India's seasons vary dramatically by region. The guide below applies to the most-visited areas — Rajasthan, Delhi, Agra, Goa, and Maharashtra. Kerala and the South follow a different monsoon calendar.

Jan

Cool & clear

Feb

Ideal temps

Mar

Warming up

Apr

Very hot

May

Extreme heat

Jun

Rains begin

Jul

Heavy rains

Aug

Heavy rains

Sep

Rains ease

Oct

Post-monsoon

Nov

Best weather

Dec

Peak season

Peak SeasonShoulderAvoid (Heat)Monsoon

North India (Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan)

Best: October – March

Avoid: May – July (extreme heat)

South India (Kerala, Tamil Nadu)

Best: November – February

Avoid: Jun–Sep Southwest Monsoon

Himalaya & Northeast

Best: April – June, Sept – Oct

Avoid: December – March (snow blocks passes)

Entry Requirements

India Visa & Entry

Citizens of over 160 countries can apply for an Indian e-Visa entirely online — no embassy visit required. The process takes around 10 minutes.

e-Visa fee

USD 25–80

Varies by nationality

Processing time

3–5 days

Apply min. 4 days before travel

Validity

30–365 days

Single, double, or multiple entry

Stay per visit

up to 90 days

60 days for US/UK/Canada

Tourist e-Visa

30 days — Double entry

Best for: Short trips up to 30 days

Tourist e-Visa (1 Year)

365 days — Multiple entry

Best for: Long trips or multiple visits

Tourist e-Visa (5 Year)

5 years — Multiple entry

Best for: Frequent travellers

Apply for India e-Visa ↗

Official Government of India e-Visa portal.

Getting Around

Transport in India

India has world-class long-distance transport options. The key is choosing the right mode for each leg of your journey.

Domestic Flights

India has an excellent low-cost airline network. IndiGo, Air India Express, and SpiceJet connect all major cities cheaply — book 3–4 weeks ahead for best fares.

Pro tip

Carry-on only saves time at busy airports.

Compare flights ↗

Indian Railways

The world's largest rail network. Overnight sleeper trains are the romantic (and economical) way to travel between cities. Book AC 2-Tier or 3-Tier for comfort.

Pro tip

Book on IRCTC at least 60 days ahead — popular trains sell out fast.

Book train tickets ↗

Private Car & Driver

The most flexible option for Rajasthan and South India circuits. A hired car with driver costs ₹3,000–5,000/day and removes all logistics stress.

Pro tip

Negotiate a multi-day rate — daily rates drop significantly for longer trips.

Find drivers on Viator ↗

Tuk-Tuks & Local

Auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws, and local buses are the heartbeat of Indian city travel. Use Ola or Uber in major cities — metered and safe.

Pro tip

Always agree on price before boarding unmetered autos.

Budget Planning

How Much Does India Cost?

India is extraordinary value at every budget. Costs below are per person per day, excluding international flights.

Budget

₹2,000–3,500

~$25–42 per person / day

Hostel dorm or budget guesthouse
Street food, dhabas & thali meals
Sleeper-class train travel
Self-guided sightseeing

Most PopularMid-range

₹5,000–10,000

~$60–120 per person / day

Heritage hotel or boutique haveli
Sit-down restaurants & rooftop dining
Private AC car between cities
Entry fees + one guided tour/day

Luxury

₹18,000+

~$220+ per person / day

Palace hotels (Taj, Oberoi, RAAS)
Fine dining & private chef experiences
Private chauffeur throughout
Private guides at every site

Before You Go

Essential India Travel Tips

Buy a SIM on Arrival

Airtel and Jio prepaid SIMs are available at airports. Bring a printed copy of your e-Visa and passport to complete registration.

Pack a Basic Med Kit

Bring oral rehydration salts, Imodium, antihistamines, and your prescriptions. Pharmacies are everywhere but brands differ.

Dress Modestly for Temples

Covered shoulders and knees are required at all temples and many mosques. A lightweight scarf doubles as a temple cover-up.

Adapter Type D

India uses Type D plugs (3 round pins). Carry a universal adapter — European Type C plugs also fit in most modern Indian sockets.

Only Drink Filtered Water

Never drink tap water. Buy sealed bottles or carry a Lifestraw/SteriPen filter. Most restaurants serve safe filtered water.

Carry Some Cash

ATMs are widespread in cities but scarce in rural areas and small towns. Carry ₹3,000–5,000 cash as a buffer at all times.

Use Uber / Ola in Cities

Ride-hailing apps give fixed, metered fares and eliminate negotiation stress. Both apps work throughout India's major cities.

Ask Before Photographing

Always ask permission before photographing people, religious ceremonies, or inside temples. Photography is banned at some sites.

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