How to Plan a Trip to India: Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit India is from October to mid-December, and again from mid-January to March. Not only do these months represent the best weather in the majority of the country, but they are also the time for large religious and secular festivals.

India is a huge country with distinctive temperate zones that vary from north to south. July and August represent peak monsoon season. October and November are great for travelers, but these months are also when locals travel, which may require you to book transportation and accommodations in advance. Christmas and New Year are also popular times of year to travel in India, but require forethought if you prefer to celebrate these holidays around popular destinations such as the Golden Triangle of Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra, or in the famous city of Mumbai.

The climate will vary as you travel around India. The most noticeable difference takes place between the north and south. The climate in north India is subtropical and shaped by the Himalayas to the northeast and the Thar Desert to the west. The winter is often not busy when traveling to the Himalayas, and June to September are quieter times to visit Jaipur, Agra, and Delhi due to light rain.

Learn more: Best Time to Visit India

Whether you visit south India to find beautiful heritage and distinctive culture, architecture and nature, or travel to north India to discover the popular Rajasthan region and Varanasi, 10 days give you enough time to uncover the country’s unique highlights.

Learn more: 10-Day India Itineraries

From vibrant traditional culture to globally renowned cuisine, unique animals including tigers and snow leopards, and some of the world’s most impressive spiritual sites, India is known among travelers for a wide variety of reasons.

Home to the Taj Mahal, pink sandstone palaces, beautiful beaches, and more, India’s top places to visit invite you to embrace the local culture and see the iconic attractions. Here are some of the most popular spots to visit on vacation:

• Delhi
• Agra
• Jaipur
• Varanasi
• Mumbai
• Ranthambore National Park
• Udaipur
• Kochi
• Kumarakom
• Jaisalmer
• Jodhpur
• Khajuraho

Learn more: Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur Itineraries • Northern India Itineraries

Whether traveling as a family or exploring on your honeymoon, experience the top things to do in India, from touring historic palaces and temples to seeing the unique wildlife. Here are several recommendations for your custom trip:

• Experience the depth of history in and around century-old spiritual sites and grand palaces
• Explore India’s famous national parks on unique wildlife viewing adventures and see the local animals, including Bengal tigers and snow leopards
• Photograph the iconic cultural scenes and signature architecture of India’s eclectic cityscapes
• Enjoy water sports and time relaxing on the stunning beaches of the Indian coastline
• Escape to the Himalayas for an alpine adventure in which you can wander dense forests, snow-covered mountains, and emerald meadows
• Relish the distinct flavors of Indian cuisine on cultural food tours and during cooking classes that reveal the signature spices

India is one of the world’s most unique wildlife-viewing destinations and travelers can see tigers, snow leopards, an assortment of endemic birds, and colorful sea life when visiting national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and coral systems. Here are some of the top creatures to look out for and where to find them:

• Bengal tigers in Rajiv Gandhi National Park
• Snow leopards in Hemis National Park
• One-horned rhinos in Kaziranga National Park

From private transfers to luxury tourist trains, domestic flights, Jeep transfers, and boats, there are an array of transportation options for travelers getting around India on vacation.

When planning your trip, our India travel specialists will arrange transportation according to your preferences. You may opt for private Ganges River cruises or prefer to see the countryside from a first-class train cabin. Whatever you envision for your dream vacation, our specialists will help you find the right ways for you to travel around.

India is a fun destination for the entire family, with beaches and coral reefs to play at, colorful sites to enchant you, and a culinary culture that bursts with flavor.

You and your kids can enjoy the temples and palaces together as their colorful and eclectic facades keep young ones entertained, while guides share the history shrouding the sites. The outdoors also beckons adventurous families eager to see tigers, snow leopards, and other fascinating creatures.

Wherever you decide to spend your time in India, you and your family can safely enjoy time together embracing the local culture and discovering the hidden secrets.

India is a favorite destination for senior travelers as its historic spiritual sites and world-famous cuisine are like none other in the world.

