India
India rewards focus rather than ambition: pick one region and go deep. The north offers the Taj Mahal at sunrise, Rajasthan's forts and Varanasi's riverside rituals; the south counters with Kerala's backwater houseboats, Tamil temple towns and the boulder-strewn ruins of Hampi. Internal flights and overnight trains make the distances manageable.
Overview
India is less a country to tour than a subcontinent to sample. The classic first trip is the Golden Triangle — Delhi, Agra and Jaipur — often extended to Rajasthan's Udaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, or east to Varanasi on the Ganges. The south runs at a gentler pace: Kerala's backwaters and tea hills, the temple towns of Tamil Nadu, Goa's beaches and the ruins of Hampi. The Himalaya adds another trip altogether, from Ladakh's monasteries to the hill stations of Himachal Pradesh and Darjeeling. Two weeks suits one region; link regions by domestic flight rather than trying to cover everything overland.
Day-to-day costs are low — a good thali can cost under £3 and comfortable heritage hotels are a fraction of European prices — yet top-end palace hotels rival anywhere. The first days can be intense: heat, noise, traffic and persistent touts around the big monuments. Most people adjust quickly, helped by generous hospitality, excellent vegetarian food and a rail network that is an experience in itself. It suits curious, flexible travellers; build in slack, because trains run late and plans change. Many are surprised by how calm Kerala and the hills feel after the north, and by how much English is spoken.
Map of India
Top 5 highlights
- 1Architecture
Taj Mahal
Shah Jahan's white-marble mausoleum for Mumtaz Mahal, in Agra, is best seen at sunrise, when crowds are thinner and the marble glows pink and gold. It closes on Fridays; Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri are close by.
- 2Sacred site
Varanasi's ghats
Stone steps line the Ganges in one of Hinduism's holiest cities, where pilgrims bathe at dawn and cremation pyres burn day and night at Manikarnika Ghat. Take a sunrise boat, then watch the evening aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
- 3History
Amber Fort, Jaipur
Rising above Maota Lake just outside Jaipur, this honey-coloured hilltop fort-palace is famed for the mirrored Sheesh Mahal and views along its ramparts. Arrive at opening time to beat the heat and tour groups.
- 4Nature
Kerala's backwaters
A maze of canals, lagoons and lakes behind the Malabar coast, best explored on an overnight kettuvallam houseboat from Alappuzha or by canoe along narrower village channels, past paddy fields and toddy shops.
- 5History
Hampi
The ruined capital of the Vijayanagara Empire spreads across a surreal landscape of granite boulders in Karnataka. Explore the Virupaksha and Vittala temples, the stone chariot and royal enclosures by bicycle or auto-rickshaw.
Biggest cities
Delhi
Mughal monuments — the Red Fort, Jama Masjid and Humayun's Tomb — sit alongside Old Delhi's food lanes and the broad avenues of Lutyens' New Delhi; give it at least two days.
Mumbai
India's financial capital pairs Victorian Gothic landmarks, including the UNESCO-listed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, with Marine Drive's sea promenade and superb street food; boats to Elephanta's cave temples leave from the Gateway of India.
Kolkata
The former capital of British India is a literary and artistic heavyweight, with the Victoria Memorial, College Street's bookstalls, Bengali sweets and the spectacular Durga Puja festival each autumn.
Ranked by urban-area population where available. Figures are rounded estimates, and sources define city limits differently, so rankings of similar-sized cities can vary.
Holiday regions in India
These areas have their own season and weather — see their guides for sea temperatures, resorts and flights.
When to go to India
Best time: Nov–Feb.
Average climate in New Delhi
Festivals & events
- MarHoli
The spring festival of colours: the morning after bonfires on the full moon, people drench each other in coloured powder and water. Mathura and Vrindavan celebrate for days; wear old clothes.
- Oct–NovDiwali
The festival of lights fills homes, streets and temples with oil lamps and fireworks over five days; Jaipur and Varanasi are especially atmospheric, though trains and hotels book up.
- Oct–NovPushkar Camel Fair
Thousands of camels and livestock traders gather at the Rajasthani lake town of Pushkar around the Kartik full moon, alongside pilgrims, races and moustache contests.
How much does India cost?
Estimates per person per day, excluding flights. Prices vary by season and city.
Food to try
Butter chicken (murgh makhani)
Delhi's creamy tomato-and-butter curry of tandoor-roasted chicken, mopped up with naan — the north Indian classic most British visitors already know.
Masala dosa
A crisp, paper-thin pancake of fermented rice and lentil batter wrapped around spiced potato, served with sambar and coconut chutney; the south's breakfast staple.
Thali
A round tray of rice, breads, dals, vegetable curries, pickles and curd, refilled until you stop; regional versions vary from Gujarat to Kerala.
Getting around
Indian Railways is the backbone: book air-conditioned classes such as 3AC and 2AC on the IRCTC website or through an agent, ideally weeks ahead. IndiGo and Air India cover long hops cheaply. Overnight sleeper buses fill gaps, and hiring a car with driver is common and affordable in Rajasthan and Kerala. In cities, use Uber, Ola, metro systems and auto-rickshaws, agreeing fares first where there's no meter.
