T Travel Site India

👋 Quick answer

India needs time and focus. Give it ten days to two weeks. First-timers should do the Golden Triangle: Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Come October to March. Travel by train and the odd flight. Read our Jaipur guide for a deep city example.

India is one of the world's great trips. It is also intense, so plan by region and season.

This guide covers the best cities, six regions, when to visit, how to get around, where to stay, what it costs, food from every state, festivals of all faiths, and visas and safety. Every fact links to a source.

On this page

  1. India by the numbers
  2. Best cities to visit
  3. Six regions of India
  4. When to visit
  5. Getting around
  6. Where to stay
  7. Costs & budget
  8. Food from every state 🍛
  9. Festivals of all faiths 🎉
  10. Visa, safety & health
  11. FAQs
📊 By the numbers
i

India at a glance

~10 m🛬 Foreign tourists a year PIB, Ministry of Tourism
~2.5 bn🧳 Domestic tourist visits a year Tourism in India, Wikipedia
42🏛️ UNESCO World Heritage Sites UNESCO
22+🗣️ Official languages, plus English Languages of India
📍 Where to go
1

Best cities to visit in India

Pick a few cities, not too many. Our fullest guide is Jaipur.

Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, Rajasthan

Jaipur

Pink City forts and palaces.

Full guide →
Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Agra

Home of the Taj Mahal.

Guide coming soon
India Gate in New Delhi

Delhi

Capital of forts, tombs and food.

Guide coming soon
Ganges ghats at Varanasi

Varanasi

Ancient holy city on the Ganges.

Guide coming soon
Gateway of India in Mumbai

Mumbai

Coastal metropolis and Bollywood.

Guide coming soon
Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab

Amritsar

Home of the Golden Temple.

Guide coming soon
Kerala backwaters houseboats

Kerala (Kochi)

Backwaters, spice ports and beaches.

Guide coming soon
Mysore Palace lit at night, Karnataka

Mysuru

Royal palace and grand Dasara.

Guide coming soon
🗺️ The map
2

Six regions of India

Each region has its own season, food and feel. Match the region to your month. Browse all states & union territories.

RegionHighlightsBest months
🏜️ North & RajasthanDelhi, Agra, Jaipur, the Rajasthan guide, HimalayasOctober–March
🌴 SouthKerala, Tamil temples, Karnataka, coastsOctober–March
🛕 EastKolkata, Varanasi, Odisha templesOctober–March
🏖️ WestMumbai, Goa beaches, GujaratNovember–February
🐯 CentralKhajuraho, tiger parks, Madhya PradeshOctober–March
⛰️ NortheastAssam, Sikkim, Meghalaya, hill culturesOctober–April
🗓️ Season guide
3

When to visit India

Winter is peak for most of India. Summer suits the hills. The monsoon is green but wet.

SeasonMonthsWhere it shinesNotes
❄️ WinterOctober–MarchPlains, Rajasthan, SouthBest all-round; book early
☀️ SummerApril–JuneHimalayas, hill stationsPlains very hot; go high
🌧️ MonsoonJuly–SeptemberKerala, Western GhatsLush and cheap; some rain

Climate reference: Climate of India, Wikipedia.

🚆 Getting around
4

How to travel in India

Trains connect almost everywhere and are great value. Prices below are indicative.

ModeBest forPrice rangeBook / source
🚆 Trains (Indian Railways)Long and mid distances₹100–3,000+IRCTC
✈️ Domestic flightsLong cross-country hops₹2,500–8,000IndiGo
🚇 Metro railBig-city transit₹10–64Delhi Metro
🚌 Intercity busesTowns off the rail map₹100–1,500RedBus
🛺 Auto-rickshawShort city hops₹30–200Meter or app
🚕 App cabs (Ola, Uber)Airports and nights₹100–600Uber

Reference: Transport in India, Wikipedia. See it in action in our Jaipur transport section.

🛏️ Where to stay
5

Accommodation in India

India has stays for every budget. Heritage hotels are a special treat.

TypeTypical price / nightGood for
👑 Heritage hotels₹5,000–40,000Palaces, havelis, forts
🏨 Mid-range hotels₹2,500–8,000Comfort on a budget
🛎️ Budget hotels₹800–2,500Simple, clean rooms
🏡 Homestays₹1,000–4,000Local family stays
🎒 Hostels₹400–1,200 dormBackpackers and solo trips

To compare places by map and price, browse stays across India on Booking.com, or find homes and homestays through Airbnb's India listings. In cool-season Rajasthan, book heritage hotels well ahead.

Source: Rough Guides: India accommodation.

