Pench National Park, Tiger Safari in India, animal and ornithological. It is well known & India has 166 national parks and 50 tiger reserves. I was lucky enough to experience some of these wildlife sanctuaries in India: Pench National Park, Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, Panna National Park in Madhya Pradesh, and Keoladeo Ghana National Park and Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan. Tiger Safari in North India Like the lion in Africa, the king of animals on the Asian continent is the tiger. Majestic and powerful, the tiger is endangered. In 2022, there were about 3,600 tigers in India, the country with the largest tiger population in the world (the global estimate is 4,500 individuals). Although this number has been increasing in recent years, the tiger remains endangered. India is home to more than 1,200 species of birds and 410 mammals. On a safari in India, you can see many more animals than just the tiger. The most common are the axis deer and the sambar and among the birds the varied roller and the Smyrna kingfisher. With luck, you can come across the leopard, the jungle cat, the sloth bear and wild dogs. For your trip and safaris in India (including trekking or tourism activities), I advise you to send your request for a tailor-made trip to India. I have selected it for its seriousness and its ability to respond to personalized requests. Contact Bhawna our India expert. Safari in India in Pench National Park In this article, I tell you about my safari in India in Pench National Park. In December, I traveled for the fourth time to India, the first for its wildlife. Pench National Park is the first of the 6 national parks that I have explored on safari. Since 1992, it has also been a “tiger reserve”, one of the 50 that India has to date. Pench National Park Enlarge in the states of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, the total area of ​​the tiger reserve is 1498 km² comprising 550 km² for the national park, 118 km² for the Mowgli Pench sanctuary and 830 km² for the buffer zone, the intermediate zone where human and economic activities are possible. Pench National Park is often cited as the sanctuary that served as the setting for Rudyard Kipling to write The Jungle Book, particularly because the wolf clan that welcomes Mowgli is called the Seeonee clan, as is the town near the national park (Seoni). Nestled on the southern slope of the Satpura Hills, it is crossed by the Pench River, which dries up towards the end of April. The Pench reservoir then becomes the only real water point in the park. The topography of the landscape changes all the time, alternating small hills, ephemeral streams, large teak and bamboo forests and flatter areas as we get closer to the river and its reservoir. Birdwatching in the Buffer Zone of Pench National Park After settling into our hotel, the Pench Jungle Camp, which is decently comfortable but aging, we set off at the end of the day for a walk with our guide “Shankar” to observe the birds around the lodge. While waiting to leave, I took the opportunity to watch the incessant brooming of the bush babblers, a large passerine bird common in India that has the particularity of hunting in groups while making an incredible racket. Let’s get back to the birdwatching walk in the buffer zone. In 1h30, no less than 20 species will be observed including the Indian roller, the black-hooded oriole with its beautiful yellow and black coat, the many ring-necked parakeets and Alexander parakeets that flirted a lot with the treetops, the jungle fowl that I did not have time to photograph, the migrating oriental turtle dove, the Smyrna kingfisher looking for glasses, the Gingi hornbill or even the Gray’s crab-eater, a common heron in India That used immobility as a protection tactic, which gave me time to photograph it despite the low light. A great introduction to begin the discovery of Pench and also to get to grips with the camera. According to sources, there are between 285 and 325 species of resident and migratory birds that frequent Pench National Park. There are 58 mammals. Alert cries of langurs and axis deer Two safaris are planned today. One in the morning and second in the afternoon. It is forbidden to stay all day in Pench National Park. So get up at 5:30 to start the safari an hour later when the Turia gate opens (the times change every month). In the meantime, the driver takes our passports and takes care of the administrative formalities to check the registration. He comes back with a guide (mandatory) and our passports. It is an employee of the national park who assigns a guide to each vehicle. For each safari, we change guides. This is a rule that applies to all national parks in the state of Madhya Pradesh. So it is a bit of a lottery. But in Pench, we had some pretty good guides. Quickly along the track, we come across our first axis deer. There are more than 50,000 of them in the reserve and they are a choice meal for tigers, leopards and wild dogs, its main predators. Among the deer, we furtively see a couple of sambar as well as a couple of nilgai from the bovid family. This month of December is good for bird watching because the number of species is swollen by migrants. Here are some of the birds observed: collared scops owl in its nest, Indian roller, white-winged kite perched on a tree, Bengal woodpecker and Bacha serpent eagle. As two jackals pass in front of the Maruti Gypsy 4×4, a cry from a langur, with its somewhat pompous scientific name Semnopithecus entellus, tears the apparent tranquility of the jungle. This primate has different cries and this one is an alert cry. He must have seen a leopard or a tiger in his

