India

India’s story reaches back thousands of years, beginning with the Indus Valley Civilisation, one of the world’s earliest urban cultures. Over centuries, powerful kingdoms and empires, including the Mauryas, Guptas, Cholas, Delhi Sultanates and Mughals, shaped the country’s religions, languages, architecture, trade and arts. Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Islam, Christianity and many other traditions have all contributed to India’s extraordinary cultural richness. 

From the 17th century, British influence expanded across the subcontinent, eventually leading to colonial rule. India gained independence on 15 August 1947 after a long freedom movement led by figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and many others. The country became a republic in 1950.  

Today, India is a democratic republic where ancient traditions coexist with modern cities, technology and global enterprise. For travelers, this layered history can be felt everywhere, from centuries-old temples, mosques and palaces to bustling markets, regional cuisines and colorful festivals.

India offers an exceptional variety of accommodation, from luxurious five-star hotels and former palace properties to boutique heritage stays, stylish city hotels, wildlife lodges and charming rural retreats. Many hotels combine modern comfort with local character, whether that is Mughal-inspired design, Rajasthani architecture, colonial heritage or views of the Himalayas, tea gardens and national parks. 

Accommodation standards vary by destination. Major cities and popular tourist areas offer a wide choice of international and high-quality local hotels, while remote regions may have simpler but comfortable lodges. The right properties are selected according to your itinerary, travel style, and preferred level of comfort.

India’s weather varies greatly by region and season. The Himalayan north can be cool or snowy, while central and northern plains experience hot summers and cooler winters. Southern India and the coastal regions are generally warmer and more tropical throughout the year, while Rajasthan has a dry desert climate. 

The hottest period is usually from April to June, when temperatures in Delhi, Rajasthan and many central and northern cities often reach 35–45°C (95–113°F) or higher. Southern and coastal areas are usually humid rather than extremely dry, with temperatures commonly around 28–35°C (82–95°F). 

The monsoon generally brings rain between June and September, although its timing and intensity vary across the country. For many areas, October to March offers pleasant sightseeing weather, while the warmer months can be ideal for Himalayan journeys, wildlife safaris and hill-station stays. Pack according to your itinerary, as temperatures can differ widely between destinations.

Religion is an important part of daily life for many people in India and is closely woven into the country’s festivals, family traditions, food, art and architecture. Hinduism is the largest faith, while Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism and other religions are also widely practised. 

For travellers, this diversity is one of India’s most memorable qualities. You may see temple bells and morning prayers, hear the call to prayer from mosques, visit serene monasteries or encounter colourful processions and festivals. Respectful dress and behaviour at places of worship are always appreciated.

Indian food is wonderfully varied, with every region offering its own flavours, ingredients and cooking traditions. In the north, enjoy tandoori dishes, creamy curries and breads such as naan and paratha. The south is known for rice-based dishes, coconut, lentils, dosas and tangy sambar, while coastal regions offer excellent seafood. Rajasthan is famous for hearty desert cuisine, and Bengal is celebrated for fish dishes and sweets. 

Meals often include rice or breads with lentils, vegetables, curries, yoghurt, and pickles. India also has a remarkable vegetarian tradition, making it an excellent destination for vegetarian and vegan travelers. Spices are used with great skill, but not every dish is very hot, and hotels or reputable restaurants can usually adjust the spice level. Trying regional specialities, enjoying a cup of masala chai and sharing a traditional thali are all memorable parts of travelling in India. 

Tap water is not recommended for visitors in India. Drink sealed bottled water or water that has been properly filtered, boiled or treated. Most good hotels and restaurants provide safe filtered drinking water, and a reusable bottle can be refilled from a trusted source. 

Use treated water for brushing teeth where possible, and avoid ice, raw salads or cut fruit unless you are confident they have been prepared with safe water. Choosing freshly cooked, hot food from reputable restaurants is also a sensible precaution. 

Donations and offerings at temples, mosques, monasteries, churches and other sacred sites are generally voluntary. You may see donation boxes or choose to make a small offering as a respectful gesture, but visitors should never feel obliged to give. 

Some temples may have a separate, clearly displayed fee for a specific ritual, special entry or guided service. If you are unsure, ask your guide before contributing. Avoid feeling pressured by unsolicited requests for money, and follow the local customs and rules of each site.

