This blog post is authored by Nishita Khanwani to help you plan your trip to India! Nishita is an avid blogger who writes engaging blogs on travel, food, adventures, and cultural experiences. She travels to various cultural hotspots worldwide, including India, the UAE, Egypt, and Turkey, to experience their rich history and culture.
This India travel guide will help answer all of those burning questions you have before your first trip, like when is the best time to go? Do you need a visa to visit India? Where should you go for your first visit? And more!
One word that describes India perfectly is ‘diverse’. India’s diversity is not limited to its geographical locations, but also melts into its culture, religion, traditions, languages, food, and more.
This South Asian country is home to a variety of geographical locations and landscapes, including mountains, deserts, plains, plateaus, hills, islands, and coastal plains. The country is home to 28 states, each having its own language and different dialects. Moreover, while the nation is modern and technologically advanced, it is still rooted in its beliefs, traditions, heritage, and spirituality.
To someone who is visiting India for the first time, the country can be chaotic and overwhelming. When planning your trip, preparing a proper structure is important before you start your journey to India. This comprehensive India travel guide will tell you everything you need to know about traveling to India.
If this is your first time in India, make sure you’re aware of what to expect. These tips will help you appear less like a tourist, and more like a seasoned visitor, or even a local!
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Yes, it is crucial to get your India visa before making your plans to visit. Your Indian visa requirement would depend on your nationality. Citizens of several countries are eligible for visa on arrival and visa-free entry in India. However, most countries need to get a visa to visit India.
The country offers e-visa or electronic visa to people who are visiting Indian for tourism, business, or medical purposes. With an e-visa, foreign nationals can stay in the country for 30 days.
For a longer stay, you will have to apply for a regular or paper visa through the Indian embassy or visa application center in your country.
The visa guide for India states that to get an India visa, you need to submit the scanned copies of your passport (minimum 6 months validity and two blank pages), colored photographs, bank statements, confirmed return ticket, and hotel booking.
When is the best time to visit India?
Once you know how to get a visa to India, the next step is to choose the right time to visit the country. Ideally, the winter season is the best time to visit India.
Winter in India (October – March)
Winter in India happens between October and March, when the average temperature is between 50°F – 77°F (10°C – 25°C). The weather is pleasant, making sightseeing quite comfortable across the country.
This is also the time when major festivals like Diwali, Navratri, and Christmas happen in India, giving you the chance to enjoy the lights, colors, and festivities.
Summer in India (April – June)
Summer season in India is between April and June. While winter months are ideal, it does not mean that one must not visit India during the rest of the year. India sees quite a harsh summer, with temperatures going above 104°F (40°C) in several areas.
Still, it is a great time to visit the hill stations and places in higher altitudes like Manali, Ooty, Shimla, Mussoorie, Munnar, Ladakh, or Spiti Valley. Many places in the North open up during the summer season, after heavy snowfall of the winters.
Monsoon Season (July – September)
The third season in India is the monsoon season, which is between July and September. Heavy rains usually happen in different parts of the country, making traveling in India a bit of hassle.
But it is the apt time to visit the countryside that transforms into verdant landscapes during this time of the year. If you are looking forward to a slow and serene holiday, it would be a great time to visit the southern part of India like Kerala, North-East, and the Western Ghats.
As it is not tourist season, the monsoon is when you can enjoy a budget holiday in India.
What are the different regions of India?
India is a large country with an area of 3.28 million square kilometers. In fact, it is the seventh largest country in the world.
So, it is impossible to see the entire country on just one visit. An easier way would be to focus on the different regions of the country, choosing the ones that you find most intriguing.
North India
The Northernmost part of India is rich in history and has some of the most iconic historical landmarks to boot. It is home of the mighty Himalayas and is also considered the center of spirituality.
Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan are the places to visit here.
West India
The western part of India constitutes states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, and even parts of Rajasthan. Cultural heritage, beautiful coastal areas, and glamorous cities are a few other things awaiting you here.
East India
Fascinating history, deep-rooted cultures, and unique traditions are what you can see here. The Eastern states are known for their art and literature as well. Orissa, West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand are the states you can visit here.
Central India
Natural wonders, wildlife, tribal culture, ancient civilizations, and historical and cultural sites are what you get to see and enjoy in central India. Madhya Pradesh (the largest state of the country) and Chhattisgarh are the two major states here.
Northeast India
Known as the hidden gems of India, the Northeast consists of seven states. Breathtaking landscapes, unique cultures, lush green forests, and adventurous activities await you here. Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Sikkim are some of the must-visit places.