💰 Budget
6

What an India trip costs

India can be very cheap or quite plush. These are rough daily figures per person.

StylePer day (approx.)What you get
🎒 Budget₹1,500–2,500Hostels, street food, trains and buses
🧳 Mid-range₹3,500–7,000Good hotels, cafes, cabs, guides
👑 Luxury₹12,000+Heritage hotels, private cars, fine dining
🍛 Taste of India
7

Food & culture, region by region

India is not one cuisine. Every region, and nearly every state, cooks its own way. Here is the map on a plate.

🫓 North India

Wheat, dairy and Mughlai richness. Tandoori meats, thick gravies, naan and parathas.

🥥 South India

Rice, coconut and tamarind. Dosa, idli, sambar, seafood and fiery curries.

🐟 East India

Rice, fish and mustard. Subtle spicing and world-famous Bengali sweets.

🌶️ West India

Gujarati thalis, Maharashtrian snacks and Goan seafood. Sweet, spicy and coastal.

🌾 Central India

Wheat and gram staples. Poha, dal bafla and hearty tribal fare.

🎍 Northeast India

Rice, bamboo and greens. Fermented, smoked, herby and lightly spiced.

🍽️ Traditional dishes by state

A quick reference to signature dishes across India's states and union territories.

State / UTRegionTraditional dishes to try
RajasthanNorthDal baati churma, Laal maas, Gatte ki sabzi, Ghewar
DelhiNorthChole bhature, Butter chicken, Parathe, Nihari
PunjabNorthSarson da saag & makki di roti, Chole, Amritsari fish, Lassi
HaryanaNorthBajra khichdi, Kadhi pakora, Bathua raita, Churma
Uttar PradeshNorthTunday kebab, Awadhi biryani, Bedmi-aloo, Petha
UttarakhandNorthKafuli, Aloo ke gutke, Bhatt ki churkani, Bal mithai
Himachal PradeshNorthDham, Siddu, Chana madra, Babru
Jammu & KashmirNorthRogan josh, Wazwan, Yakhni, Kashmiri pulao
LadakhNorthThukpa, Momos, Skyu, Butter tea
GujaratWestDhokla, Thepla, Undhiyu, Fafda-jalebi
MaharashtraWestVada pav, Puran poli, Misal pav, Modak
GoaWestFish curry rice, Vindaloo, Xacuti, Bebinca
Madhya PradeshCentralPoha-jalebi, Dal bafla, Bhutte ka kees, Bhopali seekh
ChhattisgarhCentralChila, Faraa, Muthia, Bafauri
BiharEastLitti chokha, Sattu paratha, Thekua, Khaja
JharkhandEastDhuska, Litti chokha, Rugra, Thekua
West BengalEastMachher jhol, Shorshe ilish, Kosha mangsho, Rasgulla
OdishaEastDalma, Pakhala bhata, Chhena poda, Macha besara
SikkimNortheastMomos, Thukpa, Gundruk, Phagshapa
AssamNortheastMasor tenga, Aloo pitika, Pitha, Duck curry
MeghalayaNortheastJadoh, Doh-neiiong, Tungrymbai, Pukhlein
NagalandNortheastSmoked pork with axone, Galho, Bamboo-steamed fish
ManipurNortheastEromba, Chak-hao kheer, Singju, Kangshoi
MizoramNortheastBai, Misa mach poora, Vawksa rep, Bamboo shoot
TripuraNortheastMui borok, Chakhwi, Mosdeng, Berma dishes
Arunachal PradeshNortheastThukpa, Momos, Zan, Apong
Tamil NaduSouthIdli-sambar, Dosa, Chettinad chicken, Pongal
KeralaSouthAppam & stew, Puttu-kadala, Sadya, Malabar biryani
KarnatakaSouthBisi bele bath, Masala dosa, Ragi mudde, Mysore pak
Andhra PradeshSouthPesarattu, Gongura pachadi, Pulihora, Bobbatlu
TelanganaSouthHyderabadi biryani, Haleem, Sarva pindi, Qubani ka meetha
PuducherrySouthFrench-Tamil dishes, Seafood, Podanlangkai
Andaman & NicobarIslandsGrilled seafood, Coconut curries, Fish molee
 Signature dishes are a starting point, not a full list. Source: Indian cuisine, Wikipedia.

🍧 Street food to try

🍮 Sweets to save room for

Food references: Indian cuisine and List of Indian dishes, Wikipedia.

🎉 When to come
8

Festivals of India, by faith and region

India celebrates all year and all faiths. Book early, as trains and rooms fill fast. See our kite festival guide.

