Skip to content
Going Awesome Places
  • Deals
  • Destinations
  • Guides
  • Itineraries
  • Resources
instagramyoutubefacebooktiktokpinteresttwitter
  • All Articles
  • Deals
  • Destinations
  • Guides
  • Itineraries
  • Resources
  • Topics
    • Accommodation Guides
    • Attractions & Experiences
    • Companies
    • Eat & Drink
    • Gear & Tech
    • Inspiration
    • Packing Lists
    • Photography & Videography Gear
    • Shopping
    • Transportation
    • Travel Hacking
    • Tips
  • Travel Style
    • Adventure Travel
    • Art & Culture Travel
    • Budget Travel
    • City Trips
    • Culinary Travel
    • Road Trips
    • Tropical Destinations
    • Wildlife Travel
    • Winter Travel
  • Location
    • Africa
      • All Africa
      • Ethiopia
      • Seychelles
      • South Africa
    • Asia
      • All Asia
      • Cambodia
      • China
      • Hong Kong
      • India
      • Indonesia
      • Japan
      • Maldives
      • Myanmar
      • Nepal
      • Singapore
      • South Korea
      • Taiwan
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
    • Australia & Pacific
      • All Australia & Pacific
      • Australia
      • French Polynesia
      • New Zealand
      • Palau
    • Europe
      • All Europe
      • Austria
      • Czech Republic
      • Denmark
      • Finland
      • France
      • Germany
      • Greece
      • Iceland
      • Ireland
      • Italy
      • Latvia
      • Portugal
      • Spain
      • Sweden
      • United Kingdom
    • Middle East
      • All Middle East
      • Jordan
      • Egypt
      • Türkiye
    • North America
      • All North America
      • Canada
      • Dominican Republic
      • Hawaii
      • Mexico
      • Puerto Rico
      • USA
    • South America
      • All South America
      • Chile
      • Colombia
      • Ecuador
      • Peru
  • About
  • Accessibility
  • Collaborate
  • Contact
  • Disclosures
  • Privacy Policy
instagramyoutubefacebooktiktokpinteresttwitter
Home » Asia » India

India Travel Guide

This India travel guide will help you plan your next vacation, with tips on where to go, what to see, and how to make the most of your journey through one of the most fascinating countries on Earth.

India: A Journey Through Color, Culture, and Chaos

India is not just a destination – it is an experience. A vast, diverse land where ancient traditions collide with modern energy, and every region tells its own story. From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the palm-lined beaches of Kerala, India is a country of staggering contrasts and unforgettable moments.

Expect a full-on sensory overload in the best way possible. The colors of Holi, the fragrance of fresh spices, the taste of street food, the hum of busy markets, and the sacred silence inside centuries-old temples will leave a lasting imprint on your soul. Explore royal palaces in Rajasthan, cruise the backwaters of Kerala, witness spiritual rituals on the ghats of Varanasi, and marvel at the Taj Mahal in Agra.

Whether you’re drawn by history, nature, spirituality, or food, India offers an endless adventure for curious and open-hearted travelers.

Notable Places

Discover India

Use the map to start exploring India, and get stuck in with our guide to the best places in India.

Read 10 best places in India

Quick Guide to India

  • Currency: Indian Rupee (INR ₹)
  • Language: Hindi and English are official; over 20 regional languages spoken
  • Emergency Number: 112 (all services)
  • Tipping: 5–10% at restaurants; rounding up taxi fares is common
  • Fun Facts #1: India is home to the world’s largest democracy.
  • Fun Facts #2: Yoga and Ayurveda originated in India over 5,000 years ago.
  • Fun Facts #3: The Indian Railways is one of the world’s largest rail networks.

Where to Stay in India

India offers everything from luxury palace hotels and serene beach resorts to budget-friendly hostels and homestays. Whether you’re looking for cultural immersion in Rajasthan, spiritual calm in Kerala, or urban excitement in Mumbai or Delhi, you’ll find a wide range of accommodation styles to suit your travel goals.

Start by planning out where you would like to visit and then search for accommodation in those areas. We use Booking.com for all our hotel stays, many hotels have pay later offers and you can build up your Genius level to get discounts on your stays. 

CHECK BOOKING.COM

How to Get Around India

India’s vastness means travel styles vary by region. Major cities are well-connected by metro systems (like in Delhi and Bengaluru) and local buses. Long-distance travel is commonly done via the extensive Indian Railways network, known for its affordability and scenic routes. Domestic flights are often the fastest way to move between distant states. Auto-rickshaws and app-based taxis (like Ola or Uber) are widely used for shorter journeys.

In remote areas such as the Himalayas, desert towns in Rajasthan, or offbeat parts of the Northeast, rental cars with drivers or organized tours are often necessary due to limited public transport access. Plan ahead when heading to national parks, hill stations, or lesser-known rural sites.

