Asia · 128 destinations
India
India is a subcontinent unto itself — ancient temples, Himalayan peaks, royal palaces, and tropical backwaters across 28 states each with distinct cuisine, language, and culture. No single trip can capture it all.
visa & entry
Entry Requirements for Indians
What Indian passport holders need to know before booking
Practical tips
- ›Always carry a digital copy of your passport and visa
- ›Check the official embassy website for the latest requirements before booking
- ›Book return flights before applying for visa
- ›Keep proof of sufficient funds (bank statements)
top experiences
What to Do in India
Iconic activities and unmissable experiences across all destinations
Red Fort & Chandni Chowk
The 17th-century Mughal fort followed by breakfast in Chandni Chowk — parathe at Paranthe Wali Gali, jalebi at Old Famous Jalebi Wala, and the chaos of the spice market.
Humayun's Tomb
The garden tomb that directly inspired the Taj Mahal — less crowded and arguably more harmonious. The Mughal garden layout is a masterpiece of symmetry.
Qutb Minar
The tallest brick minaret in the world, built in 1193. The surrounding complex has the earliest mosque in India and the 2,000-year-old Iron Pillar that hasn't rusted.
Taj Mahal at Sunrise
Book the first entry slot (6am). The marble turns from pink to white to gold as the sun rises — with mist off the Yamuna river. The most important 2 hours in Indian travel.
Agra Fort
The red sandstone fortress where Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son — he spent his final years gazing at the Taj Mahal through the Musamman Burj tower windows.
Mehtab Bagh Sunset
The garden directly across the Yamuna from the Taj gives the best sunset view — without entry fees or crowds. Bring a picnic and watch the marble change colour.
Rajasthan
9 destinations
Jaipur
The Pink City
Udaipur
City of Lakes
Jodhpur
The Blue City
Jaisalmer
The Golden City
Pushkar
Sacred Lake of the Creator
Bikaner
Camel Country & Forts
Kerala
7 destinations
Kochi
Queen of the Arabian Sea
Munnar
Tea Gardens in the Clouds
Alleppey (Alappuzha)
Venice of the East
Thekkady
Periyar Spice Country
Kovalam
Kerala's Classic Beach Resort
Varkala
Clifftop Beach Escape
Himachal Pradesh
9 destinations
Manali
Valley of the Gods
Shimla
Queen of Hill Stations
Dharamshala
Little Lhasa in the Himalayas
Kasauli
Quiet Colonial Hill Town
Kasol
Mini Israel of India
Bir Billing
Paragliding Capital of India
Goa
1 destination
Delhi & Agra
3 destinations
99 more destinations
More Across India
Varanasi
The Eternal City
Kedarnath
Sacred Himalayan Shiva Shrine
Badrinath
Vishnu Shrine in the Garhwal Himalaya
Rishikesh
Yoga Capital of the World
Haridwar
Gateway to the Gods
Amritsar
City of the Golden Temple
Mumbai
City of Dreams
Prayagraj
City of Kumbh Mela
Bodh Gaya
Where Buddha Awakened
Leh Ladakh
Land of High Passes
Mussoorie
Queen of Hill Stations
Nainital
Lake District of India
trip planner
How Many Days Do You Need in India?
Pick a trip length and get a ready-made day-by-day route — where to go, what to see, and how it all connects
travel guides
India Travel Guides
In-depth city guides, budget breakdowns, and first-hand tips for your trip
Goa vs Kerala 2026: Which Indian State Should You Visit?
Best Beaches in India 2026: The Definitive Guide
Manali Travel Guide 2026: Everything You Need to Know
Rajasthan 7-Day Itinerary: The Golden Triangle + Desert Circuit
Ladakh Travel Guide 2026: How to Plan the Perfect Trip
Kerala Honeymoon Guide: Best Places, Packages & Tips (2026)
budget guide
How Much Does India Cost?