When visiting India as a senior, you should have very few issues navigating the cities, even if you have mobility concerns. Besides being busy in the peak tourist season, guides on private tours can chaperone you through the bustling neighborhoods in private vehicles to enjoy the local history and signature dishes.

Whether tucking into authentic Indian curry or crossing the Ganges by boat, India and its captivating culture will take your breath away.

Learn more: India Tours for Seniors

Outside of the busy cities, India becomes a playground for couples or newlyweds experiencing the distinct highlights of a romantic trip to its hidden gems.

You and your partner could spend your afternoons catching some sun on Goa’s pristine beaches, crossing the majestic mountains of Munnar, or sipping traditional tea in the gardens of Darjeeling.

With so many stunning destinations off the beaten path and unique experiences for romantic travelers, India remains one of the most underrated destinations to visit as a couple.

Indian cuisine is one of the world’s most famous and there are several signature dishes and iconic meals to try when you visit. Here is a list of those you should not skip when traveling to India on vacation:

• Masala dosa, South Indian pancake served with curry
• Chaat, savory street food snacks
• Pani puri, crispy-fried puffed ball with filling
• Thali, platter assortment of Indian specialties
• Appam, thin fluffy pancakes
• Briyani, mixed rice dish with spices
• Vindaloo, spicy Indian curry with Portuguese influence
• Chili bajji, South Indian street fried snack
• Barfi, Indian sweet treat
• Masala chai, Indian tea with spices

India is very safe for travelers.

Issues like pickpocketing in crowded areas rarely occur and your overall safety is never questioned. While vendors and buskers may seem bold, it often boils down to a cultural difference that can be overcome with persistent reluctance. This cultural difference seems more noticeable in north India than in the south, which has a more relaxed atmosphere.

When traveling around India, considerations such as vaccines and water safety are important. You do not need malaria medication when traveling in India unless you are visiting jungle destinations or during monsoon season. Even then, the medication is recommended, but not required. By keeping to bottled drinks and refraining from those with ice, you can avoid any possible ailments.

Hindi is the official and most widely spoken language in India, with English the second official language.

Other minority languages are spoken in northern and southern India, though you should have little trouble communicating in English in and around tourist destinations.

The vast majority practice Hinduism in India.

Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, and several other religions are also practiced.

Vaccinations are not required for entry into India, but the CDC India vaccination information recommends several should you wish to receive specific jabs before your trip.

We recommend consulting your doctor or travel nurse well in advance for professional medical advice should you be unsure of vaccination policies or considering vaccinations for your trip.

For most travelers, the most convenient airport is Delhi International Airport (DEL), followed by Mumbai International Airport (BOM).

These not only act as international hubs from which the majority of flights arrive or depart, they also act as regional hubs through which the majority of such flights will layover before continuing to their final destinations.

The official currency of India is the Indian rupee (₹).

American Express and Mastercards are widely accepted in India’s tourist destinations, so you should be able to make electronic transactions during your trip. In general, we advise carrying some Indian rupees in cash should you not have access to an electronic pay point at certain establishments. ATMs are widely available in India’s tourist destinations for travelers to draw cash.

Our India travel specialists can plan your custom trip, whether you find featured India tours that stand out to you, wish to design your itinerary from scratch, or favor our best India itineraries for first-timers.

To start planning your personalized trip, complete a trip request and our Travel Care team will contact you. After discussing your dream vacation, they will match you with top India travel specialists capable of fulfilling your request.

Your designated travel specialist will plan, book, and oversee your trip, offering 24/7 support and will be available for emergencies should you need anything for the duration of your vacation.

Learn more: How to Plan Your Zicasso Trip in 4 Easy Steps • How to Plan Your Zicasso Trip Budget in 3 Easy Steps

India is a complex tapestry of scenery and culture, where spiritual encounters can lead from a hidden temple to the crowded Ganges River ghats. Endlessly exotic, delicious, and spellbinding, India unveils historical treasures or introduces diverse wilderness that can take you to sundrenched beaches or lush tea fields.

Explore our India tours or luxury India tours to find customizable itineraries that you can use to plan with our travel specialists, or learn more about the fascinating country before you go in our India travel guide.