India

Overview

India is a subcontinent rather than a single destination: the Himalayan north, the desert states of Rajasthan, the Gangetic plains, the Western Ghats and the tropical south each behave differently and peak at different times. The one national organising principle is the southwest monsoon, which typically arrives in Kerala around early June and sweeps north over the following weeks, then withdraws from around September. Most first trips take the northern 'Golden Triangle' of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, or a slower southern loop through Kerala. Domestic flights and an extensive rail network make long distances manageable, but distances are large and journeys slow.

Climate: Dominated by the southwest monsoon rather than by temperature: hot pre-monsoon spring, wet June–September in most regions, and a dry, cooler October–March travel season — with the Himalaya and the far south on different cycles.

Plan 12–21 days to see India without rushing. Shorter trips work best from a single base; longer trips justify a second region.

Plan & book

Flights, stays and activities for India will be bookable here soon. For now, check how India fits your budget and dates with the trip finder.

Why go to India

• Rated 10/10 for food (editorial score)
• Rated 10/10 for culture (editorial score)
• Rated 10/10 for backpacking (editorial score)
• Very affordable for daily spending
• Works best on trips of 12–21 days

Travel-style scores

• Beach6/10
• Nature9/10
• Food10/10
• Nightlife5/10
• Culture10/10
• Adventure9/10
• Romance7/10
• Family6/10
• Backpacking10/10
• Luxury8/10

These are WhereWeGo editorial scores — our own calibration of what India is good for, not an external measurement.

Budget

Typical independent-travel estimates, excluding international flights. Planning estimates, not quotes.

One of the most affordable countries to travel independently, with an unusually wide top end — heritage hotels, palace stays and premium wildlife lodges are priced internationally while everyday travel is not.

Flights are not included. We only show flight prices once they come from a live fare source.

Practical information

Language

Hindi, English and 20+ other official languages; English is widely used in tourism, business and signage

Currency

Indian rupee (INR)

Power

Type C/D/M, 230V

Safety

Take normal precautions, use registered transport and be careful with food and water hygiene early in a trip; solo women travellers should check current official advice

Tipping

Common and appreciated — around 10% in restaurants without a service charge

Entry

Most nationalities need a visa, commonly available as an e-Visa — verify current official requirements before booking.

Where to go in India

Pick a city or region to see when to go, how long to stay and what it is good for.

Delhi

City

Mughal monuments, imperial avenues and the country's main northern gateway.

Explore Delhi

Agra & the Taj Mahal

City

The Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri — three World Heritage sites in one stop.

Explore Agra & the Taj Mahal

Rajasthan

Region

Desert kingdom of fort cities — Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer.

Explore Rajasthan

Kerala

Region

Backwater houseboats, tea hills, wildlife reserves and a distinct southern food culture.

Explore Kerala

Varanasi

City

Ghats on the Ganges, dawn boat rides and evening aarti ceremonies.

Explore Varanasi

Goa

Coast

Beach strip with Portuguese-era churches, a busy north and a quieter south.

Explore Goa

Ladakh

Mountain

High-altitude desert of monasteries and passes, accessible mainly in summer.

Explore Ladakh

Mumbai

City

Art deco waterfront, film industry energy and the best restaurant range in the country.

Explore Mumbai

When to go to India

Highlighted months balance weather, crowds and price for most travellers.

Suggested itineraries

• Golden Triangle

  8 days

  The classic first trip: Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

  Route: Delhi → Agra & the Taj Mahal → Rajasthan

• Rajasthan in depth

  14 days

  Fort cities, lakes and desert at a slower pace.

  Route: Delhi → Agra & the Taj Mahal → Rajasthan

• Southern loop

  12 days

  Backwaters, tea hills and coast, with a city start.

  Route: Mumbai → Kerala → Goa

Getting around India

• Indian Railways covers the country cheaply and comprehensively; book reserved classes well ahead
• Domestic flights are inexpensive and save days on long north–south legs
• Hired car with driver is the standard way to cover Rajasthan or Kerala comfortably
• Ride-hailing apps and auto-rickshaws handle city travel; agree fares or use the meter
• Overnight trains and buses are normal for long routes but allow buffer time for delays

Major airports

• DEL · Delhi

  Indira Gandhi International — the largest hub

• BOM · Mumbai

  Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International

• BLR · Bengaluru

  Kempegowda International

• MAA · Chennai

  Chennai International

• COK · Kochi

  Cochin International — Kerala gateway

• GOX · Goa

  Manohar International — north Goa

India guides

• Best time to visit

  Best time to visit India

  When to go to India: the months that balance weather, crowds and price, plus what each season actually feels like.

• Trip costs

  How much does a trip to India cost?

  A structured breakdown of flights, lodging, transport and food for a 21-day trip to India at three budget levels.

• Where to go

  Where to go in India

  Matching India's regions and cities to trip types — first-timers, beach weeks, food trips and family holidays.

• Budget guide

  India on a budget

  How to travel India cheaply without gutting the trip — daily numbers, cheaper months and where the savings actually are.

• Itinerary

  21 days in India: itinerary

  A realistic 21-day route through India with sensible stop lengths, travel days and costs.

• Seasonal guide

  India in November

  What India is like in November: weather, crowds, prices and the trips that work best that month.