Español 
Français 
Plan the perfect trip to India | India Holiday Guide
Are you looking for an adventure? Do you want to see an exotic country with a legendary culture, beautiful places and a wonder of the world? We got the answer. India, a millenary country located in the south of the Asia continent. This country is the perfect destination for those who want to see fantastic places. India has an exotic culinary variety, interesting culture, and a big mausoleum called the Taj Mahal. With a population of 1400 million inhabitants, we are sure that India and its people will surprise you.
How to get there
The arrival in our new destination country is going to be crucial to start the journey in the best way. That is why here below we show you the best airports in India, and with the best, we mean the most accessible, modern, helpful, and comfortable airports in the country.
The first on the list is the Indira Gandhi International Airport, located in New Delhi (the capital). With three terminals, this airport is currently the most popular in India. Inside you can find restaurants and cafés, stores and even medical services. Next, we can mention the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, which is one of the most populous cities in the world. More than 40 million passengers annually travel with this airport; this is due to the accessibility and services that it provides. It is accessible by bus and there you can find different stores and free Wi-Fi.
Finally, we want to recommend you the Kempegowda International Airport. This one is located in Bangalore and is the third busiest airport in India. It is a great option if you need to get cash because there are some ATMs you can use.
Visa Information
To visit this Asian country you need a valid passport and a valid visa. There are different kinds of visas depending on your country of origin, so it is important to do some research about which one do you need. Citizens from a few countries (Japan and South Korea) can get a Visa on arrival (valid for 30 days). Most of the citizens from the countries around the world can get an e-Visa (valid for 60 days). To apply you need to go to an Indian embassy or consulate abroad.
Best time to visit the country
The best time to visit the country and enjoy the outdoor activities that it has to offer is from October to March. During these months, you can expect clear blue skies and temperatures around 28°C. In October, you will enjoy sunny days, just perfect to go outside on holidays like Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday, which is celebrated on October the 2nd. If you are going to travel to the south of India, the perfect month is December, with sunny and warm weather. However, due to the high traffic of travelers, it is important to book in advance. March is also an ideal time to visit the parks of central India when the average temperature is around 27.7°C.
Safety
Overall, India is safe to travel to. However, wherever you go, it is important to have precautions and some situational awareness. One of the things you need to keep in mind when you travel to India is respect for the culture. That means that if you are a woman and do not want to get bad looks from men on the streets, you need to avoid wearing revealing clothing, especially on religious temples. Tourist areas are sometimes a spot for pickpockets, so be careful to keep your valuable belongings in a safe place. The best way to travel around India as a first-time traveler is with a group tour or a local guide. In this way, you will be always accompanied while learning about the country and its culture.
Budget
Are you worried because you do not know how much the things cost in India? Do not worry anymore because we will give you all the details you need to plan your trip. A tourist spends on average around ₨ 2,106 ($28) per day. This amount covers accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment. This means that the budget for a week is around ₨ 14,742 and for two weeks around ₨ 29,484.
Let’s further detail the price of services per day:
With the average of ₨ 2,106 ($28):
- Hotel or Hostel: ₨ 1,187 ($16)
- Food: ₨ 468 ($6.25)
- Local transportation (taxis, buses, subway): ₨ 243 ($3.24)
- Entertainment (shows, movie tickets): ₨ 429 ($5.73)
Now, let’s be more specific:
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: Rs60 ($0.80) – Thali (Rice, pickles, sauces, and soup).
- Mid-range restaurant: Rs400 ($5.34) – A three-course meal
- Soft Drink: Rs32.54 ($0.43) – 0.33-liter bottle.
- Beer: Rs150 ($2) – 0.3 liter bottle
Currency
The official currency of India is the Indian Rupee. One USD is equal to 74.77 Rupees. The US dollars are not accepted in the country, so you will have to exchange your money on your arrival to the country. Inside and outside the airports some agents can help you to get Rupees or you can use an ATM (which will discount a small amount for the withdrawal). The only thing you need to do is to make sure your bank knows that you will be using your card in a foreign country.
In India, credit cards such as MasterCard, VISA, and American Express are widely accepted, it is the most common payment method. However, there are also available online bank transfers and wallet payments.
Interesting facts about the culture
India is the second-most populous country in the world, which has experienced high population growth in recent years. Surprisingly, there are more than 20 official languages in this country; however, the most spoken ones are Hindi and English.
