Are you planning a trip to India?

A trip to Incredible India is a dream of many. It is the land of diverse cultures, lip-smacking cuisine, rich flavors, unique architecture, religions, different customs and traditions, mysterious places, and spirituality.

There is so much to explore and many people get confused about where to start. And it can get a bit overwhelming especially for first-timers. There is a story to every place with not a dull moment. There is so much to explore and see, be it mountains, beaches, religious places, adventure sports, religious sites, food, and local people.

It will be tough to just arrive and expect to have the best experience in India. It will require some research, planning, and knowledge. A visitor must know about things to do, where to stay, where to eat, and places to visit. Keep an open mind while visiting but before that check out this guide to fulfill the dream of traveling to India!

Important Things to Know

Best time to visit: October to March is the peak season in India with pleasant weather all around. However, there are some places in India like Ladakh, Kashmir, and Spiti that are bitterly cold and cannot be visited in winter. So, plan a visit to these places between April and September.

Currency: Indian Rupee (INR). At the moment, 1 US Dollar is INR 74.

Languages: Hindi and English are widely spoken in India. However, every state has its own language. So, try to learn a few lines especially salutations to make local interaction easy.

Getting Around: Many visitors book online and offline cabs and taxis for traveling. But it can get added up to the overall budget of the trip. Indian railways is one of the best and cheapest transport for getting around. Tourists can opt for domestic flights too as they connect to major destinations in India. Also, most areas do not have car rentals or self-drive rentals due to poor road conditions.

Things To Do

India has a never-ending list of things to do and places to visit. Here are some of the major destinations in India that need to be covered by travelers.

The Golden Triangle

Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra, collectively known as the “Golden Triangle”. Delhi has incredible monuments, bustling markets, and lip-smacking food that tourists cannot miss. Jaipur, the Pink City, is popular for its royal palaces, havelis, and forts, whereas Agra is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World -The Taj Mahal.

South India Tour

Explore the beauty and charm of the southern part of India. Here are a few suggestions:

Kerala - backwaters, spice plantations, tea gardens

Tamil Nadu - French influences colonies and colorful streets

Goa - activities like scuba diving, kayaking, boat rides, and nightlife and beaches

Karnataka - Hampi, the ‘Angkor Wat’ of South India

Maharashtra - Mumbai, the ‘film city’ of India

Rajasthan

Experience India’s biggest, most diverse, grandest, and colorful state. Tourists love this place due to its food, royal forts, and magnificent palaces that have a glorious past. Visit cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer to gain an insight into the antiquity of India as well as to see its grandeur.

Kolkata, West Bengal

All sweet lovers and history buffs must visit the beautiful city of Kolkata. It is a culturally rich city with amazing food, festivals like Durga Pooja, and intricate architecture.

Gujarat

Home to the salt desert, Asiatic lions, and beautiful step wells, Gujarat remains a mystery to those who don’t visit here. Do not forget to try out the delicious Gujarati food on your trip.

North East India

This part of India is culturally different, which makes it an unmissable place. Experience nature at its best with one of the best national parks in India (Kaziranga). Also, connect with the locals for an authentic experience.

What to Eat and Drink

Food

India has more dishes and types of cuisines than anyone can imagine! Every Indian state has its own cuisine that is loved and savored by all. For instance, Gujarat has dishes like Khandvi, Undhiyu, whereas Bengal has foods like rasgulla, puchka, kathi rolls.

Easy to get, flavorful, and pocket-friendly, India is big on street food. Apart from the common snacks available all over the country, each city has its own popular street food. Ask the locals for suggestions, they will be happy to help. Also, try out thalis (platter with a variety of dishes) and do not forget to relish modern Indian cuisine at fine-dining restaurants.

Drinks

Many tourists are surprised to know that India has its own wine production. Check out the winery in Nashik, Maharashtra, and sip on some fine wines. Also, try the beer in Mumbai and Delhi at classy cocktail bars.

Apart from this, some states are acknowledged for their popular-priced drinks. For instance, Goa has a drink called feni (cashew fruit liquor) and toddy (palm wine) is a famous drink in South India. Many Indian tribes brew their own liquors such as rice beer and mahua (made by fermenting mahua flowers).

For non-alcoholic drinkers, lassi (yogurt shake), masala chai, and nimbu pani are great options.

Where to Stay

India has varied accommodations to cater to all types of travelers. From budget to luxury, tourists can find a stay according to their budget and requirements.

If you want to experience the real India, accommodate at homestays. This will give the visitor a chance to interact with the locals, gain knowledge about the place, have delicious home-cooked meals, and personalized services.

India is also getting big on backpacker hostels now. This type of accommodation provides an excellent way for travelers to meet new people.

Airbnb’s are spreading all over India. Visitors can easily book it online and enjoy a comfortable stay. For more affordable accommodation, heritage hotels and smaller hostels are a good alternative.

Travelers can find jungle lodges, beach huts, and houseboat stays at specific locations as well.

How to reach

All the visitors require a visa to enter India, except for the people from neighboring countries of Nepal and Bhutan.

Major International Airports:

• Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
• Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai, Maharashtra

They are connected to major countries, cities, and provinces in the world.

How to save money in India

• Negotiate the prices quoted for the trip. Foreigners are often charged more than Indians.
• To save some extra money, travel during the off-season (March to September). Tourists often get great deals during summer and monsoon season.
• Go local! Eat at simple Indian restaurants that offer delicious meals. Thalis (platters) are a great option that will surely fill you up.
• Look for cheaper accommodation options. They usually have low Goods and Services Tax (GST).
• For free food, go to a gurdwara (religious place). They provide delicious langar (food) regardless of their caste, color, and religion.
• Look for free monuments, art galleries, and museums to save money on entry tickets.
• Book your hotels in advance to get cheaper rates. Sometimes, walking into the hotel directly to negotiate can charge you extra money.

Where to Book It :

Indian Holiday Pvt. Ltd.

www.indianholiday.com