Essential Guide for Travel to India

India is not only a country it is an experience. Stretching from the frozen summits of the Himalayas to the emerald tropical scenery of Kerala, it is a varied colorful extravaganza.

For those who have been to this incredible country, there is no stopping, admiring its mind-boggling diversity, its astonishing culture and its spectacularly picturesque landscapes.

However, for those, who are contemplating their maiden visit to the country, this essential travel guide for India will provide you with some most amazing tips to make your India trip memorable.

For a country as vast in dimensions and as varied in culture as India, the number of destinations worth visiting and worth cherishing is colossal. Choosing the top places to visit in India for the first-timer can be one of the most perplexing tasks for anyone well-versed in India’s variety.

Therefore this guide also endeavors to furnish you with the most helpful advice for travel to India as a first-time visitor. Check out the following article and gear yourself for a journey of a lifetime.

It is said that anyone who comes to India becomes a part of it. Thus, be prepared for an experience which is sure to find a permanent place in your heart and memory when you travel to India.

North India Tour: Travel to India

Top Attractions in North India

North India has been a land of many powerful kingdoms. These eras of rule have left behind a wonderful legacy which is worth exploring. There are magnificent forts, palaces, temples and other relics.

The holy pilgrimages sites are some of the most traveled destinations in north India. Devotees from all over the world come for a visit to be blessed by the divine. There are also various pilgrimage centers in North India which are challenging treks in the mountains.

The mountains of the Himalayas are the hub of adventurous activities. The snow-covered peaks offer the best views with some of the most exciting activities like Skiing. The lush valleys are ideal for camping paragliding etc.

Desert safaris are the adventures of the barren yet mystical landscape. The abundant forests and wildlife sanctuaries offer the thrill of safaris and the experience of coming near to the exotic and wild species inhabiting the natural retreat.

Popular States in North India

Jammu and Kashmir – A beautiful north Indian state famous for hill stations and adventure activities.

Himachal Pradesh – Himachal Pradesh is also similar like Jammu and Kashmir. It is adorned with beautiful hill stations and is one of the most famous tourist destinations in North India

Uttarakhand – Uttarakhand is also known as “Dev Bhoomi”. There are so many pilgrimage sites like Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Haridwar, Rishikesh etc.

Rajasthan – For many traveling to the land of Rajput warrior princes is synonymous with travel to India when combined with the famed golden triangle. The land of Rajas and Maharajas. The desert state is full of history, heritage and countless untold stories.

Punjab – The Land of Five Rivers, Punjab has numerous pictorial places to check out. Amritsar is the most popular city among visitors and so is the Golden Temple, the most spiritual site of Sikhism.

Haryana – The State with a proud history and is popular for heritage attractions and natural sites.

Madhya Pradesh – The heart of India, Madhya Pradesh have diverse delights like historical places as well as wildlife sanctuaries and parks.

Uttar Pradesh – The state has spirituality, natural beauty, intriguing history and other numerous enchantments for the visitors.

Best Time to travel in North India

The best time to travel to North India is considered between October and March. The hottest summers and the chilliest winters are usual here. Summer temperatures are as high as 45° Celsius while winter temperatures drop down to sub-zero levels. The monsoon brings in a pleasant climate with light to heavy showers. So choose the destination that best suits your interests and preferences.

Suggested Itineraries for North India Tour

Airports in North India with Visa on Arrival Facility

Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi; Amritsar International Airport, Jaipur International Airport.

Major Festivals in North India

South India Tour: Travel to India

Top Attractions in South India

South India comprises all of the peninsular India. It is the land of backwaters, incredible history, heritage and a charming culture. Ayurveda was born in South India. This ancient science of longevity is now taking a rebirth and is being increasingly adopted and recognized locally and internationally. Exploring the treasures of South India is something which every visitor must spend time on. There is no escape from marvelling at the exquisite art, sculptures and structures of the numerous temples, monuments and other wonderful pieces of art and architecture in southern India.

Adventures are common here. The Western Ghats in South India offer some of the most pleasurable thrills. The expanse of vast waters of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean are blessed with amazing excitements. These waters are also host an incredible world of marine life. There are beautiful reefs, colorful species, and other amazement. The waves of the ocean are ideal for surfing as well as enjoying other sports.

Popular States in South India

Kerala – Lovingly known as God’s Own Country, this land of Ayurveda has pretty hill stations, beaches, backwaters and wildlife sanctuaries.

Tamil Nadu – Also known as the ‘temple state of India’, Tamilnadu is famous for Hill Stations and several other pilgrimage destinations.

Karnataka – One of the most spectacular destinations in South India, Karnataka is famous for its historical sites and wildlife.

Andhra Pradesh – There are so many exquisite locations to explore like Hyderabad, Secunderabad, Vishakhapatnam, Belum Caves, Araku Valley, etc.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands – With numerous unexplored beaches, Andaman and Nicobar islands are accessible from the eastern shore of the mainland. It is doubtlessly beautiful beyond words.

Port Blair – The capital of Andaman and Nicobar Island. There are exciting thrills for adventure lovers that become cherished memories of your holiday.

Lakshadweep Islands – Situated in the heart of the Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep Islands are popular for ten inhabited islands which are Agatti, Amini, Andrott, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Kiltan and Minicoy.

