Visiting India
India is not so much a country as a continent of its own — a place of overwhelming variety, colour and intensity that has drawn travellers for centuries and rewards them like almost nowhere else. Snow-capped Himalaya in the north, palm-fringed backwaters in the south, the deserts and palaces of Rajasthan, and cities where three thousand years of history press up against the present day. It can be exhilarating, moving and, yes, occasionally exhausting — often all in a single afternoon.
India asks more of the traveller than most destinations, but it gives back in proportion. A little preparation — on health, on pacing, on managing the sheer sensory load — transforms the experience. This guide brings together the practical groundwork and the highlights to help you plan a first trip with confidence.
AUTHOR EXPERIENCE
We have never been to India apart from a very brief stop over at Mumbai. It’s on our list of places to visit but this is unlrely to be before 2028. So, this guide brings together the practical information and destination advice we have research and curated from reliable sources. We will update this regularly and particularly after we make our first visit.
Visited: Not yet visited
Stayed In: –
Perspective: Independent Traveller
best for:
Adventurous travellers ready for intensity
Time needed:
2–3 weeks per region
Budget:
£–££ (excellent value)
getting around:
Trains, domestic flights, hired car & driver
language:
Hindi, English & many others
Best time:
October–March
Understanding the Geography
India is vast and astonishingly varied, and no single trip can cover it. Most first visits focus on one region — the classic “Golden Triangle” of the north, the backwaters and beaches of the south, or the deserts and palaces of the west.
region
The North and the golden triangle
Agra (Taj Mahal)
Jaipur
Delhi
Varanasi
The most popular first-time route. Delhi’s layers of empire, the Taj Mahal at Agra, and the pink palaces of Jaipur form the “Golden Triangle,” while holy Varanasi on the Ganges offers one of the most intense and unforgettable experiences in the country.
region
Rajasthan and the West
Udaipur
Jodhpur
Jaisalmer
Mumbai
Desert forts, lake palaces and the blue city of Jodhpur make Rajasthan many travellers’ favourite region. To the south lies Mumbai — vast, energetic and the heart of Bollywood and modern Indian commerce.
region
The South
Kerala
Goa
Tamil Nadu
Bengaluru
A gentler, greener, often easier India. Kerala’s palm-lined backwaters and spice hills, Goa’s beaches and Portuguese heritage, and the great temple towns of Tamil Nadu reward those who want a calmer pace and a tropical climate.
region
The Himalaya and the North-East
Ladakh
Rishikesh
Darjeeling
Sikkim
The mountainous north — Buddhist Ladakh, the yoga town of Rishikesh, the tea hills of Darjeeling and the remote north-eastern states. High, cool and spectacular, best in the warmer months when the passes are open.
Places you don't want to miss
The Taj Mahal, Agra
The most famous building on earth, and one of the very few that exceeds expectation in person. Arrive at dawn to see the white marble change colour with the rising sun, before the crowds and the heat.
Varanasi and the Ganges
India’s spiritual heart, where pilgrims bathe in the sacred river and evening aarti ceremonies light up the ghats. Intense, ancient and profoundly moving — a sunrise boat trip is unforgettable.
Jaipur and Rajasthan's forts
The “Pink City” of Jaipur, the hilltop Amber Fort, and the lake palaces of Udaipur capture the romance of royal India. Rajasthan is where many travellers fall for the country.
Kerala's backwaters
A converted rice barge, drifting through palm-lined canals and lagoons past village life – a serene counterpoint to the North’s intensity — a gentle, green face of India.
The Golden Temple, Amritsar
Sikhism holiest site, its gilded shrine reflected in a sacred pool. Visitors are welcomed and fed at the world’s largest community kitchen. A humbling, generous experience.
A long-distance train journey
Experience India’s railways — vast, characterful and a window onto the whole country. A booked sleeper berth between cities is travel as adventure, not just transport.
About India
A unique place
India overwhelms the senses in the best and most challenging ways. First-time visitors often describe a kind of culture shock that gives way, after a few days, to exhilaration. The crowds, colour, noise and warmth are not obstacles to the experience — they are the experience. Pacing yourself, building in rest, and not trying to see too much are the keys to loving rather than enduring it.
A Few Myths (and Realities)
Myth: India is impossibly difficult and unsafe
Reality: It is intense and requires preparation, but millions visit happily every year. Sensible precautions — especially around food, water and women’s safety — and a measured pace make for a rewarding trip.
Myth: You'll inevitably get "Delhi belly."
Reality: Stomach upsets are common but largely avoidable: drink only sealed or filtered water, eat freshly cooked hot food, and be cautious with raw items and ice. Many travellers stay perfectly well.
