How to Get Around India
This is something that confuses a lot of first time visitors especially international tourist travelers who are not familiar with Indian transport.
Here is a simple breakdown:
Flights
India has a very well connected domestic flight network. Airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet connect almost every major city. For covering long distances between states this is the fastest and often most affordable option if you book in advance.
Trains
Indian Railways is one of the largest rail networks in the world and honestly one of the best ways to travel between cities. It is affordable, scenic, and gives you a genuine taste of local Indian life. Book your tickets at least two to three weeks in advance on the IRCTC website especially during peak season.
Road Travel
For traveling between smaller towns, hill stations, and rural destinations, road travel by private car or taxi is often the best option. It gives you flexibility and lets you stop at viewpoints, local dhabas, and hidden spots along the way. Check our tour packages for comfortable cab and car rental options across India.
Local Transport
- Delhi Metro is excellent for getting around Delhi quickly and cheaply
- Auto rickshaws are great for short distances in most cities
- App based cabs like Ola and Uber work well in most major cities
- Local buses are very cheap but can be confusing for first time visitors
- Car rental Cars and minibusses are very easily available to rent for any kind of group, solo travel, or family.
Where to Stay in India — Options for Every Budget
India has accommodation options for literally every kind of traveler. Here is what you need to know:
Budget Travelers
Hostels, guesthouses, and budget hotels are available in every major tourist places destination across India. You can find clean and comfortable rooms for as low as ₹500 to ₹1500 per night in most cities.
Mid Range Travelers
Three star and four star hotels are available across all major destinations at very reasonable prices compared to international standards. Expect to pay between ₹2000 to ₹6000 per night for a comfortable and well located hotel.
Luxury Travelers
India has some of the most spectacular luxury hotels in the world. Heritage palace hotels in Rajasthan, luxury houseboats in Kerala, and five star properties in Delhi and Mumbai offer world class experiences. Budget anywhere from ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 or more per night for premium stays.
Unique Stays Worth Trying
- Heritage havelis in Rajasthan: Sleep in a 200 year old mansion and feel like royalty
- Houseboats in Kerala: Drift through the backwaters on a traditional wooden houseboat
- Tent camps in Ladakh: Sleep under the most spectacular night sky you have ever seen
- Treehouses in Coorg: Wake up surrounded by coffee plantations and forest sounds
- Desert camps in Jaisalmer: Spend a night under the stars in the middle of the Thar Desert
Food in India — What to Eat and Where
Let me tell you something important. The best food in India is almost never in a fancy restaurant.
It is in the small dhabas on the side of highways. It is in the street food stalls of Old Delhi and Chandni Chowk. It is in the homes of local families and the simple kitchens of small town restaurants. That is where the real flavors of India live.
Here is a region by region food guide to help you eat like a local:
North India
- Chole Bhature: Spicy chickpea curry with deep fried bread — the ultimate Delhi breakfast
- Butter Chicken: Born in Delhi and still the best here. Rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying
- Stuffed Parathas: From the famous Paranthe Wali Gali in Old Delhi — try them with pickle and white butter
- Seekh Kebabs: Smoky and perfectly spiced — best eaten near Jama Masjid in Delhi
- Dal Makhani: Slow cooked black lentils in butter and cream — a North Indian staple that never gets old
Rajasthan
- Dal Baati Churma: The most iconic Rajasthani meal — baked wheat balls with lentil curry and sweet crumble
- Laal Maas: A fiery red mutton curry that is not for the faint hearted but absolutely worth trying
- Ghevar: A traditional Rajasthani sweet made during festivals that is crispy, sweet, and delicious
- Ker Sangri: A desert bean and berry dish that tastes unlike anything else in Indian cuisine
South India
- Masala Dosa: A crispy rice crepe stuffed with spiced potato — one of the most loved breakfast dishes in India
- Hyderabadi Biryani: Long grain rice cooked with meat and spices in a sealed pot — absolutely legendary
- Kerala Fish Curry: Fresh fish in a tangy coconut and tamarind gravy — something every seafood lover must try
- Filter Coffee: Strong, aromatic, and served in a traditional steel tumbler — nothing like it anywhere else
Street Food You Must Try Everywhere
- Pani Puri or Gol Gappe: Crispy hollow shells filled with spiced water — addictive from the very first bite
- Vada Pav: Mumbai's famous street burger that costs almost nothing and tastes incredible
- Pav Bhaji: Spiced vegetable mash with buttered bread rolls — a Mumbai classic loved across India
- Jalebis: Deep fried spirals soaked in sugar syrup — best eaten hot straight from the oil
Visa Information for International Tourists
