best india travel guides

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13 Best India Travel Guide Books

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• 13 Best India Travel Guide…

India is a vast country with diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes. From sandy shores of the Keralan coast, barren deserts of Rajasthan, the majestic snow-capped Himalayas, ancient temples, to buzzing modern cities, the country has it all. The stunning country also offers a rich mix of traditions, festivals, and spiritual beliefs. All these reasons make India a must-visit! For a memorable trip to India, what’s a better way to understand and learn more about the country than by getting yourself “lost” in the best India travel guide books? These guidebooks are more than helpful in planning your trip. Whatever you want to explore in this ancient country, these travel guide books India will help you make the most of your time in this exotic part of the world.

How To Choose The Best India Travel Guide Books?

Travel guidelines to India are all you need to arrange the perfect trip to India . With travel guidebooks, it’s easier to travel safely. That said, choosing travel guide books India also can be overwhelming. To get the best one, there are some basic things that you can consider before deciding to buy a travel guide book India. Let’s take a look at them one by one!

What’s Included In The Book

A travel guidebook to India should contain information about sights, accommodation, transportation, activities, and restaurants. Detailed maps and historical cultural information also make a good guidebook. Some India travel guide books even include phrases and glossary to help you interact with the locals. Colorful photos in the book would be a great feature for travelers’ inspiration.

Published Date

To avoid misinformation about the places you’re going to visit, we recommend getting the latest edition which published date is no later than a year apart. Hotels, restaurants, sights, and shops are ever-changing, so it’s important to get the updated information.

While traveling, you may not want to be weighed down by a thick travel guide book India. If so, a digital version is the best option for you. Meanwhile, some travelers may want to have a printed edition. This version can be useful along the way, such as for taking notes or using the maps without the need for GPS or gadgets.

Is India easy to travel around?

Well, since India is a huge country, getting around can be slow and require a bit of patience. However, it also offers extensive interesting and fascinating places. You’ll never get bored of traveling in India. If anything, your trip may turn into a fascinating adventure!

Is India dangerous for tourists?

You may have heard infamous rumors about India, but generally, India is considered a safe destination for tourists. That said, you should be aware of certain things like scams and pickpockets. So, don’t forget to bring your underclothing travel pouch for safety. Reading travel guidelines to India before you go, like The Essential Safety & Security Guide to Visiting India and Travel Fearlessly in India is also useful. These books provide useful tips, advice, and strategies on how to travel safely in India.

Is India expensive to visit?

Actually, India is commonly known as one of the best budget destinations for travelers in the world. You’ll find plenty of budget hotels and affordable transportation to get around. It’s a perfect destination for budget travelers.

Essential India Travel Guide

Essential India Travel Guide is

written by Mohan Kapoor. He’s a native Indian who was born in Bikaner, Rajasthan. When he was young, he left the country. But, he returned to India for work. His jobs required him to travel extensively through India. So, he shares his knowledge about the country, life, historical sights, and culture into a useful travel guide. It’s perfect for anyone wanting to travel to India.

Unlike other India travel guide books we have on this list, this book only covers cities and states with the most popular and important tourist attractions. But you’ll get an in-depth look and some fun facts of each city. It includes where to eat, what to see, where to go, and what to expect. It also gives you information about how to be respectful to each of the six main religions,, plus, how to be aware of the pickpockets, and more.

The thing we like the most about this book is that the author provides essential tips. These include what to expect, what type of travel agencies you can trust, important cultural aspects, what food choices are safe, and so much more. Plus, he also shares his own story. In a way, by reading this book you travel virtually to cities and states like Delhi, Goa, and Kolkata even before you arrive in the beautiful and colorful country!

Any type of travelers, including business travelers, backpackers, and party-goers.

The Essential Safety & Security Guide to Visiting India

Are you a solo traveler who yearns to travel to India, but has been disheartened by rumors or publicity about violence there? The Essential Safety & Security Guide to Visiting India will show you how to have a happy and safe trip. So, you’ll know how to survive and enjoy your stay in the great land of India. The author is a native-born Indian diplomat with extensive experience and knowledge of his native country.

The book contains general information, like geography and weather. Before you go, some chapters will help you prepare. Getting started, financial planning , and before you travel are some of them. Information about health, insurance, and getting local connections are also provided. Besides, it covers insightful cultural and historical narratives. You’ll find all this info in the chapter: An Introduction to India .

The author talks about safety and security during your time in India. He guides you on how to act, what to do, and how to handle unique situations to make sure you enjoy your stay. You’ll figure out how to travel safely within India by air and train. He also gives tips on how to obtain travel passage to restricted or protected regions. What’s more, there’s a piece of specific advice for female travelers, making it the best travel guide books India for female travelers.

Backpackers, adventurers, female travelers, and solo travelers.

India – Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture

Whether you’re traveling for work or planning a long-term trip to India, you’ll need travel guidelines to India. It will help you to understand the local culture. India – Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture is indeed a useful book. It helps you to learn important stuff about the country, whether it’s land and people, customs and traditions, or values and attitudes. Also, there are some tips on dos and don’ts and taboos. You’ll even get info about business in India!

This travel guide book India is written by Becky Stephen. She enjoys traveling and learning about cultures. Also, she studied Hindi at Banaras Hindu University and lived in Varanasi for years. The author shares her meaningful experience through a better understanding of the local culture. With this book, you’ll be aware of the essential values and behavioral norms, plus knowing how to make new friends and build relationships with the locals.

The book starts with the introduction and key facts about India. Meanwhile, the Land and People chapter contains several topics. These include a brief history of India, as well as its geography and climate. You’ll also find some information about places to eat, shops, and cultural activities. Besides, there’s a section for top places to visit and a map of India.

Long-term travelers, temporary residents, and business travelers.

Lonely Planet South India & Kerala (Regional Guide)

You’ll love Lonely Planet South India & Kerala . It’s perfect as your travel guidelines to India when visiting that particular region. The information on history and culture is very informative. Plus, there’s up-to-date advice on what to see and what not to see. So, you can discover both popular and off-beaten-path experiences. This makes the book the most comprehensive guide to South India and Kerala. It covers Goa, Kerala, Mumbai, Andaman Islands, Bengaluru, and more.

The authors have also packed the book with sights and experiences. It includes South India & Kerala’s Top 12. With this one of the best travel guide books India, you can choose activities that suit you. Do you prefer relaxing on a yoga retreat by the beach in Goa ? Or, floating along Kerala’s backwaters? This book has it covered. Meanwhile, the itineraries section helps customize your trip to your interests.

Get information on recommended accommodation, like hotels in Mumbai , and also places to eat, drinking & nightlife, entertainment, and shopping. There’s a section about how to travel with children for your next family trip. It gives you info about customs regulations, embassies, and consulates. Plus, full-color maps and images are also provided.

Family travelers, solo travelers, backpackers, business travelers, and long-term travelers.

Insight Guides India

You need to plan your trip to experience the best of India. Both paperback or digital editions of Insight Guide India can help you on your next adventure. It’s one of the best travel guide books India for travelers looking for a cultural experience. The book is written by local authors who have extensive historical and cultural backgrounds. Besides, they provide hundreds of stunning photos that capture the essence of India. Not to forget the detailed maps!

There’s a section that features India’s Top 10 Attractions. Also, it covers several regions, from Delhi in the north, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Goa, to Kerala. The information on independence, art, and architecture let you know more about the country.

You’ll find the editor’s choice for the most memorable India experiences. From seeing Hindu festivals, tasting the Indian food, to visiting Rajasthan fort. What’s more, the book includes practical information and travel tips. You’ll find about when to go and transportation. Moreover, this user-friendly travel guide book India provides invaluable maps. So, you could venture off the beaten track.

Any type of travelers, from backpackers, adventurers, business travelers, to photographers.

DK Eyewitness Delhi, Agra and Jaipur

Are you traveling to India for the first time or relocating temporarily to the capital city Delhi? Gear up with some information about the Golden Triangle for your adventures. It includes Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, India’s most visited cities. These cities are famed for their iconic monuments and frenetic energy. Also, these regions have much to offer, including plenty of things to do in Jaipur .

For all those reasons, DK Eyewitness Delhi, Agra and Jaipur can be your best India travel guide books. Unlike most travel guide books, it’s lightweight. So, you can take it wherever you go on your trip. Also, the book is available on Kindle. The information from the book makes traveling across the three cities easy.  Whether you want to glimpse the pretty pink Hawa Mahal or get the perfect shot of the Taj Mahal, the book includes all. Not only you’ll discover reasons to love Delhi , Agra, and Jaipur, but the book also makes you know about the cities.

Like other DK Eyewitness travel guide books India, this book comes with trademark illustrations. Besides, the book provides the best places to eat, drink, and shop. Recommended accommodation is also provided. Meanwhile, the selection of itineraries allows you to make your own. What’s more, get expert advice on how to stay safe, get around, and get ready. Like all DK Eyewitness guide, the book has plenty of beautiful pictures and diagrams. Plus, it includes detailed maps and a pull-out map of Delhi.

Long-term travelers, business travelers, backpackers, and adventurers.

Travel Fearlessly in India: What Every Woman Should Know About Personal Safety

Women who are traveling to India should have the best India travel guide books. Travel Fearlessly in India written by J D Viharini is important for your first or fifth trip to the beautiful country. The author is an American woman who has made India her home. She has traveled across India since 1980, mostly alone. From the tropical south to the remote Himalayas, visit ancient temples, and attend great festivals.

With her 30 years of familiarity with India, she shares important things in travel guidelines to India. She includes the issues ladies may come across in the country. Here, you’ll find out about the mindset of Indian men and how to have safe interactions with them. She also talks about how to understand the Indian perspective on non-Indian women.

The book gives uncommon sights into how to travel and live safely in India. These include cultural factors relating to women’s safety. You’ll find comprehensive information like finding safe places to stay and how to travel safely; how to deal with potential problems and what you need to do if you have to go to the police are also provided. Her many years’ experiences make the book a great read for every female traveler before traveling to India.

Female travelers, solo travelers, and family.

Chennai & Tamil Nadu Focus Guide, 2nd Edition

Looking for specific India travel guide books to Chennai and Tamil Nadu area may be a bit difficult. That’s why the second edition of the Chennai & Tamil Nadu Focus Guide is very useful for your next trip. The book provides you with the insightful and up-to-date information you need. Are you planning to visit and explore many grand Hindu temples? Maybe you want to stop and savor the smell of jasmine garlands piled up before the carved granite gods? The book covers them all.

Also, you don’t want to miss enjoying nature in the blue Nilgiri Mountains. The book also includes information on the region’s unique history, culture, and cuisine for a richer experience along the way. Another section features practical tips on getting there and around.

Besides, you’ll get recommended and comprehensive listings of hotels, a list of restaurants and activities, including horse riding and festivals. This travel guide book India is only available in a printed edition but is slim enough to fit in your pocket. It helps you get the most out of Tamil Nadu without weighing you down. What’s more, the book provides detailed street maps for important towns and cities.

Photographers, long-term travelers, temporary residents, and backpackers.

Bradt Travel Guide: Ladakh, Jammu & the Kashmir Valley

Having the right travel guide books India is essential for the best adventures in Ladakh, Jammu, and Kashmir. Bradt Travel Guide Ladakh, Jammu & the Kashmir Valley can be your best option. Though Ladakh is becoming a more popular destination for its epic Himalayan beauty, some other areas are still off the beaten path, like Kashmir Valley & Jammu, plus Zanskar. There are so many wonders to be discovered and so many  things to do in Ladakh . So, this book is essential for travel guide book India for that specific region.

This fully updated edition helps you explore the whole area. These include Leh, Srinagar, Gulmarg, Zanskar, The Kashmir Valley, and Jammu amongst others. There are plenty of activities you can do. You may want to relax on a houseboat or take a shikara ride in Srinagar. How about exploring Buddhist culture in Ladakhi monasteries? Or, traveling in a jeep along nerve-wracking mountains roads become your choice? You can also enjoy the views from the roof of the world at the breathless Khardung La mountain pass. For adventurers, you don’t want to miss hiking to the Himalayan!

From the book, you’ll find information about these regions. Plus, trekking information, trekking maps, and new travel routes. Other highlights, like the Mughal Road, the Buddhist monks at Thiksey Monastery, and the Buddhas of Kargil are included. Also, we love the color photographs and maps. On top of that, there are Urdu and Ladakhi phrases. Get this one of the best India travel guide books in paperback or Kindle edition.

Adventurers, backpackers, climbers, hikers, and trekkers.

The Rough Guide to India

Make the most of your traveling with The Rough Guide to India ! Whether you’re visiting the world’s greatest building Taj Mahal or visiting the dramatic landscape of home to glaciers in Sikkim, it has it all. Also, the book provides very detailed and extensive information. It makes the book a perfect travel guide book India, especially if you’re preparing for the first trip to India and traveling on a budget.

The book may be a bit thick, but the e-book included is a brilliant bonus. Plus, it’s easy to use. These travel guidelines to India cover India’s cities and states north, south, and east. These include Uttar Pradesh, The Andaman Islands, Gujarat, Punjab and Haryana, and more. From this book, you’ll find extensive listings of the best sights and top experiences.

Also, you can get practical advice about what to see and do. The essential pre-departure information is also provided. It includes getting around, food and drink, and accommodation. You’ll also get info about festivals, culture and etiquette, and more. The itinerary section helps you prepare your own routes, from popular tourist areas to off-the-beaten-track adventures. Besides, there’s a section that provides history, ethnic groups, religion, and wildlife. You’ll love the amazing full-color photography and practical full-color maps.

Backpackers, adventurers, and temporary travelers living in India.

Fodor’s Essential India

Get Fodor’s Essential India as your travel guide books India. It helps you plan the perfect adventure in India to be a trip of a lifetime. This guidebook is written by local writers and expert travel advisors who know the destinations better than anyone else. It’s perfect for travelers who want to travel in India but feel intimidated by the vastness of India. The travel guidelines to India are available in Kindle for a guidebook on the go. Meanwhile, the paperback is small enough to fit in your handbag and backpack.

The book starts with Experience India. This section provides the ultimate experiences you should try in India . Is it taking a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges or entering through the world’s largest door at Fatehpur Sikri? Maybe you want to wander the sprawling City Palace in Udaipur and party the night away at Goa? Meanwhile, you can have an overview of what to expect and where to go in the Travel Smart India section. It helps you with what you need to know before visit India. Also, it includes getting here and around and sample itineraries. Plus, you’ll get an explanation about history, culture, and travel tips.

This guidebook provides up-to-date coverage. From the capital city Delhi, home to Mother House Kolkata, to a financial center Mumbai . It also covers the largest Indian states Rajasthan and the coastlines of Kerala and Goa. It also includes information for side trips from Delhi. Each major city features planning, where to stay, what to do, etc. What’s more, the book provides lots of maps and illustrations to help maximize your time.

Adventurers, backpackers, photographers, and family.

Lonely Planet India

If you’re traveling to India quite often, Lonely Planet India is worth owning. It contains a lot of information about many corners of the country. Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Darjeeling, Chennai, are among them. Plus, it provides full-color maps and images. So, the book is perfect for a quick skimming before you do detailed planning and begin your journey in India. Do you want to listen to monks chanting in the shadow of the mighty Himalaya in Ladakh? Or, visiting top attractions in Agra , like the Taj Mahal? It has you covered!

The book may a little be thick, but it provides 4-easy use sections. So, you’ll find the most relevant and up-to-date advice and recommendations easily. It contains three main chapters: Plan Your Trip, On the Road, Understand, and Survival Guide. The Plan Your Trip is your planning tool kit to create the perfect trip. It provides useful information. From what you need to know, suggested itineraries, how to travel with children, to regions at a glance.

The book covers plenty of places in the country. You’ll find Agra, Goa, Bangalore, Tamil Nadu, Hyderabad, Kerala, in the On the Road section. Plus, you’ll find expert reviews, insider tips, and easy-to-use maps. Get recommended accommodation, restaurants, and shops with honest reviews. Also, there’s a special section about tips for women and solo travelers, plus scams. What’s more, you’ll find information about transportation and cultural insights. It helps you get a more rewarding travel experience.

Family travelers, business travelers, adventurers, and backpackers.

DK Eyewitness India

DK Eyewitness India can be your right choice for India travel guide books. It’s filled with information. Either you choose the printed edition or e-book, you can take this guidebook wherever you go. The design will make the most of your travels to discover and experience India. Also, the book has several main sections, including Discover India. This section is divided into some parts: Welcome, Reasons to Love India, and Exploring/getting to know India. Itineraries/India your way, and the Indian year and a Brief History.

The introduction gives an overview of India as a country. Its history, food, culture, nature, architectures are amongst others. Meanwhile, the section Experience India features cities, states, and unions. Also, this travel guide book India includes highlights of what you could experience. It’s whether you prefer to drink tea in Darjeeling or visit the unmissable Taj Mahal. Perhaps you want to escape to the beautiful Andaman Islands or hike the heights of the Himalayas?

You’ll also find 22 sightseeing areas, which contains some information. These include addresses, phone numbers, websites, and opening times. Stuck for inspiration for your schedules while in India? Worry not! There are recommended easy-to-follow itineraries. So, you could set up your plan, whether you’re staying for just a few days or few weeks. Also, there is info about the best places to eat, sleep, and transport information. Even before you’re arriving in India, you can imagine yourself there through its colorful maps and amazing pictures. What’s more, you’ll get expert advice on how to get ready and stay safe.

Backpackers, adventurers, and temporary business travelers.

Author:  John P

As a blogger, I have had the pleasure of exploring some of the most exclusive destinations, indulging in the finest cuisine, accommodations, and experiences that the world has to offer. From the chic streets Paris to the scenic beauty of the Amalfi Coast, readers luxury. my, tips on the most exclusive hotels restaurants, and activities, giving you a glimpse into the world of high-end travel. But luxury travel is not just about extravagance - it's also about immersing yourself in the local culture and experiencing the true essence of a destination. With a passion for art, history, and architecture, I seek out the hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path experiences that make each destination truly unique. So whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, my blog is your guide to the ultimate European luxury travel experience. Join me on my journey as we explore the best that Europe has to offer, one luxurious destination at a time.

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Fully Guided Tours & Trips in India

Find the right fully guided tour for you in India. There are 2367 trips to choose from, that range from one day in length, up to 50 days. The month with the most departures is May, making it the most popular time to visit India.

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250+ fully guided tour packages in india with 8,994 reviews.

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Indian Getaway

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

Golden Triangle

Travel in India isn't everyone's cup of tea but India must be seen. Our fuide was absolutely superior. He loves his country and is most knowledgeable. Transportation was good. Meals were "safe" and tasty. When they say don't drink the water, they mean it. Use bottled water and bring face masks. That"s India. The hotels were nothing to write home about. I can't think of a single one that didn't need better cleaning.

India's Golden Triangle

everything was organized very well! Excellent tour, amazing itinerary, food everywhere they took us! Guide is very knowledgable and it felt very safe with him

5 Days Private Golden Triangle India tour from New Delhi

The tour was amazing, we were very satisfyed! Before the trip, during the trip and also after trip the communication with Aahli was exellent. He replied very fast and fullfield all of our extra wishes. He also took time for having lunch with us in Agra. All 5Star Hotels were amazing, especially the Leela in Neu-Dehli. Danish was an amazing driver, he was always on time, very kind and we felt always safe with his driving skills, big thank you to Danish and Aahil! The tour guide in Jaipur was very motivated and shared a lot of information with us. He gave us enough time to see all the interessting places that we have visited. Without the agency we would not have seen so many places in such a short time. We highly recommend Taj Tour Trip!

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

Uncover India: High Deserts & Markets

it was definitely not a luxurious trip but very adventourous and memorable. Would do it again!

Taj Mahal and Wildlife with Royal Stay at Castles

It was a lifetime experience. India is a beautiful country with amazing culture. With this tour we get to experience real India. We are glad that we booked this tour with Swastik India. Highly recommended.

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

For future tourists, please note Every tour is private, no other person share with you. The tickets total is less than 6000 rupees if not taking elephant ride (1300 rupees), majority of local guides are good and professional. Please do NOT buy anything, you will pay big premium on it. If you want to buy something wait to buy at airport, better quality and better price, learned hard lessons. Also do not touch anything, if you touch it you are forced to buy it. For my tour, the driver is nice and friendly, the local guide at Taj Mahal is very good and an excellent photographer.

Premium India

Sensational in every aspect. Firstly our tour leader Chandra was exceptional in his knowledge, approachability and care for all 12 of us. The tour was enlightening culturally, stimulating from the history perspective and enjoyable as the group melded really well. Thanks to all involved in putting g Premiun India together.

Taj Mahal, Tiger and Pink City

Dealing with Tour Radar has been extremely positive from beginning to end. Websites are easy to navigate, questions are answered promptly, payments are processed precisely when I was told they would be (with a reminder that the were happening) and most importantly the people that they use to guide and care for us on the local level are some of the best we have encountered in our travels. Even after our tour ended the local company continued to help and advise us when our plans suddenly changed due to a flight cancellation. Based upon our experience in India I would have no hesitation about recommending them or using them again in the future! B. MacCarl Canada

Colorful India with Taj Mahal & Rajasthan

In general a fantastic experience! Will totally recommend the company to friends and family. I would have only like to have more activities to do like for example in Delhi, the tour end quite soon when there was still many places of interested to see. Gotta praise the punctuality of the drivers and guide tours!

Golden Triangle Tour With Ranthambore

I have rated this tour as 5 star, some of it exceeded our expectations & some of it fell a bit short, but on average I am happy to rate as 5 star. Those parts that exceeded our expectations were firstly our driver Anand Messi who was an absolute superstar, he was incredibly attentive to our every need & we felt very safe with him. All the guides we had were amazing especially Raghu & Yogi ( unsure of spelling). The hotel we had in Agra was beautiful ( Savoir Portico) & also the Ranthambore (Shergarh) was fantastic. The other hotels we were in (Delhi, Jaipur & Delhi airport) fell far below our expectations & in one instance ( Delhi airport) we had to leave & book in to another hotel as we felt we could not stay there. We did however book the tour quite late so that could be one of the reasons. I would highly recommend this tour but maybe work closely with the tour operator to ensure you are happy with the hotels or choose a higher class of hotels - ours were 4 star & heritage although that didn’t equate to 4* in Uk hotels other than the Agra & Ranthambore ones ( which would be 4 * in Uk)

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

Golden Triangle Tour with Varanasi

I have recently returned from a 10 day private tour around Rajasthan where we were looked after like royalty by our wonderful driver Rakesh - a credit to the company. He was charming ;courteous with a good sense of humour and truly made our holiday special. Tour Radar & World Travel Experiences were also excellent - tailor making the holiday to my needs. I loved vibrant and wonderful Rajasthan and all the 5* hotels were a welcome sanctuary at the end of the day. The only exception is the Crystal Sarovar in Agra which is very tired and definitely not a 5* hotel. If you want to experience true luxury I would recommend opting for 5* deluxe hotels or Heritage Hotels. We stayed in a unique Heritage property in Rohet Garh - just stunning ! The guides in each location ranged from excellent to good. A special shout out to Vina in Jaipur - the first female guide in Rajasthan and by far the best on the whole trip. I wouldn't hesitate in using Tour Radar again for my next holiday and will indeed be recommending them to my friends and family.

Golden Triangle Tour - 3 Days

The tour was very nice. I had 3 different guides for the 3 different cities and they were all very helpful and experienced.

Explore Golden Triangle

The tour is excellent and covers a lot of attactions. Driver is kind, warm and very professional. Hotel is basic but clean. Dinner with the local family is a wonderful experience and the sunrise tour of Taj Mahal is magnificent. The Delhi guide does rush through many attractions and not following itinerary, but the Agra and Jaipur guides are amazing. One other suggestion I have is to include the monument entry fees as this would create less hassle at each entry. Would recommend this tour company.

Premium India in Depth

Intrepid Premium India in Depth (November 13 - 25) Mumbai - Delhi Excellent tour leader along with very good local informative guides. 3 changes in accommodation; Mumbai - Gordon House Hotel is excellent, well priced and only 1 street back from Gateway to India but the company changed to Fariyas Hotel, Mumbai which was been renovated as well as painted so very noisy, couldn't use the pool and scaffolding all around. Definitely not ideal. Our second night in Delhi was also cancelled at Jaypee Siddharth Hotel though privately booked and paid for months before the tour so had to find alternative accommodation while on the tour and they told the travel agents they were "closed for renovations" however the tour was booked and stayed there and no renovations were occuring. Hadoti Palace Hotel in Bundi looked nice and rooms were big but not clean especially the toilet and shower. Otherwise all hotels were very nice and rated accurately; cleaning the showers/washrooms would have helped with the mouldy smell but that is somewhat consistent in most countries. November is the start of wedding season in India which are very loud and noisy and have no time restrictions so be prepared for that if going at this time of year. Tour involves quite a number of days travelling in a bus/coach for 4 - 6 hours with a stop every 2 - 3 hours. Rest stops are OK at best with only snack food to purchase. Adjusting the departure time would have helped with timeframes as quite a few days we were getting lunch around 2 - 3 pm when hotel kitchens were closed. Definitely not enough free time for shopping on your own with organized evenings most nights or in a venue on the outside of towns. Toured the markets but they were only a walk through with the group and no time to stop and shop. Restaurants and food was amazing and no one was unwell on the trip. 2 days in Ranthambhore Park was too long and could have done in 1.5 days with more time in Agra. Overall a very good trip for myself and my father (aged 79).

What people love about Fully Guided Tours in India

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

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

Toll organisierte Rundreise von Delhi über Jaipur und Agra retour nach Delhi. Indien erlebt man in dieser Woche vielseitig und der Tour Guide sorgte nicht nur für eine einwandfreie Organisation sondern hatte haufenweise Details und Geschichten über die indische Kultur zu erzählen.

Regions in India

• Northern India (1552)
• Rajasthan (887)
• Golden Triangle (389)
• Southern India (306)
• Eastern India (115)
• Western India (106)
• Karnataka (78)
• Kerala (67)
• Kashmir (63)
• Maharashtra (53)
• Central India (50)
• Gujarat (46)
• Himachal Pradesh (42)
• Leh & Ladakh (42)
• Tamil Nadu (41)
• Sikkim (30)

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• Best 2 Week India Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

The 15 most spectacular places to visit in India

Dec 11, 2023 • 14 min read

Expect fairy-tale-like drama against a desert backdrop in magical Jaisalmer, Rajasthan © Andrii Lutsyk/ Getty Images

India’s astonishing variety of sights has to be seen to be believed. Travelers have devoted lifetimes to exploring the famous places and forgotten corners of this incredible country, driven onwards by the certainty that there’s always more to see.

Mughal palaces, towering Hindu temples, mountain monasteries, lost kingdoms, cultured cities, and genteel hill stations in the foothills of the Himalayas all jostle for attention in a country that is proudly shaking off the legacy of colonialism and repositioning itself as a global superpower. With such incredible diversity on offer, there’s just one question – where do you start?

Well, our advice is to not take on too much during a single visit. Pick an area – the tropical south perhaps, or the northern plains, or the mountain valleys of the Himalayas – and give yourself time to pause and soak up the atmosphere as you work through your must-see list .

Wherever you go, you’re guaranteed a mind-expanding and exhilarating blast of color, soul-soaring splendor, earth-shaking history and moments of pure serenity. Equal parts magic and mayhem, this mix is what makes traveling to India such an intense and addictive experience.

While this was no easy list to compile, we’re proud to present our pick of the ten best places to visit in India.

1. Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Best for romantics and fans of Mughal history

At the top of everyone’s bucket list, the Taj Mahal is as glorious as people imagine it would be – a magnificent monument to lost love, executed in pearl-white marble. Views of the world’s most beautiful building framed by a Mughal archway or floating above the misty Yamuna River will be one of the defining moments of any trip to India.

But there’s more to the former Mughal capital than the Taj. Add on a couple of days so you can visit the architecturally stunning tomb of  Emperor Akbar , his rose-red sandstone former capital at Fatehpur Sikri and sprawling Agra Fort , one of India’s most epic fortifications. Thronged by millions of visitors, Agra is not always relaxing, but it’s eternally fascinating.

2. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Best for intense spirituality

There are few places as beguiling and bewitching as the sacred Hindu city of Varanasi . Millennia-old death rituals play out daily at the cremation ghats that line the bank of the sacred River Ganges, while the maze-like alleyways of the nearby old town reveal dizzying surprises at every turn. We defy anyone to visit without experiencing some internal soul-searching about their place in the universe.

Be ready for some challenges. The hard-edged realities of life and death and the inequalities that continue to cause hardship for many in India are obvious on the streets of the world’s oldest living city. But there are also moments of gentleness – rise at dawn and wander the ghats (riverside steps) and you’ll see Varanasi at its most spiritual, with its attention focused on the sacred river, before the tourist bustle changes the mood.

Planning tip: The best way to appreciate Varanasi’s famous ghats is from a rowboat. Boatmen offer their services from first light at boat stations along the west bank of the Ganges, providing views of a riverfront that has changed only superficially in seven centuries.

3. Mumbai, Maharashtra

Best for urban explorers and Bollywood hopefuls

Mumbai is the perfect place to take the pulse of modern India. The most densely populated city in the subcontinent is home to Bollywood film stars, enterprising market vendors, bankers and executives rushing to work in offices, and fishing families who can trace their origins back to the days when this mighty metropolis was just a humble village.

To understand more about the disparities of life in contemporary Mumbai, take a socially responsible tour through the city’s huge and disadvantaged Dharavi district with Reality Tours & Travel ; 80% of the profits go back to social projects providing opportunities for those left behind by Mumbai’s push for success.

The city’s can’t-miss excursion is the boat trip to the 1500-year-old, UNESCO World Heritage-listed rock-cut temples of Elephanta Island , but fantastic street food is the city’s great leveler. Don’t leave without sampling Mumbai's signature snack, bhel poori – puffed rice and fried dough with lentils, onions, herbs and savory chutneys, best sampled on the beach at Chowpatty or Juhu.

Detour: With time to spare in Mumbai, head to the northern suburbs, where Sanjay Gandhi National Park protects a sprawl of dry forest, home to leopards, deer, monkeys and serene Buddhist cave temples.

Best for an extraordinary taste of Tibet

In the far northwest of India, sheltered from the monsoon by the rain shadow of the Himalayas, the former Buddhist kingdom of Ladakh is culturally and geographically closer to western Tibet than anywhere in India. In this high-altitude moonscape, towering Tibetan monasteries melt into a landscape of barren rock and wind-sculpted hoodoos (don’t miss fabulous Hemis and Thiksey on the road linking Ladakh to Himachal Pradesh ). 

Most visitors start in the atmospheric capital, Leh , before roaming to neighboring valleys for homestay treks and trips to view turquoise salt lakes and colorful masked dances at ancient monasteries. Ladakh wasn't touched by China’s Cultural Revolution, so this is perhaps the closest independent travelers can come to experiencing the original culture of Tibet.

