Traveling to India without any preparation does not seem like an easy journey considering the vastness of the country. The section below of the most requested India travel FAQs will definitely prove to be useful for travelers who want to visit the vibrant nation. This article answers all the minor and major concerns related to your travel plans in India. It will definitely help you plan and organize the best trip of your lifetime without much stress and hassle.
- Do I Need a visa to travel India?
All foreign visitors to India require a visa, except for citizens of neighboring countries Bhutan, Maldives and Nepal, unless they are entering from mainland China. Citizens of Japan and South Korea can obtain a visa on arrival, while all others must apply for a visa before arriving in India. There is also a facility to apply for a 60-day hassle-free e-Visa for citizens of over 150 countries. This e-Visa is sometimes called a ‘visa on arrival’ although you need to apply for it before you actually arrive in India. The e-Visa allows entry through 28 designated airports and 5 seaports while it allows exit from India through any valid immigration checkpoints.
2. What is the visa cost for India?
Depending on the type and validity of your visa, the visa fee for India varies. The fee also varies depending on the country you are from. Citizens of not all countries pay the same visa fee. There are countries like Argentina, Indonesia, Mauritius, Myanmar, South Africa, Uruguay and many others that are exempted from the Indian visa fee. The current visa fee for US citizens is US$150 for a period of up to 10 years with an additional processing fee of US$19.90. In general terms, the Indian visa fees are as follows (except for some countries):
- e-Tourist Visa $10 for 30 days (April to June), double entry
- e-Tourist Visa $25 for 30 days (rest of the months), double entry
- e-Tourist Visa $40 for 1 year, multiple entry
- e-Tourist Visa $80 for 5 years, multiple entry
- e-Business Visa $80 for 1 year, multiple entry
- e-Conference Visa $80 for 30 days, single entry
- e-Medical Visa $80 for 60 days, triple entry
- e-Medical Attendant Visa $80 for 60 days, triple entry
For more information, please visit.
https://travelvisabookings.com/india-visa-fees/
3. Can I apply for the India visa Online?
Citizens of over 150 countries are eligible to apply for an e-visa. Not all countries can apply for an e-visa online, so you should check if you are eligible. For more details, check the following:
India, 0nline visa: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
Travel Visa: https://travelvisabookings.com/india-visa-fees/
4. When in the best time to travel to India?
Generally, India’s weather is categorized into summer, winter, and monsoon. The best time to travel to India would be the coolest and driest months between October and early April. These months are considered ideal for taking in the highlights and countless hidden gems of the vast country. In the northern part of the country, the skies remain clear while the southern region will be a bit warmer with always calm coastal beach weather. The north is comparatively very cold from December to March with foggy mornings and the Himalayan regions in the extreme north are very cold, but have stunning mountain views.
After the winter comes the scorching summer with a rise in temperature from mid-April to early June. Summers are hot and dry and temperatures in the south can be scorching hot. This time of year is an excellent time to head to the extreme north or the north-eastern parts of the country such as Ladakh, Shimla, Sikkim or Darjeeling. May marks the start of the monsoon and lasts till early September. The lowland areas can experience flooding during the monsoon. However, one advantage of traveling during the monsoon is that the backdrop transforms into lush greenery and flowing rivers that showcase beautiful landscapes and the perfect opportunity for cruising on the Kerala backwaters.
5. What is the included in my India tour cost?
The price you pay for your India tour includes all airport and hotel transfers, domestic flights, ground transportation, hotels on a shared basis for two with breakfast, entrance fees to monuments, tour guide, train fare (if any), sightseeing, all entertainment activities such as rickshaw rides, elephant rides, and boat rides, and all government and local taxes. In addition, safari tours to national parks and trekking tours in Ladakh are all-inclusive packages.
6, Why should I visa India?