The diversity that exists in this country, both culturally and naturally, makes them be one of the most visited places in the world. India has 38 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the famous Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort, both located in Uttar Pradesh, the Sun Temple, and the Kaziranga National Park (just to mention a few).
In India, there is also a diversity of religions, all the major religions are represented there. Most of the people that live there are Hindus. A particularity of this religion is that those who practice it consider cows to be sacred, which is why you can find many vegetarian restaurants throughout the country.
Concerning the body language, a common cultural practice in the country is called “Namaste”, which is a greeting that is made pressing your hands together with a slight bow. For Indians, feet are considered unclean, that is why they do not wear shoes inside their home. In general, most of the locals are very friendly with foreigners, so we are sure that you will have a wonderful trip while learning more about their culture, people and wonders.
What to do in India
India is a big country. This is equal to many places to visit. The history of India has existed for five millennia. In this country, you can do a lot of things, such as visiting historical places like the Red Fort in Delhi, the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, or the wonder of the world Taj Mahal in Agra. However, that is not all, this country has modern places where you can shop or have a good time in the casinos or spend some time on the beaches of the Indian Ocean.
Places to visit in Agra
- The Taj Mahal, in Dharmapuri: One of the iconic monuments of India, a big mausoleum build in the 17th century.
- The Agra Fort, in Rakabganj: Semicircular complex of red sandstone with double walls and monuments.
- Mehtab Bagh, in Dharmapuri: A beautiful garden complex near the Taj Mahal.
Another place you must visit is the capital New Delhi, located in the state of Delhi. This city is one of the most modern places in the country and has many historic and beautiful places to see and enjoy.
Places to visit in New Delhi
- Worlds of Wonder, in The Great India Place Mall: Popular aqua park where you can find many rides and a lot of fun.
- Central Park, in Rajiv Chowk: One of the outside parks, with beautiful green zones, buildings, and lights at night with shows for the whole family.
- Lotus Temple, in Bahapur: A beautiful building with a lotus shape that is a religious place open to people of all faiths.
Now for the last but not least, you cannot go to India without visiting one of the most famous city, Mumbai. This city is known for the brand of films Bollywood, the magic of Hollywood in Bombay (Actually Mumbai), the most famous and international film company in India. You can find incredible places in the city, like popular parks, commercial places, and beaches.
Places to visit in Mumbai
- Gateway of India, in Apollo Bandar: An Arc-monument, build to commemorate the landing in December 1911 at Apollo Bandar of the first British monarch to visit India.
- Dadasaheb Phalke Film City, in Aarey Colony: A Film Studio complex. It has several recording rooms, gardens, lakes, theaters, and grounds that serve as the headquarters for many Bollywood film shoots.
- Marine Drive: 3,6 km promenade, with incredible views and events. At the end of the promenade is located the popular Chowpatty Beach.
How to get around in India
The best way to get around this country is by train. It is comfortable and affordable, and a train can take you to almost everywhere. India has different classes of trains, such as the second seating class (which are the cheapest), first-class (usually with air conditioning), and others that even have a bed where you can rest while you go to your destination.
Other ways to get around India are by bus, which is a good option if you need to travel a short distance. You can use taxis, motorbikes, scooters, and rickshaws, but be sure to ask first at your hotel how much it should cost (to avoid being scammed). If you prefer to travel on your own, there are places where you can rent a motorbike for around $3 per day.
How to stay connected in India
In a country that is so big and that has a lot of beautiful and famous places to visit, probably you will need (and want) to stay connected all the time. It is always helpful to be able to use Google Maps when we need to find a location or to use apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram to stay in touch with our family and friends at home, and to share photos and videos about our trip. The main mobile operators in India are Jio, Airtel, Vodafone Idea, and BSNL. They all provide mobile services (data, SMS, and calls). Airtel is now the largest mobile network provider in India, so you can visit its website and check the plans that it offers.
If you are going to take a trip to different countries around Asia, you can order an international prepaid SIM card from a company called SimOptions. This company has three different cards available to use in Asia and some European countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I rent a car?
It is better to rent a motorbike or scooter to move around the streets more easily.
Which airports can I fly to?
The main airports are the Indira Gandhi International Airport, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, and the Kempegowda International Airport.
What are the most popular types of hotels?
The most popular are airport hotels, B&B (bed and breakfast), and resorts.
How much does a holiday cost?
You could expect to spend around ₨2,106 ($28) per day.
What are the best things to do?
We recommend you to visit any of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, for example, the famous Taj Mahal.
