India Travel Guide

India

Airports

130+ total. Major are Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad

Visa

All foreign national travelers will need a valid visa to enter India

Currency

1000 INR ≈ £9.3 / €11.5 / $12

Cash

Very needed

Languages

Hindi, Bengali and more, but English is widely spoken

Plugs

Types C, D and M / 230V

When to go

Best months to visit

October to March

Worst months to visit

April, June, July, and August

Weather by month

°C °F

Getting around

Uber

Widely used but service is not high quality

Car rental

Not recommended due to heavy traffic and locals not following rules

Public transportation

Urban Areas: Major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata feature well-integrated networks. Delhi’s Metro is a modern, efficient system with widespread coverage, while Kolkata offers India's only operational tram system. City buses are common, though often crowded. Ride-hailing services like Ola and Uber are widely available for convenience.
Intercity Travel: The Indian Railways network, one of the largest globally, connects cities and towns with varying classes of service, from budget-friendly to luxurious trains like the Palace on Wheels. Long-distance buses, including private operators, link areas not covered by trains.
Rural Areas: Public transport options like local buses and shared auto-rickshaws are available, but services may be irregular.
Auto-Rickshaws and Taxis: Auto-rickshaws are common for short distances in cities and towns. Always agree on a fare or insist on a meter.
Ferries: Coastal and island regions, such as Kerala and the Andaman Islands, rely on ferries for connectivity.

Safety tips

Dress Modestly: While India is diverse, modest clothing can help avoid unwanted attention, particularly in rural or conservative areas. Covering shoulders and knees is recommended.
Avoid Isolated Areas at Night: Stay in well-lit and populated areas after dark. Use ride-hailing apps like Ola or Uber for transport rather than walking or using auto-rickshaws late at night.
Choose Safe Accommodation: Opt for reputed hotels or homestays with good reviews. Ensure doors have secure locks, and avoid ground-floor rooms if traveling solo.
Use Verified Transportation: Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing services where GPS tracking is available. Avoid hitchhiking or unregistered rides.
Emergency Numbers: Dial 112 for emergencies or 181, a women’s helpline available in many states.
Camping: camping in remote areas as a solo backpacker or smaller groups is highly not recommended due to the raising number of assaults

Learn more

Hidden Gems

India