SEARCH FOR A RENTAL CAR

Must-Visit Places in India

  • Taj Mahal – Agra: One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this marble masterpiece is a must-see.
  • Delhi: A buzzing capital city blending Mughal history, street food, and bustling markets.
  • Rajasthan: Explore the palaces of Jaipur, Udaipur’s lakes, and the Thar Desert.
  • Varanasi: Witness spiritual rituals on the Ganges, one of the world’s oldest living cities.
  • Kerala Backwaters: Cruise through palm-lined waterways and experience rural South Indian life.
  • Himachal Pradesh: Scenic Himalayan towns like Manali and Shimla offer mountain serenity and adventure.
Stay Connected

Don’t waste time hunting for SIM cards or stressing about roaming. With an eSIM, you can get connected as soon as you land and stay online wherever your adventures take you.

🔗 Check out our guide to the cheapest eSIMs for international travel.

Find the cheapest eSIM

Indian Food to Try

Indian cuisine is incredibly diverse and deeply regional. Here are some must-try dishes:

  • Masala Dosa – Karnataka/South India: A crispy fermented rice crepe stuffed with spiced potatoes, often served with coconut chutney and sambar.
  • Rogan Josh – Kashmir: A slow-cooked lamb curry rich in warming spices and yogurt-based gravy.
  • Butter Chicken – Punjab: Creamy tomato-based curry with tender chicken, best eaten with naan.
  • Pani Puri – Maharashtra/North India: Crispy balls filled with spiced potatoes and tangy tamarind water—a street food favorite.
  • Dhokla – Gujarat: A steamed savory cake made from fermented rice and chickpea flour, light and fluffy.
  • Fish Curry – Kerala: Coconut milk-based fish curries with mustard seeds and curry leaves, served with rice.

Top 5 Things To Bring On Every Trip

  1. Travel Insurance: Protect yourself against unforeseen events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
  2. Power Bank: Keep your devices charged on the go, ensuring you stay connected and capture every moment.
  3. Universal Travel Adapter: A must-have for international travelers to plug in and power up devices in different countries.
  4. Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste; many destinations have refill stations available.
  5. Packing Cubes: Organize your luggage efficiently, making it easier to find items and maximize space.

Top Day Tours to Discover India

Exploring India’s vibrant cities can be overwhelming, so guided day tours are a great way to dive into the culture, history, and chaos, without the stress. Let a local expert show you the highlights while you sit back and enjoy.

  • Taj Mahal & Agra: Enjoy a seamless, all-inclusive day trip from Delhi to Agra with a private guide, luxury transport, skip-the-line access to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, and a 5-star lunch, ideal for stress-free sightseeing.
  • Varanasi: Take this guided full-day tour of Varanasi, featuring an early sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, a walking tour of the Old City’s temples and bustling lanes, a visit to historic Sarnath, and a spiritual closing with the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat for a truly immersive experience. 
  • Delhi – Old and New: Discover Old and New Delhi with a local guide. Take a tuk‑tuk ride in Chandni Chowk, visit Jama Masjid, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, Lotus Temple, and have photo stops at Qutub Minar, Red Fort, and iconic colonial landmarks.
  • Jaipur: Embark on a private tour of Jaipur. Visit the iconic Amber Fort, admire the honeycomb windows of Hawa Mahal, take photos at the serene Jal Mahal, wander the opulent City Palace, and explore the ancient astronomical instruments at Jantar Mantar.
  • Mumbai: Explore Mumbai, featuring the Gateway of India, Heritage UNESCO‑listed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, the vibrant Crawford Market, iconic Marine Drive, and the eye‑opening Dharavi neighborhood, complete with ferry ride to Elephanta Caves. 

Latest in India

top 10 attractions in kerala india

Top 10 Tourist Attractions In Kerala

India
The refreshing tea plantations, enchanting backwaters, beautiful sunsets, and enriching culture define Kerala as the most loved tourist destination...
View the Post

10 Best Places To Visit In India

India
To other places in the world you may go as a tourist but to the land of wonders and...
View the Post

As Seen On

American Express Essentials
CTV News
Destination Toronto
Entrepreneur
Global News
Google for Publishers
Huffington Post
LA Weekly
Mens Journal
Going Awesome Places

Detailed Itineraries & Travel Guides

Going Awesome Places is an award-winning travel brand that features detailed itineraries, travel guides, packing lists, and videos to help plan your next trip.
About Collaborate
  • Itineraries
    • Bali
    • Egypt
    • Iceland
    • Macau
    • Puerto Rico
  • Topics
    • Accommodation Guides
    • Eat & Drink
    • Experiences
    • Hacking
    • Packing Lists
  • Type
    • Adventure Travel
    • Art & Culture Travel
    • City Trips
    • Road Trips
    • Tropical Destinations
  • Explore
    • About
    • Articles
    • Deals
    • Destinations
©2026 Going Awesome Places. All rights reserved. Design by LH.