India is full of natural and cultural riches. It is a complete destination, which attracts as many trekking enthusiasts in the Himalayas, as wildlife lovers and fans of a romantic story. We come here to soak up the atmosphere of The Jungle Book and follow in the last footsteps of the Bengal tiger. We explore its 40 or so UNESCO World Heritage sites, witnesses to the intense past of the country. We walk in the footsteps of the maharajas in the sublime palaces of Rajasthan. We discover the vast world of Ayurveda and yoga retreats, and we relax on dream beaches. India is home to hundreds of wonders, and for all tastes! Between North India and South India, we tell you everything you need to know about this exceptional destination! The Importance of Tourism in India The tourism and travel industry is essential for the Indian government, which sees it as very great development opportunities for the territory. Indeed, this sector brings in between 6 and 7% of India’s GDP and employs 8% of the population. It has been growing steadily for several years, and after a pause during Covid-19, India is still as attractive as ever. Tamil Nadu, in the far south, is the most visited state in the country, and Chennai, one of the most popular cities. Next come Delhi, Agra and Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Mumbai, Kerala and Rajasthan. The Indian government, with its slogan “Incredible India“, plays on the destination’s assets. It highlights the diversity of landscapes offered, the UNESCO sites and the niche sectors. Medical tourism constitutes more than 6% of global tourism, and nature activities, cruises and ecotourism are also being developed. Domestic tourism is just as important as international travel. Major religious festivals and pilgrimages account for a considerable share of internal travel for the Indian population. UNESCO sites The extent of India’s wealth and diversity is reflected in the number of UNESCO World Heritage sites. India is home to 34 listed cultural sites, 7 natural areas and 1 mixed space. India’s cultural sites The listed cultural sites include: ● The three mountain railway links of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway in West Bengal, the Nilgiri in Tamil Nadu, and Kalka in Shimla. ● Le Corbusier’s Capitol Complex in Chandigarh, northern India. This monument is part of a list of 17 buildings, spread across other countries in the world, in a Modern Movement approach. ● The Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb and the Qutb Minar, the tallest minaret in India, in Delhi. ● The six hill forts of Rajasthan, as witnesses to the influence of the Rajputs. Some of these complexes are nearly 20 km in circumference! ● The fortified city of Jaipur, founded in 1727 according to Vedic architecture, and the Jantar Mantar, in the same city. This monument is an astronomical observation site, dating back to the 18th century. ● The Red Fort of Agra and the Taj Mahal, both dating from the Mughal Empire. The latter is also classified as one of the new seven wonders of the world! ● Fatehpur Sikri, a 16th-century city, which was the capital of the Mughal reign. It is home to one of the largest mosques in India, Jama Masjid. ● The ruins of the city of Dholavira, built by the Indus Valley Civilization in 3000 BC. ● Rani-ki-Vav, in Patan, a stepwell, built on several floors decorated with sublime stone statues. ● The temples of Khajuraho represent splendid examples of Hindu and Jain sanctuaries, covered with sculptures among the most beautiful in the country. ● The archaeological site of Nalanda Mahavihara, a monastic seat in activity from the 3rd century BC to the 13th century. ● The Mahabodhi temple complex, considered one of the four holy places of Buddhism. ● Santiniketan, in West Bengal, an artistic center sharing the values ​​of Indian traditions, as well as a vision of the unity of humanity. ● The monuments of Sanchi, the oldest existing Buddhist complex. ● The fortified city of Ahmedabad, founded in the 15th century during the era of the sultanates. ● The Bhimbetka shelters and their rock paintings. ● The Champaner-Pavagadh archaeological park, some of whose remains date from the 8th century. ● The Ajanta caves, inherited from the Gupta Empire, in the 5th and 6th centuries. ● The Ellora caves, which consist of temples and monasteries dug into the rock