If you are reading this, it must be because you have already have you felt the "Call of India"?. Whether you've always had a connection to India or if that desire to discover it has come as an unexpected whirlwind, I must tell you that you are about to embark on one of the most intense and enriching journeys of your life!
India is a fascinating destination but it can also be complicated if it is your first time. After many comings and goings to the land of spices, trips that I have always ended up extending because I needed more of the magic of this country and several seasons living there... I share with you the most complete guide to travel to India,, with everything you need to know to organize your trip saving time and money.
Traveling to India: Preparing for the trip
Travel to India on your own or with an organized tour? Travel to India alone or with a companion?
This is a very important decision when you start organizing your trip. I will explain you the different travel modalities:
- Travel to India organizing the trip on your own:
This type of trip is for you if you are one of those who likes to travel without time or haste. For those travelers who plan to stay 2 days in a village and in the end change their plans and stay 3 weeks enjoying the experience. Keep in mind that your free style trip to India can be traveling alone, with friends, with your partner, etc.
- Private package tour to India:
The best option if you want to experience India to the fullest but still want to you are one of those who play it safe and prefer to be accompanied by experts in the area. This type of trip allows you to travel in total comfort (usually in a private car) and without the stress of looking at routes, maps, schedules, etc. And although there are usually marked itineraries, the good thing about being private is that you can always talk to your guide to make modifications.
- Group and organized travel to India:
This is your kind of trip if you want to go without the stress of organizing the trip and you also like to be accompanied by people to share the experience.. Although it is an option that gives you less freedom since these trips follow the itinerary to the letter, it is a good option if you want to feel accompanied.
- Traveling alone to India:
This type of travel is intense and a fantastic experience but if it is your first time, you should assess your state of mind before making this decision. Many travelers decide to travel alone to India to find themselves again in times of confusion, others do it from the balance as part of their spiritual development. India is wonderful but it is not easy, so if you decide to travel alone to India, make sure you enjoy it and want to come back.
If you want to travel alone to India to discover the country (even if it is not in your plans, maybe you will re-encounter yourself on the way), this is an option that forces you to be attentive and daring at all times but the most enriching way to know the country and discover the magic of its people and traditions.
What is the best time to travel to India? - Climate in India
Climate in India is a very important factor when organizing your trip. Although unforeseen events can always arise, knowing its climate can help you minimize the risk of having a trip with water, with unbearable heat or cold that freezes even your thoughts.
India is huge so you have to know that it has a great variety of climate and it varies a lot from North to South of the country.
The temperature in India (annual average) is 24°C while in Spain it is 14°C and the average rainfall in India is 1060mm, while in Spain it is 625mm. In other words, India is generally hotter and during more months of the year and it rains much more than Spain, with most of the rainfall accumulating during the monsoon.
In India, the following are distinguished 4 seasons: winter, summer, monsoon and autumn.
WINTER: (December-March): good weather for most of the country with pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall in both the north and south.
SUMMER: (April-June): good time if you want to visit mountain areas such as Darjeeling, Sikkim, Dharamsala, Manali or Munnar.
MONZÓN (July-September): good time to visit Rajasthan, Jammu, Kashmir or the Adaman Islands.
AUTUMN (October-November): This is the time of the beginning of festivals and with pleasant temperatures in most parts of the country. You can find rainfall in Tamil Nadu.
In summary, generally the best time to travel to India is from October to March, i.e. autumn and winter, as there is little rainfall and pleasant temperatures in most parts of the country. But remember India is very very big, so you will have to choose the best time to travel to India depending on the area you want to visit or the activities you want to do. Since autumn and winter may not be the best time for your ideal trip.
Here is the link to the full article on the weather in India.
How many days do you need for your trip to India?
Whether you decide to stay 7, 14, 21 days or 6 months... time will never be enough to discover India. What I do advise you is that DO NOT want to see everything in one trip,because it is impossible. Go little by little, and come back! India is a destination to savor it without haste, to experience it and not miss any detail.