Planning tip: Getting to Ladakh is half the fun. Flights run to Leh even in the depths of winter, but the most enjoyable way in is overland, by road from either Srinagar in Kashmir or Manali in Himachal Pradesh. Buses and shared 4WDs run as long as the passes are open from June to the end of September, or you can tackle the route on a rented Enfield motorcycle.

5. Kolkata, West Bengal 

Best for culture vultures

The capital of colonial British India until 1911, Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is India’s third-biggest metropolis and the country's intellectual and artistic capital. Spend a few days exploring the energetic bazaars, cultured museums and British-era landmarks, and you’ll soon fall in love with Kolkata’s irrepressible energy.

To really get to know Kolkata, sign up for a Bengali cooking course and visit the revered temple at Kalighat , where the goddess Kali is appeased with sacrifices. With more time to spare, book an overnight wildlife-watching tour to the nearby Sundarbans Tiger Reserve , a legendary stalking ground for royal Bengal tigers.

Planning tip: Try to time your visit to coincide with the festival of Durga Puja in September or October, when vividly colorful effigies of the goddess are displayed in pandals (ceremonial tents) all over the city.   

6. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Best for desert drama

The desert state of Rajasthan shows India at its most romantic and soft-filtered. Expect a mirage of camel caravans, ornate palaces, mighty forts, turbaned traders and intense colors, set against a backdrop of shifting desert sands. It’s unbelievably photogenic, but also firmly on the tourist map, so expect to share the experience with a crowd.

The pink-sandstone monuments of Jaipur , the ice-white lakeside palaces of Udaipur , and views of blue-hued Jodhpur from its lofty fort are all stunning experiences, but the city that delivers the biggest jolt to the senses is Jaisalmer , seeming sculpted from the living rock of the desert.

Its tangled lanes, towering fortress and beautifully ornate haveli (traditional houses) could have been plucked from the pages of One Thousand and One Nights , and the surrounding desert is the evocative setting for overnight camel safaris.

Planning tip: While it is possible to stay inside the fortified city, visitor numbers are having an impact on Jaisalmer’s historic heart. We recommend staying outside the walls instead – there are plenty of hotels and guesthouses within strolling distance of the fort.

7. The Kerala Backwaters

Best for lovers of slow travel

After the dusty, densely populated northern plains, tropical South India offers a lusher, more laid-back travel experience. The quintessential trip here is a slow-paced canal cruise through the emerald-green backwaters of Kerala , a 900-mile network of languid, coconut-fringed waterways, offering views of an ever-changing tableaux of South Indian life.

Hire a traditional houseboat in Alappuzha for a multiday trip, then settle in for a succulent Keralan seafood curry prepared by your personal chef as the sunset blushes over shimmering waters and silhouetted palm fronds. Post-cruise, it’s just a short hop up the coast to historic Kochi (Cochin) , with its cantilevered fishing nets and Kathakali dance theaters.

8. Bodhgaya, Bihar

Best for budding Buddhists

As the birthplace of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism (plus countless smaller faiths), India is defined by sacred geography. Even here, however, few places resonate more powerfully than the Bodhi tree where Prince Siddhartha Gautama achieved enlightenment to become the Buddha (Awakened One).

The town that has grown up around this sacred spot is home to dozens of Tibetan and Southeast Asian–style temples and monasteries, with a busy program of Buddhist teachings and courses. It’s the ideal destination for any spiritual explorer.

To get a feel for Bodhgaya ’s rhythms, come early to the Mahabodhi complex and settle in beside chanting Tibetan pilgrims to meditate on the nature of impermanence. Travel experiences don’t get much more profound than this.

Planning tip: Bodhgaya is just one stop on the so-called "Buddhist circuit," taking in key locations from the life of the historical Buddha. Local buses run to nearby Rajgir, the site of one of the first Buddhist monasteries, and Nalanda's ancient Buddhist university complex.  

9. Darjeeling, West Bengal

Best for a premium cup of tea with a view

Fanned by the cool breezes of the eastern Himalayas, surrounded by manicured tea estates and basking in front of epic Himalayan views, Darjeeling is easy to fall for.

For a perfect day, watch the dawn break over 8586m (20,169ft) Kangchenjunga, learn the difference between first-flush and white teas on a plantation tour, linger over an afternoon cuppa at the  Windamere Hotel , then learn about the Tibetan experience at the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre .

The classiest way to arrive is via the nostalgic, narrow-gauge toy train ; book tickets in advance and check to see if the steam service is running (the diesel train follows the same route, but has less charm). Don’t miss the Buddhist gompas (monasteries) dotted around the city. Below Darjeeling on the fringes of Ghum, historic Yiga Choeling Gompa has a special magic.

Planning tip: Darjeeling isn’t the only interesting stop in the area. Shared 4WDs buzz from Darjeeling to Kalimpong , another historic township with colorful Buddhist monasteries, Himalayan views and pretty flower nurseries. 

10. Hampi, Karnataka

Best for a full immersion in history

Between the 14th and 16th centuries CE, the capital of the Vijayanagar empire at Hampi was home to half a million people, but this ancient metropolis was almost completely abandoned, leaving 3700 stone monuments scattered across a surreal plain of boulders.

This is a place to linger, strolling between the boulders to find carved masonry, forgotten shrines and the handsome remains of some of South India’s most dramatic stone temples.

Glance up as you wander and you’ll see rock climbers tackling bouldering routes using chisel marks made by ancient masons. Rent a motorcycle or scooter and you can roam further afield, taking in the hilltop temple marking the spot where the monkey god Hanuman first met Lord Rama.

Planning tip: Hampi is a short bus ride from the town of Hosapete – get here by overnight train from Goa’s beaches, historic Hyderabad or the cosmopolitan southern city of Bengaluru .

11. Arunachal Pradesh

Best for stepping off the map

Tucked away near Bangladesh, the eight Northeast States – Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim – are India’s wild frontier. Until the 1990s, this region of rugged mountain valleys was mostly off-limits to foreigners, and visitor numbers are still small – people who travel here earn the right to call themselves proper explorers. 

Sikkim is the most famous destination in the Northeast States, but we’d encourage you east towards the forested foothills and jagged mountains of Arunachal Pradesh , where tribal communities follow a diverse range of traditional belief systems, from the Buddhist Monpa people of Tawang to the animist Apatani people of the Ziro valley. 

Planning tip: Travel takes a bit of effort in Arunachal Pradesh; you’ll need to apply for a permit to enter the state, and local transport is patchy. By far the easiest way to explore is with a chartered 4WD and driver (easily arranged in Guwahati in Assam).  

12. Amritsar, Punjab

Best for experiencing the power of devotion

India has pilgrimage destinations to spare, but few come close to the vibrant energy of the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The most sacred site for the Sikh religion is a gleaming jewel box, floating in a mirror-like sacred pool, thronged day and night by an unbelievable mass of pilgrims. You don’t have to be spiritually inclined to feel its powerful rhythms. 

Joining devotees at the Sri Harmandir Sahib – the gold-paneled shrine at the heart of the complex – is incredibly moving. Staying overnight in the pilgrims' hostels that flank the temple compound only adds to the intensity. A donation is much appreciated for accommodation if possible, though pilgrims of all means will be accommodated if space is available. You can also sit down for meals at the temple langar (kitchen), which provides cost-free nourishment to a staggering 100,000 people per day (again, a donation is appreciated if you have the means).

Planning tip: Don’t limit your explorations to the Golden Temple – the surrounding bazaars buzz with energy and atmosphere, with vendors selling everything from embroidered chappals (sliders) to brass and polished steel pots and pans.   

13. Mysuru (Mysore), Karnataka

Best for feeling like a Maharaja

The atmospheric South Indian city of Mysuru has multiple charms: towering temples, one of India’s most evocative marketplaces, and the almost impossibly extravagant crib that is Mysuru Palace , the ancestral home of the Wadiyar maharajas. No building conjures up the extravagant lives of India’s royal rulers quite so vividly – every room is a fantasy, every ornament an heirloom. 

Around the palace are busy bazaars, rewarding museums and a string of Hindu temples in the classic Dravidian (Southern Indian) architectural style. Devote several days to wandering the streets, hiking up to the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hill and feasting on fiery vegetarian  thalis (plate meals) in Mysuru’s restaurants.  

14. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Best for tiger encounters

The national parks of Madhya Pradesh are some of the best places on the planet to get close to royal Bengal tigers. Seeing one of these striped superstars loping out of the jungle will stay with you for a lifetime – as well as leaving you heartbroken at the thought of how few tigers still survive in the wild.

Everyone has their favorite tiger reserve, but we rate Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve near Jabalpur for the density of wildlife in its central Tala range. Around 70 tigers roam these dry forests, alongside leopards, monkeys, deer and gaur – India’s gigantic wild buffalo. There’s a high likelihood of sightings if you devote several days to 4WD safaris (elephant safaris should be avoided as riding can be harmful to these vulnerable animals). 

Planning tip: The best time to see tigers is first thing in the morning – safaris start at 5:30am to catch tigers before they stake out a shady spot in the undergrowth to sleep through the heat of the day. 

15. Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Best for religious splendor

South India's Hindu temples are a joyous celebration of the divine, decorated inside and out with vividly colorful depictions of deities and supernatural beings, both fearsome and sublime. In the southern city of Madurai , the towering gopurams (gateway towers) of the Meenakshi Amman Temple provide a three-dimensional guide to the main deities of the Hindu pantheon.

The current temple was constructed in the 17th century, but the site has been sacred to Meenakshi, the queen of the Pandya kingdom and an incarnation of the goddess Parvati, for at least 2000 years. Come early in the morning to watch sunrise bring the temple to life, then pop to the nearest branch of Murugan Idli Shop for some of the south’s best idli (steamed rice and lentil cakes).  

Detour: A short bus or train ride from Madurai, Tiruchirappalli – aka Trichy – is another top spot for temple enthusiasts. The looming Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is one of the world’s largest Hindu shrines, covering 155 acres (63 hectares) and topped by 21 deity-encrusted towers. More temples crown the rocky outcrop at the heart of the city, offering epic views over the rooftops.  

This article was first published March 2022 and updated December 2023

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Breathedreamgo

The transformational travel guide

India Travel Guide

Table of Contents

Complete India Travel Guide 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top questions about travel in India

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

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

What should women wear while travelling in India?

• What are the best tours to India?

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

• What are the best India travel guide books?

COMING SOON:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more tips on staying healthy in India, read:

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

What should I eat in India?

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

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

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

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

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

How much does it cost to travel in India?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is India safe? Can women travel alone in India?

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

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

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

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

What are the best tours in India?

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

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

What are the best travel guide books?

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

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

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

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

More reading on Breathedreamgo about travel in India

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

Destinations in India and itineraries

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

Perfect 3-day Delhi itinerary

Ideal 2-week Kerala itinerary  

Offbeat and local Madhya Pradesh itinerary 

Where should I go in Goa?

The best places to visit in Goa

Where should I go in Rajasthan?

Guide to Rajasthan

The sacred and the profane at the Pushkar Camel Fair

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India Travel Guide

Looking for an in-depth India travel guide ?

We’ve got all your Indian travel information covered!

India is a vibrant and beautiful country that has become a travel hotspot in recent years.

From historic Hindu temples to the emerging metropolises of Mumbai and Delhi, there’s a lot to explore in this country of nearly 1.4 billion people.

There’s so much to see beyond the top attractions like the Taj Mahal and beaches of Goa — but don’t miss those, either!

For instance, the southern state of Kerala offers lush mountain vistas perfect for cycling and hiking. Moreover, the town of Bundi in Rajasthan offers much-needed peace, particularly for solo female travelers .

Of course, there are so many flavors to sample throughout the country from classic chai to curries of all kinds.

There is a lot to consider when planning a trip to India, from safety concerns to medial preparations (check the CDC’s website for vaccine and medication recommendations).

Thankfully, you can apply for a visa to visit India without setting foot in an embassy. Just apply for your visa online with the Indian government a few days ahead of your trip. Keep reading to learn more about visa requirements.

And on that note, let’s dive into the India traveling guide.

Note: This guide to India travel contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

What would you add to this India travel guide?

Use this India travel map to begin planning your trip!

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Best Destinations In India

Here is where to go when traveling in India .

5 Must-Visit Places To Experience The Best Of India

Traveling Northern India: 12 Experiences Beyond The Temples & Taj Mahal

10 Reasons Why Kerala Should Be Your Next Trip

India Adventures

Love hiking, cycling, and active adventures? Don’t miss:

Dzükou Valley Trek: Your Ultimate Guide To India’s Famous Hike

South India Travel Guides: Kerala

Traveling India and spending time in Kerala? These guides can help!

An Organic Farmstay Experience In Kerala, India

Houseboating Through Kerala’s Backwaters

Cycling The “Scotland Of Asia” To An Organic Farm In Kerala, India

Cycling Kerala’s Cardamom Trail

Ascending Tall Peaks & The World’s Highest Organic Tea Garden In Kerala

Why Kerala’s Silent Valley Is One Of The World’s Best National Parks

Cycling Kerala’s Culturally-Immersive Canal Route

South India Travels In Goa

Check out these guides and tips for travel to India when you’re visiting Goa.

Great Goa: Yoga, Dolphins & A Dose Of Clarity On Palolem Beach

A Disappointing Spice Farm Day Trip In Goa (& What To Do Instead)

Tips For Northern India Travel

Check out these northern India travel itineraries .

India’s Unique Karni Mata Temple Is Devoted To Worshipping Rats

10 Unforgettable Things To Do In Delhi, India

How To Get High (Legally) In Varanasi, India

The Secret To Finding Peace In India Can Be Found In Bundi

Exploring Northern India Through Food

10 Amazing Places For A Solo Trip From Delhi, India

Tips For India Travel

These tips for travel in India can help you plan the perfect trip.

Ayurverdic Massage In India: Not For The Modest

10 Reasons Why You Need To Visit India

5 Amazing Ways You Can Explore India’s Spiritual Side

9 Essential Travel Tips For Southern India

20 Unforgettable Solo Female Travel Destinations In India

India Travel Stories

Enjoy these travel stories about India .

How India Broke Me (& Why I’m Thankful For It)

That Time I Was Charged By An Elephant In India

12 India Travel Stories From The Crazy To The Inspiring

Asia Travel Tips

This Asia travel advice can help you plan the perfect trip.

24 Best Places For Solo Travel In Asia

Top India Tours

Check out these fun tours in India from my affiliate partner, Viator:

• South Mumbai Walking Tour: Markets and Mumbadevi Temple
• Wildlife Safari & Off-Roading at Jhalana Safari Park from Jaipur
• Taj Mahal Sunrise Same Day by Car from Delhi

India Travel Insurance

No Asia travel guide would be complete without discussing safety.

When visiting India — or anywhere else in the world — make sure to get travel insurance.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Bonus: It’s quick to obtain! I’ve even purchased mine right from the cab to the airport from home.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

India Hotels

Click here to browse hotels in India!

Prefer self-contained stays? 

Click here to check out unique local rentals!

You can also use this map to search for local stays:

Renting A Car In India

Need a rental car for your India trip?

Use Discover Cars to quickly compare your car rental options.

India Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling India.

Q: Is India safe for travel?

India is a fairly safe place for travelers but you should practice extra vigilance during your trip, particularly in cities. Petty crime like pickpocketing and bag snatching is fairly common, so be sure to pay close attention to your belongings and keep your valuables in a safe location to avoid pickpockets .

Travelers have also had their drinks and food spiked in hotels, restaurants and bars, particularly in smaller establishments. Never leave your drink unattended, don’t accept food or drinks from strangers and above all, trust your gut.

Sexual harassment of women is unfortunately quite common in India, for both locals and travelers. For tourists, this mostly consists of staring and unwanted attention. It’s important to do your research on the locations you’re planning on visiting and transportation methods, as sexual harassment is more prevalent in some areas than others. Generally speaking, it’s best to dress modestly and avoid going out alone at night.

Finally, some areas of India, particularly Jammu and Kashmir, are prone to violence and conflict. Be sure to do your research on current issues in the country while planning your trip.

Q: Is India cheap to visit?

India is known as one of the least expensive travel destinations in the world, so your money can go far here! Upfront costs like roundtrip flights will likely be your biggest expense depending on your departure city. Once you’re in India, food, transportation, and accommodations are very inexpensive. Even higher-end travelers can expect to pay about 100 USD per day in the country.

Q: Does India have visa-free travel countries?

The only people who do not need a visa to travel to India are citizens of Nepal and Bhutan . Otherwise, all travelers from outside of India will need a visa to visit the country. How much you pay for your visa depends on your country of origin, but you can easily apply for a visa online on the Indian government’s website .

It’s recommended to view your country’s India International Travel Information page for the most up-to-date information on entry and exit requirements — including visa information — for foreign citizens. You can also contact the Embassy of India.

Q: Do I need a visa for travel to India from the USA?

Yes. Nearly all international visitors to India require a visa and this includes visitors from the USA. A tourist visa will let you visit the country for 10 years for a stay of up to 180 days and will set you back about 150 USD.

Q: When is the best time to visit India?

The best time to visit India is outside of the monsoon season, generally between October and late April. During this time, the climate is typically drier and more pleasant, though temperatures can dip during December. Also, be aware of Hindu festivals, like Diwali and Holi, and Muslim holidays like Ramadan, as these can affect the number of crowds you’ll encounter in certain areas.

Q: What are the best vacation spots in India?

If you’re looking for vacation ideas in India, a few of the best places to visit include Kerala for nature, Goa for beaches, Varanasi for the rich and visible history, and Madhya Pradesh for the incredible temples.

Love hiking? The Dzükou Valley Trek in the Indian state of Nagaland is truly unforgettable!

Traveling to Asia alone ? There are also many great solo trips for women in India , like Bir, Manali, and Rishikesh.

These are just a few of many great cities, states, and areas to visit when traveling throughout India.

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India travel guide

India is like nowhere else on earth – thrilling, frustrating, inspiring and, most of all, incredibly diverse.

India’s long history of accepting and absorbing newcomers, and of changing over time to express their ideas, is reflected in its open-minded and welcoming attitude, and fascinating range of cultures and beliefs. With landscapes that vary from the world’s highest mountain ranges to tropical beaches, India has an almost endless variety of peoples and places to explore; the sights and sounds of this enormous country have a spellbinding effect, and live long in the memory. Despite the advances brought by 21st-century globalisation, with rising prosperity, high-tech industries and burgeoning car ownership, India largely retains its mesmeric otherness.

Looking for a tailor-made holiday to India? Our local travel expert can plan a private trip for you. Book now!

India is a vast, multifaceted nation, with a complex geography. In the far north, the Himalayan mountains tumble into the great river plains of the Ganges, Yamuna and Punjab. To the west, the Thar Desert straddles the border with Pakistan, while further south, the high tableland of the Deccan Plateau forms the core of peninsular India, which tapers as it approaches the country’s southernmost tip. The country comprises a diamond-shaped subcontinent that stretches over 3,000km (1,800 miles) from the Northwest Himalaya right down to Cape Comorin, on the ­Indian Ocean. From east to west India also covers about 3,000km, from the border with neighbours China and Myanmar, to the Gujarat coast on the Arabian Sea. The topography extends from the snows of the high Hima­layas, to the deserts of Rajasthan , to the lush tropical landscape of Kerala .

Delhi , the nation’s capital, presides over the Northern Plains , and Mumbai (Bombay) , India’s second city, sits on the shores of the Arabian Sea in the southwest, making it the ideal gateway to the beaches of Goa . The largest population centre in the far south is Chennai (Madras) , on Tamil Nadu 's southeast coast, while Kolkata (Calcutta) dominates Northeast India , at the head of the Ganges Delta and Bay of Bengal.

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Places to visit in India

• Bengaluru bangalore
• Central india
• Chennai madras
• Karnataka and andhra pradesh
• Kolkata and northeast india
• Kolkata calcutta
• Lakshadweep
• Mumbai bombay
• Northern plains
• Northwest himalaya

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A Comprehensive Travel Guide to India: Start Planning Your Trip For 2022

Quick navigation, about india, best destinations in india, best things to do in india, great adventure trips in india, india’s geography and wildlife, india travel costs, india travel safety, best time to visit india, best ways to get around india, best places to stay in india, useful travel tools, visa requirements when travelling to india, interesting facts about india, frequently asked questions about india, join our newsletter.

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Our goal for this ultimate travel guide to India is to highlight where to stay, go, and what to do. Basically, wherever you go, adventure awaits. It doesn't matter if you're on a safari, trekking, meandering streets, paddling rivers, or looking at architecture.

Travelling to India requires a flexible outlook due to frequent unexpected outcomes throughout the day. You never know what will happen, which only adds to the wonder of your trip. Just think of the stories you'll leave with! India is beautiful, rich in culture, and makes for a memorable destination. If you're up for an intrepid, lively trip, read on for tips for travelling to India!

Disclosure: This post contains references to products or services from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you buy one of these products or services. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page .

India is the birthplace of yoga practice

Where do we even begin when it comes to describing India? The diverse landscape, glamorous architecture, and various traditions create an epic combination. These marvels may be at the forefront of India, but spirituality dazzles the backbone. Islam and Hinduism are the most popular religions, with followers of Sikhism, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism sprinkled across the nation. You'll find several sacred sites, rituals and more all over India. There are also festivals celebrating religion.

Let's travel back 5,000 years ago. Can you guess why we're harking back to several centuries ago? Because there's one form of exercise that has taken off worldwide, it's vital to proclaim the birthplace of this particular practice: India. The exercise we're talking about? Yoga. The practise began in the Indus-Sarasvati civilization, a northern area of India. It was developed by the Brahmans, the highest Hindu caste.

By the 3rd century BCE, the concept of yoga started to seep into writings for Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain. In the 5th century BCE, yoga was primarily a meditation or religious practice. Then fast forward the wheel of time to the 1980s when yoga became more popular in the west. Nowadays, it is viewed as a form of exercise.

Several aspiring yogis head to India to receive yoga instructor training. However, there's so much more to India's history, but we thought we'd provide a little snapshot of one of the more popular exercises now practised worldwide today! Okay, let's get back to talking about what to see and do in this stunning country.

Taj Mahal - the architectural masterpiece and its sleek white marble walls

It's tough to explore all of India in one trip, especially with charming hill stations tucked into the all-imposing Himalayas, or the pink-tainted Jaipur, or the must-see Taj Mahal in Agra, or the "City of Lakes" aka Udaipur, dare we go on? We shall! Find more details on these places and other epic destinations in India below!

Two words: Taj Mahal. Need we say more? The architectural masterpiece and its sleek white marble walls attract several tourists a year. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is reason enough to visit Agra, but the riverfront location only elevates its splendour.

The pink-hued buildings soaring across Jaipur create an intoxicating image. And with the magical architecture comes a storied history! Among the many structures, you’ll find the Jantar Mantar here, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Located in the same state as Jaipur, Udaipur trades the pink-hued trademark of its state-mate with glistening bodies of water, earning its nickname as the “City of Lakes.” Udaipur is considered a romantic location! And how can it not be with seven lakes flanking the city?

Manali sits up high in northern India, offering a range of adventures for backpackers, honeymooners, and anyone and everyone seeking some thrills. It’s an access town for several adventures, including trekking and skiing.

Bandhavgarh National Park

Seeking a safari? Look no further than Bandhavgarh National Park, where tigers roam amid a small area. You may even spot white tigers here! If you're interested in booking a tour, you might want to check out this tiger safari escapade .

Udaipur is considered a romantic location

Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore National Park is another fantastic tiger-spotting location. Plus, the wild backdrop attracts crowds of photographers each year. What could be better than a photo of a tiger chilling amid intoxicating surroundings? Sounds like a photographer's dream to us. This is also one of the largest parks in northern India!

We mentioned above that India's backbone bursts with spirituality, so head to Rishikesh if you want to revel in a snapshot of India's sacred practices. It's also known as the 'Yoga Capital of the World.'

Goa fuses Portuguese and Indian cultures while granting a beachfront getaway. This slice of paradise grants a golden-fringed coastline, creating an ideal blend of relaxation, culture, and flavourful cuisine. Talk about a great vacation destination!

Fall in love with—and fall into—the lovely, sparkling waters spanning the state of Kerala. This destination is not just one town; it's a state. Meaning there's lots to explore! The backwaters in Alleppey are definitely worth checking out!

Nestled in the Himalayan foothills, Darjeeling is a great spot for tea lovers. The tea estates flanking the area are stunning places to visit. Learn everything you need to know about the tea produced in and around Darjeeling!

Of course, other notable destinations are some of the bigger cities we didn’t mention in the list above: Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. You’ll likely find yourself in one of these destinations on your adventure trip to India.

Find adventure tucked into every corner of India! While practising yoga, exploring the architecture, and meandering tea plantations are great options for things to do in India, but there are some pretty epic intrepid adventures worth trying if you can.

Trekking in India

Immerse in India’s wild, mysterious backyard on unforgettable long-distance treks! Some epic multi-day adventures include the Roopkund Trek in Uttarakhand, the Valley of Flowers route in Uttarakhand, the Dzongri Trek in West Sikkim, and the Markha Valley Trek in Ladakh! Ladakh, West Sikkim, and Uttarakhand are great places to look into if you want to do a long-distance trek—there are a few options.

Hiking in India

Don’t have the time to spend several days in the unspoiled mountains, but want to catch a glimpse of India’s natural wonders? Consider a one-day hiking adventure! Some great ones include:

• Chembra Peak Trek, Kerala
• Rajmachi Fort from Lonavala
• Triund, located 9.0 km from McLeod Ganj
• David Scott Trail, close to Mawphlang, Meghalaya

Water sports in India

Enjoy a soothing paddle atop lakes and calm rivers, or feel the rush and thrill of whitewater rafting in India! The backwaters in Kerala offer a relaxing, magical kayaking experience. Check out the quaint villages dotting the shore as you paddle.

The Ganges also offers some pretty incredible views—expect some rapids along this scenic 12.0 km journey!

And get your adrenaline going with river rafting trips along the River Ganga in Rishikesh or Indus River in Ladakh. These are just two of the many rafting options roaring across India.

Skiing in India

Yup—the adventure options are endless in India! When fresh snow blankets the slopes, head to Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir or Auli in Uttarakhand, to name two. The skiing season runs from January to March!

Goa - a great vacation destination

Planning a trip can be time-consuming, can't it? And planning during spare moments amid a hectic schedule can be daunting. So why not book a pre-planned tour instead? In most cases, all you'll need to do is schedule your flight! Take a look at some great adventure trips in India below:

Golden Triangle and Himalayas Tour

If you want a compact glimpse of some of India's greatest attractions, the Golden Triangle and Himalayas Tour is tailor-made for you. India's Golden Triangle comprises Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, meaning you'll get to visit these places (which includes the Taj Mahal) and revel in some unreal hill stations backed by the Himalayas on this must-do 14-day guided tour.

Pin Parvati to Mantalai Trekking Adventure Tour

Are you a hiking addict? This 19-day guided Pin Parvati to Mantalai Trekking Adventure tour will not disappoint! Spend 12 days trekking deep into the Himalayas, gathering irreplaceable images of glaciers, mountains, rivers, and more. Then, catch a peek of Indian culture on sightseeing tours in Manali and Delhi, two places exploding with culture and rich history.

Northern Highlights of India Tour

Seeking a more relaxed trip to India? Revel in the cultural and historical spectacles peppering some of India’s north on the Northern Highlights of India Tour . Two notable highlights of this 8-day guided tour are the visits to the pink-tinted Jaipur and the Taj Mahal!

Wonders of Eastern India Tour

Let’s go east! The Wonders of Eastern India Tour beautifully fuses natural beauty with culture and history. Experience Darjeeling, flanked by tea plantations decorating the green slopes, Gangtok, Kalimpong, and Kolkata. Expect marvellous sightseeing adventures throughout this tour—with a sprinkle of enchanting scenery.

Goecha La Trek

The Goecha La Trek paints the ideal postcard for adventure: it’s wild, it’s rugged, and it’s pure magic. You’ll get to enjoy tasty home-cooked meals on this trek as a chef will travel with you. Luxury and mountains? Sounds pretty nice. Before and after hiking, you’ll get to enjoy some sightseeing and visits to tea plantations, monasteries, gompas, and more.

There are so many adventure tours worth checking out! You can find epic India tour trips here , ranging from yoga-centric to more treks, more sightseeing, cycle journeys, more kayaking, and shorter trips. The list goes on and on!

Darjeeling is a great spot for tea lovers

India sits on a peninsula, so you'll find water on three sides of the country! It's flanked by the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean. Head north, and you'll look up at the all-imposing Himalayas. Feeling intimidated by mountainscapes? The lush jungles in the northeast may suit your lifestyle a little bit better. There's even a desert in India. The terrain varies, making this destination a fantastic spot for all types of travellers.

Fun fact: cows are sacred in India, so don't even think about messing with them!

You may also spot both a lion and a tiger in the jungles while several bird species flock about. Then, there are the elephants, rhinos, and dolphins. And that's not even all: the Himalayas are home to bears and even the rare, majestic snow leopard. The animals roaming the land and waters are just as diverse as the landscapes painting India.

The skiing season runs from January to March

India’s travel costs aren’t too steep! Take a look at some of the numbers (inspired by numbeo below):

• A meal at cheaper restaurant costs around 3 CAD per person
• A meal at an average restaurant with a three-course meal for two costs around 17 CAD
• A local beer costs 2.50 CAD
• A one-way local transport ticket costs around 0.35 CAD
• 1.0 km in a taxi costs a few cents less than a one-way local transport ticket

Meanwhile, the average price for hotels is around 50 CAD. So naturally, the price will go up if you opt for a more expensive place to stay. But then, judging by prices in New Delhi, hostels can range from 6 CAD to 30 CAD, depending on if you book a private room or a dorm.

Is India safe to travel to? Yes! Women may experience more intense staring and attention than usual, but the possibility of something actually happening or threatening their safety is just like any other country in the world. Of course, it's still essential to exercise caution and dress appropriately. India is a traditional country, so wearing modest clothes is necessary. Try to avoid travelling at night, too. You can also look into booking a female-only driver or a female compartment on the train. Transportation can be sketchy, so brace yourself for some nerve-wracking situations. In the meantime, keep your wits about you, as you would in any country, by keeping your belongings close and safely storing essentials in zip-up pockets or money pouches when in crowded places.

Gangtok - Wonder of Eastern India

According to Lonely Planet , the best time to head to India depends on where you're going! You can visit this country year-round. December to March is ideal for getting your beach time in, exploring temples, and visiting a jungle. But if you want the bask in the sweet smell of mountain air, June to November will suit your Himalayan venture best. The weather morphs from bearable to sizzling between April and June, meaning you'll get to explore notable attractions without crowds. Still, you'll have a collection of sweat beads dripping from your forehead into your eyelids.

Take the train, bus, plane, rickshaw, tuk-tuk, bicycle taxi, or Uber. Or book a rickshaw through UberAUTO! When you hop in an Uber, be sure to check that the face and licence plate match the picture on the app. If not, don't get in. However, if you're taking an Uber, try not to announce it, as taxi guys might not be happy about it. As of now, there are around 100 cities with Uber. However, you'll find that buses are the main form of transport in the bigger cities. They can be super congested, though!