South India
Five states constitute the south of India: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. Historic temples, ancient and modern cities, pristine beaches, glistening backwaters, and surreal hill stations are what you can expect in the southern part of India. There is a separate fan base for the food here.
Islands of India
India is also home to some gorgeous islands, the two main ones being Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep Island. These are perfect for a relaxing holiday while enjoying the rich biodiversity of Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.
Where are the best places to go in India?
When you are planning your itinerary, you must consider adding these must-see places in India into your list.
1. Delhi
The Delhi city is most popular for its historical landmarks, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, and the India Gate are the sites you must see here.
Delhi is renowned for its colorful markets and especially its street food.
2. Jaipur, Rajasthan
Jaipur is a city that encompasses the opulence and grandeur of ancient Indian royalty like no other. Sturdy forts, lavish palaces, amazing architecture, and a fascinating history are what you will find here.
Do not forget to check out the bustling markets of this city!
3. Shillong, Meghalaya
Shillong is one of the picturesque cities that are spread across Northeast India. The breathtaking landscapes of the city are what attract people to this place. The lush valleys, glistening waterfalls, the rolling hills, the beautiful lakes, and the dramatic canyons are a few of the reasons to visit this place.
4. Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu
Tucked in the eastern corner of Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry is a quaint town that reflects the French heritage of the place. Apart from checking out the unique architecture of the place, Pondicherry is known for its beautiful beaches, peaceful vibe, and delicious food.
5. Hampi, Karnataka
An open-air museum, Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves the ancient temple ruins belonging to the Vijayanagara Empire. The place is home to more than 1600 ancient ruins comprising temple complexes, palaces, ancient markets, and so many more interesting structures, creating a one-of-a-kind landscape.
6. Mumbai, Maharashtra
The financial capital of India, Mumbai has an unmatched vibe, a pulse that draws everyone in. This is a city where colonial architecture and history, cultural diversity, Bollywood glamor, modern skyline, vibrant markets, and stunning coastlines co-exist into a chaotic, yet beautiful symphony.
7. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi is the spiritual center of the country. Considered to be the holiest cities of the country, Varanasi is home to the Ganges, which is believed to purify all our sins.
Visiting the ancient temples, witnessing the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, taking part in the various festivals, and exploring the numerous Ghats are some of the things to do here.
8. Goa
The smallest state in India, Goa is one of the most popular tourist spots, thanks to its fantastic beaches. People visit Goa for its thrilling water sports, Portuguese heritage, historical sites, and natural beauty. The party and food scene of Goa also make it worth visiting.
9. Kerala
Known as God’s Own Country, Kerala is renowned for its magical scenic beauty, endowed with beautiful backwaters, lush tea gardens, dramatic beaches, charming cities and towns, and a unique culture.
Many people visit Kerala to enjoy its therapeutic and rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments as well.
10. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
The white desert of India is worth visiting at least once in your lifetime. It is truly fascinating to witness the Rann of Kutch during the different times of the day, especially during sunrise, sunset, and on a full moon night.
The best time to visit this place is during the Rann Utsav Festival.
11. Andaman & Nicobar Islands
If you are craving for an island break, there is no better place than Andaman & Nicobar Islands. An archipelago on the Bay of Bengal, Andaman & Nicobar Islands are bestowed with some of the most pristine beaches in the country.
It is also known for its intriguing history, rich marine life, peaceful ambience, and delicious food.
How to get around India
There are multiple ways of transportation in India, mainly airways, railways, and roadways.
By Plane
The easiest and most convenient way of traveling in India is by airways. Almost all the major cities have multiple flights connecting to each other. Moreover, the country has several budget-friendly airlines as well.
By Train
The second-most convenient way of traveling in India is by train. The Indian railway network is huge and connects almost all the states to each other. Passenger trains have basic sleeper compartments to more luxury two-tier and first class air-conditioned compartments as well.
By Bus
The road network of the country is also one of the ways to travel across the country. You will find sleeper and semi-sleeper buses traveling from one city to the other.
Local Transportation
When it comes to local transportation, you have multiple options. You can rent a private car or hail a taxi for exploring the cities. Auto rickshaws, the three-tiered vehicles, are popular in most Indian cities and towns. Buses are also common way of transportation in most places in the country. Several cities also offer metro services.
Exploring India is exciting, as the country has numerous layers and facets, each one more interesting and fascinating than the other. While you may not get to see everything with one visit, a single visit is enough to ensure that you will want to visit the country again and again.
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