India Travel Guide

India Tourism

The abode of diverse cultures, historical beliefs, and many religions, India is deeply traditional yet very modern. The world’s most populous democracy, India is surrounded by the Indian Ocean on the south, the Bay of Bengal on the southeast, and the Arabian Sea on the southeast. The majestic Himalayan ranges and the sacred Ganges bless the land with their glorious aura. With 29 states and 7 union territories, India is among the most culturally diversified countries. Every part of the country has a different tale to share with its visitors, enhancing their India tourism experience.

India travel is an unforgettable experience in itself. While Northern India is soaked in the captivating beauty of the valleys, waterfalls, and lush greenery of Himalayan, the southern region has alluring beaches, ancient temples, surreal backwaters, and rich biodiversity. India’s western part is known for its architectural wonders, and the east is all about hills, waterfalls, and plantation. Your India travel guide will take you through numerous states, providing a glimpse of different cultures and beliefs.

India tourism offers a conflux of alluring sightseeing spots, delectable cuisines, rich heritage, triumphant historical references, and much more. Whether a fun family vacation or a backpacking trip, you will be enthralled with India tourist places situated across different states. Once you land in India, travel through the busy streets and discover the cultural sites. A tourist guide to India further includes authentic local cuisine and an amazing shopping experience.

Tourism of India is also about welcoming guests and being hospitable residents towards any guests. ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’, translating to ‘Guest is like God’, is a belief followed by the nation and its people. For as long as you stay in the country, you will be delighted by its alluring charm, cultural ambience, and lovely weather. India tours are brimming with exciting things to do that will keep you longing to come back.

Things to do In India

A tourist guide to India will offer a plethora of things to enjoy, including adventure sports, wildlife voyages, heritage walks, and spiritual tours.

Explore the Religious Sites

The stunning architecture and the intricate detailing of Indian temples speak volumes about India’s heritage and religious beliefs. From Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, Khajuraho temple in Madhya Pradesh, to Lord Jagannath temple in Orissa, the country has countless sacred sites among the renowned India tourist places. A visit to these sites will provide a deep insight into the country’s rich legacy and cultural significance.

Attend a Vibrant Indian Festival

Any India travel guide will often mention the buzzing, vibrant, and colourful festivals celebrated throughout the country with great zeal and enthusiasm. Diwali, the festival of lights, is held every year between October and November. The temples across India are decorated with earthen lamps, lights, and colourful decorations. Holi is another major festival, signifying the victory of good over evil. While it is also celebrated all across India, the celebrations are more dominant in the Northern cities, like Varanasi, Delhi, and Haridwar. Apart from these, festivals like Eid, Christmas, New Year are celebrated with much gusto. In addition, each state has its own local festivals, which are an integral part of India tourism.

Go on a Wildlife Safari

To experience the tourism of India at its best, a wildlife safari tour is an excellent activity. While the national animal of India, the Bengal tiger, is the primary draw for tourists, the country boasts a wide array of wildlife. India has more than a hundred national parks, home to hundreds of animal species. You can visit Sunderbans National Park in West Bengal or Jim Corbett in Uttarakhand to spot tigers. The Gir National forest in Gujarat is best known for the Asiatic lions. Kaziranga National Park has the highest population of one-horned rhinos in the world. If you are one among the safari enthusiasts or wildlife photographers, taking a wildlife tour is one of the best things to do in India.

Trek in the Himalayas

India tours offer once in a lifetime opportunities to trek in the lap of the mighty Himalayas. The Hampta Pass trek in the state of Himachal Pradesh is best for the beginner. For those looking for multi-day treks featuring scenic views, quaint villages, and rivers, the Markha Valley Trek can be a brilliant choice. It leads through gushing rivers, Buddhist villages, and the Hemis National Park. No matter what trail you choose, trekking in the Indian Himalayas will delight your mind, body, and soul and will live in your memories for a lifetime.

Seek Spirituality and Inner Peace

Spirituality, peace, and meditation has been a part of Indian culture since the beginning of times. You can visit Varanasi, the Yoga Capital of India, to spend some time living in ashrams (faith-based guest houses) to start with your spiritual journey. Located on the banks of the River Ganges, Varanasi is synonymous with ghats, rituals, yoga, and spiritualism. Rishikesh is another city where you can find several shrines and yoga ashrams. Tourists can also make their way to the Kumbh Mela. This extravagant fair is a world in its own and ranks high in most India travel itinerary.

Travel In India

1. Goa - The Beach Paradise

The charming city of Goa is the centrepiece of tourism of India, visited by millions of tourists each year. Palm-fringed beaches, stunning waterfalls, vibrant nightlife, adventure sports, and delectable food, Goa has it all. The city offers a perfect blend of eastern and western influences with a number of heritage sites and annual events. The lively ambience, colourful culture, and alluring natural beauty make Goa one of India’s top destinations.

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2. Udaipur – The City of Lakes

‘The City of Lakes’, ‘Venice of the East’, or ‘Jewel of Mewar’, Udaipur justifies all the names it is fondly called. Surrounded by lush green Aravalli hills and four shimmering lakes, it is one of the most enchanting India tourist places. Besides surreal beauty, the city is renowned for its rich heritage and cultural background, attracting tourists from across the world. The exquisite forts, palaces, and temples never cease to amaze people with their architectural brilliance.

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3. Shimla – The Queen of Hill Stations

With timeless beauty and charming weather all-year-round, Shimla is an enchanting hill station in Himachal Pradesh. Set against the backdrop of snow-covered hills and glorious greenery, Shimla finds its way to all India tours. The hill station is home to a number of heritage sites and temples as well. Besides this, tourists can enjoy adventure activities such as paragliding, river rafting, camping, and skiing. The cosy hill station is an ideal destination for honeymooners, family vacationers, and backpackers.

