Independent Travel Guide
Plan Your India Adventure
Everything you need to plan the perfect trip — from choosing dates and routes to visas, transport, and budgeting.
Start Here
6 Things to Plan First
Choose a Destination
Explore our in-depth guides to India's most compelling cities and regions.
Browse destinations →When to Visit
Find the ideal window for your trip based on weather, crowds, and festivals.
See the calendar →Pick an Itinerary
Ready-made routes from 6-day Golden Triangle to 10-day Rajasthan circuits.
View itineraries →Visa & Entry
Almost all nationalities can get an e-Visa online in under 5 minutes.
Visa guide →Getting Around
Trains, flights, tuk-tuks, and private cars — how to move between cities.
Transport guide →Budget Guide
India suits every budget. From ₹2,000 backpacker days to palace-hotel luxury.
Plan your budget →
Seasonal Guide
Best Time to Visit India
India's seasons vary dramatically by region. The guide below applies to the most-visited areas — Rajasthan, Delhi, Agra, Goa, and Maharashtra. Kerala and the South follow a different monsoon calendar.
Jan
Cool & clear
Feb
Ideal temps
Mar
Warming up
Apr
Very hot
May
Extreme heat
Jun
Rains begin
Jul
Heavy rains
Aug
Heavy rains
Sep
Rains ease
Oct
Post-monsoon
Nov
Best weather
Dec
Peak season
North India (Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan)
Best: October – March
Avoid: May – July (extreme heat)
South India (Kerala, Tamil Nadu)
Best: November – February
Avoid: Jun–Sep Southwest Monsoon
Himalaya & Northeast
Best: April – June, Sept – Oct
Avoid: December – March (snow blocks passes)
Entry Requirements
India Visa & Entry
Citizens of over 160 countries can apply for an Indian e-Visa entirely online — no embassy visit required. The process takes around 10 minutes.
e-Visa fee
USD 25–80
Varies by nationality
Processing time
3–5 days
Apply min. 4 days before travel
Validity
30–365 days
Single, double, or multiple entry
Stay per visit
up to 90 days
60 days for US/UK/Canada
30 days — Double entry
Best for: Short trips up to 30 days
365 days — Multiple entry
Best for: Long trips or multiple visits
5 years — Multiple entry
Best for: Frequent travellers
Official Government of India e-Visa portal.
Getting Around
Transport in India
India has world-class long-distance transport options. The key is choosing the right mode for each leg of your journey.
Domestic Flights
India has an excellent low-cost airline network. IndiGo, Air India Express, and SpiceJet connect all major cities cheaply — book 3–4 weeks ahead for best fares.
Pro tip
Carry-on only saves time at busy airports.
Indian Railways
The world's largest rail network. Overnight sleeper trains are the romantic (and economical) way to travel between cities. Book AC 2-Tier or 3-Tier for comfort.
Pro tip
Book on IRCTC at least 60 days ahead — popular trains sell out fast.
Private Car & Driver
The most flexible option for Rajasthan and South India circuits. A hired car with driver costs ₹3,000–5,000/day and removes all logistics stress.
Pro tip
Negotiate a multi-day rate — daily rates drop significantly for longer trips.
Tuk-Tuks & Local
Auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws, and local buses are the heartbeat of Indian city travel. Use Ola or Uber in major cities — metered and safe.
Pro tip
Always agree on price before boarding unmetered autos.
Budget Planning
How Much Does India Cost?
India is extraordinary value at every budget. Costs below are per person per day, excluding international flights.
₹2,000–3,500
~$25–42 per person / day
- Hostel dorm or budget guesthouse
- Street food, dhabas & thali meals
- Sleeper-class train travel
- Self-guided sightseeing
₹5,000–10,000
~$60–120 per person / day
- Heritage hotel or boutique haveli
- Sit-down restaurants & rooftop dining
- Private AC car between cities
- Entry fees + one guided tour/day
₹18,000+
~$220+ per person / day
- Palace hotels (Taj, Oberoi, RAAS)
- Fine dining & private chef experiences
- Private chauffeur throughout
- Private guides at every site
Before You Go
Essential India Travel Tips
Buy a SIM on Arrival
Airtel and Jio prepaid SIMs are available at airports. Bring a printed copy of your e-Visa and passport to complete registration.
Pack a Basic Med Kit
Bring oral rehydration salts, Imodium, antihistamines, and your prescriptions. Pharmacies are everywhere but brands differ.
Dress Modestly for Temples
Covered shoulders and knees are required at all temples and many mosques. A lightweight scarf doubles as a temple cover-up.
Adapter Type D
India uses Type D plugs (3 round pins). Carry a universal adapter — European Type C plugs also fit in most modern Indian sockets.
Only Drink Filtered Water
Never drink tap water. Buy sealed bottles or carry a Lifestraw/SteriPen filter. Most restaurants serve safe filtered water.
Carry Some Cash
ATMs are widespread in cities but scarce in rural areas and small towns. Carry ₹3,000–5,000 cash as a buffer at all times.
Use Uber / Ola in Cities
Ride-hailing apps give fixed, metered fares and eliminate negotiation stress. Both apps work throughout India's major cities.
Ask Before Photographing
Always ask permission before photographing people, religious ceremonies, or inside temples. Photography is banned at some sites.
Ready to start planning?
Browse our expert destination guides and hand-crafted itineraries for independent travellers.