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India Travel Guide

India travel guides, the top tourist attractions in india, the most beautiful forts of india, backpacking in rajasthan & benares.

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The Rough Guide to India

This practical travel guide to India features detailed factual travel tips and points-of-interest structured lists of all iconic must-see sights as well as some off-the-beaten-track treasures. Our itinerary suggestions and expert author picks of things to see and do will make it a perfect companion both, ahead of your trip and on the ground. This India guide book is packed full of details on how to get there and around, pre-departure information and top time-saving tips, including a visual list of things not to miss. Our colour-coded maps make India easier to navigate while you’re there. This guide book to India has been fully updated post-COVID-19 and it comes with a free eBook.

The Rough Guide to India covers: Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Haryana, Gujarat, Mumbai, Maharashtra, Goa, Kolkata and West Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand, Sikkim, the Northeast, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the Andaman Islands, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.

Inside this India travel guide you’ll find:

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EVERY TYPE OF TRAVELLER 

Experiences selected for every kind of trip to India, from off-the-beaten-track adventures in Jaipur to family activities in child-friendly places, like Kanha National Park or chilled-out breaks in popular tourist areas, like the Taj Mahal.

PRACTICAL TRAVEL TIPS 

Essential pre-departure information including India entry requirements, getting around, health information, travelling with children, sports and outdoor activities, food and drink, festivals, culture and etiquette, shopping, tips for travellers with disabilities and more.

TIME-SAVING ITINERARIES

Includes carefully planned routes covering the best of India, which give a taste of the richness and diversity of the destination, and have been created for different time frames or types of trip.

DETAILED REGIONAL COVERAGE

Clear structure within each sightseeing chapter of this India travel guide includes regional highlights, brief history, detailed sights and places ordered geographically, recommended restaurants, hotels, bars, clubs and major shops or entertainment options.

INSIGHTS INTO GETTING AROUND LIKE A LOCAL

Tips on how to beat the crowds, save time and money and find the best local spots for caving, diving or visiting bazaars and temples.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THINGS NOT TO MISS

Rough Guides' rundown of Delhi, Gokarna, Udaipur and Madurai’s best sights and top experiences help to make the most of each trip to India, even in a short time.

HONEST AND INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Written by Rough Guides’ expert authors with a trademark blend of humour, honesty and expertise, this India guide book will help you find the best places, matching different needs.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Comprehensive 'Contexts' chapter of this travel guide to India features fascinating insights into India, with coverage of history, religion, ethnic groups, environment, wildlife and books, plus a handy language section and glossary.

FABULOUS FULL COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHY

Features inspirational colour photography, including the stunning Lotus Temple and the spectacular Pichola Lake.

COLOUR-CODED MAPPING

Practical full-colour maps, with clearly numbered, colour-coded keys for quick orientation in Mumbai, Punjab, and many more locations in India, reduce the need to go online.

USER-FRIENDLY LAYOUT 

With helpful icons, and organised by neighbourhood to help you pick the best spots to spend your time.

FREE EBOOK 

Free eBook download with every purchase of this guide book to India allows you to access all of the content from your phone or tablet, for on-the-road exploration.

Description

Book details.

This title is a part of Rough Guides Main Series

Practical travel guides series covering countries, cities and regions, with detailed factual travel tips, perfect for independent, long-stay, backpacking and budget-conscious travellers seeking comprehensive travel information and off-the-beaten track experiences

Extensive practical travel information including getting there, getting around, climate information, safety tips, accommodation explanations, food & drink advice and shopping essentials 

Curated author picks with destination highlights at the beginning of each guide

Ready-made itineraries covering every corner of the destination

Colour-coded places chapters with detailed coverage of places and sights, presented in a points-of-interest structure 

Extensive recommendations for accommodation, restaurants, shops and leisure activities for all budgets

Colour-coded detailed maps with marked-up key sights 

Insights on history and nature highlights  

Easy to use, newspaper-style layout

All guides published from January 2021 are printed on paper from responsible sources verified to meet FSC’s strict environmental and social standards

Free eBook with each printed guide published from May 2019 

Format: 129 x 198mm

Price: £14.99-£26.99 | $13.99-$34.99

Extent: 616–1208 page

BOOK DETAILS

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Please be aware that the delivery times are based on when your item was dispatched and not when you ordered your item. Unless stated otherwise, we intend to send items on the next available business day.

Currently we do not provide a tracking number for your order.

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Check out this year's Best in Travel winners

With its sumptuous mix of traditions, spiritual beliefs, festivals, architecture and landscapes, India will set your memories ablaze long after you've left its shores.

Best Time to Visit

Best places to visit, leave the planning to a local expert.

Experience the real India. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Rising perpendicular and impregnable from a rocky hill that itself stands 120m above Jodhpur’s skyline, Mehrangarh is one of the most magnificent forts in…

Poet Rabindranath Tagore described it as 'a teardrop on the cheek of eternity'; Rudyard Kipling as 'the embodiment of all things pure'; while its creator,…

City Palace

A complex of courtyards, gardens and buildings, the impressive City Palace is right in the centre of the Old City. The outer wall was built by Jai Singh…

Eastern Rajasthan

This magnificent fort comprises an extensive palace complex, built from pale yellow and pink sandstone, and white marble, and is divided into four main…

Conceived as the cosmic chariot of the sun god Surya, this massive, breathtakingly splendid temple was constructed in the mid-13th century, probably by…

Brihadeeshwara Temple

Thanjavur (Tanjore)

Come here twice: in the morning, when the honey-hued granite begins to assert its dominance over the white dawn sunshine, and in the evening, when the…

Golden Temple

The legendary Golden Temple is actually just a small part of this huge gurdwara complex, known to Sikhs as Harmandir Sahib. Spiritually, the focus of…

Mehrauli Archaeological Park

There are extraordinary riches scattered around Mehrauli, with more than 440 monuments – from the 10th century to the British era – dotting a forest and…

Top picks from our travel experts

The 22 best things to do in india.

Dashashwamedh Ghat

Varanasi’s liveliest and most colourful ghat. The name indicates that Brahma sacrificed (medh) 10 (das) horses (aswa) here. In spite of the persistent…

Chandni Chowk

Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad)

Old Delhi’s main drag is lined by Jain, Hindu and Sikh temples, plus a church, with the Fatehpuri Masjid at one end. Tree-lined and elegant in Mughal…

Kaziranga National Park

The park’s 2400 one-horned rhinos represent about two-thirds of the world’s total population (in 1904, there were only 200). Kaziranga offers popular 4WD…

Sundarbans Tiger Reserve

West Bengal

The 2585-sq-km Sundarbans Tiger Reserve has 100-plus Royal Bengal tigers lurking in its impenetrable mangrove forests and sometimes swimming its delta…

Amrit Sarovar

Spiritually, the focus of attention within the Golden Temple Complex is the tank that surrounds the gleaming central shrine. Known as the Amrit Sarovar,…

Bandipur National Park

This park covers 880 sq km and was once the Mysore maharajas’ private wildlife reserve. It's noted for herds of gaurs (Indian bison), chitals (spotted…

Devaraja Market

Mysuru (Mysore)

Dating from Tipu Sultan’s reign, this huge and very lively bazaar has local traders selling traditional items such as flower garlands, incense, spices and…

Vittala Temple

Hampi's most exquisite structure, the 16th-century Vittala Temple stands amid boulders 2.5km from Hampi Bazaar. Work possibly started on the temple during…

Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

The Western Ghats

In the foothills of the Nilgiris, this newly enlarged 765-sq-km wildlife reserve is like a classical Indian landscape painting given life, with chital…

Dudhsagar Falls

Panaji & Central Goa

Situated in the far southeastern corner of the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Goa’s most impressive waterfall splashes down just west of the border…

The furthest south of the main ghats and one of the biggest, Assi Ghat is particularly important as the River Assi meets the Ganges near here and pilgrims…

Manikarnika Ghat

Manikarnika Ghat, the main burning ghat, is the most auspicious place for a Hindu to be cremated. Dead bodies are handled by outcasts known as doms, and…

Nagarhole National Park

West of the Kabini River is the 643-sq-km wildlife sanctuary of Nagarhole National Park (pronounced nag-ar-hole-eh). The lush forests here are home to…

Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary

The entrance to Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is easily accessible from Molem and, with an area of 240 sq km, this is the largest of Goa’s four…

Airavatesvara Temple

Three kilometres west of Kumbakonam, this late-Chola Shiva temple was constructed by Raja Raja II (1146–73). The steps of Rajagambhira Hall are carved…

Hemis National Park

Hemis National Park covers the roadless villages of Rumbak and Yurutse, the whole Markha Valley, and the passes and access trails to Stok trekking point…

Virupaksha Temple

The focal point of Hampi Bazaar is this temple, one of the city’s oldest structures, and Hampi’s only remaining working temple. The main gopuram (gateway)…

Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple

The temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram ('City of the Chola who Conquered the Ganges'), 35km north of Kumbakonam, is dedicated to Shiva. It was built by…

Pench Tiger Reserve

Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh

Pench is made up mostly of teak-tree forest rather than sal, and so has a different flavour from nearby Kanha or Bandhavgarh. It also sees fewer tourists …

Kanha Tiger Reserve

Madhya Pradesh is the king of the jungle when it comes to tiger parks, and Kanha is its most famous. The forests are vast, and while your chances of…

Itimad-ud-Daulah

Nicknamed the Baby Taj, the exquisite tomb of Mizra Ghiyas Beg should not be missed. This Persian nobleman was Mumtaz Mahal’s grandfather and Emperor…

Corbett Tiger Reserve

Uttarakhand

This famous reserve was established in 1936 as India’s first national park. Originally called Hailey National Park, then Ramganga National Park, it was…

Around 2km south of the palace, Stok's small monastery has some crumbling old stupas, but the dominant feature, 200m above, is its huge 21m-tall gilded…

Hemis Gompa

This expansive, 17th-century monastery is the spiritual centre of Ladakh’s Drukpa Buddhists; it was the fifth Gyaling Drukpa who founded Hemis after…

Thiksey Gompa

Glorious Thiksey Gompa is one of Ladakh’s biggest and most recognisable monasteries, photogenically cascading down a raised rocky promontory. At its heart…

Panna Tiger Reserve

Tigers are making a comeback after being reintroduced in 2009 to Panna Tiger Reserve from other Madhya Pradesh reserves; there are now thought to be more…

Kuldhara Village

This abandoned village is 19km west of Jaisalmer, 6km south of the Sam road. It was abandoned by its Paliwal Brahmin inhabitants – just like the area’s 83…

Sam Sand Dunes

The silky Sam dunes, 41km west of Jaisalmer along a good sealed road, are one of the most popular excursions from the city. About 2km long, the dunes are…

Jagannath Mandir

This mighty temple is home to Jagannath (Lord of the Universe), an incarnation of Vishnu. Built in its present form in 1198, the temple – closed to non…

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

If your only reason for visiting a tiger reserve in India is to see a tiger, look no further. A couple of days at Bandhavgarh should net you a tiger…

Wah Tea Estate

Himachal Pradesh

One of the Kangra Valley's oldest tea estates, Wah has been continuously cultivating since 1857. Half-hour visits let you walk through tea and herb…

Gir National Park

Gujarat & Diu

Early-morning sunlight filters through the leaves and shadows skittle through the undergrowth. Suddenly, the silence is broken by the high-pitched alarm…

Kachchh (Kutch)

This beautiful palace, built in 1752 and part of the Darbargadh palace complex, lost its top storey in the 2001 earthquake, but the lower floor is open,…

Jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer’s fort is a living urban centre, with about 3000 people residing within its walls. It is honeycombed with narrow winding lanes, lined with…

Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve

Maharashtra

One of the best places to see tigers in India, the seldom-visited Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, 150km south of Nagpur, is now much more accessible thanks…

Guru-Ka-Langar

At the southeast end of the Golden Temple Complex is the Guru-Ka-Langar, an enormous dining room where an estimated 100,000 pilgrims come to eat every day…

Kumbhalgarh

One of the many forts built by Rana Kumbha (r 1433–68), under whom Mewar reached its greatest extents, this isolated fort with a derelict palace is…

Yungdrung Gompa

Lamayuru's gompa is one of the most photogenic Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh. Behind glass within the gompa’s main prayer hall is a tiny cave-niche in…

Mehtab Bagh

This park, originally built by Emperor Babur as the last in a series of 11 parks on the Yamuna’s east bank (long before the Taj was conceived), fell into…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

Best Things to Do

The scale of India is staggering – where to begin in this magical country? Don't worry, we've done the planning for you with our list of top things to do.

Things to Know

India's overwhelming size and diversity can be a lot for first-time visitors. Make it easier with our tips on what you need to know before you go.

Transportation

The sheer scale of India can be overwhelming. Find your way around with our tips on train tickets, bus services and accessible transportation.

Visa Requirements

India is an incredible country with so much to offer travelers. Ensure you breeze across the border with our guide to its visa requirements.

Money and Costs

India is one of the most affordable countries in the world to visit. Make your money go even further with these budget friendly tips.

Best Road Trips

The vast expanse of India has infinite incredible experiences awaiting you. See this beautiful nation on your schedule on one of our top road trips.