from 600 to 1000 AD. ● The Victorian and Art Deco neo-Gothic ensembles of Mumbai, as well as the Chhatrapati Shivaji station, where Indian architecture is mixed. ● The “cave city” of Elephanta, home to several cave shrines. ● The holy place of Kakatiya Rudreshwara, or Ramappa, in the state of Telangana, which dates back to the Kakatiya period ● The churches and convents of Goa, dating back to the Portuguese colonization of the territory. ● The buildings of Pattadakal, which is a fusion of styles from the north and south of the country. ● The city of Hampi, ancient capital of the Hindu kingdom of Vijayanagar. ● The sacred complexes of the Hoysala from the 12th and 13th centuries. ● The rock monuments of Mahabalipuram, built in the 7th and 8th centuries. ● The great living temples of Chola. Natural sites of India In the classified natural sites, we find: ● The Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area, which preserves the landscapes of high mountains, forests, alpine plateaus, valleys and a great biodiversity. ● The Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers reserves, characterized by their very many endemic flowers. Endangered species are also discovered there, such as the Asiatic black bear and the snow leopard. ● The Kangchenjunga natural area (classified as mixed by UNESCO), which protects unique spaces, as well as the third highest peak in the world. ● The Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to the tiger, the elephant and the rhinoceros. ● The Kaziranga National Park, which is home to rare biodiversity, such as the animals found in Manas, as well as panthers and bears. ● Keoladeo, home

South India is a completely fascinating place. Less known than Rajasthan in the north, choosing the south is to learn the true essence of India. It is to discover a rich culture, with lush nature and a thousand-year-old history in every temple and palace. In this article, we are going to give you some tips to make your trip to South India as pleasant as possible. Although it is an incredible place, it is also important to follow some recommendations to be able to enjoy the experience to the fullest. Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, the states of southern India, are incredible places, but they are much more enjoyable if we follow some of these essential tips. Best time to travel to South India One of the best tips we can give you is to avoid the monsoon. From July onwards, the season of heavy rains begins and will continue until the end of September, beginning of October. This is the case except in Tamil Nadu, where the monsoon occurs from October to December. Before the monsoon, from the end of April, although there is not so much rain, it is not the best time to visit this area. The reason is the high temperatures, which can exceed betweein 38 – 40 degrees celcious. With a high level of humidity, the thermal sensation can be suffocating. On the other hand, if we are looking for the best time to travel to South India, we have to choose the period from October to March. During this period of the year there is less rain and the temperatures are milder and more pleasant, allowing you to enjoy the beach and the outdoors. Temperatures range between 30 and 20 degrees, which is a perfect time to enjoy the different outdoor religious festivals that are usually held during the winter. It coincides with the high season, but in this case the high season has a reason and it is that it allows for a much more pleasant trip, making the most of the attractions of this area. In Tamil Nadu, however, we can visit from January to September. Visas and necessary vaccinations One of the fundamental aspects that we have to follow before arriving in the south of India is to secure our documentation. A passport with at least six months of validity from the date of departure from the country and two blank pages is required. In case of loss of the passport, a permit to leave the country must be requested, which can be obtained by filling out the form on this page. In addition, a tourist visa is required, which allows you to visit the country for 30 days with two entries, and which can be requested on this page. If the visa has expired, you will also have to request the exit permit that we have mentioned. As for vaccinations, there are no mandatory vaccinations for European, USA & Canadian. If we come from a country where yellow fever is endemic (like many Latin Americans), it will be mandatory to have it. Otherwise, the recommendations are usually vaccination against tetanus, typhoid fever and hepatitis A and B. Must-see stops in southern India Kerala, Tamil Nadu and, to a lesser extent, Karnataka, with permission from the paradisiacal beaches of Goa, are the three most common states to visit in southern India. Let’s see within each of these states, what their main tourist attractions are. Kerala Kerala is located on the west coast of southern India. It is known for being the cleanest and least chaotic state in the country, which makes it