If you are short of time it is better to visit only one area as the country is huge and you would lose most of your time on the way.
I consider that a 7 day trip is very short but better than nothing :) and maybe enough if it is your first experience in the country. Just choose a route with short distances to get the most out of it. You can tour Rajasthan or Kerala (some of the most popular and "easy" destinations for first timers).
For me a complete trip would be between 14 and 21 days... although I personally never have enough, I can't get enough (hahaha) and I always want more.
Design your travel itinerary in India - What to see in India
Your arrival airport will probably be at New Delhi Airportofficially Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)Although there are other airports for international arrivals, most travelers arrive through this city.
New Delhi is the capital of India and it is a city that is well known for its worth discovering...although it has many detractors. But Delhi is not the only big city in the country, in addition to the main capitals of India as Bombay, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Chennai and Jaipur. While it is worth visiting the great capitals of India and be amazed by its continuous sensory stimulation, I also recommend that you not only visit cities and go a little into rural India to discover the heart of India in its purest form.
What to see in India
India consists of 28 states, 8 Union Territories and the Capital Territory.
If you do not know where to start, I recommend that you start with the state of Rajasthan in the north or Kerala and Tamil Nadu in the south. All of them are very touristic places due to their cultural richness and great beauty.
If you decide to visit Rajasthan, you can combine it with New Delhi, Varanasi or Rishikesh and Hariward (both in the state of Uttarakhand). These are relatively easy distances and well worth it.
Monuments of India
The historical and cultural wealth of the country is incalculable. India has many monuments of very diverse styles and origins, the result of the incessant invasions and the passage of many cultures through its lands.
India's best known monument around the world is the Taj Mahalbut there are countless monuments of high cultural value in the country. I could name the Amber Fort in Jaipur, the temples of Khajuraho, the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the palace of Udaipur, the temples of Hampi...
Here is a link to some guides that may be of interest to you:
New Delhi Guide: discover India's capital city
Guide to Agra: discover the ancient capital of the Mughal empire
What to see and do in Varanasi
Visiting the Taj Mahal: Complete Guide 2023
Do I need a visa to India? How do I apply for my visa to India?
Yes, you need a visa! The visa for India is a mandatory requirement to enter the country. There are several types of visas and you can do the whole process online, it is quick and easy.
In this article about visa for India you will find everything you need to know and the step-by-step guide to get your visa to India online.
What vaccinations are required for travel to India? - Vaccinations to go to India
There are no mandatory vaccinations for travel to India but there are some recommended vaccinations such as hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies and tetanus.
It is always advisable to visit your nearest international vaccination center. as they will inform you about the recommended vaccinations depending on your type of travel, the time of year and the area you will be in.
I tell you all about the vaccinations for travel to India and many health tips in this article super complete. You will also find the list of everything you need to prepare the responsible traveler's kit for your trip :)
Do I need insurance to travel to India?
YES! without a doubt. Don't take any risks. In India the public health system is quite deficient, there are very good hospitals but all of them are private. A travel insurance will save you from unnecessary headaches if you get sick during your trip and besides the health part it can also cover you against theft, loss of luggage, etc.
I always travel with my HeyMondo travel insurance because it is the best international travel insurance with the best coverage at the best price.
For being a reader of MiviajealaIndia you get 5 % discount for HeyMondo travel insurance.
Tips to buy your flight to India
To find flights at the best price I recommend flying to the airport of the capital of the country, Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. Once there you can take another domestic flight to your destination or depending on the distance, you can also make the trip by train.
The search engine of Skyscanner gives you the option of flexible dates, so if you don't have fixed dates for your vacation... you can dedicate a little time to the search and save a lot on the flight :)
Accommodation in India
The standards of service and cleanliness in India vary greatly from what we have in Europe or the United States. So do not be guided by the "stars" and never be convinced by the wonderful photos of the hotels on the booking websites.Many of them are obsolete and do not have much to do with the current reality. I recommend that you always read reviews from other travelers both on Booking.com before booking a hotel and remember that buying positive reviews is relatively easy so try to choose hotels with a score between 8 and 10 to minimize the risk of making unwanted decisions.