India is a vast country with boundless cultural experiences, vibrant festivals, diverse culinary delights, historical landmarks, natural landscapes, and plenty of adventure activities. India is an extremely attractive and architecturally rich country filled with historical monuments, timeless mosques, elaborate palaces, impressive forts, and countless prehistoric ruins. Here are some of the compelling reasons why you should visit India:
- To interact with the local people of India, mostly in the rural areas, who are some of the nicest and most generous people
- To immerse in the exquisite beauty of Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world
- To taste the delicious food preparations
- To explore Varanasi, the oldest city of India on the banks of the Ganges River, the holiest river in the world
- To visit the majestic forts and opulent palaces of Rajasthan
- To ideally escape away in the palm-fringed golden beaches
- To witness the religious commotions and spirituality
- To visit the numerous rock sculptures, archaeological sites and monolith statues
- To tour around the incredible wildlife
- To hike or trek in the Indian Himalayas
7. Is India a safe country?
In general, India is generally safe for tourists. You will find many people willing to help foreigners, especially in major tourist areas. Serious crime is not common in this country, at least not with foreign tourists. Pickpockets and bag snatchers can be found in crowded places such as bus depots or train stations, so we highly recommend that you take care of your belongings if you are in a public place. Some people may try to scam you or extort money from you into various accounts. Although armed or violent robberies are not widespread, you should always be vigilant and plan ahead so that you do not have to walk the streets alone at night. Female travelers should wear modest clothing, such as ankle-length skirts and tops, to avoid exposing parts of their skin. If you are showing too much skin, it may tempt criminals to harass you.
Although India is a relatively safe country, there are some dangers that first-time travelers should be aware of. India is a very large country and not all parts of India are the same in terms of crime and safety. There are many places in the country that are crime-free and safe to walk around the city at night.
8. What is Indian Best Known for?
India is a very vast country, in fact the seventh largest nation in the world in terms of area. It has a rich and profound history and cultural heritage. India is best known for its myriad cultures and its promise of unity in diversity. The nation is famous for its hospitality and Bollywood, the Hindi film industry. It is famous for its spicy and diverse culinary delights, vibrant festivals, religious celebrations and spiritual connections. India is also known for its large population, an ancient extraordinary railway network, deep spirituality and being a great value destination.
From across the hundreds of things, India is most popular in the following:
- Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
- Thousands of different cultures followed in the entire country.
- Celebration of festivals of all religions with full enthusiasm.
- One of the spiritual hotspots of the world.
- World’s second most populated country.
- Each state of the country has its signature recipes of ethnic cuisine.
- India’s contribution to Math – Zero was found by an Indian mathematician.
- The sport of cricket, although hockey is the national game.
- Motorcycle touring in Ladakh and Manali.
- Remarkable forts and palaces of Rajasthan, Hyderabad, Delhi & Mysore.
- Grand temples of Amritsar, Khajuraho, Ajanta, Odisha & Tamil Nadu.
- Ancient ruins of Hampi, Nalanda, Fatehpur Sikri and Maharashtra.
- Sophisticated cities of Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Chennai.
- Old-fashioned Bazaars of Old Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad.
- Stunning coastlines of Kerala, Goa, Andaman Island, Gokarna and Puri.
- Glorious hill-stations of Shimla, Darjeeling, Nainital, and Munnar.
- Kayak and row-boat tours in Assam, Kerala, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh.
- Mountains of Ladakh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Arunachal Pradesh.
- Wildlife Safari tours in Assam, Gujarat, Karnataka, Spiti and Kerala.
- Spiritual Pursuits in Bihar, Rishikesh, Puducherry, Kerala and Mysore.
9. Are there ATM facilities in India?
Of course there are. In fact, ATMs of numerous banks are scattered abundantly on every street, every block, highway, shopping mall and everywhere in India. Currently, India has about 2,38,000 ATMs across the country.
10. What is the security like in India for tourists?
With around 10 million visitors from foreign countries each year, India is generally considered safe for tourists. While there are some risks to travel to India, as in most Asian countries, awareness is key. You will find some of the most densely populated cities in the world in India, making it a high risk for petty crimes such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, scams, counterfeiting of documents and tickets, and muggings of people for food and drinks. Women traveling to India may face reproach if you do not dress modestly and show a little too much of your skin. To avoid any harassment, it is advised to avoid walking alone at night. Also, women should prefer to stay with other women when using public transport, and if alone, keep the door of their hotel room locked from the inside.
