North & Himalayas
Delhi, Agra, Varanasi, Amritsar, Rishikesh, Ladakh, Kashmir, and Himachal are ideal destinations for those seeking a blend
Updated India Travel Guide · 2026
India in Detail
An in-depth and visually captivating guide to India's urban centers, spiritual paths, UNESCO sites, natural scenery, culinary delights, cultural events, healthcare options, and travel preparations.
Tourism Snapshot
After the pandemic, India experienced a robust recovery with Foreign Tourist Arrivals hitting 9,951,722 in 2024, up from 9,520,928 in 2023. Interest from international visitors continues to focus on heritage circuits, spiritual destinations, medical care, wellness, beaches, and Himalayan adventures.
USA
Top foreign tourist source market in 2024
$35B+
Reported tourism receipts in 2024 estimates
Foreign Tourist Arrivals Recovery
The most recent complete year cited by the Government of India for FTAs is 2024, according to the official Bureau of Immigration figures.
India by Region
India is like a mini continent, with Himalayan deserts in Ladakh, river plains in the north, royal desert states in the west, tropical backwaters in the south, tea gardens in the east, and tribal hill cultures in the northeast.
West & Royal India
Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa offer a mix of forts, desert towns, beaches, Mumbai, wildlife, stepwells, and luxurious palatial accommodations
South India
Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh offer a blend of temples, Ayurveda, beaches, backwaters, tech cities, coffee hills, and Dravidian architecture
East India
Kolkata, Odisha, Bihar, Sikkim, and the hills of Bengal - a perfect blend of literature, temples, Buddhist heritage, tea gardens, and the stunning Bay of Bengal coast.
Central India
Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are renowned for their tiger reserves, ancient caves, forest temples, tribal culture, and pristine heritage circuits.
Northeast India
Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura are known for their living-root bridges, early sunrises, tea, rh
Major City Guides
Select a city to discover its unique characteristics, top attractions, culinary delights, and ideal time to visit. These city profiles encompass history, useful tips for visitors, and guidance for planning your itinerary.
Travel by Purpose
🏛️
Heritage
Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Aurangabad, Hampi, Mahabalipuram and Khajuraho.
🛕
Pilgrimage
Varanasi, Rishikesh, Amritsar, Tirupati, Madurai, Puri, Mathura and Ayodhya.
🏔️
Hill Stations
Shimla, Manali, Nainital, Mussoorie, Ooty, Darjeeling, Gangtok and Munnar.
🌊
Beaches
Goa, Kerala, Puducherry, Gokarna, Andaman Islands, Varkala and Visakhapatnam.
🐯
Wildlife
Ranthambore, Jim Corbett, Kaziranga, Periyar, Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Sundarbans.
🏥
Medical Tourism
Wellness retreats in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, and
🧘
Wellness
Experience Ayurveda in Kerala, practice yoga in Rishikesh, meditate in Bodh Gaya, and indulge in luxury spa
🍛
Food
Delhi's famous chaat, Lucknow's flavorful kebabs, Hyderabad's fragrant biryani, Kerala's delicious sady
Ready-Made Itineraries
Classic Golden Triangle
Ideal for novice travelers seeking to experience India's highlights, including Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, this route covers the capital city, the iconic Taj Mahal, historic Mughal forts, bustling bazaars, and majestic Rajasthani
- Old Delhi food and Red Fort
- Qutub Minar and New Delhi
- Agra Fort and Taj sunrise
- Fatehpur Sikri en route
- Amber Fort and Jaipur bazaars
Spiritual North India
Delhi to Varanasi to Sarnath to Rishikesh to Haridwar to Amritsar. Ideal for exploring sacred rivers, temples, Buddhist landmarks, practicing yoga, experiencing Sikh hospitality, and witnessing living faith.
- Ganga Aarti in Varanasi
- Sarnath Buddhist circuit
- Yoga and rafting in Rishikesh
- Haridwar evening aarti
- Golden Temple langar
South India Slow Travel
Kochi, Munnar, Alleppey, Madurai, and Chennai/Mahabalipuram are perfect for exploring backwaters, tea hills, Dravidian temples, coastal towns, and enjoying
- Fort Kochi heritage walk
- Munnar tea estates
- Alleppey houseboat
- Meenakshi Temple
- Mahabalipuram rock temples
Practical Trip Planner
Best Time to Visit
| Region | Best Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| North plains: Delhi, Agra, Jaipur | Oct–Mar | Cooler, dry sightseeing weather. |
| Himalayas: Ladakh, Himachal, Uttarakhand | Apr–Jun; Sep–Oct; Ladakh Jun–Sep | Roads can close in winter; monsoon affects lower hills. |
| Kerala and Tamil Nadu | Sep–Mar | Monsoon is lush and good for Ayurveda but wet. |
| Goa and west coast | Nov–Feb | Best beach season; monsoon is scenic but many shacks close. |
| Northeast India | Oct–Apr | Clearer skies; some states need Inner Line Permits. |
Visa, Arrival & Travel Basics
- e-Visa: Foreign nationals who meet the criteria can utilize the official Government of India e-Visa portal to apply for various categories such as tourist, business, medical, Ayush, conference, and student-related visas.
- Arrival card: Non-Indian citizens and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card holders are able to complete and submit an e-Arrival card online using official Indian government platforms up to 72 hours prior to their arrival
- Passport validity: An official requirement that is frequently encountered is the need for a passport to be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of arrival.
- Transport: Utilize domestic flights for extended distances, Vande Bharat/express trains for intercity travel, metro systems in metropolitan areas, and app cabs for local transportation.
- Health: Make sure to have travel insurance, don't drink tap water, take regular breaks in hot weather, and seek advice from a healthcare professional for vaccines or medications needed at your destination.