India Travel Essentials
Everything first-time visitors ask us before they book: when to go, visas, safety, health, money and what to pack, answered by specialists who plan India trips every day.
When to go, region by region
Tap a region to read its full guide.
| Region | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi, Agra & Varanasi | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | ||||||
| Rajasthan | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | ||||||
| Kerala | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | ||||||
| Tamil Nadu | Best | Best | Best | Best | ||||||||
| Goa | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | |||||||
| Gujarat & the Rann of Kutch | Best | Best | Best | Best | ||||||||
| Tiger reserves of Central India | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | ||||||
| Himachal & Uttarakhand | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | |||||
| Kashmir | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | |||||
| Ladakh | Best | Best | Best | Best | ||||||||
| Darjeeling & Sikkim | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | ||||||
| Meghalaya & Assam | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | ||||||
| Andaman Islands | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best |
Best months to visit. India is big enough that somewhere is always in season: the Himalaya shines when the plains are hot, and the south and Rajasthan when the mountains are snowbound.
Planning guides
Answers to the questions we are asked most, checked against official sources.
India month by month
Before you travel
Visas
Most visitors need a visa. Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, most EU countries and many others can apply online for an e-Tourist Visa at the official site, indianvisaonline.gov.in, at least four days before arrival. Use only the official government site.
Our e-Visa field guide →Safety
India is visited safely by millions of foreign travellers every year. On a private tour you have a driver, local guides and a 24/7 coordinator throughout, which removes most of the stress first-timers worry about.
Is India safe? Our honest answer →Health
See a travel clinic six to eight weeks before you fly for advice on vaccinations. Drink bottled or filtered water, and bring any regular medication in its original packaging.
Health preparation →Money
The currency is the Indian rupee (INR). Cards are widely accepted in hotels and larger shops in cities; carry some cash for markets, tips and small towns. ATMs are common in towns and cities.
What a trip really costs →Tipping
Tipping drivers, guides and hotel staff is customary and appreciated. We give every guest a simple guide to amounts before they travel.
Tipping etiquette →Getting around
Our tours use a private car and driver for road journeys, with domestic flights or trains for longer distances. You never need to deal with stations or airports on your own.
Browse private tours →Packing
Light, breathable layers for the plains, warm layers for the Himalaya and desert nights, and clothing that covers shoulders and knees for temples and mosques.
Our packing list →Practical basics
India Standard Time is UTC+5:30 with no daylight saving. Electricity is 230V; sockets are mostly types C, D and M, so bring a universal adaptor.
When to go, in depth →Booking and travel FAQ
Do you only offer private tours?
Yes. Every land itinerary is private to you, with your own car, driver and guides. Luxury train journeys share the train with other guests, but everything we arrange around them is private.
Can you design a trip that is not on the website?
Yes, and most of our guests travel this way. Tell us your dates, interests and budget, and we will design an itinerary from scratch within 24 hours.
How far ahead should we book?
For October to March, the peak season, three to six months ahead gives the best choice of heritage hotels and train departures. Shorter notice is often possible; just ask.
How do payments and cancellations work?
Designing and changing your itinerary is free. A booking is confirmed once the advance payment is received and we confirm in writing, with the balance due before travel as set out in your invoice. Cancellation charges depend on the hotels and services booked and are given to you in writing before you pay.
Do we need travel insurance?
Yes. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering cancellation, medical care and belongings for the full length of your trip.
Who will look after us during the trip?
A coordinator from our Mumbai team is reachable 24/7 by phone and WhatsApp from the moment you land until you fly home.
Can you arrange trips for families, older travellers or people with limited mobility?
Yes. Because every trip is private, we set the pace, hotel choices, walking and driving times around the people travelling. Tell us about any needs when you enquire.
Still have a question?
Ask us anything, from visas to which month suits your route. A specialist replies within 24 hours.
- 1Tell us your dates, who is travelling and what you want to feel.
- 2Within 24 hours, a specialist replies with questions and a first draft itinerary.
- 3We refine it together until it is right. Nothing is booked until you say so.