- Quick Facts
- Capital: New Delhi
- Official Language: Hindi, English (widely spoken)
- Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
- Time Zone: UTC +5:30
- Entry Requirements
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
- Most nationalities require a visa; e-Visa is available for many countries.
- Tourist visas typically valid for 30 days to 5 years depending on nationality
- Health & Immunizations
- Recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies, and routine immunizations.
- Malaria prophylaxis may be advised in some regions.
- Drink only bottled or purified water; avoid raw street foods.
- Travel insurance strongly recommended.
- Climate & Temperatures
Season Months Avg. Temp (°C/°F) Notes Winter Dec – Feb 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) Cool and dry, ideal for travel Spring Mar – May 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F) Warm, can be hot in northern plains Summer/Monsoon Jun – Sep 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F) Heavy rains, humid conditions Autumn Oct – Nov 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) Pleasant, festival season - Packing List
- Lightweight breathable clothes for hot weather.
- Modest attire for temples (shoulders and knees covered).
- Raincoat/umbrella during monsoon.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Power adapter (Type C, D, M plugs, 230V).
- Personal first aid kit and medications.
- Transportation
- Main international airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport (New Delhi), plus major hubs in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai
- Domestic flights: Extensive domestic network connecting all major cities and tourist regions
- Air travel is the primary means of connecting major regions for tourists.
- Electricity
- Voltage: 230V, Frequency: 50Hz
- Plug types: Type C, D, and M
- Universal adapters recommended.
- Recommended Tipping
- Restaurants: 5–10% if not included.
- Guides: $10–20 per person/day.
- Drivers: $5–10 per person/day.
- Hotels: Small tips for porters and housekeeping appreciated.
- Food
- Indian cuisine is incredibly diverse, varying by region.
- Popular dishes include curries, biryani, dosa, and samosas.
- Vegetarian food widely available.
- Masala chai (spiced tea) is a national favorite.
- Culture & Behavior Tips
- Respect religious sites; remove shoes before entering temples.
- Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and places of worship.
- Use right hand for giving/receiving.
- Public displays of affection are discouraged.
- Practical Tips
- ATMs widely available in cities; cash useful in rural areas.
- Internet and mobile coverage extensive.
- English widely spoken in urban and tourist areas.
