Peak season · Oct – Mar
Cool, dry and reliable almost everywhere. Book stays early around Diwali, Christmas and New Year when demand and prices peak.
Travel guide
Everything to know before travelling in India
Seasons, regional climate, domestic transport, accommodation, food, money, safety and etiquette — the practical groundwork behind every trip.
When to go
Best time to visit India
Broadly, October to March is the most comfortable travel window across most of the country. April to June suits the Himalayas and high-altitude regions, while July to September is the monsoon — green, inexpensive and quieter, but harder for hill and coastal travel.
Summer · Apr – Jun
Hot in the plains but the best window for Ladakh, Spiti, Kashmir and high Himalayan valleys. Hill stations fill up during school holidays.
Monsoon · Jul – Sep
Lush landscapes and the lowest prices of the year. Expect travel delays, closed safari zones and limited water activities.
Climate
Indian climate by region
The Himalayas & North
Pleasant from March to June and again from September to November. December to February brings snow to higher altitudes, closing some passes but opening up winter landscapes. Monsoon months can disrupt hill roads.
The plains & Rajasthan
Very hot from April to June, often above 40°C. October to March is comfortable and is the main travel season; December and January mornings can be foggy in the north.
The west coast & Goa
Warm and humid all year with heavy monsoon rain from June to September. November to February offers the best beach weather and calm seas.
South India & the Ghats
Warm year-round in the plains, cool in hill stations such as Munnar, Ooty and Coorg. Two monsoons affect the region; October to March is the most reliable window.
East & Northeast
Very high rainfall from May to September, especially in Meghalaya. October to April is clear and dry, and is also the best time for Himalayan views in Sikkim and Darjeeling.
Getting around
Domestic transportation
India has one of the world's largest rail networks, an extensive domestic flight map and highways that keep improving. Most itineraries mix all three.
Train travel
Indian Railways connects almost every town. AC 3-tier and AC chair car are the most common comfortable classes; Vande Bharat and Shatabdi services are fastest on short intercity routes. Long-distance tickets open 60 days in advance and popular routes fill up quickly.
Flight travel
Domestic flights are the practical choice for distances over roughly 1,000 km. Fares are typically lowest three to six weeks ahead and rise sharply near festivals and holidays. Most airports are 20–40 km from the city centre.
Road trips & cabs
National highways and expressways are good, but hill and rural roads take far longer than the distance suggests. Budget roughly 40–50 km per hour in the hills. Self-drive rentals, app-based cabs and full-day private taxis are all widely available.
Travel times, fares and availability are approximate and change with season, operator and route conditions. Always confirm schedules directly with the operator before travelling.
Where to stay
Hotel categories
Budget
Approx. ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 per night
Guesthouses, homestays and small hotels with clean, simple rooms.
Mid-range
Approx. ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 per night
Comfortable hotels with better locations, dining and service.
Premium
Approx. ₹6,000 – ₹12,000+ per night
Resorts and luxury properties with views, spas and full service.
Food
Indian cuisine changes every few hundred kilometres. Expect ₹150 – ₹400 per person at a simple local restaurant, ₹500 – ₹1,200 at a mid-range one. Vegetarian food is available everywhere. Prefer freshly cooked, hot food, drink sealed or filtered water, and ease into spice levels.
Currency & payments
The Indian rupee (₹) is the only accepted currency. UPI and cards work widely in cities, but carry cash for hill towns, local transport, temples and small shops. ATMs are common but can run dry in remote areas.
Basic travel safety
- Use registered taxis, app-based cabs or hotel-arranged transport, especially at night.
- Keep digital and physical copies of your ID separate from the originals.
- Share your itinerary with someone at home when travelling to remote areas.
- Dial 112 for the national emergency helpline; 1363 is the tourist helpline.
- Be cautious with unsolicited offers for tours, gemstones or "closed" attractions.
- Check weather and road advisories before hill and high-altitude journeys.
Packing tips
- Layered clothing — Indian weather changes sharply between regions and altitudes.
- Comfortable walking shoes, plus sandals for temples and beaches.
- A modest outfit covering shoulders and knees for religious sites.
- Universal adapter (India uses 230V, type C/D/M sockets).
- A basic medical kit, prescription medicines and rehydration salts.
- Reusable water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
- Photocopies or digital copies of your ID and travel documents.
- A light rain jacket if travelling between June and September.
Cultural etiquette
- Remove footwear before entering temples, mosques, gurudwaras and many homes.
- Ask before photographing people, ceremonies or inside places of worship.
- Dress modestly at religious sites; many provide scarves or covers at the entrance.
- Use your right hand when eating with your hands or passing items.
- Bargaining is normal in local markets, but not in fixed-price stores.
- Public displays of affection are best kept minimal, especially in smaller towns.