India Travel Guide

Overview

India is a land of unforgettable experiences, from the iconic Taj Mahal to the sacred Ganges River. This India travel guide covers everything you need whether you’re exploring temples, tasting street food, or trekking the Himalayas. This country is packed with bucket list moments. The diversity here is staggering. Every region feels like a different world.

Quick Facts About India

Flight Information for India

As a tourist, your main airports will be:

• Delhi (DEL) Major international hub
• Mumbai (BOM) Busy coastal gateway
• Bangalore (BLR) & Chennai (MAA) Key southern entry points
• Goa (GOI) Popular for beach travelers

Most major airlines fly directly to Delhi and Mumbai from Europe, the Middle East, and North America. For domestic flights, IndiGo and Vistara are reliable options. Use Skyscanner or Kayak to compare prices.

Safety Information You Should Know Before Visiting India

India is generally safe for travelers, but situational awareness is key. Petty theft (like pickpocketing) can happen in crowded areas, so keep valuables secure. For solo female travel in India, dress modestly and use Uber/Ola at night.
Scams (like overcharging taxis) are common, so always use ride hailing apps when possible. Also, avoid tap water and stick to bottled or filtered water to prevent stomach issues

Climate

India’s climate varies wildly:

• North (Delhi, Rajasthan): Hot summers (up to 45°C/113°F), cool winters (Dec–Feb is ideal)
• South (Kerala, Goa): Tropical warm year-round, heavy monsoon rains (June–Sept)
• Himalayas (Leh, Shimla): Cold winters, pleasant summers (best for trekking: May–Oct)

I visited Rajasthan in November, and the weather was perfect: warm days, cool nights. Wondering the best time to visit India? October–March is ideal, but avoid April–June (extreme heat).

Budget

India is super budget friendly, but costs vary by region:
India budget travel tips:

• Hostels from Approx ₹300/night
• Street meals under Approx ₹200
• Book trains early for cheap fares.
• Mid-range hotels: Approx ₹1,500–₹4,000 ($18–$50 USD)
• Restaurant meal: Approx ₹300–₹800 ($4–$10)
• Trains (best for long-distance): Cheap but book early!

Your money goes much further here than in Europe or the U.S., especially for food and transport.

Other Essential Tips

• Dress modestly (especially in temples cover shoulders/knees)
• Bargain in markets (start at 50% of the quoted price)
• Use trains for long trips (book via IRCTC or 12Go Asia)
• Get a local SIM (Airtel/Jio for cheap data)
• Try the street food (but stick to busy stalls with high turnover)

Final Thoughts

India is chaotic, colorful, and completely captivating. It’s not always easy, but the experiences whether it’s watching sunrise at the Taj Mahal or cruising Kerala’s backwaters are 100% worth it.

🙋 Frequently Asked Questions