If you are an international tourist planning to visit India, here is what you need to know about visas:
- India offers an e-Visa facility for citizens of over 160 countries which makes the process very simple and convenient
- You can apply for an Indian e-Visa online at least four days before your travel date
- Tourist e-Visas are available for 30 days, one year, and five years depending on your requirement
- The e-Visa application requires a valid passport, a recent photograph, and a return ticket
- Visa on arrival is available at select international airports for eligible nationalities
- Always check the latest visa requirements on the official Indian government website before applying as rules can change
Health and Safety Tips for Tourists
India is a safe country to travel in but being prepared always makes the experience smoother:
- Drink bottled or filtered water everywhere — tap water is not safe to drink in most parts of India
- Carry basic medicines like antacids, rehydration salts, and common cold medication especially if you have a sensitive stomach
- Get travel insurance before you leave — medical care in India is affordable but having insurance gives you peace of mind
- Vaccinations to consider: Typhoid, Hepatitis A, and Tetanus are commonly recommended for India travel — consult your doctor at least four weeks before departure
- Sun protection is essential especially if you are visiting between March and June — carry sunscreen, a hat, and light cotton clothing
- Mosquito repellent is important especially during and after monsoon season
- Emergency numbers to save: Police — 100, Ambulance — 108, Tourist Helpline — 1363
Money and Budget Tips for India Travel
- Currency: Indian Rupee (INR). Current approximate rates — 1 USD is around ₹83, 1 EUR is around ₹90
- ATMs are widely available in cities and towns but carry some cash when traveling to remote areas
- UPI payments are accepted almost everywhere in India now including street food stalls and local markets
- Bargaining is completely normal and expected at local markets, souvenir shops, and with auto rickshaws
- Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory — 10 percent at restaurants and a small amount for hotel staff and guides is considered polite
Rough Daily Budget Guide for India Travel
| Travel Style |
Daily Budget Per Person |
| Budget Backpacker |
₹2,500 to ₹4,500 |
| Mid Range Traveler |
₹4,500 to ₹8,000 |
| Comfort Traveler |
₹9,000 to ₹15,000 |
| Luxury Traveler |
₹20,000 and above |
Entry Fees at Popular India Tourist Places
| Destination |
Indian Visitors |
International Tourist |
| Taj Mahal, Agra |
₹50 |
₹1,100 |
| Red Fort, Delhi |
₹35 |
₹500 |
| Qutub Minar, Delhi |
₹35 |
₹550 |
| Humayun's Tomb, Delhi |
₹35 |
₹550 |
| Amber Fort, Jaipur |
₹100 |
₹500 |
| Mysore Palace |
₹70 |
₹200 |
| Golden Temple, Amritsar |
Free |
Free |
| Lotus Temple, Delhi |
Free |
Free |
| Haridwar Ghats |
Free |
Free |
Language Guide — Simple Hindi Words That Will Open Doors
You do not need to learn Hindi to travel in India. English works well in most tourist destinations. But knowing even a few basic words will make locals smile and warm up to you immediately:
- Namaste — Hello and goodbye with respect
- Shukriya or Dhanyavaad — Thank you
- Kitna hai — How much does this cost
- Thoda kam karo — Please reduce the price a little
- Mujhe jaana hai — I need to go to
- Bahut achha — Very good
- Paani — Water
- Khana — Food
- Maafi kijiye — I am sorry or excuse me
Quick 10 Facts About India Tourism
- India receives over 9 million international tourist visitors every year
- India has 42 UNESCO World Heritage Sites including monuments of india like Taj Mahal, Red Fort, and Qutub Minar
- The best places to visit in India for first time travelers are Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Goa, and Kerala
- The best time to visit most india tourist places is between October and March
- India has over 5000 years of recorded history making it one of the oldest civilizations on earth
- The Golden Triangle covering Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur is the most visited tourist circuit in all of India
- India is the seventh largest country in the world by area with 28 states each offering completely unique travel experiences
- Popular for tourist travel year round, India sees visitors from USA, UK, Australia, Germany, France, and across Southeast Asia
- The attractions to see in India range from ancient temples and Mughal forts to tropical beaches and Himalayan glaciers
- India has over 700 wildlife sanctuaries and national parks making it one of the top destinations for nature and wildlife tourism
Plan Your India Trip With Japji Travel
We have been helping travelers explore india tourist places for years and we know this country inside out.
Whether you want a quick weekend getaway, a two week family holiday, or a deep cultural immersion across multiple states — we have the right plan for you. Our local experts build custom itineraries around what you actually want to experience not just a standard list of the same old tourist places.
Check our holiday packages and browse our full itinerary options to find the perfect India trip for your travel style and budget.
