India Tourism and Travel Guide

One of the largest countries of the world, India is a magnetic mosaic of colours and contrasts. From the towering snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the lush rolling hills of Nilgiris, India has a diverse set of places to visit, explore and fall in love with. While the pulse of the country can be found in its lesser known fringes that are home to a myriad languages and vibrant festivals, let’s start by exploring some of its most spectacular cities that have been for years on end, prime destinations for tourism in India. Start with Delhi’s Mughal heritage and glitzy malls. Head to Mumbai for a glimpse into the one of the world’s biggest movie industries. Go to Jaipur, the Pink City and marvel for hours on end at the stunning sandstone architecture peppered across the erstwhile land of the royals. Visit Agra for the dazzling palace, Taj Mahal that was a Mughal emperor’s labour of love for his wife and this city also plays a crucial role in India’s tourism.. Experience Kolkata during October, when the colorful Durga Puja festivities hit the streets of the City of Joy. Next up is the country’s picturesque countryside that is a major contributing factor to India’s tourism. Stretching from Kerala’s glistening backwaters, to the peaceful Himachali villages dotting the popular attractions of Manali and Ladakh. For cinematic landscapes ranging from misty tea plantations to remote monasteries, explore India’s northeast region that boasts of gems such as Darjeeling, Sikkim and the charming Meghalaya. These are the states that will lend an unique perspective about India. Unwind at one of Goa’s legendary parties by the beach and later, delve into the city’s Portuguese connection. The glorious country is also a food-lover’s paradise and will tell you more about India and its past than any tour guide could. Gorge on Amritsar’s luscious butter chicken, Sikkim’s momos, Kerala’s spicy fish curry, Rajasthan’s kachoris, and Chennai’s idlis.
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Best Time to Visit India

  • Winters are from November to February. This is the peak season to travel to India. Favorable weather and temperature makes it ideal for sightseeing, city breaks and other outdoor activities. Rajasthan, Goa, Delhi, Agra, Kerala, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, and Maharashtra are the perfect to visit during these months. Most of Himalayas will greet you with snow during this season.
  • Summers are from March to May. This is the ideal time to visit north and northeast India. Most hill stations ideal during this season, such as - Ladakh, Kashmir, Ooty, Manali, Spiti Valley, Darjeeling, Rishikesh, Auli and Uttarakhand.
  • Monsoons are from June to October. The rains offers respite from heat. Monsoon are the best season to experience Kerala, Cherrapunji, Agra, Delhi, Rajasthan, Lonavala, Darjeeling, Kodaikanal, Goa, Coorg, Orchha and Kutch.

Budget for India

For Budget Travellers: INR 600 - 1000 a day

  • Accommodation in hostels and lodges: INR 60-400
  • Food in local cafes and street eateries: INR 50-200
  • Public Transport in autorickshaws, metro and buses: INR 10-50
  • Sightseeing (Entry-tickets & shows): INR 50 - 200

For Mid-range Travellers: INR 1000 to INR 3000 a day

  • Accommodation in mid-range hotels and homestays: INR 500 - 1000
  • Food in mid-range cafes and restaurants: INR 300 - 800
  • Local transport local taxis: INR 100 - 600
  • Sightseeing & Tours: INR 100 - 1000

For Luxury Travellers: INR 6000 and upwards

  • Accommodation in 4* or 5* hotels: INR 4000 and upwards
  • Food in upscale restaurants and bars: INR 1000 and upwards
  • Local transport in cabs: INR 400 and upwards
  • Sightseeing and Activities: INR 1000 and upwards

Visa Information for India

The nationals of Bhutan, Nepal and Maldives do not require a visa to enter India. This visa is valid for upto 30 days and costs ₹2000.

More than 100 nationalities can obtain a 30-day e-Tourist visa by applying online prior to arrival. This visa is valid from the day it is issued. This visa allows two entries into India through the airports in Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bagdogra, Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Chandigarh, Cochin, Coimbatore, Delhi, Gaya, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mangalore, Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune, Tiruchirapalli, Trivandrum, and Varanasi or through the seaports in Cochin, Mangalore, and Goa.

Countries or territories that require an e-Visa fee of USD 25 (+2.5% bank fee) are Japan, Singapore, and Sri Lanka. All Japan nations are permitted to apply for a visa on arrival at the Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai airports.

Countries or territories that require an e-Visa fee of USD 50 (+2.5% bank fee) are Albania, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameron Union Republic, Canada, Cape Verde, Cayman Island, Chile, China, China (Hong Kong SAR), China (Macau SAR), Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Cote d'lvoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Republic of Korea, Laos, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Myanmar, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Norway, Oman, Palestine, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks and Caicos Island, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia, and Zimbabwe

Countries or territories that require an e-Visa fee of USD 75 (+2.5% bank fee) are Mozambique, Russia, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and United States of America.

 

Top Places To Visit in India