India is a beautiful land in South Asia that offers a unique experience to travelers. With its incredible cities, diverse landscapes, and a history spanning thousands of years, India is a country full of things to see and do. From the majestic monuments created by ancient empires to mausoleums and the Seven Wonders of the World, such as the Taj Mahal, India offers a complete and unforgettable travel experience. Moreover, India is also a popular destination for travelers looking for a deep spiritual experience and for trekking enthusiasts. In this dedicated guide, we will explore together the best things to see and do in this incredible country, making our trip to India unique and unforgettable.

India is such a vast country that first of all you need to understand which places to visit and when is the best time to do so. Here is a series of tips and information needed to organize a trip to India and know when to go, what to see and the recommended itineraries.

In short, a land of great contrasts for which you have to be prepared, but which in its own way knows how to amaze travelers. If you are ready to walk alongside cows, monkeys and Tuk-Tuks, to be invaded by smells of all kinds, to often witness scenes that do not leave you indifferent, and to deal with insistent vendors… then you can start planning a trip to India!

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Best Tour Packages to Explore India !!

Best Time to Explore India !!

Considering the vastness and great variety of landscapes present in the country, in India there are notable climatic differences from one region to another.

We can make a first division into two large categories: subtropical in the north, tropical from the center to the south.

The seasons are determined by the monsoons and in general there are 3: cool and sunny winter (December/February), hot and muggy summer (March/May) and rainy season (June/October) with intense and long-lasting showers, while November is a transition month in which the high temperatures gradually drop.

The intensity of the various seasons, however, changes from north to south, for example the summer in the north is milder and the winter is more rigid with temperatures that go below zero, while in the south the winter is warmer with temperatures slightly lower than the summer ones that have peaks of even 40°.

The best time to travel to India must therefore be calculated based on the areas to visit and your tolerance for both high and low temperatures!

Subtropical to tropical climate, determined by the monsoons that define 3 seasons, from the driest to the rainiest. The rainy period coincides with our summer and autumn, while the dry period coincides with our winter and spring. Temperatures vary according to the area, and range from a few degrees below zero in the north, up to peaks of 40° in the south.

The best period for the north is ideal for October and November or April and May (the least cold months), while for the south it is from December to February which are still hot months but with milder temperatures.

In the north the months from December to March are the coldest with rigid temperatures, while in the south the months from March to November are the hottest, most humid, muggy and rainy.

What to See in India ?

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• Golden Triangle (Delhi – Agra – Jaipur) 
• Rajasthan
• North India
• Kerala
• Tamil Nadu
• Gujarat
• Orissa
• Ladakh
• Karnataka
• Punjab
• Assam & North East India 
• West Bengal & Sikkim Himalaya

What to see in India ?

After the introductions, let’s see together what to see in India during our trip. This Asian country, seventh in the world in terms of extension, bordering Pakistan, China, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan and Nepal, offers many things to see and do during your trip.

Here, you will find the map of India with the most significant places highlighted, thus discovering what to see in the country during your trip. Later, we will analyze them in detail in our guide What to Visit in India.

1. Golden Triangle

Among the first things to see in India during your trip, we find the famous Golden Triangle. An area located in the north of the country, it is among the richest in cultural cities, wonderful temples and nature. This is certainly the most popular travel itinerary to visit in India, thanks to which it is possible to visit the most famous cities: Jaipur, Agra and the capital New Delhi. By joining them, they form a triangle on the map between the regions of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. In about 10 days, it will be possible to complete this wonderful journey. You will visit its lively streets, colorful bazaars where you can discover local Indian crafts and much more. In New Delhi, among the things to see we find the Red Fort, the India Gate, the Qutub Minar and leave time to visit Old Delhi and the Chandni Chowk market.

Moving to Agra to visit one of the seven wonders of the world: the Taj Mahal. Majestic mausoleum built by Emperor Humayun surrounded by an archaeological site and wonderful gardens. Also in Agra, we find its fort that stands out in the city skyline. Continuing our journey in the Golden Triangle between Agra and Jaipur, we find other places that are worth a visit, such as the village of Abhaneri and the palace-well, we also find the ancient abandoned capital of Fatehpur Sikri. Arriving in Jaipur, among the things to see in the pink city, we find the 16th century fort of Man Singh, reachable thanks to an incredible elephant excursion.