Traveling with Kids

The incredible sights, sounds and smells in India mean your little ones will never be bored for long. Here's how best to visit India with tots in tow.

Accessibility

Led by India-based Planet Abled, people with various disabilities and those without disabilities travel side by side.

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13 Best India Travel Guide Books

• Travel Gear
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India is a vast country with diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes. From sandy shores of the Keralan coast, barren deserts of Rajasthan, the majestic snow-capped Himalayas, ancient temples, to buzzing modern cities, the country has it all. The stunning country also offers a rich mix of traditions, festivals, and spiritual beliefs. All these reasons make India a must-visit! For a memorable trip to India, what’s a better way to understand and learn more about the country than by getting yourself “lost” in the best India travel guide books? These guidebooks are more than helpful in planning your trip. Whatever you want to explore in this ancient country, these travel guide books India will help you make the most of your time in this exotic part of the world.

How To Choose The Best India Travel Guide Books?

Travel guidelines to India are all you need to arrange the perfect trip to India . With travel guidebooks, it’s easier to travel safely. That said, choosing travel guide books India also can be overwhelming. To get the best one, there are some basic things that you can consider before deciding to buy a travel guide book India. Let’s take a look at them one by one!

What’s Included In The Book

A travel guidebook to India should contain information about sights, accommodation, transportation, activities, and restaurants. Detailed maps and historical cultural information also make a good guidebook. Some India travel guide books even include phrases and glossary to help you interact with the locals. Colorful photos in the book would be a great feature for travelers’ inspiration.

Published Date

To avoid misinformation about the places you’re going to visit, we recommend getting the latest edition which published date is no later than a year apart. Hotels, restaurants, sights, and shops are ever-changing, so it’s important to get the updated information.

While traveling, you may not want to be weighed down by a thick travel guide book India. If so, a digital version is the best option for you. Meanwhile, some travelers may want to have a printed edition. This version can be useful along the way, such as for taking notes or using the maps without the need for GPS or gadgets.

Is India easy to travel around?

Well, since India is a huge country, getting around can be slow and require a bit of patience. However, it also offers extensive interesting and fascinating places. You’ll never get bored of traveling in India. If anything, your trip may turn into a fascinating adventure!

Is India dangerous for tourists?

You may have heard infamous rumors about India, but generally, India is considered a safe destination for tourists. That said, you should be aware of certain things like scams and pickpockets. So, don’t forget to bring your underclothing travel pouch for safety. Reading travel guidelines to India before you go, like The Essential Safety & Security Guide to Visiting India and Travel Fearlessly in India is also useful. These books provide useful tips, advice, and strategies on how to travel safely in India.

Is India expensive to visit?

Actually, India is commonly known as one of the best budget destinations for travelers in the world. You’ll find plenty of budget hotels and affordable transportation to get around. It’s a perfect destination for budget travelers.

Essential India Travel Guide

Essential India Travel Guide is

written by Mohan Kapoor. He’s a native Indian who was born in Bikaner, Rajasthan. When he was young, he left the country. But, he returned to India for work. His jobs required him to travel extensively through India. So, he shares his knowledge about the country, life, historical sights, and culture into a useful travel guide. It’s perfect for anyone wanting to travel to India.

Unlike other India travel guide books we have on this list, this book only covers cities and states with the most popular and important tourist attractions. But you’ll get an in-depth look and some fun facts of each city. It includes where to eat, what to see, where to go, and what to expect. It also gives you information about how to be respectful to each of the six main religions,, plus, how to be aware of the pickpockets, and more.

The thing we like the most about this book is that the author provides essential tips. These include what to expect, what type of travel agencies you can trust, important cultural aspects, what food choices are safe, and so much more. Plus, he also shares his own story. In a way, by reading this book you travel virtually to cities and states like Delhi, Goa, and Kolkata even before you arrive in the beautiful and colorful country!

Any type of travelers, including business travelers, backpackers, and party-goers.

The Essential Safety & Security Guide to Visiting India

Are you a solo traveler who yearns to travel to India, but has been disheartened by rumors or publicity about violence there? The Essential Safety & Security Guide to Visiting India will show you how to have a happy and safe trip. So, you’ll know how to survive and enjoy your stay in the great land of India. The author is a native-born Indian diplomat with extensive experience and knowledge of his native country.

The book contains general information, like geography and weather. Before you go, some chapters will help you prepare. Getting started, financial planning , and before you travel are some of them. Information about health, insurance, and getting local connections are also provided. Besides, it covers insightful cultural and historical narratives. You’ll find all this info in the chapter: An Introduction to India .

The author talks about safety and security during your time in India. He guides you on how to act, what to do, and how to handle unique situations to make sure you enjoy your stay. You’ll figure out how to travel safely within India by air and train. He also gives tips on how to obtain travel passage to restricted or protected regions. What’s more, there’s a piece of specific advice for female travelers, making it the best travel guide books India for female travelers.

Backpackers, adventurers, female travelers, and solo travelers.

India – Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture

Whether you’re traveling for work or planning a long-term trip to India, you’ll need travel guidelines to India. It will help you to understand the local culture. India – Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture is indeed a useful book. It helps you to learn important stuff about the country, whether it’s land and people, customs and traditions, or values and attitudes. Also, there are some tips on dos and don’ts and taboos. You’ll even get info about business in India!

This travel guide book India is written by Becky Stephen. She enjoys traveling and learning about cultures. Also, she studied Hindi at Banaras Hindu University and lived in Varanasi for years. The author shares her meaningful experience through a better understanding of the local culture. With this book, you’ll be aware of the essential values and behavioral norms, plus knowing how to make new friends and build relationships with the locals.

The book starts with the introduction and key facts about India. Meanwhile, the Land and People chapter contains several topics. These include a brief history of India, as well as its geography and climate. You’ll also find some information about places to eat, shops, and cultural activities. Besides, there’s a section for top places to visit and a map of India.

Long-term travelers, temporary residents, and business travelers.

Lonely Planet South India & Kerala (Regional Guide)

You’ll love Lonely Planet South India & Kerala . It’s perfect as your travel guidelines to India when visiting that particular region. The information on history and culture is very informative. Plus, there’s up-to-date advice on what to see and what not to see. So, you can discover both popular and off-beaten-path experiences. This makes the book the most comprehensive guide to South India and Kerala. It covers Goa, Kerala, Mumbai, Andaman Islands, Bengaluru, and more.

The authors have also packed the book with sights and experiences. It includes South India & Kerala’s Top 12. With this one of the best travel guide books India, you can choose activities that suit you. Do you prefer relaxing on a yoga retreat by the beach in Goa ? Or, floating along Kerala’s backwaters? This book has it covered. Meanwhile, the itineraries section helps customize your trip to your interests.

Get information on recommended accommodation, like hotels in Mumbai , and also places to eat, drinking & nightlife, entertainment, and shopping. There’s a section about how to travel with children for your next family trip. It gives you info about customs regulations, embassies, and consulates. Plus, full-color maps and images are also provided.

Family travelers, solo travelers, backpackers, business travelers, and long-term travelers.

Insight Guides India

You need to plan your trip to experience the best of India. Both paperback or digital editions of Insight Guide India can help you on your next adventure. It’s one of the best travel guide books India for travelers looking for a cultural experience. The book is written by local authors who have extensive historical and cultural backgrounds. Besides, they provide hundreds of stunning photos that capture the essence of India. Not to forget the detailed maps!

There’s a section that features India’s Top 10 Attractions. Also, it covers several regions, from Delhi in the north, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Goa, to Kerala. The information on independence, art, and architecture let you know more about the country.

You’ll find the editor’s choice for the most memorable India experiences. From seeing Hindu festivals, tasting the Indian food, to visiting Rajasthan fort. What’s more, the book includes practical information and travel tips. You’ll find about when to go and transportation. Moreover, this user-friendly travel guide book India provides invaluable maps. So, you could venture off the beaten track.

Any type of travelers, from backpackers, adventurers, business travelers, to photographers.

DK Eyewitness Delhi, Agra and Jaipur

Are you traveling to India for the first time or relocating temporarily to the capital city Delhi? Gear up with some information about the Golden Triangle for your adventures. It includes Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, India’s most visited cities. These cities are famed for their iconic monuments and frenetic energy. Also, these regions have much to offer, including plenty of things to do in Jaipur .

For all those reasons, DK Eyewitness Delhi, Agra and Jaipur can be your best India travel guide books. Unlike most travel guide books, it’s lightweight. So, you can take it wherever you go on your trip. Also, the book is available on Kindle. The information from the book makes traveling across the three cities easy.  Whether you want to glimpse the pretty pink Hawa Mahal or get the perfect shot of the Taj Mahal, the book includes all. Not only you’ll discover reasons to love Delhi , Agra, and Jaipur, but the book also makes you know about the cities.

Like other DK Eyewitness travel guide books India, this book comes with trademark illustrations. Besides, the book provides the best places to eat, drink, and shop. Recommended accommodation is also provided. Meanwhile, the selection of itineraries allows you to make your own. What’s more, get expert advice on how to stay safe, get around, and get ready. Like all DK Eyewitness guide, the book has plenty of beautiful pictures and diagrams. Plus, it includes detailed maps and a pull-out map of Delhi.

Long-term travelers, business travelers, backpackers, and adventurers.

Travel Fearlessly in India: What Every Woman Should Know About Personal Safety

Women who are traveling to India should have the best India travel guide books. Travel Fearlessly in India written by J D Viharini is important for your first or fifth trip to the beautiful country. The author is an American woman who has made India her home. She has traveled across India since 1980, mostly alone. From the tropical south to the remote Himalayas, visit ancient temples, and attend great festivals.

With her 30 years of familiarity with India, she shares important things in travel guidelines to India. She includes the issues ladies may come across in the country. Here, you’ll find out about the mindset of Indian men and how to have safe interactions with them. She also talks about how to understand the Indian perspective on non-Indian women.

The book gives uncommon sights into how to travel and live safely in India. These include cultural factors relating to women’s safety. You’ll find comprehensive information like finding safe places to stay and how to travel safely; how to deal with potential problems and what you need to do if you have to go to the police are also provided. Her many years’ experiences make the book a great read for every female traveler before traveling to India.

Female travelers, solo travelers, and family.

Chennai & Tamil Nadu Focus Guide, 2nd Edition

Looking for specific India travel guide books to Chennai and Tamil Nadu area may be a bit difficult. That’s why the second edition of the Chennai & Tamil Nadu Focus Guide is very useful for your next trip. The book provides you with the insightful and up-to-date information you need. Are you planning to visit and explore many grand Hindu temples? Maybe you want to stop and savor the smell of jasmine garlands piled up before the carved granite gods? The book covers them all.

Also, you don’t want to miss enjoying nature in the blue Nilgiri Mountains. The book also includes information on the region’s unique history, culture, and cuisine for a richer experience along the way. Another section features practical tips on getting there and around.

Besides, you’ll get recommended and comprehensive listings of hotels, a list of restaurants and activities, including horse riding and festivals. This travel guide book India is only available in a printed edition but is slim enough to fit in your pocket. It helps you get the most out of Tamil Nadu without weighing you down. What’s more, the book provides detailed street maps for important towns and cities.

Photographers, long-term travelers, temporary residents, and backpackers.

Bradt Travel Guide: Ladakh, Jammu & the Kashmir Valley

Having the right travel guide books India is essential for the best adventures in Ladakh, Jammu, and Kashmir. Bradt Travel Guide Ladakh, Jammu & the Kashmir Valley can be your best option. Though Ladakh is becoming a more popular destination for its epic Himalayan beauty, some other areas are still off the beaten path, like Kashmir Valley & Jammu, plus Zanskar. There are so many wonders to be discovered and so many  things to do in Ladakh . So, this book is essential for travel guide book India for that specific region.

This fully updated edition helps you explore the whole area. These include Leh, Srinagar, Gulmarg, Zanskar, The Kashmir Valley, and Jammu amongst others. There are plenty of activities you can do. You may want to relax on a houseboat or take a shikara ride in Srinagar. How about exploring Buddhist culture in Ladakhi monasteries? Or, traveling in a jeep along nerve-wracking mountains roads become your choice? You can also enjoy the views from the roof of the world at the breathless Khardung La mountain pass. For adventurers, you don’t want to miss hiking to the Himalayan!

From the book, you’ll find information about these regions. Plus, trekking information, trekking maps, and new travel routes. Other highlights, like the Mughal Road, the Buddhist monks at Thiksey Monastery, and the Buddhas of Kargil are included. Also, we love the color photographs and maps. On top of that, there are Urdu and Ladakhi phrases. Get this one of the best India travel guide books in paperback or Kindle edition.

Adventurers, backpackers, climbers, hikers, and trekkers.

The Rough Guide to India

Make the most of your traveling with The Rough Guide to India ! Whether you’re visiting the world’s greatest building Taj Mahal or visiting the dramatic landscape of home to glaciers in Sikkim, it has it all. Also, the book provides very detailed and extensive information. It makes the book a perfect travel guide book India, especially if you’re preparing for the first trip to India and traveling on a budget.