Although India is safe for female travelers, the worst experience you can have is unwanted attention from men. By being aware of potential dangers, you can always avoid harassment or other serious accidents.
11. Is India worth visiting?
Yes, India is definitely worth a visit. As one of the oldest civilizations in the world, India is such a vast and diverse country that you can’t see the whole of India in a month. The ancient Hindu culture, the exquisitely amazing Indian cuisine, the ancient art and architectural designs are worth a visit. A visitor can find almost everything they want in India and it is very cheap to travel to India. Along with the historical palaces of Rajasthan and the backwaters of Kerala, the snowfall in Himachal Pradesh is a complete experience. What more could you ask for besides exploring spirituality and marveling at the history and architecture of India? It is definitely worth a visit to India and to prove it right, you need to visit it at least once in your lifetime and experience it for yourself.
12. Is India safe to travel?
India is generally safe for foreign tourists. While crimes are reported in the country, violent crime incidents are not unheard of. It should be noted that not all places in India are unsafe – there are safe places too. Foreigners are particularly safe while petty thefts such as pickpocketing or bag snatching are very common in tourist areas. There may have been reports of bad incidents in the past, but such incidents happen elsewhere in the world too. This does not mean that the entire country is involved in such criminal activities. Yes, you should exercise caution and extra caution when traveling. Always keep all your valuables with you or keep them safe in your hotel and never open large sums of money when making purchases at roadside shops. For more information, you can click on the following links:
India Travel Advisory – Travel.gov – US Department of State
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/india-travel-advisory.html
India travel advice – GOV.UK
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india
India Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/india
Travel advice and advisories for India
Travel.gc.catravel.gc.ca
https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/india
13. What is the weather and climate like in India?
Since India is a very vast country, it has many different climates and microclimates. So, if you are planning to travel to India, check the weather conditions of your destination in India. The climate of India can be classified as hot tropical, except for some northern states which have a relatively cool and more continental influenced climate. Summers are extremely hot in most parts of India except for the ones mentioned above. It starts from April and continues till the end of September. In the northern plains and western parts, the temperature rises to a maximum of 45 °C (113 °F) and sometimes even higher in June. This is also the month when the monsoon hits most of the country. The northern plains experience cold weather in winter and the minimum temperature is less than 5 °C (41 °F). In the northern high altitudes, there is snowfall throughout the winter and the summer months are slightly warmer.
14. Where are the most popular places to visit in India?
India is an intoxicating and fascinating destination full of diverse geography. This vast nation has dense forests, towering mountain peaks, tropical coastlines, and arid deserts that offer an unforgettable experience to every adventurer and culture lover. India is such a vast country that you cannot explore it all in a single visit. Some of the major destinations and popular places to visit in India are listed below which will surely help you choose and plan the perfect trip:
- Agra – Home to the amazing Taj Mahal
- Delhi – A sprawling capital city with abundant Mughal architecture
- Pondicherry – Boulevards, endless coastlines and huge Gothic churches
- Amritsar – Home to the popular Golden Temple, the center of Sikhism
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands – Exceptional diving possibilities
- Rajasthan – The land of the pink city and the vast Thar Desert
- Kashmir – Undoubtedly the Switzerland of India
- Varanasi – The spiritual capital of India, the city with the holiest river on earth
