travel in

INDIA

Scenic beaches, tiger-laden jungles, fragrant curries, and a whole lot of color.

Bucket List Experiences

Visit India to see tigers and Asiatic lions in the wild, witness the beauty of the Taj Mahal, and glimpse the majesty of Jaipur.

Budget

Budget travelers can expect to pay 6,850 INR (about 85 USD) for a week in India.

Travel to India

How to Plan Your Trip to India

Use my India travel guides to plan your perfect trip! Find wild tigers in Ranthambore, take in the architectural wonders of the Taj Mahal, or immerse yourself in the vibrant street markets of Mumbai and Delhi. Whether you’re looking for an adventure in nature, bustling city life, or cultural immersion, India offers something for every traveler.

Check out the 15+ Best Things to Do in Jaipur or read my other informative travel guides.

Best Time to Visit India

Winter (October-February): This is the ideal time to visit most parts of India, with cooler, pleasant weather perfect for sightseeing. Explore the majestic palaces of Rajasthan, cruise through Kerala’s backwaters, or enjoy beachside relaxation in Goa.

Summer (March-June): While much of India experiences intense heat, it’s a great time to visit cooler regions like the hill stations in Himachal Pradesh or Uttarakhand. Ladakh in the north also becomes accessible, offering stunning landscapes for trekking and adventure.

Monsoon (July-September): The monsoon season brings life to India’s landscapes, especially in regions like Kerala and the Western Ghats. The lush greenery and cool rains create a refreshing atmosphere, but be prepared for occasional travel disruptions due to heavy rains.

Food, Culture, and Religion in India

Food: Indian cuisine is world-renowned for its bold flavors and variety, from spicy curries to delicate sweets. Indulge in local delicacies like biryani in Hyderabad, street food like vada pav in Mumbai, or a traditional thali in Gujarat. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor some masala chai ☕ and samosas at a local tea stall!

Culture: India is a melting pot of cultures, with each state offering its own unique traditions and festivals. Witness a classical Bharatanatyam dance performance in Chennai, take part in the colorful Holi festival in the north, or explore the historical forts and palaces of Rajasthan. From the ancient ghats of Varanasi to the vibrant bazaars of Delhi, India’s cultural experiences are vast and varied.

Religion: India is home to several major world religions, including Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, and Buddhism. Visit iconic religious sites like the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the Jama Masjid in Delhi, or the peaceful Buddhist monasteries of Sikkim. Temples, mosques, churches, and gurdwaras reflect the deep spiritual diversity found throughout the country.

Safety and Travel Advice in India

India is an incredible destination, but like any place, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings. Most tourist areas are safe, but petty theft can happen, so it’s wise to be cautious with your belongings.

Female Solo Travel Safety in India

Unfortunately, it’s still not advisable for women to walk alone at night or in secluded areas. For added safety, connect with other female travelers in the Girls Love Travel and Host a Sister Facebook groups.

Travel Insurance

Don’t forget travel insurance for your trip! Heymondo covers medical emergencies, theft, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more with 24/7 worldwide assistance and medical chat. Get 5% off here!

Traveling comes with a unique set of challenges. To keep your journey happy, healthy, and safe, I recommend traveling with these:

Addalock (Don’t travel to India without this! It’s an added safety lock that works with any door).

Ear plugs and eye mask (For overnight train rides!)

Hand sanitiser and wet wipes (In India, these are a must.)

Reusable water bottle  (Save plastic by investing in a Grayl water purification bottle, which lets you fill up from any water source, anywhere in the world.)

Power bank (There’s not much worse than running out of phone battery and not being able to find your way home.)

International travel adapter (You’ll need at least one of these for all of your trips.)

For a full list of my travel recommendations, click here!

The tuk-tuk fare scam – Make sure to confirm how much your ride will cost before getting in the tuk-tuk or cab. Don’t listen when the driver says “Up to you. You tell me at the end.” If you don’t agree on a price upfront, they can overcharge you at the end of the trip. You only have to pay the agreed upon price. If they ask for more than you agreed, you do not have to pay them extra. It’s up to you whether you want to tip or not.

The commission scam – Tuk-tuk and cab drivers will jump at the chance to take you to a shop of your choice, where they promise “looking is free” or “no buy, only look.” They are so eager to take you to these shops because they earn a commission from what you buy. Just say no!

The hotel scam – Your tuk-tuk or cab driver tells you your hotel is closed, but that’s okay because they know just the place to take you instead. In reality, your hotel is not closed; they just want commission for bringing you to a hotel they know. This scam is harder to pull off now with sites like Booking.com, but it still happens.

The pen scam – Children on the street know not everyone wants to handout money, so they’ll ask for something else—pens for school. Well-meaning foreigners buy them these pens in the hopes they’re being used for good, but in reality, the children have a deal with the shopkeepers who will return them for money once you leave.The note scam – Carefully check what note you hand someone when paying at shops and stalls. The shopkeeper might tell you you gave them a 50 INR note for example, instead of a 100 INR note. Even if you have a feeling this has happened, it’s really difficult to prove if you aren’t positive what note you gave them first.