Last update: 20 Oct 2026
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India Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
India – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type D , Type M
Type C:
   Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Indian Rupee (INR) £1 ≈ ₹126.52 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 4/5
Cashless payments are becoming more common in India, especially in urban areas. Credit cards and mobile payment apps like Google Pay, Paytm, and PhonePe are widely accepted in cities.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is appreciated in India but not mandatory. A 10% tip in restaurants is common. Tipping taxi drivers and hotel staff is also customary, typically 10-15% for good service. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is not commonly seen in India. Alcohol is typically consumed in licensed bars, restaurants, and hotels. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in many indoor public spaces, including restaurants, bars, and public transport stations. |
| Independence Day (15 August) |
A national holiday celebrated with flag hoisting and parades |
|---|---|
| Diwali (October-November) |
The Festival of Lights, celebrated with fireworks and festivities |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Ola, Uber |
| Other: | India is a vast and diverse country with a rich cultural heritage, offering a wide range of experiences from ancient temples to modern cities. Prepare for varying infrastructure and safety conditions depending on the region. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for India, India
Climate and season vary hugely by region: northern plains and Rajasthan best November to March, Himalaya and Ladakh best May to September, Kerala and Goa best November to March
Monsoon timing differs by coast: the west and most of the country are wettest June to September, the southeast (Chennai, Tamil Nadu) is wettest October to December
Himalayan passes and roads to Ladakh and Spiti are usually open only from about June to September
Don't miss
- 🌅 Watch sunrise over the majestic Taj Mahal
- 🛺 Take a colorful rickshaw ride through Old Delhi’s lanes
- 🛶 Sail on the serene backwaters of Kerala
- 🏰 Explore the palaces and forts of Rajasthan’s royal cities
- 🕯️ Attend the spiritual Ganga Aarti ceremony in Varanasi
- 🌶️ Taste spicy street food on Mumbai’s vibrant Chowpatty Beach
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to India?
India has more variety than almost any other country. The classic Golden Triangle links Delhi, Agra and Jaipur and includes the Taj Mahal, Mughal forts and the pink palaces of Rajasthan. The country has 45 properties on the UNESCO World Heritage List, from the Taj Mahal and the Ajanta and Ellora caves to the temples of Khajuraho and Konark and the natural wonders of Kaziranga and the Sundarbans. Beyond the monuments are regions with very different moods. Kerala has tropical backwaters and quiet beaches. Goa is the beach destination, with a mix of Portuguese heritage and nightlife. The Himalayas bring mountain scenery and trekking, with altitude and weather risks. Tiger reserves and national parks have wildlife safaris across central India. India is intense. Crowds, heat, noise and touts can wear you down. Journeys are slow. Build in rest days and pick a region rather than a checklist. Food, festivals and daily street life are often more memorable than any single monument. The cooler months from about November to February suit most of the north while the monsoon from June to November brings floods and landslides. Allow two weeks for one or two regions and longer if you want to combine north and south.
🏙️Cities & Regions
-
1
Bangalore
A major tech hub in southern India, Bangalore offers a mix of historic colonial architecture and modern infrastructure. The city’s climate is mild year-round and it hosts numerous parks, museums and vibrant markets that showcase local culture. -
2
Mumbai
Bustling markets, historic colonial architecture and vibrant street food define this major Indian metropolis. The Gateway of India frames the Arabian Sea, while nearby museums showcase art, history and modern design, making it a dynamic cultural hub. -
3
Jaipur
Known for its vibrant forts and palaces, this city offers a blend of royal heritage and bustling markets. The pink sandstone architecture, including the iconic Hawa Mahal, reflects centuries of Rajput craftsmanship and cultural richness. -
4
Chennai
Vibrant port city on India’s southeastern coast, Chennai offers a mix of colonial architecture, bustling markets and cultural festivals. The Marina Beach stretches for miles, while nearby temples and museums showcase the region’s rich heritage. -
5
Varanasi
Ancient city on the Ganges in Uttar Pradesh, India. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple dominates the skyline, while ghats line the riverbanks for rituals and boat rides through narrow streets filled with history and spirituality. -
6
Pune
One of India's most educated cities, Pune balances colonial heritage with a vibrant tech scene. While crowded festivals draw crowds, quieter neighborhoods offer authentic Maratha history and affordable street food away from the main tourist trails. -
7
Delhi
A bustling metropolis where ancient monuments meet modern infrastructure, Delhi offers a mix of historic sites like the Red Fort and Qutub Minar alongside vibrant markets, diverse cuisine and rapid urban development that reflects India’s evolving cultural landscape. -
8
Agra
Home to the iconic Taj Mahal, this historic city offers a blend of Mughal architecture and vibrant bazaars. Visitors can explore ancient forts, sample local cuisine and experience the region's rich cultural heritage and unforgettable memories for travelers everywhere today. -
9
Kolkata
Vibrant cultural hub on the Hooghly River, Kolkata offers colonial architecture, bustling markets and a rich literary heritage. The city hosts iconic landmarks like Victoria Memorial, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the historic Howrah Bridge today. -
10
Old Goa
This historic district preserves Portuguese architecture and ancient churches within narrow, cobblestone streets. Visitors explore serene temples and colonial mansions away from the city's bustle. The area offers a quiet, cultural atmosphere distinct from modern Goa's vibrant nightlife and beaches.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Holi Festival (March)
-
Diwali (October-November)
-
Pushkar Camel Fair (November)
-
Kumbh Mela (rotating locations)
-
Rann Utsav, Gujarat (November-February)
-
Jaipur Literature Festival (January)
-
Kerala Boat Race (August)
-
Durga Puja (September-October)
-
Hemis Festival, Ladakh (June-July)
-
Goa Carnival (February-March)
Knowledge before you go
- Apply for your e-Visa and arrival forms well before you fly.