Giving is a personal choice, but there is no need to feel pressured to give money when approached. We generally recommend avoiding direct cash handouts, especially to children, as this can unintentionally encourage begging and may keep children away from school. 

If you would like to help, consider supporting a reputable local charity or community initiative instead. Your guide can suggest appropriate options during your journey. 

Bargaining is common in local markets, bazaars and souvenir stalls, especially for clothes, handicrafts, jewellery and other items without a fixed price. It is usually part of the experience, so feel free to negotiate in a friendly way. 

In established shops, boutiques, galleries, hotels and malls, prices are normally fixed. Your guide can recommend reliable places to shop and help you understand a fair price for local crafts, textiles, spices, jewellery and other regional specialities 

English is widely spoken in India, especially in major cities, hotels, airports, restaurants, shops and the tourism industry. Your guides and most hotel staff will be able to communicate comfortably in English. 

India is also home to many regional languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Marathi, Telugu, Gujarati and Malayalam. English may be less common in rural areas, but your guide will assist with communication wherever needed. 

India is wonderfully diverse, and customs vary between regions, religions and communities. Dressing modestly is appreciated, particularly at temples, mosques, monasteries and rural areas. Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting sacred places, remove shoes where requested, and follow your guide’s instructions on photography and access, as some sites restrict entry or photography. 

Use your right hand, or both hands, when giving or receiving food, money or gifts. Avoid pointing the soles of your feet towards people or religious objects, and ask permission before photographing local people, monks or religious ceremonies. Public displays of affection are best kept discreet. 

A warm, patient and respectful approach goes a long way. India’s cultural richness is one of its greatest pleasures, and your guide will be happy to explain local customs as you travel. 

Pack according to the season, destinations, and activities in your itinerary. Light, breathable clothing is ideal for most regions, while northern India, the Himalayas and cooler winter months require warm layers. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a light waterproof jacket or umbrella, sun protection and modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees for visits to religious sites. 

Other useful essentials include personal medication, a basic first-aid kit, insect repellent, hand sanitiser, a reusable water bottle, a universal travel adapter, power bank and some local cash. A small daypack of around 20 litres is useful for carrying everyday items. A torch or headlamp can be helpful during power cuts or remote stays, although a phone flashlight may be enough for most trips. 

If you are bringing a camera, carry spare batteries, memory cards and cleaning materials. Polarised sunglasses and resealable bags are also useful for protecting your belongings from strong sunlight, dust or rain. Keep your passport, visa documents, travel insurance details and copies of important documents secure and easy to access. If you are visiting high-altitude or remote areas, follow the specific packing advice provided for your itinerary.

For international flights operated by Indian airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet and Akasa Air, baggage allowance varies by route and fare type. Economy Class passengers are commonly allowed 20–30 kg of checked baggage, or one or two pieces of up to 23 kg each. Cabin baggage is usually limited to 7 kg in Economy Class, while Business and First Class passengers may receive a higher allowance. 

For domestic flights within India, IndiGo, SpiceJet and Akasa Air generally allow 15 kg of checked baggage and one cabin bag of up to 7 kg in Economy Class. Air India’s domestic allowance may vary according to the fare type. 

Always check the allowance shown on your ticket before travel, particularly when carrying trekking gear, large luggage or souvenirs. Keep valuables, electronics, medication and fragile items in your hand luggage, subject to airline security rules. We also recommend using lockable luggage and leaving some extra space for souvenirs and local crafts purchased during your holiday. 

You do not need to be exceptionally fit to enjoy most trips to India. A reasonable level of mobility is helpful, as sightseeing may involve walking on uneven paths, climbing steps at forts and temples, and spending time outdoors in warm weather. It is also useful to be reasonably fit for walks in wilderness and tribal areas, where paths may be uneven and conditions can be warmer. 

If your itinerary includes trekking in the Himalayas, cycling, wildlife activities, or visits to high-altitude regions, a higher level of fitness may be needed. Please let us know of any medical conditions or mobility concerns in advance so the itinerary can be planned at a comfortable pace. 

India has excellent private hospitals, clinics and English-speaking doctors in major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Kolkata, Chennai and Bengaluru. These facilities can provide high-quality routine and emergency care. 

