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India
India is a huge country full of bright colors, rich history, and friendly people. You can visit the famous Taj Mahal, try delicious local food, and walk through busy markets. Every city feels completely different, which makes exploring it an exciting adventure.
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Summary
Did you know?
Himalayan Mountain Range – Northern India is home to the Himalayas, the world’s highest mountain range, and is a hub for trekkers, climbers, and spiritual seekers.
Overview
Months
April, August, December, February, January, July, June, March, May, November, October, September
Vacation type
Beach, Couple, Family, Mountains, Party
Expenses
<100€, <150€, <200€, Over 200€, 0-50€
Temperature
0-10°C, 10-20°C, 20-25°C, 25-30°C, Over 30°C
Rainfall
0-50mm, 50-100mm, 100-150mm, 150-200mm, >200mm
Safety
Medium
Continent
Asia
Currency
Indian rupee
Languages
Hindi, English
Currency Converter
When to visit
India has many different climates. For the most accurate information, each region has its own dedicated page.
Islands
The optimal travel period for the vast majority of India is during the winter dry season, extending from October to March. During this time, the weather is exceptionally pleasant across the central and southern plains, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C and low humidity. Northern regions (like Delhi and Rajasthan) experience crisp, cool days, while the Himalayan foothills become very cold, frequently dropping below freezing at night.
The off-peak season is divided into two brutal phases. From April to June, the pre-monsoon summer brings scorching, lethal heat across the northern and central plains, with daytime temperatures routinely exceeding 45°C, making daytime exploration physically exhausting.
From July to September, the southwest monsoon sweeps across the subcontinent, bringing torrential, unrelenting rainfall. While the monsoon turns the landscapes vibrantly green, it frequently causes massive infrastructural disruptions, severe flooding in cities like Mumbai, and renders rural roads impassable.
(Note: The extreme northern region of Ladakh is an exception; it sits in a rain shadow and its peak tourist season is actually during the summer months from June to September).
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Plan the whole vacation, including flights, transportation, hotels and tours with Expedia *
Climate Data
Peak Season (October to March)
Average Sunny Hours per Day: 8 to 10 hours.
Rain Frequency: 1 to 4 days per month.
Rainy Hours per Day: 1 hour.
Intensity: Light, infrequent passing showers.
Duration: Consistently clear, dry, and comfortable, though severe smog frequently blankets northern cities like Delhi in November and December.
Off-Peak Season (April to September)
Average Sunny Hours per Day: 9 to 11 hours (Summer) / 3 to 5 hours (Monsoon).
Rain Frequency: 0 to 2 days (Summer) / 18 to 24 days per month (Monsoon).
Rainy Hours per Day: 0 hours (Summer) / 4 to 8 hours (Monsoon).
Intensity: Blistering, dry heat in the summer; torrential, heavy tropical downpours during the monsoon.
Duration: Heatwaves last for weeks in May/June; monsoon rains can last for days consecutively, causing widespread logistical chaos.
Climate Chart
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Data Source: Global Historical Climatology Network
ClimateCharts.net
Weather, Crowds and Costs
Per one person
Tourist Season: October-March
1. Basic / Essential Travel ($25-50/day)
Accommodation: $10-20/night (backpacker hostels, basic local guesthouses).
Food: $5-15/day (street food, local dhabas, thalis).
Activities: $5-10/day (entry to minor monuments, public ghats, walking tours).
Transportation: $5/day (local buses, unreserved train classes, shared auto-rickshaws).
Other Costs: $5/day (bottled water, chai).
2. Mid-Range Travel ($80-150/day)
Accommodation: $40-90/night (comfortable 3- to 4-star modern hotels, historic havelis in Rajasthan).
Food: $20-40/day (air-conditioned restaurants, popular cafes, safe tourist-oriented dining).
Activities: $15-30/day (Taj Mahal entry, guided tours, wildlife safari tickets).
Transportation: $10-20/day (Uber/Ola, AC 2-Tier domestic trains, private auto-rickshaws).
Other Costs: $10/day (premium coffee, tipping).
