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India is an enormous South Asian country with a diverse landscape and a multicultural population. From the lofty Himalayan peaks to the Indian Ocean coastline, natural beauty is widespread, and a rich history and culture is waiting to be discovered.

Based on our survey, the majority of people that travel to India are aged 25 years old and above. Most people want to go there to learn a language, some want to party on the beaches, while others prefer to teach ESL (English as a Second Language). Considering travelling to India? Here’s everything you need to know.

western ghats of south india

Where to go in India

Best for city life: Mumbai – a densely populated city on India’s west coast

Best for culture: Dehli – India’s capital territory, bursting with culture and stunning architecture

Best for the coast: Goa – a state in western India with beautiful coastlines stretching along the Arabian Sea

Best for scenery: Western Ghats – a mountain range so picturesque that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Goa India

The best things to do in India

  • Visit the impressive Taj Mahal – one of the Wonders of the World
  • Experience the western Ghats Mountain range
  • Take a boat down the Ganges River
  • Walk through the tea fields in Darjeeling
  • Visit the Borra Caves in the Ananthagiri Hills
  • Spend the day at one of the amazing beaches in Goa
  • Jump on a rickshaw (tuk tuk), if you dare
  • Go on a safari in Ranthambore or Thar desert

Essentials: what you need to know

When is the best time to go to India?

  • November to April is the prime season for travelling to India
  • June to September is best avoided, as it’s monsoon season

Visa: You’ll need an e-Tourist Visa (e-TV) to enter India at certain designated airports. To transit through India you will need a transit visa.

Vaccines: Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis

Currency: Indian Rupee ₹

  • Money can only be purchased on arrival – buy your rupees at the airport when you land.

Time zone: UTC +5:30

Language: Hindi, English

  • Hello/goodbye: namaste (nuhm-uh-stey)
  • When greeting, place your hands together, bow and say namaste.
  • Shaking hands is customary, but a man must wait for a woman to extend her hand first.

Tipping:

  • Food & drinks: 0%-10% or round up
  • Taxis: round up
  • Salon services: 10%

Five dishes we love:

  • Butter Chicken – a tomato-based curry, cooked with chicken marinated in yoghurt and butter
  • Samosa ­– a deep-fried triangular flour shell stuffed with a mixture of mashed boiled potato, onions, green peas, spices and green chilli or fruits
  • Masala Dosa – Indian pancake stuffed with a lightly cooked filling of potatoes, fried onions and spices – similar to a crepe
  • Kulfi – India’s version of ice cream made by freezing sweetened flavoured milk
  • Gulab Jamun – deep-fried dry milk balls, added to caramelized sugar syrup

Ok, so how do I get there?

Take a look at our best offers and deals for cheap flights to India.