- Sunderbans – For its mysterious wilderness
- Sikkim – Revel in awe-inspiring natural scenery
- Aurangabad – Home to the magnificent Ajanta and Ellora caves
- Goa – Plenty of water activities for beach lovers
- Jaisalmer – An oasis of magnificent ancient architecture
- Kerala – Calm and winding backwaters
- Darjeeling – Rolling tea plantations and World Heritage Toy Train
- Meghalaya – The abode of clouds and the wettest place in the world
- Ran of Kutch – The world’s largest salt desert
- Hampi – For backpackers and seasoned travelers
15. Is tap water safe to drink in India?
The short answer to this question is no! In India, tap water is not considered suitable for drinking as it can be full of all sorts of contaminants that are extremely unsafe. Restaurants will serve pure drinking water, but we recommend drinking bottled water from the best brands. Branded companies maintain the highest standards during water filtration and bottling. Branded mineral water bottles may not be available everywhere, so make sure to check the seal as some unscrupulous shops may fill the bottle with tap water and seal it unprofessionally, indicating adulteration.
16. Is India a good destination for traveling with children?
While India may not be the most popular family vacation option, it will definitely be even more amazing for kids. Time and again, the alluring India and its sights, sounds, and smells have proven to be a magical and eye-opening destination that offers unforgettable adventures to groups of kids. The best areas for kids would be Rajasthan, Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Himachal Pradesh. These places are filled with incredible views, beautiful landscapes, fun activities, and imaginative cuisine. Other fun places for kids are:
- Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
- Udaipur, Rajasthan
- Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
- Havelock, Andaman Islands
- Houseboat, kayak or canoe in Allepey, Kerala
- Toy train in Darjeeling, West Bengal
- Goa – to see the dolphins
- Gujarat – lions
- Kerala – Elephants
- Madhya Pradesh – the land of Kipling’s Jungle Book.
17. Is India a good destination for solo women traveler?
Traveling alone as a woman in India requires taking some precautions and giving up a little freedom depending on your destination. Not all places are safe and not all places in India are unsafe. In fact, traveling alone as a woman in India is more common than you might think. Northern India is considered safer for solo female travelers than the southern regions. The only mantra to keep your trip safe and exciting is to dress conservatively, covering your shoulders and legs no matter where you are traveling. You should be polite and confident with the people you meet during your trip. A bad experience on your trip should not be a weakness of the country and just because someone had a terrible experience in the past, it does not mean that everyone will have the same experience. Despite all the warnings and depressing media reports, India is actually, in some ways, a very good destination for solo female travelers. It is worth it!
18. What should I pack when traveling to India?
You will probably find tens of hundreds of packing list on the internet, but for orthodox India you need to be specific while packing your stuff. Another important aspect of your packing list depends on the specific region in India where you will be traveling. Listed below are the quintessential items you need to include while packing for an Indian journey, in general:
- Luggage, carryon suitcase or a comfortable backpack
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Walking sandals
- Flip-flops
- Loose fitting and breathable clothing (long skirts, loose-fitting pants, comfortable T-shirts), khaki pants, long sleeve cotton shirts, several pairs of undergarments, socks, hoodie or light weight sweater, bathing suit, shorts, scarf, swim-suit)
- Small bag of toiletries, toilet paper, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer
- Personal care items (shampoo, conditioner, moisturizers, razor, deodorant, condoms, sanitary napkins and pads)
- Portable charger and extra camera batteries
- Torch or flashlight
- Sunglasses, hat, padlock and chain
- Medicines
- Water bottle
- Money/Credit cards
- Guide book, pen and journals
19. What kind of food will I be able to eat in India?
The Indian gastronomy has never had a setback although the large metropolis areas are filled with McDonalds, Pizza Hut, KFC, Burger King, Barista, Domino’s Pizza, Starbucks, and many Italian and such other restaurants. As India is a diverse country, the variation in the cuisine delights is not a bit less. As a traveler in India, we recommend you to try the following irresistible food items:
- Naan/Paratha
- Indian Thali
- Malai Kofta
- Dal Makhani
- Butter Chicken/Butter Paneer
- Hyderabadi Biryani
- Tandoori meat and vegetables
- Masala Dosa
- Samosa and Kachori
- Chaat Masala
- Fish Curry
- Uttapam
- Dahi Vaada
- Chicken or Mutton Kebabs
- Dhokla
- Chhole Bhature
- Idly Sambar
- Sweetmeats like Rasmalai, Jalebi, Rasgulla, Gulab Jamun, Barfi and Rabdi
20. Do I need any vaccinations to travel to India?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend the following vaccines for travel to India: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies, Meningitis, Polio, Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), Chickenpox, Measles, Pneumonia, and Influenza.