Different types of lodging:
Hotels: you have them in all styles, prices and categories. They usually have air-conditioned rooms, WIFI and restaurant, but everything depends on the category you choose.
Heritage/Historic Hotels: are those hotels with history, part of the heritage of the area. You can stay in old palaces, Havelis or private mansions that today are exploited as tourist spaces. Unique experiences but not for all budgets.
Hostels: are cheaper than hotels and offer both shared and single rooms. They are simple but in recent years there has been a proliferation of minimalist hostels with everything you need and with a fresh and welcoming image.
Guesthouse: is the cheapest option but in most cases they are shared rooms.
Ashrams: spiritual spaces where you can go if you want to practice yoga and meditation. They are usually spacious and surrounded by nature or gardens. The rooms are very simple since it is not a hotel but a place where pilgrims and practitioners of yoga and meditation pass through in search of personal development.
For hotel reservations, I recommend the "Booking.com" o "Agoda" , This second one is ideal for cheap hotels. Another accommodation option can be "AirBnB" or "Couchsurfing", of which I am not an expert so I won't tell you much.
Where to stay in Delhi and how to choose hotels in India's capital city
Where to stay in Agra and tips for choosing the best hotels
Where to stay in Jaisalmer and tips for choosing the best hotel
Your luggage for travel to India
The first thing to decide is whether to travel with a suitcase or a backpack and this will depend on your travel style and your profile as a traveler.
I recommend you not to overload your suitcase since most of the things you may need, you will find in the local stores in the cities. If your route is in rural areas then be well prepared with everything you may need.
List of the essentials in your luggage for India:
- The light and fresh clothing,if it is 100% cotton the better. Choose light colors to avoid attracting unwanted mosquitoes.
- Comfortable shoes for walking and better if they are closed.
- A pashmina to protect yourself from the air conditioning (in some public transport they put it at a very low temperature) and / or cover yourself to enter the temples.
- A sweatshirt and warm pants if you are going to visit mountain areas with low temperatures.
- A Health travel kit
- Tropical Mosquito Repellent
- High sun protection lotion
- Universal electrical adapter
- Raincoat to protect you from the rain
The best apps for your trip to India
Here is a list of Apps that will be your best ally during your trip to India:
maps.me: download the map of the cities you are going to visit in the app and you will have access to the map even without internet connection. You can also create maps of your routes and visits.
Ola Cabs: perfect to make your cab and rickshaw reservations quickly and comfortably.
Uber: ideal for cab reservations
IRCTC Rail Connect: you can check train schedules, routes, prices and availability. You can also purchase tickets online from the app.
Ixigo: the perfect app to buy your bus and train tickets in India
Zomato: app to order food at home. It has countless restaurants and is in use all over the country.
MyCityWay: this digital guide provides information on events, places of interest, opening hours of museums and attractions, where to eat and other details of New Delhi.
Upload your documents to the cloud and print them (before traveling to India).
Before your departure, scan all your travel documents and upload them to the cloud (passport, travel insurance, transportation tickets, hotel and activity reservations, vaccination booklet, etc.). In addition do not forget to bring a printed copy, It can get you out of trouble at times when you don't have internet or battery on your cell phone (I'm a disaster with my cell phone battery, so I always carry this one: external solar charger )
Contacts and official websites of interest
- Contact details of the Embassy of India in Spain are:
Embassy of India in Spain
Avda. Pío XII, 30 and 32, 28016 Madrid
Tel.: +34 91 309 88 70 / +34 928 39 54 77
info.eoispain@vfshelpline.com
- Contact details of the Embassy of Spain in New Delhi are:
12, Prithviraj Road, New Delhi 110011
Tel: (+91) 11 4129 3000
emb.nuevadelhi@maec.es
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Spaniards with serious consular incidents in India (accidents, attacks, dangerous situations, natural disasters...) can call the emergency telephone number of the Spanish Embassy in New Delhi (+91) 98 10 17 41 60 or the Consulate General in Mumbai (+91) 99 87 04 33 39.
