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India Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know + Visa Tips

MLE Travel Diary — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000

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!

This post may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you. I make sure to only link products and retailers that I use myself and recommend. Thank you for your support! Learn more.

Do I need a visa to visit India?

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.

For more travel content and tips, be sure to follow along on Instagram!

The post India Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know + Visa Tips first appeared on MLE Travel Diary.

9 Things You Need To Know Before Visiting India

MLE Travel Diary — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000

This blog post is co-authored with 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.

1. Safety in India

Firstly, before you go anywhere, I always recommend reading the US Travel Advisory for that country so you are aware of anything going on.

India is the most populated country in the world, so most places you go (especially as a tourist) will be crowded and full of other people. It is important to be extra aware of your surroundings in crowded places. Make sure to keep your belongings close to you.

2. Do not drink the tap water

You can either buy bottled water or refill your bottles at filtered water stations available in most public places like airports and malls.

I would also be wary of consuming raw / sliced fruits and vegetables that have been rinsed off with tap water.

3. Pack your medications

You must carry basic medications for allergies, stomach upsets, fever, etc. As always, I would recommend packing your favorite medicines from home, so that you have them with you when you’re abroad.

4. Pack (and wear) a ton of sunscreen

India experiences some of the world’s highest UV levels due to its tropical location near the equator, with the UV Index frequently reaching “extreme” levels of 11+ during peak hours, especially in the summer. It is important to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and insect repellent when traveling in India.

My go-to recommendation is Blue Lizard sunscreen. I make sure to always bring that along and reapply throughout the day, and have not gotten burnt when doing so!

5. Make sure you have the proper vaccinations

Make sure that you have taken vaccinations for malaria, typhoid, and more before visiting the country.

I recommend checking the CDC website before your trip to make sure you are up to date and have all the proper vaccinations.

6. Dress modestly

While it is ok to wear any kind of clothes in cities, it would be best to pick modest clothing while traveling in smaller cities and towns, especially at night.

7. Be cautious when trying street food

When it comes to food, there is rarely a country that can compete with India. The diversity in the region, languages, and culture can also be seen in the food of the nation. The Indian cuisine is vast and packed with flavors, colors, and textures that come together to give you varied experiences.

Each region and state has its specialties. While the ingredients may be the same or similar, the use of spices and the cooking methods give rise to myriads of dishes. The best part is that India has a wide range of vegetarian dishes, although Indian non- vegetarian dishes are also quite popular across the world.

However, while street food is something you must try in India, it is important to be cautious. Especially if you are not used to eating street food, it may take your stomach a few days (or longer) to acclimate.

8. Bring hand sanitizer

Do carry wet wipes and sanitizers with you and use them whenever necessary. Because of how crowded touristy spots can get, plus the hot, humid climate, you will want to be able to wash your hands and face throughout the day.

9. Bring cash

You can use cards for payment at most stores and restaurants. However, you will need to carry cash while shopping in small stores and street markets.

Let me know what surprised you the most the first time you visited India in the comments below! And be sure to follow me on Instagram for more travel content.

mariss

The post 9 Things You Need To Know Before Visiting India first appeared on MLE Travel Diary.