The book may be a bit thick, but the e-book included is a brilliant bonus. Plus, it’s easy to use. These travel guidelines to India cover India’s cities and states north, south, and east. These include Uttar Pradesh, The Andaman Islands, Gujarat, Punjab and Haryana, and more. From this book, you’ll find extensive listings of the best sights and top experiences.

Also, you can get practical advice about what to see and do. The essential pre-departure information is also provided. It includes getting around, food and drink, and accommodation. You’ll also get info about festivals, culture and etiquette, and more. The itinerary section helps you prepare your own routes, from popular tourist areas to off-the-beaten-track adventures. Besides, there’s a section that provides history, ethnic groups, religion, and wildlife. You’ll love the amazing full-color photography and practical full-color maps.

Backpackers, adventurers, and temporary travelers living in India.

Fodor’s Essential India

Get Fodor’s Essential India as your travel guide books India. It helps you plan the perfect adventure in India to be a trip of a lifetime. This guidebook is written by local writers and expert travel advisors who know the destinations better than anyone else. It’s perfect for travelers who want to travel in India but feel intimidated by the vastness of India. The travel guidelines to India are available in Kindle for a guidebook on the go. Meanwhile, the paperback is small enough to fit in your handbag and backpack.

The book starts with Experience India. This section provides the ultimate experiences you should try in India . Is it taking a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges or entering through the world’s largest door at Fatehpur Sikri? Maybe you want to wander the sprawling City Palace in Udaipur and party the night away at Goa? Meanwhile, you can have an overview of what to expect and where to go in the Travel Smart India section. It helps you with what you need to know before visit India. Also, it includes getting here and around and sample itineraries. Plus, you’ll get an explanation about history, culture, and travel tips.

This guidebook provides up-to-date coverage. From the capital city Delhi, home to Mother House Kolkata, to a financial center Mumbai . It also covers the largest Indian states Rajasthan and the coastlines of Kerala and Goa. It also includes information for side trips from Delhi. Each major city features planning, where to stay, what to do, etc. What’s more, the book provides lots of maps and illustrations to help maximize your time.

Adventurers, backpackers, photographers, and family.

Lonely Planet India

If you’re traveling to India quite often, Lonely Planet India is worth owning. It contains a lot of information about many corners of the country. Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Darjeeling, Chennai, are among them. Plus, it provides full-color maps and images. So, the book is perfect for a quick skimming before you do detailed planning and begin your journey in India. Do you want to listen to monks chanting in the shadow of the mighty Himalaya in Ladakh? Or, visiting top attractions in Agra , like the Taj Mahal? It has you covered!

The book may a little be thick, but it provides 4-easy use sections. So, you’ll find the most relevant and up-to-date advice and recommendations easily. It contains three main chapters: Plan Your Trip, On the Road, Understand, and Survival Guide. The Plan Your Trip is your planning tool kit to create the perfect trip. It provides useful information. From what you need to know, suggested itineraries, how to travel with children, to regions at a glance.

The book covers plenty of places in the country. You’ll find Agra, Goa, Bangalore, Tamil Nadu, Hyderabad, Kerala, in the On the Road section. Plus, you’ll find expert reviews, insider tips, and easy-to-use maps. Get recommended accommodation, restaurants, and shops with honest reviews. Also, there’s a special section about tips for women and solo travelers, plus scams. What’s more, you’ll find information about transportation and cultural insights. It helps you get a more rewarding travel experience.

Family travelers, business travelers, adventurers, and backpackers.

DK Eyewitness India

DK Eyewitness India can be your right choice for India travel guide books. It’s filled with information. Either you choose the printed edition or e-book, you can take this guidebook wherever you go. The design will make the most of your travels to discover and experience India. Also, the book has several main sections, including Discover India. This section is divided into some parts: Welcome, Reasons to Love India, and Exploring/getting to know India. Itineraries/India your way, and the Indian year and a Brief History.

The introduction gives an overview of India as a country. Its history, food, culture, nature, architectures are amongst others. Meanwhile, the section Experience India features cities, states, and unions. Also, this travel guide book India includes highlights of what you could experience. It’s whether you prefer to drink tea in Darjeeling or visit the unmissable Taj Mahal. Perhaps you want to escape to the beautiful Andaman Islands or hike the heights of the Himalayas?

You’ll also find 22 sightseeing areas, which contains some information. These include addresses, phone numbers, websites, and opening times. Stuck for inspiration for your schedules while in India? Worry not! There are recommended easy-to-follow itineraries. So, you could set up your plan, whether you’re staying for just a few days or few weeks. Also, there is info about the best places to eat, sleep, and transport information. Even before you’re arriving in India, you can imagine yourself there through its colorful maps and amazing pictures. What’s more, you’ll get expert advice on how to get ready and stay safe.

Backpackers, adventurers, and temporary business travelers.

Author:  John P

As a blogger, I have had the pleasure of exploring some of the most exclusive destinations, indulging in the finest cuisine, accommodations, and experiences that the world has to offer. From the chic streets Paris to the scenic beauty of the Amalfi Coast, readers luxury. my, tips on the most exclusive hotels restaurants, and activities, giving you a glimpse into the world of high-end travel. But luxury travel is not just about extravagance - it's also about immersing yourself in the local culture and experiencing the true essence of a destination. With a passion for art, history, and architecture, I seek out the hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path experiences that make each destination truly unique. So whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, my blog is your guide to the ultimate European luxury travel experience. Join me on my journey as we explore the best that Europe has to offer, one luxurious destination at a time.

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Summary India, 14 edition (Country Travel Guide)

©Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd W elcome to India S oul Stirring S pectacularly Diverse B amboozling. There’s simply no other word W ith its in-your-face diversity – from snow- that captures the enigma that is India. With dusted mountains to sun-washed beaches, an ability to inspire, frustrate, thrill and tranquil temples to frenetic bazaars, lan- confound all at once, India presents an ex- tern-lit villages to software-supremo cities – traordinary spectrum of encounters for the it’s hardly surprising that this country traveller. Some of these can be challenging, has been dubbed the world’s most multi- particularly for the fi rst-time visitor: the pov- dimensional. For those seeking spiritual erty is confronting, Indian bureaucracy can sustenance, India has oodles of sacrosanct be exasperating and the crush of humanity sites and thought-provoking philosophies, sometimes turns the simplest task into an while history buff s will stumble upon gems energy-zapping battle. Even veteran travel- from the past almost everywhere – grand lers fi nd their sanity frayed at some point, yet vestiges of former empires serenely peer this is all part of the India experience. Love over swarming streets and crumbling for- it or loathe it – and most visitors see-saw be- tresses loom high above plunging ravines. tween the two – India will jostle your entire Meanwhile, afi cionados of the great out- being. It’s a place that fi res the imagination doors can paddle in the shimmering waters and stirs the soul like nowhere else on earth.

3 I I ndia bristles with an eclectic melange of eetthhnniicc ggrroouuppss;; aann intoxicatiinngg ccuullttuurraall ccoocckkttaaiill for the traveller. With such astonishing diversity, you will be taken on a journey that will linger in your mind long after you’’vvee lleefftt hheerr sshhoorreess.. ( left) Elephant Festival dancer, Jaipur (p108) (below) Buffalo-riding on the banks of the Ganges, Varanasi (p383) of one of many beautiful beaches, scout for variety of regional dishes, feasting your big jungle cats on blood-pumping wildlife way through the subcontinent is certainly safaris, or simply inhale pine-scented air one hell of a ride. The hungry traveller can on meditative forest walks. And then there look forward to a bountiful smorgasbord are the festivals. With its vibrant mix of of tasty delights, ranging from the spicy religious denominations, India is home goodness of masterfully marinated chicken to a formidable array of celebrations – drumsticks in North India to the simple from larger-than-life extravaganzas with splendour of squidgy rice dumplings in the caparisoned elephants and body-twisting steamy south. So what are you waiting for? acrobats to pint-sized harvest fairs paying Roll up your sleeves, put on your chomp- homage to a locally worshipped deity. chomp hat and rumble your way down In- dia’s gastronomic highway! T oo Delicious B race yourself – you’re about to jump on board one of the wildest culinary trips of your life! Frying, simmering, sizzling, kneading and fl ipping a deliciously diverse TIM MAKINS / LONELY PLANET IMAGES © PAUL BEINSSEN / LONELY PLANET IMAGES ©

2 0 TOP EXPERIENCES T aj Mahal Don’t let fears of tour b uses or hordes of visitors get you thinking you can skip the Taj – you can’t. 1 Even on a crowded, hot day, this world wonder (p3 50) is still the ‘Crown of Palaces’, a monument to love whose very walls seem to resound with the emperor Shah Jahan’s adoration of his beloved Mumtaz Mahal, the ‘Gem of the Palace’. The marble mausoleum is inlaid with calligraphy, precious and semiprecious stones, and intricate fl ower designs representing paradise. RICHARD I’ANSON / LONELY PLANET IMAGES ©

7 B ackwaters of Kerala It’s unusual to fi nd a place as 2 gorgeous as K erala’s backwaters (p9 40) : 900km of interconnected rivers, lakes and lagoons lined with tropical fl ora. And if you do, there likely won’t be a way to experience it that’s as peaceful and intimate as a few days on a teak-and-palm-thatch houseboat. Float along the water – maybe as the sun sets behind the palms, maybe while eating to-die-for Keralan seafood, maybe as you fall asleep under a twinkling sky – and forget about life on land for a while. H oly Varanasi Everyone in V aranasi (p3 83) 3 seems to be dying or praying or hustling or cremating someone or swimming or laundering or wash- ing buff aloes in the city’s sewage- saturated G anges. The goddess river will clean away your sins and help you escape from that tedious life-and- death cycle – and Varanasi is the place to take a sacred dip. So take a deep breath, put on a big smile for the ever-present touts, go to the holy water and get your karma in order. A lluring Darjeeling Up in a tippy-top nook of India’s 4 far northeast is storied Darjeel- ing (p4 87) . It’s no longer a romantic mountain hideaway, but the allure remains. Undulating hills of bulbous t ea trees are pruned by women in bright-coloured dresses; the majestic Himalaya peek through puff y clouds as the sun climbs out from behind the mountains; and little alleys wend their way through mountain mist, past clotheslines and monasteries. Ride the ‘toy train’ and drink it all in – the tea and the town’s legendary enchantment. FELIX HUG / LONELY PLANET IMAGES © GREG ELMS / LONELY PLANET IMAGES © BRENT WINEBRENNER / LONELY PLANET IMAGES ©

C aves of Ajanta They may have been ascetics, but 5 the 2nd-century-BC monks who created the A janta caves (p7 72) had an eye for the dramatic. The 30 rock- cut forest grottoes punctuate the side of a horseshoe-shaped cliff , and originally had individual staircases leading down to the river. The archi- tecture and towering stupas made these caves inspiring places in which to meditate and live, but the real bling came centuries later, in the form of exquisite carvings and paintings de- picting Buddha’s former lives. Makes living in a cave look pretty good. D reamy Hampi Today’s surreal boulderscape of 6 H ampi (p8 76) was once the glori- ous and cosmopolitan Vijayanagar, capital of a powerful Hindu empire. Still glorious in ruins, its temples and royal structures combine sublimely with the terrain: giant rocks balance on skinny pedestals near an ancient elephant garage; temples tuck into crevices between boulders; and round coracle boats fl oat by rice paddies and bathing buff aloes near a gargan- tuan bathtub for a queen. Watching the sunset cast a rosy glow over the dreamy landscape, you might just forget what planet you’re on. R iding the Rails India’s quintessential journey is 7 still the long t rain ride. Domestic fl ights are increasingly common, but as the train’s 20 million daily pas- sengers will tell you, you can’t watch the Indian landscape change from dry valley to lush mountain forest to lime- green rice paddies on a plane. The train’s also where you can hang out with families and other domestic trav- ellers, learning about Indian culture the old-fashioned way – over a cup of tea, to the rhythm of the rails. ANDERS BLOMQVIST / LONELY PLANET IMAGES © KEREN SU / LONELY PLANET IMAGES © CHRISTER FREDRIKSSON / LONELY PLANET IMAGES ©

9 P uducherry Savoir Faire A little pocket of France in Tamil 8 Nadu? Pourquoi pas? In this former French colony (p1 014) , yellow houses line cobblestone streets, grand cathedrals are adorned with architectural frou-frou, and the croissants are the real deal. But P uducherry’s also a Tamil town – with all the history, temples and hustle and bustle that go along with that – and a classic retreat town, too, with the Sri Aurobindo Ashram at its heart. Turns out that yoga, pain chocolat, Hindu gods and colonial-era architecture make for an atmospheric melange. C uppa in a Hill Station The valleys, deserts, and palm- 9 lined beaches are all well and good, but it can get hot down there! India’s princes and British coloni- als long used the country’s cool mountain towns as refuges from the summer heat, and today the hill stations still have lush forests, crisp mountain air and picturesque tea plantations. Curl up under a blanket with a steaming cup of local tea, look out over misty hills at swoop- ing mountain birds, and experience India’s cool side. N eighbourhood Markets Shopaholics: be careful not 1 0 to lose control. Those with no interest in shopping: get in touch with your consumerist side. India’s markets have something you want, guaranteed (though you may not have known this beforehand), with a fun haggle to go with it. The range of technicolour saris, glittering gold and silver bling, mounds of rainbow vermilion, aromatic fresh spices, stainless-steel head massag- ers, bangles and bobby pins, motor- cycle bumper stickers, heaping piles of fruit, Bollywood-star-silkscreened pajamas, and marigold and coconut off erings is, well, astounding. PAUL HARDING / LONELY PLANET IMAGES © PAUL BEINSSEN / LONELY PLANET IMAGES © GREG ELMS / LONELY PLANET IMAGES ©