For a longer distance, look into booking a train. If you book the cheaper second seating class trains, don't expect a seat on every ride. These can be crowded! It might be worth booking the sleeper class train, but these can be dirty and don't offer air conditioning. So it might be really worth booking AC 3 Tier for a quieter, more comfortable ride. But, if you have the money, book the AC First Class train for a more luxurious ride.

Cows are sacred in India

For more budget places to stay in India, look into booking through hostelworld ! India also has some hotel chains that you might want to check out:

• Leela Palaces, Hotels, and Resorts
• Lemon Tree Hotels
• The Oberoi Group
• Neemrana Hotels
• Residency Group of Hotels

Some of these are typical hotels, while others brim with history and uniqueness. You could also look into Vrbo or Airbnb for booking accommodations.

To Book Accommodation

Book accommodation that fits your budget with one of the websites below:

• Booking.com
• Expedia.com

Find awesome bed and breakfast locations that suit your travel style on vrbo.com .

To Book Flights

These sources scan other websites for incredible deals:

• CheapOair.com
• Skyscanner.com

For a longer distance, look into booking a train

To Get Gear

Buy outdoor equipment, clothes, gear, and more before trekking in the mountains:

• Running Room
• Helly Hansen
• Backcountry.com
• Trail Outdoor Leisure

Other Useful Travel Services

A great travel service for Americans and Canadians travelling to India is Airportparkingreservations.com . This resource unleashes fantastic deals and places to park your car during your vacation.

You’ll need to apply for a tourist visa online before travelling to India! The online application requires you to upload a photo, your passport page, pay with your credit or debit, and then, once approved, print it off and present your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to immigration. They will then stamp your passport. Visit their government website for more information.

Take a look at the following interesting facts about India and share some with your travel mates!

• Cows are sacred in India!
• You’ll find around 300,000 mosques sprawled across the country.
• India is home to the highest bridge on earth: Chenab Bridge.
• Find a temple dedicated to rats in Rajasthan.
• Tucked high in the Himalayas sits a glacial lake hosting scattered human remains from centuries ago.
• A charming village, Shani Shingnapur, has no locks on the doors, and it never has any criminal activity.
• The Taj Mahal was camouflaged during World War II to prevent it from getting bombed.
• India has 22 recognized languages!

You’ll find around 300,000 mosques sprawled across the country

Find answers to some frequently asked questions about India below:

1. Can you drink water from the tap in India?

It’s definitely best to avoid tap water in India—bottled water is your alternative.

2. Is street food safe in India?

Like street food across the globe, street food may upset your stomach, especially if you aren’t used to the water and the spices, so it’s up to you if you want to try it! It’s always fun trying authentic, local food from wherever you’re travelling to.

3. What should a woman travelling to India wear?

Bring lightweight, flowy clothes, like long dresses, shirts that cover your shoulders (or light scarves to cover your shoulders). Try to find pants that cover most of your legs as well. It'll be hot (most likely), so lightweight, flowy clothes will be the best!

4. What are some essential things I should bring from home?

We suggest bringing diarrhea treatment and bug repellant. You may also want to carry toilet paper with you as not all public toilets will offer it! You can buy tp in India, though.

5. Do they speak English in India?

Roughly 10 percent of the population speaks English in India, amounting to around 125 million people.

A trip to India will undoubtedly lead to a collection of memorable stories that you can reflect on fondly for the rest of your life!

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Best India Travel Guide Books: Planning a trip to India

So you’re planning your first trip to India!

It’s a daunting task.

India is a big country, and there is such diversity with so many things to do and so many places to visit!

With so much free information available online, where to even start planning your trip to India?!

Is it worth it to get a guidebook for India travel?

Planning a trip itinerary for India that’s several weeks long, or maybe even several months long, can turn into what feels like planning about 10 vacations! Not only do you need to make sure you know how to get an Indian tourist visa , but with each new city, there’s that much more to research!

For some people it might seem a bit lame to use a guidebook as a bible for travel to any destination. But when you’re short on time or you just don’t want to plan 10 vacations, it can be very helpful in making sure you visit the must-see places of any given region or city. (It just might be the cure for FOMO. ;))

And you can use a guidebook as just that — a guide. It can give you a very good start to planning your trip when you just have no idea where to start… or you’re looking to sort through the abundance of free travel guides online!

When you are short on time, flying can be a cost-effective way to travel long distances around India because of the budget airlines that are available in India.

Now, here’s what’s on this page of travel guidebooks to take a look at for planning your trip to India!

• Get this guidebook with PDF  so you can do some really specific India planning like where to stay and where to eat so you don’t get sick
• Get this guidebook so you can make a general plan based of your India itinerary of places to visit and what food to eat based on pretty pictures

So, which travel guidebooks might you use for planning a trip to India?

One of the best india guidebooks for planning each day’s itinerary, finding the best places to stay, and eating at the best restaurants.

Let’s start with the ultimate guidebook for travel to India .

So, there’s a good chance that you’ve heard of Lonely Planet travel guidebooks.

How is the Lonely Planet travel guide for India?

Well, once you get used to it, India is a country that can be easy to travel around because of the ease of being able to catch buses without advanced booking and the ease of being able to show up in a city without a guesthouse or hotel booking. (That said, sometimes advanced booking can be helpful!)

What makes that travel in India even easier?!

Lonely Planet India!

These are the top reasons to get Lonely Planet India:

• Getting sick is a common occurrence among foreigners. The restaurant recommendations in the book can minimize your chance of getting food poisoning! And in case you do get sick, here’s how to treat traveler’s diarrhea naturally .
• Getting ripped off is also a common occurrence among foreigners. The book will give a price range for guesthouses, activities, and rickshaw rides in a given city. This will make you feel more confident knowing that you’re not paying way too much!
• Sometimes it’s easier to just show up in a city and look for accommodation. The book can give you the best places to stay so you are not aimlessly wandering around. In the case that you want to pre-book your hotel, it can give you recommendations!
• And of course the book has a list of the best places to visit in any given city! It will give you ideas on nearby famous destinations. It also lists the best way to get to your next destination, as well as the best way to get around any city.

You can read some of the reviews here for using Lonely Planet India when traveling.

For easy planning when you’re on the road in India, here are some guidebooks to take a look at:

• Lonely Planet: India (best of the whole country)
• Lonely Planet: Rajasthan, Delhi, and Agra (includes best of the famous Golden Triangle)
• Lonely Planet: South India and Kerala
• Lonely Planet: Goa and Mumbai

These include the option of a pdf travel guide or e-book too, so be sure to have a look!

India is a big country, which means there’s a ton to cover. The Lonely Planet India book is over 1,000 pages which means it’s pretty bulky. Having the travel guide in pdf form on your phone can cut back on the weight of your backpack! It can also be helpful in finding a nearby place to eat when you’re out and about on an excursion.

Now, if you do still have a few weeks or months before your trip to India…

One of the best India guidebooks for figuring out the pretty places you want to visit

One of the negatives about Lonely Planet India is that aside from the city maps and information tables of buses and trains, it’s pretty much all text.

This text is incredibly helpful when trying to figure out where to stay and places to eat, in particular when you’re not planning too far ahead.

But if you’re wanting to figure out what the name of that temple you saw on Pinterest  😉 is called, Lonely Planet India won’t be able to really help you with that.

So it can be best used in conjunction with another resource.

Or once again, in order to have the best of India all in one place so you don’t have to sift through so much information, there’s an India guidebook for that! 😉

For planning your trip to India using pictures, take a look at:

• DK Eyewitness Travel: India
• DK Eyewitness Travel: Delhi, Jaipur, Agra

DK Eyewitness India isn’t necessarily the best for travel tips when it comes to things like specific ways of how to get around. But at the back of the book, there is a big list of recommendations for where to stay and places to eat, arranged mostly by state. Still, for practical travel tips when you’re on the road, Lonely Planet India is pretty good.

But DK Eyewitness India will give you the pictures, along with the descriptions of what makes each place significant. So instead of just listing a foreign name of a place that you are sure to forget, it gives you that image that your memory will likely better retain.

Or if you won’t be doing too much pre-planning of places to visit before your trip to India, you may like all the colorful images to help you decide where you want to go once you arrive in any given city. The street-by-street city maps also include pictures. This makes it so that when you look at the map, you will see what the market or palace looks like at a specific location.

Using DK Eyewitness India as your guidebook when traveling in India might turn you into a foodie! There are food sections that list the local dishes and specialties of a region. These come with pretty pictures of the food, and you just might end up wanting to try all the food when in India! 😉 So if you’re looking forward to trying the diversity of food options available in India, you might like this book too.

The tagline for DK Eyewitness is “the guides that show you what others only tell you”… and this is what the guidebook does through its abundance of colorful pictures!

Now, is it really necessary to take 2 guidebooks with you to India?!

That does sound like overkill.

Plus, that’ll add weight to your backpack and take up more space than you probably want it to.

In which case, you might want to lean towards  Lonely Planet India . It really can be used as a bible for your trip to India. And showing up in a city and knowing where to stay and safe places to eat (so you don’t get sick!) can be superbly helpful.

Be sure to have a look at what might be able to speed up your recovery if you do get sick with traveler’s diarrhea.

Well, what if you want your India guidebooks to have the pictures of the best places to visit and  a bunch of useful travel tips when traveling around India?!

If you can commit to doing at least a little bit of planning ahead of time, DK Eyewitness India really can help you see India in pictures in a simple way.

Lonely Planet India can be even more helpful on the road when you’re in India, so consider using DK Eyewitness India for trip planning when you’re still at home. Then leave DK Eyewitness behind instead of taking it with you to India so you don’t have to lug around that extra weight.

And, if you’re not planning on taking it to India with you, you may even see if the guidebook is available at your local library.

One of the problems with borrowing travel books at libraries is that the only version that the library has might be one from 10 years ago. But with DK Eyewitness India, if your primary purpose is to look at the pictures, it generally shouldn’t really be a problem even if the book is a little outdated.

With Lonely Planet India on the other hand, if you’re using it mainly for hotel recommendations and restaurant recommendations, it’s probably best to get a book that’s been updated in the past couple of years. Here are the most recent versions.

What if you just really don’t want to make room in your backpack for a guidebook?! 😉

And then of course, if you don’t want to carry any extra weight in the form of an India guidebook, you always have the trusty Lonely Planet India PDF !

But do make sure you make room for that international first aid kit for India !

HAPPY INDIA TRIP PLANNING!

Best shoes for your active vacation, swimwear for snorkeling and beach.

201 India Travel Tips: The FREE Beginners Guide (2024)

How to Survive Travel to India as a Beginner, What to Eat & Drink, Women-Specific Tips, Scams to Avoid & Everything Else You Need to Know

We’re Asher & Lyric.

We’ve traveled to India over 10 times during the past 10 years (that’s us pictured). It’s one of our favorite places on Earth – we absolutely love it!

Here’s the deal :

Tips for eating in India to avoid sickness:

Click below to watch our free video covering all our tips for eating Indian food safely.

1) Only eat freshly cooked food. This is the best way to avoid getting sick due to bacteria or a parasite. Cooking kills everything.

2) Don’t eat salads, juices or anything raw. Uncooked food will inevitably be washed with contaminated water which will make you go running for the toilet. If you’re a raw foodist, I recommend you change your diet while in India.

3) Eat exclusively from respectable restaurants that are busy. Also try the 4 and 5 star hotels if you want to be certain of amazingly delicious, safe food.

5) Probiotics and charcoal are amazing. Probiotics boost the good bacteria in your stomach, improve digestion and increase natural immunity. They are a must before traveling to India and especially during your travels. Charcoal tablets on the other hand are an incredibly effective way of stopping diarrhea and preventing dysentery. It quickly absorbs the toxins or pathogens that are causing the problem. As always, be sure to get advice form your doctor.

6) Avoid too much spicy food, especially chilli’s. Some spices are good but in my experience chilli’s act as a laxative which is probably something you don’t want.

7) Consider becoming a vegetarian while you’re there. India has the lowest meat consumption rates in the world (see graph below). The meat I’ve seen looks very unsafe, often hanging in the warm, open air with flies buzzing around. In fact, due to Hindu religious reasons, the state of Maharashtra has banned beef altogether. If you can, I recommend being a vegetarian while in India to reduce the chances of getting serious food poisoning.

8) Don’t overeat. It will weaken your digestion and immunity which makes you an easy target for bacteria. To help with my digestion and overall health I also take Organic Amla Berry tablets and another immunity boosting, ayurvedic herb called Bio-Immune .

10) Local’s restaurants offer all-you-can-eat meals for $1! Be wary of hygiene and only go to the best, busy restaurants you can find. Get advice from the locals.

11) Family home dining is a pleasure but take precautions. I’ve had the best food of my life at peoples homes. Again, it is important to be cautious and don’t drink tap water, only have cooked food. Also don’t eat too fast because they will keep piling the food on your plate and expect you to eat it and even force-feed you if you’re not careful! 🙂

– Doug Rexford , India travel expert & Himalayan monk with the Maharishi Purusha Program .

Read my full article for more details: 9 Tips for Eating in India as a Tourist Who Avoids Getting Sick Back to top

How to deal with water while traveling in India

Click below to watch our free video covering all our tips for drinking water in India.

13) Only drink bottled water. All the tap water in India is contaminated with pollutants and amoebas. By only drinking good bottled mineral water you will help avoid getting sick. The only brands I recommend are Bisleri, Kinley & Aquafina. Other brands are not trustworthy .

14) Stay well hydrated. India is typically hot and dry. Drink at least 2 liters (1/2 gallon) per day to stay healthy and strong.

15) If you’re trekking, bring a water filter. In rare cases where bottled water isn’t available such as while trekking, you’ll need a Katadyn Pocket Water Filter or at least a LifeStraw so that you can get safe water from flowing rivers. Boil it as well if possible and you can also use Iodine tablets to be extra safe.

17) Chai is great in the early morning. Chai is good for digestion because it has ginger and cardamom added. It should be safe to drink as long as you see them boiling it and you’re certain the cup is clean. Price should be no more than 10 rupees.

18) Coca-Cola can be a godsend. There’s a popular folklore that Coke kills bacteria and aids a disturbed stomach. This may or may not be true but it sure is nice to have a cold Coke on a hot afternoon in India!

19) Electrolytes are a must. If you get dysentery, electrolytes are a must for staying hydrated. I recommend bringing one box from home because otherwise they can be low quality and taste a bit nasty if bought in India.

20) Avoid ice in drinks. Since the ice is most likely created from a poor quality water source I advise you to not have any drinks with ice in it. If the drink such as Coke has been chilled in the fridge, that is of course fine.

22) Shower with care. Don’t open your mouth or eyes in the shower to help avoid the water getting in any unwanted orifice.

23) Bathe in holy rivers at your own risk. Taking a dip in the Ganges can be a magical experience but again, close your eyes and mouth and block your nose and ears to avoid getting too much water in the wrong hole.

– Matt Pelletier , travel blogger at Traveling Monkeys .

Read my full article for more details: 9 Tips for Safe Drinking Water in India – A Tourists Perspective Back to top

How to NOT get scammed or ripped off in India

Click below to watch our free video covering all our tips for avoiding scams in India.

25) Know that a “gift” can quickly turn into a sale. No matter what the “gift” is, be sure it is actually a gift before accepting it. Otherwise you can be quickly hit with a bill.

26) All shop keepers will try to rip you off. A simple way to minimize this is to only go to “fixed rate” shops, bring a local with you or you’ll need to quickly learn how to bargain like an Indian .

27) Don’t give money to beggars. This can attract an army of beggars after you and helps sustain their often drug-driven “profession”.

29) Learn to avoid fake “information offices”. The way to know is that everything looks dodgy, there are no computers (or not many), no proper desks and they tell you that all trains or hotels are fully booked out due to some “event”. This can be a front for the mafia so be careful and make sure it’s legit before following directions from them.

30) Children may want pens and beggars want milk. In both cases, they often have an arrangement with a shop to return the item for cash after you leave!

31) Trinket and gemstone scams. At any tourist location there are likely to be people touting trinkets and sometimes gemstones for sale. Unless you’re buying something as a souvenir don’t entertain their hype and always bargain them way down. The “gemstones” won’t have real value and can be a popular scam for unsuspecting tourists.

32) Watch out for people tampering with food or drink. Always check beverage bottle caps to make sure it hasn’t been tampered with and don’t accept food from strangers.

33) Be careful when exchanging money. ATM’s are the safest way to get cash because the machine won’t scam you. 🙂

35) Keep away from the mafia. If something is fishy then it probably is a scam or trap (sometimes organized by the mafia). Do your research and have your wits about you especially around train stations, popular tourist attractions (e.g Taj Mahal) and cheap hotels.

Also please note: I recently wrote an article explaining the 9 key reasons why you need to have good travel insurance for India .

36) Get experience with true local pricing. To do this, you’ll need to know what the locals would pay for the same product or service and then you’ll know how low the shop keeper, driver or hotel etc is willing to go. An Indian friend (or stranger) or guide can help you with this.

37) SIM cards for your cell phone might not work. It can be surprisingly difficult to get a SIM card in India and usually involves quite a lot of paper work. If you don’t fill out the paperwork correctly there is a good chance that you got scammed with a defunct or used SIM card. To avoid this, I recommend getting your SIM from an official office of the carrier such as Airtel or Idea.

38) Do your research before arriving at a particular place. Look up your destination on the Internet, study maps, get advice from other travelers and read the latest Lonely Planet guide book. This will help you get insider knowledge before you arrive, making you more prepared to deal with the possible onslaught of scams that await you.

Read my full article for more details: Biggest scams in India to watch out for

Also check out my article on doing business in India Back to top

A sample packing list for India travel

See our full India packing list for more tips on what to bring and what to wear when going on a trip to India.

1. Neck Wallet

I keep my money and credit cards in this pouch under my shirt so that I don’t have to have a wallet in my pocket. I have had beggars put their hand in my pocket and have found this small concealed passport pouch invaluable.

View on Amazon.com ➜

2. Charcoal tablets

They’re an incredibly effective way of stopping diarrhea and preventing dysentery (Delhi Belly). It quickly absorbs the toxins or pathogens that are causing the problem and keeps you strong. As always, be sure to get advice from your doctor.

3. Female Urination Device

Okay, don’t get weirded out by this one. India is a place with limited toilets and when you do find a toilet they are often absolutely disgusting. For guys this is not a problem because we can stand at the side of the road to pee but for women that’s not possible. This little device enables women to stand and pee with no mess and no embarrassment. My wife uses it and says it’s great.

4. Probiotics

They boost the good bacteria in your stomach, improve digestion and increase natural immunity. They are a must before traveling to India, especially during your travels and afterwards when you get home. They’re also generally good for all round digestive health, even when you’re not planning a trip to India.

5. India power adapter

After trying countless different brands, I decided to take matters into my own hands. My company, Hero Travel Supply, sources and sells these quality power adapters that are individually tested in the USA. Every order also comes with a corresponding free ebook which teaches you how to avoid frying your electronics in India. I wrote this comprehensive guide based on years of experience in dealing with the unpredictable, often surging power supply in India which can ruin your devices (I know because my $2000 Macbook got fried)!

6. Electrolytes

Electrolytes save lives on a daily basis. When someone has dysentery they get very dehydrated and these will save you. Even if you don’t get sick it is important to stay well hydrated in the hot, dry weather of India and these satchels can easily be added to your bottled water for an extra boost of hydration.

7. First aid kit

It’s inevitable that you’ll get a cut or scrape or some little thing that would need a first aid kit. The item I use most are band aids to help prevent infection in a wound.

8. Lifestraw

I generally only drink bottled water while traveling in India but occasionally it’s not available. In that case I bust out my LifeStraw filter which removes all bacteria, amoebas and other pollutants in the water. It’s only $20 and it doesn’t weigh much so it’s totally worth having for emergencies.

9. Travel Insurance

In India, you need to expect the unexpected. Having a travel insurance plan gives me the peace of mind to go on the adventure while knowing I have support if I get into an emergency or have all my belongings stolen! (This, unfortunately happened to a close friend. He had no insurance and so had to replace his belongings out of pocket). We recommend using TravelInsurance.com because you can compare policies from top companies and find the best option for you and your travel plans.

Compare policies at TravelInsurance.com ➜

10. Lonely Planet guide book

I highly recommend getting the latest India guide book before you go because it’s like a bible that gives all the insider tips of the most popular (and not so popular) locations around India.

11. FREE Step-By-Step Guide to India Travel

I have written a 39 page ebook with all my best tips for India Travel which you can download for free. I was compelled to write this ebook to help people learn how to survive, thrive and have a more enjoyable trip to India.

Check out my other packing lists!

– Anjuli Ayer , travel blogger at Traveling Monkeys .

Etiquette at Hindu temples

Click below to watch our free video covering all our tips for visiting Hindu temples.

40) Bring temple “offerings”. Whenever you go to a Hindu temple, be sure to get some flowers before entering. You can then offer these at the main statue as a sign of respect or in prayer.

41) Always remove your shoes at the entrance. The safest place to leave them is at the shop where you buy flowers because they have a vested interest in making sure no one steals them. Otherwise there is always an off chance someone will fancy your shoes or sandals, especially if they look nice or expensive.

42) Wear ear plugs. The temples in India can be extremely chaotic and noisy with bells, people yelling, babies screaming and guards pushing you through the lines. Wearing ear plugs helps dampen the sound and make it easier for you to enjoy the inner spiritual power that seems to pervade all temples in India.

44) Be inward and don’t get overwhelmed by the chaos. As I’ve mentioned, I recommend to be as inward as possible when visiting temples. Just be simple and quiet within yourself and you’ll have the best possible experience.

45) Get “special darshan” arranged at the temple office. Darshan means “receiving blessings from the divine”. Often the lines are so long at temples that you can be standing in the hot sun for hours before seeing the statue and then you’re quickly pushed out. If you go to the temple office and pay for “VIP” entry then you can skip the line and spend more time in front of the statue. It’s well worth it and won’t cost more than a few $5 to $10.

46) Have small change ready for donations. Many people will want your money at temples and it can be a bit overwhelming. If you feel to give something then have a wad of 10 rupee notes ready so that you don’t hurt your budget too quickly. 🙂

48) Stay at a hotel near the temple if you’re digging the vibes. I find that a hotel right outside the temple can be amazing because you’ll be in that “spiritual aura” 24/7 while you’re there and so the experience will be deeper and more long lasting. It also means you may be able to leave your valuables and shoes etc in your room which can be very convenient.

– Lyric Fergusson , singer-songwriter & author of French Kissing God .

Read my full article for more details: 11 Tips For Enjoying The Indian Temples Back to top  

How To Navigate Indian Airports

Click below to watch our free video covering all our tips for arriving at the airport and getting to you hotel safely.

50) Allow plenty of time to get to the airport. Things can often change at the last minute such as sudden traffic delays. Therefore, leave early and make sure you get multiple opinions of how long it takes to get to the airport.

52) Security screen your bags before going up to the check-in desk. If you don’t do this, you’ll be sent back and delay getting through security. Be sure to line up at the correct screening machine for your airline.

53) Make sure your bags don’t weigh too much! Domestic Indian flights have weight limits of 15kgs for checked bags and 7kgs for carry-on bags. All bags are strictly weighed and excess baggage fees are around $5 (300rs) per kilogram.

54) Get carry-on bag tags at check-in. Your bags will not be given the “stamp of approval” unless you have the tags attached to each carry-on item when going through security.

56) Don’t trust the airport food. In my opinion, most airports have food that isn’t safe to eat because it’s been sitting for too long. Instead, bring your food or only buy packaged food that you feel is okay.

57) You’ll probably have to ride on a bus to your plane. Find your gate and wait for your flight to be called and then you’ll line up to catch a bus over to your plane.

58) Have your ticket ready for getting off the plane. If your flight continues on after your destination, you’ll need to show your boarding pass to get off the plane.

59) Hire a pre-paid taxi for getting to your hotel from the airport. Inside the airport there are always pre-paid taxi stands available which will give you a fair price from a reputable driver. If you don’t do this you’ll swamped by a group of untrustworthy drivers screaming for your attention and asking too much for their service.

– Shivya Nath , award-winning Indian travel blogger at The Shooting Star .

Read my full article for more details: Navigating Indian airports – it’s harder than you think! Back to top  

Handling money in India

Click below to watch our free video covering all our tips for handling money in India.

61) You will need to carry cash. Credit cards are only accepted at larger businesses or hotels. Therefore you will always need to carry some cash so that you can pay for taxis, auto rickshaws, cheap hotels and your food etc. I keep all my large bills concealed under my clothing in my neck wallet .

62) Airports give poor currency exchange rates. Use an ATM instead or if that’s not possible only get a few thousand rupees exchanged at the airport because their rates are usually the worst in the whole country.

63) Use a Citibank ATM to withdraw more than 10,000rs at one time. As far as I know, all other ATMs across India will not let you withdraw more than $150 (10,000rs). With all the fees you may have in your home country this can be quite annoying and costly. Citibank allows you to withdraw whatever your daily maximum in your home country is e.g $500.

65) Conceal your money & passport under clothing: I have had pickpockets and beggars put their hand in my pocket looking for money. Since I keep my valuables on my chest, concealed under my clothing in a neck wallet , I’ve never had anything stolen.

66) Use PayPal or Western Union to send money to India. If for some reason you need to send money to an Indian from your home country, I recommend PayPal and if that doesn’t work then try Western Union.

Communication advice for tourists in India

68) Learn to understand the famous “head wobble”. This subtle gesture conveys a lot of meaning depending on the context and degree to which the head is wobbled. It can take some time to learn but when mastered it’s actually a very natural and enjoyable form of human communication.

69) Know that “yes” can mean “I don’t understand”. Sometimes a driver or shopkeeper may want to please you or simply won’t understand what you’re saying and so they will say “yes”. My friend who’s been working in India for 10 years says that he doesn’t take “yes” for an answer!

71) Memorize a few key phrases. I recommend learning a few words of the local language because it shows you have an interest in the culture. It will almost always be very well received and help you quickly make friends with the locals.

72) Have plenty of patience. It can be very frustrating when for example, someone says “yes” to every question you ask. Try to find someone who speaks better English and calmly sort through the miscommunication that may be occurring.

73) Be amused by funny communication rather than angered. You’ll have a much more enjoyable trip if you see the humor in it rather than getting angered and annoyed. These people are doing their best with a second or third language and so give them some compassion.

Read my full article for more details: Communication in India – learn the head wobble! Back to top  

Transportation throughout India

75) Indians drive on the left side of the road. Since the British influenced the first Indian cars they follow suit with driving on the left. Although, crazy driving often may lead to seeing cars, motorbikes and people on the wrong side of the road.

76) Ride a train at least once in your trip. Only travel in 2AC or first class and make sure you book your tickets early enough that they’re not sold out. Trains are the best way to travel long distances if you’re on a budget. Avoid the food they provide unless it’s been packaged.

77) Air travel is the most luxurious by far. If you can afford it, the most comfortable and obviously fastest way to get around is by plane. My favorite website for booking domestic Indian flights and trains is Cleartrip.com.

79) Traveling via an AC taxi is nice for shorter journeys if you can afford it. The car provides comfort with the windows up and the cool AC air but the zig-zagging can get a bit much if the trip is more than a couple of hours. If you value your life I recommend that you demand a working seat belt before you get in the car. Be persistent and they should be able to hook you up.

80) Auto rickshaw journeys are memorable to say the least! Auto rickshaw’s are great for short rides but I recommend ear plugs , sun glasses and a bandana or dust mask to avoid to much bombardment on the senses. Also it’s best to not ride one for more than 20 to 30 minutes or you’ll be exhausted.

81) As mentioned, try to avoid long journeys by road. The roads in India are wildly dangerous and often uncomfortably bumpy. If there is an option to get a plane, train or bus then I would take it instead. Otherwise you might get car sick or just really tired from all the insanity of weaving between head on traffic.

– Rachel Jones , popular India travel blogger at Hippie in Heels .

Read my full article for more details: Travel on Indian Trains, Planes, Buses, Cars & Auto Rickshaws Back to top  

Tips for better hotel experiences while traveling in India

83) It’s possible to stay at $2 “el cheapo” hotels. If you’re on a real tight budget and don’t mind about basic conditions: no pillow, no bed sheets, squat toilet and cold showers, then it’s totally possible to find a $2/night “hotel”. You may have to ask around but in every town outside of big cities you will be able find such accommodation. I recommend you be careful when staying at an Airbnb .

84) It’s also possible to stay at $500, 5 star palaces. If you’re wanting a luxury vacation then India also offers some of the best hotel experiences in the world.

85) Mid range hotels are a balanced blend of comfort and price. The hotels in the $40 to $70 range offer mostly Western standards e.g clean sheets, hot water and a normal toilet. For these kind of hotels and the 5 star palaces, I recommend doing research on TripAdvisor to get real opinions from other travelers.

87) Wear flip flops in the shower. The bathroom floors may not be the cleanest place and so I recommend you use flip flops to keep you feet hygenic. This is especially true in low budget hotels that usually don’t get cleaned properly.

88) Remember, only brush your teeth with bottled water. It’s easy to forget, especially if you stay at a fancy hotel but the water everywhere in India is questionable and brushing your teeth is no exception.

89) Cheaper hotels don’t provide towels. The $2 hotels definitely won’t give you a towel and the mid range hotels will probably give you an old towel that you won’t want to use. For this reason I bring a light weight travel towel just in case.

91) Tip your staff appropriately. Whenever you get room service of any kind at a hotel I recommend you tip between 10 and 20 rupees. If you’re staying at a more fancy hotel you may want to tip between 30 and 50 rupees. This should will help you get better service and more alert staff.

92) Squat toilets are common at budget hotels. These toilets are fine once you get used to squatting but it’s good to be aware of if you’d prefer not to use them. All mid-range and above hotels have normal Western toilets.

93) Watch out for smoking DDT at mid to high end hotels!! Unfortunately many mid to high end ($50 to $90/ night) hotels have a “mosquito management” practice where they have a pot of burning DDT that they carry through the corridors on a daily basis. The fumes of course get into your room and it can be unbearable. If you’re sensitive to this like me, you may want to call ahead before booking a hotel to see what they do for “mosquito management”. This practice probably won’t happen at cheap or 5 star hotels.

– Doug Rexford , India travel expert & Himalayan monk with the Maharishi Purusha Program .

Read my full article for more details: 10 tips to have the best hotel experience in India Back to top  

How to bargain like an Indian

95) Learn how to bargain like an Indian: I would say that Indian’s are the best negotiators or bargainers I have ever encountered. They are incredibly good at going for your emotions, very comfortable with numbers and know how to up sell until the cows come home. If you want good deals, this is an essential skill and in fact may help you with negotiation once you return to your home country.

96) Quickly learn how the bargaining process works. The main thing is start out real low and then immediately offer a little higher so that they know you want to bargain.

