Things To Do
in India
India is a land of vast diversity, where ancient traditions meet modern innovation. Its landscapes span snow-capped mountains, sunlit beaches, lush jungles, and arid deserts. The country hums with hundreds of languages, cuisines, and festivals that color daily life.
Travel here rewards curiosity with warm hospitality, architectural marvels, and unforgettable flavors.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport and head to your hotel to freshen up. Enjoy a traditional Indian breakfast at a local cafe, sampling dishes like parathas and chai. Take a leisurely stroll around Connaught Place to soak in the local atmosphere.
Explore the historic Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and delve into the vibrant history of Mughal architecture. Afterward, visit Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques, and climb its minaret for panoramic views of the city. Lunch at a nearby restaurant to savor authentic Delhi street food.
Experience the mesmerizing light and sound show at the Red Fort that narrates the glory of India's past. Enjoy dinner at a restaurant known for its North Indian cuisine, such as butter chicken and naan. Wrap up the day with a walk around Chandni Chowk, immersing yourself in the bustling market atmosphere.
Travel to Agra early in the morning, aiming to reach the Taj Mahal at sunrise for breathtaking views. Spend time exploring the intricacies of this architectural marvel and its beautiful gardens. Capture stunning photographs and delve into the romantic history behind its creation.
Visit the Agra Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can admire stunning Mughal architecture and learn about its historical significance. Enjoy lunch at a local eatery, sampling famous Agra delicacies. Don’t miss a visit to the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, also known as the Baby Taj.
End your day with a sunset view of the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh, a lovely garden across the Yamuna River. Dine at a restaurant with views of the monument, sampling exquisite Mughlai cuisine. Reflect on your day while enjoying the evening breeze.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🥗Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $12-25 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-3 |
| 🚆One-way local transport ticket | $0.2-0.8 |
| 🏨Budget hotel room per night | $20-50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vast cultural and geographic diversity
- Delicious food and warm hospitality
- Excellent value for money
- Rich history and architecture
- Vibrant regional traditions
- Traffic congestion and crowds in major cities
- Uneven healthcare quality outside urban areas
- Air pollution in some metropolitan regions
- Heat and humidity in many seasons, especially inland
- Variable safety conditions in crowded areas
- "Namaste" - Hello
- "Shukriya" - Thank you
- "Kripya" - Please
- "Kitne ka hai?" - How much is this?
- "Mujhe madad chahiye" - I need help
- "Aap kaise ho?" - How are you?
Places to Visit in India
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic white marble mausoleum best captured at sunrise or sunset when light softens and crowds thin.
Pink-hued facade with a honeycomb of windows; great for architectural detail shots and evening illumination.
Spiritual activity, long shadows, and misty mornings offer dramatic silhouettes and reflections on the Ganges.
Long, expansive shoreline with vibrant sunsets and busy promenades for lively street photography.
Houseboats, palm-fringed canals, and rural life provide serene water-focused compositions.
Sacred illumination and reflective water pools create captivating night-time photography.
Food in India
India Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fragrant basmati rice layered with marinated meat or vegetables and saffron. Best found in Hyderabad, Lucknow, and across North India.
Must-Try!
Crispy rice flour crepe filled with spiced potato, served with coconut chutney and sambar; a staple of South Indian breakfasts and breakfasts-lunch combos.
Creamy tomato-based curry with tender chicken; iconic North Indian dish widely available in cities and towns.
Slow-cooked lamb curry perfumed with Kashmiri spices; a northern Himalayan staple.
Marinated paneer cubes grilled to smoky perfection; widely available in vegetarian-friendly menus.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A legendary market for chaat, parathas, kebabs, and chai; a sensory overload in every direction.
Historic street food hub known for kebabs, bhajias, and sweet treats, especially during Ramadan.
Bustling marketplace with street snacks, sweets, and regional specialties to sample and compare.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use Namaste with folded hands; a warm, respectful greeting is preferred in most settings.
Dress modestly, especially in religious sites; remove shoes where required; avoid touching or pointing feet at people or sacred objects.
Ask before photographing people in private or sacred spaces; some religious sites prohibit photography inside.
Use the right hand for handing items or money; be mindful of personal space in crowded places.
Safety
Tipping in India
Ensure a smooth experience
In urban restaurants, a tip of 5-10% is common if service is good; higher for exceptional service. Porters, hotel staff, and taxi drivers can be tipped modestly in cash (round up or small amounts). In many places tipping is not mandatory but appreciated.
Cash (INR) remains widely accepted, especially in rural areas. Cards are common in cities and tourist hubs. Digital payments (UPI, wallets) are increasingly popular; carry small denominations for local transactions and tips.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March through June can be intensely hot in many regions. Hydration, sun protection, and early-morning sightseeing are recommended; interiors may be cooler.
July through September brings heavy rains in many areas, with lush landscapes but possible flooding and travel delays. Pack waterproof gear and plan flexible itineraries.
October through February offers cooler, comfortable days in the south and very cool, sometimes freezing nights in the north. Fog and mist are common in northern plains; carry warm layers.
India at Night
Hiking in India
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A moderate to challenging hike through forested hills leading to two historic forts, with sweeping valley views.
Popular sunrise hike offering panoramic views and a pleasant hill climate.
A scenic high-altitude trek through cedar forests and alpine meadows with spectacular mountain scenery.
Airports
How to reach India by plane.
Delhi's major international gateway; well-connected to global hubs; metro and rail links to the city.
Mumbai's international gateway; extensive domestic and international connections; access via taxi, metro, and suburban trains.
Bengaluru's gateway; strong IT hub city with broad connections.
Gateway to Tamil Nadu; frequent flights to domestic and international destinations.
Kolkata's airport serving eastern India with good regional and international links.
Kochi's gateway in Kerala; known for its efficiency and proximity to southern attractions.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
India includes Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and many other communities, with regional languages and customs varying by state.
Hundreds of languages are spoken; major ones include Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, Urdu, Gujarati, and English is widely used in commerce and tourism.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cricket is the national passion; international matches draw huge crowds and deep enthusiasm.
Historic strength in field hockey; regional leagues and schools keep the tradition alive.
Widely played in urban centers with many coaching academies and clubs.
Especially popular in Kerala, West Bengal, and goa with active club and community leagues.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are abundant; most regions offer dal, paneer, chana, and a variety of vegetables. When in doubt, ask for ‘veg dishes’ or request no meat with ‘mutton/murg nahi’ and look for dal or paneer preparations.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting India.