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!
India Map
Use this India travel map to begin planning your trip!
Click here for an interactive version of the above map.
Best Destinations In India
Here is where to go when traveling in India.
India Adventures
Love hiking, cycling, and active adventures? Don’t miss:
South India Travel Guides: Kerala
Traveling India and spending time in Kerala? These guides can help!
South India Travels In Goa
Check out these guides and tips for travel to India when you’re visiting Goa.
Tips For Northern India Travel
Check out these northern India travel itineraries.
Tips For India Travel
These tips for travel in India can help you plan the perfect trip.
India Travel Stories
Enjoy these travel stories about India.
Asia Travel Tips
This Asia travel advice can help you plan the perfect trip.
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.
Their comparison tool does the homework for you, so there’s no need to have up 10+ tabs trying to figure out which company is the most affordable. Actually, you can save up to 70% using their tool!
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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