2. Rajasthan

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Certainly among the most famous states to visit during your trip to India, Rajasthan is the land that hosted the most famous Indian kings in the past. It includes cities of the Golden Triangle: the unmissable sites to discover the past, the art and important architecture of the country, as well as its traditions and beautiful natural landscapes. If it is your first trip to India, Rajasthan is your main destination. Among the many things to see here in India, we find its capital Jaipur with the City Palace, today’s residence of the royal family, Udaipur, called the Indian Venice for its palaces on the water, and Jodhpur with its perched fort.

Continuing our journey, among the things to do and see in this state of India we find Jaisalmer, the golden city, on the edge of the desert. There is a fort and important places among the streets. Bikaner and Mandawa are also ancient cities to visit in India. A small unmissable location is Abhaneri, a bucolic village with a thousand-year-old stepwell. Ranakpur is hidden in the Aravalli mountains, with majestic temples, columns and finely carved domes. To discover the spiritual sense of India, among the things to see go to Pushkar, where one of the most important cattle fairs is held annually. Finally, among the things to do in India in Rajasthan, a safari in Ranthambore park is a must to observe the tigers here.

3. Northern India

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Continuing our journey in the northern part of India, we find other places that are absolutely worth seeing. Among the main places to visit in this area of India, we recommend that you do not miss Varanasi. In Uttar Pradesh, in the northeast, it is one of the most popular and ancient cities in the world, as well as being sacred for Buddhists and Hindus. Here, the temple complex of Sarnath stands, while for Hindus it is an annual pilgrimage destination, where they immerse themselves in the waters of the Ganges. Moving 40 km from Agra, we find the fortified city of Fatehpur Sikri, ancient capital of the Mughal kingdom and now abandoned, it is unmissable for its decadent beauty and the architecture present.

The Ganges is very important for Indian and considered sacred for Hindus, as the personification of the goddess Ganga. Among other places to visit in Northern India, do not miss Khajuraho, called the city of the temples of the Kamasutra. In this city, in fact, there are many temples that feature erotic sculptures, but also of divinities, dancers, musicians, warriors and animals. In this place, religion and eroticism blend perfectly in an irreverent way among the numerous and intricate bas-reliefs. For the ancient religion, in fact, sexuality itself became part of prayer. Finally, Patna is also an important pilgrimage destination for Sikhs, as the birthplace of the tenth guru.

4. Kerala

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Among the most beautiful regions to visit in India, we find Kerala. Overlooking the tropical coast, it has over 600 km of coastline on the Arabian Sea and wonderful beaches between the various canals. Within the area we find the Western Ghat mountains, popular for their plantations, as well as rich in fauna. In addition, here are also many national parks and protected areas with elephants, tigers and monkeys. The meaning of Kerala comes from the word kera and alam, meaning coconut palm and earth, which perfectly describes the area. This place is very different from the rest of the country and many explorers arrived here, first Vasco da Gama, brought here by the spice trade.

In fact, everywhere here you can observe traces of its colonial past, including Syrian rite churches, Dutch architecture, mosques, 16th century synagogues and buildings dating back to the Raj. The place has always been a place of welcome and tolerance, welcoming all confessions. A rich region, with a high literacy rate. Among the things to see in this region of India, nature lovers will find plenty to enjoy. In the city of Munnar there are the Anamudi Peak and Attukal waterfalls, while Wayanad is popular for its destinations, including Neelimala. For sea lovers, among the things to do here in India go to Alleppey, to also enjoy its architectural heritage, such as the Arthunkal Church and the Krishnapuram Palace.

5. Tamil Nadu

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Moving to the south-east of Immense India, among the things to see we find the large and magnificent state of Tamil Nadu. This land is popular among travelers especially for its architectural beauties, including the magnificent temples of Hindu worship that perfectly reflect the Dravidian style. Among the most famous, we find the temple in the city of Madurai of Meenakshi Amman. Its iconic structure is characterized by the gopuram towers, tall and finely decorated with colorful statues. The temple of Ramanathaswamy, on the island of Pamban, is instead one of the main pilgrimage destinations of the country and in the southernmost part of the region, and also of the country, we find Kanyakumari, where numerous rituals are still celebrated today to celebrate the dawn.

