Discover India
Use the map to start exploring India, and get stuck in with our guide to the 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
- Travel Insurance: Protect yourself against unforeseen events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
- Power Bank: Keep your devices charged on the go, ensuring you stay connected and capture every moment.
- Universal Travel Adapter: A must-have for international travelers to plug in and power up devices in different countries.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste; many destinations have refill stations available.
- 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.










