India
Everything you need to plan a great trip — from the Taj Mahal to Goa's beaches — without the guesswork or the generic advice.
India rewards 10 days minimum, 2–3 weeks ideal. The classic route is the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur — 6–8 days), extended with Mumbai, Goa, Rajasthan, or Kerala depending on your interests and how much time you have. Best season is October–March across most of the country (peak: November–February). Nearly all foreign visitors need an e-Visa, applied for online before flying — there's no visa-free entry for tourism. Budget from $30/day backpacking, $70–140/day mid-range.
India isn't a destination you ease into — it's a destination you land in, and within an hour of leaving the airport you'll have seen more color, chaos, and genuine hospitality than most countries show you in a week. It's not always comfortable. It's rarely predictable. And it's one of the most rewarding places on Earth to actually travel, rather than just visit.
This guide covers everything: where to go, how many days, when to fly, what it actually costs in USD, and the e-Visa process by nationality — not a vague, one-size-fits-all answer to a country that genuinely varies region by region. Written to be honest about the hard parts (the traffic, the scams, the sensory overload) as much as the incredible parts, and updated through the season.
Destinations
All Destinations ←
Delhi
2–3 nights, gateway to the Golden Triangle — take the metro, skip the traffic.
Jaipur
2 days, Amber Fort, the Pink City — the most photogenic stop on the Golden Triangle.
Mumbai
2–3 days, India's coastal, cosmopolitan financial and film capital.
Varanasi
2 days, India's spiritual heart — sunrise boats, evening fire ceremonies.
Udaipur
2 days, Rajasthan's City of Lakes — palaces, sunsets, and water everywhere.
Rishikesh
2–3 days, the self-declared Yoga Capital of the World — plus real white-water rafting.
Beaches & Coast
All Beaches & Coast ←
Goa
India's beach capital — Portuguese churches, seafood, and two very different coastlines.
Alleppey & the Kerala Backwaters
An overnight houseboat cruise through a genuinely different, slow-paced India.
Attractions
All Attractions ←The Taj Mahal and India's Best Attractions
Four completely different must-sees — and the etiquette that keeps each one respectful.
Ajanta & Ellora Caves
Two UNESCO rock-cut cave complexes, one monolithic temple carved from a single mountain.
The Khajuraho Temples
1,000-year-old temples famous for their intricate — and famously explicit — stone carvings.
Ranthambore Tiger Safari
One of India's best real chances to see a wild tiger — book the right zone, not just any safari.
Jaipur City Palace
A magnificent blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture.
Goa Beaches
A paradise for sun-seekers and party lovers alike.
Food
All Food ←Indian Food: What to Eat and What It Costs
It's not one cuisine — here's what changes by region, and what it costs.
South Indian vs. North Indian Food
Rice and coconut vs. wheat and dairy — two genuinely different cuisines.
The Thali Guide: India's Regional Specialties in One Plate
One plate, several small dishes — the single best way to sample a region's food.
Practical Info
All Practical Info ←
India e-Visa & Entry Requirements (2026)
Almost everyone needs one — here's exactly how to apply, and for how much.
Money, Safety, Health & eSIM in India
Cash, vaccines, real safety risks, and staying connected.
Articles & Comparisons
All Articles & Comparisons ←Rajasthan or Kerala: Which Region Is Right for You?
Desert forts vs. tropical backwaters — an honest head-to-head.
Best Time to Visit India: Monsoon Timing by Region
The monsoon doesn't hit the whole country at once — here's the real regional breakdown.
The Golden Triangle: A 7-Day Itinerary
A real day-by-day plan for Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur — not a vague overview.
10 Mistakes First-Time India Travelers Actually Make
The real, specific mistakes — not vague 'be careful' advice.