The Mountains Will Humble You
There is a moment that happens to almost every traveler who visits the hills of North India for the first time.
You are sitting somewhere quiet - maybe on a wooden balcony in Shimla or a small cafe in Mussoorie — and you look out at the mountains stretching endlessly in front of you. For a few seconds everything just stops. The noise in your head goes quiet. Your phone does not seem that important anymore. And you think — why did I wait so long to come here?
That moment is real. And it happens to almost every single visitor.
These hill stations are among the most popular for tourist travel in all of North India:
- Shimla: Old British buildings, snowy winters, long walks on Mall Road, and a toy train ride that feels straight out of a storybook. One of the top india tourist places for families and couples alike.
- Mussoorie: Waterfalls, forest walks, and misty mornings that make you want to never go back to the city
- Dalhousie: Quiet, unhurried, and genuinely peaceful — the kind of hidden gem most international tourist travelers have not discovered yet
- Manali: Snow in the morning, bonfire at night, and a sky so full of stars it does not look real
- Ladakh: Not just a destination. It is a life event. One of the most breathtaking tourist places on the entire planet — go at least once
- Dharamshala: Sit with monks, learn about Buddhism, eat momos, and feel the world slow down completely around you
Adventure in India Hits Different
People do not always think of India as an adventure destination but they really should.
River rafting in Rishikesh will have you screaming and laughing at the same time. Paragliding over the valleys of Bir Billing will make your heart stop in the best possible way. And waking up at five in the morning to trek to a Himalayan sunrise viewpoint — that kind of experience changes something in you permanently.
These are some of the most exciting attractions to see for adventure lovers across India:
- River Rafting in Rishikesh: The Ganga here is wild and powerful. Even beginners love it after the first five minutes of pure adrenaline
- Paragliding in Bir Billing: One of the best paragliding spots in the world and most people outside India have never even heard of it
- Scuba Diving in Andaman: Underwater visibility so clear it feels like swimming in a giant aquarium. A must experience for every international tourist visiting India
- Hot Air Ballooning in Jaisalmer: Floating over sand dunes at sunrise is the kind of memory you carry forever
- Trekking in the Himalayas: From easy day walks to serious multi-week expeditions — there is a trail here for every fitness level
- Camping in Nainital: Fall asleep to crickets and wake up to mountain air and fresh chai
- Cliff Jumping in Rishikesh: For those who want a little extra thrill during their river adventure
- Mountain Biking in Manali: Ride through some of the most dramatic and jaw-dropping roads in all of Asia
Check out our adventure tour packages for the best deals across all these destinations.
Some India Tourist Places Do Something Strange to Your Heart
I do not know how else to say this.
There are certain tourist places in India where you walk in as a regular visitor and walk out feeling like something quietly shifted inside you. Not in a dramatic way. Just peacefully. Like something finally settled.
Haridwar is one of those places. Standing at the Ganga Ghat during the evening aarti — the chanting, the oil lamps floating on the water, the smoke from burning incense, thousands of people all facing the river together — it gets to you. Even if you are not religious at all it still gets to you.
Varanasi is another one. The oldest living city in the world and one of the most powerful attractions to see anywhere on earth. Walking through its ancient narrow lanes at dawn when the city is just waking up is something that is very hard to describe.
And then there is the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The langar where thousands of people are fed completely free every single day without asking for anything in return. That one will restore whatever faith in humanity you might have lost recently.
These are the spiritual best places in India that travelers say changed them forever:
- Haridwar: Evening Ganga Aarti that stays with you long after you leave. One of the most visited india tourist places for spiritual travelers
- Rishikesh: Yoga, meditation, adventure sports, and sunrises that will rearrange your priorities
- Varanasi: Raw, real, ancient, and unlike anything else on this planet
- Amritsar: The Golden Temple is one of the most visited religious tourist places in the entire world and it earns every bit of that reputation
- Tirupati: A pilgrimage destination that draws millions of devoted visitors every single year
- Shirdi: Deep faith, quiet peace, and a warmth that is genuinely hard to explain until you experience it yourself
Explore our complete list of places to visit across India and find the ones that speak to you personally.
The Monuments of India That Will Leave You Speechless
Here is something that surprises most first time visitors to India.
You think you are ready. You have seen pictures a hundred times. You have watched documentaries. You think you know what to expect. And then you stand in front of the Taj Mahal or walk inside the Red Fort for the first time and none of that preparation matters. Because nothing actually prepares you for the real thing.
The monuments of India are not just old buildings. They are stories carved in stone. Each one took decades or centuries to build. Each one survived wars, invasions, and the test of time. And each one still stands today welcoming millions of international tourist visitors from every corner of the world.