G oan Beaches There might be no better place in the world to be lazy than on one of G oa’s spectacular 1 1 beaches (p7 95) . With palm-tree groves on one side of the white sands and gently lapping waves on the other, the best of the beaches live up to your image of a tropical paradise. But it’s not an undiscovered one: the sands are also peppered with fellow travellers and beach-shack restau- rants. Goa’s treasures are for social creatures and fans of creature comforts who like their seafood fresh and their holidays easy. M umbai’s Architectural Visions Mumbai (p7 19) has always absorbed everything in her m idst and made them her own. The 1 2 architectural result is a heady mix of buildings with countless infl uences. The art deco and modern towers are fl ashy, but it’s the eclectic Victorian-era structures – the neo-Gothic, Indo- Saracenic and Venetian Gothic hodgepodge – that have come to defi ne M umbai and make her the fl amboyant beauty that she is. A ll those spires, gables, arches and onion domes make for a pleas- ant walk through the city’s past. ORIEN HARVEY / LONELY PLANET IMAGES © ORIEN HARVEY / LONELY PLANET IMAGES ©

11 S afaris You have to be lucky to spot 1 3 a tiger in India, but it can be done. Even if you don’t see any, you’ll enjoy wandering one of India’s many forest wildlife reserves on the back of an elephant, surrounded by birds and butterfl ies. Or just forget the tigers and elephants and go for c amels: desert safaris around Jaisalmer (p1 90) and Bikaner (p1 96) involve riding atop the tall, goofy animals and camping out among dunes under star-packed skies. S treets Alive At fi rst it might be overwhelm- 1 4 ing – dust will get in your eyes, honking in your ears, people in your way – but you’ll adjust. And when you do, you’ll fi nd insanely good food be- ing fried in carts, trucks painted with baroque designs, fl ower garlands sold by friendly vendors, cars, rickshaws and bicycles dancing to a rhythm only they can hear, people speaking several of India’s 1500-plus languages and, of course, cows – those sweet, stubborn animals that Gandhi called the ‘mother to millions of Indian mankind’. H imalayan Mountains & Monasteries Up north, where the air is cooler 1 5 and crisper, quaint hill stations give way to snow-topped peaks. Here, the cultural infl uences came not by coasts but via mountain passes. Tibet- an Buddhism thrives, and multilayered monasteries emerge from the forest or steep cliff s as vividly and poetically as the sun rises over golden Khangchend- zonga (p5 43) . Weathered prayer fl ags on forest paths blow in the wind, the sound of monks chanting reverberates in meditation halls, and locals bring off erings and make merit, all in the shadow of the mighty Himalaya. DALLAS STRIBLEY / LONELY PLANET IMAGES © DAVID ELSE / LONELY PLANET IMAGES © RICHARD I’ANSON / LONELY PLANET IMAGES ©

S exy Khajuraho Some say that the sensuous 1 6 carvings on K hajuraho’s tem- ples (p6 23) depict the Kama Sutra, or Tantric practices for initiates; others, that they’re educational models for children or allegories for the faithful. But pretty much everyone agrees that they’re naughty and fun to look at. Want to see a nine-person orgy? Men getting it on with horses? Hot nymphs? Khajuraho’s your chance. Once the titillation passes, you’ll no- tice that the carving and architecture of these thousand-year-old temples are exquisite, and the magical feeling of being in 11th-century India pleas- antly absorbing. F estive Parades India knows festivals, and it has 1 7 been perfecting the p arade for, oh, a few millennia. It usually starts with the far-off sound of the trumpets, then the drums and, before you know it, there’s a mass of humanity, marching brass bands (often in fi ne traditional regalia: jodhpurs, turbans, the works), a chariot, and then a dozen or a hundred bejewelled and caparisoned e lephants. The giant creatures may be wearing solid-gold headdresses, bearing canopied god- desses or carrying silk, pompommed parasols high overhead as they march languorously to the beat. J aisalmer’s Desert Mirage Rising like a sandcastle from 1 8 the deserts of Rajasthan, the ‘Land of Kings’, J aisalmer’s 12th- century citadel (p1 83) looks more like something from a dream than reality. The enormous golden sandstone fort, with its crenellated ramparts and undulating towers, is a fantastical structure, even while camoufl aged against the desert sand. Inside, an ornate royal palace, fairytale havelis (traditional residences), intricately carved Jain temples and narrow lanes conspire to create the world’s best place to get lost. PAUL BEINSSEN / LONELY PLANET IMAGES © ANDERS BLOMQVIST / LONELY PLANET IMAGES © CHRIS MELLOR / LONELY PLANET IMAGES ©

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India Travel Guide for Beginners 2023 (+ FREE Cheatsheet)

India is the ultimate backpacker destination, packed with breathtaking landscapes, ancient temples, spiritual retreats, exotic wildlife, and chaotic cities bursting with energy.

From the snow-capped mountains in the north, hills of tea and mangrove forests in the south, and desert ranges in the middle, there is vibrant colours and incredible food in the little villages where time stands still, to the bustle and noise of crowded, fast-paced cities.

But, India is also known for food poisoning, frequent sickness, and lax health and safety laws.

So, is Traveling to India safe?

Definitely! The trick is to come prepared, and you’ll be just fine.

How should I prepare for a trip to India?

Visiting a whole new country is very exciting, and can also be quite daunting for some. Depending on where you go – there will be new challenges, customs, policies and important information that tourists need to be aware of.

With this guide, I will have you covered on everything you need to know before you arrive in India for the first time. Be sure to download your FREE India Cheatsheet PDF near the end of this guide!

Scroll on for top travel advice in my Ultimate India Travel Guide for Beginners –  packed with everything you need to know, and what you need to bring to prevent illness.

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links. I will earn a small commission if you use these links.

India Travel Guide for Beginners (2023 Edition)

Essential india travel resources:.

For more useful travel information on India, check out these articles:

✪ Best Things to Do in New Delhi ✪ 23 Amazing Things to Do in Rishikesh ✪ Ultimate Delhi 3 Day Itinerary ✪ Ultimate Packing Essentials for India ✪ Do I Need a Visa for India? ✪ 47 Interesting Facts about India

Here’s a map of India with 15 of the best places to visit and top things to do in India:

​Top 5 Things to See & Do in India

jaipur Explore the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur and see the Palace of the Winds qutab-minar See the world’s tallest brick structure: the Qutab Minar, in Delhi delhi agra 4 day itinerary Visit India’s most iconic landmark, the Taj Mahal complex at Agra tea plantations ooty Wander the breathtaking tea plantations of Ooty, in Tamil Nadu golden-temple Visit the Golden Temple, the holiest site in Sikhism, in the northern city of Amritsar

Other Things to See & Do in India

India is jam-packed with things to see and do. There is something for everyone – from family trips, adventure treks and water sports, to temples and mosques, museums, national parks, and shopping malls. Here are 10 places well worth visiting:

The Red Fort – visit one of the last remaining Mughal forts, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , right in the heart of Delhi.

Jodhpur: The Blue City – stop by the iconic Jodhpur on the Golden Triangle tour – everything in this city is blue!

Beaches of Goa – relax on one of Goa ‘s many white sands beaches and enjoy plates of freshly-caught fish and sip from chilled young coconuts.

Rishikesh: a Spiritual Retreat – spend a night or two at a spiritual Yoga retreat in the hills of north India

Varanasi: the Ancient City – take a trip to one of the holiest and oldest cities in India that sits on the banks of the river Ganges.

Mountain Trekking at Leh and Ladakh – take up some adrenaline pumping winter sports adventures like mountain trekking, kayaking, white water rafting and zip-wiring in the snow-capped Himalayan mountains of north India .

National Parks of India – witness the breathtaking views of India’s incredible landscapes and see wild deer, monkeys, lions and elephants at one of the many National Parks

Hyderabad: City of Pearls – visit the impressive collection of Hindu Temples and Mughal Mosques, and Madrassas at the south Indian city of Hyderabad

Sikkim – experience the pure tranquility and stunning beauty of one of India’s most organic and eco-friendly regions .

The India/Pakistan Border Guards Ceremony – witness a unique patriotic ceremony where Indian Guards clash with Pakistani Guards right at the border!

India Travel Advice

India: Budget Tips & Advice

Is india expensive to visit.

India is widely known for being one of the least expensive destinations for visitors, especially for backpackers and budget travellers. You can easily survive in India on a shoestring budget of $15 a day.

You have the option to travel on a super-shoestring budget, splashing out on a luxury trip, or anywhere in between. Below is a guide to help you plan your ideal budget.

Backpacker’s budget: the average spend is Rs 740-1,555 (10-21 USD) per day. This budget includes staying in a hostel/dorm or a budget Airbnb, eating street food and cheap eats (with the occasional treat), using the buses to get around, keeping drinking to a limit, and choosing to do free and cheaper activities where possible.

Mid-range budget: the average daily is Rs 2,440-4,880 (33-66 USD). On this budget you can opt for budget hotels and nicer Airbnbs, use AC2 trains, rent a scooter, spend more in restaurants and cafes, and do a couple of day trips/tour activities.

Luxury budget: the average cost is Rs 7,400+ (100+ USD). You can go unlimited on this budget – stay in nice boutique hotels, rent a car, eat extravagant meals, and go on guided tours.

Check out the chart below to get an idea of how much you’ll need to bring with you for your daily budget. As these are daily averages, you may be spending more on some days and less on others, that said, this is a fairly accurate guide as of mid 2022 (Prices are in USD).

The best time to travel to India is from October to March.

Due to its enormous size, India has a diverse climate system, so it depends on the region you visit. The Himalayas provide shelter to most of India from cold winds, so winters are warm in the south although chilly in the north, and summers are quite hot.

Most of India is a tropical climate and has three main seasons: summer, winter, and monsoon.

North India

October to March is mostly dry with moderate temperatures, in regions of Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan and Central India. Further north in the Himalayas are alpine conditions. From June to September is the wet season with plenty of rain.

South India

Warm all year round and particularly hot in April and May. Heavy rain occurs from June to August. The regions of Goa and Kerala are suitable to visit any time of the year and the wet season does not affect tourism.

There are countless languages spoken across India, however, English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

In the north, Hindi and English are widely spoken and understood. Some locals can speak English, but not read it. However, Indians are quite visual and use gestures, so communication is not difficult.

With thousands of languages and dialects across India, and English being widely spoken in all in the main cities, it is unlikely you will need to learn to speak a different language there.

However, if you’d like to know some basic phrases in Hindi, here’s a few below:

Basic Phrases:

Hello: Namaste  नमस्ते Good morning: Shubh Prabhaat  शुभ प्रभात Excuse me: Mujhe Maaph Karen  मुझे माफ करें Yes: Haan हाँ No: Nahin नहीं Good afternoon: Namaskaar  नमस्कार How much is this? Ye Kitana Hai?  ये कितना है Thank you: Dhanyavaad  धन्यवाद Good evening: Susandhya  सुसंध्या Goodbye: Alavida  अलविदा

What to Pack for India

India is an enormous country with varying climate zones – including mountainous terrain in the north, a dry, dusty desert region in the middle, and humid, tropical forestlands in the south.

So you’ll want to make sure you’re well prepared with the right travel gear.

Here is a list of essential items that I can recommend for the perfect trip. Most of these items I have used/currently use, and there’s a few that I can recommend based on friends’ experiences with them.

Essential Clothing / Attire

Carry On Essentials

Gadgets & Electronics

Budget Travel Alternatives

The following are some excellent budget alternative options from the items listed earlier – these are all excellent recommendations for beginners and those travelling on tighter budgets.

Flying into India

The main international airport that most foreign visitors enter India is Delhi International (DEL). Delhi is a popular starting point for most travelers wishing to see the rest of the country. You can also fly between cities in India and it’s often the fastest and most convenient way to get around this large country. Use the widget below to check flight prices to Delhi from your city/region:

Airport Transfer:

Airport taxis charge approx. $18 for a single fare, however they may charge extra for waiting. It’s highly recommended to book in advance .

Getting Around in India

India’s public transport system is one of the most heavily used in the world. However, once you get the hang of how it works, travel in India is fairly easy.

For tourists, the main mode of transport around towns and cities are taxis, rideshare (Ola), and auto rickshaws.

Auto Rickshaws (autos)

The auto rickshaws are one of the most common mode of taxis in India (the non-motorised rickshaws are cheaper).

These are similar to the auto rickshaws you’ll find all over Southeast Asia.

They are difficult to miss –  peculiar looking, tiny, three-wheeled motorised tinned-roof contraptions (from the outside they look like a three-wheeled car, from the inside, a three-wheeled motorbike).

You’d be forgiven for thinking they couldn’t carry more than two grown adults in back. You’ll be surprised to find, however, that they carry A LOT more people. (I have on a couple occasions shared an auto with SIX others, and I’m six feet tall.)