In smaller towns, rural areas and remote wildlife or Himalayan regions, medical facilities may be more basic and access can take longer. We recommend travelling with comprehensive insurance that includes medical treatment and emergency evacuation where relevant, carrying regular medication in your hand luggage, and informing us of any medical conditions before travel. In an emergency, India’s national emergency number is 112. 

Most travellers do not need a compulsory vaccination certificate to enter India. However, travellers aged nine months or older arriving from, or recently transiting through, a country with a risk of yellow fever may be required to show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. India may also have specific polio vaccination requirements for travellers arriving from certain countries. 

Before travel, ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date and speak with a doctor or travel-health clinic at least four to six weeks before departure. Depending on your health, itinerary and planned activities, vaccinations such as hepatitis A, typhoid, hepatitis B or rabies may be recommended. Entry and health requirements can change, so please check the latest advice relevant to your nationality and travel route.

Bring any regular prescription medicines in their original labelled containers, with enough for the whole trip plus a small extra supply. Keep them in your hand luggage, along with a copy of your prescription or a doctor’s letter showing the generic medicine name and dosage. 

A small personal first-aid kit is useful, including plasters, antiseptic, pain relief, rehydration salts, allergy medicine and treatment for minor stomach upset. If you are travelling to remote areas, trekking or have an existing medical condition, ask your doctor for individual advice before travel. 

Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is required as a condition of booking with us. Your policy should cover medical expenses, accidents, loss or delay of baggage, trip cancellation and interruption. 

If your itinerary includes trekking, wildlife activities, rafting or travel to remote or high-altitude areas, please ensure that your insurance also covers these activities and emergency evacuation, including helicopter evacuation where necessary. Declare any pre-existing medical conditions to your insurer, carry your policy details with you, and check the cover limits carefully before travel.

India uses the Indian Rupee, written as ₹ and abbreviated as INR. Foreign currency can be exchanged at international airports, banks, authorised money changers and selected hotels. 

International Visa and Mastercard debit or credit cards are widely accepted at larger hotels, restaurants, shops and city establishments, while ATMs are common in cities and major towns. India also relies heavily on UPI QR-code payments, especially for small everyday purchases. Foreign visitors may be able to use the UPI One World tourist wallet, but should not depend on digital payments alone. Carry some Indian Rupees in small denominations for tips, local markets, smaller towns and remote areas, where card acceptance and ATM access may be limited.

India is a rewarding destination for travellers, and most visits are trouble-free when sensible precautions are taken. As in any large country, safety conditions vary by region and city. Keep valuables secure, be alert in busy markets, stations and tourist areas, and use trusted transport and licensed guides. 

Traffic can be busy and unpredictable, so take extra care when crossing roads. Avoid isolated areas after dark, be cautious of unsolicited offers or unusually cheap deals, and follow local advice during festivals, demonstrations or bad weather. Travellers should also check their own government’s current travel advice for their specific itinerary, as some border and sensitive regions have additional restrictions. 

In an emergency, call 112. India’s tourist helpline is 1363. 

Tipping is common in India and is generally appreciated, especially for good or extra service. While it is not compulsory and there are no fixed rules for the amount, it is a thoughtful way to thank people who have been helpful or attentive. 

Waiters, room-service attendants, housekeepers, porters, doormen, guides and drivers may all receive tips. Before adding a restaurant tip, check whether a service charge is already included on the bill. Your guide can advise on appropriate local tipping practices during the trip.

India uses 230V electricity at 50Hz. Most modern phones, cameras, tablets and laptops are designed for 100–240V, so you will usually need only a universal travel adapter. India commonly uses round two-pin and three-pin plug sockets, and the pin size can vary between properties, making a universal adapter the most practical option. 

Check the voltage label on your device or charger. If it accepts only 110–120V, you will need a voltage converter. A power bank or spare battery is also useful for long journeys and remote areas.

Wi‑Fi is widely available in most hotels, many restaurants, cafés and airports, especially in cities and major tourist destinations. Connection quality is generally good in urban areas, but it may be slower or less reliable in rural regions, wildlife lodges, mountain areas and during long road journeys. 

For regular access, a local prepaid SIM card or travel eSIM is often the most convenient option. Foreign visitors purchasing a local SIM will normally need to show their passport and valid Indian visa, so it is best to buy it from an authorised provider. International roaming can be expensive. Download offline maps, travel documents and entertainment before travelling to remote areas, and carry a power bank for long days out.