Basic information about the country
Language
The million dollar question... What language is spoken in India?
India has 22 official languages (Hindi is the most widely spoken), 400 languages and some 2,000 dialects.
English is used throughout the country, so if you are fluent in English you will have no problem to understand each other during your trip. Although probably in some rural areas far from the tourist routes it will not be of much use since they will only speak the local language of that area.
In some tourist areas like Rajasthan many guides and shopkeepers speak Spanish as well (they have an amazing ability with languages).
Did you know that Hindi comes from Sanskrit? If you want to know more you can read the article about the languages of India.
Time difference ( GMT+5:30 )
In India there are 4:30 hours more than in Spain (Winter time) and 3:30 hours more than in Spain (Summer time).
Sockets
In India and the common voltage is 230 V. The frequency is 50 Hz. The plugs and sockets are C / D / M type.
Currency exchange and withdrawals in India
The Indian currency is the rupee. Euros are accepted in most banks, exchange houses, hotels and large stores. I recommend that you always keep your currency exchange receipts.
Whenever possible, avoid carrying a lot of cash on you and pay by card as it is safer, but don't forget that in many small stores, street stalls and for the tuk tuk service (some already charge by card) you will need cash.
I recommend that you exchange your currency into Indian currency at a bureau de change in the city you are traveling to.You will have a better exchange rate than if you do it in your country of origin or at the airport. The exchange houses at the airports say that they do not charge commission but what they do is to cover it up with much higher exchange rates.
If you are in New Delhi I advise you to visit the exchange houses in the Khan Market area. In Jaipur one of the best exchange houses is the one at the exit of Amber Fort. In Rishikesh you can find good exchange in Laxman Jhula.
In this link you can calculate the exchange rate.
If you want to withdraw money (Indian currency) in an ATM, keep in mind that the maximum you can withdraw in each operation is 10000inr and the bank fees range between 200 and 300inr (always try to withdraw it with "debit" as the fees are lower than if you select the "credit" option). Some of the most popular banks are SBI (State Bank of India), BOI (Bank of India) and Yes Bank.
Travel friendly cards are available, which have lower fees and allow you to save during your trip. Some examples are Bnext, N26 or Revolut cards. I have an article in which I tell you everything about the best cards for travel.
Travel to India: On your arrival in India
Indian SIM card: calls and internet on the road
You will find Wifi in hotels, hostels, restaurants and some stores but I recommend you to buy a local SIM card so you will be connected at all times and you will have internet and national calls.
You have two options:
To buy SIM upon arrival in India: at the airport you can buy a SIM card. I recommend JIO or Airtel, they have always worked very well for me. You can buy data packages from 7 to 28 days and choose the MB you prefer. Remember that you will be asked for your passport to register it and that it is not immediate, the SIM can take between 3-6h to be operational.
To buy eSIM Holafly before the trip: is the best option to stay connected from the moment you land in India. Having internet on arrival makes your trip a lot easier as you can book your cab from the airport with UBER and thus avoiding typical Delhi cab driver scams. You order online and everything is digital since it is an e-SIM. Although it is a bit more expensive than the SIM purchased in India, it is more convenient and you are connected from minute 1.
Don't miss my discount section to save on your trip
Indian food - What to eat in India
Indian gastronomy, like everything else in this country, is very varied and wide. Each region of the country has typical dishes that have nothing to do with the delicacies of neighboring regions. Today's Indian food is the result of mixing centuries of history on the stove.. The Indian recipes we know today are influenced by Muslim and Hindu traditions, the magnificent feasts of the Mughal Empire, the Persians, the Portuguese colonizers, the English and many others who enriched the flavor of India along the way.
Indian food is a blend of flavors and textures that is super stimulating to the senses. A gastronomy rooted in the ayurvedic philosophy that combines the 6 flavors (sweet, sour, salty, spicy, bitter and astringent) like no other offering a sensory experience. Indian spices play an important role in the identity of Indian cuisine.
