Why India, Why Now
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, budgets included.
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 (Dec to Feb)
The sweet spotThe best time for most travellers. Cooler and drier in Delhi, Rajasthan, Agra, and much of the south, making sightseeing far more comfortable. Also great for Goa and Kerala beaches.
Summer (Mar to May)
Hot, but great for the mountainsVery hot in many parts of India, especially the north and centre, but ideal for the mountains. Himachal, Uttarakhand, Ladakh, and parts of the northeast become popular cooler escapes, with hiking season starting up.
Monsoon (Jun to Sep)
Mixed, lush, quietA 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's a lovely time to visit.
Post-Monsoon (Oct to Nov)
Clearing skies, transitioningSkies clear, humidity drops, and the country eases into the winter sweet spot. A great window for the Taj Mahal, Rajasthan, and Kerala just after the rains, everything's green and the crowds haven't peaked yet.
See India in 60 Seconds
Sixty seconds of Taj Mahal sunrises, Himalayan peaks, and Kerala backwaters. Then read on for the full story.
India is a country of incredible contrasts, where ancient traditions, bustling cities, spectacular landscapes, and extraordinary cuisine come together on an enormous scale. In just 60 seconds, we’ll explore the Taj Mahal, the colourful streets of Rajasthan, the beaches of Goa, the mountains of the Himalayas, and the vibrant cities that make India unlike anywhere else in the world. Whether you’re travelling for history, culture, food, spirituality, or adventure, India is a destination that overwhelms the senses and leaves a lasting impression.
Book The Essentials
The exact booking sites we use ourselves. Nothing here we wouldn't personally recommend.
What To Expect
The practical stuff, minus the waffle.
Capital
New Delhi mixes Mughal-era monuments with modern government buildings, chaotic, historic, and a natural first stop for most trips.
Language
India has loads of languages, but Hindi and English are the main ones used by the central government. English is common in hotels, restaurants, and tourist spots. Easy wins: "Namaste" (hello), "Shukriya" (thank you), "Kitna?" (how much?).
Currency
The Indian Rupee (₹, INR). Handy ballpark: ₹1,000 is about £7.80, €9.20, or $10.50. Rates wobble, so check XE before you go.
Cards & ATMs
ATMs are common in cities and tourist areas, and cards work well in hotels, bigger restaurants, and supermarkets. Cash is still king for street food, local markets, and tuk-tuks. Carry smaller notes when you can, change is a daily adventure.
Plugs
Types C, D, and M all show up, 230V and 50Hz. Grab a universal adapter, 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 belongings in busy areas, use reputable taxis or ride-hailing apps, and avoid wandering quiet places late at night. Solo female travellers should research specific regions before booking.
Random Useful Tip
Go gentle with street food until your stomach adjusts, avoid ice or unfiltered water if you're unsure, and dress modestly at temples and religious sites, removing shoes where required.
Never Ever
Don't underestimate the sun and spice on day one. Don't flash valuables in crowded places either. Ease in on both fronts and you'll have a much smoother trip.
Live Weather in Delhi
Straight from the source, updated as you read this.
36°C
- Temperature
India Travel Guides
From the Taj Mahal to Himalayan road trips. Everything we've written so far.
Ladakh Road Trip + Map: 7 Days Through India's High Himalayan Desert
A seven-day route through Ladakh's dramatic high-altitude landscape, mapped stop by stop.
Get the routeEssential Tips for Visiting India: Everything You Need to Know
Everything we wish we'd known before our first visit, the practical stuff that makes a real difference.
Get the tipsIndiGo Baggage Allowance: India's Low-Cost Carrier Essentials
Flying IndiGo within India? Here's exactly what you can bring before you're hit with a gate fee.
Read the guideLatest India Articles
Every India guide we publish lands here automatically.
City Guides (coming soon)
Itineraries + Maps
Best Places to Visit & Things to Do
Best Time to Visit
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, in pounds with dollars and euros alongside.
Backpacker
- Hostel dorms from £4-12 a night
- Dhabas and street food only
- Local trains and buses throughout
- Free temples, markets, and wandering days
Mid-Range
- 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
- Heritage hotels and luxury resorts
- Fine dining and rooftop restaurants
- Private guides and drivers throughout
- Luxury tiger safaris and palace stays
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Real prices in pounds, with dollars and euros alongside. Pick a category.
Budget
Mid to Luxury
City Travel
Long Distance
Eat Cheap
Eating Out
Budget Fun
Big Experiences
Tips for Saving Money in India
Ten easy ways to keep an India trip cheap without missing the good stuff.
Don't drink tap water directly, use filtered or bottled water instead.
High turnover means food is usually fresher, tastier, and much cheaper than tourist restaurants.
Book ahead when you can, they're one of the best-value ways to get around India.
Agree the fare first or use ride apps to avoid tourist pricing.
Not from stalls near major attractions, same stuff, lower prices.
You'll often get better value for the same comfort.
Prices drop and popular places feel much less hectic.
Bargaining is normal in many places, but a friendly approach goes a long way.
For tips, tuk-tuks, and local shops, exact change makes life much easier.
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
Best for covering huge distances quickly. Delhi to Goa or Mumbai to Kolkata in 2 hours versus 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 runs about £1-4.
- 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?
Ola or Uber plus auto-rickshaws.
Train where possible, fly for huge distances.
Hire a car with a driver.
Local buses or shared jeeps.
Quick Tips
IRCTC fills up fast, book 30-60 days ahead for popular routes.
Change is notoriously tricky in India, keep a supply of ₹10-50 notes on you.
Overnight trains cover ground while you sleep and save a hotel night too.
Ola, offline Google Maps, Cleartrip, and a currency converter. All free, all essential.
We film the trips behind these guides. Station walkthroughs, room tours, road routes and the bits that photos quietly leave out. New videos land alongside the new guides.
Related Resources
Because good trips still hit bumps. Here's the backup plan.
Travel Problems
Missed flights, lost luggage, dodgy hotels. It happens. Here's how to handle all of it without losing your mind.
Read the GuidesTheft & Scams
Pickpockets, tourist traps, and cons you won't see coming. We break down the most common ones and how to dodge them.
Protect YourselfTravel Insurance
Don't skip this one, especially travelling solo. We compare the best policies and explain what you actually need.
Find the Right PolicyIndia Travel FAQs
The questions we get asked most, answered honestly.
Do I need a visa to visit India?
Is India safe for tourists?
What's the best time to visit India?
How much does India cost per day?
Do I need vaccinations to visit India?
Is the tap water safe to drink in India?
What's the best way to get between cities in India?
Do I need travel insurance for India?
How many days do I need in India?
Can I use my phone in India?
Travel Hubs Worth A Look
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