perfect for an India with children. Its capital is Cochin, which is also one of the most beautiful cities in this area of ​​India. Also known as Kochi, it is a colonial and multicultural city, where we can see Portuguese, Chinese or Jewish influence, among others. In this state we cannot forget the area of ​​Alleppey. Around this city there are 900 kilometers of canals and lakes that can be navigated in famous boats. Taking a cruise and touring this area is a must. Of course, we cannot leave the area without sleeping in its houseboats. Finally, we must also mention the area of ​​Munnar, a mountainous region full of beautiful tea plantations. Here the Eravikulam National Park stands out, a place specialized in ecotourism, completely sustainable and respectful of the environment. Tamil Nadu The state of Tamil Nadu is the largest in southern India, occupying the entire central and eastern area of ​​the southern peninsula. This is the area where the Tamils ​​live, an ethnic group that also lives in Sri Lanka, and which is the cradle of the Dravidian culture. For this reason, some of the oldest and most spectacular temples in India are in this state. It is difficult to choose the essentials here because there are too many attractions, but we can start with Chennai, the capital. Formerly known as Madras, it stands out for its thousand-year-old temples full of colour. Another essential place, in the centre of the state, is the city of Madurai. This 2,500-year-old city stands out mainly for the Meenakshi temple, one of the most impressive in all of India. To finish this list of essentials (although we have left out several options) we must mention Mahabalipuram. It is a coastal city with incredible beaches, which has some of the oldest temples in India. Carved directly into the rock and located in front of the sea, you cannot leave Tamil Nadu without visiting them. Karnataka Although less touristy than Kerala and Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, located to the north of these two states, on the west coast of India, is another quite interesting destination. In this case it also stands out for its mix of history and modernity. Not in vain, its capital, Bangalore, is the center of the Indian computer industry, and is known as the “Silicon Valley of India”. In fact, it is also said to be the most

Wildlife Tour is of great importance to India. The commitment to the conservation of the world’s most exotic animals and the protection of habitats play a major role in India’s national consciousness. India’s tigers are spread across 24 protected areas (60 percent of the world’s wild tigers are at home here). The country is rightly proud of “Project Tiger” because it provides living proof that humans can reclaim the habitat of these wonderful creatures. The great differences in India’s landscape have produced an impressive biodiversity: more than 1,200 species of birds and 350 species of mammals, as well as thousands of fish, amphibians and reptiles are native here, and 13,000 species of flowering plants have been recorded to date. The most famous animal in India is the tiger. Few animals exert such a fascination on humans as it does, which is both feared and admired. This elegant and mysterious big cat can only be observed here. The vast Himalayan mountain range is home to the legendary snow leopard, and is also home to musk deer, panthers, ibexes and numerous species of pheasants. Further east, elephants, rhinos and gibbons live. On the higher slopes you can find chinkara gazelles, muntjac deer and even bears, while in the lower regions it gets colorful, with red pandas and blue sheep. Deer, wild boar and elephants live in the vast, fertile Ganges plain, while the Asiatic lion lurks in the west, and wild asses and giant bustards – a type of crane bird – fight for their survival in the extreme living conditions of the desert. The most famous animal in India, however, is the tiger. Few animals exert such a fascination on people as the tiger, which is both feared and admired. This elegant and mysterious big cat can only be observed here. Although the safaris in India are in a different league to the African tours, most travelers are pleasantly surprised by the quality of the safari experiences that can be had in India. But the future prospects of the royal cat are anything but rosy. In Chinese medicine, the tiger’s body parts are attributed magical healing powers, and are used accordingly. The brain is said to be good for acne, and the kidney fat is highly valued as a remedy for male impotence. Many well-organized poaching groups even get away with their loot in well-known national parks such as Kanha or Corbett. Poorly equipped and underpaid gamekeepers can hardly put up any resistance to this lucrative business. The national parks of central India are the classic and most rewarding destinations for a tiger safari in India and should definitely be the first port of call for first-time visitors. Madhaya Pradesh was once famous for being a paradise for hunters