3. Luxury / Premium Travel ($350 - $1,000+/day)
Accommodation: $200-800+/night (5-star international brands, converted royal palaces by Taj or Oberoi groups).
Food: $80-150+/day (fine dining at luxury hotels, high-end regional tasting menus).
Activities: $100-300+/day (private bilingual guides, exclusive tiger safaris, private boat charters).
Transportation: $50-100+/day (private chauffeured SUVs, first-class domestic flights).
Other Costs: $20+/day (premium gratuities, high-end spa treatments).
Off-Peak Season: April-September
1. Basic / Essential Travel ($20-40/day)
Accommodation: $8-15/night.
Food: $5-15/day.
Activities: $5/day (mostly indoor or early morning).
Transportation: $5/day.
Other Costs: $5/day.
2. Mid-Range Travel ($60-120/day)
Accommodation: $30-70/night.
Food: $20-35/day.
Activities: $10-25/day.
Transportation: $10-20/day (AC transport becomes an absolute necessity).
Other Costs: $10/day.
3. Luxury / Premium Travel ($250 - $700+/day)
Accommodation: $150-500+/night (steep discounts on heritage luxury properties).
Food: $80-120/day.
Activities: $60-150/day (safaris often close during the monsoon; focus shifts to wellness and spas).
Transportation: $40-80/day.
Other Costs: $20/day.
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You can find accomendations that fit your trip and budget on Booking.com, Vrbo and Hotels.com
Best Regions to visit
Cities
1. New Delhi
- The sprawling, chaotic, and deeply historic capital. It is a city of massive contrasts, blending the ancient, narrow, Mughal-era alleys of Old Delhi (Chandni Chowk) with the wide, leafy, British colonial boulevards of New Delhi.
2. Mumbai
- India’s financial powerhouse and the epicenter of the Bollywood film industry. Situated on the Arabian Sea, it is incredibly fast-paced, featuring magnificent Victorian Gothic architecture (like the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus) alongside sprawling slums and high-rise luxury.
3. Varanasi
- One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and the spiritual heart of Hinduism. Located on the banks of the sacred River Ganges, it is a mesmerizing, intense, and deeply moving labyrinth of ghats, temples, and burning pyres.
4. Jaipur
- The "Pink City" and the gateway to the desert state of Rajasthan. It is famous for its spectacular royal architecture, including the intricate Hawa Mahal, the massive Amer Fort, and a highly vibrant handicraft and jewelry trade.
Mumbai
Did you know?
Backwaters of Kerala – The backwaters of Kerala, a network of lagoons and canals, offer unique houseboat experiences in a picturesque tropical setting.
Islands
1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- A remote archipelago in the Bay of Bengal, closer to Myanmar than mainland India. Islands like Havelock offer some of the most pristine, white-sand beaches (such as Radhanagar Beach) and world-class scuba diving in South Asia.
2. Lakshadweep
- A spectacular, highly restricted tropical archipelago in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Kerala. It consists of stunning coral atolls and turquoise lagoons, requiring special permits for entry to protect its fragile ecosystem.
3. The Kerala Backwaters
- A vast, serene network of interconnected canals, rivers, and lakes parallel to the Arabian Sea coast in southern India. Navigating these palm-fringed waterways on a traditional wooden houseboat is one of India's most famous experiences.
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Find the perfect place to stay in any of these top cities and islands with Booking.com, Hotels.com and Vrbo – offering entire homes and apartments for a comfortable and private experience.
Andaman
Things to see
Natural Attractions
1. Ranthambore National Park
- Located in Rajasthan, this former royal hunting ground is one of the best places in the world to spot wild Bengal Tigers in their natural habitat, set against a backdrop of ancient ruined forts and lakes.
2. The Thar Desert
- The Great Indian Desert stretching across western Rajasthan. Accessible from cities like Jaisalmer, it offers rolling golden sand dunes, camel safaris, and clear, starlit night skies.
3. The Himalayan Foothills
- (Rishikesh/Dharamshala)The towering northern mountain ranges offer a stark contrast to the plains. Rishikesh serves as the global yoga capital on the fast-flowing upper Ganges, while Dharamshala hosts the Tibetan government-in-exile and the Dalai Lama.