Practical information
- Plugs & voltage
- CDM230V — bring a UK-to-C/D/M adapter
- Emergency numbers
- Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)
- You can also download the 112 India mobile app
- Indian Ministry of Tourism helpline Telephone: 1800 11 1363
Source: FCDO “Getting help”
- Dialling code
- +91
- Time zone
- UTC+5:30 (standard time)
- Tap water
- Not safe — drink bottled or treated water
- Driving
- On the left
- Tipping
- Tip around 10% in restaurants unless service is included; drivers and guides expect a tip at the end, and small notes for porters are appreciated.
- Etiquette
- Remove shoes before entering temples and homes, cover shoulders and knees at religious sites (and your head in gurdwaras), use your right hand to eat or pass things, and avoid public displays of affection.
- Main airports
- Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), Delhi; Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), Mumbai; Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bengaluru
Visas & entry for India
Shown for a British passport.
Visa required — apply before you go
You must have a visa to visit India unless you are an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder.
India has a number of visa categories including tourist, business, work, journalist and medical. Make sure you get the right visa for your travel.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Hepatitis ATetanusTyphoid
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- ChikungunyaCholeraDengueHepatitis BJapanese encephalitisMeaslesRabiesTuberculosis
- Yellow fever certificate
- A yellow fever certificate is only required if you arrive from (or transit through) a country with yellow fever risk — not if you fly direct from the UK.
- Malaria
- Malaria risk in some areas
- There is a risk of malaria in the states of Mizoram, Odisha and Tripura: antimalarial tablets recommended.
- For the rest of India (including Goa and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands) there is a low risk of malaria: awareness of risk and bite avoidance recommended.
- There is no risk of malaria in the Lakshadweep islands.
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in India
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Sun 8 Nov 2026 | Diwali |
| Tue 24 Nov 2026 | Guru Nanak's Birthday |
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas |
| Tue 26 Jan 2027 | Republic Day |
| Sat 6 Mar 2027 | Maha Shivaratri |
| Wed 10 Mar 2027 | Eid al-Fitr (date may shift) |
| Mon 22 Mar 2027 | Holi |
| Fri 26 Mar 2027 | Good Friday |
| Wed 14 Apr 2027 | Dr. B. R. Ambedkar's Birthday |
| Thu 15 Apr 2027 | Ram Navami |
| Sun 18 Apr 2027 | Mahavira's Birthday |
| Mon 17 May 2027 | Eid al-Adha (date may shift) |
| Thu 20 May 2027 | Buddha Purnima |
| Wed 16 Jun 2027 | Ashura (date may shift) |
| Sun 15 Aug 2027 | Independence Day · Prophet's Birthday (date may shift) |
| Wed 25 Aug 2027 | Janmashtami (Vaishnava) |
| Sat 2 Oct 2027 | Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday |
| Sat 9 Oct 2027 | Dussehra |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Useful phrases in Hindi
| English | Hindi | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | नमस्ते | nuh-muh-STAY |
| Thank you | धन्यवाद | DHUN-yuh-vaad |
| Please | कृपया | KRIP-yah |
| Excuse me | माफ़ कीजिए | maaf KEE-jee-ay |
| How much is this? | यह कितने का है? | yeh KIT-nay kaa hai |
Know before you go
- The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays, and major monuments charge foreigners a higher entry price; buy tickets online where possible to skip queues and sidestep touts.
- Ignore anyone who says your hotel has closed, a monument is shut or a 'government emporium' has a special offer; book rides through Uber or Ola where you can.
- Drink sealed bottled or filtered water, eat freshly cooked food from busy stalls, and carry small notes — many small vendors prefer UPI phone payments, which foreign cards cannot easily use.
India travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit India?
The best time to visit India is generally Nov–Feb. Peak months are January, February, November and December. Average highs in New Delhi range from 20°C to 40°C across the year.
How much does a trip to India cost per day?
Roughly £25 a day on a tight budget, £65 mid-range and £160+ for comfortable travel, per person including accommodation, food and local transport. Flights are extra.
What currency is used in India?
Indian rupee (INR).
What plug type does India use?
Type C, D and M sockets at 230V. UK visitors need a travel adapter — UK Type G plugs will not fit.
Which side of the road do they drive on in India?
Traffic drives on the left in India — the same as in the UK.
Is tap water safe to drink in India?
Not safe — drink bottled or treated water.
Do I need a visa for India?
For British passport holders, the FCDO says: You must have a visa to visit India unless you are an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder. Entry rules change, so check the official FCDO entry requirements for India before you travel: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india/entry-requirements
What vaccinations do I need for India?
TravelHealthPro recommends Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid for most travellers, with Chikungunya, Cholera, Dengue, Hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis and Measles sometimes advised depending on your trip. Make sure routine UK vaccinations are up to date and see a travel health professional 6–8 weeks before you go.