Japanese Encephalitis is a serious threat in India. Dengue is also very common in India during the monsoon and summer seasons. Although vaccination is not required, mosquito repellent and bed nets can help protect against both Japanese Encephalitis and Dengue. All travelers from infected countries require a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. Meningitis is a periodic risk, so vaccination is advised. Rabies is also present in India. Therefore, it is safe for high-risk visitors to consider getting vaccinated before coming to India. For more details about vaccination requirements, you can visit the CDC website:
21. What kind of accommodation is available in India?
There is a vast array of hotels and guesthouses available across India, catering to both Indian travelers and foreign tourists. Overall, accommodation offers good value for money to all travelers, depending on their budget. There are some excellent 7-star hotels in India’s metropolitan cities as well as budget hotels, youth hostels, motels and guesthouses. Luxury establishments generally carry international price tags and offer Western-style comforts and amenities.
While there are many accommodation options when traveling to India, our standard tour package to India includes 3-star hotel accommodation. It is up to you to choose where to stay based on your budget and spending skills.
22. Is India good family destination?
Family vacations in India have their own element of fun and entertainment, with countless attractions, experiences, and hospitality. Whether India is a good family destination or not can only be justified when you and your family have a truly great time at a particular destination in the country. If you and your family are beach lovers, but are only looking at the city life of India, you probably won’t have a good time and may conclude that India is not a good family destination. You really need to go to the coastline and visit the golden beaches and spend some time to prove whether India is a good family destination or not.
With a plethora of hill stations, idyllic beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, backwaters, many other tourist attractions, and a lot of fun options, there are many things that you can choose from to make a memorable vacation in India for your entire family.
23. What safety issues should I consider while in India?
Here are some of the safety measures you should take while traveling to India:
- If you are a female solo traveler traveling locally in trains, consider entering the women’s compartment.
- Be aware when you are in a very crowded place and keep your belongings very close to you.
- Don’t go out alone at night.
- Don’t ever trust strangers, not even the youngsters.
- Don’t travel carrying a lot of cash with you.
- Make backup copies of all you important documents and keep it safely and separately, away from the original copies.
- Learn to say ‘no’ firmly, without being rude – it is the easiest way to get out of unwanted situations.
- Note down the emergency phone numbers, in case you need them.
- Be mindful of local sentiments – Indians get offended too easily.
- Be careful on the roads – people are impatient and always in a hurry while drivers are infamous for the lack of traffic sense.
- Watch what you eat – it is important to take care of your health as well.
24. What are India’s main attractions?
India’s history is rich and diverse, spanning thousands of years, and for this reason, the country has many tourist attractions with historical significance. Some of the extraordinary tourist attractions in India that have their own history and significance are as follows:
- Taj Mahal, Agra
- Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Maharashtra
- Varanasi & the Holy Ganges River
- The Golden City of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
- Golden Temple, Amritsar
- The Red Fort, New Delhi
- Mecca Masjid, Hyderabad
- Gateway of India, Mumbai
- The Beaches in Goa
- Amber Fort, Jaipur
- Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
- Agra Fort, Agra
- Mysore Palace, Mysore
- Pangong Lake, Ladakh
- Hampi, Karnataka
- Backwaters of Kerala
- Jama Masjid, Delhi
- Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, Madurai
- Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya
- Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai
- Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
- Victoria Memorial, Kolkata
- Jallianwala Bagh – Amritsar
- Great Rann of Kutch – Kutch
- Nalanda – Bihar
- Hawa Mahal – Jaipur
- Elephanta Caves – Mumbai
- Bara Imambara – Lucknow
- Fatehpur Sikri – Agra
- Sanchi Stupa – Sanchi
- Junagarh Fort – Bikaner