In its capital Chennai, formerly known as Madras, we find beautiful beaches to visit during your trip to India and also important monuments dating back to the colonial period, such as the fort of St. George, built in 1644. Furthermore, this region of India is also famous for its culture and literary, musical and artistic tradition in general. Among the most popular forms, we find the typical Bharatanatyam dance. Among the most popular sites in Tamil Nadu in India, we find among the things to see the temple complex of the living temples of Gangaikonda Cholapuram. An unmissable place to observe the statues of the Chola dynasty, also included in the UNESCO World Heritage. Finally, the city of Trichy is also worth a visit thanks to its mix of modernity and tradition.

6. Gujarat

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An often overlooked destination among the most visited in India, Gujarat is worth a visit to go off the beaten track. Ahmedabad, the capital, is a fascinating mix of architecture and excellent traditional cuisine. Furthermore, this more rural area hides numerous treasures within it. Among ancient villages where it is still possible to observe the artisans at work to create refined objects, among fabrics and some of the most precious fabrics in the country. Furthermore, within the natural reserves, we can still observe the only remaining pride of Asiatic lions, as well as other species. This state is also the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi and the place where his non-violent protest, the satyagraha, and the salt march began. In fact, in Rajkot we can admire the Kaba Gandhi No Delo, the house of Kaba Gandhi, the place where his family lived in India until 1915.

Today, the place is converted into the Gandhi Smriti museum, where we can see a permanent exhibition in India. Here, he spent his last days of life and was assassinated in 1948. Moving near the a valley, among the things to visit in India in Gujarat we find the medieval city of Patan, also known as the city of beauty, famous for its cultural heritage, the wonderful temples and palaces in the shape of pagodas. Among the other main cities in the region we find Wankaner, Gondal and Modhera, where the magnificent Sun Temple of the Chaulukya period is located.

7. Orissa

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The eastern coastal state of Orissa, called Odisha by the locals, is among the things we recommend you visit during your trip to India, moving away from the most popular destinations. A fascinating land overlooking the Bay of Bengal, Orissa exudes sacredness and beauty, thanks to the presence of a rich religious and cultural heritage. This is in fact the Indian state that boasts the largest number of temples in the country, but it also has a lush nature and unique landscape beauties. Its coasts, in fact, boast over 485 km on the gulf and offer wonderful beaches to lovers of the sea and relaxation, such as those of Gopalpur and Puri, considered the most beautiful to see in India.

Chilika Lake, on the other hand, is a wonderful natural reserve, also called the paradise of birds. Among the most important temples in this area, we find the Holy Golden Triangle, composed of the temple of the sun in Konark, the Black Pagoda and in Puri the wonderful Temple of Jagannath, as well as that of Bhubaneswar, the Temple of Lingaraj. Thanks to the numerous dynasties that have succeeded one another in this area over the centuries, here we can observe not only numerous architectural testimonies, but also the presence of many different ethnic groups. This was also possible due to the arrival of the India Company, which allowed the coexistence of numerous faiths.

8.Ladakh

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Hidden between the mountain ranges of the Himalayas and Karakorum we find the region of Ladakh. Among the things to see in India, this area will leave travelers speechless in front of its immense austere landscapes and imposing peaks. Here, moreover, we will find wonderful medieval monasteries that coexist with villages frozen in time. Also known as Little Tibet, this Indian area is an extension in part of the Tibetan plateau not belonging to China and has a predominantly mountainous territory, interspersed with various valleys reachable with very high passes. The main valley is that of the Indus, where its capital is also located: Leh.

This area, in addition to being the highest, is also the driest and coldest of the whole country and there are very few settlements, all below 3,000 m. Culturally, we can say that this region is more similar to Tibet than to India, which is also reflected in the art and architecture of its monasteries, the Gompas. Among the most famous, we find that of Lumayuru and Thiksey. This is also the main place where Tibetan culture and religion are practiced freely and without repression. Furthermore, this is a particularly popular destination for those who practice trekking, among the things to do in this area of India. Considering the altitude, however, it is always advisable to acclimatize to avoid altitude sickness.