and was eventually immortalized by Rudyard Kipling, whose epic “The Jungle Book” was set in this area. Here the tigers are still allowed to roam peacefully through the well-preserved nature reserves and this is where you have the best chance of getting the striped big cat in front of your lens. The excellent Kanha National Park is our first destination for tiger fans. The park is wonderfully large, has four set routes and it is relatively easy to avoid the many cars. The wonderfully little-visited Panna National Park near the fantastic Hindu temples of Khajuraho has seen an increase in tiger sightings since the reintroduction of tigers. You should be careful in the extremely popular Bandhavgarh, which is bursting at the seams with tourists in high season. Madhya Pradesh is also home to one of our favorite Indian national parks: Satpura. Although there are no tigers here, you can hike through the beautiful, species-rich forest and have a very good chance of seeing a Baloo bear (slotted bear) in person. This is a fantastic addition, for example, after you have satisfied your longing for tigers. The parks in central India can be easily combined, and some worthwhile destinations in the west can be easily added on. The western Indian states of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra offer some of the most famous destinations for tiger safaris in India. The undisputed mecca for tiger fans from all over the world is Tadoba National Park in the state of Maharashtra. The national park can be easily combined with Pench and Kahna National Parks: this is the route we recommend most often for tiger safaris in India. For a long time, Ranthambore was the destination of every nature enthusiast on the Indian subcontinent. After Bandhavgarh in Madhya Pradesh was dropped due to the ecological disaster taking place there, Ranthambore has become more important. We always include Ranthambore in longer safaris lasting two weeks. The excellent, small Keoladeo Park, also located in Rajasthan, should be at the top of the list for bird lovers. However, it should be noted that the best time to visit Keoladeo is in the winter months, which is not necessarily the best time to visit for tiger watching. The Bera region in the wild west of Rajasthan promises a very special feature with the best chances of seeing leopards in all of India. The other areas of this immense country tempt with a few isolated gems that are well suited as a supplement to a predominantly cultural trip, for repeat offenders or for a short trip in the northeast, north and south. The most important destination for nature lovers in northern India is the famous Corbett National Park, one of the few parks in India where you can stay in huts within the park boundaries. The chance of seeing tigers in Corbett is relatively small, but you are much more likely to come across wild elephants. Hardened expedition enthusiasts with a sense of adventure and very good physical condition should try a snow leopard trek in the remote Hemis National Park in Ladakh: although from a certain distance, you can observe snow leopards in the wild here with a fairly high degree of certainty. The northeastern corner of India, with eight

Jaipur – The Pink City Top Places to Visit in Rajasthan, Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is a beautiful city that never shies away from showing off its ancient finery and magnificent culture. Chaotic, bustling and edgy, Jaipur takes you in a single day from timeless bazaars as old as the city itself to modern restaurants serving all kinds of cuisines, from historic palaces and forts whose stories and histories are as famous as their architectural beauty to luxurious hotels. Also called the ‘Pink City’ because of the colour of its historic buildings, Jaipur is arguably the best way to experience the glorious past of the Mughal Empire. Highlights Top Places to Visit in Rajasthan Jaipur: The best time to visit is during the winter (October – March). Daytime temperatures are pleasant, but nights can be cold. During the summer (April – June), temperatures can be extremely hot. The monsoon season occurs from July to September, but Jaipur receives relatively little rainfall. If possible, try to time your visit to coincide with the Jaipur Elephant Festival, which is held every year in March. Jaisalmer – The Golden City A glittering city of sandstone houses, palaces and forts, Jaisalmer is an oasis in the middle of a desert – the Thar Desert to be exact. A tourist magnet, the city offers an opulent experience of culture, heritage, architecture and history. While the gigantic Jaisalmer Fort is a must-see and a highlight, the ancient lanes and byways are home to enchanting homes waiting to be discovered and whose stories are just waiting to be heard. The desert city is also the most popular base for camel safaris in the Thar Desert, which take you through rolling dunes, exotic desert scenes and probably the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises you will ever see. Highlights