- Use app-based or prepaid taxis and avoid hailing cabs on the street at night.
- Book trains ahead and keep your passport and valuables secure because theft on trains is common.
- Check air quality before visiting northern cities between October and February since pollution can be severe.
How to travel to India
Most international visitors arrive by air at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata or Hyderabad, which all have international flights from Europe, the Gulf, Asia and North America. Goa, Cochin, Trivandrum and Ahmedabad also have international airports. Mumbai and Goa each have two airports far apart, so check which one you book. By land, India shares borders with several countries. Crossings are limited for foreign travellers and rules depend on your visa, so check before you plan an overland route. Travel within 10 km of the border with Pakistan isn't advised by some governments. Most visitors need a visa and an e-Visa is available online for many nationalities. Check the restrictions on airports and land borders. You must also complete an e-Arrival card up to 72 hours before landing and a Self-Declaration Form up to 24 hours before arrival. Your passport needs six months of validity and two blank pages. Special permits are needed for restricted areas and should be applied for about three months ahead.
Access summary
- Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur): Fly into Delhi (DEL) from global hubs.
- Mumbai/Goa west coast: Fly to Mumbai (BOM) or Goa (GOI/CAN) from abroad.
- South India (Kerala, Chennai, Bengaluru): Fly to COK, MAA, BLR from major hubs.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in India
India has accommodation at every price, from simple guesthouses and hostels to heritage hotels in restored palaces and luxury resorts. Choose the base by city. In Delhi the central areas around Connaught Place and the quieter south have the widest choice. Agra works for a night close to the Taj Mahal. In Jaipur, heritage hotels and haveli guesthouses in the old city are popular. Kerala has homestays and houseboats on the backwaters, plus beach resorts near Kovalam and Varkala. Goa has beach shacks, villas and large resorts, with quieter stretches in the south. In the Himalayas, small guesthouses and lodges serve trekkers. Accommodation providers must register foreign guests, so expect to show your passport and visa. Book ahead for the cool months from November to February and around festivals such as Diwali. Prices vary widely between budget and heritage hotels. Confirm what your rate includes and check recent reviews of smaller places.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around India
India has a huge rail network and trains are the best way to cover long distances.
Trains and flights:
Book tickets ahead, carry valid ID and guard your passport and valuables because theft is common. Air-conditioned classes are more comfortable on overnight journeys. Domestic flights save time between far-apart regions such as Delhi and Kerala.
Metro and apps:
In cities, the Delhi metro and other city metros are fast and avoid traffic. App-based taxis such as Uber and Ola are widely available including at airports. Avoid hailing taxis on the street, especially at night.
Rickshaws:
Auto-rickshaws are cheap for short trips, but agree on a price before you get in. Seatbelts are uncommon in rickshaws and in the back of taxis.
Driving:
You need both a UK licence and the 1949 International Driving Permit to drive. Most visitors hire a car with a driver instead. Road death rates are high, so avoid night driving and fog. Buses can drive fast and recklessly.
Food in India
Indian food varies enormously by region. The north is known for breads such as naan and roti, rich curries, tandoori dishes and butter chicken. South India has rice dishes, dosas (thin fermented crepes), idli and sambar, with plenty of coconut and curry leaves. Gujarat and Rajasthan have large vegetarian thalis. Bengal is known for fish and sweets. Street food such as chaat, samosas and pani puri is popular.
Tea and chai are served everywhere. Vegetarian food is easy to find and many restaurants are fully vegetarian. Eat at busy places where food is freshly cooked. Avoid raw salads and ice if you have a sensitive stomach.
Alcohol rules vary by state. Public drinking is illegal and some states ban alcohol entirely, including Bihar, Gujarat, Mizoram, Nagaland and Lakshadweep. Methanol poisoning from bad alcohol is a risk, so buy from licensed shops and bars. Don't accept food or drinks from strangers.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in India are around 75% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to INR) is 20% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is considerably cheaper compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
India is welcoming but needs care. Pickpocketing, scams and snatch thefts occur in tourist areas and road death rates are high. Women face frequent harassment. Protests can turn violent and some regions are best avoided. Terrorism is a risk, so follow government advice.
Health & Medical
Care is good in private hospitals in major cities but limited in remote areas. Dengue and malaria occur and severe air pollution affects north India from October to February. Altitude sickness affects the Himalayas. Insurance with evacuation cover is essential. Call 112 for an ambulance.
Accessibility
Accessibility is poor. Pavements are broken or crowded, stations and monuments have steps and few ramps and rickshaws are hard to board. Newer airports, metros and some hotels have lifts and step-free access. A private car with a driver is the practical choice.
Tap water
Tap water isn't safe to drink in most places. Use sealed bottled water or filtered water and avoid ice from street stalls. Brush your teeth with bottled water if you have a sensitive stomach. Bottled water is cheap and sold everywhere.
Packing recommendations for India
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
👕
Light, breathable clothing
covering shoulders and knees
🪰
Insect repellent
🧣
Scarf
for temple visits
🧼
Hand sanitiser
🧣
Shawl or headscarf
for temple visits
🧪
Water purification tablets
🔋
Power bank
💊
Anti-diarrhoeal / stomach medication
🩹
Basic first aid kit
👒
Sun hat
📃
Travel insurance
🚰
Water bottle with filter
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
🧻
Wet wipes
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
Related articles & guides for India
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