9. Karnataka

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Among the things we recommend you visit during your trip to India, we find the region of Karnataka in the southwest of the country, overlooking the Arabian Sea. Its capital, Bangalore, is also known as the Indian Silicon Valley for its technological production. In addition, there is a lively nightlife here and we can observe numerous buildings in neo-Dravidian style, such as its parliament, while the former royal palace is inspired by Windsor Castle. Among other things to see in Karnataka, India, we find its palaces, such as the one in Mysore, or Amba Vilas Palace, in the center of Mysore.

A wonderful architecture, in the past residence of the Wadiyar dynasty that reflects the Indo-Saracenic architecture with its wonderful gardens. The temple of Hoysaleshvara Temple in Halebidu is also worth a visit, as is the temple complex of Hampi, the ancient medieval capital of the Vijayanagara kingdom. Its walls, surrounded by monkeys, offer a unique spectacle for the birthplace, according to legend, of the Hindu monkey god. Among particular rock formations, we can observe the ruins of about 1,500 temples, including pavilions, stables and pagodas that dot this alluvial plain, later an ancient Muslim sultanate.

10.Punjab

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Finally, among the things we recommend you see during your visit to India, we find the Punjab area on the border with Pakistan. Homeland of the Sikh community, everywhere you can see the typical orange turbans, as well as a deep-rooted local craftsmanship. Amritsar, a city founded by the guru Ram Das in 1570, we find the most important center of prayer of the cult, the gurdwara of the Golden Temple and its lake of nectar: an important place of pilgrimage. Also in this city, we can visit the Hindu sanctuary of Durgiana, famous for its silver doors with wonderful engravings. The most curious travelers in Punjab, the land of 5 rivers, will also find many cultures thanks to the integration present in this land.

Its landscape, moreover, is characterized by high turquoise mountains and yellow fields, which make the atmosphere truly picturesque. For those who love uncontaminated nature, in this land they will also find numerous things to do, such as visiting its parks and natural reserves, home to wonderful migratory birds. The Punjab region, moreover, is divided into three natural zones: Malwa, Majha and Doaba. The area is also known for the agricultural production of wheat and from here it is possible to enter India from the land border. The state is also known for the large production of fabrics and for the numerous sports that can be practiced. Among the main artisanal productions, however, we find that of fabrics.

11. Assam & North East India 

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Shattering the image of being a place for adventure and difficult travel, the North East is becoming more and more accessible with better roads, more accommodation choices, and local experiences safe and exciting.

Leading the charge is Assam, the biggest of the North East states that envelopes the east to west course of the mighty Brahmaputra. The river is the lifeblood of the region, its people and its wildlife. Picturesque paddy fields and manicured tea estates in Tezpur and Jorhat are set against the northern backdrop of the blue-white Eastern Himalayas of Arunachal Pradesh and in the south against the low-lying tropical forested hills of Meghalaya and Nagaland. In the west and in the east of Assam, are protected wilderness reserves of Manas and Kaziranga, where jeep and elephant safaris give you the closest to a big-game savannah experience across the floodplains of the Brahmaputra.

Assam has an ancient animist history of the Ahom kings and they left behind a distinctive cuisine with fiery flavours, a vibrant arts and crafts heritage, and some very unusual temples. One of the most unusual experiences is to visit Majuli, the largest world’s river island located in the widest expanse of the Brahmaputra. Its home to a monastic and artistic tradition unlike anywhere else in the world. All this and more can be unique experiences – on river cruises of several days that cross the course of the Brahmaputra.

Beyond Assam, on the borders of eastern India, hidden from the world by ageless forests and formidable mountain ranges, the northeastern states of Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh are one of the last great natural and anthropological sanctuaries in Asia. It is still a difficult to traverse region of rugged beauty, and a collision zone of tribal cultures, climates, landscapes and peoples. Birdwatchers flock to Eaglenest, one of the world’s hotspots, devotees flock to arduous journey to the Buddhist monastery of Tawang and the more adventurous adventurers to the Hornbill Festival where former headhunters are slowly embracing modernity in their ancestral longhouses of Nagaland.

