Complete India Travel Guide 2025
Safety • Cost • Best Time • Visa • Sample Itineraries • FAQs
Top keywords: India travel guide 2025
Quick Snapshot
Best time: Oct–Feb (peak)
Visa: e-Visa available
Popular routes: Golden Triangle, Kerala, Rajasthan, Ladakh
Budget: ₹18k–₹90k+ (7 days)
India is vast and varied. This guide addresses the most-asked traveler questions, provides budgets, seasonal advice, and practical tips — plus sample itineraries you can book instantly with Nectar India Tour.
15 Most Asked Questions (Short Answers)
- Is India safe for tourists? — Generally yes on popular routes; follow local advice and book trusted services like Nectar India Tour.
- Best time to visit India? — Oct–Feb for most regions; summers for Himalayan escapes; monsoon for Kerala & nature.
- How much does an India trip cost? — Budget: ₹18k–₹30k; Standard: ₹35k–₹65k; Luxury: ₹90k+ for 7-days (approx).
- Can I travel India on a budget? — Yes: trains, local stays, street food, off-season travel.
- Do I need a visa for India? — Most nationalities use the e-Visa (apply online).
- How many days are enough? — 7 days for Golden Triangle; 10–14 for mixed regions; 20+ for deep exploration.
- Best itinerary for first-timers? — Delhi → Agra → Jaipur (Golden Triangle) + optional extension to Varanasi or Goa.
- What to avoid? — Tap water, over-packing, ignoring local dress codes, hasty bookings.
- Is Indian food safe for foreigners? — Yes if you choose busy stalls/restaurants & bottled water.
- Can I pay by card? — Yes; UPI & digital wallets are widely used.
- Is English widely spoken? — Yes, especially in tourist hubs and cities.
- Do I need travel insurance? — Strongly recommended.
- Is tipping expected? — Modest tips at restaurants/drivers/guides are customary.
- What plug type? — 230V; Type C, D, M plugs.
- Is India good for solo travellers? — Yes; join small-group tours or private day tours for safety and ease.
Deep Dive: The 15 Questions Answered
India is broadly safe for tourists on well-known routes (Golden Triangle, South India, Kerala, Goa, Ladakh). Exercise normal precautions: keep valuables secure, avoid isolated places after dark, use trusted transport. Booking local, vetted guides and packages from Nectar India Tour adds an extra layer of safety and local support.
October–February offers pleasant weather across most of India. March–May is ideal for Himalayan regions and festivals in spring. Monsoon (June–September) brings lush landscapes especially in Kerala and the Western Ghats but may disrupt travel in some areas.
Costs vary by style and region. For a 7-day sample:
- Budget: ₹18,000–₹30,000 per person — hostels, public transport, street food.
- Standard: ₹35,000–₹65,000 per person — 3★ hotels, private transfers, guided tours.
- Luxury: ₹90,000+ per person — boutique hotels, private guides, flights, curated experiences.
Yes — travel at shoulder season, use trains and buses, stay in guesthouses, eat local food, and book shared group tours. Our budget-specific itineraries help you pack maximum experiences for minimum spend.
Most visitors need an e-Visa which you can apply for online. Processing times and categories differ — check the official government portal and we (Nectar India Tour) can guide you through the process during booking.
Short stays (5–7 days) suit the Golden Triangle. Ten days allow more diversity (Kerala or Rajasthan). Two to three weeks give a satisfying cross-section of India’s contrasts. For immersive travel, plan 20+ days.
A classic 7-day Golden Triangle: Delhi (2 days) → Agra (Taj Mahal) → Jaipur (palaces). Extend with Varanasi or Goa depending on your interest (spiritual vs beach).
Avoid drinking tap water, traveling alone at night in unknown areas, overbooking multiple cities in a short span, and trusting unofficial guides. Book through a trusted planner like Nectar India Tour to avoid common pitfalls.
Generally yes. Prefer cooked foods, busy street stalls, and bottled water. Try milder local dishes first if you have a sensitive stomach. We include food-safety tips in every itinerary.
Yes — cards and mobile payments (UPI) are widely accepted in cities. Carry some cash for rural markets and remote locations.
Yes, English is commonly used in tourism, hospitality, and urban India — making it easy for international travelers. Guides provided by Nectar India Tour are English-speaking.
Yes. Cover medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and high-altitude activities if visiting Himalayan regions.
Tipping is customary: restaurants 5–10%, drivers/guides ₹100–₹300/day depending on service. Nectar India Tour offers guidance per country norms.
India uses 230V AC; plugs type C, D, and M. Bring a universal adapter.
Yes — many solo-friendly cities and retreats. Choose group day trips or private escorted tours from Nectar India Tour for security and social travel.
Seasonal Advice & Regional Picks
- North India (Rajasthan, Delhi, Agra): Oct–Mar — ideal for sightseeing and festivals.
- Himalayas (Ladakh, Himachal, Uttarakhand): May–Sep for roads & passes; winter for high-altitude specialists.
- South India (Kerala, Tamil Nadu): Oct–Mar for beaches and backwaters; monsoon can be rewarding for greenery.
- Goa & West Coast: Nov–Feb for beach season and events.
Top Travel Mistakes to Avoid
- Trying to cover too many destinations in a short trip.
- Skipping local SIM/data — navigation is essential.
- Not booking Taj Mahal tickets in advance for sunrise slots.
- Underestimating travel time between cities.
Sample 7‑Day Itinerary — Classic First-Timer
- Day 1: Arrive Delhi — Old & New Delhi highlights.
- Day 2: Delhi cultural tour, evening train/drive to Agra.
- Day 3: Sunrise at Taj Mahal, explore Agra Fort, drive to Jaipur.
- Day 4: Jaipur palaces, markets, sunset at Nahargarh Fort.
- Day 5: Day trip to Amber Fort & local crafts.
- Day 6: Return to Delhi, optional Old Delhi market walk.
- Day 7: Departure or extend to Varanasi/Goa.
Nectar India Tour crafts variations of this based on interests (photography, food, heritage, spiritual).
Budget Breakdown Example (7 days, per person)
Budget
Accommodation (hostels): ₹4,000
Food: ₹3,500
Transport (trains & buses): ₹3,000
Sightseeing & fees: ₹2,500
Total ≈ ₹13,000–₹18,000
Comfort / Standard
Accommodation (3★): ₹18,000
Food & dining: ₹6,000
Private transfers: ₹8,000
Entrance & guides: ₹4,000
Total ≈ ₹36,000–₹55,000
Money-Saving Tips
- Travel shoulder season (Oct–Nov, Feb–Mar) for lower rates and good weather.
- Book a combined package (saves on transfers & insider rates).
- Use trains for long overnight journeys to save accommodation costs.
- Negotiate local shopping prices politely; ask for fixed price from store for higher-end crafts.