Some of the best-known dishes around the world are the chicken curry, the samosa, the pakoras, the tandoori chicken, the Thali and the biryani without forgetting the Indian breads like naan :)
It has also become extremely famous the "chai tea" which in the West we misnamed because it means "tea tea",Masala chai, which should be translated as "tea with spices". Trust me, its real pleasure for the senses...
There are countless restaurants in India where you can taste the country in bites.. Mouthfuls of Indian vegetarian and non-vegetarian recipes, you will have thousands of options. It is a paradise for vegetarians and vegans with a wide range of vegetarian dishes.
Speaking of Indian food, we can't overlook the famous indian street food which is super rich and varied.
If you are new to Indian food and want to know what to eat in India, you are in luck because I have a super comprehensive article about food in India and guide to what to order in an Indian restaurant.
Many travelers have doubts about where and what to eat in India so as not to get sick and avoid the dreaded traveler's diarrhea. If this is your case, do not miss this article on health and tips to avoid getting sick in India.
Dress Code
I always recommend use common sense and above all respect the culture of the place you are visiting, whether you are traveling to India or anywhere else in the world.
Men are usually less hesitant about the dress code for visiting India but when it comes to women... we wonder... What will be the right thing to do?
From my point of view, I don't think you should make drastic changes in your style of dress but it is advisable to make some adjustments to avoid unwanted looks and feel more comfortable. I recommend wear loose-fitting clothing and avoid short pants and skirts as well as plunging necklines.. Tight clothing is also not very advisable.
In the temples you must cover your shoulders as well as your legs, so it will be great to wear a sarong and pashmina (relax, they do not occupy or weigh almost nothing). In addition you should always take off your shoes before entering, I recommend you to always carry socks in your backpack because in summer the floor can burn because of the high temperatures and if you do not want to get your feet dirty.
Transportation in India
India has a wide and varied transportation service. It has the second largest train network in the world. and a super extensive bus network connecting all points of its vast geography. In addition to a large number of domestic airports throughout the country. For short trips you have the popular tuk tuk, cabs, rickshaws, motorcycles, subways... Regarding timetables :) I can tell you that in many occasions they are not very punctual.
Train
The train is undoubtedly the best transportation in India to move within the country, both for short and long trips (not counting the plane of course). It is also a unique and super enriching experience, you get into the heart of India on wheels. You can read more at the complete guide to trains in India.
I also leave you the link to the official website of the Rail Transport in India is IRCTC.
Flights
The best option for very long distances or if you have little time available for travel and also one of the most comfortable. At Skyscanner you can find flights at very good prices if you book them in advance.
Private chauffeur
This option is the most comfortable but not the most adventurous to discover India. You will enjoy the route from the comfort of your private car and it gives you more freedom of movement.
Bus
Buses are the second best public transportation option if you don't opt for the train. They are good for long distance trips and you have both day and night buses or also called "sleeper". Make sure you always take an air-conditioned bus as you will be much more comfortable.
Urban Bus
The bus is one of the star transports in the major capitals of India as there are an infinite number of lines connecting all corners of the city. If you are going to a particular place far from a subway station, the bus may be an option.
Air-conditioned bus rides are often a good way to get into the day-to-day life of the city, although not the fastest method of Indian transportation.
Metro
The metro service in the big capitals of India such as New Delhi, Bombay, Kolkata or Chennai will allow you to move quickly and avoid the horrible traffic of the cities. Don't forget, you will get rid of the chaotic traffic...but you will be surrounded by a crowd of people as the metro is crowded at all hours.
If you intend to travel by subway during your stay in a big city, you can buy the Tourist Card for 1 or 3 days.. It will cost you between 100 and 400 rupees depending on the one you choose and has unlimited rides.