🪔 Hindu festivals

FestivalSeasonWhat happensSource
DiwaliAutumnLamps, sweets and fireworksWikipedia
HoliSpringColours, water and musicWikipedia
Navratri & DussehraAutumnNine nights of dance, then victoryWikipedia
Goddess Durga PujaAutumnGrand pavilions in KolkataWikipedia
OnamAug–SepKerala's harvest, boats and feastsWikipedia
Makar SankrantiMid-JanuaryKite-flying and sesame sweetsOur guide

☪️ Muslim festivals

FestivalWhenWhat happensSource
Eid al-FitrEnd of RamadanFeasting after the fasting monthWikipedia
Eid al-Adha (Bakrid)Lunar calendarPrayers, sacrifice and sharingWikipedia
MuharramLunar calendarProcessions, most visible in LucknowWikipedia
Milad-un-NabiLunar calendarMarks the Prophet's birthWikipedia

🪯 Sikh & ✝️ Christian festivals

FestivalFaithWhat happensSource
Guru Nanak GurpurabSikhPrayers and processions, AmritsarWikipedia
BaisakhiSikhHarvest and Khalsa foundation dayWikipedia
Hola MohallaSikhMartial arts and colour at AnandpurWikipedia
ChristmasChristianBiggest in Goa, Kerala and the NortheastWikipedia

🙏 Jain & ☸️ Buddhist festivals

FestivalFaithWhat happensSource
Mahavir JayantiJainMarks the birth of MahaviraWikipedia
ParyushanaJainDays of fasting and reflectionWikipedia
Buddha PurnimaBuddhistLord Buddha's birth and enlightenmentWikipedia
Hemis & LosarBuddhistMasked dances in Ladakh and SikkimWikipedia

🌄 Northeast, central & tribal festivals

FestivalWhereWhat happensSource
Hornbill FestivalNagalandTribes gather for dance and craftsWikipedia
BihuAssamAssamese new year, song and danceWikipedia
WangalaMeghalayaGaro harvest drum festivalWikipedia
SarhulJharkhandTribal spring and nature worshipWikipedia
BhagoriaMadhya PradeshBhil tribal fair before HoliWikipedia
Khajuraho Dance FestivalCentral (MP)Classical dance before the templesState tourism

Festival overview: List of festivals in India, Wikipedia.

🧾 Good to know
9

Visa, safety & health

Most visitors need an e-Tourist Visa, applied online before travel. Neighbours like Nepal and Bhutan often enter visa-free. Check the rules for your passport before you book.

🛟 Stay safe and well

India is broadly safe with common sense. Use app cabs at night. Keep bags close in crowds. Drink sealed or filtered water only.

💉 Health basics

Check travel-health advice before you go. Routine vaccines are advised. Carry basic medicines and hand sanitiser.
Source: CDC travel health · US State Department

🌱 Travel responsibly
+

Travel responsibly in India

India rewards thoughtful, respectful travel. Dress modestly at temples and shrines. Remove your shoes before entering. Ask before you photograph people. A smile and a namaste open doors.

Support local business wherever you can. Eat at small, family-run places. Buy crafts direct from artisans. Choose homestays and local guides. Your money then stays in the community.

Tread gently in the hills and parks. Follow trail and wildlife rules. Keep to the marked paths. Carry a refillable water bottle. Refuse single-use plastic where you can.

Learn a few local words first. Hello, please and thank you help. Be patient with crowds and queues. Haggle kindly and with a smile. Leave every place better than you found it.

Ready to pick a city?

Start with Jaipur, the easiest first stop in Rajasthan.

Open the Jaipur guide
❓ FAQ
?

India travel questions

What is the best time to visit India?

October to March suits most regions. Summers are hot on the plains. The monsoon runs June to September.

How many days do you need in India?

Give India at least ten days. Two weeks is better. Pick one region and go slow.

Do I need a visa for India?

Most visitors need an e-Tourist Visa. Apply online before you travel. Some neighbours enter visa-free.

Is India safe for tourists?

India is broadly safe with sensible care. Avoid scams. Use app cabs at night and watch your bags.

What currency does India use?

India uses the Indian Rupee. Cards and UPI are widely accepted. Carry small cash for markets.

Is tap water safe to drink in India?

Avoid tap water in most areas. Drink sealed bottled or filtered water. Skip ice you do not trust.

What is the Golden Triangle?

It is Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. The three cities sit close together. It is the classic first India trip.

What languages are spoken in India?

Hindi and English are widely used. India has many official languages. English works in tourist areas.

§ Sources
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References