Daily budget estimates — accommodation, food, transport, and activities
Budget
₹1,200–₹2,500 ($14–30)/day
🛏️ Hotel
₹500–1,000 (guesthouse near Assi or Dashashwamedh Ghat)
🍜 Food
₹300–500 (kachori sabzi ₹30, lassi ₹50, thali ₹120)
🚌 Transport
₹200–400 (auto, cycle rickshaw, shared boat ₹50)
🎟️ Activities
₹200–400 (aarti viewing free, boat ride ₹150–300)
A shared rowing boat from Dashashwamedh for the dawn ride costs ₹150–200 per person. Kachori sabzi at Kashi Chaat Bhandar on Vishwanath Gali is the best ₹30 breakfast in India. Aarti is completely free to watch from the steps.
Mid-range
₹3,000–₹6,000 ($36–72)/day
🛏️ Hotel
₹2,000–4,000 (heritage guesthouse or small hotel with Ganga view)
🍜 Food
₹800–1,500 (proper restaurant meals, thali, rooftop Ganga dining)
🚌 Transport
₹800–1,500 (private boat, cab to Sarnath)
🎟️ Activities
₹800–1,500 (private boat, Sarnath, silk shopping)
Brijrama Palace (now a Heritage hotel) and the Ganges View hotel offer mid-range heritage stays directly on the ghats. A private boat for the dawn ride costs ₹800–1,200 for two people.
Luxury
₹8,000–₹25,000 ($96–300)/day
🛏️ Hotel
₹6,000–15,000 (BrijRama Palace, Taj Nadesar Palace, Ganga Kinare)
🍜 Food
₹3,000–6,000 (Nadesar Palace dining, BrijRama rooftop)
🚌 Transport
₹2,000–4,000 (private car with guide)
🎟️ Activities
₹3,000–6,000 (private boat with guide, temple VIP darshan, silk weaving atelier visit)
Taj Nadesar Palace (built 1835) is Varanasi's most gracious property — set in a 40-acre garden with personalised puja ceremonies arranged for guests. BrijRama Palace has the best ghat-level position of any luxury hotel.
Prices in INR. Varanasi is one of India's most affordable destinations. Accommodation near the ghats is the main variable — ghat-facing rooms cost a premium worth paying.
seasonal guide
Best Time to Visit India
Month-by-month weather, crowd levels, and highlights
January
14°C · Cool and misty, 8–20°C
February
18°C · Mild, 12–24°C, comfortable
March
24°C · Warm, 18–30°C, Holi festival
April
33°C · Hot, 28–38°C, dry
May
40°C · Very hot, 32–44°C
June
42°C · Extreme pre-monsoon heat
July
30°C · Monsoon, 28–32°C, lower ghat
August
29°C · Heavy rain, high river, dram
September
29°C · Monsoon easing, 27–32°C
October
26°C · Perfect, 22–30°C, clear
November
20°C · Ideal, 15–26°C, crisp
December
15°C · Cool, 10–22°C, foggy morning
Varanasi is best October–March when the city is cool, dry, and the ghats are bustling. Dev Deepawali (November) — 1 million lamps lit on the ghats for Kartik Purnima — is the single most spectacular event in India. Summers are extremely hot; monsoon floods the lower ghats but has its own drama.
common questions
India Travel FAQ
Answers to what Indian travellers ask most
How many days do I need in India?
5–7 days is ideal to cover the main highlights without rushing. If you have 10–14 days, you can explore regional destinations at a relaxed pace and go deeper into local culture.
What is the best time to visit India?
Oct – Mar is the recommended window — expect the most favourable weather, lower chances of disruption, and ideal conditions for outdoor sightseeing and activities.
Do Indian passport holders need a visa for India?
No visa required. Always verify current entry requirements on the official embassy or government website before booking flights.
What currency is used in India?
India uses the INR (Rupee). Carry some local cash for markets, street food, and smaller vendors — card acceptance varies outside major cities.
Is India safe for Indian tourists?
India is generally well-regarded for safety among international travellers. Exercise standard travel precautions, stay aware of your surroundings in tourist areas, and keep digital copies of important documents.
What language is spoken in India?
The primary language is Hindi, English. In major tourist areas and hotels, English is widely understood. Learning a few local phrases is always appreciated by locals.
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