India Travel Guide
Top Places to Visit
- Delhi – Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Chandni Chowk
- Agra – Taj Mahal and Agra Fort
- Jaipur – Amber Fort, City Palace, bazaars
- Varanasi – Ganges rituals and spiritual heritage
- Kerala – Backwaters, beaches, hill stations
- Ladakh – Himalayan landscapes, monasteries, trekking
- Goa – Beaches, nightlife, heritage churches
- Ranthambore / Jim Corbett – Tiger safaris
Best Hotels to Stay
Language & Culture
Hindi and English are widely spoken. India is culturally and regionally diverse—each region offers unique traditions in music, festivals, food, and art. Hospitality is central to culture.Transportation, Currency & Food
- Transportation: Domestic flights, trains, buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws, metros in big cities
- Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
- Food: Biryani, dosas, chaat, curries, street food, sweets like jalebi/gulab jamun
Best Season & Entry Points
Season | Weather | Notes |
---|---|---|
October – March | Cool, dry | Ideal for most regions |
April – June | Hot, especially north and central parts | Visit Himalayas/beaches |
July – September | Monsoon season | Green landscapes, some disruptions |
Major international airports: Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bengaluru (BLR), Chennai (MAA), Kolkata (CCU)
Estimated Budget (for Two Travelers)
Category | Estimated Cost (USD) | Notes |
---|---|---|
Flights | $600 – $1200 | Round trip from US/Europe |
Accommodation | $400 – $1000 | Mid-range hotels and heritage stays |
Dining | $200 – $400 | Street food to casual dining |
Transport | $150 – $300 | Trains, taxis, internal flights |
Activities | $200 – $500 | Monument entries, tours, safaris |
Packing List Suggestions
- Passport and visa (e-Visa for many nationalities)
- Light clothing with modest coverage
- Comfortable walking shoes, scarf for women
- Sun protection and hand sanitizer
- Travel adapter (Type C/D)
20 Basic Hindi Phrases
Hindi | Meaning |
---|---|
नमस्ते (Namaste) | Hello |
धन्यवाद (Dhanyavaad) | Thank you |
कृपया (Kripya) | Please |
हाँ / नहीं (Haan / Nahin) | Yes / No |
कितना है? (Kitna hai?) | How much? |
शौचालय कहाँ है? (Shauchalay kahaan hai?) | Where’s the restroom? |
मुझे समझ नहीं आया (Mujhe samajh nahin aaya) | I don’t understand |
क्या आप अंग्रेजी बोलते हैं? (Kya aap angrezi bolte hain?) | Do you speak English? |
मदद कीजिए (Madad kijiye) | Help! |
अलविदा (Alvida) | Goodbye |
शुभ प्रभात (Shubh prabhaat) | Good morning |
शुभ रात्रि (Shubh raatri) | Good night |
मेरा नाम … है (Mera naam … hai) | My name is… |
मैं … से हूँ (Main … se hoon) | I’m from… |
मुझे यह चाहिए (Mujhe yeh chahiye) | I want this |
क्षमा करें (Kshama karein) | Excuse me / Sorry |
कोई बात नहीं (Koi baat nahin) | No problem |
आपका धन्यवाद (Aapka dhanyavaad) | Thanks to you |
मुझे भूख लगी है (Mujhe bhookh lagi hai) | I’m hungry |
बहुत अच्छा (Bahut achha) | Very good |
Health & Safety
- Tap water often unsafe—drink bottled or boiled
- Carry hand sanitizer and mosquito repellent
- Take care of belongings in crowded areas
- Emergency: 112 nationwide
- Travel insurance is recommended
Festivals & Holidays
- Diwali – Festival of Lights (Oct–Nov)
- Holi – Festival of Colours (Mar)
- Christmas – Dec 25
- Eid al-Fitr & Eid al-Adha – Islamic festivals
- Pongal / Makar Sankranti – Harvest festivals (Jan)