Here is a sample sequence:

I was in a clothing shop in a town called Bhopal. When I asked how much a certain sweater was, the owner said, “2000rs” (US $40). I instantly replied, “50rs”. He laughs and says, “no way”. I reply, “100rs”. He says, “1000rs”. I reply, “200rs”. He says, “800rs”. I reply, “300rs”. He says, “700rs”. At this point I say, “too much” and start to leave the shop. He freaks out and says, “500rs sir! this is best price, I have wife and baby at home”. While standing at the door of the shop I say “400rs is my best price” and start to move away. He comes running and says “okay, deal” with a slight grin on his face.

98) Know that “maximum retail price” is not the price tag. Most items that are packaged will have MRP written on it. This is the maximum retail price but it is always possible to bargain that price down but you definitely shouldn’t pay more than that price.

99) Shop around and compare prices. Before making large purchases and if you have the energy you can get better deals by comparing prices. Usually certain shops (such as jewelry) are grouped together making it easier to shop around.

100) Ask help from some local friends. If you befriend a local, they will likely get great joy helping you bargain down to rock bottom prices. Although, you may have to be out of sight so the shop owner doesn’t know what’s going on.

101) Have fun with it. The main thing is to not take things too seriously (especially since your savings may only be few dollars) and enjoy the process. Otherwise it can quickly get very emotionally and physically draining.

– Tim Ferriss , bestselling author of The 4-Hour Workweek .

Read my full article for more details: How to bargain like an Indian Back to top  

Pollution in India is the worst in the world

103) Piles of burning plastic are everywhere. As far as I can tell, there are no real waste management programs offered for household waste. Instead what happens is the plastic items are swept into a pile and then set on fire!

105) Exhaust fumes are asphyxiating. The large cities have an absurdly large number of vehicles all releasing toxic exhaust fumes.

106) Wear a gas mask or at least a bandana. If you have sensitive lungs, I highly recommend you bring a quality gas mask to overcome the asphyxiating pollution problem. A bandana will work somewhat but won’t be able to stop the fine particles such as exhaust fumes and burning plastic pollution.

107) Avoid the big cities like the plague. According to the World Health Organization , New Delhi is now the world’s most polluted city and is 2.5x more polluted than Beijing and a whopping 15x more polluted than Washington D.C. (as shown below). Therefore, I highly recommend you avoid big cities when traveling in India and be aware of this problem which is country wide.

Peggy O’Neill is a motivational & diversity keynote speaker who loves traveling to India and Nepal..

Advice specifically for women traveling in India

These tips were provided by my friend, Rohini Grace.

122) Speak up and just say, “no!” Usually, it’s not in our female nature to be aggressive or assertive, but when you show strength and confidence this tends to show people that you know what you are doing and you have less chance of being taken advantage of.

124) Plan ahead, and know exactly where you’re going. I cannot emphasize this enough. Talk to your friends who have been there, consult tour guides or groups, read Lonely Planet and research your destinations on the Internet beforehand.

125) Avoid going out after dark. I don’t recommend heading out on your own after dark unless you have a buddy or group to explore with. You will notice there are not many local women out after the early evening.

128) Seriously, put a ring on it. When locals find out you aren’t married, be prepared for a lot of (usually disapproving) feedback. I often wear a simple band around my finger just to keep unwanted questions and interest at bay. If you are already married then you’ve got it made. 🙂

– Rohini Grace , owner of a boutique India tour company, Goddess Travels .

Understanding the cultural differences between India & the Western world

Interesting facts about India

130) India has the second largest population in the world. According to the 2011 census it is now over 1.2 billion and growing incredibly fast. It is the 31st most densely populated nation with 991 people per square mile. Some sources say it’s the oldest continuous civilization on the planet.

131) India is the world’s largest democracy. It became independant of the British occupation in 1947 and is considered a “Federal parliamentary constitutional republic”.

132) There are over 17 languages. Sanskrit is the most ancient known language and is the mother of all the European languages. Luckily for us, English is spoken almost everywhere (making it the largest English speaking country in the world). The number of distinctly different languages highlights the fact that India is extremely culturally diverse and in many ways like a collection of countries rather than one country. Where ever you visit, it’s helpful to learn a few phrases of the local language.

133) The predominant religion is Hinduism at over 78%. Below is pie chart based off the 2011 census showing the spread of popular religions in India. Even though Christianity is only 2.5% there are over 30 million Christians in India!

134) India is home to the world’s largest religious pilgrimage site. Approximately 30,000 people visit Venkateshwar (The Vishnu Temple) in Tirupati everyday and there are 12,000 temple staff. What’s more is that annual donations exceed $100 million dollars!

136) Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and per capita income. According to the International Money Fund the Indian GDP is $2.3 trillion which is the 7th largest worldwide, whereas per capita income is $1,800 annually which is the 141st in the world.

137) 100’s of millions of Indians live on less than $2/ day. 27% of the Indian population live below the poverty line while at the same time India also has the 4th highest number of billionaires at 90.

138) Cricket is by far the most popular sport. For those who don’t know, it’s similar to baseball and in almost every field you pass in India you’ll see kids (and adults) playing the sport.

Good cultural differences

140) The people are so genuine & friendly. I have met some of the most kind hearted and generous people I’ve ever known during my travels to India. Even though these people didn’t have much money, they welcomed me into their homes and spoiled me with the most delicious food ever.

141) Spirituality and religion thrives. Upon every street corner is some statue or place of worship. The history and power of the land is so strong and sometimes over powering and it is the mecca for mass yoga and meditation.

142) Indian’s try to offer amazing service. India is known for being a “service oriented culture” and everyone works hard to please. India has a lot of people and time on it’s hands making it possible to hire someone to do practically anything. Sometimes the quality of the service may not be ideal but the effort is almost always there.

144) The resourcefulness and ingenuity is mind blowing. While driving the streets you will find the most eye opening resourcefulness. From people carrying a bed frame or sheet of glass on the back of a motorcycle to a truck so over laden with goods that the driver can barely see out the front window. This no doubt stems from the poverty and need to survive.

145) India is a mostly peaceful nation. In fact, India has never invaded another country in at least 1000 years. Although India itself has been invaded countless times by other countries. Crime rate is lower than in the U.S and if you avoid big cities you will feel very safe.

146) Some of the best food in the world. It of course depends on your taste but the unbelievable diversity of flavors and textures, colors and presentation of the food can be a divine experience. Many dishes take hours upon hours to prepare and if you have a sweet tooth you won’t be disappointed.

Possibly uncomfortable cultural differences

147) Chaos is everywhere. Almost all road rules including red lights will be ignored. The streets are bustling with people, livestock and every kind of vehicle you can think of all tooting their horns. This can be quite a contrast from the quiet streets of the West. Furthermore, you may find it hard to locate your seat belt making it rather unsafe.

149) The caste system still exists. It’s composed of “priests” (Brahmins), “warriors” (Kshatriyas), “merchants” (Vaishyas) & “workers” (Shudras). Unfortunately this division seems to cause discrimination between the castes and can get confusing without knowing the ins and outs.

150) Most animals get abused, except for cows. Be it a dog, cat, chicken (meant for consumption), an ox (drawing a cart), animal abuse in India can be shocking and seems to be everywhere. It is a conundrum as to why this happens especially since India is the birthplace of the concept of Ahimsa or “non-violence”. The one animal that is largely exempt from this abuse is the cow because it holds particular importance in the Hindu religion. Although, you often see cows eating trash which is different kind of abuse.

151) Almost everyone will try to get your money. Since hundreds of millions of Indians are living on less than $2/day the struggle for survival is a real issue. The main thing is to have your wits about yourself and be compassionate but I advice you do not ever give money to beggars.

153) Lying or bending the truth. It may be due to communication difficulties, but it seems that often Indians don’t have a problem with lying. Whether it’s a taxi driver or a shop owner – there’s a good chance they will bend the truth or lie if it helps them make a sale. I suggest you try to get informed beforehand and ask the right questions, ones that can’t be simply answered by “yes”.

154) Expect to see spitting. A lot of men use chewing tobacco (known as “paan”) which means there can be a lot of spitting on the street. Many women also don’t have a problem spitting when they need to.

155) Littering and trash are ubiquitous across India. It is yet to be understood that littering is a bad thing and so the streets act as open trash cans. The trash then piles up and the solution is normally to set it (mostly plastic) on fire. This is why I always bring a dust mask to help me breathe!

Cultural Do’s & Don’ts

Below I’ve listed some of the most important points to remember to avoid cultural awkwardness.   156) DO be patient & have a sense of humor. 158) DO have an open heart & mind. 160) DO make friends with the locals. 162) DO wear Indian clothes at special occasions. 164) DO remove your shoes at peoples homes. 166) DO wash your hands & use hand sanitizer. 168) DO only use your right hand while eating. 170) DO learn to understand the “head wobble”. 172) DO try to pay if at restaurants with Indians. 174) DO know that 1 min means 5 to 10 mins. 176) DO be prepared to have your photo taken. 178) DO bring a small gift if you stay at a home. 180) DO touch the feet of someone you respect.

– J.D Viharini , author of guidebook: Enjoying India .

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Why should you go to India?

183) Have the experience of a lifetime. India will blow your mind. You’ll see some of the most crazy sights of your life. It’ll be a sensory overload (mostly in a good way). If you’re open you’ll meet some of the nicest people on Earth and your heart will expand. Every time I go to India which is now 7 times, my life improves for the better and my mind gets broadened from the experience.

184) The history is mind blowing. India is quite possibly the oldest civilization in the world. Many of the famous monuments are ancient yet so beautiful. You can just feel the history in the land.

185) Indulge in the best food you’ve ever had. I have had by far some of the best food ever while traveling in India. The exquisite flavors and care with preparation are to die for. 🙂

187) Discover wonderful cultural diversity. There is an incredible mosaic of cultural differences that exist in peaceful unity in India. It’s a delightful experience to travel from far north India through central Maharashtra state down to the southern tip at Kanyakumari. The diversity of food, dress, customs, language and landscapes are limitless.

188) There are endless things to see. India is jam packed with sights and experiences that exist nowhere else. From the Himalayas around Uttar Kashi to the beaches of Kerala and from the Taj Mahal to the tiger reserve at Bandhavgarh you won’t be let down.

• 190) Diwali – Festival of lights . The biggest and most important holiday in the Hindu calendar. Watch out for loud fireworks, extra pollution and wild parties.
• 191) Holi – Festival of colors or festival of love . This one is where everyone throws colored powder on each other. Wear clothes you don’t mind ruining and enjoy the fun!
• 192) Durga Puja – Festival of Durga . The celebration of the victory of “good” over “evil”. It can be a great spiritual experience.
• 193) Onam – The harvest festival . Celebrated in the state of Kerala. Wear new clothes and admire the beautiful flower arrangements outside peoples homes.
• 194) Raksha Bandhan – Festival of love & protection between brothers and sisters . Tie a string around your sister or brothers wrist to show your love.
• 195) Maha Shivaratri – The great night of Lord Shiva . Celebrating the convergence or marriage of Shiva (silence) and Shakti (dynamism) which are two fundamental energies in the universe. It can be an incredibly powerful spiritual experience.
• 196) Christmas, Kerala style – Celebrating the birth of Jesus . In Kerala there are a lot of Christians and they have their own style of Christmas which can be quite fun to witness!

197) Relax and rejuvenate. India is an incredible place to be pampered, relax and just chill-out. The ancient Indian healthcare system known as Ayurveda offers amazing treatments including massage and other rejuvenation techniques. Find a health spa you like and you’ll unwind like never before.

198) Bargain until the cows come home. India naturally has amazing shopping opportunities not just because of the great prices but also because of the unique items that are available. There is good reason why the Dutch East India Trading Company made so many trips to India and this holds true to this day.

199) You’ll help their economy. Last but not least, going to India will help boost their economy of which tourism is a major part. Since there are so many people in India living below the poverty line it feels good to be able to help even if in a small way.

So, What’s The Bottom Line?

India truly is a remarkable place, but in order to enjoy it fully, you must be prepared.

I believe my tips will give you all you need. And, my free ebook is a handy way to bring all these tips with you on your trip.

Here’s one last dose of inspiration, from the wise words of Mark Twain. Even though it was written in 1899, he captures the essence of India perfectly!

Enjoy your India travel!

Get my FREE Step-By-Step Guide to India Travel

• Learn all my tips for safe India travel
• 39 page full color ebook
• Printable PDF
• Save yourself from getting sick in India

Asher Fergusson

317 comments.

Nice blog thanks for sharing. This blog is much helpful to the travelers and pilgrims from other countries.

Your site is good too – thanks!

Your website is so informative! I want to go to India someday and I could spend hours just reading everything you have to say about India. Do you have any advice for safely carrying around a camera like a small sony or canon? Is it a bad idea to take pictures in poor areas? Will I become a target for theft if people see my camera? Is it bad to take pictures of people without their permission? Also, I saw in your packing “don’t” list that it’s not a good idea to wear skirts. Why is that a don’t?

It’s a great post I’ve read in a while. I loved it so much and bookmarked it. Thank you for sharing such a nice post:) Fergusson!!

I AM GOING IN APRIl, started my research already!!! So glad I found this blog

Nice long list! But I disagree with #145. I live in Nepal, they were not so nice to us after the big quakes in 2015. Embargo. Heating/cooking/driving gas shortages.

Thank you Asher ! I am travelling to India soon and this blog is incredible – convenient to read and very very helpful !

Jai Guru Dev

Have a great trip!

Sir I think what you have mentioned is 1980 s India. I strongly disagree with your point regarding hotel. I am travelling in indin since last ten years & according to me all the tourist placing & major cities having good hotels with cleaniness & hygein.but how can you aspects hygein & cleaniness from the hotel if you want to pay just $2 per day.Even you can not buy budget lunch in $2 doller! If want good service you have go hotel which have 3 star more rating. In $2 you get only rooms not hotels like dharmshala(which is used for night stay by needy poor people ) According to my data about 75 hotels in any Indian cities are above 3 star. The rate are front $30 to 70 $ depends on city.

Hi Kristopher,

Thanks for taking the time to express your opinion.

In my experience as a Westerner in India, most hotels that cost less than US $50/ night are often not very clean. And especially $30/ night or less. My points about hygiene are definitely valid in 2015 and are not from the 1980s.

Hotels that range from $2 to $20/ night are a good choice for someone who is on a super low budget when traveling. I have stayed at many of these hotels and with my tips you can have a fine stay.

All the best,

I would have to agree with the above – a lot of the comments and tips are too severe or outdated – street food is okay to eat, just make it vegetarian – Indian people don’t always want to scam you – NO THEY DON’T. Water in Mumbai is 100 times better than it was, I drank terracotta filtered watered for two weeks while I was there and not one tummy issue. So many things here are true but many are way to severe to ring true today 🙂

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Thank you for putting together this great resource!!!

My pleasure! 🙂

Dear brother Asher I was moved to tears on seeing pictures and reading on Maharishi’s passing on. Thank you so much for the wealth of info you are sharing with the world and your experiences with Maharishi. May God Bless us all. JGD

I’m glad you liked it. JGD – Asher.

good blog you have.

Wonderful and interesting resource on India. Thank you so much for all your effort on this blog. I really appreciate it. While searching on India travel I found your site.

yes !! its all true , welcome i am here to help u.

hi. .I am belong to Himalaya part of India.. (uttarkashi ) which above mantion here…if you will come to visit this part and you will need a guide so please let me know. ..would be my pleasure to assist you..

and blog written amazingly. ..thanks Asher u r great.. n.. ur welcome to my place Gangotri (source of Ganges )

Thanks Rajneesh! 😉

This is great! Thanks for putting it together.

I’m glad it is useful 🙂

Yeah. I loved your blog. It gives a lot of information useful. I will follow your blog for a meaningful reading!!!

Thanks Dileep,

I’ve had a lot of fun writing it and it’s nice being able to help people who want to travel to India.

Travel india via indian railways check your train booking status with – www.pnr-status.info

Yes, the trains are great. I find http://cleartrip.com is the best site for booking them.

Spot your train also supports the information of arrival and departure of trains as well as the time by which they are late or early so that you can easily travel knowing the whole route of your train.

I went to India this year for 2 weeks. Prior to going, I read the articles in your blog, and I found them very helpful – especially the one with remember to take dental floss! I had a great trip and as I read your future articles, it brings back memories of my trip!

I’m so glad my tips helped you Anne-Marie! Yeah, I also can’t live without my dental floss 🙂

Yes it is rightly said that all the tap water in India is contaminated with pollutants and amoebas. Buy only drinking good bottled mineral water, but A recent test proves that bottled water too in the country is unsafe. 18 brands of bottled water were tested out of which 27% of them had high bromate content. Such toxic water can cause cancer and other health problems.Ensure you don’t fall prey to such toxic water. Know more on this topic at http://www.waterconsumer.org/water-news.php

I’m glad I came across your article before I leave on my trip. I love the 6th point. I’ve been in a lot of countries where people don’t willingly admit that they don’t understand you. Communication is key when you’re trying to understand something about a certain place or town. Thanks for the article!

Enjoy your travels! 🙂

The cover picture can be a little more ugly , a garbage pile from Mumbay Slum

balajiviswanathan.com ->

1.3 billion people don’t drink bottled water everyday , and most are healthy and intelligent and not permanently under diarrhea medication. India is not Delhi or seeing or understanding india completes with Lonley Planets “Golden Triangle ” tour. Before taking opinions from a non Indian blogger , ask where he stayed or visited All ( not just majority) sleeps at 2 dollar shacks and eat cheap street food and roam 2 -3 weeks at north and tell the world india is that this bla,bla,blah. I haven never seen a blog of a non Indian tourist who stayed at at least a 3 star Indian hotel on the full tour span., or travelled in 1st AC in Indian railways or know about or dined at midrange Indian restaurants .if anybody founds please put a link .

Also ask them where they gone , have they went to Shimla , Kullu,Manali , Munnar , Mysore , kochi,Bangalore,Ooty, Sringeri ,Trivandrum , kangra valley , dharamsala,palampur, khajjiar,chamba,dehradun,Missourians , nainital ?? The answer will be a big NO

These are small selection of amazing places in india

India is diverse with amazing places and beautiful people, have wonderful airports and good transport network. Don’t believe these shoestring budget bloggers …they don’t know anything about india ….

You get stomach upset in any place , not only the bacteria also different food types may also induce. Me and my family recovering from a massive diarrhea attack after eating a home made pizza from a Italian mama.

Here is my tip for india visit

1- follow Indian bloggers , they will show amazing pictures and places of india 2- get info directly from india tourism website 3- no country is safe for lonely female travelers , refer rape statistics we are at bottom 4-come after September , if before go to hill stations , as generally india is hot and humid , no 6 months dark winter , but bright always

Welcome to india

Hi Hemanth-ji,

Thanks for your input and tips.

I love India and have been there 7 times, lived in India for over 1.5 years and traveled all over the country. Here are a few of the places I’ve been: Kochi, Allahabad, Jabalpur, Brahmasthan of India, Trivandrum, Chennai, Delhi, Uttar Kashi, Kanyakumari, Madurai, Lucknow, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Bhopal, Ujjain, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Bhubaneshwar, Rameshwaram, Ahmednagar, Ellora, Mumbai, Tirupati, Sri Kalahasti and many, many more amazing places. I have also been in a lot of remote villages and other off the beaten trail locations (such as the high Himalayas) away from cities. I have stayed in every possible accommodation from 5 star palaces to mud brick huts.

I have been weddings, vedic yagyas, stayed in many family homes, attended Mahashivratri, Holi, Christmas in Kerala, and many other festivals. I know Sanskrit (including many stotrams by heart and Vishnusahasranam etc) and can speak some Hindi. I even majored in Maharishi Vedic Science at university for 4 years so I also know about Jyotish, Sthapatya Ved, Ayurveda, Yoga, Transcendental Meditation, Gandharva Veda, Ramayan, Mahabharat (Bhagavad Gita), Rik Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, Atharva Ved and all the other vedas.

My tips here are written for the Western tourist based on all my experience and many other Western friends who have lived in India for over 10 years. As I explained many of my friends who went there without preparation got terribly sick and into all kinds of other trouble including a run in with the mafia etc.

It may be hard to understand how these tips make sense if you’ve grown up in India but for us Westerners it’s important to take a lot of precautions to have a safe and enjoyable pilgrimage to India.

Hope this helps.

You are right! Your observations and experiences is really valuable for people like us who were not born or lived there. It would of course different if someone who is a native of India will be the one to write a review. I thank you for this great effort- very informative.

Wow! Maybe we should FaceTime and chant Vishnu Sahasranamam together some time!

Haha – sounds good! 🙂

That is true. India being an amazing place, it will be terrible for foreigners. Local mafia, police, and government officials are little or no help to other visitors. It has broken my heart many times when I see tourists are getting ripped off. Still, it is an amazing place to see, experience and to fall in love with.

Hope, one day citizens of India will realize the importance of the soil and keep it clean.

As they always say, but one should experience from heart “Atithi devo bhava”.

Hey Hemanth, Can you point me in the direction of an Indian blogger, that writes about Bangalore? I’m going there to study next week 🙂 Best regards Caroline

Thank you AsherJi . I am a 46 year old south Indian lived in India for 28 years continuously, now visiting India every year once. I thank you for your interest on India and visiting my beautiful country, and your effort to encourage others to visit my country.

For others “Ji ” or “G” is a salutation, adding to end of your name is a way of showing respect, only in NORTH INDIA ! south Indians don’t use the term ,in fact we don’t like Hindi language ! , some of south Indian states waged war to central government against imposing Hindi as a must study language for students, thats INDIA !

We don’t speak a single language or there is one unified food type as can be called as Indian food. India does not speak Hindi as a typical westerner thinks, you can go around India with English rather Hindi.

All the food ,language, the customs you hear outside generally as “Indian” is of NORTH INDIA, so All “Indian Restaurants” outside India is in fact “NORTH INDIAN RESTAURANTS, nothing to do with my kind of south Indian food or of the people from north eastern, west or eastern part of India .

So a visitors perspective on India will always be area specific, it is like visiting Istanbul and making comments on whole of Europe.

Indians are some of the warmest, most genuine, humorous peoples ,India, that you see today is after thousands of years of slavery, looting ,rising and restructuring ,Like any other country, it has its plus and minuses ,we are coming up , kindly bear with us .

So after fixing Indian destination, research area specific information, like for my place KERALA we don’t have water scarcity, not much pollution there is plenty of water and water bodies in my home state. After re reading your advice to India I would like to add the following which I think would be of use for prospective Indian tourists.

1- What to bring, Not necessary to bring toilet paper and paper mask to India, all the listed items can be easily purchased in India, go to nearest “Medical Shop “which is pharmacy and buy all medications and first aids, nobody will cheat you, all the packaged products in India comes with a printed price “M.R.P” (maximum retail price) large supermarkets sells below the printed rates. Keep several passport size photos and passport copies with you, which will be useful during your India travel. Don’t wear a mask when you roam around, people look at you as non blending hypocrite, also don’t roam with your lonely planet guide book which make you an easy target for scamsters All Indian states have their own tourisum development corporation website with plenty of authentic reliable informations

i recommend to bring an iPad loaded with offline India maps , there are several maps available free online ,you can also keep google map offline , in that mark the toilets , and important place you wish to visit , these maps are when will show your current position and without any data roaming charge you can find placed easily Install India specific applications like IXIGO , Indian railway app etc

2-Mobiles phones in india India has the cheapest mobile call and data rates in the world, use it wisely , you can buy a sim card almost anywhere in India , the shop keeper require a photograph and a passport copy . The major private provider is “IDEA MOBILE “and the government one is “BSNL” My understanding is that if you do not use a prepaid Sim for more than 3 months everywhere in the world it will be de activated. Do not give your Sim card to anybody when you leave, you will be in trouble when you are back some time after, The person you trust may lose the sim card and may fall in to the hands of some anti social elements.

3-Money Exchange Don’t exchange money exchanger who comes to your hotel room, the rate may be very good but who knows a couple of 100 rupee notes are fake??? You will be in jail for the rest of your life, always exchange from BANKS only and keep receipt , yes State Bank Of India , it is everywhere even in Himalayas.

4-Travel We have super clean and efficient Metro train in major cities, make use of it search “Delhi Metro “ “Bangalore Metro” etc . And there is Hop on Hop off bus in Delhi, Auto (3 wheelers) are best and cheapest for short travel, and always travel in 2nd AC in trains . Purchase tickets online, there will be chaos at ticket counter in train stations (we are 1.3 billion people =160 times the population Of Switzerland or 4 Times US population)

5-Eating in India, Normally if you visited anywhere and fall sick or robbed, you immediately make a website and narrate it or put in lonely planet or tripadvisior, if it is otherwise that your journey is fine and wonderful you will share it with your immediate friends only, So don’t be scared with the online negative reports of any country it is just 5% of the fact. I went to Pisa (Italy ) very very scared, after reading the negative comments online and in travel blogs , stories like Africans waiting to snatch your purse and pick pocketers and shady characters waiting at train station etc , but my trip went wonderful and smooth ( yes I put it in Tripadvsor ) So most non native tourist comments on a country or a place will be 99% negative , just take it that way That’s why I am advising to read native Indian travel bloggers , there are plenty, search “top 10 Indian travel bloggers”. It is quite safe to eat generally in India very less die of food poison in India, not all foods are made with e-coli laden water, eateries make sure to provide good hygienic food or else they know they will be featured in Trip advisor with 100 negative comments, you must try Indian street food it is fantastic.

6- Water All restaurants will give you “hot water” free, or use bottled ones Perfectly ok to brush with tap water in KERALA

7-Hotels Please stay in 3 star hotels at least or in one who charge you at least 50 Euros per head per day, which will solve 90 percent of India travel related problems, like toilet paper, European toilet, towels, travel service, taxi , clean water , safe locker etc , no need to bring Pad lock or door stopper mosquito net etc All province \state governments run affordable and neat Motels or Hotels – for Kerala search for “KTDC hotels “ You are ready to pay for a smelly bunk bed in 12 bed hall in a Norway Hostel 50 Euros without any sheet or towel is isn’t it? Why you are not ready to pay here for a big spacious room 50 Euros? For long term affordable stay take spiritual route , India have plenty of “ Ashrama “ run by Hindu gurus , you will get cheap accommodation and food if you research and plan ahead of time .(try Art Of Living Foundation or amritapuri.org , all in south India )

8-Shopping Please don’t bargain that much, let them also make some money For nice cotton handmade dress and clothes look for “KHADI” centers The shops are called “Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan” search in google to see nearest locations You will get stitched Indian dress, no bargain all fixed price, salesmen are monthly salaried paid by government ,so may not be keen to sell you things .

9-Temples You will not be allowed very inside of most of Indian temples, You can enter temples managed by Archeological Society Of India or in Temples managed by some Prominent Gurus, you are allowed to up to a certain periphery only ,the inner sanctum is only for Hindus , the temple architecture is mesmerizing , in south it is with granite and in north it is mostly with Marble and sandstone

10-Communication Learn Indian head wobbling, there are plenty of you tube videos Everybody understands Basic English all over India, There will be fewer pleasantries like ‘please’ “sorry” “Thank you” etc; everything is in tone and gesture You can’t hear a rude “sorry”or loud “please” as in west, people are polite and mild Ask direction to students and teens they speak excellent English 9-Photography I don’t know, but please don’t take garbage and dirty toilets photos and put online (there is plenty already) Take beautiful pictures, Indian is colorful and vibrant. We have a public garbage and garbage processing issue, we are working on it

I hope I touched all the sections Asher G An undergraduate course in Ayurveda Medicine is a 5 year full time course; my uncle a ayurveda practitioner says in college you learn only 10% And to learn Vedas you must know Sanskrit, as 75% will be lost in translation, as we have 5 different “You”s to use in different kind of situation and age groups . Come back to India and learn more . Thank you

Thanks Hemanth ji 🙂

You have many good tips and great that you also have some Western perspective to share. Here are my replies to your points:

1) There are plenty of South Indian restaurants outside of India. I’ve incredible dosa, idly & uttapam etc in Australia and the UK.

2) Kerala has less pollution than other parts but in Trivandrum or other cities like Kochi it still can be strong for someone with sensitive lungs or who isn’t used to it.

3) Yes, you can buy toilet paper in India but depending on where you stay you may need it before you get a chance to find it at a shop. Some medications may not be available or will not be as high quality e.g the electrolytes I’ve bought in India taste horrible.

4) iPad is okay to bring but be very careful with the electricity while charging it. The Indian power supply can fluctuate from 50 volts to 300 volts and then go off all within a few minutes. I’ve had many electronics get fried.

5) Simcards are harder to get than you might think for a Westerner. In my last trip in February 2015 I wasn’t able to get one because they said it would take 10 days but I wasn’t in any one location for more than 4 days.

6) State Bank of India is good but will only let you take 10,000rs at a time. Citibank will let you take the limit of you local country.

7) Your points about the metro and buses within a city are good – thank you.

8) I agree most places you’ll be fine eating in India as long as you only eat cooked food and nothing raw. Although street food is just not worth the higher risks in my opinion.

9) Certain places I’m sure are fine for brushing teeth with tap water but how do we know? We’re not going to do a scientific analysis at each hotel we visit so it’s safer and simpler to just use bottled water and then not worry about it.

10) Agreed, 3 star hotels and up a good choice for many people but some travelers, especially young travelers like to stay at cheap places so that they can travel for a longer time without spending all their money. The tips I’ve given above for the cheap hotels are very important to make the stay more comfortable.

11) Agreed, it’s nice for locals to make some money but it’s also important that the prices don’t get too crazy. Also with large transactions such as a long taxi ride – it may be necessary to bargain so that you don’t get ripped off by a few thousand rupees.

The khadi stores are amazing. I’ve had some wonderful custom kurta’s made there that have lasted 6 years without a problem.

12) Most temples have allowed me into the inner sanctum. It’s only in some places in South India that you may not be allowed to even see the inner shrine such as at the Meenakshi temple in Madurai.

13) Definitely learn the “head wobble” – it’s a great communication help in India.

14) I know Sanskrit only for it’s sound value. It’s the primordial “language of nature” which has a lot of health benefits purely from recitation.

Thanks again for spending the time to give you input, Hemanth!

hi..ma’am. …whatever you wrote in your blog somehow that is reality of India.. but what to do.. corruption poverty and population is the big challenge of the country… let’s see what happened further, now we have good prime minister at this time but it’ll take some time. … but for visitors it’s interesting part of India. ..thats the real fun of India. .

Dear friends. Nice and inspirational knowledge for foreign tourists…i think to much…And of course it’s good. .. Keep righting…thanks to mr Asher Fergusson and many thanks to HEMANT…BLESSINGS..Tripathi

I lived outside India for nearly 25 years and living in India for the last 12 years and…… travelling here. I couldn’t agree more on your comprehensive- list, if I may – well thought out !

I guess Asher’s is more like this, I lived in New York city for 20 years and loved it, yet telling people travelling from here not to get shot or mugged in Central park or on the streets. So long the tips aren’t too ‘discouraging’, guess it’s ok.