12. West Bengal & Sikkim Himalaya

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Of all the major cities in India, Kolkata is perhaps the most distinctive. As the former capital of British India, Kolkata retains a feast of colonial-era architecture in stark contrast to the urban slums and new-age development. Diverse cultures and religious beliefs have coexisted for centuries in small neighborhoods that make for very interesting walks. Food is a religion in the city, and there are many ways to experience their local cuisine – from home dinners, street walks, and even a cooking class. And it’s time to shed the “city of joy” image that the world still largely holds of Kolkata. This 350-year-old city is considered the capital of India for the intelligentsia, the literati, and the artists. It’s also the city of clubs, and a visit to one of the grand-old ladies makes for an interesting evening. On the street, people are warm and friendly, willing to help without expecting anything in return. The corner tea shops are a great place to chat with the locals over a cup. It’s a city you feel in your bones – it welcomes you and immerses you fully.

Sultry West Bengal offers one of the most diverse experiences for any traveller in India. To the south, the Gangetic Delta empties into the Bay of Bengal. This gives rise to the mighty Sunderbans (beautiful forest) whose mangrove-clad forests are home to the furtive Bengal tiger. As you travel north along the northern course of the Hooghly River with its ghostly colonial trading posts, the land rises towards the tea plantations and British hill stations of Darjeeling and Kalimpong. Here are incredible views of the Khangchendzonga range, one of the best-preserved mountain railways still in operation, and some quaint tea estate bungalows to experience the plantation lifestyle.

North of Darjeeling lies the state of Sikkim, which was its own independent hill kingdom until 1975. It is nestled in the eastern Himalayas bordered by Nepal to the west, Bhutan to the east and Tibet to the north. In the west, you can press your nose against the Kanchenjunga from well-chosen ridges in the early dawn. In the lower slopes of Pelling and Rinchenpong are forests of beautiful rhododendrons and subtropical woodlands. It is an ideal place for beautiful treks and camping on grassy meadows – a perfect family holiday. The monasteries of Pelling and Rumtek are filled with murals and a great place for meditation. It is a warm state, easy to fall in love with and hard to leave. The people are simple, have been slow to abandon their traditional livelihoods and yet very welcoming. You are also likely to be surprised by how clean Sikkim is!

5 Things to do in India, the experiences not to be missed and what to see

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During your stay in India, in addition to visiting the main attractions and cities described previously in our guide, we also want to point out the activities to do in this country, thus making your stay truly unique. Between culture, adventure, tradition, history and local food, a trip to India will certainly be able to unite the desires of all travelers. So let’s not waste time and discover together the 5 experiences not to be missed in India.

1. Attend and participate in traditional festivities

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Among the first things we want to recommend you do in India, we certainly find the experience of one of the traditional festivities of this magnificent land. Surely a unique way to fully experience the spirituality that is perceptible everywhere. A trip between February and May is in this case the best choice to get in touch with these. Among the main Indian festivals known throughout the world, we find the Holi festival, a religious and colorful holiday, where colorful powders are used to get dirty and thus pay homage to a symbolic reincarnation, purifying the soul and is held between February – March.

In March, instead, we can attend the Maha Shivaratri, a Hindu religious festival that celebrates the wedding between Parvati and Shiva, also called The great night of Lord Shiva. Annually in Thrissur, instead, the Thrissur Pooram festival is held. This is celebrated with a magnificent procession with a parade of over 50 elephants. Another Hindu celebration dedicated to the divine mother, Shakti, is the Navarathri: the festival of the 9 nights that is held during the lunar month of Ashvina, between September and October. During this, dances, readings of sacred scriptures and songs are held.

2. Trekking in Kashmir and Ladakh

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The most experienced trekking lovers will surely find what they love among the things to do in India. In the areas of Ladakh and Kashmir, divided by the Himalayas, we find two places that are profoundly different from various points of view, from religion, to landscape, to climate, to the ethnic groups that populate them. Thanks to this high altitude trekking, it will be possible to come into contact with these places thanks to a fantastic excursion through the hidden valleys, the mountain lakes and the various canals, reaching Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir during the summer. The trekking continues on the pastures in the plateaus of the Great Himalaya Range, just below the glaciers where the Gujar shepherds, a nomadic ethnic group, lead their flocks.