Historical and Cultural Sites
1. The Taj Mahal
- Located in Agra, this immense mausoleum of white marble was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife. It is universally admired as the greatest masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture and a New Seven Wonder of the World.
2. Hampi
- A surreal, otherworldly landscape in Karnataka. It features the sprawling, magnificent ruins of the ancient Vijayanagara Empire scattered across a terrain of massive, gravity-defying granite boulders and emerald banana plantations.
3. Ajanta and Ellora Caves
- Located in Maharashtra, these are astonishing, massive ancient rock-cut cave complexes. Ajanta features exquisite 2nd-century BCE Buddhist frescoes, while Ellora showcases monumental Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist temples carved entirely out of single, solid rock faces.
4. Meenakshi Amman Temple
- A historic, vibrant Hindu temple complex in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. It is famous for its towering gopurams (gateway towers) which are entirely covered in thousands of brightly painted, intricate stucco figures of deities and mythological creatures.
Unique Experiences
1. Witnessing the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi
- Gathering on the Dashashwamedh Ghat at sunset to watch Hindu priests perform a highly choreographed, mesmerizing ritual of fire, chanting, and brass bells to worship the sacred River Ganges.
2. Staying in a Rajasthani Palace
- Experiencing royal life by booking a room in a converted heritage palace or ancient fort (such as the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur or Umaid Bhawan in Jodhpur), offering unparalleled opulence and traditional Rajput hospitality.
3. Riding the Indian Railways
- Navigating the massive, chaotic, but highly efficient Indian rail network. Taking an overnight train in a sleeper class, drinking sweet masala chai sold by walking vendors, and watching the vast countryside roll by is the quintessential Indian travel experience.
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The best way to explore major cities and must-see attractions is by booking guided tours.* They offer convenience, local insights, and often save time when visiting popular sights.
Ranthambore
Unique Accomondations/Foodspots
Accommodations
1. SUJÁN Jawai
Location: Jawai Bandh, Rajasthan
A luxury tented camp set in a dramatic wilderness of rugged granite hills and winding rivers, where wild leopards roam freely among the camp and guests can experience thrilling conservation-focused safaris.
2. Tea County Munnar
Location: Munnar, Kerala
A sophisticated hill retreat set amidst lush tea plantations, offering elegant rooms and panoramic views of the surrounding misty mountains and green valleys.
Restaurants/Bars
1. Bar Palladio
Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan
An extraordinarily stylish restaurant and bar inspired by 18th-century Italian design and Mughal aesthetics, featuring striking turquoise and white pavilions, romantic tented outdoor seating, and classic Italian cocktails.
2. Rice Boat
Location: Kochi, Kerala
A unique waterfront dining experience housed within a traditional-style Kettuvallam (rice boat) at the Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, specializing in authentic Keralan seafood and fresh local catches.
Tours to do
1. The Golden Triangle
- The classic 7-to-8 day introductory route for first-time visitors. It covers Delhi (history and chaos), Agra (the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort), and Jaipur (Rajput palaces and forts), forming a neat geographical triangle.
Best Time: October to March
Average Cost: $600 – $1,200 per person
2. The Kerala Southern Splendor
- A 7-to-10 day relaxed itinerary in the deep south. Starts in the historic port of Kochi, moves into the cool tea plantations of Munnar, features an overnight stay on a traditional houseboat in the Backwaters, and finishes on the beaches of Marari.
Best Time: November to February
Average Cost: $800 – $1,500 per person
Kochi
How to get around
1. Indian Railways
- One of the largest rail networks on earth. For tourists, AC 2-Tier (2A) or AC 3-Tier (3A) offer comfortable, air-conditioned sleeper berths for long distances. Tickets must be booked well in advance via the IRCTC portal or through local agents.
2. Domestic Aviation
- Crucial for covering India's massive scale. Carriers like IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara offer highly frequent, affordable, and generally reliable connections between almost all major and secondary cities.
3. Auto-Rickshaws (Tuk-Tuks)
- The ubiquitous three-wheeled vehicles used for short urban trips. Always negotiate the fare fiercely before getting in, as meters are frequently ignored when dealing with foreigners.