Top Places to Visit in Rajasthan Jaisalmer: October, when the weather is at its most pleasant, is considered the best month to visit Jaisalmer. Summer (April – July) is unbearable, with temperatures hovering around 40 degrees. Monsoon (August – September) is not always very rainy, but the humidity is unpleasant. Udaipur – The City of Lakes Udaipur, the land of lakes and palaces, needs no introduction. Famous for being the most romantic city in the country, Udaipur’s landscape never fails to leave you spellbound. With neighbors like the serene Lake Pichola and the magnificent Aravalli Hills, who wouldn’t feel beautiful and special? The city is dominated by its two most sought-after gems – the Lake Palace, a seductive palace-hotel for the wealthy, and the City Palace, an architectural gem – but it also boasts a fascinating art scene, old-world experiences, historic bazaars and leisurely boat rides. You can also spend time exploring the 14th-century Jain temple of Ranakpur, considered one of the most beautiful temples in India, and enjoy a unique sound and light show at Kumbhalgarh Fort. Destination Asia recommends that you try visiting the Shilpgram Craft Fair, which is held every year in Udaipur. Rajasthan is famous for its handicrafts and textiles, and Shilpgram is one of the best destinations to admire the finest embroidery, hand-woven garments, and camel leather work. Highlights Top Places to Visit in Rajasthan, Udaipur: Try to visit in winter (October – March) when the days are warm and the nights are cold. Summer (mid-March – June) is uncomfortably hot; the monsoon season (July – September) brings occasional heavy rains, thunderstorms and dust. Jodhpur – The Blue City Huge fort walls rise in stark contrast to the enchanting Thar Desert to protect the ancient city of Jodhpur, another Rajasthani gem famous for its palaces, temples, forts and bazaars. The majestic Mehrangarh Fort may be your first introduction to the city. After all, it can be hard to look past its architectural splendor. But the best experiences in the “Blue City” are still to be found in its historic streets and alleys. Other places of interest include the Umaid Bhawan Palace, famous for its collection of vintage cars, murals and miniatures, clocks and art-deco interiors, and Jaswant Thanda, a magnificent memorial dedicated to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Before leaving the city, be sure to spend some time in its ancient bazaars and buy some of its breathtaking antiques, carpets, textiles, leather goods and figurines. Highlights Top Places to Visit in Rajasthan Jodhpur: Winter (October – March) is the best time to visit, and during this time there are several interesting festivals – bring warm clothes as temperatures can be chilly. Summer days (April – July) are warm, but evenings can be cool and pleasant. The monsoon season (July-August) is cooler than summer and less crowded, but during this time the city experiences moderate rainfall. Ranthambore National Park (Tiger Reserve) Ranthambore is one of the most famous and visited national parks in India. There’s a good reason for this: while tigers aren’t present in large numbers, they are well-accustomed to humans and tend to ignore busloads of tourists, making them particularly easy to spot. Besides tigers, the park is characterised by evocative landscapes and an abundance of other wildlife, making it a place worth visiting. Highlights Top Places to Visit in Rajasthan, Ranthambore: The park is open from October to June, but the best time to see tigers is from October to March. November is considered the best month of all. Pushkar – The Holy City of Lotus Although part of Rajasthan, Pushkar seems quite unique. Famous as a pilgrimage town, Pushkar is built around an ancient lake that is said to have formed when Lord Brahma dropped a lotus. The town is also known for being one of the few destinations in the world that has temples dedicated to Lord Brahma. That said, Pushkar’s popularity on the international scene is mainly due to the grand Pushkar Camel Fair, which is considered one of the most popular events in India. The fair attracts nearly 200,000 people and 50,000 camels and allows locals to buy and sell horses, cattle and camels, and take part in

Are you planning a journey through India and don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, we’ll help you! If you have 15 days, you can take a memorable route through the Asian country, one of those that you will not forget. A priori, India is a country that gives a lot of respect and many tourists decide to go with an agency, although putting together the trip alone is not that complicated. In this article we tell you our route through India in 15 days, with all the things to see and also the budget you need. At the end of the article we tell you what it all cost us! JOURNEY THROUGH INDIA IN 15 DAYS This journey through India in 15 days is exactly what we did. It starts in New Delhi and ends in Bombay. With the exception of the last city, we did all the