Hello Hemanth- JI,

After attempting to comprehend your barely understandable grammar, I have several things to say when I see you trying to attack a Western Blogger who has been nothing but cordial and patient in his replies to the absurd disrespect you have posted on the website he has created in order to show the world what a fantastic place your home, India, is. In fact, I am married to an Indian, specifically an Indian from Kerala. Trivandrum to be exact. Before blasting your opinions and being as close minded as you have made yourself to be, remember there are three sides to every story. Yours, mine and the TRUTH. Mr. Fergusson has created his side, from a non-Indian point of view. Therefore, non-biased. Reading a blog from an “Indian Blogger” will show others India from a bias point of view, since they will most likely not be familiar with Western customs and what we may consider a “Culture Shock” however are “normal” for Indians. Therefore next time you want to insult using your narrow minded, insecure, and defensive comments, think twice. The internet allows the world to read comments such as yours and don’t be surprised if your opinion becomes the reason people start to dislike India rather than the contaminated water or pollution.

Sincerely, MDP

Great informations

hi, Asher-Ji , I am so impressed with your detailed and to the point realistic assessment about India . Please keep writing …your outlook is what i like .Because many of us do possess 🙂

thanks for loving Sanskrit and India

Thanks Abhishek ji!

I will keep writing about India and I can’t wait to come back in December!

First off, I want to say that overall this advice is awesome, but after having just spent 4 months in India and left yesterday, I’d like to add some perspective. I realize I do not have the same amount of experience as the author, but it’s always nice to have different perspectives.

1. While I agree that many people with a motive to make money from you will try to make as much as possible or rip you off (taxis, rickshaw drivers, some shop owners, guides/fake guides, etc), you shouldn’t be afraid or be closed off to everyone. Here’s why: most scams in india amount to nothing more than 1) being ask to pay too much for something or 2) being ask to pay for something that was given to you for free (advice/directions). For scam #1, the author provides great tips but in general, know what the price should be by asking an independent source and don’t be afraid to shop around as there are usually hordes of providers for any basic product or service. To avoid the 2nd type of scam, when someone approaches you and offers you something, make it clear to them that you won’t be paying them. Then when/if they ask you for money, it won’t be hard to blow them off. (Unless they genuinely deserve it for helping you out. Though most genuine, helpful people won’t ask for money unless they are desperate.)

In this way, you can still remain friendly and open towards people (which will give you the opportunity to meet great people and have special experiences), while avoiding scams.

I’m really stressing this because when you read advice like that given in the article, the tendency is to be closed off and suspicious of every person you meet. It’s easy to be angry and unhappy when you assume everyone is trying to rip you off and it will happen often enough that it will be easy to support those negative beliefs. But, if you have this attitude, you won’t have much fun and you won’t be able to trust people enough to have amazing experiences that only come when you let your guard down a little and give people a chance. There are some amazing shop owners, rickshaw drivers, and other Indians out there who will take care of you, treat you with respect, and sometimes go above and beyond what you expect from them. It’s these people and experiences that will make India special for you.

2. I have to disagree with the author’s advice on accommodation. Yes, if you want to only spend $2/night, you will be roughing it a bit. And yes, there are a wide range of options, all the way up to 5 star luxury. But, you don’t need to spend $40-$70/night to find a really nice, comfortable place to stay that has everything you might want (hot shower, western toilet, comfortable/clean bed, air con, balcony, view, safe location, etc). For about $8-15/night, you can find beautiful accommodation in many places. In most places, $5-8 will be enough money to get a comfortable, clean, safe place. We stayed in an amazing place in Dharamsala for $11 that rivaled the comfort level of our Canadian friends who were paying $75/night.

3. On temples. The author had a completely different experience with temples than I did. If you are coming to India for a spiritual experience, it is very possible to have one. I deepened both my yoga and meditation practice during my time in India. I had great experiences in ashrams, classes, and at meditation retreats, and when talking with individual people. In general, there are many opportunities to develop your spirituality.

That said, I found very little to be spiritual about the temples in India. In fact, I found them, especially the popular ones, to be anti-spiritual. When you arrive in a crowded temple you will most likely see crowds of people pushing at each other, yelling at each other, and engaging in all sorts of selfish/rude behavior just so they can perform a ritual. There may be some spiritual value to them in going through these rituals, but it doesn’t show by their actions. Not only that, but you can expect as a foreigner, that people will try to scam you out of money (even those holy men working at the temple). Also, if you go to a Kali temple, you can expect to watch hordes of people gather around as the holy men cut the heads off of baby goats. For me, this type of environment is not conducive to anything spiritual, which I view as an inward journey.

I’ll admit thought that while I did meditate a lot during my time in India, I never attempted to meditate at a hindu temple. I will try in the future based on the author’s recommendations, but I view meditation as an inward journey and most hindu temples are not good environments to withdraw and go inward.

Despite my generally negative opinion about the spiritual sanctity of the temples in India, I still think it’s worthwhile to visit them and I continued to do so throughout my time. They make for great opportunities to see important aspects of Hindu/Indian culture.

As with anything spiritual, I don’t discredit the author’s personal experiences. The fact that he had them means it may be possible for you You should go into your temple experiences with an open mind to find out for yourself. All I’m trying to say is lower your expectations about temples and if you want spiritual growth and don’t find it at the temples, seek it out elsewhere.

Thanks for your tips and the time you took to put this together. Many would have been helpful to me before my trip 🙂 No disrespect

Thanks for taking the time to share your perspective. I agree it’s really good getting multiple points of view since everyone experiences the world differently.

Here are my responses:

1) Your “ripoff/ scam” points are great. I agree with you 100%. I have had wonderful experiences with some auto rickshaw drivers, such as Anil in Ellora (he looked after my wife one afternoon and took her to all these amazing temples and was so sweet and let us choose our price for his services) and from other shop owners like Lal in Kovalam (he made me amazing custom underwear for fair prices).

I guess my article is attempting to educate people on what is possible to experience and to know what the different types of scams are so that you can avoid falling into the trap. At the same time I agree it is important to be open and like you say not “closed off” because there are so many Indians who are fair and don’t want to rip you off. I will add this point into that section.

Many of my friends who went to India unprepared were shocked by how much they got scammed and tricked and this turned them off from ever returning to India which I think is sad. So it’s good to be aware so you can avoid trouble but open at the same time to give people a chance.

2) I would love to know about these places you speak of. In my experience, it will be hard to find such accommodation in most cities and tourist towns but I’m sure it is possible if you look hard enough. What was the name of the place you stayed in Dharamsala? Can you give other examples?

3) With regard to the temples I agree they are crazy places that on the surface appear to be “anti-spiritual”. If you can go beyond that external chaos and settle down to the internal silence and peace then that’s when the magic happens. It really helps to have ear plugs and then you have to find a quiet corner where no one will bug you. Sit there with eyes closed for at least 20 to 30 minutes and meditate (I personally do Transcendental Meditation – TM). I sometimes end up being in temples for 2 to 3 hours at a time – it’s like going to another universe and so transformative.

My wife and I were just in India for the month of February this year and it was her first trip. She had more amazing spiritual experiences in the temples than me and can’t wait to go back. She also does TM.

Of course this may not happen for everyone and visiting the less crowded temples may help and like you say going to a meditation or yoga retreat can be an amazing way to tap into the spiritual power of India.

I’m glad you found the guide helpful and thanks again for adding your India tips.

Thanks for the reply.

As far as hotels are concerned, my girlfriend and I never paid more than $15 in our entire 4 months in India. In a few cases, we ended up with semi uncomfortable places, but most of the time, it was fine. Here are examples of what we received and for how much:

-Dharamsala: We actually stayed in Dharamkot, just up the hill from McCleod-Ganj, in a place called Raj Residency for 700 rupees. This was the best place we had in all of India and we stayed there after our 10 days in Vipassana. It was a huge, clean, well decorated room with a big comfy bed and a well-appointed private bath. The room had a balcony that looked over the valley (perfect view), and since the property was in the hills, we woke up to birds every morning instead of rickshaws 🙂

-Arambol, Goa: We stayed at the Zen Garden for 400 rupees (~$6.50) which was a 20 minute walk down the beach from the main town. We had our own private beach bungalow with private bath and porch. The bungalow was in a grove of palm trees and with the fan, was at the perfect temperature in the evenings for sleeping. We had a western style toilet, shower, mosquito net over the bed, fantastic restaurant with beach view (meals prices: 80-250 rupees), and were 1 minute walk to the beach.

-Hampi: We stayed at Goan Corner for 300 rupees (~$5). We had a basic private room with shared bath. Everything was clean and the place had a great vibe because it’s a popular spot for backpackers. We had hammocks, nice restaurant on site, motorcycle rental on site, and it was run by a really friendly family.

-Jaipur: We stayed at Chirtakatha for 800 rupees. http://www.chitrakatha.co.in/ This was an actual western style hotel. Super clean and safe. Nice staff. Rooftop restaurant. Price listed on the website is 1000 rupees but we were able to bargain when we arrived.

-Jodhpur: Cosy Guest House (550 rupees). We originally booked the room for 350, but upgraded to a nicer room and got a special price with some bargaining.

cosyguesthouse.com/

I could continue, but this should give you a general idea of the types of places we stayed at.

In general, you don’t need to pay more than 300-1000 rupees ($5-16) to find something safe and comfortable. In this price range, you don’t often get A/C, but we traveled in the beginning of the Indian summer (Feb-May) and not having A/C was a problem just a handful of times. Usually the rooms are cool enough in the evenings for sleeping, especially with a good fan.

As far as temples, I get what you are saying. Your experience is interesting to me and I’m looking forward to exploring it next time. But, for most people (especially those inexperienced with meditation), I can’t see the temples being optimal for a spiritual experience.

Thanks Scott!

Awesome tips on hotels – I’d like to try some of these! 🙂

The Dharamsala place sounds amazing. I’m guessing the pollution isn’t bad up there, right? That’s often a problem for me… I can’t breathe in places like Delhi or Chennai and I end up coughing all night! 🙁

Thanks again for your perspective on the temples. I forget that I’ve been meditating since I was 10 years (I’m now 29) and so I guess I’m quite experienced. I agree for a newbie, the busy temples may not be the best place to gain a spiritual experience but you never know. Still worth a visit regardless…

Namaste Asher. If you find yourself in Kolkata, do know that there are chai wallas on every corner! Plus, if you wish to visit a temple, avoid Kalighat. There are a lot of people who claim to be priests who will do pujas for you, but instead they make you have darshan from really far and try and squeeze 200 to 2000 rupees from you. Just firmly refuse and don’t give in to their taunts. One of them even threatened to sacrifice me to the goddess if I didn’t give him Rs. 1501 for chanting a simple two-line shloka.

Thanks for the tip, Maulin! 🙂

Yeah, the fake priests are a sad sight – which can give temple a bad name. It’s quite unfortunate! 🙁

I have some more comments –

1- Restaurants I disagree with you ,outside India if the restaurant name is “XXXXX Indian Restaurant ” it is a north Indian restaurant , a restaurant selling south Indian dishes will be named clearly “South Indian Restaurant” not just “Indian” compare to “Indian” restaurants there are very few, say 1 in 500 south Indian restaurants out side India ……one such south Indian chain you may see outside India is “SHARAVANABHAVAN” which always serve only south Indian “Pure Vegetarian” dishes .

Summary-Outside India : “Indian restaurant” = Serves North Indian Chicken,Mutton,Veg Dishes sometimes few south Indian dishes . “South Indian Restaurant ” Serve South Indian Veg Dishes ONLY

2-Sim Cards It should not take 10 days ! , check the shops who are authorized to sell simcards ,the guy at the shop may be giving wrong info , all mobile shops you see on street sells just “recharge coupons ” get & pass authentic info , check the location of shops sells new sim cards here .

ideacellular.com

3-Electrolytes

The pharmacists at “Medical Shop” may not be familiar with the term ” Electrolytes “, ask for “ORS packet ” he will show you at least 10 brands with different flavors , Electral,Enerzal etc . in India the best thing is that all things comes in tiny packaging also , you can by 10 gram coconut oil in small plastic bottle , 5 gram Colgate tooth paste in a small sache, a one time use shampo sache, 20 Gram bath soap etc ,very convenient for travelers ,and all dirt cheap!

4-Electricity Please don’t generalize ,since the target audience of your blog is a non Indians who never been to any part of India. it all depend on the place one stay ,a 2$ a night shack taps electricity from nearby power line by throwing and hooking cables to it , so there will be heavy fluctuations if there is wind !, my brother’s 1st generation iPad is working fine till now in India, Apple sells 500K iPhones in India in every 4 months ( Economic times report ) yes electricity is not as consistent as in a developed nations , but it is quite safe to charge all your gadgets .

5- Temples I will not allow you in any of my temples 🙂 in south India ….. ha ha ha Generally Hindu temples does not allow non Hindu tourists strictly followed in South and in high profile temples in North. Mrs.Indira Gandhi (late Indian prime minister ) was not allowed to enter the temple of Lord Jagannath at Puri because she had married a Parsi (those who follows Zoroastrian Religion ) The non Hindu restriction is because the inner Sanctrum is supposed to be the holiest place in the temple architecture. There are certain rituals which a Hindu generally follows when he visits a temple, like not eating meat, taking bath etc. Probably, these things cannot be expected from a non-believer that is why he/she is restricted from entering the Sanctum. There are temple privately owned/on private ground, or publicly owned (ie, by the government). If it’s privately owned ( by Gurus Or God-man) then the owner has full jurisdiction , normally an orthodox Hindu like me will not go such noisy touristy temples . See some temples inside here dinamalar.com

thank you for reading

Hi Hemanth ji,

Thank you again for taking the time to share your thoughts. 🙂

1) I’m not disagreeing with you on the point about North vs South Indian restaurants – clearly there are not as many South Indian restaurants outside of India. My point is that it’s possible to find good authentic South Indian food all over the world. For example, there’s a great chain of South Indian restaurants in London, the US and around the world called “Woodlands”. Here is the London one’s website http://www.woodlandsrestaurant.co.uk/

2) Simcard access varies widely across the country and the government regularly changes the regulations. Even if you go to an official place that says they “sells new simcards here” and you follow their procedure giving your address & photo etc they may take sometime before approving it and then they can cancel the service without warning. People have told me that this tightness is to help counter terrorist activity but it seems a bit silly making it so difficult for tourists.

3) Yes, the medical shops or chemists carry all kinds of medicines and toiletries. My point is that the quality may not be the same as similar items bought in one’s home country and so if you’re particular about a brand then bring it from home. With that said it’s nice to be able to fall back on the medical shops in an emergency.

4) It is definitely not “quite safe to charge all your gadgets” in India, even at more classy hotels and homes the electricity can be very unreliable. As I’ve explained earlier, I have had an iPod, iMac and many Canon batteries get fried and the same has happened to friends. Even 5 star hotels occasionally can have power outages where they have to switch to generators.

5) In my experience, most Hindu temples do allow us tourists in if we are dressed correctly. Here is a list of some of the Hindu temples I’ve been in the inner sanctum without any questions (some of which are in South India):

Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Tirupati, Padmavathi Ammavari Temple, Tirupati Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Ujjain Harsiddhi Temple, Ujjain Grishneshwar Temple, Ellora Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple, Thiruvananthapuram Srikalahasti Temple, Srikalahasti Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi Maa Vindhyavasini Devi Temple, Vindhyachal Hanumangarhi, Ayodhya Vishwanath Temple, Uttar Kashi Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram Devi Kanya Kumari Temple, Kanyakumari and many, many more

The only place where I wasn’t allowed in the inner sanctum (unless I had “documents proving I was a Hindu”) was at the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai.

With regards to SIMcards…I found out too late that one can get a free tourist SIM card upon arrival at major airports . Virtually impossible once in the country. I’m only in India for a short time, so no big deal. But, if I had read it in Asher’s guide, I would have known to ask upon landing in Mumbai. . Having a great time here in Bhubaneswar. Heading toPuri and Konark tomorrow

Asher! You da pro! Brilliant, perceptive insights, clearly written, and highlighted with beautiful photos. You’ve covered practically everything with concise, essential advice worth many $1000s for any adventuresome pilgrims. Your love of India is obvious. Well done!

Thanks Doug!

It was a labor of love! 🙂

Dear Asher, I live in Bangalore near INFOSYS campus for the last 4 years , I never experienced any major power related issues ,nor my gadgets damaged due to power spike , only precaution I take is unplug the gadgets when there is thunder storm and lighting . And your info about entry to Indian temples may mislead the first time visitors. Advised to check Lonely Planet or Trip Advisor forum, for entry related info in south Indian temples. Every temple in Kerala is off-limits for non Hindus, there are generally signs up saying non-Hindus are not allowed in (mostly in Malayalam Script), Kerala seems to be the state in India where they are least open to having foreigners inside the Hindu temples, if you are non Hindu and enter the temple you are violating applicable rules, there won’t be much policing in most temple as it is a sacred place, no armed bouncers , so if nobody stops you at entrance don’t believe that you have the right for entry. Please respect the rules. Here is the Trivandrum Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple Web Site padmanabha.org/

It clearly says “Entry is restricted to those who profess the Hindu religion” This temple treasury hold sacks of diamonds and gold coins as well as golden idols, Estimation of its worth is not yet finished, but it thought to be around US$20 billion. Due to unearthing of treasure now there is heavy security now in this temple.

Hi Hariya ji,

Thank you for sharing your experience.

That’s great to hear about the Bangalore power supply. I’m sure it’s improving everywhere in India all the time. As a tourist visiting many places (often remote places) all in one trip, I think it’s important to be careful everywhere because it’s hard to know what the electricity will be like. And, like I’ve explained I’ve lost $1000’s of equipment before I learned how to take precautions. I now only bring a cheap PC laptop when I travel to India rather than my expensive Macbook and then I charge my other devices via USB through the laptop. I haven’t had a problem since doing this but I also never leave it plugged in when I’m away from my room or I see the light flickering.

Yeah, I agree Kerala seems to be the most strict with foreign tourists entering temples. Thanks for the added info.

This list is just so comprehensive, and clearly informed by years of experience travelling through India, which I have to say looks like a pretty daunting place to be! Thanks so much for sharing!

Glad to help! 🙂

please remove the word survival from it

Hi Shailendra,

I can see your point but for Westerners going to India on their first trip I think “survival” is an accurate word for the title of the guide.

No offense is meant by it.

– for drinking coconut water, you do not need a straw… ask the vendor to cut a deep groove on the side and drink straight out of the shell… I do that all the time … its nicer and a fun way to drink the water

– do not ever ever give money to beggars and children. the babies are kidnapped, drugged and made to go to sleep. there is a mafia behind the begging. all of that money goes to gangs. its hard … but you will get used to it.

– i strongly disagree with street food recommendations. all said and done the street food is not only cheap but guaranteed to be freshly cooked often in front of you. in contrast you know nothing about the food in four star and five star restaurants. the cooking kills the bacteria and germs. also, don’t be quick/harsh to judge hygiene by the environs of the stall/food carts. a personal judgement for approaching a right stall will develop in about a few days . some street carts are more crowded than others. in places like khao gallis(food streets) the food turnover is high and always fresh at the very least. acclimatise your taste buds and stomachs. do it steps if possible. spicy foods outright will affect you and hurt you especially if you never had spicy food before. give yourself atleast a couple of weeks with safer and blander varieties of Indian foods before jumping into traditional foods. Indian dal rice/dal kitchidi is safest and easily available foods to start out. you can start off bland and gradually grow to accept hot spiciness. stick to vegetarian and avoid meats. its not the food but water that can make you sick. be careful with water you drink, go for coke or pepsi if available. when in a new place the common rule is always head for the ones which are relatively crowded. miss out the street foods and you will miss out on a huge part of the cultural experience.

luv it, hate it … but you can never ignore India … 🙂 but why do some people luv and it and others hate it. if you dig in a bit deeper that’s because of expectations of the travellers themselves.

India is not an ideal place for short relaxing two week trips . in two weeks you will be in a cultural shock, mentally and emotionally drained and you are going to go back with feelings of frustration and negativity. backpackers on the other hand come in with fairly low expectations and mentally prepared to rough it out over a longer period of time. these people often go back with positives and light up the torch of their luv for India online.

India is best experienced at a very slow and an easy pace and very unsuitable for travellers with rushed itineraries. i will recommended it for backpackers and travellers with a longer and relaxed itineraries.

i’m an Indian by the way … and these are my personal opinions ….and i know my conclusions are broad and sweeping ones …. u may want to take it with a pinch of red chilli powder … or salt … whichever is available … 🙂

Hi Sandeep,

Thank you for the taking the time to add your thoughts! 🙂

1) Your method of drinking coconuts in India sounds interesting – the only thing I would be concerned with is the sanitization of the outside of the coconut?…

2) I agree for sure you should never ever give money to beggars – it fuels their “business”.

3) You make some great points about street food which make sense to me. Some people will never have trouble with Indian street food especially if they are smart about it like you’ve explained. I’ve personally made a conscious choice to simply avoid the street food (except for chai) for many reasons based on years of experience. The other thing that is often very difficult for a Westerner to digest is deep fried food which seems to be a common form of street food.

4) I agree, you should try to go to India for 1 month at a time minimum in order to fully get used to the culture and enjoy a more relaxing itinerary.

Thanks again for your contribution to my blog.

🙂 … hmmm asher… with regards to the coconut water … ask the vendor to cut a groove on the edge of rim opening … not on the side … and then tip the contents into ur mouth … well … just like u were to drink wine or beer … the shell is ur glass … well actually u don’t even need a groove… jus use the shell as ur glass and be done …. now this may seem a bit less erudite to the sophisticated western tourist … but it is my way of drinking the water …the cave man style … and its more fun … 😀

these days the vendors are more tourist savvy and i have often seen them draw out a fresh straw from a sealed pack. but yea … coconut water is nature’s own packed electrolyte and there is plenty available in India so go ahead have more coconut water.

there are three kinds of coconuts that the vendor sells pani wala (water coconut), halka malai (light coconut cream) and malai wala (coconut cream)

the water coconuts have more water and water is a bit salty and acts as a rejuvenating electrolyte. this is what i usually go for when i’m thirsty and need energy. the halka malai(light cream) is good too. the water is sweeter. after ur done drinking the water u hand over the shell back to the vendor who fashions out a small scrapper out of a piece of coconut shell and then uses that to scrape the cream sticking to the inner part of the shell. that is very nice and tasty. if the vendor forgets remind him to do that. the malai wala(thick cream) coconut has the sweetest tasting water and nice bits of coconut. i personally avoid this variety. the coconuts chunks are best enjoyed with jaggery which is available cheap in grocery stores. and another point to note is that these varieties are usually known differently in different parts of India … for eg Kerala down in south probably has different terms for the coconut varieties. Kerala grows some of the best coconuts in the country.

ok … i’m finally done here. never thought i would end up writing an exposition on coconuts … i never even knew i knew so much … 😀 😀

Thanks for sharing your detailed coconut water knowledge Sandeep ji!!

Namaste Asher Jee..

I agree with you. Just saw your tips for the people traveling to India are commendable and there is nothing wrong. Being an Indian, i firmly believe these thing persist.

Best regards for future…

Thanks Davendra ji!

Hello Asher,

I agree with you that you should set your expectations from the start. Be prepared. This way you will enjoy India while taking care of yourself at the same time.

Great Tips you have collected here, thanks for sharing.

Cheers, Pankaj

Thanks Pankaj ji!

Vey nice useful post, India is amazing if you are ready to admit it as it is. I was little bit afraid to visit India as it is absolutely diferrs from other countries I have been to before, but now I could say that if you are still in doubt, just go there!

Yes, I agree. It’s good to be prepared but then the only way to know what’s really like is to go there and experience it for yourself 🙂

This article is just amazing!! I’m travelling to India in December and after reading your post, I can’t help but wish its December already! will share with you my experience once I come back.

Thanks Joy!

Have a great trip and I’d love to hear your experiences when you get back. 🙂

Great Site! So many excellent tips! I’ve taken a pilgrimage to Mother India almost every year since 1970. Please check out our Pilgrims Guide at www.vanamaliashram.org . Mataji Vanamali is a Sagittarius… always on the go…always sharing her blessings in her writings…If you are not familiar with her writing, Please check out Sri Krishna Lila, Sri Hanuma Lila, Sri Devi Lila…. Also check out The Transformational Therapy/ Energy As Medicine Workshop That I will be offering in Tiru this January at www.weare1.us, Blessings, Arvind

That ashram looks interesting and Mataji seems really sweet 🙂

Thanks for sharing,

I’m so happy to find your article. I have read it a few times and I love it all! I’m traveling to India with my daughter next week. We are excited and nerveuos at the same time but with all your recommendations, I feel more prepared. Thank you so much for such a great tool and please, keep writing!

Thanks Yrama!

Your encouragement keeps me going! My writing is definitely a labor of love and feels so good to help fellow travelers 🙂

Enjoy your trip!

My 16 year old son has the opportunity to go to the Golden Triangle next May 24th for 9 days with a school tour. I could also go as a chaperone. He and I are both very interested and we have traveled quite a bit. However, it is supposed to be 90-105 the whole time. Is ot worth going in that heat taking buses etc? Or would it be better to go at a different time? Thanks, Julie

I personally think that it will be too hot for it to be worth it. The latest I have ever stayed in India was April 15th and it was already too hot for me then. I’m from Australia and can handle pretty hot temperatures but the heat in India without AC can be dangerous for Westerners. I recommend you travel to India from November through February for the best experience.

Hope this helps,

India is definitely worth a visit but be VERY wary of both scammers and any potential assistance required from a law firm. I was scammed of nearly $3,000 by Ganesh Prasad Nautiyal, an Indian tour guide, for a tour of Bhutan he did not deliver. The law firm I engaged in the fight for justice and to stop others being scammed, Ashok Gupta and Co, gave me stress, just kept asking for money and still produced no result after THREE summonses were issued. Just before I left Australia for India, I asked the Indian taxi driver for some tips about his country. He gave me just one: Trust no-one. I have learnt the hard way that, sadly, he was right.

Thanks for sharing your experience and sorry it was not a good one! 🙁

One thing that I always do is not pay for a service upfront (where ever possible). This forces the vendor to deliver the service before running off with your money.

I agree that you should “trust no-one” at least at first and definitely always be super cautious with large sums of money.

Great articles about India from everybody. I am an Indian bought up in the west mostly and I have been to India 3 times in the past 25 years & spent at least 2 months at a time there. First time was certainly a culture shock and I wanted to get back onto the plane! but given time to understand its diversity & culture made me more of an understanding person. Yes there are scams, uncleanliness, pushing etc.. but still when you look at the western way of life it is kind of ‘camouflaged’ and hidden. The Indian life is open & roar it always fascinates me to compare and at times I do not know where I lie between the two. I still take the precautions of the western bloggers for added security but have found subtle changes in 25 years. Like I say it is an extremely interesting experience and for me a life changer in my thinking and thoughts.

Thanks for your perspective!

I see what you mean about feeling like you are between the two. I feel so at home in India that sometimes I forget I am a Westerner 🙂

Great tips for travelling in India. India is a great destination for tourists. There are importance tips! rishiajaydas.org/

Thanks Rishi! 🙂

Hi and thank you for 201 wonderful tips.

We are soon traveling to India from Norway, have been invited of some lokals from Chennai. I off course want to bring a gift, but I have not got a clue. Do you have a tip nr 202 for me? What to bring?

I would bring something unique to Norway that isn’t very expensive but is special to you. For example some kind of small food item that would be a novelty in India. Or maybe some nice postcards or a picture of you in Norway in a small frame. Or even a nice new $1 note or small coin from your home country can be a cherished gift.

I’m sure you’ll think of something.

Also be ready for the pollution and chaos of Chennai – it’s a busy place with narrow streets.

Nice travel tips!! Nina -> You can bring pick up some chocolates or perfumes which will work in most cases. I have a blog at http://giftsforindia.com about gifts ideas for India. It has more ideas.

I had experience working in Mumbai last year. Although India can be initially overwhelming for someone coming from a Western nation, with a little time to acclimatise, it can be one of the most amazing and rewarding experiences of your life. I loved the Mumbai second hand markets around Mutton Street, where I found vintage Bollywood posters. The people I met there were warm and generous of spirit. So much so that I made this short film: https://vimeo.com/151162654

Loved your short! It gave a glimpse into Mumbai. You must have an awesome camera – the quality is beautiful!

Nice vid, Dan!

Downloaded your ebook. Thanks. Will be visiting India in November for two weeks. Obviously, never been there, but figured it would be fun visit such a place. I’ll just go wherever the wind takes me. Again, thanks.

That’s awesome Ben!

I’ve done that a few times in India and ended up having the most amazing time meeting the locals and going all kind of unplannable adventures 🙂

Dear Asher, Greetings of the day !

I am really impressed with the effort taken by you to organize the website pages with the required details.And the of piece of support by words needed for any traveller. I was planning to write a blog about Travel to india and reached to your website. About me – you can visit my page. I wanted to ask your permission to use your web information in my blog page to offer the travel in India to my students who visit Rishikesh or Other part of India. I am part of Yoga and Meditation School and acknowledged that the details embedded in your posts are really useful for travellers.

For any questions or if you wish to share any info which you wish to highlight in my blog page. Do share me – [email protected]

Hi Sarvottam ji

Thank you. Yes, you can quote parts of my website on your website but please link back to the source articles on my site.

Thanks and good luck with your school!

Thank you for all the information. I am married to an Indian. But he moved to America when he was 4 years old. We are going back alone for the first time soon. I will be honest, I am scared to death. But the information I got here made me feel a little better. I am sure it will be weird for them to see a white girl married to an Indian boy. Any more advice?

I would ignore the starring that you will inevitably get. Don’t worry if you turn heads just be proud and stand strong. It doesn’t seem to be rude to stare in India. You will find it can be overwhelming at times but the main thing is to just ignore it and you’ll have a great time.

Hi Asher Your post is really very good . Mostly all where in many post or blog i read same things what tourist write about india. I lived in india and planning traveling all tourist place in my country without takeing money (its a chalenge) for write my experience. And want add some more point of views what foreigner or many indian travelers may be not write about India. I have some ideas and want write all that very soon. I send you message here because may be in future i need to copy paste your some views in my website or blog when i started then. I hope you give me permission to copy paste some things

Hi Amit ji,

You can copy and paste sections of my website but please link back to me as the source.

hi Asher Thanks to give my permission. when i create my site and copy-paste some text then i send you link

Hello Asher

So far I have only read your ’17 things to pack for India and what NOT to take’ article as my Internet Connection has been down. I’m going on a tour of South India for three weeks next Saturday with Exodus Travel and thank goodness I’m now up and running again, so I shall be able to read the e-book you sent me and everything else on here.