4. Ride-Hailing Apps (Uber and Ola)
- Highly reliable and extremely cheap in all major cities. Using these apps eliminates language barriers and the need to haggle over fares, making urban transit much less stressful.
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You can find great car rental deals for your vacation on Expedia *
Did you know?
Spice Capital of the World – Southern India, especially Kerala, is known as the land of spices, with a rich tradition of spice cultivation and trade for over 2,000 years.
What to eat
1. Biryani
- A fragrant rice dish cooked with marinated meat (often chicken or lamb) and spices, a flavorful staple.
2. Masala Dosa
- A crispy rice crepe filled with spiced potatoes, served with coconut chutney and sambar.
3. Butter Chicken
- A rich and creamy chicken curry cooked in tomato sauce, often enjoyed with naan or rice.
4. Palak Paneer
- A vegetarian dish made with paneer cheese cooked in a spiced spinach sauce, typically served with rice.
5. Samosas
- Deep-fried pastry filled with spiced potatoes or meat, commonly served as a snack or appetizer.
Butter Chicken
Flights
Flight prices are approximate and vary by departure city, airline, and booking time. Check airlines or travel platforms for the latest details.
* Please note: All prices are rough estimates for orientation purposes only and may vary by region.
Main Airports: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) - New Delhi, Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (LKO) - Lucknow
Flight Prices and Seasons:
From Europe
- Average Round-Trip Cost: €350 to €700.
- Cheapest Months: April to June and September to November.
- Peak Prices: December to February (holiday season).
From North America
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $500 to $900.
- Cheapest Months: March to May and September to November.
- Peak Prices: Summer and December holidays.
From Asia
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $300 to $600.
- Cheapest Months: February to April and October to November.
- Peak Prices: December holidays and summer months.
From Australia
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $600 to $1,200.
- Cheapest Months: February to March and September.
- Peak Prices: December holidays and summer months.
From Africa
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $400 to $800.
- Cheapest Months: February to April and September to November.
- Peak Prices: Summer and December holidays.
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You can find the best flight deals with Skyscanner or plan the whole vacation, including flights, transportation, hotels and tours with Expedia *
Airport Location
Visa
1. Visa Requirement
- Most travelers, including citizens of the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia, need a visa to enter India.
2. Visa Types
- Common visa options include:
- e-Visa: Available for tourism, business, or medical visits, allowing stays of up to 60 days. Apply online before travel.
- Regular Visa: For longer stays or specific purposes (e.g., work or study), typically issued for 6 months to 5 years.
3. Visa Application
- Travelers can apply for an e-Visa online or obtain a regular visa at an Indian embassy or consulate.
4. Processing Time
- e-Visa processing usually takes 3-5 days, while regular visa processing can take several days to a few weeks.
5. Duration of Stay
- e-Visa holders can stay for up to 60 days with double entry; regular visa holders can stay for the duration specified in their visa.
6. Health Requirements
- No specific vaccinations are required for entry, but a Yellow Fever vaccination is necessary if arriving from a Yellow Fever risk country. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
8. Additional Information
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from India.
Important things to know
1. Payments
- The local currency is the Indian Rupee (INR). Credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas.
2. Tap Water
- Tap water is generally not safe to drink. Bottled water is recommended.
3. Electricity
- The voltage is 230V, and plug types C, D, and M (two round pins) are used. An adapter may be needed for devices from other regions.
4. Tipping in Restaurants
- Tipping is customary, usually around 10-15% for good service.
5. SIM Cards
- Local SIM cards are available from providers like Airtel and Jio. They can be purchased at stores.
6. Driving Side
- In India, people drive on the left side of the road.
Souveniers
1. Pashmina Shawls
- Made from ultra-soft wool from Ladakh’s mountain goats, genuine Pashmina shawls are luxurious and beautifully handwoven.
2. Mughal-Inspired Miniature Paintings
- Intricately detailed, these paintings depict scenes of Indian royalty, mythology, and nature.
3. Brass & Copper Handicrafts
- Indian artisans create beautifully engraved brass and copper items, from decorative plates to temple bells.
Pashmina Shawls
Location
Reviews
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