeps
Quick Tips
🚆
Book Trains Early
IRCTC fills up fast — book 30–60 days ahead for popular routes
💸
Carry Small Notes
Change is notoriously tricky in India — keep a supply of ₹10–50 notes on you
🌙
Travel Overnight
Overnight trains cover ground while you sleep and save a hotel night — £4–20 / $5–25 / €5–23 saved
📱
Download the Apps
Ola, Google Maps offline, Cleartrip, and a currency converter. All free, all essential
Book Tours & Tickets
Travel Resources
Travel Problems
Missed flights, lost luggage, dodgy hotels. It happens. Here’s how to handle all of it without losing your mind.
Theft & Scams
Pickpockets, tourist traps, and cons you won’t see coming. We break down the most common ones and how to avoid every single one.
Travel Insurance
Don’t skip this one. Especially travelling solo. We compare the best policies and explain exactly what you actually need.
FAQs
Do I need a visa to visit India?
Almost certainly yes. UK, US, and most EU citizens can apply for an e-Visa online — no embassy visit needed. The tourist e-Visa is valid for 90 days per entry and usually processed within 3–5 working days. Apply only at the official government portal: indianvisaonline.gov.in. Don’t use third-party sites — they charge extra for the same form.
Is India safe for tourists?
Generally yes, but it rewards you for being switched-on. Petty theft and tourist scams are the main risks, not violent crime. Use ride-hailing apps instead of unmarked taxis, keep a copy of your passport somewhere safe, and trust your gut if something feels off. Solo female travellers should research specific regions — some cities are significantly more straightforward than others.
What's the best time to visit India?
For most destinations, October to March is the sweet spot — cooler, drier, and far more manageable for sightseeing. The Himalayas (Himachal, Ladakh, Uttarakhand) are best May to September when mountain roads are clear. Kerala works year-round but is especially lush and gorgeous just after monsoon. Avoid peak summer in Rajasthan if you can — it’s genuinely brutal.
How much does India cost per day?
India is one of the world’s best-value destinations if you lean local. Budget travellers can get by on £17–39 / $22–50 / €20–45 per day in hostels and eating street food. Mid-range with private accommodation and a mix of eating out sits at £43–86 / $55–110 / €50–100 per day. The big costs are usually internal flights if you’re covering long distances, and big-ticket experiences like tiger safaris.
Do I need vaccinations to visit India?
No vaccinations are legally required, but several are strongly recommended — typically Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Tetanus, and Rabies for rural areas. Malaria precautions are advised in certain states. See your GP or a travel health clinic at least 6–8 weeks before departure so there’s time for any courses to take effect.
Is the tap water safe to drink in India?
No — don’t drink it. Even in big cities, tap water isn’t safe for most visitors. Stick to sealed bottled water or filtered water from your accommodation. Ice in restaurants can also be made from tap water — worth being cautious in the first week especially.
What's the best way to get between cities in India?
Trains for most routes — cheap, comfortable in higher classes, and a genuine experience in themselves. The Indian Railways network connects almost everywhere. For huge distances where you’re short on time, domestic flights are affordable booked in advance. Overnight buses are fine for shorter hops where train options are limited.
Do I need travel insurance for India?
Absolutely yes. Medical care in private hospitals is good but expensive without cover, and public hospitals in tourist areas can be stretched. A good policy should cover emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation, and repatriation. Stomach issues alone are common enough that a GP visit is a real possibility — don’t skip this one.
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