By trekking through these lands of India, you will also be able to discover the Tibetan Buddhist side of the mountains of Ladakh. In this landscape, green mountain oases, fortified monasteries and villages frozen in time stand out. In addition to this most popular trekking route in India, the Himalayan trails offer many other choices with varying levels of difficulty. In addition, there are various routes to allow you to do this activity throughout the year, even in the snow. However, considering the altitudes you are going to travel, it is always important to acclimatize properly, thus avoiding altitude sickness.

3. Practice yoga and meditate

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India, as many of you will know, is the birthplace of yoga. So, among the activities we recommend you do, lovers of this discipline will certainly be fascinated by a retreat in Goa or Pondicherry, the two main centers today in the country. The history of yoga begins in India in about 5,000 BC, and it is still widely practiced by the population throughout the country. Furthermore, today it has become an economical destination for retreats and ashrams, also ideal for approaching this activity in a unique way, bringing profound benefits to spirituality and the body. Furthermore, it is precisely here that the most expert teachers in the world are found.

This discipline, according to ancient texts found, dating back to over 7,000 years ago, was born in the Himalayan mountains, in the city of Rishikesh. This, still today, is a destination for yogis and teachers who want to train to learn this discipline. Other popular cities for those who want to get in touch with themselves through ancient traditional Indian techniques include Mysore, the birthplace of Ashtanga Yoga, Kerala, the city where Ayurveda is most deeply rooted, and the wonderful beaches of Goa, where you can practice in a unique setting.

4. Enjoy traditional cuisine

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Among the most loved cuisines in the world, among the things to do in India to get in touch with this land, an experience among spicy dishes cannot be missed. The culinary art differs greatly based on the regions in which we find ourselves. The recipes of the south of the country are spicier and are predominantly vegetarian, while those of the north are more delicate and prefer meat. While lacto-vegetarian recipes are very widespread, vegan ones are practically non-existent. Furthermore, Indian dishes also differ based on the geography of the place, its history and the various populations that have succeeded one another, bringing their influences here, as well as different cultural and religious customs.

Among the most used spices, regardless of the area, we find curry, meat or vegetable stews and basmati rice, which is grown in the south. In addition, the use of legumes is also very widespread, present in a huge variety: lentils, chickpeas, peas, beans, peanuts, broad beans and much more. Some very tasty recipes can even contain more than 10 types of spices, the most popular mix is garam masala. Another common ingredient in various forms is coconut, which finds space in savory dishes, up to sweet ones. Remember that in India, almost everyone eats only with their hands, using bread for some dishes, and the right hand is used.

5. Jungle Safari

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To fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the famous novel set in India, The Jungle Book of 1894, which has also been adapted into several films, among the things to do there is nothing better than a Safari! In fact, in the country there are many natural parks and reserves, where many protected animal species live. The state of Madhya Pradesh is the best if you want to experience a unique safari, also observing the wonderful Indian tigers in freedom inside the Bandhavgarh National Park. Furthermore, Rudyard Kipling during his stay in India, was inspired by the Pench and Kanha parks to write the adventures of Mowgli and Baloo.

Jim Corbett National Park, the first national park in the country at the foot of the Himalayas, is also one of the best places to admire tigers. Furthermore, it is located in a wonderful naturalistic and historical context, the cradle of an ancient civilization on the banks of the Ramganga. In addition, you can also admire a rich flora, leopards, crocodiles, and different types of birds, ideal for those who want to practice bird watching or just spend a day immersed in nature.

Where it is and how to get there

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India is a state in South Asia, officially the Republic of India, the seventh largest state in the world, and second only to China in terms of population. It is a peninsula bordered to the south by the Indian Ocean, to the west by the Arabian Sea, and to the east by the Bay of Bengal, for a total of 7,517 km of coastline.

The north of the country borders, from west to east, with Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar. The Indian territory also includes the archipelago of the Laccadive Islands, a group of twelve atolls and numerous small islands located in the Arabian Sea, off the south-west coast of Kerala.

The national airline Air India has direct flights from major cities of the world to New Delhi for a duration of approximately 8-9 h min. Alternatively, you can consider Lufthansa flights with a stopover in Frankfurt, KLM with a stopover in Amsterdam, Fly Emirates with a stopover in Dubai and Qatar Airways with a stopover in Doha.Getting around

If you want a trip as peaceful as possible, then it is definitely better to rely on internal flights, or hire a private car with driver, or even book a complete tour with transfers, overnight stays and tourist guides. Internal flights have really convenient prices and you can get anywhere because even small cities have an airport (for example a route from north to south between €50.00 and €80.00).