Auto Rickshaw or Tuk Tuk in India
The iconic Indian transport is present in most Asian countries and is a super authentic way to discover any Indian city. It is ideal for short trips and it is also quite cheap. However, be careful because most tuk tuk drivers in India do not use the taximeter and play tricks by inflating prices to tourists. I always recommend booking rickshaw rides on the spot with the OlaCabs App to make sure you don't get overcharged. Although if you want to experience of bargaining, then take a tuk tuk on the street and play your cards, but don't get ripped off!
I recommend that you read the article on the most popular scams in India and my advice.
Cab
You'll find cabs everywhere on the street but I would I recommend using the OlaCabs and Uber Apps.. These two cab companies offer super good prices so you don't need to bargain and get angry. These cabs are safer and you can see your route on the map at all times. Anyway, if you decide to take a random cab, make sure it is an official cab.
In some cities, such as New Delhi, Jaipur and Mumbai, there are women-only cabs. An initiative to promote women's safety and at the same time empower women from disadvantaged communities by providing them with training and a decent job as cab drivers.
Security in India
Is it safe to travel to India and Is it safe for a woman to travel to India? Questions we have all asked ourselves at one time or another.
In general, India is a fairly safe country for tourists.I have never been in a complicated situation in terms of security and I have spent many days of my life there.
However, here are a few things you should know to avoid unexpected surprises on your trip:
Indian scams and scams
It is not a dangerous country with respect to robberies or thefts although petty theft and tourist scams are common.especially in big cities like New Delhi, Bombay and Calcutta. You can read more about this topic in my guide on India's most popular scams and swindles and thus avoid falling into any of them.
Diseases
In India (in much of Asia) there are diseases and viruses not very common in the West such as typhoid fever, dengue fever, malaria, hepatitis A-B-C-D, Chikinguya, Nipah, tuberculosis and the Zika virus. In addition, animals such as stray dogs and "adorable" monkeys can transmit rabies.
As a traveler you must be very careful with mosquito bites and the origin of the water you drink.. In this guide to vaccines and health tips you will find all the details to avoid getting sick during your trip in India and stay away from the famous traveler's diarrhea.
Is it safe to travel to India alone as a woman?
As soon as you set foot in the country you will notice that Indians are very curious and undisguised when it comes to looking at you. If you go to rural areas, those stares can be even more intense as many men in the villages are not used to seeing many foreigners and women from other cultures.
I recommend you to respect their customs and have an appropriate dress code during your trip. If you use your instinct and common sense you will not have any problem.However, avoid being on the street at night, talking to people you don't trust and don't make conversation or be friendly with men who approach you on the street.
In every country and city in the world there are areas to avoid and places you wouldn't go alone, right? Well in India too, so always keep your wits about you and everything will be fine.
Tip: they will ask you all the time if you are a married or single woman... tell them you are married and you will avoid more than one annoying person in your way :)
Terrorism
According to the recommendations of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs travel with great caution in some areas of the country and refrain from traveling in certain areas such as Kashmir, Jammu, Manipur and rural areas of West Bengal, Bihar and Orissa, as well as avoiding areas bordering Pakistan. Although not continuous, there have been some terrorist attacks in these areas in recent years.
If you wish to visit any of these areas, always do it with a travel agency specialized in these areas and with good references (I would refrain from traveling to these places...there is too much to see in India and all in areas without terrorism problems).
Natural disasters
During the rainy season, it is important to take extreme precautions in some areas, in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka as there may be flooding and/or landslides.
In short, India is a safe country but you should always be aware of what is going on around you to avoid unwanted incidents.
Once again, I remind you of the importance of traveling with a good travel insurance. In addition, as a reader of MiviajealaIndia you get 5 % discount for HeyMondo travel insurance.
Map of India
After the trip - On your return home
Enjoy the memories and experiences lived in the country of spices.
I hope that travelling to India will change your outlook on life in some positive way and you will been enriched by the experience.
And... As soon as you can, go back to India! This country always has something to teach you.
Namaste,
Isabel
This article is for information and guidance purposes only. We recommend that you always check the official information on the corresponding website for updated and accurate details. We are not responsible for errors, omissions or possible discrepancies with official sources. Consult with experts or competent authorities if you have specific questions.
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