Pondicherry – A charming vestige of the colonial era, Pondicherry is popular for its beaches, ashrams, historical monuments and fascinating colonies.

Best Time to Travel in South India

The best time to travel to South India is during the winter months, but even the monsoons are a good time to enjoy its diverse locations and attractions. The peak season is from December to February when the temperatures are at their pleasant best.

Suggested Itineraries for South India Tour

Airports in South India with Visa on Arrival Facility –

Chennai International Airport, Kochi International Airport, Thiruvananthapuram Airport, Hyderabad Airport and Bengaluru International Airport.

Major Festivals in South India

Northeast India Tour: Travel to India

Top Attractions in North East India

North East India is blessed with beautiful mountains of the Himalayas. One of the unexplored splendors of the country, it comprises various delights. There are beautiful locations, heritage sites, colonial vestiges, tea plantations and other amazement.

Truly blessed by nature, the region has high mountain peaks covered in snow. The lush valleys are carpeted with tea plantations. There are secret caves, misty waterfalls and the rainiest place on the Earth besides ancient root bridges and serene villages for the tribal population. The blessed environs host some exciting wildlife sanctuaries. The medley of urban and tribal cultures offers exciting experiences in the mountains. Do not miss the blissful monasteries in the northeast, snuggled on the mountain and preserving the ancient link to holy Tibet and Buddhism.

Adventures of the northeast region include trekking, skiing, snowboarding, river rafting and other exciting activities.

Popular States in North East India –

Assam – The Home of North Eastern Himalayas. There are many wildlife national parks to check out.

Sikkim – Blessed with the mountains, Sikkim is popular for some unmissable attractions.

Meghalaya – Literally meaning ‘The Abode of Clouds’, Meghalaya is a beautiful state which is pervaded with some amazing attractions.

Mizoram – There are scenic attractions like Aizawl, Chamhai, Lunglei, Kolasib, Serchipp, Lawngtlai, etc. The dramatic landscape needs to be experienced by staying in villages and learning the art and lives of the people.

Nagaland – One of the best destinations to experience tribal heritage in northeast India. Dimapur, Kohima, Mokokchung, Mon, Tuensang, and Zunheboto are destinations which are replete with numerous places of interest.

Arunachal Pradesh – One of the lesser-known treasures of Northeast India. The ‘land of the dawn-lit mountains’ has many scenic beauties.

Tripura – This state with numerous beautiful hill stations shares its boundary with Bangladesh. Tripura has some intriguing delights in Agartala, Jampui Hills, Dharmanagar, Udaipur, Kailashahar, etc.

Manipur – Manipur is a state with pictorial cities like Imphal, Moirang, Ukhrul, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Chandel, Senapati, Tamenglong, Churachandpur, etc.

Best Time to Travel in North East India

The best time to visit northeast India is from November to April, although the high mountain areas are extremely cold by December. It rains heavily from May to the end of September. Summers are sticky and humid in the plains of Assam and West Bengal.

Suggested Itineraries for North East India Tour

Airports in North East India with Visa on Arrival Facility –

Kolkata International Airport.

Major Festivals in North East India

West India Tour: Travel to India

Top Attractions in West India

West India is one of the most colorful regions of the country. The topography also ranges from arid, and semi-arid to lush green. Dominated by the geographical diversity of the salt marshes of Rann of Kutch and the verdant Western Ghats which dominates most of the region. Snuggled along the Arabian Sea, there are plenty of scenic beaches. The landscape is the biggest draw for the visitors.

The western region of India has many remnants of powerful kingdoms and dynasties. Explore the colonial glory in various monuments. Powerful kingdoms have left behind awe-inspiring forts, palaces, monuments and exquisite architecture.

Adventures thrive in Western India. The Western Ghats, the cerulean waters, and the salt marshes have plentiful adventures to offer. Go for trekking, scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, safaris and other exciting escapades in the state.

Popular States in West India

Maharashtra – Maharashtra house plentiful allures. There are historical sites, religious sites, charming hill Stations and exciting beaches etc.

Gujarat – A beautiful state blessed with stunning diversity, Gujarat is famous for historical buildings and numerous religious sites.

Goa – The party capital of India, Goa is renowned for its beaches, places of worship and adventure activities.

Dadra and Nagar Haveli – A Union Territory, Dadra and Nagar Haveli is famous for its gardens, Museums and Lakes. It is also famous for its wildlife.

Daman and Diu – Here you will find some exquisite beaches and other relatively lesser-known scenic sites to explore!

Best Time to Travel in West India

The best time to travel to west India coincides with the peak tourist season in India. From October to March, the weather is at its best. The summers are hot while the monsoon is blissful and is a good time for exploring the scenic hill stations of Western Ghats and Goa. Winters are perfect for your trip!

Suggested Itineraries for West India Tour

Airports in West India with Visa on Arrival Facility –

Goa Airport, Ahmedabad Airport, Mumbai Airport

Major Festivals in West India

Vishal Chauhan

Vishal Chauhan is a procrastinator and a self appointed philosopher who likes to pen his randomly awesome thoughts. Although his chief interests are travel and health, Vishal is an expert commentator on Kashmir tourism and has a thing for mountains.