Faster and smarter in the app... Open app
India Travel Guide
Holiday Extras Travel Guides
Travel Guides
Wanderlust travel hub
Inspiration
Tips & Advice
Tips & Advice
India Airport Transfers
India Airport Transfers
India Car Hire
India Car Hire
India Days Out
India Attractions
Goan palm trees

India Travel Guide

Discover the intoxicating chaos of India and the Golden Triangle cities of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra.

What you'll find in this guide:

Top things to do in India

Practical info

Facts about India

Getting around India

Weather in India

Top things to do in India

  • Bangalore city half-day private tour
    ACTIVITIES

    Bangalore city half-day private tour

    Visit some of the city's most iconic sights, including the botanical garden and Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace.

  • Panaji & Old Goa Tour with Basilica of Bom Jesus Visit
    EXCURSIONS & DAY TRIPS

    Panaji & Old Goa Tour with Basilica of Bom Jesus Visit

    This tour takes in Goa's two atmospheric capitals – the current one, Panaji, and the former seat of Portuguese power, Old Goa.

  • Dudhsagar Waterfall Tour with Spice Garden and Lunch
    ACTIVITIES

    Dudhsagar Waterfall Tour with Spice Garden and Lunch

    Start by passing through palm-shaded villages and paddy fields in vibrant Goa. Then go off-road through jungle paths to Dudhsagar for a refreshing swim.

  • Taj Mahal and Agra Fort half-day private tour
    ACTIVITIES

    Taj Mahal and Agra Fort half-day private tour

    This guided tour takes in both of Agra's most iconic attractions – the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort – and illustrates the fascinating history that connects them.

  • Jaipur city with the Amber Fort full-day private tour
    ATTRACTIONS & GUIDED TOURS

    Jaipur city with the Amber Fort full-day private tour

    Discover the ancient city of Jaipur on a full-day tour that will take you to regal palaces, treasure-filled museums and royal residences like no others.

What time zone is India in?

GMT +5.30

What currency do they use in India?

Indian rupee (INR)

What languages do they speak in India?

Hindi, English and many more

What power adaptors do you need for India?

Type C, D and M

What is the average flight time to India?

9hr

Some facts about India

Welcome to the world's largest democracy! That's right, India has more than 800 million voters which makes it the largest democracy on the planet – but you're not heading there for politics.

This astoundingly diverse country is home to most of the world's wild tigers too, many of them making their homes in protected national parks like Ranthambore.

The Golden Triangle cities of New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur are a perfect introduction, giving you a heady taste of the spice, culture and history that the country has to offer.

Delhi is a city of two halves – Old and New – both as intoxicating and chaotic as the other. From elegant mansions to lofty tower blocks, Delhi really is a city of contrasts. This is reflected perfectly in the 17th-century Red Fort and the modern Lotus Temple – whose brilliant white walls resemble a flower blossoming in the Delhi skyline.

Meanwhile the cities of Agra and Jaipur encapsulate the country's rich history with its beautiful palaces, forts and of course, the jaw-dropping Taj Mahal.

Practical Info

Culture and etiquette

Religion

The biggest religion in India is Hinduism, followed by Islam and then Christianity.

Tipping

Tipping is expected in India. As well as restaurant staff it's good to tip drivers, porters and the housekeeping staff for your accommodation.

Smoking

Smoking is banned in all enclosed public spaces like bars, restaurants and public transport.

Jabs, visas and other advice

For up-to-date advice on jabs, visas and other foreign advice, we recommend following the government's website.

Emergency number

112

Top
  • Greece Aqualand TUI megaday

    India Airport Transfers

    Book your India Airport transfers, with free cancellations.

  • India Car Hire

    India Car Hire

    Book your India car hire, with free cancellations.

  • India experiences

    India Ultimate Experiences

    Make the most of your trip and book India's top experiences before you go.

  • India Travel Insurance

    Travel Insurance for India

    You'll want a reliable travel insurance policy for your trip to India.

Getting around India

If you're driving in India and haven't before then be prepared for a bit of a shock. It's very chaotic on the roads with lane markings often ignored or totally non-existant, motorcyclists and pedestrians weaving in between the traffic a constant din of car horns. Unless you're very confident in your driving or have experience driving in India before, we'd recommend taking public transport or hiring a driver just to be on the safe side.

Most big cities in India have a metro system which is relatively easy to navigate. Or you can use the bus rapid transit system which is separate from the rest of the traffic on the roads.

Weather in India

It's going to be hot. India's hot pretty much all year round but even more so in the summer when the temperature can comfortably soar into the mid 40s. Try to avoid the midday sun if you're doing outdoor activities and limit them to early morning and evening, taking it easy during the hottest hours of the day.

India's coastal areas can be a bit more pleasant thanks to the ocean breeze that brings relief from the heat. And then you have the more mountainous areas in the north where the temperature drops as the altitude rises.

The Good Trip Index
111th

India ranks 111th on the Good Trip Index

This score is calculated based on Sustainability, Human Rights, Women's Rights, Press Freedom, Quality of Life, LGBTQI+ Rights and Animal welfare

Find out more