There are a few different sized autos across India. You may notice the Tempos and Vikrams which a slightly bigger, often used by school kids as they go to and from school. These work more like buses/vans as they are fixed price, on fixed routes with regular stops.

Word of advice: Many drivers will try to charge you ridiculous amounts for a fare. So if you know where you’re heading to, and how long it should take by Google Maps estimates, it’s worth negotiating a price, and it should NEVER cost you more than 200-300 Rs for the average single fare!

I once saw a tourist arrive at his destination, step out the auto rickshaw, and hand the driver 1,500 Rupees (about £15!). Shocking!

Taxis & Ride Sharing

Uber and Ola are the two ride-hailing services in India. They cost more than autos but are still quite cheap (plus they are air-conditioned cars and MUCH more comfortable).

These are pretty good if you want peace of mind with a fixed price (or are fed up of trying to haggle prices with auto rickshaw drivers). The apps are easy to use too – you can read more about Ola cabs here:

If you’re confident to use the buses – they are the cheapest way of getting around, costing literally pennies (around INR 10-20 a ride). However they tend to get crammed with passengers, whom even cling onto the bus from the outside. This is perfect for the ultimate budget traveller. I have used the buses many times in India without problem.

In urban areas they are not a bad way to get around if you can’t (or don’t want to) use the tuk tuks.

However, travelling between cities is a different story. I would advise booking the air-conditioned Mercedes coaches if say, you’re heading on a 6-hour journey to Chandigarh from Delhi. Be aware of the departure times of these coaches too.

And bear in mind – there are no bus stops or signs! It can be tricky finding the right stop in another city, so be sure to ask for help, or have a contact you can call.

Metro System

Many of India’s major cities are quickly catching up with brand new modern metro systems.

The New Delhi Metro is very clean, modern and easy to use, and the tickets are fairly cheap too. It was once ranked the second best network in the world! (according to a survey by NOVA and CoMET).

Word of advice: the final carriages at either end of the trains are strictly for women only. Though both men and women use all the middle carriages (and they are safe to use), the option is there for women to use the end carriages for a little extra peace of mind.

There’s an old but effective train network covering the length and breadth of India. These trains are the really old British imports from the post-colonial era, they take off very slowly, and slow down very gradually to a halt.

Because of this, people often run and jump onto a train while it’s leaving a station, and usually hop off the train before it’s come to complete stop. And you’ll notice train doors wide open during journeys, even when at full speed!

At first this may be alarming to visitors from countries with very strict health & safety laws. But worry not – the experience on an Indian train is a unique and adventurous one that ALL visitors must try at least once!

12Go has extensive public transport coverage in India. For peace of mind, book your train tickets in advance here:

Is India easy to travel around?

Public transport is fairly easy to use in India – its not exactly the quickest way around, nor the most comfortable at times, but its very cheap. You’ll most likely be getting the bus or catching the train, and if crossing the country, you may catch a flight.

If you’re staying longer in one place, it’s worth renting a scooter . Despite India’s roads being notoriously chaotic, in my experience, riding a scooter here is really easy and convenient.

Customs & Etiquette

Fortunately Indians are very forgiving of foreigners who aren’t aware of the etiquette of their country. When you travel to India, it’s best to avoid making embarrassing mistakes, so below are a few handy tips to help you.

1. Greeting Other People

When meeting people in India, greet with a “Namaste” while placing both palms together. A handshake is traditionally reserved between men only, as women don’t touch men when greeting them.

2. Take Your Shoes Off When Entering Buildings

It’s good manners to take your shoes off before entering someone’s home, and it’s compulsory to do so before entering a holy site such as a temple or a mosque.

Its normal for Indians to wear shoes inside their homes, such as when going to the bathroom. It has to be pointed out, though, tat these are designated shoes for inside the home only, and are never worn outdoors.

You may find shops and other places where people take off their shoes before entering. Word of advice: if you see shoes at the entrance, take your shoes off before you go in.

3. Avoid Wearing Tight or Revealing Clothing

Since India is quite a conservative country, there is a strict standard of dress code, particularly in rural areas, though it is common to see Western dress standards in the major cities, which includes women wearing jeans and t-shirts.

You should always be decent, and keep your legs covered. You’ll rarely see a well-dressed Indian man wearing shorts, or an Indian woman wearing a skirt above the ankles. The exception is in places like Goa, and college students.

It’s not illegal to wear shorts (and sure, nobody will say anything). But making a good impression counts here.

There’s a common perception in India that foreign women are promiscuous – and wearing inappropriate clothing doesn’t fight this stereotype.

On the other hand, it’s a sign of respect to bend down and touch an elder person’s feet in India.

4. Don’t Use Your Left Hand for Eating Food or Passing Objects

In India, the left hand is considered to be unclean, as it’s used for certain matters relating to going to the bathroom.

As such, don’t use your left hand to make contact with food, or any objects that you pass to people.

5. Don’t Take Offence by Intrusive Questions

Generally speaking, Indians are quite inquisitive and it’s part of their culture to ask questions. This is nothing to worry about – its mainly down to a lack of privacy in the country, and is linked to the generations-old social hierarchy of India.

Thus, don’t be surprised or offended if someone you only just met, asks you questions like, how much you earn for a living, for example. It’s perfectly okay to ask the same questions in return, in fact – it would be impolite not to.

(And don’t worry – you don’t have to be entirely truthful if you don’t want to).

6. Punctuality in India

While in the West it’s considered rude when someone is late, in India it’s perfectly normal.

The concept of time is flexible, and is known as “Indian Standard Time”. It’s unlikely people will turn up the exact moment they say they will. In fact, 10 minutes could mean half an hour, and half an hour could mean one hour.

7. Politeness can be a Weakness

Another thing to bear in mind is: Don’t be polite all the time.

While the phrases “please” and “thank you” are essential for good manners in Western culture, they are very formal and unnecessary in India.

It’s okay to thank someone like a waiter or a shop assistant, where a service has been provided to you.

For friends and family though, its best to show appreciation in other ways, ie: if you were invited to someone’s house for dinner, say instead: “I enjoyed the food and spending time with you”.

Traveller Tip: As a precaution, be stern and forceful to deter touts and street vendors. Saying “No, thank you”, is a sign of weakness and may set you up as a target.

Personal Space and Crowds

In a country of 1.2 billion citizens, you can expect a lot of pushing and shoving in India, and this is normal.

Don’t expect people to respect your personal space here. If you are used to forming a neat queue in your country (like myself), forget that here – people will jump a queue at a train station or a bus stop etc. Instead, those in queues will stand close together to the point they are touching, to prevent others from cutting in.

Insults & Offences

Here’s a few things worth remembering to avoid causing offence when traveling in India.

Avoid Pointing With Your Feet or Fingers at People

The feet are considered an unclean part of the body and as such, it’s important to avoid pointing your feet at people, or having your feet or your shoes make contact with people or objects.

Pointing with your fingers is also rude in India. If you have to point at something or someone, remember to use your whole hand, or your thumb, instead.

Don’t Show Affection in Public

While holding your partner’s hands in public and even kissing on the cheek, let alone the lips, is done without a second’s thought in the West, in India’s conservative society it’s deemed inappropriate. Such intimacy is seen as obscene, and therefore is best kept private, and avoided when in public.

Internet: Wifi/SIM Card

Internet availability is now widespread in India. Free internet access is available through many WiFi spots all around the country.

It’s fairly easy to stay connected to the internet across the country.

There is WiFi in many hotels and bars, but in some of these places its only accessible from the lobbies.

The best 4G coverage is offered by Airtel , Vodafone and Idea.

Tip #1: Get a universal DrimSim card that isn’t attached to an operator, and you can get data coverage anywhere.

Tip #2: When using open WiFi networks in India, make sure your phone/tablet etc. is securely protected from hackers by using a VPN network .

The Indian Rupee is the local currency in India.

Conversion Rate: 1 USD = 82 INR (as of December 2022)

Credit and Debit cards like VISA, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted.

Cards are accepted in many (higher-end) hotels and restaurants, but most restaurants outside of tourist areas don’t accept them.

As always when travelling, beware of pickpockets and keep your cash stashed away safely and securely on your person.

Be sure to have at least 2 prepaid travel credit/debit cards when you visit India, to avoid bank charges. The best travel cards are:

• Wise (formerly Transferwise)
• Revolut (Get £10 on sign-up)

Food in India

Unsurprisingly India is admired all around the world due to its diversity of rich, flavoursome cuisine. The country has a wealth of delicacies and innovations that will blow your mind. There is plentiful choice and variety across the country – you won’t be disappointed!

It’s little wonder that Indian cuisine is arguably the best in the world. Indeed, in the UK, Indian food was voted the nation’s favourite dish!

One thing to bear in mind in India is that some foods, but not all, can be quite spicy for some people.

So if you’d prefer your food to be less spicy when ordering – inform the waiter when ordering.

Did you know: India has the largest population of vegetarians in the world? This is largely due to religious beliefs in Hinduism and Jainism, and cows are considered sacred in the north. In fact, the state of Maharashtra has banned beef altogether.

This doesn’t mean you can’t eat meat on the sub continent – quite the contrary. If you’re a meat lover, the best places to buy good quality, clean and safe to eat meat are in Muslim restaurants and kebab shops in the north. And seafood is top-notch in any popular restaurant in the southern coastal regions of Goa and Kerala.

That said, it’s always a good idea to consider being vegetarian for a day (or two) in India for an authentic experience.

Here’s 13 Popular Indian Street Food you should Try :

And here’s a selection of some of the most famous dishes in India that every visitor needs to try:

Masala Dosa

A traditional and super delicious breakfast more commonly found in south India (Kerala, Tamil Nadu etc.) though can be found in any food court, this is one of favourite Indian dishes, and is an absolute must-eat.

The dosa is a kind of thin crepe made of fermented rice and black lentils. The masala filling consists of potatoes, mustard seeds and various other spices, all rolled up and served with a side of 2-3 sauces and chutneys.

Stuffed Paratha

Stuffed Paratha was without a doubt, one of my favourite things I ate in India.

Its like a thick flatbread, thats well oiled in ghee and cooked in a Tandoor oven. The parathas can be stuffed with mixed vegetables and spices, and is served steaming hot with some chilled butter, chutney, raita or vegetable curry.

A popular dish worldwide, though I promise you’ll discover the Biryanis in India on whole ‘nother level of perfection. Introduced to India by the Persians many moons ago, the rice is cooked with various spices, seeds and coriander, complete with a choice of meat (chicken, beef, mutton, prawns) or mushrooms, or a mix. Tasty with a dollop of yogurt too.

One of the most iconic street snacks found throughout India, Pani Puri is a delicious snack that consists of mint and tamarind-infused water poured into a crispy puff ball, with a filling of potatoes, chickpeas, onions, and spices. You take it all in one go – and get hit with a massive sweet, sour, tangy and spicy punch. Yum!

Other Must-Try Dishes:

• Saag Paneer – Punjabi favourite consisting of spinach and Indian cheese
• Gulab Jamun – popular Punjabi dessert, very sticky, sweet and tasty
• Momos – popular snack from street vendors, a steamed dumpling that comes with a spicy sauce
• Idli – small, fluffy rice and flour cakes eaten for breakfast in southern India (healthier alternative to other dishes)

India Day Trips & Tours

Get Your Guide: Book your day trips and tour packages

When I want to book a day trip or a tour package, Get Your Guide is my favourite place to discover superb deals.  For everything from Golden Triangle packages to Golden Temple tours,  Munnar Hill Station guides and Taj Mahal Agra day trips, there are many excellent options to experience India at great prices. Have a look at some of the offers below and click on any that interest you:

Visa Requirements

All foreign nationals are required to possess a valid Visa.

A regular Indian tourist Visa can be obtained from as little as $10 up to $80 depending on when you visit and the duration of your visit etc.

An Indian eVisa allows you to travel in India up to 90 days (in some cases 180 days) and is completely free. For a fast and easy application, the best way to obtain an e-visa is through the iVisa.com online service . You can also use the widget below to apply for your e-visa.

Best Places to Stay in India

Since India is one of the cheapest countries you can visit in the world, you won’t have trouble finding a good deal on accommodation.

That being said, accommodation will be one of the biggest expenses of your trip (along with transport within the country).

A word of advice: when visiting between March-October, it will be hot in every region, so consider accommodation that includes AC (or at the least, a fan).

In the winter months it’s still quite warm in the south, but in the north it gets really chilly, especially at night. Homes in India don’t have heating, and the floors are stone or marble, ie: they are cold to the touch. So if you’re planning a trip in the winter, be sure to check your accommodation has hot water, and bring appropriate clothing to wrap up warm.

Click on the cities below to search and book great accommodation options: New Delhi Gurgaon Mumbai Bangalore Amritsar Varanasi Munnar Dehradun Rishikesh Leh Agra Jaipur Chennai Cochin Kolkata Hyderabad Shimla Ooty Alleppey Candolim (Goa) Darjeeling Jaisalmer

Looking for something more authentic? You can find great deals on vacation homes at Vrbo – use the widget below to search and book a rental place:

India is a developing nation that’s rapidly expanding economically, and tackling the challenges of being an enormous country that is home to 1.2 billion people.

