India Travel Guide
India is too large to see in one trip — each state is a country unto itself. Rajasthan has desert forts and colourful palaces. Kerala has backwater canals and tropical forests. Goa has beaches and ease. Delhi and Agra have history wherever you look. See India slowly — leave your hurry for somewhere else.
Best Time to Visit
Winter (October–March)
Best season for most of India. Cool, dry weather. Ideal for Rajasthan, Delhi, Agra.
Summer (April–June)
Intense heat in the north (45°C+). Kerala and hill stations are better. Pre-monsoon.
Monsoon (July–September)
Heavy rain. Kerala turns lush and beautiful. Some regions difficult. Cheapest season.
Top Destinations
Taj Mahal & Agra
One of the most beautiful structures ever built. Dawn is the best time — soft light, smaller crowds. Don't miss Agra Fort either.
Rajasthan
Jaipur (the Pink City), Jaisalmer (desert fort city), Udaipur (City of Lakes). Three cities, three entirely different worlds.
Kerala
Backwater canals, tropical forests, tranquil beaches and Ayurvedic treatments. Go slowly and let its peace reach you.
Delhi Old & New
Old Delhi with Chandni Chowk bazaar, Jama Masjid and the Red Fort. New Delhi with museums and modern neighbourhoods.
Goa
India's best beaches with a Portuguese colonial heritage. Baroque churches, beachside restaurants and unhurried sunbathing.
Getting Around
Indian Railways
One of the world's largest rail networks. Book via IRCTC website. Overnight trains between cities are the best option.
Domestic Flights
IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet. For long distances (Delhi to Goa or Kerala) flights are more economical.
Taxi & Uber/Ola
Uber and Ola work in most cities. For street taxis, insist on the meter or agree the price first.
Budget Guide
Budget
$25–45/day- Hostel or budget hotel
- Dal, biryani and local bread
- 3rd class train
- Auto-rickshaw in town
Mid-range
$60–100/day- 3-star hotel
- Clean restaurant
- AC train
- Half-day tour
Comfortable
$150+/day- Heritage hotel in Rajasthan
- Car with driver
- Quality restaurants
- Ayurvedic retreat
Travel Tips
Book trains far in advance — 60 days ahead via IRCTC.
Only drink bottled water — never tap water.
Bargain in markets — the first price quoted is the tourist price.
Recommended vaccinations: Hepatitis A, typhoid and malaria prophylaxis (for forest areas).
Remove shoes before entering religious sites — wear clean socks.
India can overwhelm your senses — pause, breathe, embrace it.
Heading to India?
Got questions or want to share your experience? I'd love to hear from you.
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