India is an interesting country located in Asia. In fact, India is one of the most popular destinations in Asia. It has something for everyone – backpackers, couples, solo travelers, luxury travelers, etc.
India offers several experiences – from beautiful beaches to mountain trekking, from exotic wildlife to beautiful architecture, from epic festivals to relaxing holidays, from Hindu temples to food tours – you should find something that suits your needs and interests.
If you’re planning your first trip to India, this guide should answer any questions you may have. We’ll talk about travel facts, the best time to visit India, the best destinations, travel costs, travel essentials and how to prepare for your trip.
| Information | India |
|---|---|
| Language | Hindi, English |
| English-friendly | Yes |
| Currency | INR (Indian rupee) |
| Internet reliability | Okay |
India is a huge and versatile country and depending on your destination, you may be facing different types of seasons. We decided to split this section into five sections to help you understand the seasons:
| Areas | Season | Months |
|---|---|---|
| Kashmir and the Himalayas |
Winter Summer Monsoon |
October to February March to May July and August |
| Mumbai and central India |
Winter Summer Monsoon |
November to March March to May June to October |
| Calcutta and the Northeast |
Winter Summer Monsoon |
November to March March to May June to October |
| Rajasthan and The Golden Triangle |
Winter Summer Monsoon |
November to March March to May June to October |
| Kerala, Goa and the South |
Winter Summer Monsoon |
November to February March to May June to August + November and December |
In this section, you’ll find general information on costs and how to prepare for your trip. Finally, you will find a table that will provide an overview of cost and options depending on your travel budget.
In India, you’ll find several options when it comes to accommodation. Whether you’re a budget traveler or not, you won’t have difficulty to find options. You can find dorms starting at $3 per night.
When it comes to food, you can find different types of restaurants. If you eat local food, you can eat for less than INR 180. Obviously, you may find elegant restaurants around the country and you can pay more if you wish to. The cheapest options are usually in small local restaurants.
Some activities such as hiking or beach bumming are free. Although, if you’re planning on visiting temples, seeing the Taj Mahal, or attending festivals, you will have to pay for it. You can browse activities in India here to have an idea of the costs.
In general, it’s pretty easy to get around India. You can either fly, take a bus or travel by train to reach your destinations.
To book your transport between destinations, you can book via 12GO.
| Travel Cost | Budget travel | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $3-5 per night | $20-70 per night | $70+ |
| Meal | $2-5 per meal | $5-15 per meal | $15+ |
| Activities | Focus on free activities | Mixing free activities & mid-range | $30+ per day |
| Transport | By bus/train | By bus, train, flight | Private driver |
Overall, traveling around India is safe-ish. Of course, you should always lock your valuables especially if you’re staying in a hostel.
India comes with a bunch of challenges when it comes to traveling – for example, bus rides or train rides can be long, and painful.
Female traveler may receive unwanted attention from the locals. In the last few years, some high-profile cases have increased awareness of the situation and attacks against foreigners have decreased since. Use common sense while traveling India to stay safe. The ladies should avoid walking alone in the dark. Unfortunately, bad things can happen. Remember that India is conservative. That said, to avoid unwanted attention, try to dress in a conservative way.
When I was traveling India, I was traveling with a male friend. This made me feel safer and I had no issues whatsoever.
Apart from the travel essentials, here are the things you should absolutely bring along with you in India. Click on the images to shop on Amazon. You can also check out this list of travel essentials in Asia.
You can apply on an eVisa before traveling to India. Usually, the process is quick and efficient. You can apply on different types of visas including multiple entries if needed.
You can verify your visa requirements here.
Browse flights on Skyscanner to find deals.
Book your travel insurance for as little as $42/month.
Find accommodation anywhere in the world.
Check the visa requirements and apply for a visa if needed.
Volunteer abroad in exchange for free accommodation.
Book transfers, tours, and activities in advance.
It’s hard to find a good data plan when you’re traveling. You have to research the best deals, go to a store, and hope they have a prepaid SIM card for travelers and tourists.
And if they don’t? You could be without service for the rest of your trip. Not only is that frustrating, but it can also be time-consuming.
eSIMs are the solution to your travel woes. With an eSIM plan, you can stay connected no matter where you go. Plus, there are no contracts or cancellation fees, so you can change your plan whenever you want.
If you’re looking for an eSIM plan while in India, then be sure to check out the providers below. They all offer great plans that will keep you connected while you’re there.
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