Many a traveller will tell you: “if you can travel India, then the rest of the world is easy”. And there is some truth to this. Here’s some important health advice for travelling in India:

Water in India

Tap water is not safe to drink for foreigners in India, so by all means, steer clear of it . (Also, avoid eating any foods that may have been washed in it, and as a precaution, don’t touch ice cream and salads).

Iced Drinks – avoid where possible. Some reputable cafes might be okay, but drink at your own risk.

Coconut Water – a refreshing young coconut is one of the best and healthiest drinks you can find in India. They are full of electrolytes which help you dehydrate and energise quickly in the heat.

Coke can be a lifesaver – since Coke is known for killing off bacteria, many people believe it’s a reliable solution to an upset stomach.

Washing with water – be careful not to get water inside your nostrils, mouth and eyes when you shower. Also, only use bottled water when brushing your teeth.

Food Safety

Only eat freshly cooked food – make sure your food is cooked, and stick to reputable restaurants and places that are packed with customers.

Don’t eat salads, juices, or raw food – as these may be washed in tap water, it’s best to avoid them. Stick to unpeeled fruits where possible.

Eat where it’s busy – a rule of thumb if you’re unsure: a packed place is a good place. If you see an empty place, avoid it.

Be wary of street food – again, only eat from stalls that are packed or have a lot of customers.

Consider being a vegetarian in India – since India is home to millions of vegetarians, you’ll be surprised how delicious vegetarian food is, and it will be safer to eat than meat options too.

Other Useful Advice

• Bring activated charcoal tablets – seriously, these are a lifesaver if you find yourself with the runs.
• Bring ethical mosquito repellent – the hour after sunset is when mosquitos are most active.
• Keep hand sanitiser / anti=-bacterial wipes on you at all times – this is the first and most effective barrier to preventing sickness and spread of bacteria.
• Stay hydrated – India is a hot country. Drink plenty of water (or coconut water).

Is India a dangerous place to visit? For most travellers to India, safety is a big concern.

Unfortunately, some visitors will have some unpleasant experiences and find their trip to be a lot less peaceful than they expected.

Here’s a few things to bear in mind:

Pickpockets

These are to be expected in any tourist spot worldwide, and India is no different. Be wary of bag snatchers, and a common thing is thieves cutting open bags and taking the contents without the victim realising until its too late.

Scams and Touts

You’ll find plenty of these trying their luck in all the tourist areas. Keep your wits about you at all times, and remember – if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be especially wary of auto rickshaw and taxi drivers that insist on taking you on detours to specific hotels, shops or travel agencies, as the cost of their commission will be added to your bill.

Solo Travel (especially for women)

Always take care and dress appropriately. Take caution when walking or travelling alone, especially at night. It’s best to avoid drawing attention to yourself by not wearing flashy or scantily-clad attire. Make sure you have a contact you can call/text at all times, so a SIM card is essential.

High Risk Areas

As a general rule its best to do some research on a place before you go, and be understanding of the basic political landscape.

You should know that India has a decades-long rift with Pakistan, and as such, there are some hostile areas that both countries claim as their own, namely: Jammu and Kashmir. If you are thinking of visiting these parts of India, just be aware of the situation.

Also, be wary of gangs and drugs around tourist areas. Remember that politeness can be seen as a sign of weakness, so if you find yourself being approached by unsavoury people, give them a firm “Nahin!” (meaning no in Hindi).

India in a Nutshell:

India is one of those huge places packed with everything from rich history, mind-blowing food, thrilling adventure, a wealth of art and culture, and so much else, that’s impossible to cover the whole country in a single trip.

Your best bet is to plan an itinerary that focuses on one or two regions. Have a base to start, ie: Delhi, and consider the Golden Triangle tour as one region/ one itinerary. Or perhaps, a trip around south India that includes Kerala state and some spots in Tamil Nadu state (ie: Bengaluru, Ooty, Hyderabad).

A lot of visitors try to cram too much into their India itinerary.

To get the best out your trip, concentrate on a selection of places, rather than trying to tick off as many as possible. Seeing one place at a slow pace can be much more rewarding than seeing tons of places, but not having the time to appreciate any of them.

Spend a few days in a place and you’ll find yourself less stressed, gain a deeper understanding of the place you’re in, and have more time to get to know the people you meet.

Commonly asked questions and FAQs

How many days is enough for India?

Due its sheer size, it’s impossible to see everything India has to offer in a single trip. You could travel for 6 months here, and still not see all of the country. I recommend a minimum of 2 weeks in India, to get a taste and to truly enjoy the place, ensuring you visit a mix of popular tourist spots and lesser-known destinations such as the coastal regions of Kerala, tea valleys of Ooty, spiritual retreats like Rishikesh, cultural experiences in the Punjab, and natural wonders of Meghalaya.

Check out my traveling to India checklist below, that has everything you need to prepare for planning a trip to India:

• Bring essential items – make sure you have plenty of hand sanitiser, keep your valuables and money in a secure money belt/bum bag, and bring things like activated charcoal in case of an upset stomach, and mosquito repellent.
• Understand the customs – learn the correct way to be polite and respectful to the locals and how to engage with them. Avoid gestures like pointing your finger, always take off your shoes before entering a home or a holy place, and avoid displays of affection in public.
• Come prepared for the varying climates – as India is a vast country, the climate in the north is different from the south. In the winter, it gets very cold up north, especially at night, so be sure to wrap up. Down south, it’s generally quite hot with warm nights, all year round.
• Know what to eat/drink, and what to avoid – one of the most important things to be aware of is food safety in India. At best you may come down with the ‘Delhi belly’ common with many visitors, but at worst, certain street foods could make you seriously ill. Be sure to avoid tap water and any uncooked foods, raw vegetables, ice in drinks. See the Safety in India section for full details.
• Dress code / correct attire – remember to adhere to India’s dress codes, the main thing is covering your legs and shoulders. In places of worship, remove footwear, cover your hair, and be sure you are covered down to the ankles.
• Be prepared on India’s trains – you may travel on long train journeys or sleeper trains even. As well as your essentials and overnight kit, it’s important you bring things like toilet paper, baby wipes, and hand sanitiser for these journeys.
• Look beyond the Poverty – India is known for having a large impoverished population, and you will only truly understand the extent of this poverty when you are travelling around on the roads and streets here. Don’t be shocked, and understand that you are very lucky to have material wealth and privileges that many all over the world don’t have.
• Go without expectations and enjoy yourself – and finally, don’t bring any expectations with you to India. Having an open mind is essential. This way, not only will you not be disappointed, you’ll have a truly enjoyable and unforgettable experience.

Is India safe to travel for tourists? On the whole, India is quite safe for tourists. Violent crime is low in this country, especially towards foreigners. The main concerns for tourists here are petty crimes such as theft and scams, which are more prominent in very touristy areas. How much money you need in India?

You can easily travel around India on $20-40 per day on a backpacker budget, whereas a good mid-range budget is around $40-50 per day per person, allowing for three meals a day (in nice restaurants), nice AC double rooms, transport on AC2 trains or AC taxis, and plenty of excursions.

What should I avoid in India?

• Avoid tap water in India by all means. It is not safe for tourists.
• Don’t use your left hand for eating food or passing objects. The left hand is considered to be unclean in India, as its associated with going to the bathroom.
• Avoid iced drinks where possible. Some reputable cafes may be ok, but drink at your own risk.
• Avoid pointing with your feet or fingers at people.
• Avoid being too polite in India, it’s seen as a sign of weakness.
• Don’t eat salads, juices or raw foods, as these may be washed in tap water, it’s best to avoid where possible.
• Don’t only use private transport in India.
• Avoid wearing tight or revealing clothing. Adhere to India’s strict standard of dress code, keep your legs covered (tourist spots like Goa are an exception).
• Don’t show affection in public, it’s deemed inappropriate in Indian society.
• Avoid speaking to strangers in tourist hotspots – they may be scammers and touts (if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is).
• Don’t take offence by intrusive questions – generally speaking, Indians are quite inquisitive and it’s part of their culture to ask questions.
• Avoid travelling alone, particularly for women, and especially at night.
• For women – avoid drawing attention to yourself by not wearing flashy or scantily-clad attire.

Do you need a guide in India?

It’s not an absolute requirement to have a guide when traveling in India, even for women. However, guides are extremely helpful in ensuring you gain knowledge and tips to make the most of your trip. Not only are they quite affordable, they will also help you avoid getting ripped-off by touts and opportunists in tourist areas.

Book Your Trip to India: Budget Tips & Tricks

Flights: As always, I source the cheapest flights on the web from Skyscanner and Kiwi.com .  They are considered the top flight search engines for the best deals.

Accommodation: I use  Booking for the best hotel deals and HostelWorld for the cheapest stays. If you’re considering Airbnb, be sure to check Vrbo to find cheaper vacation stays.

SIM cards: DrimSim is a universal SIM card that isn’t tied to an operator and works in any country/region.

Travel Insurance: Stay protected from theft, injury, illness, and cancellations. A safety net in case anything goes wrong, I never leave without it. World Nomads is my favourite agent for total peace of mind.

Tours & Excursions: I book all my fave activities and guided tours on Get Your Guide & Viator – they do superb deals whilst offering excellent customer support.

Renting a car? I always use DiscoverCars , make sure you book your car hire in advance. For airport transfers,  I use KiwiTaxi for the best deals.

Need to store your luggage in a locker? Use Radical Storage to store your stuff in a locker in any city for just $5 per day.

Head over to my Travel Tools page for all my best travel tips & advice and everything you need for your trip.

India Travel Guides

For more in-depth reading about India, you can get your hands on a copy of these bestsellers below:

• Lonely Planet Rajasthan, Delhi & Agra (Travel Guide) Buy on Amazon
• Top 10 Delhi (Pocket Guide) Buy on Amazon

Books about India

• A Passage to India by E M Forster (1924) Amazon
• The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy (1997) Amazon
• The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga (2008) Amazon
• Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts (2005) Amazon

Movies about India

• Gandhi  (1982) Amazon
• Slumdog Millionaire (2008) Amazon
• 3 Idiots (2009) Amazon
• My Name Is Khan  (2010) Amazon

India Travel: Related Posts

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I hope this post, India: The Complete Travel Guide, inspires you to visit India. Thanks for reading!

Billy Read is the owner and author of BRB Gone Somewhere Epic, a travel blog that helps travelers discover unique destinations and travel experiences on a budget. With more than 10 years of global travel filled with accidents, Billy aims to help readers avoid making the same mistakes as he did, and make the most of their epic trips.

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Inside  Lonely Planet’s  India  Travel Guide:

Up-to-date information -  all businesses were rechecked before publication to ensure they are still open after 2020’s COVID-19 outbreak

Top experiences feature  - a visually inspiring collection of India’s best experiences and where to have them

What's new feature  taps into cultural trends and helps you find fresh ideas and cool new areas

Pull-out, passport-size 'Just Landed' card  with wi-fi, ATM and transport info - all you need for a smooth journey from airport to hotel

Planning tools for family travellers  - where to go, how to save money, plus fun stuff just for kids

Colour  maps and images throughout

Highlights   and itineraries  help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests

Insider tips  to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots

Essential info   at your fingertips  - hours of operation, websites, transit tips, prices

Honest reviews for all budgets  - eating, sleeping, sightseeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss

Cultural insights  give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - history, people, music, landscapes, wildlife, cuisine, politics

Over   200 maps

Covers  Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab, Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, Kolkata, West Bengal, Sikkim, Northeast States, Gujarat, Odisha, Mumbai, Goa, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Tamil Nadu

eBook is available in ePub, MOBI and PDF.

ISBN: 9781788683876

Edition: 19th

Publication Date: April 2022

Writers: Joe Bindloss, Michael Benanav, Lindsay Brown, Stuart Butler, Mark Elliott, Paul Harding, Trent Holden, Anirban Mahapatra, Bradley Mayhew, Daniel McCrohan, Isabella Noble, John Noble, Kevin Raub, Sarina Singh, Iain Stewart

1256 pages, 1256pp color, 203 maps | Dimensions: 128mm × 197mm

Next edition due: November 2024

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• Regional itineraries recommended by experts (from a couple of days to multi-week)
• 3D illustrations and guided tours of key sights
• Extensive coverage of history and culture
• Detailed maps throughout - includes walking maps and a pull-out planning map

EXPERIENCE guides

(country, city & regional).

• Led by local experts that reveal their favorite experiences and hidden gems
• Personal itinerary building tools
• Seasonal planning calendars
• QR codes unlock additional online content

POCKET guides

(city & regional).

• Special features cover most popular sights
• Content organized by neighborhhod
• Recommended 1, 2, 3 and 4-day itineraries
• Guided walking tours

Best India Travel Guide Books: Planning a trip to India

So you’re planning your first trip to India!

It’s a daunting task.

India is a big country, and there is such diversity with so many things to do and so many places to visit!

With so much free information available online, where to even start planning your trip to India?!

Is it worth it to get a guidebook for India travel?