transfers with a private driver. He takes care of all the transfers between destinations and also takes you from one place to another when you are visiting the cities. Honestly, we think it’s the best way to get around India. If you are interested in traveling with our driver, write us an email and we will help you. Having a trusted person is essential in India, and it also gives you greater security. If you want to opt for the (cheaper) train, doing this route through India in 15 days is impossible, since it will take much longer for the transfers. Keep in mind that India is a huge country, and although it may seem on the map that the distances are short, they really are not. Arrival in New Delhi There is no better place to start this route through India in 15 days than New Delhi. You will probably arrive in the capital of India after a long flight, so it is recommended that you take advantage of the first few hours to settle into your hotel and rest. The traffic in New Delhi is terrible, so depending on what time you arrive you will not have much time to visit its attractions. We tell you some of the best things to do in New Delhi so you don’t miss anything! New Delhi The second day of this route through India in 15 days will allow you to see some of the most interesting places in the capital of India. This is how we organize the itinerary! Old Delhi This is the oldest and most historic part of Delhi. It dates back to 1648, when Shah Jahan moved the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi, then called Shahjahanabad. There you will find some of the main attractions of New Delhi such as the Red Fort, Jama Masjid or the Chandni Chowk Market. Take advantage of the entire morning to visit these sites. The driver will drop you off at the Red Fort parking lot, as cars are not allowed in Old Delhi. Once there, we recommend negotiating the price of a tuk tuk, since walking is not advisable. The traffic is terrible! Raj Ghat Before lunch, we recommend visiting Raj Ghat. It is very close to Old Delhi and there you can visit a memorial to Mahatma Ghandi, the Father of the Nation. If you have time and are interested, you can also enter his museum. Lunch in Veda This was one of the best restaurants we tried on our 15-day tour of India. They serve some of the classics of typical Indian food, and the place is beautiful. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth it! If you want to see more options, we tell you 8 restaurants to eat in Delhi (good and safe). Sunset in Akshardham And to top off your first full day in New Delhi, we recommend visiting Akshardham during sunset. It is the second largest Hindu temple in the world and one of the most beautiful we saw on our route through India in 15 days. Of course, keep in mind that you won’t even be able to enter your phone for security reasons. New Delhi, one of the most interesting days of this route through India in 15 days We liked the second full day in New Delhi even more than the first. You will see some of the most impressive sites on this route through India in 15 days! Qutub Minar Start your second day in New Delhi by visiting the world’s tallest brick minaret. Is awesome! It is the oldest Islamic monument in New Delhi, so it is a gem that cannot be missed on your route. Lotus Temple Then visit the famous Lotus Temple, which will surprise you with its architecture. As its name indicates, it is inspired by the lotus flower, very symbolic in India. Humayun’s Tomb Humayun’s Tomb was one of the monuments that impressed us the most on our route through India in 15 days. We are amazed! It was the first garden tomb and served as inspiration for the Taj Mahal. Lunch in Chiken Inn Recharge your energy by having lunch with one of the chicken specialties at Chiken Inn, a very famous and recommended restaurant in New Delhi. Safdarjung Tomb After lunch, visit Safdarjung Tomb, a mausoleum of Safdarjung Mirza Muqim Abul Mansur Khan. If you had previously visited the Hamayun Tomb, which was the first garden tomb of the Mughals, the Safjardung Tomb was the last. Lodhi Garden And to finish the third day of this route through India in 15 days, stroll through Lodhi Garden. It’s like an oasis in the middle of the city! Trip to Agra Distance: 230km | 3 hours and 30 minutes The third day of this route through India in 15 days will take you to Agra, one of the most touristic cities in the country. Between Delhi and Agra it is about four hours by car, so we recommend leaving between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. to arrive at noon. Akbar’s Tomb The first stop is