I have a question about the camera you recommended, the Canon PowerShot SX410 (there’s also the SX400 but I read that the 410 is meant to be the better one). It is presently half-price in Argos and the reviews on their website are good. However the reviews on the Amazon website, which you give as a link, are pretty bad, so I’m not sure what to do. Apart from my old SLR camera (but not DSLR, so consequently you pay a lot nowadays when you get the film developed), I have been using a Fuji Finepix 10 compact camera when on holiday. However these old cameras take XD memory cards rather than SD ones, which are not easily obtainable, and it doesn’t have much of a zoom and, while I’m buying cards, I could be putting the money towards this Canon bridge. (I would buy a DSLR but don’t have time to do the research on it or learn it before I go, which is why I’m interested in this much cheaper bridge camera for this trip.)

BUT on the Amazon website people are saying that it doesn’t have a viewfinder, the pictures taken on full zoom are blurry and that images are not sharp. One person says you need to go to a camera shop and get a polariser if you’re going to use it on a sunny day and another to save your money and look elsewhere. I don’t have a viewfinder on mine and do indeed find it annoying just to see my reflection in the screen rather than the image I want to take, even though the pictures, surprisingly, usually seem to turn out quite well.

I think you must have used this camera and liked it or you wouldn’t suggest it, so I’d like your take on this please. It’s cheap enough at £119 (or £99.99 for the SX400), so I was planning to buy it until I saw the reviews on Amazon. Strange that they’re so different on Argos. I need to get something very quickly and could buy this one at Argos early next week. Also it sounds as though it’s easy to use. I don’t want to miss being able to photograph wonderful scenes and people in India, so would think in the circumstances it would be worth going for. I would love to hear what you think? And thank you. Also thank you for all the information which I’m looking forward to reading this weekend. Anna

Yes, I have used that camera and liked it. I prefer my DSLR Canon 60D nowadays but for a point and shoot, that Canon Powershot camera does the trick. Almost all the pictures on this blog post https://www.asherfergusson.com/2010/07/experience-maharishis-funeral-cremation-allahabad-india-2008/ were taken with that camera.

Have a wonderful trip!

Great post!! very effective guide for travellers. I also want to add tips for selecting the budget hotel. To know more visit : http://www.katriyahotel.com/blog/budget-hotel-in-hyderabad/

Thank you Shanti.

Good Asher, you described India very well. Really loved your blog.

amazing amazing resource you’re written here. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. Your tips are really well thought out and written.

Thanks Jay!

It was a labor of love 🙂

Thanks Santhosh ji! 🙂

You’re awesome, thank you so much for this information 🙂 this will help me have the trip of my life :).

Such positivity and light and so great that you share this information and your experiences.

A wonderful Resource.

Namaste Dayna

Thank you Dayna – it’s so nice to be able to help fellow travelers have a trip of a lifetime! 😀

As an Indian I have shared some of my tips while travelling in an Indian train…and how to make that a beautiful experience. http://solotravellerindia.blogspot.com/2016/03/tips-for-beautiful-indian-train-journey.html

Hi Milind ji,

Your link is broken 🙁

Wow. You have covered all the points very beautifully. As an Indian living in South India, if I need to add any points, I can do very little. Hats Off!

And wishes for a happy and safe trip to India!

Hi Sampath,

Thanks for your encouragement – it’s nice to be endorsed by an local! 😉

It was great to read a very detailed guide to travel in India from a different point of view. Being an Indian in India, reading the post was eye opening to me. Thank you for such a detailed description.

Thank you – I’m glad you got something from my site! It’s been a labor of love 🙂

To all travellers. I did a e-visa application in decmeber 2015. I was charged twice and it is impossible to have a refund. At the helpdesk I am asked to make an email with my credit card voucher, and when I make an email with all the proofs, they ask me to call the callcenter. But no refund is done since then (we are now 5 months later !). And no help from the local Ambassy in Brussels. Does someone had te same problem in the past ? And how was it solved ?

Sorry you had this experience. Indian bureaucracy can be a nightmare. Unfortunately I don’t know if you will be able to resolve it at this points… 🙁

Wonderful article!! Precise compilation of tips to travel in India. I wrote an article for motorcyclists preparing for long trips in Inda. Do leave your feedback 🙂

http://www.budgetyatri.com/2016/04/travel-tip-for-staying-healthy-on-the-road-while-travelling.html

Hi, Asher! Brilliantly captured advice! As a travel writer and inter-cultural adviser for expats relocating to India I could relate to it perfectly. Most of it is spot on. It would be good to connect further. Cheers! Bindu

Glad you liked it and think that it’s accurate. Feel free to contact me if you want to connect.

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this! I’ve travelled extensively, but you just never know what you might have missed when you’re in a new country. You answered pretty much every question I had, including whether I should’ve shook hands when I arrived (I didn’t, just to be safe) and what sort of mark up I should expect when bargaining. When they start at 2000, I’m scared I’ll offend if I counter with 50, so you’ve put my mind at ease. Thanks!

Great! I hope you get some good deals – Indian’s are the best negotiators on the planet! If they smile after the transaction then you know they still made money 😉

well explained, liked it as I am planning my first trip to India at the end of this year. Cheers

every country got scammer. nothing special about India, Singapore is the worse.

I am planning to go India, but I was hit by a stroke 2 weeks before my trip to Kashmir. Indian Airline did refund me some money. Now I could not walk much. I got a budget to a walk, for only 1/2 hour a day. After that I am tired and my legs are loose.

Hey! Really great job with collecting and putting all together! Many many pieces of advice esp on food and water etc are However I would like to give separate opinion on “comments and responses” front. While going through all of them I would need to say that I started having an impression that some comments – responses sound like comparing and bragging on who lived longer where or who travelled more places and paid less/more for hotel with or without toilet paper. Who learned more sanscrit or visited cheaper places after meditation. Seems after 10 days of sitting boy we want to talk That is true anyway just why would one want to prove another something different anyway. Everyone has their own experience finding toilet paper after all

Good points 😉

oh sh….sorry…the smiley faces did not appear in my previous message (smile) where they had to be…oh well…let them disappear. I also wanted to say that advice about mafia existing in India is very helpful. I really did not suspect about that. Thanks

Yes, it’s important to be aware that the mafia does exist in India and to have your wits about you especially in big cities such as Delhi and Mumbai.

what a lovely post it is… I am glad with some of them points are listed in the points. I like this post very much…

This is really great site, it will surely be helpful for the ones who are planning to visit India, really nice.

Hi, my friend and I have been travelling India for the past 5 days. So far we have visited Delhi and are currently on our second night in Agra. Since being in Agra, for both evening meals we have ordered curry and have felt very ‘spaced out’ after eating this, exactly the feeling you would get if you were high or had taken truffles (lasts about an hour) At first we thought we had been spiked after the first night as the empty restaurant seemed a little dodgy. However after eating a different meal at our 5 star hotel the following night, we had the exact same feeling. Do you know anything that would cause this or have any advice? Thank! (It’s only happened in Agra so far, all meals in Delhi were completely fine)

Hi Katherine,

I’m guessing it might be MSG or some other kind of food additive. My wife has experienced a similar thing at a Thai restaurant in the US and said it sounds exactly like what you’re describing. I believe some people are allergic to MSG and that’s what causes the “space” or “high” experience.

Hope this helps and have fun on your trip!

Thanks for this lovely article, very informative info & beautifully written, great 🙂

Thank you Nasir! 😀

India also have many cultures around it based on the places, I think you are visited around north india places. The south culture will varied from that.

Hi Sangeetha,

I have spend many months in South India. You’re right it is very different from North India but my tips above definitely still apply.

Hi!!! I read your advices and every post… I enjoyed a lot, and i wish you write some more 🙂

Dear Travellers, Namaskar !!

Saying namaskar is our culture because we see god in a human beings. India is very beautiful country with so much things to know, above things are so true and well explained. But, when you hire travel agency for your trip to india then you don’t have eto worry about these things becuase we take care of your needs.

Do not hesitate to travel india, and it will be my pleasure to recommend you all here. It’s our website (www.splendidvacationsindia.com) anyone wants to visit india do let us know. We offer best to best services with deligence and honesty 🙂 🙂

What a great blog! We (a family of 4) are in our way to india on Monday 9/5/2016 and can’t wait to be there… Thank you from Tokyo for all the great information.

Antonio Tokyo

Thanks Antonio!

Thanks you for sharing such wonderful safety tips to survive in India please keep it updating.

Your site is amazing. thanks for the great travel tips. cheers!

Namaste Asher Ji I am still laughing remembering the points you mentioned: 1. They over feed you when you are a guest by saying you don’t eat much, look at your health, how weak are you, take some more. 2. 1minute expands to 5-10 minutes always, it’s kind of ritual here. It’s so honest and it’s so true. Such detailings you have noticed, it shows how much India is in your blood now. I wish you keep enjoying being a part of India . Keep traveling, keep spreading love, wisdom and useful information. Love and Peace Kuldeep

Thanks Kuldeep ji!

Glad you got a kick out of my writing 😀

Thanks for all your help and advice! I’m off to Nagpur in a few weeks but can’t seem to get a straight answer on what us ladies should wear!

The trip revolves around a Buddhist retreat and won’t be visiting any other religious places.

I’ve heard shorts past the knee are ok then shorts that are 2/3″ above the ankle are ok and that the ankles must be covered so trousers are needed…. What do I need to wear?!

I have shorts that are past the knee but only one pair of thin trousers so may need to go shopping!!

I think the simplest and best thing is to buy some local punjabi’s when you get there. Here is what they look like .

It is fine to wear flip flops (thongs) as footwear and I don’t think your ankles need to be covered. Just make sure your not wearing anything too revealing.

Have a great time!

Hey! First off thank you so much for your super informative blog and tips. Reall really good stuff.

At your invitation, I am going to write you with a question:

I’m in India and got open cuts (from running off into the bushes and climbing on rocks) that I’m not sure how best to clean.

First off, not sure what kind of things could be there at the initial moment of the cutting, and second off, washing an open cut in Indian tap water doesn’t sound like a good idea. I did it anyway since I couldnt figure out an alternative and wanted to take a shower.

Any idea what kind of diseases I just put myself at risk for? Any tips on how to best take care of it? (Rinse in purified water maybe?)

I put disinfectant on it and covered in ointment (cuts are on feet and hands).

I know you’re not a doctor but cuts aren’t unusual so I’m just curious how you’ve dealt with things like this in the past.

Sorry to hear you got cuts! I would definitely make sure your wounds are well disinfected with something good like hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol. Then I would keep them covered in bandaids to prevent further foreign bodies entering. Another trick may be surprising is to use honey on the wounds after you’ve disinfected them.

Hope this helps! And this proves another good reason to bring a travel first aid kit .

Rajasthan is the best place to visit in India. It it is the only place in India that is very famous for its Culture , Visiting Palaces and Foreigner Tourist. You can here visit Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ranakpur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Udaipur. This is the best state for the Wildlife Tours also. Golden triangle tour with Ranthambore Tour Packages are the best option to visit here.

Amazing work, Asher.

Being an Indian, this is the most comprehensive list I have ever seen for travelling to India.

You have very well put out all the points which will be helpful for anyone travelling to India for the first time and even for those who are from there (like me!)

People visiting any country have a better, un-biased view of things than it’s residents! And I loved your style of writing!

Thank you Amandeep! I’m glad you like my writing 🙂

Hi Asher Fergusson, I am glad to know that you have travelled whopping 7 times uptill now. Understandably, you are in a much better position to write a detailed article about the tips to travel in India. I agree on all the points especially when it comes to drinking bottled water which you should purchase from a busy and main hotel shop. Similarly, bargaining is another attributive factor where majority of Indians are quite best at and as a traveller, you have to master the skills . Lastly, trains being the most obvious transport is slow when compared to other developed countries and you have to start at a slow pace, and soon you will get familiar with the traditions, which you rightly spoke about as well. Overall, Indians take things at their own pace, meaning unlike U.S where people are busy literally 24*7, here you can see people passing their evenings strolling or at the street shops munching some thing or the other.

Being a research writer, I have also written a post on Top reasons to visit India here http://socialchaal.com/2016/09/28/top-10-reasons-to-visit-india/

Thanks for adding your perspective Afzal. 🙂

I have no word to express my filling even I couldn’t recognise the time while reading this article. Seriously I loved the way you express your journey through India.

// beautiful flower arrangements outside peoples homes // Its called “pookkalam” 🙂

And onam is the biggest celebration in kerala celebrated by all the keralites irrespective of religion, cast, social status etc…

Thanks for the addition Neeraj! 🙂

Asher (and all):

My wife and I will be visiting Mumbai for 5-6 days for the first time in a couple of weeks, staying near the U.S. Consulate. I’ve read the Lonely Planet and have a good idea what to do, but does anyone have any recommendations for places to see and things to do?

We’re a reasonably active couple in our mid-thirties from the east coast of the USA – we’ve traveled to Europe and South America, and when we like to see a lot and especially get up to a place where we have views (climbing up steps to towers, etc).

Thanks in advance for any insight!

One place that may be somewhat off the beaten path that is cool is the deity, Mahalakshmi who resides at a seaside temple in Breach Candy, South Mumbai, 2 km north of Babulnath. These are the Deities who many believe to be responsible for Mumbai’s great wealth and prominence. A temple has been here for thousands of years, but the present temple is from the 18th century. The murthi appeared on the beach, and was duly installed. Circumambulation of the mandir includes many other shrines and seaside meditation sites. 6am-Noon, 4:30-8:30pm. Crowded on weekends.

HI ASHER I AM COMING TO KERALA LATE NEXT YEAR, CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT THE SITUATION IS REGARDING ALCOHOL, I UNDERSTAND THAT ONLY 5 STAR HOTELS NOW HAVE A LICENCE TO SELL ALCOHOL, IS THIS TRUE? I EAGERLY AWAIT YOUR REPLY, REGARDS JOHN.

I think you are right that it is only 5 star hotels able to sell alcohol in the state of Kerala now. See here for more details http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-35192246

India’s Supreme Court has upheld Kerala state’s decision to ban the sale and consumption of alcohol in bars.

The court rejected a petition by bar owners to overturn the ban, which restricts liquor sales and consumption to bars in five-star hotels.

The southern state wants to shut bars in a move towards total prohibition within 10 years. Kerala has India’s highest per capita alcohol consumption at more than eight litres per person yearly.

The national annual average for alcohol consumption is estimated to be about 5.7 litres per person.

The government wants to make the southern state free from alcohol in the next 10 years to “protect youth from destroying their lives”.

Its a very complete list and guide..so useful no wonder it bcome popular post thank u for sharing

My pleasure. 😀

Dear Asher,

I am currently planning my first ever visit to India.

During my initial research into planning my trip I felt rather nervous and overwhelmed about what to ‘expect’.

Now, after reading many of your posts and your fabulous free e-book, I am most excited and very much looking forward to ‘expecting the unexpected’, with an open, caring and respectful mind.

Although India is a country that has fascinated me for many years, and I realise that nothing can describe one’s experience better than experiencing it oneself (by ‘being’ there), I’d like to thank you most gratefully for creating this post and for sharing your tips and experiences.

I’d also like to thank all of the above people for sharing their comments too on your post.

“Thank you.”

Kind Regards, Dean

Thanks Dean!

It is really encouraging to get feedback like yours. It inspires me to keep on writing and sharing everything I know about India travel.

“Thanks” understates my respect for your single-India-info-source effort. I read thru your entire e-book and all comments of substance just to validate what I have learned in 20 years of solo world travel and to pick up what I didn’t know. Ironically, at 76 I think I am winding down on the ‘hard’ travel. Again, Thanks. Solowild

Thanks Solowild! 🙂

Asher, great job. Heading off to India for my first time in June and so looking forward to it. You have answered a lot of my questions here. Andy

I’m glad you found my writing useful. Let me know if you have any questions.

I am trying to book a tour of india and found a great deal but how can I check if this company is legitimate ?? Is there some sort of checking system?? There are some reviews online (videos on you tube) of guests but wonder fi there was a tourist athority in india to check and be sure I am sending money to a genuine travel company Cheers and thanks for the info…

I am not aware of a checking system except for Googling reviews of a company but they can be faked. The tour company I recommend and trust is Intrepid .

Thanks for the excellent information. I am 2-3 x/year in India for the next 5 years- I am excited and nervous at the same time being a late 40 yr old guy travelling on my own. Your info was great

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Its always fun to read your post. Well those tips are helpful. If you need any help in India mail us.

Hi Asher, Your information is really clear and useful – it’s really going to help us in our upcoming visit to India. I have a quick query which I’d appreciate your opinion on. We are staying in a couple of homestays in India and the first one in Delhi has said that he’s got a special ‘reverse osmosis’ system in the water in his home which saves his guests the expense of buying drinking water. I’ve done some googling but I don’t feel I’ve come up with a definitive answer as to whether it’s worth risking or not. I appreciate that it could cause offence so I wondered if you’d come across this and could offer any advice? Many thanks.

We are traveling in December with our family. There are 12 of us from 10 years to 81 years. We are staying in mostly luxury hotels. What advice do you have for us?? We are going to Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Jodpur, Mumbai, Kerala.

Do we need mosquito netting? In Kerala on houseboat?? Toilet Tissue? Shampoo? etc. Shower shoes??

Lots of questions, but I don’t want to take stuff we don’t need

Dear Jacquie Boynton , Defiantly Dec is the perfect month to travel any part of India, In Kerala houseboat you will get the Toilet Tissue and shampoo but I suggest you must carry your personal brand shampoo. shower shoes hmmm you will not get any hotel also not in houseboat. You can get the disposable slippers at the hotel room that is for sure because you have chosen the luxury hotels. Feel Free to ask any question Happy to help you [email protected]

Nice tips to travel all over india.

This piece of writing is really a good one it helps new web viewers, who are wishing for blogging.

Hi Asher, Your dedication and zeal all through your journey is inspiring many like me who actually starts feeling jealous of you. :p On a serious note, you have shown that there is a “life” beyond our comfort zones as well. 🙂 Thanks for sharing

Great info Asher, thank you. I have one question. I am planning a trip for my 17yr old son and I to Delhi. The only time I can make it for 8 days is in June. How bad would the temperatures or monsoon season be at that time?

I personally think it might be too hot to go then because it would regularly be over 100 degrees. The monsoon doesn’t normally hit Delhi until later in June.

The only consolation of that time is that the pollution levels are usually quite a bit less because there are not as many cooking or harvesting fires going.

Hi Asher! Thanks for all this great info! I’m a solo female traveler and leave next week. I start my travels at my best friend’s wedding in Mumbai for a week and when I bid them farewell I’m off for a 10 day journey to 5 cities by myself. I would not have considered street food to be unclean and I probably would have accidentally brushed with tap (I did that in Africa on accident) I got really sick in Africa after eating street food and I never even thought about it. I wish I had taken charcoal and pro-biotics (Thanks for the links I just put in my order for 2 day shipping)

I travel alone often and it is really great to get detailed insite, although I don’t usually have too much anxiety, I love being overly informed. Thanks also for the airport tips as I am on a short schedule and only taking flights between Mumbai-Goa-Varanasi-Delhi

Also found the female advise helpful and with long road trips between Delhi/Jaipur/Agra I will now be more prepared. Also thanks on the specific brands of water tips!

Really can’t say enough thanks. I’ll say hello again when I return 🙂 Blessings and Namaste.

I’m so glad to be of service. Thanks for the encouraging feedback!

Have a fantastic trip!

When they ask for your address do they want where you’re staying in India? Or your address back home? I’m just going to travel around for a few months so I don’t really know where I’ll be. Do you think that will be a problem? Can I just use my hotel in Delhi as my address in India?

They want your address in India. Yes, use your Delhi hotel address.

PS I’m talking about buying a SIM card…

Hi Asher, first of all thank you for putting this really comprehensive guide together! This is really amazing and I can really tell how much you enjoy your time in India. Also the photos are stunning!

Thanks Therie! 🙂

I am a big fan and I really like this so I will share (once I get a Gmail)

Good Day Asher, Thanks so much for the details, I feel better prepared. We’re going to Delhi in Dec for a friend’s wedding and our son has asthma. Our local friend will be taking us to the ‘street market’ and we’re looking forward to seeing a few local sites. Should we get a mask for him? where? Or do we bring one with us? Would him wearing a mask attract unwanted attention? or should we just limit our time outside? Thanks in advance, Stephen

Hi Stephen,

Delhi is one of the most polluted cities in the world. I don’t have asthma but I have difficulty breathing there. So I would definitely avoid too much going outside.

With that said this is the mask I would recommend and I would get it before you go https://www.amazon.com/3M-8511-Particulate-Respirator-10-Pack/dp/B0002YKBV2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=NE9S7KDYNBB3TB74KW44&linkCode=ll1&tag=1331-ipl-20&linkId=ecef99e7bcd97a412d66516266c706c9 I don’t think it would draw too much extra attention.

Good Day Asher, We have returned from India, the air quality was indeed horrible. We brought ‘Cambridge Masks’ with us, prevented breathing discomfort for us all and enjoyed the wonderful wedding. Thanks for your blog, it was key to our preparation. Regards, Stephen

Adapter problem is the main problem in India for the foreigners because adaptors used in India are different than other countries. So it is better to use your own extension. Drink bottle water, don’t eat street food because sometimes it may unhygienic.

Yes, here are the adapters my company sells https://www.amazon.com/Premium-India-Power-Adapter-Grounded/dp/B01MAX1PDT?tag=1331-ipl-20

Lots of great tips to survive this country alone, all while having a great time!

These tips are useful and helpful for us .foreigners can have a lot of fun in India.there are green hills ,green fields and beaches in India , I would recommend to visit to kasoli ,manali these places.

I love the beaches in Kerala – they’re so relaxing and dreamy! 🙂

Couldn’t have written it better. As an Indian, I can understand how overwhelming traveling in the country is, especially when you are stared at But truth be told, I’m glad you enjoyed yourself. Feels nice to have people appreciate your culture and accept it for all it’s faults Thank you for sharing this. Stay blessed. Malvika.

Thanks Malvika! 🙂

Wow killer tips on India., Good stuff. We spent 4 weeks in India on a whirlwind itinerary visiting 6 different regions yet only really scratching the surface of this complex and diverse country.

Loved your photos! And glad you like my tips 🙂

Wow, thank you very much for the effort. Going to India in a couple weeks so that is really helpful. Especially the tips for not getting scammed are awesome since I´m quite good at getting ripped off.

Haha – I’m so glad you’ve found it useful! It makes my day to get comments like this 😀

Memorize those scams and you will minimize the chances of falling for them!

Correct, we all Learn from mistakes. lol!

Thank you so much Asher, your tips is super useful for prepare my India trip.^=^

My pleasure, Kunlada!

Hi Asher Your Experience with India Tour help other foreigners too and it is really great and valuable information to all tourists or foreigners. It’s glad to know you are appreciated other country’s culture. Stay Blessed and Keep Visiting India.

I think this is one of the best-written posts about India – with almost everything being covered. India overwhelms an outsider at first, but slowly but surely draws travelers around the world 🙂 The best way to experience India is to be open minded!

Thanks Reshma! Yes, India will teach you to be open minded if you’re not already! 🙂

Thank you so much for this useful information. This is one of the best tips and reviews I had read for India. Again thanks.

My pleasure, Reza!

I’m glad you found it useful 🙂

Internet access. How is internet in the cities, such as Rishikesh? My partner relies on his internet connection to work. Can you find hostels or rent a house with strong and fast internet in Rishikesh? Thanks

Internet varies widely across India and even within a city.

Most accommodations offer wifi but it can be very slow. If you want to get reliable fast Internet, the best bet is a 4G Dongle like this http://www.airtel.in/4g/index#!plans-and-devices/on-the-go

Have a great trip!!

India is many things to many people. Keep an open mind when you get there and take each day as it comes. Having an itinerary is important because the country is too big with thousands of tourist attractions.

Hi Asher, I have 3 American friends whom I met while on journey to NeyYork and I finally persuaded them to come to India after 4 years of being in touch. They liked coconut water and spicy food and local transport especially tonga Your post is indeed a total reflection of the extent of awesomeness which they have encountered in their journey to India

Hi Asher, thanks for all the awesome info. Quick question (well, depends… :). My friend & I are off to India for a month in Feb-March, flying into Delhi. I want to see Varanasi, he wants to see turquoise waters and we both want to do some hiking and see the hill stations, probably in Kerala. Any beach suggestions for pretty landscape & less crowds? Would like to avoid Goa! Cheers & continued happy travels!

I’ve heard great things about Varkala. It is quite crowded but it’s very beautiful. There might be some less popular beaches nearby there too.

I wanted to express thanks for creating this site! I was just googling “what to eat in India” and your site popped up! It was a pleasant surprise since I think we have some Fairfield friends in common.

Leaving for my second trip to India this week and your site reminded me of a few things I need to pack!

Best, Genevieve

Hi Genevieve!

Thanks! I’m glad you found my site helpful! 🙂

And yes, I think we have a lot of friends in common. I know Heather H. and Austin A. quite well. I love how small the Internet makes the world.

Have a wonderful time in India!!

Thank you Asher for the wealth of information. I’m leaving next week for New Delhi and this endeavor of yours has helped tremendously.

One question: I’d like to hire a driver who might also serve as a tour guide for the 2 weeks I’m there. Do you have any ideas?

Once again, thanks for your splendid work!

Namaste, Leo

Excellent blog. There are so many places to travel in India. Foreigners can have a lot of fun in India. There are green hills, green fields in India.You have sharewd in detail. Its really appreciable.

Just came across this site and want to tell you how informative it is. My husband and I will be leaving for India the end of October with a small tour group and basically visiting the golden triangle region Delphi,Agra and Jaipur for a few days then off to Nepal for a few more. Question: What is your opinion / requirement On immunization. Should We be taking malaria pills before leaving, hepetitus A and B vaccines. Don’t mind being vaccinated for hepetitus but don’t really want to take malaria medication. I hear you need to take before and after a trip and it can also make you sick.

Excellent tips and its one of the most comprehensive lists i have read in a while! Thanks Asher

Im going to india with my boyfiend for three weeks in January and after reading this I AM SO EXCITED. I wish we had longer to visit!

In India there is many temples and cultural tourist places,these are very different and wonderful from another. every one like tourist places in India and wants to take a lot of fun in these places in India.

I think this post is sufficient for new visitors in India. Thank you so much for all your effort on this blog. I really appreciate it. While searching on India travel I found your site.

The Post has been written incredibly with lots of pictures. Thanks for writing on India.

Thank you Asher for all the invaluable information. I am months away from visiting India and your guide will be my compass for preparation. Just one comment, I am 74, US resident and the travel insurance company you mentioned (and I found the same about most others) has a cutoff at 69 yrs. As I am sure a good percentage of your readers are seniors you may consider to present information aimed at them. I have found Allianze here as one place where seemingly there is no age limit. Cheers, Joseph

I’ve heard some people mention that. I’m sorry World Nomads doesn’t cover your age group. I will look into Allianz.

We really enjoy all the usefull tips on your site; they’re highly appreciated. We started following usefull travel tips since we have booked flights to Delhi this Winter 2017 travelling two adults and our three 14-11-8 year children. We’ve booked camel safari in Jaisalmer, Thar desert but all train tickets are sold out and the domestic flight is quite expensive (INR 124.000/five persons) but the only option still avaliable.

Alternatively we have looked at Pushkar desert that is easier to reach.

Do you have any knowledge of the difference between the two desert areas – would Jailsalmer be worth the difference in cost and travel time?

Hope to hear from you, and greetings from Denmark

Regards Valdemar

Hi Valdemar,

Sounds like a great trip you’ve got planned!

I don’t have experience in the difference between those two deserts. Although, I’ve found that if you can minimize travel time within India it’s always a good thing and saving the money is a bonus too! 🙂

Have a wonderful time!

Excellent article with so many useful tips about India. I am so happy that i stumbled upon to this blog. I have not seen a comprehensive India Travel Guide blog post like this before. Thank you for sharing it!

Thanks Serhat.

thanks for sharing about india, it will help people who visit india first time. once again thanks author to share interesting info about india and india’s culture.

Great tips Asher!

I’ve been to India before but that was back in 2005! I’m going to India again next year, so some of your updated tips will come in handy as many things have changed.

Thanks for writing and sharing it!

Excellent – let me know how your trip goes! 🙂

Am looking for advice on hiring a driver/car for a longer distance. Specifically from Jaipur to Tordi Sagar, and then Tordi Sagar to Pushkar.

I always ask at my hotel for the person they recommend and I’ve almost always ended up with great drivers.

Hello, thanks for the great blog! Very helpful, the link to your travel adapter given in the PDF book says that it is not compaitable in India? Is this the incorrect link? Many thanks

Thanks! Yeah, I am currently out of stock of the India adapter so for some reason Amazon is forwarding any links to my International adapter which is not compatible with India. I know it’s confusing!

The India adapter will be back in stock within the next day or so.

Hello, thank you for such a lovely blog. I am very good friends with some Indian men I work with who invited my husband and me to visit their hometown outside of Mumbai. We would be guests in one of their mothers’ house.

I am so excited to explore the beautiful colors, tastes, and sounds of India and meet his warm and friendly family.

My concern is that I am chronically ill and I rely on my husband very much. I am so worried about not being able to touch him or hold his hand in public when I need assistance and going through the airline queues alone etc.

I do not look sick. But I suffer from severe chronic pain and weakness and other health problems. Some days I cannot get out of bed and I am worried my hosts will think I am disrespectful because I actually look fairly fit.

I am also terrified of the unclean water and I have extremely uncommon food intolerances (all grains of any kind, potatoes, eggplant, dairy, soy and a few more) I am so worried about offending my hostess if I cannot eat something. Also, I am asthmatic and concerned about pollution and not being able to find a hospital if I get sick.

As an unlucky aside…. I am left handed… oh well.

Anyway, I have always wanted to go to India. I want to meet my friend’s family, learn about the culture, appreciate the food and history. If I don’t go now, I may never get another chance.

I was so excited about the invitation but sometimes I feel too sick to leave my house let alone my country.

How can I make preparations for my health without offending my friends by implying their country is unclean?

I want to travel but I am way too sick to risk food poisoning or eat something I am allergic to because I don’t want to mortify my friend’s mother.

Hi Jessica,

I am so sorry to hear about your health challenges – it sounds very hard. 🙁

To be totally honest, I don’t think it’s a good idea to go to India with these challenges you mention. India is a wild place and I don’t think you would have a good time based on what you’ve said.

If you really want to go I would consult your doctor for professional advice.

thank you for this great blog. i am looking for information about the best way to connect to the internet while traveling through india. (for work purposes, not just skype, email, google maps. i want to be sure that i can upload/download large files). i am considering getting a trabug phone, but wondering if i will be able to connect my macbook air to that wifi. i’ve been looking into services that deliver the wifi device to you in the US, but i am having a hard time finding if they work in india. any advice would be much appreciated!

I would use a USB 4G Wifi dongle that you can get in India. Here is some info from Airtel https://www.airtel.in/4g/index#!plans-and-devices/on-the-go

The challenge may be in getting the device as a foreigner. If you have any business colleagues in India – I would ask them to see if they can get it setup for you and then they could send it to your hotel if you won’t see them in person.