Planning a trip itinerary for India that’s several weeks long, or maybe even several months long, can turn into what feels like planning about 10 vacations! Not only do you need to make sure you know how to get an Indian tourist visa , but with each new city, there’s that much more to research!

For some people it might seem a bit lame to use a guidebook as a bible for travel to any destination. But when you’re short on time or you just don’t want to plan 10 vacations, it can be very helpful in making sure you visit the must-see places of any given region or city. (It just might be the cure for FOMO. ;))

And you can use a guidebook as just that — a guide. It can give you a very good start to planning your trip when you just have no idea where to start… or you’re looking to sort through the abundance of free travel guides online!

When you are short on time, flying can be a cost-effective way to travel long distances around India because of the budget airlines that are available in India.

Now, here’s what’s on this page of travel guidebooks to take a look at for planning your trip to India!

• Get this guidebook with PDF  so you can do some really specific India planning like where to stay and where to eat so you don’t get sick
• Get this guidebook so you can make a general plan based of your India itinerary of places to visit and what food to eat based on pretty pictures

So, which travel guidebooks might you use for planning a trip to India?

One of the best india guidebooks for planning each day’s itinerary, finding the best places to stay, and eating at the best restaurants.

Let’s start with the ultimate guidebook for travel to India .

So, there’s a good chance that you’ve heard of Lonely Planet travel guidebooks.

How is the Lonely Planet travel guide for India?

Well, once you get used to it, India is a country that can be easy to travel around because of the ease of being able to catch buses without advanced booking and the ease of being able to show up in a city without a guesthouse or hotel booking. (That said, sometimes advanced booking can be helpful!)

What makes that travel in India even easier?!

Lonely Planet India!

These are the top reasons to get Lonely Planet India:

• Getting sick is a common occurrence among foreigners. The restaurant recommendations in the book can minimize your chance of getting food poisoning! And in case you do get sick, here’s how to treat traveler’s diarrhea naturally .
• Getting ripped off is also a common occurrence among foreigners. The book will give a price range for guesthouses, activities, and rickshaw rides in a given city. This will make you feel more confident knowing that you’re not paying way too much!
• Sometimes it’s easier to just show up in a city and look for accommodation. The book can give you the best places to stay so you are not aimlessly wandering around. In the case that you want to pre-book your hotel, it can give you recommendations!
• And of course the book has a list of the best places to visit in any given city! It will give you ideas on nearby famous destinations. It also lists the best way to get to your next destination, as well as the best way to get around any city.

You can read some of the reviews here for using Lonely Planet India when traveling.

For easy planning when you’re on the road in India, here are some guidebooks to take a look at:

• Lonely Planet: India (best of the whole country)
• Lonely Planet: Rajasthan, Delhi, and Agra (includes best of the famous Golden Triangle)
• Lonely Planet: South India and Kerala
• Lonely Planet: Goa and Mumbai

These include the option of a pdf travel guide or e-book too, so be sure to have a look!

India is a big country, which means there’s a ton to cover. The Lonely Planet India book is over 1,000 pages which means it’s pretty bulky. Having the travel guide in pdf form on your phone can cut back on the weight of your backpack! It can also be helpful in finding a nearby place to eat when you’re out and about on an excursion.

Now, if you do still have a few weeks or months before your trip to India…

One of the best India guidebooks for figuring out the pretty places you want to visit

One of the negatives about Lonely Planet India is that aside from the city maps and information tables of buses and trains, it’s pretty much all text.

This text is incredibly helpful when trying to figure out where to stay and places to eat, in particular when you’re not planning too far ahead.

But if you’re wanting to figure out what the name of that temple you saw on Pinterest  😉 is called, Lonely Planet India won’t be able to really help you with that.

So it can be best used in conjunction with another resource.

Or once again, in order to have the best of India all in one place so you don’t have to sift through so much information, there’s an India guidebook for that! 😉

For planning your trip to India using pictures, take a look at:

• DK Eyewitness Travel: India
• DK Eyewitness Travel: Delhi, Jaipur, Agra

DK Eyewitness India isn’t necessarily the best for travel tips when it comes to things like specific ways of how to get around. But at the back of the book, there is a big list of recommendations for where to stay and places to eat, arranged mostly by state. Still, for practical travel tips when you’re on the road, Lonely Planet India is pretty good.

But DK Eyewitness India will give you the pictures, along with the descriptions of what makes each place significant. So instead of just listing a foreign name of a place that you are sure to forget, it gives you that image that your memory will likely better retain.

Or if you won’t be doing too much pre-planning of places to visit before your trip to India, you may like all the colorful images to help you decide where you want to go once you arrive in any given city. The street-by-street city maps also include pictures. This makes it so that when you look at the map, you will see what the market or palace looks like at a specific location.

Using DK Eyewitness India as your guidebook when traveling in India might turn you into a foodie! There are food sections that list the local dishes and specialties of a region. These come with pretty pictures of the food, and you just might end up wanting to try all the food when in India! 😉 So if you’re looking forward to trying the diversity of food options available in India, you might like this book too.

The tagline for DK Eyewitness is “the guides that show you what others only tell you”… and this is what the guidebook does through its abundance of colorful pictures!

Now, is it really necessary to take 2 guidebooks with you to India?!

That does sound like overkill.

Plus, that’ll add weight to your backpack and take up more space than you probably want it to.

In which case, you might want to lean towards  Lonely Planet India . It really can be used as a bible for your trip to India. And showing up in a city and knowing where to stay and safe places to eat (so you don’t get sick!) can be superbly helpful.

Be sure to have a look at what might be able to speed up your recovery if you do get sick with traveler’s diarrhea.

Well, what if you want your India guidebooks to have the pictures of the best places to visit and  a bunch of useful travel tips when traveling around India?!

If you can commit to doing at least a little bit of planning ahead of time, DK Eyewitness India really can help you see India in pictures in a simple way.

Lonely Planet India can be even more helpful on the road when you’re in India, so consider using DK Eyewitness India for trip planning when you’re still at home. Then leave DK Eyewitness behind instead of taking it with you to India so you don’t have to lug around that extra weight.

And, if you’re not planning on taking it to India with you, you may even see if the guidebook is available at your local library.

One of the problems with borrowing travel books at libraries is that the only version that the library has might be one from 10 years ago. But with DK Eyewitness India, if your primary purpose is to look at the pictures, it generally shouldn’t really be a problem even if the book is a little outdated.

With Lonely Planet India on the other hand, if you’re using it mainly for hotel recommendations and restaurant recommendations, it’s probably best to get a book that’s been updated in the past couple of years. Here are the most recent versions.

What if you just really don’t want to make room in your backpack for a guidebook?! 😉

And then of course, if you don’t want to carry any extra weight in the form of an India guidebook, you always have the trusty Lonely Planet India PDF !

But do make sure you make room for that international first aid kit for India !

HAPPY INDIA TRIP PLANNING!

Best shoes for your active vacation, swimwear for snorkeling and beach.

Top 10 Best Indian Travel Guide Books To Read in India

Best indian travel guide books.

Are you a travel lover? Do you love to read travel stories? Amazing! Through our years of travel experiences, we have come up with this content to explain to you in detail about top travel storybooks in India. So, the best Indian travel guide books are as follows:

List of Top 10 Best Travel Guide Books For India – 

• Enjoying India to the Fullest
• Rough Guide To India
• India (Lonely Planet Travel Guides)
• India Bites You Somehow
• Frommer’s India
• Wanderlust and Lipstick
• DK Eyewitness Travel Guide
• India – Culture Smart
• Fodor’s Essential India

1. Enjoying India to the Fullest – Indian Travel Guide Book

 Author – Shalu Sharma 

This is one of the best books about travel in India . This book is essential if you plan to visit India. Many people travel to India without knowing what to do or what to eat. This book will help you to plan your trip to India. Enjoying India book will provide information to help travelers navigate India’s vast landscape and get the most out of India. 

2. Rough Guide To India

Author – Rough Guides

Rough Guide To India is among the best Indian travel guide books  and is the most comprehensive guide to India. These Rough Guide Books are actually comparable to the Lonely Planet guides.  Rough Guide To India books is bravely open about the places they cover. This book covers India’s history, language, and culture as well as its politics and culture. It also includes information about bribes and drug use and Bollywood movies. It is the best and most comprehensive guide to India.

3. India (Lonely Planet Travel Guides)

Author – Michael Benanav, Anirban Mahapatra, Bradley Mayhew, Mark Elliott, Paul Harding, Lindsay Brown

Lonely Planet Travel Guides is among the best Indian travelogue books  and is essential if you’re planning to visit India for the first time. It includes traveler maps, a guide to places to stay and eat, and great information about India.

4. Holy Cow – India Travel Book

Author – Sarah Macdonald

Holy Cow is among the best travel guide books for India . This book describes a rollercoaster ride through a land full of contradictions and chaos with a woman who is on a mission for her soul, her love life, and her sanity. Sarah MacDonald, an ABC journalist, spent two years on the Indian sub-continent before preparing this book.

5. India Bites You Somehow – True Life Tales

Author – Kai Mayerfeld

This book features stories about westerners who have lived in India. This book contains 40 real-life stories from people who traveled to India from 19 different countries. Although it is not intended to be a guidebook, this book offers a glimpse into Indian spiritual life. 

India Bites You Somehow – True Life Tales is among the best books on Indian travel . This book will help you connect to India if you haven’t yet set foot in India. This collection of stories from travelers around the globe will open your eyes to India.

6. Frommer’s India – Travelling Books India

Author – Pippa De Bruyn

Frommer’s India is among the best Indian travel guide books . It is a guidebook that will help you plan your trip from the beginning. This book is handy if you’re looking for tips on traveling in India. Frommer’s India book covers everything you need to know about India: where to stay, what food to eat, driving there, how to avoid being scammed, and how to make the most of your time.

7. Wanderlust and Lipstick: A Guide for Women Travelling to India

Author – Beth Whitman

Wanderlust and Lipstick: A Guide For Women Travelling To India book was written with women in mind. This book focuses on India’s culture and offers travel tips, such as how safe to be, what to wear, how you can deal with poverty, how personal belongings are safe, and a list of Hindi words. Wanderlust and Lipstick: A Guide For Women Travelling To India is among the best Indian travel guide books . This book also includes advice from women who have traveled abroad.

8. DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Best Indian Travel Book

Author – Anna Streiffert

DK Eyewitness Travel Guide will take you to India, where you can join thousands of people visiting India to see the Taj Mahal lit up in the morning light, or enjoy Goa’s golden shores. This book is among the best travel guide books for India .

India’s vast landscapes are as varied as they are inspiring. Modern skyscrapers meet centuries-old mosques in cities while tigers glide through lush jungles that separate the Himalayan heights from the beaches of the Keralan coast.

The updated guide to India transports you there like no other guide. It features expert-led advice and insights, photos on almost every page, and hand-drawn illustrations that place you in the iconic buildings and neighborhoods of the country.

9. India – Culture Smart: The Essential Guide To Customs & Culture

Author – Becky Stephen

India’s 1.2 billion inhabitants are as diverse and vibrant as Old Delhi’s spice markets. Every region, caste, and community has its own culture. Each one reflects unique history shaped by religion, creativity, conquest, and war. The Indians, a people steeped in old traditions and extremely fatalistic, are passionate about their culture and are world leaders in science and technology. If you show interest in their country, it will be repaid with warmth and friendship.

 India – Culture Smart: The Essential Guide To Customs & Culture will teach you the fundamental values and behavior norms of India, help you navigate cultural differences, build relationships and provide invaluable insight into this fascinating, vast land. All this makes this book among the best Indian travel guide books .

10. Fodor’s Essential India – Best Travel Guide Books

Author – Fodor’s Travel Guides

If you are looking for an India travel book pdf , you can search for Fodor’s Essential India . Fodor’s Essential India was written by locals and is the ideal guidebook for anyone looking for tips on how to get the best out of their trip to Delhi, Mumbai, and other cities. This India travel guide includes detailed maps and brief descriptions that will make it easy to plan your trip.

India is a country full of exciting and intriguing contrasts. There are beautiful palaces juxtaposed with simple temples. Modern high-tech industry mixes well with traditional customs and rituals. This vast country is rich in attractions and activities. Fodor’s Essential India provides a comprehensive guide to the best sights and things to do.

There are many travel books by Indian authors for you to read. Indian travel writers such as Janhavi Acharekar, Anees Jung, Rosy Thomas, and Romola Butalia have written many amazing travel books. Make sure to read them all. Take care!

Read More – 

• 25+ Most Important Things To Carry While Travelling
• Top 10 Best Comfortable Cars For Travelling in India
• Top 10 Best Indian Hotel Booking Websites or Apps
• Top 10 Best Indian Travel Websites or Travel Apps
• Top 10 Best Indian Travel Vloggers On YouTube
• Top 5 Bengali Travel YouTubers In Kolkata 
• Top 12 Best Trekking Companies In India 
• Top 10 Best Travel Agency in Kolkata
• 10 Best Tourism Courses In India 
• 10 Best Travel and Tourism Management Colleges in India

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India Itineraries

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

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• Itineraries
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India’s simply too vast and too complex to explore in a single trip. It makes more sense to focus on one, two or perhaps three regions, depending on your time frame. The following India itineraries showcase both the classic attractions and less well-known gems of six distinct areas, from the icy heights of the Himalayas to the sweltering tropical backwaters of Kerala.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for India, created by local experts

13 days  / from 1800 USD

A Trek Through Ladakh's Markha Valley

Trek through the Markha Valley, taking in the jaw-dropping Himalayan landscape, camp in traditional mountain villages, and discover hilltop monasteries. This unique journey combines the culture of the Buddhist faith with the natural beauty of the mountains and the hustle and bustle of Delhi.

