Welcome to India, a destination where ancient traditions meet modern energy. This overview is your trustworthy starting point—what to expect, how to plan, and how to experience the best of India with confidence. Use the sub-navigation above to dive deeper into visas, arrival, money, health, etiquette, transport, itineraries and more.
India is more than a place on the map—it’s a living, breathing story. Within a single trip you can watch sunrise over the Taj Mahal, sip cutting-chai in a buzzing bazaar, wander stepped temples older than empires, cruise quiet backwaters fringed with palms, and hike crisp Himalayan trails where prayer flags flutter in the wind. Few countries offer this combination of scale, variety, and emotional warmth. From the glittering cities of Mumbai and Bengaluru to desert forts in Rajasthan and the tea gardens of the Northeast, each region feels like a distinct world yet connects through shared traditions of hospitality and festival.
Start by deciding your vibe: heritage cities, nature and wildlife, wellness, or a little bit of everything. Pick two to four regions rather than rushing across the map—distances are large, and slowing down makes your trip richer. Check visa requirements early, choose arrival city by flight connections (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi), and sketch a route that moves logically without excessive backtracking. Mix hotel types: a boutique haveli in Jaipur, a backwater houseboat in Kerala, and a modern city hotel for balance. Keep one or two buffer days; India rewards spontaneity—street processions, local markets, and new friends often become trip highlights.
Weather shapes everything. October to March is generally the most comfortable across the plains and desert, bringing clear skies, cool evenings, and festival season. In April–June, the Himalayas shine with milder mountain days, while southern beaches are quieter with occasional showers. The monsoon (roughly June–September) transforms India into a lush green photo book—great for Kerala backwaters, Western Ghats treks, and dramatic cloudscapes, though you’ll need flexible plans. If you’re chasing tigers, spring and early summer increase sightings as animals gather near waterholes.
| Season | Regions That Shine | Travel Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oct–Mar | Rajasthan, Delhi–Agra–Jaipur, Central India, most cities | Peak season; book key stays & trains in advance |
| Apr–Jun | Himalayas (Himachal, Uttarakhand, Ladakh*), Wildlife parks | *Ladakh roads open late spring; strong sun, hydrate well |
| Jun–Sep | Kerala, Western Ghats, Goa off-season, Northeast | Monsoon magic; carry rain gear, build buffers |
Urban India is highly digital—cards and mobile payments (via QR) are common in hotels, stores, and many cafés. Keep small cash for local markets, tips, and rural stops. ATMs are widely available in towns; inform your bank about travel to avoid card blocks. Buy a local SIM at the airport with passport and visa copy; data plans are affordable and coverage is solid on main routes. For transport, use reputable taxi apps in cities, pre-paid counters at airports, and trains or short flights between regions. Pack modest clothing for temples and old quarters, comfortable shoes for uneven lanes, and a light scarf for sun or dust.
India is welcoming and generally safe for visitors who travel smart. Choose central, well-reviewed stays; use registered taxis or app cabs at night; and keep valuables zipped in crowded areas. In religious or rural spaces, dress modestly and remove shoes before entering temples or homes when requested. Always ask before photographing people. A friendly “Namaste” with a smile goes a long way; bargaining in markets is normal but should stay light and respectful. If something feels off, step away—there’s always another shop, another guide, another café.
A great trip balances headline sights with local textures. Pair sunrise at the Taj Mahal with a heritage walk in Old Delhi’s spice lanes; combine Jaipur’s palaces with a block-printing workshop in a craft village; taste coastal flavors at a Kochi café, then drift on a kettuvallam (houseboat) through sleepy canals; watch a Kathakali performance or Hindustani classical recital in an intimate venue; sip single-estate tea in Darjeeling; stargaze at a desert camp near Jaisalmer; or unwind in a forest lodge where birdsong sets the morning rhythm.