Myth: You need to see the whole country
Reality: India is too big and varied for that. A far better trip comes from choosing one region and travelling it slowly than from racing across several.urban hiking in Asia.
Getting There
India’s principal international gateways are Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM) and Bengaluru (BLR), with Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Goa also well connected. Internal travel is by a mix of domestic flights (fast and affordable over long distances), the extensive railway network, and — a popular option — a hired car with driver for regional touring.
Flight times
*Typical flight times to Delhi. Last reviewed: June 2026.*
| Departure City | Typical Flight Time |
|---|---|
| London | 8–9 hrs (direct) |
| Sydney | 12–14 hrs (often via a hub) |
| Auckland | 16–18 hrs (via a hub) |
| San Francisco | 15–16 hrs (direct or via) |
As a rough guide, return economy fares from London run around £400–£800 depending on season. Fares from Sydney, Auckland and San Francisco vary widely — verify current prices before booking.
Accommodation
India offers extraordinary range and value — from simple guesthouses to converted maharajas’ palaces among the most memorable hotels on earth. Standards vary widely even within a price band, so read recent reviews carefully. Heritage hotels in Rajasthan and backwater houseboats in Kerala are experiences worth budgeting for.
Entry Requirements
Almost all visitors need a visa to enter India, but the process is now straightforward and online.
Citizens of the UK, Ireland, EU countries, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand should apply for an e-Tourist Visa before travelling, through the official Indian government portal. It comes in 30-day, one-year and five-year versions, costs vary by nationality, and you should apply at least four days before arrival (earlier is wiser). In addition, all travellers must now complete a digital e-Arrival Card within 72 hours of arrival. Your passport needs at least six months’ validity and two blank pages, and you must enter through one of the designated airports or seaports.
Apply only through the official portal — many convincing-looking third-party sites charge inflated fees.
Apply for and check India e-Visa requirements on the official government portal before you travel →
Weather
India’s climate runs from Himalayan cold to tropical heat, but for most of the country the broad pattern is the same: a cool, dry season ideal for travel, a punishing hot season, and a monsoon.
| Season | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | Oct–Mar | By far the best season for most of India — warm days, cool nights, dry and comfortable. Peak tourist time. |
| Summer | Apr–Jun | Very hot, often above 40°C across the plains; the time to head for the cool Himalaya. |
| Monsoon | Jul–Sep | Heavy rains sweep the country; lush and atmospheric but disruptive, though Ladakh stays dry. |
For the classic northern and western routes, October to March is the clear choice. The hill stations and Himalaya, by contrast, are best in the warmer months.
Major festivals
- Diwali, the festival of lights (Oct/Nov)
- Holi, the festival of colour (Mar)
- Dussehra (Sep/Oct)
- Pushkar Camel Fair, Rajasthan (Nov)
- Eid and many regional festivals throughout the year
India’s festivals are among the world’s most spectacular — but they draw huge crowds and book out accommodation, so plan ahead if you want to time your visit to one.
A final word
India is rarely a relaxing holiday and almost always a profound one. Approach it with an open mind, a flexible plan and respect for the pace of the place, and the rewards are immense — the architecture, the landscapes, the food, and above all the warmth of the people. Choose one region, travel it slowly, come in the cool season, and India has a way of staying with you long after you leave.
External Links
Incredible India, the official tourism site, for visitor resources
The official Indian e-Visa portal for visa applications and the latest entry guidance.
The India Meteorological Department for weather and monsoon information.
Visiting India: FAQs
Do I need a visa to visit India?
Yes — almost all visitors, including UK, Irish, EU, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand passport holders, need a visa. Apply online for an e-Tourist Visa through the official government portal at least four days before arrival, and complete the e-Arrival Card within 72 hours of travel. Use only the official site.
Is India safe to visit?
India is intense rather than dangerous, and millions visit happily each year. Take sensible precautions — particularly around food and water hygiene and, for women travellers, dress and transport — and travel at a measured pace.
Will I get sick from the food in India?
Stomach upsets are common but largely avoidable. Drink only sealed or filtered water, eat freshly cooked hot food, and be careful with raw items, salads and ice. Indian cuisine is one of the great pleasures of a visit.
How many days do you need in India?
India is too vast for one trip, so choose a region. Two to three weeks lets you travel one area — such as the northern Golden Triangle or the south — properly, rather than racing across the country.
When is the best time to visit India?
For most of the country, October to March offers warm days, cool nights and dry weather. Avoid the searing pre-monsoon heat of April–June (head to the Himalaya then) and the heavy summer monsoon.