Tips to Traveling to India is a real adventure. It’s a totally different trip than any you can take! For this reason, you have to be prepared in all aspects to enjoy the experience to the fullest and not regret it. After spending 15 days trip the chaotic cities of the country, we learned a lot of things that can help you a lot to face your trip and prevent setbacks. In this article we are going to tell you 30 tips to travel to India and make sure you don’t regret it. 1-Take out travel insurance Don’t even consider traveling to India without travel insurance. It would be tremendously irresponsible! Although it is not an essential requirement to enter the country, it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. So as soon as you book your plane tickets, we recommend taking out travel insurance. Unfortunately, in India you will be exposed to many dangers and it is necessary that you travel protected. According to our guide, 9 out of 10 of his clients suffer from food poisoning. You have to be very careful! Furthermore, walking the streets of India is literally risking your life. You will feel like you don’t have your space, on many occasions you will be hit by vehicles, so having travel insurance will give you peace of mind in case of any accident. Hospital care in India is not, by any means, similar to that in Europe or USA etc. So having travel insurance will ensure you quality medical care without surprises, since they work with good medical centers. That is why we recommend you take out insurance with hospitalization expenses. Also, another thing you should keep in mind is that in India there are many stray animals: cows, dogs, monkeys… and bites are common. In short, one of the best Tips to Travel to India is to take out travel insurance. 2- Take the Recommended Vaccines If you are traveling from Europe or USA, there is no mandatory vaccination to enter India. However, it is highly recommended to apply the following vaccines to feel calmer. 3-Get your visa online, one of the best Tips to Travel to India Travel insurance and vaccinations are recommended, but a visa is MANDATORY. Fortunately, the process is very simple and can be done online for most nationalities. The e-VISA must be applied for 120 days before your arrival in India. However, it is a quick process and we did it with only 15 days notice. And the next day we received the confirmation by email! The e-VISA allows you to stay in Indian territory for 30 days from your arrival date. In addition, it is double entry, so you can go to another country and re-enter, as long as you do not exceed 30 days from your arrival. The cost of the procedure is $ 25 if you do it through the official Government website. Filling out all the fields took us approximately an hour. One of the best Tips to Travel to India is that, before paying, write down your application number, because you will need it later. 4- Print the appropriate e-VISA document Also do not forget to have the VISA STATUS document printed where it says GRANTED, since they will ask you for it when boarding and upon arriving in India. That is not the document that arrives in the mail, but you must go to the website where you processed the mail, enter your passport and the visa application number. Once there, you must download that document. 5-Hire a private driver One of the best Tips to Travel to India is to hire a private driver. It was the best decision we could have made! At first we wanted to travel by train, but a friend who had been there previously spoke highly of a driver and we decided to hire him. And thank goodness! The price of the driver depends on the route you are going to take with him. We paid about € 80/day for a Sedan Car, and it included transportation between cities, within cities, gasoline, tolls and parking. Since we went from Delhi – Shekhawati – Bikaner – Jaisalmer – Falodi – Jodhpur – Ranakpur – Udaipur – Chitaurgarh – Bundi – Jaipur – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra – Gwalior – Orchha – Khajuraho – Prayagraj (Allahabad) – Varanasi – Kanpur – Unchagaon – Jim Corbett – Haridwar – Rishikesh – Delhi back. As we feel the price is not expensive, this is includes everything (no hidden price, except driver’s tip). Keep in mind that moving around India alone is a real headache. Yes, getting around by train is MUCH cheaper, but going on your own is exhausting. You will need a tuk tuk to get to the station from your hotel, to get from the station to the hotel and to get around the cities. Hiring them is super stressful! In short, hiring a private driver will allow you to optimize your time and see more things in less time, in addition to having that extra peace of mind and security. If you want the contact of our driver, you can write to us privately and we will help you. Without a doubt, one of the best Tips to Travel to India. 6- Guides/drivers always have a commission Hiring a private driver was the best decision we could have made. But not everything is rosy! Honestly, I don’t know what we would have done without him, but you have to keep in mind that no matter how good he is to you, he is going to see the benefit of him first. Our driver was always super honest. In fact, we tested him several times, but he never wanted to fool us. The only bad thing is that, to get extra money, he insisted a lot on us doing some activities where he takes a commission. In addition, he took us to souvenir places where he also made his cut. And although