Here are the most iconic monuments of India that belong on every travel list:
- Taj Mahal, Agra: The most famous building in India and one of the greatest attractions to see on earth. A symbol of love that has been standing for nearly 400 years
- Red Fort, Delhi: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that shows you exactly how powerful and grand the Mughal Empire really was. Visiting this is one of the most important Delhi sightseeing experiences
- Qutub Minar, Delhi: The tallest brick minaret in the world built in the 12th century. Surrounded by ancient ruins that tell a fascinating and layered history
- Humayun's Tomb, Delhi: The building that inspired the design of the Taj Mahal. Quieter than most monuments and absolutely stunning in morning light
- Amber Fort, Jaipur: A massive hilltop fort in Rajasthan that looks like something out of an epic movie
- Mysore Palace, Karnataka: One of the most beautiful and well preserved royal palaces in all of India
- Hawa Mahal, Jaipur: The Palace of Winds with its unique honeycomb facade is one of the most photographed india tourist places in the country
- Victoria Memorial, Kolkata: A stunning white marble monument that stands as one of the finest examples of colonial architecture in Asia
- Charminar, Hyderabad: A 16th century mosque and monument that is the heart and soul of Hyderabad's old city
- Sun Temple, Konark: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most remarkable pieces of ancient architecture you will ever see
Rajasthan and the Desert — Nothing Prepares You for This Either
The first time you ride a camel through the sand dunes of Jaisalmer at sunset, you will understand why people travel thousands of miles just for this one experience.
There is something about the desert that makes everything feel simpler and slower. No traffic noise. No crowds pushing past you. Just sand, wind, a sky that turns every shade of orange and pink, and then goes completely dark and fills up with more stars than you thought were possible.
Rajasthan is one of the most popular for tourist travel in all of India and for very good reason. It is not just the desert. It is forts that look like they grew out of the mountains. Palaces that make you feel like royalty just walking through their gates. Markets so colorful they genuinely hurt your eyes in the best way. And food so rich and spicy it takes you completely by surprise.
These are the best places to visit across Rajasthan:
- Jaisalmer: Stay in a desert camp, watch the sunset over golden dunes, and wake up to the most peaceful morning of your life. One of the top india tourist places for both Indian and international tourist visitors
- Jaipur: The Pink City with Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, and bazaars full of gems, textiles, and handicrafts
- Udaipur: Lake palaces, boat rides at sunset, and a romantic atmosphere that makes it the number one honeymoon destination in India
- Rann of Kutch: The annual Rann Utsav is one of the most unique festivals in the world — a white salt desert that transforms into a giant celebration every winter
- Pushkar: Sacred lake, famous camel fair, and a town so genuinely charming you will want to stay much longer than you planned
- Jodhpur: The Blue City with a fort so massive it dominates the entire skyline
Check out our Rajasthan holiday packages and plan your royal desert adventure today.
Every Corner of India Feels Like a Different Country
That is not an exaggeration. It is completely true.
The food in Kerala tastes nothing like the food in Punjab. The ancient temples of Tamil Nadu look nothing like the Mughal mosques of Lucknow. The tribal villages of Odisha feel worlds away from the beach shacks of Goa. And yet somehow it all feels like one country. One massive, beautiful, complicated, and endlessly surprising country.
North India gives you mountains, monuments of india, and Mughal history that goes back centuries. South India gives you ancient temples, peaceful backwaters, and spices that will permanently change your relationship with food. East India gives you tea gardens, Buddhist monasteries, and some of the most untouched natural beauty in all of Asia. West India gives you beaches, deserts, and festivals that are unlike anything you have ever experienced anywhere in the world.
Wherever you go across these tourist places in India, you will eat well, meet interesting people, see things that genuinely surprise you, and come home with stories worth telling for years.
Browse our full itinerary options and let us help you figure out where to begin your India journey.
Honest Tips Before You Travel to India
These are the things most travel websites never mention but every experienced India traveler knows:
- Do not try to cover everything in one trip — pick a region and explore it properly rather than rushing across the whole country
- Book trains and flights early especially between October and March when the best tourist places fill up fast
- Carry cash because smaller towns, local markets, and street food stalls do not always accept cards
- Try the local food everywhere you go — the real India lives in its kitchens not in hotel buffets
- Dress respectfully at religious sites and monuments of india — it shows you understand and appreciate the culture
- Learn a few words of Hindi — even a simple namaste with a genuine smile opens more doors than you can imagine
- International tourist visitors should keep a copy of their passport and visa handy especially when visiting ticketed monuments
- Check our scenic destination packages for the best deals on hotels and transport across India