Thanks for the great info- i have only just begun to look at India today and this is probably all the info i need! Only been on the computer for an hour! I do have one question though.. where the hell do you start? I have in mind going by myself, or maybe with a friend if i can persuade them.. but India is so big, that i have no idea where to begin.

Id be looking to go for around 3 weeks, and travel to 3/4 different hotels. Any tips?

It totally depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, spirituality or healthcare it would take you do different parts of India. So I recommend thinking of what you want to get out of the trip and then going from there.

With that said I highly recommend going with a friend or joining a tour group if it’s your first trip. You can check Intrepid Tours to see the different options they have.

Another tip I have is to not try do too much in one trip. I rarely spend less than 3 or 4 days in any one location. That way I can really enjoy the place without getting too overwhelmed or tired from traveling between locations.

Lastly, since the pollution can be horrendous in the big cities, I try to avoid them and instead go to smaller places that aren’t as bad.

Hi Asher, I’m on my way to India and l was wondering what the update on SIM cards are for Oct 2019. When l get off the plane, l hope to find a sim vendor. Do you know a good one? Thank you muchly for your great post. Being a little older and going by myself (two days before l join the tour group), l had much anxiety until l fell onto your blog, and l read EVERYTHING! I no longer have nightmares. 😉 Kindest regards, Lorelie

Just wanted to say thank you for the tips. We are heading to tour the golden triangle in a few weeks time and I’ve just bought most of the items you recommend to pack.

Really comprehensive tips for any traveler. I’ve made use of some of them in my travels too. Thanks!

Hi Asher, Thanks for all your helpful points, I am traveling alone as a woman and would like to know the following : what clothes should I take with me as the weather in March looks really hot, can I take a suitcase with food that I am happy to eat including bottles of water, you mentioned that its important to wear a wedding ring if you dont is it a big issues, which tour company do you suggest as I found a company who offers solo trips with a dedicated driver for the week. Modesty seems to be important so you suggest a shawl do I travel with that all the time ? lastly where do you suggest we keep phones , passport etc while going on the tours.

Thanks for you amazing guidance Karen

Your blog is very helpful for all traveler. I search on google for travelling tips and i got the your blog. I read it and i am happy with your tips because your tips are very useful. Thanks for sharing the great information. Good Luck!

Excellently written tips, in a world where information needs to punchy or it’s skipped I found myself read the entirety of it. 🙂

Me and my partner wish to travel to Goa but also visit some poorer places away from the beaten track and buy children shoes and food etc, we wanted to do something selfless for her 30th instead of self indulgence. You say don’t give children money is this culturally not acceptable or does trouble come this in terms of countless children lining up?. It is something we plan to do so we would like to know how to hit the ground running.

Nicely compiled list. Traveling to india can be challenging but ultimately hugely rewarding. Travel to india should be on every traveler’s bucket list. So many different cultures, festivals, languages, food. Such diversity is hard to find anywhere else in the world. A place to use your five senses to the fullest 😉

The post is worth for the people who plan to visit India for the first time. All the point discussed above in the post are somewhere true and useful to have a memorable visit to India. But apart from these points I want to introduce one more point if you consider: The Online Coupons in India for Booking flight & Hotels, online shopping, wallets promo codes, and even more. Today people, in India use online coupons for saving more money on shopping and using web services. Their are some genuine coupon sites like SavioPlus, Coupon Raja, etc. which are useful for saving extra money.

I will travel to India on 11th August, the destinations will be Bangalore, Mumbai, New Delhi and Agra, I will stay in 5 stars hotels during my journey since I will travel alone! Your blog has been really helpful, thanks for sharing!!

I am travelling to India in December. I will be doing a 20-day group tour of Northern India, using mostly buses and overnight trains. I am finding it hard to decide on what bag is should take on the trip for my luggage. I am stuck between a backpack (one I’ve taken on many hiking trails) and a heavy-duty duffel bag with a long strap to put over my shoulder.

If you have any suggestions, that would be greatly appreciated.

A great collection of tips to take care while traveling to India. Currently, living in UK and planning to visit in January 2019. I’ll more happy if you share what special precautions should I take during my visit?

India is the perfect example of colorful world. You will find both good and bad here. The thumb rule is to be aware of the country vibes. Your post says it all.

come to pakistan once 🙂

Great content. Here all information’s are very useful to everyone. Thanks for all these information.

good help to others get this link through http://www.indigo-air.net get good servce and hoapitality

I really like your post, it has some interesting and useful points. Are you currently dealing with a malicious program called 9oogle?

Thank you so much for sharing a great information. I appreciate your time and effort in your work. Keep posting…

India is nice country to visit. We are heartly welcomes all foreigners to visit out country..

Collection of good information and tips for foreign tourist in India. This information will be very helpful for them to travel healthy and safe in India. For tourist places in India with detail information, recommendations and tips of that tourist place you can also visit on the website https://www.touristbug.in/.

Thanks for your blog….very informative and spot on with your advice. Probably the best thing my wife and I took to India though is something that seldom gets mentioned, and that’s a surge protector.

My wife needs to plug in a cpap machine at night. Our surge protector not only keeps this costly machine safe from India’s wonky power, but provides a 5′ cord which is handy in foreign hotel rooms. Even handier though is that it also gives us numerous USB ports to charge our devices overnight as well as a second Nth American outlet.

The model we chose fits in a little bag about 8″ x 5″ x 2″ and, being virtually a plastic box with a cord attached, weighs less than 1/2 a pound. With one of these along, you can even get away traveling with less wall adaptors.

Thanks again for your informative blogs.

I really appreciate your hard work. The blog is highly informative & I will certainly share this link to to those travelers who are planning to visit India.

Great, piece of Knowledge. Really interesting about India.

Amazing information! When I visit India, I will keep these tips in my mind.

Great advice! Sounds very scary but I’m sure if you stay near touristy spots you’ll encounter less of this.

Grt job!I find your article very informative and interesting.keep posting.

There are many tips to follow for foreigners travelling to india. Do not get fooled by local people

Great and informative article. Contact India Trotter if anyone wants a luxury and safe trip to India.

The details you have described in this blog is so useful for the traveler who wants to explore India in a unique way. I think this blog covered satisfy the necessities of each traveler, whether they want to explore India cultural or natural beauty. Thanks for sharing

Hello, I like a blog is the best trip to travel India Famous culture Temples is nice. Thank you for share us

Let me share this article on my personal facebook, because I found the sharing information quite detailed and useful. In the near future, I have a similar travel plan, so I will consult to go for easy and most convenient.

Wow, what an exhaustive list. Loved how you categorized the sections making it easier for readers to go through the list.

Well! huge informative post! Interesting to read this blog

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Great Book. What facilities are there to do laundry. Do the hotels provide such service?

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I think your exploration is waste and you didn’t have wide experience. If every things are polluted in India in the sense how we peoples are living here.

such a nice and inspirational knowledge for foreign tourist and this blog is very helpful for tourist, i refer your blog to our friends and family members..

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Awesome Info to share keep doing this kind of things

Now a days dental tourism is the most popular things to visit India.

I really like your post, it has some interesting and useful points for tourist. Contact PACIFIC TOUR INDIA if anyone wants a luxury and safe trip to India.

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Great tips Asher, very detailed pieces of information. Impressed to see that you have even covered the smallest points of concerns. If you are planning your next visit to India, you can contact us at https://www.shivoydmc.com/. We are a destination management company based in Bangalore.

Thank you, your advice is very good, it really helped me a lot, good luck on your next trips!

Nice blog. I really like it. Thanks for sharing this blog with us.

Great information – glad I discovered your stuff. Ordered some things on your Amazon links. Question – Are you allowed to take ANY rupees into the country? I am able to get them in Texas but have heard everything from “it’s forbidden to bring any amount in and you could be arrested if you do” to “You can bring in under 25,000 Rs if you don’t want to declare it, but if you bring more you have to declare it.” I called three different Indian consulates and got three completely different answers. What’s your experience? I’m not looking to bring in heaps of money, just trying to avoid waiting in line at a currency counter at the airport just so I can buy a bottled water and catch a cab. Also worried about going to ATMs (what if they eat my card – it’s happened!).

I read that Lyric is paleo. I have to eat paleo for my autoimmune conditions or I am miserable! How can I do this in India? I am planning on bringing jerky and some snacks but I am traveling with my husband on university business and I know there will be some times when I would like to join in on the meals. Thank you! Nancy

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I have been to India many many times and I still got a few tips from your amazing post. You guys really know how to write an insightful post. It was very inspiring. I think my favourite point was Coca-Cola can be a godsend and I would agree with this point wholeheartedly. I look forward to reading more of your posts and thankyou.

Really your post is very useful for who wants travel to India. Few information I got after reading this post. Keep posting such great informative blogs.

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Best things to do in India

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

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• best-things-to-do-in-india

Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert

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written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 05.10.2022

Extending from the summits of the Himalayas to the tropical greenery of Kerala, India encompasses an incomparable range of landscapes and cultures. As a result, it’s impossible to see everything in a single trip, which is why we’ve highlighted some of the country’s top attractions. Note, though, that these are just a handful of things not to miss in India — for more, read The Rough Guide to India .

1. Majestic Jaisalmer fort

• 2. Kanha National Park — India's top wildlife reserve
• 3. Gokarna's sacred beaches

4. Taj Mahal Majesty

• 5. Khajuraho's temples

6. Keoladeo National Park — bird paradise

7. varanasi — one of the top things not to miss in india.

• 8. Jodhpur's mighty Mehrangarh Fort
• 9. Amritsar's Golden Temple
• 10. Jaipur's Rajasthani craft markets

11. Gangotri and the Gaumukh Glacier

12. romantic udaipur, 13. palolem — a picture-perfect beach, 14. manali–leh highway road-trip.

• 15. Dharamsala's Tibetan culture

16. Madurai — ancient city of sculptures

• 17. Trekking Ladakh and Zanskar
• 18. Boating Kerala's backwaters

19. Fatehpur Sikri — glorious ghost city

20. exploring ellora caves, tailor-made travel itineraries for india, created by local experts.

13 days  / from 1800 USD

A Trek Through Ladakh's Markha Valley

Trek through the Markha Valley, taking in the jaw-dropping Himalayan landscape, camp in traditional mountain villages, and discover hilltop monasteries. This unique journey combines the culture of the Buddhist faith with the natural beauty of the mountains and the hustle and bustle of Delhi.

15 days  / from 2745 USD

Rajasthan: The Land of Kings

Experience the Land of Kings in luxury.This trip around Rajasthan takes you to Jaipur's palaces, sacred pilgrimage sites and deep into the desert hills. Breathe in the excitement of Delhi and visit the Taj Mahal. Then come nightfall, lay your head to rest in former royal palaces and magical forts.

6 days  / from 785 USD

The Holy City of Varanasi

The flat, sunburnt plains of the Ganges River are India's breadbasket: a densely populated area, it is home to many of the country's greatest sights. See Delhi and all its treasures, then fly to Varanasi, the most sacred stretch of the Ganges and one of India's most intense and atmospheric places.

Tailor-made trips for   India

Located in the western Indian state of Rajasthan,  Jaisalmer Fort is one of India’s most beautiful citadels .

Giant honey-coloured bastions enclose a labyrinth of narrow streets dotted with sandstone havelis and temples. And all this is dominated by the Palace of the Maharawal, open to the public as the Fort Palace Museum.  

The palace’s five-storey facade displays some of the finest masonry in Jaisalmer. Inside, the museum offers an intriguing snapshot of the life of Jaisalmer’s rulers through the ages. Meanwhile, the rooftop terrace gives unrivalled views over the city and surrounding countryside.

Top experience

Book a private tour of Jaisalmer City and Fort that includes a camel safari. 

• Where to stay
• Best for panoramic views: Hotel Garh Jaisal . This charmer's roof terrace offers the best panoramas in the fort. 
• Best for families:  Surya . Simple rooms and great views won’t break the bank.
• Best for couples: 1st Gate . A gorgeous boutique hotel with an on-site spa.

Find more places to stay in Jaisalmer .

Jaisalmer fort — one of our hands-down things not to miss in India © muzato/Shutterstock

2. Kanha National Park — India's top wildlife reserve

Deep in the eastern tracts of Madhya Pradesh , Kanha National Park is widely considered the greatest of India’s wildlife reserves.

Encompassing some 940 square kilometres of deciduous forest, savanna grassland, hills and gently meandering rivers, it’s home to hundreds of species of birds and animals. 

While tiger and leopard sightings are not guaranteed, even fleeting glimpses should be considered a great privilege. Moreover, the park's striking landscapes and overall wealth of wildlife make it a rewarding place to spend a few days.

In the unlikely event, your lodge can't organise your trip to Kanha National Park, you’ll need to book an entry ticket via the  Madhya Pradesh Forestry Department .

• Best for birders: Pugmark Resort . Family-run, this boasts a central campfire and birdwatching tower.
• Best for eco-friendly luxury:  Singinawa . A top-end lodge with a pool and 100 acres of wildlife-filled grounds.
• Best for families:  Kipling Camp . Beautiful wood-beamed cottages with private verandas.

Explore more places to stay near Kanha National Park . 

Kanha National Park is a paradise for wildlife watchers © Santanu Banik/Shutterstock

3. Gokarna's sacred beaches

Among India’s most scenically situated sacred sites, Gokarna lies between a broad white-sand beach and the verdant foothills of the Western Ghats. 

Clustered around a long L-shaped bazaar, Gokarna has been a Shaivite centre for more than two millennia. Its main road runs west to the town beach, which is a sacred site in itself. Hindu mythology identifies it as the place Shiva was reborn from the underworld after a period of penance. 

Today Gokarna’s numerous temples and shrines continue to draw pilgrims, with the atmalinga (or pranalinga) enshrined in the medieval Shri Mahabaleshwar temple. 

South of town, several beautiful beaches reveal themselves. Hike over the headland from Kudle to reach exquisite Om Beach, so named because its twin crescent bays resemble the auspicious Om symbol. 

If you're set on a chilled-out coastal break, read up on the best beaches in India .

• Best for indie travellers: Nimmu House . Beach views in a modern block and leafy location.
• Best for rejuvenation: Namaste Yoga Farm . Sea-view cottages, organic food and complimentary yoga.
• Best for luxury: Swaswara . Beautiful wood villas spread over hillside terraces overlooking the bay. 

Browse more great places to stay in Gokarna .

Om Beach, Gokarna, India © Vladimir Zhoga/Shutterstock

Oft-cited as the most beautiful building in the world, the majesty of the Taj Mahal never fails to overwhelm those who see it in real life.

While the magic of this monument to love is strangely undiminished by throngs of tourists, it’s at its most alluring in the early morning. During these lesser-crowded hours, you’ll find it shrouded in mist and a soft red glow. That said, the Taj Mahal also features in our gallery of the world's best sunset spots .

Whatever time of day you visit, it's truly one of the most romantic places in India , and the world, for that matter.

Skip the inevitable line by booking your ticket to the Taj Mahal in advance.  

• Best for indie travellers:  Sakura Guest House . A well-run, good-value guesthouse near Idgah Bus Station. 
• Best for modern chic: Hotel Clarks Shiraz . Pricier rooms at this sprawling five-star offer distant Taj Mahal views. 
• Best for Taj access: Hotel Sheela . Spacious rooms around a little garden, and very close to the Taj.

Find more places to stay near the Taj Mahal .

Taj Mahal © Richie Chan/Shutterstock

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5. Khajuraho's temples

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the immaculately preserved Hindu temples of  Khajuraho  are renowned for their uncompromisingly erotic carvings. 

Built between the tenth and twelfth centuries AD, these are the greatest architectural achievement of the Chandella dynasty, yet it’s still not known exactly why they were built. Some say they’re a “how-to” guide for brahmin boys, while others claim they symbolize the wedding party of Shiva and Parvati.  

Either way, they’re spectacularly intricate, with their beauty shifting through the day. They glow warm pink at sunrise, white at midday, and switch back to pink at sunset. Magic. 

• Best for peace-seekers: Hotel Zen . With a Zen-influenced garden, this has free on-site yoga and meditation.
• Best for luxury:  Lalit Temple View . Shaded groves, sumptuous rooms and first-class spa treatments.
• Best for budget travellers:  Zostel.  This India-wide hostel chain offers bright, clean dorms and private rooms.

Explore more places to stay near Khajuraho .

Khajuraho temples © Kevin Standage/Shutterstock

The perfect antidote to the frenzy and pollution of nearby Agra and Jaipur , Keoladeo National Park in the Rajasthan region is Asia’s most famous bird reserve,

Some 385 species have been recorded here, including around two hundred year-round residents, along with 190-odd migratory species. These travel from as far afield as Tibet, China, Siberia and even Europe.

Keoladeo is probably best known for its stupendous array of aquatic birds, which descend on the park’s wetlands following the arrival of the monsoon in July. These include the majestic saras crane and a staggering two thousand painted storks, plus snake-necked darters, spoonbills, white ibis and grey pelican.  

But it’s not all about the birds — expect to see wild boar, mongoose, antelope, jackal, jungle cat, chital, nilgai and sambar. All of which means, Keoladeo National Park should be at the top of wildlife-lovers' "things not to miss in India" list.

Browse places to stay in Bharatpur .

Keoladeo National Park © Sourabh Bharti/Shutterstock

Founded by Shiva, and known as the City of Light,  Varanasi  is one of the oldest living cities in the world. 

Stretching along the River Ganges, its waterfront is dominated by stone ghats, where thousands of pilgrims and residents come for their daily ritual ablutions. 

Varanasi is among the holiest of all tirthas — “crossing places” — that allow devotees access to the divine, and enable gods and goddesses to come down to earth.  

As such, Varanasi has attracted pilgrims throughout its history. Today widows and the elderly come here to live out their final days, finding shelter in temples, and assisted by alms from the faithful.

Top experiences

• Book a boat trip to Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the Aarti prayer service and Aarti Agni Pooja prayer to Shiva, followed by dinner.
• Book a morning yoga class on the banks of the river.
• Best for couples: Shiva Ganges View Guest House . A lovely old house with cosy rooms and a veranda.
• Best for cheery vibes: Ganpati Guide House . Friendly, colourful and arranged around a courtyard.
• Best for luxury: Palace on Ganges . A fancy hotel on the Ganges with a rooftop restaurant.

The Rough Guides to India and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Find more places to stay in Varanasi .

Varanasi, India © Joolyann/Shutterstock

8. Jodhpur's mighty Mehrangarh Fort

For size, strength and sheer physical presence, few sights in India can rival Jodhpur’s mighty  Mehrangarh Fort . In fact, it features in our run-down of the  world's most epic fortresses .

The epitome of Rajput power and extravagance, the fort's ramparts tower above a labyrinthine, blue-painted old city. Its mass of impregnable masonry appears to have grown from the enormous rock outcrop it stands on.

If the steep walk up to the fort from the old city seems too much like hard work, you can reach the entrance along the road from Nagauri Gate. 

• Take a walking tour of the Blue City in the company of an expert guide. 
• Given that Jodhpur is a great place to sample India’s great food and drink , you might want to combine touring the fort with a visit to glorious Mandore Garden and a local lunch experience .
• Best for community:  Durag Niwas . This friendly place runs programmes helping disadvantaged women. 
• Best for character:  Shahi Guest House . A welcoming guesthouse occupying a 350-year-old Mughal haveli.
• Best for couples:  Juna Mahal.  This almost-500-year-old, artefact-adorned haveli has great-value suites.

Discover more places to stay in Jodhpur . 

The glorious, golden Mehrangarh Fort © Alexandra Lande/Shutterstock

9. Amritsar's Golden Temple

Sikh pilgrims, domestic tourists and international visitors arrive en masse in  Amritsar  for one gleaming reason — the fabled Golden Temple. 

The largest city in  Punjab , Amritsar is dominated by the Golden Temple’s soaring domes. Given that this is one of the most captivating sights in the whole country, it’s definitely one of the top things not to miss in India. In fact, it’s one of the reasons you voted India one of the most beautiful countries in the world . 

Book a full-day tour of Amritsar  to shop local, eat local, marvel at the Golden Temple, and experience the India-Pakistan parade ceremony at Wagah Border.

• Best for central chic: Ramada Amritsar . Super-close to the temple, this has a fab rooftop pool.
• Best for couples: Hotel Grand . A well-located four-star with attentive service.
• Best for budget travellers: goStops Hostel . Comfy rooms and a rooftop with top Temple-ward views.

Browse more places to stay in Amritsar .

Amritsar's glorious Golden Temple – one of our top things not to miss in India © JE TAE GYEONG/Shutterstock

10. Jaipur's Rajasthani craft markets

The teeming bazaars of the Pink City in Jaipur burst with vibrant cloth, jewellery, Persian-style pottery and semiprecious stones. It's simply the best place to shop in the Subcontinent.

Jaipur’s attractions fall into three distinct areas. At the heart of the urban sprawl, the historic Pink City is where you’ll find the fine City Palace and the Hawa Mahal. 

The leafier and less hectic area south of the Pink City is home to the Ram Niwas Gardens and Central Museum. Meanwhile, the city’s outskirts are dotted with intriguing relics of royal rule, most notably Nahargarh Fort.

See — and snap — the Pink City in its best light on a tour of Jaipur's best photography spots .

• Best for romantics:  Rambagh Palace . An opulent palace complex in 47 acres of beautiful gardens.
• Best for atmosphere:  Samode Haveli . In an unbeatably central location, this superb old haveli oozes charm.
• Best for budget travellers:  Atithi Guest House . Pleasant rooms and an attractive rooftop terrace.

Explore more places to stay in Jaipur .

Traditional Indian crafts © neelsky/Shutterstock

The atmospheric village of Gangotri in the Uttarakhand area serves as a base for a trek to the heart of the Hindu faith. Namely, Gaumukh — source of the Ganges. 

Although the wide Alaknanda may have a better technical claim to be the main channel of the Ganges, Gangotri is for Hindus the spiritual source of the great river. Meanwhile, its physical source is the ice cave of Gaumukh on the Gangotri Glacier. 

From here, the River Bhagirathi begins its tempestuous descent through mighty gorges. As such, this showcases India's natural majesty, and offers some of the most exhilarating sports and outdoor activities in India .

Browse places to stay in Gangotri .

India's Gaumukh Glacier is a gobsmackingly epic sight © Nila Newsom/Shutterstock

If you are looking for more exotic destinations - choose your perfect option in our list of the most exotic places to travel.

Spreading around the shores of Lake Pichola, and backed by a ring of craggy green hills, the city of  Udaipur  paints a romantic picture.  

Think ornately turreted palaces, dazzling havelis and bathing ghats clustered around lakes or, in the case of the Lake Palace hotel and Jag Mandir Palace, floating on the lakes. 

North of the city, you’ll find the historic temples of Nagada, Eklingji, Nathdwara and Kankroli. To northwest, en route to Jodhpur, lie the superb Jain temples of Ranakpur and Kumbhalgarh's rambling fort.

Book a guided tour of the palace complex, followed by a self-guided boat trip on Lake Pichola .

 Where to stay

• Best for big spenders: Taj Lake Palace . Think butler service and limos on its own island. 
• Best for budget beauty: Lalghat Guest House . A lovely lakeside spot with basic singles, doubles and a dorm.
• Best for families:  Panorama .Cosy great-value rooms, a house tortoise, and rooftop restaurant with lake views.

Explore more places to stay in Udaipur .

Jag Mandir Palace appears to float on Udaipur's Lake Pichola © Blue Sky Studio/Shutterstock

This exquisite crescent-shaped beach in Goa’s  relaxed south is famous for its dolphins and local alcoholic spirit, feni. 

Lined with a curtain of coconut palms, the bay forms a perfect curve of golden sand. Little wonder, then, that Palolem becomes somewhat deluged by tourists from late November.  

For more peace, head to smaller, quieter Patnem beach, just a short walk south around the headland.

• Best for beachside living: Cozy Nook . One of Goa’s most attractive spots, with three classes of bamboo huts.
• Best for honeymooners: Village Resort . The area’s most stylish place to stay, but not on the beach.
• Best for peace:  OM Meditation & Yoga Beach Resort . Run by Cozy Nook, this tent camp is a silent space. 

Peruse more places to stay in Palolem .

South Goa bungalows © Dan Baciu/Shutterstock

Adventurers wondering about things not to miss in India would do well to tackle India’s epic Himalayan road trip. Namely, the Manali–Leh Highway.

Since it opened to foreign tourists in 1989, it's replaced the old Srinagar–Kargil route as the most popular approach to Ladakh .

In summer, a stream of vehicles set off from the Kullu Valley to travel along the second-highest road in the world. Crossing vast lunar wilderness and some of the world's highest mountain passes, it reaches a dizzying altitude of 5328m at Tanglang La.

Depending on road conditions and type of vehicle, the 485km journey can take anything from seventeen to thirty hours. Its surface varies wildly from smooth asphalt, to dirt tracks sliced by glacial streams. 

Into epic wheeled-excursions? Read up on some of the world’s best road trips .

Barlachala pass along the epic Manali–Leh Highway © Avik/Shutterstock

15. Dharamsala's Tibetan culture

Home to the Dalai Lama and Tibetan government in exile, Dharamsala — or, more correctly, its upper town McLeod Ganj — is one of Himachal’s most irresistible destinations.

Perched on the edge of the Himalayas, and spread across wooded ridges beneath the Dhauladhar Range, the town is divided into two distinct sections. These are separated by 10km of a perilously twisting, high-altitude road.

McLeod Ganj has been transformed by Tibetan refugees fleeing Chinese oppression in their homeland. As a result, Tibetan influence here is very strong, with temples, schools, monasteries, nunneries and meditation centres.

It's also home to the most extensive library of Tibetan history and religion, and a starting point for exhilarating treks into the high Himalayas. All that considered, you might want to read up on Dharamsala’s many delights .

Take a full-day tour with an expert guide to see iconic landmarks like the Dalai Lama Temple and Bhagsu Falls.

• Best for basics: Shanti Café & Guesthouse . A welcoming lodge with a few colourful, compact rooms.
• Best for foodies: Hotel Sky Pie . Friendly, lively, with budget rooms, smarter rooms, and a great restaurant. 

Discover more places to stay in  Dharamsala .

A Tbetan Buddhist temple in Dharamsala-© hrui/Shutterstock

Situated on the banks of the River Vaigai,  Madura i is one of the oldest cities in South Asia. In fact, it’s been an important centre of worship and commerce for thousands of years. 

Sitting centre stage is the spectacular, medieval Sri Meenakshi-Sundareshwarar Temple — a maze of shrines and colonnades, with an estimated 33,000 sculptures. 

The life of the temple is absorbing, from the puja ceremonies, weddings, and brahmin boys under religious instruction, to the prostrations of countless devotees and the market stalls just inside the east entrance.

• Best for luxury: Gateway Hotel . Madurai’s most exclusive hotel, set in 25 acres of manicured gardens in the hills.
• Best for families: Fortune Pandiyan . Large, quiet, comfortable rooms, away from the centre.

Take a look at more places to stay in Madurai .

Meenakshi temple. Madurai © RudiErnst/Shutterstock

17. Trekking Ladakh and Zanskar 

For dedicated hikers, trekking the ancient footpaths that crisscross  Ladakh  and Zanskar is one of those sure-fire things not to miss in India. 

Expect to be stunned by an extraordinary moonscape as you traverse challenging trails that link remote Buddhist villages and monasteries.  

It’s fair to say that these paths provide some of the most inspiring trekking in the Himalayas. They’re long, hard and mightily high, but never dull.

Planning your trek

Most hikers arrange their trips as package treks, sold by agencies in Leh. 

Trekking independently is straightforward if you don’t mind haggling and are happy to organize the logistics yourself. To find ponies and guides, head for the Tibetan refugee camp at Choglamsar, 3km south of Leh.

Where to stay in Leh

• Best for families: Babu Guest House . A friendly backstreet guesthouse with a cute courtyard.
• Best for first-class treatment: Grand Dragon Ladakh . Professional service, fancy rooms, and excellent dining.
• Best for active types: Hotel Asia . Mountain views, bike hire, and pleasant staff.

Check out more places to stay in Leh .

© martinho Smart/Shutterstock

18. Boating Kerala's backwaters

The state of Kerala  has intoxicated visitors since the ancient Sumerians and Greeks sailed in search of spices to the shore known as the Malabar Coast. 

Stretching for 550km along India’s southwest coast, it’s divided between the densely forested mountains of the Western Ghats inland, and a lush coastal plain of lagoons, rivers and canals.  

One of the best aspects of exploring Kerala is travelling the spellbinding Kuttanad region by boat, especially historic Kollam (Quilon) and Alappuzha (Alleppey). 

Cruisers and beautiful wooden barges known as kettu vallam (“tied boats”) ply the backwaters, offering visitors a window on village life in India’s most densely populated state.

Browse places to stay in Kerala .

Get off Kerala's beaten track by boat © Curioso/Shutterstock

Straddling the crest of a rocky ridge on the Agra–Jaipur highway, the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri remains one of India’s architectural masterpieces . 

Former imperial capital of the Mughal emperor Akbar, the city was built between 1569 and 1585 as a result of his enthusiasm for the local Muslim divine, Sheikh Salim Chishti. 

The fusion of Hindu and Muslim traditions in its stunning red sandstone architecture says much about the religious and cultural tolerance of Akbar’s reign.

Book a  full-day private tour to explore Agra, the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. 

• Best for homely service: Goverdhan Hotel . Well-kept rooms arranged around a neat lawn, and good food.
• Best for buzz on a budget:  Hotel Goverdhan Tourist Complex . Decent functional rooms, plus a restaurant.

Explore more places to stay near Fatehpur Sikri .

Fatehpur Sikri, India © Roop_Dey/Shutterstock

A World Heritage Site with breath-taking Hindu, Buddhist and Jain caves carved from solid volcanic rock, the Ellora  Caves are unmissable if you’re heading to or from Mumbai.  

In all, 34 caves line the foot of the 2km-long Chamadiri escarpment as it tumbles down to meet the open plains.  

The site’s principal attraction is the colossal Kailash temple. Rearing from a sheer cavity cut from the hillside, a mass of solid basalt has been fashioned into a spectacular complex of colonnaded galleries and shrines.  

From Aurangabad, enjoy a full-Day tour of the Ajanta and Ellora Caves .

• Best for cosy charm: Hotel Kailas . This peaceful cave-side hotel has a good restaurant and range of activities.

Explore more places to stay near Ellora Caves .

Ellora Cave, India © Thotsaporn.S/Shutterstock

Planning an independent trip? Read up on places to get off the tourist trail in India and tips for backpacking India . You’ll also find tonnes more information in The Rough Guide to India . 

Our tips for first-time travellers to India will also help you plan you trip. 

Not a fan of planning? Consider booking a fully customisable trip to India. From exploring the Golden Triangle , to immersive wildlife adventures , Rough Guides’ tailor-made trips have you covered, not least when it comes to seeing all those things not to miss in India.