Private drivers and complete tours have higher prices but the advantage is that you will not have to worry about anything. With the driver it is sufficient to agree on the various stages and the price will include the vehicle, fuel and his share (€60.00 / €70.00 per day). The same goes for complete tours, which include every aspect of the trip and are pre-packaged by many local agencies or tailor-made for you (from €800.00 for a few days to over €4000.00 for longer trips).

If you want an authentic trip to immerse yourself in Indian reality, then India offers a wide choice between an excellent railway network that connects every city with trains that start from a couple of euros even for long distances, many long-distance bus companies, excellent metro and tram networks (in some cities), and many taxis and tuk-tuks to get around like the locals. Of course the conditions of these vehicles are not the best, but they offer a unique and inimitable experience!

Car rental is absolutely not recommended for getting around independently, due to the crazy and unregulated Indian driving and the streets populated by animals.Plan your trip to India: what to know and useful tips

Where to sleep The level of accommodation is very low, and essential things like toilet paper, towels, hot water are not a given! It is better to book at least 4-star accommodation. Prices range from €30.00 for a haveli room (typical hotels) to €50.00 per night in resorts. 

What and where to eat The cuisine is spicy and hot and the hygienic conditions are questionable. If you don’t like spicy food, always specify “No chilli, no spicy, no hot”, but expect spicy dishes anyway. Try street food for a few cents (samosa, pakora, jalebi) but sparingly, due to the poor hygienic conditions bacteria and viruses are always around the corner! In mid-range restaurants (€10.00 / €12.00 per meal) and higher quality restaurants (€15.00 / €25.00) enjoy dishes such as Thali (a complete meal with many small portions), biryani rice and chicken tikka masala. In the larger cities there are also international restaurants useful for taking a break from the strong Indian flavors.

How to pay The local currency is the Indian Rupee (€1.00 = 92 INR) and everything is paid in cash, often even in restaurants and accommodation facilities. It is better not to have too much money with you and withdraw small amounts of 2000 / 3000 rupees (€25.00 / €35.00) when necessary. Warning: it is forbidden to take Rupees out of the country.

Clothes remember to bring appropriate clothing to access sacred places covering legs and shoulders

Organized travel relying on a local guide is strongly recommended, but if you have good experience of international travel you can easily visit the country independently. There is a dense network of transport that allows you to organize yourself. In addition, Indians are very willing to give you a hand, but in exchange be prepared to receive many requests to take a selfie with them.

Useful information

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Inhabitants 1.40 billion
Capital: New Delhi

Hindi and English are the official languages, but there are also 18 other languages that have been recognized by the Constitution

Local currency Indian rupee (INR) / €1.00 = 92 INR (This is current on 7 July 2024)

Time zone +5.30 hours compared to Europe

Entry: requirements passport with residual validity of at least six months upon arrival, and entry visa for all stays (even less than 30 days) both for tourism, study, business and medical treatment

Vaccinations: mandatory vaccination against yellow fever for travellers over 9 months of age coming from countries at risk of transmission. Vaccinations against typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A, tuberculosis, polio are optional. Anti-malarial prophylaxis recommended.

Restrictions: It is forbidden to take Indian rupees, antique objects over 100 years old, products and textiles from protected animals (ivory, snakeskin, shatush) out of the country. In some airports spices are confiscated at security checks.

Safety: In general it is a safe country but it is better not to go out alone at night and avoid places of demonstrations. The risk of natural disasters during the monsoon period is high. 

Medical advice: Bring medicines for the most common symptoms (stomach ache, nausea, dysentery) and take out travel insurance that covers medical expenses

How to Visit India?

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Now that you have a clearer idea of what to see on your trip to India, before leaving we recommend that you find out as much as possible about the documents needed for entry. Visit our Safe Travel section for all the necessary information and the various restrictions.

Furthermore, considering the vast territory of India, before organizing a trip here it is important to also take into account its climate, organizing based on the areas we want to visit. For a trip to the north, it is ideal from October to March, while in the south from December to February.