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4. Rishikesh – Where Spirituality meets Adventure

A place where spirituality merges with adventure, Rishikesh in the state of Uttarakhand is one of the best places in every India travel guide. The city is famed for its ancient temples, beautiful ghats, and water bodies. While a visit to these attractions will refresh your senses, the several adventure activities will give a memorable experience. River rafting, bungee jumping, trekking, cliff jumping, kayaking, parasailing and paragliding are some of the things Rishikesh offers. Rishikesh is also called the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’. So, whether you are looking for a spiritual retreat, adventure trip, or relaxation, Rishikesh is the place to be.

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5. Kerala - God’s Own Country

Kerala is the land of languid backwaters, beautiful tea gardens, long coastlines, sandy beaches, and inland water bodies. Nestled between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, the city is bestowed with captivating natural beauty and rich biodiversity. Kerala is also home to scenic hill stations, several wildlife sanctuaries, making it a top destination in your India travel itinerary. The city amuses tourists with its spectacular dance forms, music, lively culture, and colourful festivals.

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6. Varanasi - A Major Pilgrimage Center

The holy city of Varanasi is one of the oldest still inhabited cities in the world. Varanasi is renowned for the sacred Ganges River, attracting millions of tourists from India and around the world. The city boasts more than 100 ghats (the stairways leading to the water for devotees to take an auspicious bath). The aroma of incense sticks, chanting of mantras, and the lighting of oil lamps create a unique aura that will be alive in your memories for a lifetime. There are various temples, museums, and other heritage sites situated in and around the city.

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7. Mumbai - The City of Dreams

The homeland of Bollywood, Mumbai, is sure to delight everyone with its charm. The city offers the perfect fusion of extravagance and simplicity. Mumbai has something for everyone, from historical sites, religious places, pristine beaches to lively nightlife and colourful markets. If your love for food is undeniable, Mumbai will treat you with its delicious street-food and luxury five-star hotels. A tourist guide to India will remain incomplete without the mention of Mumbai and its top tourist attractions.

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8. Hampi - A Stunning World Heritage Site

Your India travel experience will be enhanced with a visit to this historic village of Hampi. This city of ruin is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hampi boasts of over 500 ancient sites, including majestic temples and splendid monuments. These structures stand as a testimony to the distinguished Vijaynagar Empire. Hampi is one of the best historical places in India.

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Best Time to Visit India

India tourism is known for its diversity. This diversity attracts tourists from different corners of the world. Just like the places to visit in India are diverse, its weather witnesses extreme variations across the different states. So, it is imperative to know the best month to visit India before planning your trip.

The period between October until the end of April is ideally the best time to visit India. During these months, the South, Central, and the flat parts of North India experience moderate temperatures. These months are great for beach vacations, exploring historic sites, partaking in adventure activities, and visiting the alluring hill stations. However, certain parts of the Himalayas remain inaccessible in December and January.

Another reason why this is the best season to visit India is the colourful festive season. Planning a trip to India during this time offers excellent opportunities to know about its rich culture and religious heritage. Note that the best time for a trip varies depending on the place you want to explore.

Though the monsoon might not be a great time to visit some of India tourist attractions, including the waterfalls, lush forests, and biodiversity parks, are in their full glory.

India Tourism FAQs

1. Do I need a visa to travel to India?

A. Whether or not you require a visa depends on the country you are coming from. Every traveller, except Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives nationals, require a visa to visit India. However, it is not very hard to get an Indian visa. Tourists can contact the local Indian embassy to obtain the visa before arrival.

2. What is the average cost of accommodation?

A. Accommodation cost varies according to the luxury and amenities you are looking for during your trip. The basic hotel cost starts from 1,000 INR per night and can go up to any range, depending on the location, services, and infrastructure. Homestays are also available in many cities across the country. The cost of accommodation in homestays is different from the cost of hotels.

3. How should I dress when visiting religious sites in India?

A. India is home to several religious sites located in different parts of the country. These sites have varied dress codes. For instance, at the Mosques, Sikh Gurudwaras, and Dargahs, everyone must cover their head with scarves or a handkerchief. However, some ancient South Indian temples would require men to enter without a shirt, t-shirt or any clothing covering the upper portion of their body.

However, it is always in the best interests to wear decent clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. Indian Salwar Kameez or a long dress can do well for women. At the same time, men can carry a shirt or t-shirt with pants during a visit to the temples.

4. Is English a common language in India?

English and Hindi are the two most spoken languages at the national level. A large percentage of the population can speak and understand English, especially in metropolitan cities. Most road signs, direction symbols, and advertising are available in English, among other languages. Take note that India has 22 official languages; so, you may find different scripts wherever you go, but in combination with English.

5. What is the easiest way to get around in the country?

A. The Indian railways connect different parts of the country with an intricate network of trains. These trains run regularly, allowing travellers to commute in and around the country. India also boasts of one of the best roadways systems as well. You can book a cab (ola, Uber), take a bus ( run by the government), or local transports like auto, e-rickshaws to travel around the city. If you are touring the metropolitan cities, Metro is the most convenient way to explore the city and popular attractions.

6. What is Indian currency called and where can one exchange money?

A. Indian currency is called Rupees. 100 paise make 1 Rupee or Re. 1. You will get usage of coins as well as notes in India. Major international currencies, like British Pounds, US Dollar and Euros can be exchanged here in India. Most international airports of the country have money exchange counters. Many large hotels and resorts offer money exchange facilities as well.