Ready for a trip to India ? Check out the snapshot Rough Guide to India . If you travel further, read more about the best places to visit and best things to do in India. For inspiration use the India itineraries from The Rough Guide to India and our local travel experts . A bit more hands on, learn about getting there , getting around the country and where to stay once you are there.

We may earn a commission when you click on links in this article, but this doesn’t influence our editorial standards. We only recommend services we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.

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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to India

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Book , Travel Books , Travel Guidebooks

5 best india travel guidebooks.

Have you ever wanted to read a travel guidebook based on India ? The idea of reading travel guide was out of my imagination until I made my very first trip to India back in 2014. Before the trip, although I was really curious of this great nation, I had a very little knowledge about India. So in search of useful travel tips I had to browse many pages online from different travel blogs and websites, it was time consuming though! In fact, the resources I have found were not enough to inspire me to travel to India.

Surprisingly, I was lucky to find some very useful travel guides that came with maps, historic & famous landmarks, popular places to visit, essential guide to Indian customs & culture , expert travel advices, budget travel guide , suggested itineraries , and breathtaking photographs. For me, the most important of all these were the culture guide. If you are serious of taking a trip to India in the future, please don’t go there without reading one of the following guidebooks. They will help you make your trip a great adventure and show you the right path to accomplish your mission in India!

1) Enjoying India: The Essential Handbook

With many historic landmarks , UNESCO world heritage sites , fascinating cultures, unlimited natural beauty, and endless festivals & events , India – the country has been in the list of “places you must visit before you die.” If you think that India is an incredible country to discover and you start dreaming of visiting it in the near future should read “ Enjoying India: The Essential Handbook ” written by J D Viharini . She looks like she is one of those foreign travelers who have traveled through most of the major cities and popular places across India with an intention to reveal the hidden discoveries.

Whether you are going to visit India for weeks or months or interested in moving there for years for a living, read this essential guide beforehand! It will treat you like a local who knows how to deal with the culture that is so different from your own and help you to communicate and understand what is going on around you. In fact, the book also covers other very important topics to experience the best of India. According to many including me, this is one of the very few books that guides you the best ways to enjoy the cities and culture of this beautiful country. Learning has no ending; if you agree with it, then don’t hesitate to read this highly recommended travel guidebook.

2) Lonely Planet India (Travel Guide)

“ Lovely Planet India ” – a comprehensive travel guide that takes readers on a journey through India’s most fascinating destinations with inspiring photographs, colorful maps , cultural insights, suggested itineraries, insider tips to save money and time including the history, religion, politics, wildlife, cuisine, landscapes, art and so on. If your travel plan includes the areas such as Delhi, Agra, Chennai, Jaipur, Goa, Mumbai, Darjeeling, Kolkata , and many more, don’t forget to read this book.

In addition, you will find honest reviews for all budgets about eating, sightseeing, sleeping, shopping, and going out. Information I have found in this guidebook about each area is very unique and crafted quite nicely. Before my very first trip to India I read this guide and was able to cope with things that seemed to me difficult. When you start reading this, you will learn to love exploring the country with joys and find a way to see the hidden discoveries the country has to offer. Anyone travelling to India would find it extremely useful. This book definitely has opened my eyes to discover the wonders of India! Probably this is the one travel guide that you must pay attention to if you embark on a trip to India. Believe me guys!

3) India: Where To Go, What To See – A India Travel Guide (India, Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Chennai)

India is a massive country in the Indian subcontinent with a large, rapidly growing population. Each region and community has its own culture! India’s vast and diverse nature is home to a great variety and abundance of wildlife. Everything looks pretty charming in India (except few) and that’s why it is said to be one of the greatest destinations in the world that attracts millions of visitors each year. “ India: Where to Go, What to See ” inspires you to see the country’s most amazing discoveries. It is a fantastic India travel guide comprises a lot of useful information on the major cities, sights, people, must-do activities , hotels, restaurants, traditions and culture.

If you are looking forward to an amazing experience in India, make sure you bring a travel guide like this that will deliver the best result when you take a trip to major cities like Mumbai , Delhi, Bengaluru , Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Chennai and many more. Traveling around is not the best thing you want to do, instead you have to know how to experience every single thing you encounter out there. Without doubt, by reading this comprehensive guide you would be able to make the most out of your time in India.

4) India: India Travel Guide: The 30 Best Tips For Your Trip To India – The Places You Have To See (New Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kolkata, Kashmir, Jaipur)

Explore India’s cultural heritage through this richly illustrated and informative travel guidebook. It highlights useful information on the cultural heritage of India, diverse Indian cuisines , metropolitan cities, night life, Do’s and Don’ts , important tourist destinations, what to wear, advice on buying things, what to bring in India, main festivals & holidays and much more. When I came across this fascinating guide, I felt pretty surprising and amazed knowing the travel resources I found there. I think you would find it surprising too!

Have you ever been to a place like Kolkata before? The city is just incredible especially with its colonial architecture though the heavy traffic jam out there is the biggest panic I have experienced during my trip. Don’t you forget that people there speak in Bengali ! However, you will find very practical travel guides with suggestions on Kolkata, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Jaipur, and so forth in this guide to enjoy your trip and overcome the difficulties you may face. All the best!

You can buy this book here .

5) India – Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture

The travel guides you see above are quite different than this one. Can you find out the main reason why? I have to admit that I have not read any book like this, which is very conscious and straight forward on the culture of India and its people. Reading “ India – Culture Smart ” I realized how different the Indian culture is from the one I belong to. It is probably the best Indian culture guidebook that every visitor must read before taking a trip to India.

It will open your eyes and teach you a great lesson to increase your practical knowledge on Indian culture and its history . Indeed, you will find this guide very useful for your golden trip to India. It did help me finding out the ways of dealing with it properly. Whether you are going take a trip to India or intend to know just its rich history and culture always hold this one in your hand in the first place. I think it will be a great combo if you collect this one with any of the travel guides described above.

My incredible travel experiences in India are unforgettable and I want to go back there again in the future. I know it is worth returning for! I have not lost my taste for this colorful country, instead I am looking forward to discovering  the Northeast India . Hopefully someday I will be there and make my dreams come true!

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India Travel Guide

Your ultimate india travel guide, with tips, and things to see and things to do in india. great for first-time and returning travelers..

We used to think that until we went to India we could never truly call ourselves world travelers. Why would we think this?

Well, India is overwhelming, to say the least. It’s a difficult travel that stirs all of your emotions. You will witness extreme poverty, yet extreme wealth. You will also witness suffering and sadness yet experience overwhelming kindness and warmth.

But make sure you keep an eye out for Scams too, there are a lot of  Travel Scams in India .

We spent three months in India traveling up the country on local trains and buses in every class. We loved it, we hated it and it has stuck with us forever.

We felt that if you could travel independently in India, you can travel anywhere and now we feel that we can truly call ourselves world travelers.  This India  travel guide  will help you plan your next vacation.

Popular City Guides

• Arunachal Pradesh
• Hampi Ruins

Our Highlight

Table of contents

Table of Contents

Fast Facts about India

• Power voltage is: 220-240 V; Plugs C & D
• Currency: The Indian Rupee – approximately 60 rupees to 1 USD
• ATMs can be found everywhere
• SIM Cards are easy to buy for your unlocked smartphones. Data is cheap and fast but you will have to get a different SIM card for each state.
• Tipping is expected in India, everyone expects backsheesh for everything.

Things to See and Do in India

• Go Bouldering in Hampi  – Hampi was one of our favourite destinations. We spent well over a week, in Hampi exploring it’s incredible ruins, surrounded by millions of boulders. Some so big that you can do a proper climb on them.
• BackWaters of Alleppy  – A boat tour of the Backwaters in Alleppy is a wonderful, relaxing experience. You can hire your own personal boat and putter through amazing culture and scenery.
• Holi Festival  – the most colourful and uplifting festival you will ever visit will be Holi in India. Get ready to be covered in powder and liquid as you dance through the streets.
• Practice Yoga  – If you have ever wanted to study yoga, India is the place to do it.
• Ayurvedic Massage  – Sign up for a month and really delve into the culture.
• Pakistan Border Ceremony – This is the best moment you’ll see in India. Each night at the Pakistan Border in Punjab a great spectacle happens as the changing of the guards put on a show.
• The Golden Temple   – Move over Taj Mahal the Golden Temple of Amritsar is the most incredible temple of India in our opinion.
• Udaipur  – Everyone will recognize Udaipur from the white hotel in the middle of the lake. Remember Octopussy? That’s the lake I’m talking about.
• Rajasthan is your gateway to the Thar Desert for a  camel safari . The Blue, Pink and Gold Cities aka Jodhpur, Jaipur and Jaisalmer are also located here and not to be missed.

India Travel Guides

• Udaipur – Things to do in The Most Romantic City in India
• India Train Travel
• 7 Best Hill Stations Near Delhi to Experience True India
• Arunachal Pradesh, India – 5 Experiences You Will Love
• 6 Reasons why you should visit North East India
• Solo Travel in India – Tips from a Local

Accommodation

Budget  – Budget hotels in India provide free Wi-Fi, airport transport, and clean family rooms. They start at $14 per night.

Mid Range  – Most of the mid-range hotels offer free breakfast, 24/7 room service, a television, and a balcony too. They cost up to $130 per night.

High End  – High-end hotels start at around $400 per night and may include a private gym, pool, and lounge.

Check out our favorite booking platforms  Booking.com ,  Tripadvisor  and  VRBO   for the best deals on accommodation in India.

• Alu Gobi  – It is a dry vegetable dish, cooked with potatoes, cauliflower, and Indian spices. The addition of turmeric powder makes it yellow. It is one of the most popular dishes ordered in restaurants. 
• Rogan Josh  – It is a staple of Kashmiri cuisine brought by the Mughals. It is a brilliant red that comes from the dried Kashmiri chilies. Lamb cooked with gravy is a must eat if you are a lamb lover.
• Samosas  – These are deep-fried or baked pastry types with savory fillings such as flavored potatoes, chicken, beef, onions, or peas. Samosas are common street food, and people eat them as a mid-day snack. 
• Malai Kofta  – Malai means “cream.” It is cooked in a creamy gravy that is made of tomatoes and cashew nuts. It’s an alternative for a vegetarian dish. 
• Tandoori Chicken  – This is a prevalent North India dish and is prepared with roasted chicken, yogurt, and spices. It is cooked in a clay oven that is known as a tandoor hence its name. The dish goes well with basmati rice and Naan.
• Beef Vindaloo  – This is a curry dish popular in the Goa region. A vindaloo paste can be a blend of chilies with coriander, cumin, and other authentic spices. It is a spicy dish, but many restaurants minimize the spice by reducing the number of chilies.
• Masala Chai  – Masala chai is a worldwide popular beverage originally made in India. It is traditionally made by brewing black tea with a mixture of herbs and spices. It is now even sold in teabag form.

The Best Ways to Get Around India

Getting to india:.

Flights:  There are direct flights available from Pakistan, China, Iran, Iraq and other countries too. The major airports in India are Indira Gandhi International Airport, Chennai International Airport, and Mumbai International Airport.

You can check for the best flights to India on  Skyscanner .

Transportation:

Train is the best way to get around India. India Rail has an extensive system that goes to every corner of the country. It is cheap, and you can book 2nd or 1st class seats for a very comfortable ride. But it can be confusing, read our full post on Navigating India Rail here.

Buses : Local buses are found in India, but you may want to travel in a group for safety.

Taxis / Uber : Uber cabs are found in India almost 24/7. They have a base fare of 47 Indian rupees.

Car Rental:  Car rentals in India start from $22 per day. You can also compare  prices here .

When to go To India

India is a big country and when packing you should take into consideration where you are going. The South is hot all year long so you can get away with packing light.

In Delhi, it gets very cold. We were there in January and temperatures hit zero.

Where to Stay in India

• Lakeside Chalet, Mumbai – Marriott Executive Apartments  – This is a luxurious accommodation in the city of Mumbai. These are clean apartments with free internet services and a full-sized kitchen in each room.
• Hilton Mumbai International Airport  – This is only 5 minutes away from the domestic terminal at Mumbai Airport. It is the top hotel choice for business travelers who don’t want to travel far away from the airport. They provide a private pool, bottled water, free breakfast, and other VIP facilities.
• The Leela Mumbai  – This is one of the finest and luxurious hotels in Mumbai, India. The hotel is surrounded by the breathtaking landscape of waterfalls and gardens and only 5 minutes away from Chatrapati Shivaji Airport.

Check out our favorite booking platforms Booking.com , Tripadvisor and VRBO for the best deals on accommodation.

What to Pack for India

In the desert it can fall to zero at night and the Himalayas is downright cold. Take this into consideration when packing. Here are a few essential items we recommend having on hand for India. For a full list see  13 Essential Items & 5 we wish we Had for India   and  Travel Gear, did we need it all?

• Pacsafe –  Train travel in India can be nerve-racking, especially if you have to keep an eye on your bags. Lock them to your bunk with a package and you’ll sleep safe and sound.
• Combination Padlock  – The same can be said for a padlock. It’s always good to give things an extra lock up when traveling in India
• Headlamps –  We found our headlamps invaluable. It’s amazing how often you are walking in the dark in India
• Ear Plugs –  India is loud. You’ll have a better night sleep if you wear earplugs. Check out  10 things that will ruin your sleep in India
• Wet Ones –  India is a dirty place, there’s no denying it. Have some handy wet naps to wash up in a snap
• Sarongs  – I think I have sarongs in every packing list. From covering up when visiting temples, being used as a towel or keeping cool on a hot night.

Note:  Women, be sure to dress modestly, India is mainly Hindu and has one of the largest Muslim populations at 177 million. Be respectful of the culture. Buying clothes in India is a great way to blend with the locals and be more comfortable. 

See our packing tips:  packing tips

India Travel Guide: Best Booking Resources

Whenever we travel to we make sure to start with these companies. We have tried a lot of different ones over the years and all of these have consistently proven to be the best when it comes to offering great prices.

We have used every one of these personally and continue to do so.

• Booking.com : This is our go site to when comparing prices for accommodation. It usually has the cheapest prices, especially in Europe and we love their interface. Not to mention you get free cancellation and you are guaranteed the best price.
• Trip Advisor :  What we like about Trip Advisor is that we can look at all the reviews and then book our accommodation. TripAdvisor is where we go when we want to compare prices with multiple accommodation providers.
• VRBO : is the main search engine we use when we are looking for a home or apartment rental. It can sometimes be cheaper than hotels and it is the best way to stay in areas that offer a more local feel.
• Hostelworld :  With one of the largest databases of hostels in the world, Hostelworld is the go-to site when you are looking for budget accommodation.
• Skyscanner : This is the first place we check for flights. It consistently comes back with the cheapest and best options. It allows us to compare a lot of airlines to get the best price.
• Rome 2 Rio :  If you want to see how to get somewhere by plane, train, bus, ferry or car Rome2Rio lays it all out for you as well as related costs.I love how they show it all to you on a Google Map and it works offline.
• Get Your Guide:  For all your day trip and city guide needs, we use Get Your Guide. It has the world’s largest collection of things to do with more than 30,000 activities in 7500 destinations.
• World Nomads Insurance:  When traveling to Italy you should always have travel insurance. We have found the best bang for your buck is by far World Nomads.

India Travel Guide: Related Articles

To browse all our articles and guides about India  click here.

24 Best Indian Dishes To Try in India or In An Indian Restaurant

Holi India – Celebrate the Festival of Colors

28 Facts About India That You Probably Never Knew About

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

India Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Slow down

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

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

2. Adjust your attitude

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

3. Be careful who you trust

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

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

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

4. Practice safe travel

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

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

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

5. Try a small group tour

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

6. Take the train

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

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

7. Eat the food

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

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

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

8. Get a local SIM card

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

9. Remember where you are

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

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

10. Follow the seasons

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

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

11. Visit attractions in the morning

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

12. Head into the countryside

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

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

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

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

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

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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I Traveled Through Southern India for 2 Weeks Without Checking a Bag — These 14 Products Made It a Breeze

These travel essentials come recommended by someone who has been traveling to Asia for 15 years.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Madison Woiten

For the last 15 years (with a brief exception for the COVID-19 pandemic), my family and I have celebrated Christmas and New Year’s abroad in Africa or Asia. From Madagascar, Indonesia, and Tanzania to Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore, I’ve gotten used to spending two weeks during the holidays in warm, muggy climates, swapping coats and boots for sandals and flowy dresses .

This year, my family and I spent two weeks bouncing around India’s southwestern state of Kerala, nicknamed “God’s own country” for the richness of its natural beauty . From misty mountain towns and river-framed cities to urban metropolises and the roaring sandy coast of the Arabian Sea, the a trip filled with constant movement and changing climates, requiring gear, accessories, and clothing that could accommodate everything (think: versatile travel bags , one-and-done outfits , and more). 

And, as someone who is prone to overpacking, I wanted to challenge myself to only bring a carry-on suitcase and a personal item in an effort to travel light — a skill that I have yet to master since becoming a travel writer. These are the 14 travel essentials that topped my packing list, and ensured that my whirlwind ,two-week trip was smooth and effortless – even with just a carry-on. 

R. Vivimos Women’s Long-sleeve Midi Dress

I had three requirements when packing my wardrobe for my trip: stylish, breathable, and modest. These Amazon long-sleeved bohemian-style dresses (thankfully) satisfied them all. As someone just under 5 feet, 1 inches, I was initially worried that the length and oversized style would dwarf my small frame, but I was pleasantly surprised when they only came up to mid-shin. I purchased three styles and colors, and wore them while exploring the city of Kochi and the mountain town of Munnar. 

Despite being long-sleeved, they were breathable and comfortable, and they helped me survive the oppressive Indian heat with optimal sun coverage. The dress comes in 35 different color and print variations that can be worn during the summer, fall, or spring, so it’s a versatile wardrobe staple for any traveler. 

Topbag Family Passport Holder 

I’m a triple citizen of Italy, Ireland, and the United States, and, as an anxious flier, I always travel with all three of my passports, just in case. That’s why I use this family passport holder to safely secure my three passports and other important documents in one easy-to-reach place. 

It can hold up to six passports, which is convenient for families or friends traveling together. The passport holder also comes with a cash pocket and six card slots, which I use to stash away my other forms of identification, bills, loose change, past flight tickets, and my Italian SIM card for when I return home to Rome. But that’s not all: it also has a strap that you can wear around your wrist and a back pocket large enough to fit an iPhone, so you can have all of your major belongings on you in one place (and it doubles as a secure sling bag if you're not a fan of big purses). It helps make the chaos of traveling just a little more organized. 

Prite Corduroy Tote Bag

I collect tote bags, especially for when I travel, so when I received this large, olive-green corduroy one for Christmas, it was a match made in tote heaven. It has a zippered closure that I appreciated for keeping my valuable items from tumbling out. And, for those who love pockets – well, you’re in luck: The tote has a large outside pocket that can close magnetically, two interior slip pockets, and one ample interior zippered pocket which I used to secure my wallet, passports, and keys.

I carried this tote around with me everywhere during my trip, and was able to fit my passports, sunglasses, Kindle Fire, lip balms, earphones, chargers, mints, a 32-ounce HydroJug tumbler, and deodorant, all with plenty of room to spare. The large 18-inch by 15-inch by 4-inch tote is made with durable corduroy and is sturdy enough to carry heavier items like books and laptops, which is what I’ve been using it for since my trip. 

VibiVenezia Women's Timeless Rosso Velvet Slippers

Vibivenezia

Friulane, or furlane, are popular Venetian velvet slippers that date as far back as the 19th century. They’re a staple in every Italian woman’s closet and add a pop of color and playful elegance to any outfit, which is why I wear mine all the time when I travel. They’re also very comfortable, especially since I had my favorite cobbler in Rome add another layer of rubber to the soles for extra cushioning.

I love the burst of color that they give my outfits, and my orange pair paired especially well with one of the long-sleeved dresses that I purchased for my trip in shades of yellow and orange. I buy most of my friulane from small boutiques when I’m home in Italy, but VibiVenezia is a popular Italian brand that offers the slippers in a literal rainbow of colors and styles. No need to worry – they ship to the United States, so you can wear a small piece of Italy on your feet, too.

HydroJug 32-ounce Tumbler 

I’m especially horrible at remembering to drink water during long flights, which is likely why I always feel like a wretched, dried husk after traveling. I’ve gotten better at hydrating myself since purchasing a mini, 32-ounce HydroJug tumbler. I usually fill it using water fountains at the airport to ensure that I have enough to keep my body happy while up in the air. This was especially important during my many long flights to India, and even more so upon arriving, as my family and I had to be careful of the drinking water we consumed. 

The hotels we stayed at provided bottles of purified drinking water, which I used to fill up my HydroJug while we were out exploring. This not only ensured that I was staying hydrated in the unforgiving heat, but also that I was consuming safe drinking water. HydroJugs come with the option to purchase a sleeve and strap that can be worn around your person for a hands-free experience, which is especially useful for trips where you’re moving around a lot. 

Asia Palomba

Longbida Women's Cropped Denim Jacket

While the majority of my trip called for a summer wardrobe, there was one occasion that required slightly warmer attire. My family and I spent two days in Munnar, a mountain town nestled between sprawling emerald-green tea plantations and lush forests. The higher altitude was pleasantly chilly, especially at night and in the early morning. Although it was a welcome respite from the heat, I needed to stay warm, and my cropped, faded denim jacket did just the trick.

Although mine can technically be classified as “vintage,” as it was passed down to me from my mother, I found this affordable version at Amazon that comes in 16 different colors and patterns and is easy to pack (or wear on a plane if you're trying to save luggage space). 

Havaianas Mini Bag

I spent a week soaking up some much-needed vitamin D rays in the coastal town of Kovalam, and this water-resistant Havaianas mini bag was wrapped around my wrist every day. Made with durable silicone, this small, colorful bag is a staple of mine for any beach outing. I mostly use it to safely store my iPhone from sand and water, but it’s also doubled as a no-frills purse for my wallets, keys, and lip balms. It was gifted to me by my Brazilian friend nearly a decade ago, and it’s accompanied me all over the world, from Greece and Sardinia to Thailand and Indonesia – and it still looks brand new.

Sun Bum Lip Balm SPF 30 3-pack 

As someone who is unfortunately prone to lip blisters after prolonged exposure to the sun, I always have SPF lip balms on deck. Sun Bum’s lip balms have recently become a favorite of mine, not just for their high protection, but also for their tropical flavors that release a burst of summer whenever I twist off their caps. Each gluten-free and vegan lip balm is packed with aloe vera, cocoa butter, and vitamin E, so they roll on super smooth and keep my lips soft and hydrated throughout the day. 

I bought this three-pack ahead of my trip, and almost used them all down to the nub. Part of my excessive use may have been because of how nice they smelled (and tasted), but regardless, I was relieved that my laying in the sun like a lizard didn’t result in any sun blisters. 

Anrabess Women’s Loose Spaghetti Strap Jumpsuit

Jumpsuits are one of my favorite go-to summer outfits for a breathable, comfortable, and stylish look. I have a bordeaux-colored one that I purchased years ago from Urban Outfitters that I wear to near tatters every summer for these reasons. I, of course, brought this jumpsuit on my trip with me and paired it with black lace-up sandals for more formal events such as New Year’s Eve. For most of my trip, however, flip-flops were my standard footwear. 

While the exact jumpsuit I own can’t be found online anymore, there is this affordable Amazon option that has more than 2,000 five-star ratings. Available in 25 colors and patterns with sizes ranging from S to 2XL, it's an especially versatile and traveler-loved staple that I’m looking into trying myself once summer comes around.

Miady Dual USB Portable Chargers 2-pack

These pocket-sized dual USB chargers have been a boon during my travels, and my trip through India was no exception. There were a couple of days when my family and I spent hours traveling between cities, so these portable chargers helped juice up our phones throughout the day. I’ve also used them to power up other devices such as my Kindle Fire and iPad, so it's an especially helpful travel essential to always have on you.

Available in a variety of colors, each charger has two USB ports that can charge two devices at the same time, so they’re useful for traveling with friends and family. But don’t just take it from me — these durable, slim portable chargers have over 75,000 five-star ratings at Amazon.

Tessan Universal Travel Adapter

Any frequent flier knows the value of a good travel adapter, and this Amazon one is one of my favorites. The plug works in over 150 countries, from Italy and Dubai to China and New Zealand — so you know that you’ll always be covered no matter how far you travel. It also comes with four USB ports that can charge up to five devices at a time. Because of its versatility, I was able to easily share it with members of my family, which significantly cut down the amount of arguments over outlets that we had during our trip. Compact and lightweight, it can easily fit into any carry-on or personal item, which is why it’s always one of the travel essentials I pack first.

Twelve South AirFly Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter

I can never sleep on airplanes, so watching movies is one of the best ways for me to pass the long hours. The earphones they hand out on the airplanes have always bothered my ears, not to mention the subpar audio quality they provide that makes watching anything a frustrating experience. That’s why I was intrigued when I came across this traveler-loved, pocket-sized bluetooth audio transmitter . The Airfly device seamlessly connects your wireless earphones to the airplane’s seatback television (and can also be used to connect to tablets, hotel gym TVs, etc.), which has vastly improved my international flight experience. 

The many flights and hours it took to reach India literally flew by (pun intended) because of this small but mighty device. I currently have the device that can only connect one pair of headphones, but I’m looking into purchasing the dual AirFly version for when I travel with my partner.

Béis The Mini Weekender Bag

This Mini Weekender has quickly become my favorite carry-on for international trips since I received it for Christmas. Durable, compact, and sleek, it’s perfect for maximizing your limited packing space when only traveling with carry-on items — there’s a reason why it’s universally loved by flight attendants . 

It especially came in handy when returning from India, as it was able to hold the majority of the souvenirs that I had purchased during my two weeks there. Its structured bottom shoe compartment, which is trimmed with stylish vegan leather, was useful for holding all of my sandals, slippers, and flip-flops, which freed up much-needed space in my carry-on suitcase. I have trips to Ireland, Italy, Portugal, and Morocco planned within the next few months, and I’m looking into using compression packing cubes to maximize the Mini Weekender’s potential.

Ray-Ban Classic Aviator Sunglasses

The Ray-Ban classic aviators have been my go-to pair of sunglasses since I was 13, so it should come as no surprise that they came to India with me. They’re lightweight, easy to pack, and stylish — and, not to mention, great at shielding my eyes from the harsh sunlight. I have the gold-tinted shades that I chose to match my coloring and the gold jewelry that I always wear (us Italians really do love our gold).

Based on my experience, Ray-Ban sunglasses are worth the investment. I’ve had my pair for the last 13 years, and aside from a few small nicks, they still look brand new. But for those who don’t want to splurge, there’s this affordable Amazon-loved pair from the brand Pro Acme that’ll give you that same "Top Gun" feel.

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• The Yellow Chilli To Hi Spirits Best Restaurants To Eat In Siliguri

The Yellow Chilli To Hi Spirits: 6 Best Restaurants To Eat In Siliguri

Kumar Utkarsh Updated: Apr 18, 2024 7:15 PM IST

Unveiling Siliguri's Most Happening Restaurants

Situated amidst Himalayan foothills, Siliguri brings together flavors from across India and beyond at awesome eateries. Let's explore 6 hotspots spicing up this North Bengal hub!

1.The Yellow Chilli - Experience the Best of North Indian Cuisine

The Yellow Chilli restaurant, inaugurated by one of India's best chefs, Mr. Sanjeev Kapoor, is renowned for its high-quality North Indian cuisine. This establishment offers a warm and pleasant ambiance along with superb hospitality. Signature recommendations include Lala Musa Dal, Shabnam Ke Moti, and Cheese Stuffed Baked Button Mushrooms. Guests are treated to complimentary items, including paan at the end, enhancing the overall dining experience. A must-visit destination when in town.

• Warm and pleasant ambiance
• Specializes in high-quality North Indian cuisine
• Signature dishes include Lala Musa Dal, Shabnam Ke Moti, Cheese Stuffed Baked Button Mushrooms
• Complimentary paan provided
• Cost for Two: INR 700
• Address: Third Floor, The Planet Mall, Sevoke Road, Near Bankim Nagar, Siliguri

2.The Gourmet Central - A Family Restaurant with Fine Dining

A family restaurant with fine dining, The Gourmet Central offers a wide range of cuisine to choose from. Their Seafood Starters are mind-blowing, and you must try their delicious Bengali cuisine. They provide freshly prepared meals, and prior reservations can be made.

• Family restaurant with fine dining atmosphere
• Mind-blowing Seafood Starters
• Delicious Bengali cuisine
• Prior reservations accepted
• Address: Third Floor, City Centre Mall, Siliguri
• Cost for Two: INR 1400

3.Hashtag - Hangout for Food, Drinks, and Music

One more amazing place in Bankim Nagar, famous for their cool atmosphere and innovative d cor. They offer you Italian, Mexican, and Chinese cuisine. You can visit this place if you want to have some delicious food with drinks and music. They have a DJ, dance floor, and live music (conducted occasionally) where you can lift up your mood. A great place to hang out with friends and have some fun.

• Cuisine: Italian, Mexican, Chinese
• Has a cool atmosphere and innovative d cor
• Entertainment facilities like DJ, dance floor, live music (occasional)
• Cost for Two: INR 1200
• Address: Third Floor, The Planet Mall, Sevoke Road, Near Bankim Nagar

4.Bhojohori Manna - Authentic Bengali Cuisine

• Authentic Bengali cuisine
• Rich historical connection with Bengali food culture
• Simple and decent seating
• Popular for Kasha Mangsho, Nolengur Ice-cream, Chingi Malai Curry
• Affordable pricing: Cost for two - INR 350
• Address: 143, Hill Cart Road, Khalpara, Siliguri

5.Half Full - Where Fusion Meets Fun

Another great restaurant in Bankim Nagar with a friendly and chilling atmosphere and bar. They have an in-house DJ and live music. Their tandoori food and Thai noodle soup are delicious. You can try their unique options of fusion food like Pani Puri Pizza Shots and Reachado Grilled Momo. You will have to make prior reservations for this place.

• Specializes in tandoori food, Thai noodle soup, and fusion dishes
• Unique fusion options like Pani Puri Pizza Shots and Reachado Grilled Momo
• Prior reservations recommended
• Cost for Two: INR 1000

6.Hi Spirits - A lovely place

Hi Spirits is a famous place to hang out with your friends. They have a very nice ambiance with courteous service. Their Saturday nights are outstanding, with live DJ music and sometimes a live band. Their Hi 5 Platter is very popular among patrons.

• Offers delicious Chinese food with drinks, dance, and music
• Famous hangout spot with friends
• Outstanding Saturday nights with live DJ music
• Popular dish is Hi 5 Platter
• Cost for Two: INR 800
• Address: Second Floor, City Centre Mall, Siliguri

From European escapes to Himalayan heights, Siliguri spice awaits! Have you made reservations?

• Topics News">Best Restaurants
• Topics News">Siliguri
• Topics News">The Yellow Chilli To Hi Spirits: 6 Best Restaurants To Eat In Siliguri