15 days  / from 2745 USD

Rajasthan: The Land of Kings

Experience the Land of Kings in luxury.This trip around Rajasthan takes you to Jaipur's palaces, sacred pilgrimage sites and deep into the desert hills. Breathe in the excitement of Delhi and visit the Taj Mahal. Then come nightfall, lay your head to rest in former royal palaces and magical forts.

6 days  / from 785 USD

The Holy City of Varanasi

The flat, sunburnt plains of the Ganges River are India's breadbasket: a densely populated area, it is home to many of the country's greatest sights. See Delhi and all its treasures, then fly to Varanasi, the most sacred stretch of the Ganges and one of India's most intense and atmospheric places.

15 days  / from 3430 USD

Indian Wildlife Safari

Meet Bengals, birds, monkeys, leopards and more on an amazing wildlife extravaganza visiting India's famous national parks. Experience the countryside by rail, soak up some culture at the Taj Mahal and Rantahnbore Fort and finish with some shopping and sightseeing in the bustling capital, Dehli.

10 days  / from 1900 USD

India: from the Ganges to the Golden Triangle

From Dehli's bustling dusty streets to 'the pink city' of Jaipur and Agra's Taj Mahal, this trip ensures you experience all of India's Golden Triangle highlights. You'll visit sacred Varanasi on the banks of the Ganges and Khajuraho's famous temples too.

7 days  / from 880 USD

Magical Kerala

The intense greens of the Kerala backwaters, overhung by innumerable coconut palms, encapsulate tropical India like nowehere else. Enjoy a lazy cruise on a converted rice barge; visit fragrant spice plantations, explore Cochi and spot local wildlife.

Recommended India itineraries

India, a land of diverse cultures, landscapes, and histories, offers an array of experiences, from the majestic Himalayas in the north to the serene backwaters of Kerala in the south. 

Our local travel expert, Ravi, says, ' India is not just a destination; it's a vibrant tapestry of experiences waiting to be discovered. With our tailor-made trips, you get more than just a holiday; you embark on a journey curated just for you. '

If you are planning your travel to India, use these itineraries created by our travel experts as a starting point for inspiration.

Looking for an India itinerary by duration? 10 days - 14 days

India Itinerary 1 - The Golden Triangle - 1 week

No other region of India packs in as many awe-inspiring monuments as the so-called “Golden Triangle” connecting Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Allow at least a week to complete the circuit, with a diversion south to the tiger reserve at Ranthambore if you’ve time to spare.

• Delhi - Start out at Shah Jahan’s mighty Red Fort in the Mughal Old City, then work your way south through the medieval monuments of the southern suburbs.
• Agra - Cross the Yamuna River by boat in the early morning for an unforgettable view of the Taj just after sunrise, then spend the rest of the day ticking off the city’s other Mughal splendours.
• Fatehpur Sikri - Overnight at a guesthouse below the deserted capital of emperor Akbar to see its deep red sandstone architecture at its most ethereal, in the diffuse light of dusk and dawn.
• Keoladeo National Park - Bicycle safaris along the dirt tracks and banks that crisscross this teeming bird reserve offer a perfect antidote to the noise and traffic of India’s northern cities.
• Jaipur - Approach the ochre-walled palace of Amber Fort on elephant back, before spending a day in the textile and gemstone bazaars of the Rajasthani capital – a riot of quintessentially Indian colour.
• Shekhawati - Set on the fringes of the Thar Desert, the painted havelis (walled mansions) in the market towns of this once rich area make the ideal stopover on the journey back to Delhi.

India Itinerary 2 - Around the "Land of Kings" - 1 month

You’ll need at least a month to really do justice to India’s dazzling desert state, Rajasthan, or three weeks at a pinch.

• Jaipur - The Pink City, with its hectic streets and flamboyant Rajput architecture, is a real baptism of fire.
• Ranthambore - If sighting a tiger is a priority, aim to spend at least a couple of nights at a camp near this world-famous reserve.
• Pushkar - Ringed by the white domes and sacred ghats of Hindu shrines, Pushkar makes a perfect base for leisurely desert walks and souvenir hunts.
• Udaipur - Dine by candlelight on a haveli rooftop for the ultimate view of the Sisodia maharanas’ fairytale palaces.
• Jodhpur - Rajasthan’s most spectacular medieval fortress, Mehrangarh, towers above the warren-like old city painted a hundred shades of sky blue.
• Jaisalmer - A long trip across the Thar is rewarded by the sublime vision of Jai Sigh’s yellow-stone citadel floating above the sand flats.
• Bikaner - Quirky architecture and a temple where thousands of rats run free are two vestiges of this city’s former prominence on the trans-Thar caravan route.
• Nawalgarh - After a succession of big cities, this small town on the fringes of the desert makes an enjoyable base for trips to nearby forts and havelis.

Taj Mahal, India

India Itinerary 3 - The Deep South - 3 weeks

The Deep South offers dramatic landscapes and world-class monuments. You’ll need at least three weeks to cover this route comfortably, or two at a rushed pace with your own transport.

• Chennai - The old colonial hub of Fort St George is the standout sight of the Tamil capital, but there’s also a wealth of succulent southern cuisine on offer.
• Mamallapuram - Sculpted by the Pallava kings, Mamallapuram holds a tempting combination of ancient stonework and breezy tropical beaches.
• Puducherry - Soak up the lingering Gallic ambience of France’s former colony on the Coromandel Coast, ideally from the confines of a heritage hotel.
• Thanjavur - The mighty Brihadishwara Temple and collection of Chola bronzes in the town’s art gallery make Thanjavur the perfect springboard for the Kaveri Delta region.
• Tiruchirapalli (Trichy) - Gaze from the summit of Trichy’s exotic rock fort across the Kaveri River to the largest temple complex in India.
• Madurai - The shrine of the Fish-Eyed Goddess is Tamil Nadu’s greatest living monument, renowned for its multicoloured, deity-encrusted gateway towers.
• Periyar - Scale the Western Ghat range to enter Kerala’s Cardamom Hills, where the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary offers the chance to sight elephants.
• Alappuzha - This former colonial trading port provides the entry point for trips into the surrounding backwater region of Kuttanad – a watery world like no other in Asia.
• Fort Cochin - The heritage hotels, arty cafés and funky boutiques of Kerala’s historic harbour town are the ideal end point for a tour of India’s far south.

India Itinerary 4 - Himalayan odyssey - 2-3 weeks

Experience the contrasting landscapes of the world’s greatest mountain range with this two- to three-week journey from the northern plains to the fringes of the Tibetan Plateau and idyllic Vale of Kashmir.

• Shimla - Trundle on the toy train from Kalka through the foothills to this quintessentially Raj-era hill station.
• Manali - Lush forests of deodar cedars, apple orchards and giant, ice-dusted summits flank the hill resort of Manali, in the Kullu Valley – starting point of the trans-Himalayan highway.
• Leh - A breathless, two-day journey across a vast desert of scree and dizzying passes brings you to the capital of Ladakh, marooned in the high Indus Valley.
• The Ladakhi lakes - Charter a jeep for the trip southeast to the hypnotically beautiful altitude lakes of Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri.
• Kargil - Fairytale Buddhist monasteries and stupendous mountain scenery characterize the long haul to the mid-point on the journey to Kashmir.
• Srinagar - Laze on the deck of a houseboat sipping spiced tea while the shadows lengthen on the surrounding mountainsides and shikara canoes filled with fruit and flowers paddle past.

India Itinerary 5 - Rhododendrons and red pandas - 10 days

Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is the launch pad for this classic trip through the tea estates around Darjeeling to Sikkim, a beautiful, predominantly Buddhist region in the lap of the Himalayas. You could cover the route in a fortnight; with an additional week, consider a multistage trek into the high country further north.

• Kolkata - Join the flood of commuters crossing the Howrah Bridge, admire the spectacular monuments of the British Empire and discover one of India’s tastiest regional cuisines.
• Darjeeling - Amazing views of distant Kanchenjunga, a quaint Raj-era vibe and the famous Toy Train ride up from the plains account for the perennial appeal of India’s principal tea hub.
• Rumtek - A quiet alternative to nearby Gangtok (the Sikkimese capital), Rumtek is also the site of a spectacular Buddhist monastery.
• Maenam Sanctuary - Tackle the lung-stretching, 1000m ascent of Maenam mountain from Ravangla town for a tantalizing panoramic view of the snow peaks to the north.
• Pemayangtse - The poster boy for northeast Himalayan monasteries, Pemayangtse offers the added bonus of spectacular vistas of Kanchenjunga.
• Varshey Rhododendron Sanctuary - Travellers with a botanical bent shouldn’t miss the chance to trek through this tract of pristine rhododendron forest, home to red pandas and black bears.

India Itinerary 6 - The Deccan Trail - 3 weeks

Despite its extraordinary wealth of historic monuments, the Deccan region of central India sees comparatively few visitors. The rewards for those who do make it are considerable: a succession of astonishing temple sites, crumbling tombs, mosques and deserted capitals spanning sixteen centuries of civilization. Allow at least three weeks for this unforgettable trip.

• Hyderabad - The convoluted ruins of medieval Golconda, on the outskirts of the city, followed by a climb of the Charminar (“Four Minarets”) mosque and a slap-up Hyderabadi feast are the perfect preamble for what lies ahead.
• Bidar - Resembling a town on the Central Asian Silk Route, Bidar’s rambling fort-palace, madrasa, tombs and metal workshops recall this region’s medieval Persian roots.
• Vijayapura (Bijapur) - For three centuries, Bijapur served as the capital of the Deccan. An unparalleled crop of monuments survive from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, including India’s largest domed tomb, the mighty Gol Gumbaz.
• Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal - The Deccan’s ancient Hindu heyday is represented by this trio of wonderful sites – a feast of enigmatic rock-cut caves, monkey-infested temples and tumbledown forts – in the middle of nowhere.
• Hampi - Rent a bicycle to explore the expansive, beautifully carved remains of medieval India’s most splendid city, set amid a dreamy landscape of banana groves and boulder hills.
• Gokarna - This compact pilgrimage town on the Konkan coast holds plenty of traditional atmosphere, and a crop of gorgeous beaches around the headland to the south.
• Goa - For a self-indulgent spell soaking up the rays and surf of the Konkan, Goa’s hard to beat. Aim for one of the less-developed resorts such as Agonda or Patnem in the south of the state.
• Travelling across central India from Mumbai on the Arabian Sea to Puri on the Bay of Bengal gives you the chance to see some of the country’s most compelling attractions, relax by the beach, and then fly out from Kolkata. Realistically, you’ll need a month for this route, though it could be done in three weeks at a canter.
• Mumbai - Dynamic and exhilarating, this vast megalopolis bombards the senses with the extremes of urban India, and is an excellent place to sample some of the country’s finest dining.
• Aurangabad - A superb base from which to visit the breathtaking cave sculptures and carvings at Ellora and Ajanta. Check out, too, the city’s own “false Taj”, the Bibi-ka-Maqbara.
• Khajuraho - Hidden away in India’s very centre, this medieval temple complex is decorated with the most eye-popping array of erotica you’ll find on any religious building anywhere.
• Lucknow - Visit the now-ruined Residency in the capital of Uttar Pradesh, where a besieged British contingent famously held out for five months during the 1857 uprising. Don’t leave without sampling the city’s succulent dum pukht cuisine.
• Varanasi - The spiritual capital of India, and one of the oldest cities on earth, where you can see bathing and cremations by the sacred River Ganges, and watch the kids fly their kites from your terrace while monkeys scurry around the rooftops.
• Bodhgaya - The Buddha achieved enlightenment while sitting under a bodhi tree at Bodhgaya, one of a trio of sacred Buddhist sites within easy striking distance of Varanasi.
• Puri - Home of the famous annual Jagannath “Car Festival” (Rath Yatra), Puri is also a low-key beach resort, popular with Indian families and Western backpackers, and an excellent place to recharge your batteries.

The Rough Guides to India and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Travel advice for India

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to India

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• How to get a visa to India
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• Getting around India: Transportation Tips
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• Travel Tips India for planning and on the go
• Sports and Outdoor activities in India
• Best time to visit India

Find even more inspiration here

written by Andy Turner

updated 15.12.2023

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Essential India travel guide : travel tips and practical information

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Fodor's guide to india.

Editor: Fodor, Eugene Curtis, William

Keywords: History India Travel and Guide

Publisher: Fodor's Modern Guides Inc, Delhi

Description: This is the first definitive guidebook of India in over one hundred years. This Guide to India helps the reader toward a better comprehension of the Indian scene, and the fullest possible enjoyment of this fabulous land.

Source: Digital Library of India

Type: E-Book

Received From: Digital Library of India

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• Parts of PDF & Flipbook

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