How to Plan a Trip to India

Let us guess: you might be planning to tick one of the bucket lists, a trip to India; that’s why you are here. From seeking adventure in the Himalayas, tranquillity in Kerala’s backwaters, cultural immersion in Rajasthan, or spiritual retreat in Varanasi, the country offers experiences as vast and diverse as its geography. However, planning a trip to India is overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors, because of its vibrant culture, age-old traditions, majestic landscapes, soul-stirring cuisine, and unmatched spiritual energy. From deciding where to go and when to navigating transport, food, language, and health concerns, we, Memorable India, are here to hold you back. In this India travel guide, we will prepare you for every step of the way and solve the mystery of How to Plan a Trip to India. Let’s get started:

Why To Visit India?

India is not just a place to see; it is a place to feel. For travellers seeking authenticity, colour, heritage, and a little mystery, the country promises an unforgettable journey. From majestic palaces and towering forts to serene temples and chaotic bazaars, India offers something for all. The country’s historical richness is evident in places like the Taj Mahal, Hampi, and Khajuraho, while natural beauty flourishes in Kerala backwaters, the desert of Rajasthan, and the lush hills of Himachal. The vibrant festivals of Holi, Diwali, Eid, and Navratri make India feel like a living celebration. It is also one of the best destinations for wellness and yoga retreats, particularly in Rishikesh and Kerala.

India’s diversity is its essence. With over 22 official languages and 100 dialects, the culture changes every one hundred kilometres; you can enjoy North Indian cuisine one day and South India the next. The hospitality here is heartwarming, and the locals are often eager to share their stories and smiles.

When To Visit India?

India’s vast geography gives it a diverse climate, so the best time to visit depends on where you are heading. Broadly, the ideal months for most travellers are between October and March. During this period, the weather is pleasant across most regions, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Winter (October-March): This is the peak tourist season. North India, including Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan, Punjab, Varanasi, is cool and comfortable. While South India, including Goa, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, also enjoys dry weather, making beach and temple visits ideal.
Summer (April to June): This season is best for mountainous regions like Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Seven Sisters, and Uttarakhand. It is hot elsewhere, often crossing 40 degree celsius, but hill stations in India offer relief.
Monsoon (July-September): Excerpt heavy rain, especially in Kerala, Goa, and the North East. While travel can be tricky, it is a great time for lush scenery and fewer crowds. Monsoon is also off-season, so you will find better deals on hotels and flights.

When planning a trip to India for the first time, always align your itinerary with the regional climate. If you are heading across multiple zones, pack accordingly to handle heat and chill.

How To Choose Destinations In India?

India is a subcontinent, diverse, vast, and impossible to explore fully in one trip. First time visitors are advised to focus on one or two regions. Consider what excites you most: history, beaches, nature, spirituality, food, or adventure.

North India: Home to the famed Golden Triangle: Delhi, Agra, Jaipur; this region offers majestic forts, the Taj Mahal, and vibrant bazaars. Varanasi, Haridwar, and Rishikesh’s spiritual energy and Amritsar’s Golden Temples are also must encounters. Don’t miss Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, and Uttarakhand if you are an adventure lover.
South India: Kerala’s tranquil backwaters, lush landscapes, and Ayurvedic retreats contrast beautifully with Tamil Nadu’s towering temples in Thanjavur, Madurai, Chennai, and Karnataka’s ruins of Hampi.
West India: Goa draws beach lovers and partygoers, Rajasthan showcases the royal heritage, while Gujarat offers a unique salt desert and Asiatic Lions in Gir National Park.
East and North East India: Kolkata oozes colonial charm, while Orissa offers temple architecture. The North East, like Meghalaya, Assam, and Sikkim, are ideal for nature lovers and off-beat explorers.

Mix and match destinations based on your interests. A 10-15-day itinerary is ideal to explore the beauty of two regions. The key is not to cram too much from this India travel planning guide, as India is the best saver not to rush.

What Are The Budgeting and Costs For Travelling to India?

India is one of the world’s most budget-friendly destinations, but it also caters to luxury travellers. Your daily spending depends on travel style, cities visited, accommodation, and transport choices. In this India travel guide’s section, we highlight budgeting, so read on:

Budget Travel: Backpackers can live comfortably on INR 2,000 – 3,500 ($25–$40) per day, covering hostel stays, street food, and public transport. Many cultural sites have low entrance fees, and local travel apps offer affordable options.
Mid-Range Travel: A mid-level budget of INR 4,000 – 8,000 ($50–$100) per day offers 3-star hotels, intercity flights, guided tours, and meals at decent restaurants. This range suits families and couples looking for comfort without splurging.
Luxury Travel: Luxury travellers can spend INR 10,000- 40,000+ ($150–$500+) per day on 5-star hotels, chauffeur-driven cars, fine dining, and premium experiences like palace stays or private safaris.

Always check out the hidden expenses like entrance fees, domestic flights, and shopping. Regardless, you are booking a India Tour Package with us; we have no hidden cost policy. Carry cash for rural areas, but use cards and apps in cities. India has something for every wallet, plan accordingly.

What Are The Visa and Entry Requirements For India?

Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter India. The E-Visa system makes it convenient for travellers from all over the world. Here are some E- Visa options:

Tourist Visa (Short visits and single entry)
Tourist Visa Multiple Entry (Longer validity, ideal for frequent travellers)

Apply on the official Indian government website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/. While filling out the applications, you need to have the following:

A passport valid for at least six months
A passport-sized photo and ID proofs
A credit/debit card for the fee.
Proof of return or onward journey tickets.

The processing time may take 3-5 days; though it is safer to apply 7-10 days in advance. Carry a printout of your visa for immigration checks. Upon arrival immigration officers will stamp your entry and you will be ready to explore. Also, note that over-staying your visa can lead to penalties or deportation; so keep track of your duration.

What Are The Health and Safety Precautions While Visiting India?

India is generally safe, but like any large country, it has health and safety concerns that travellers should be aware of. Taking a few precautions ensures a smooth journey. Here are some health, food, and travel tips for visiting India:

Vaccinations like Hepatitis A and B, Polio, Typhoid, and Tetanus are commonly recommended.
Consult a travel doctor before 6 weeks from the departure date.
Avoid tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water. Use straws and purifiers if needed.
Wash your hands frequently with soap or sanitizer when you are visiting public places.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated while travelling.
Choose busy street food stalls or restaurants with good reviews and hygiene.
Avoid raw vegetables or unpeeled fruits from unknown sources.
Use insect repellent, especially when you are outdoors for a longer time.
Learn about the local culture and customs and dress modestly, especially at religious sites.
Avoid isolated areas at night, and use ride-hailing apps like Uber and Ola for secure transportation.
In case of emergency, dial 112 for police assistance.
Solo female travellers are advised to avoid remote travel at night and trust their instincts.
Get travel and health insurance for any kind of emergency.
Always register with your embassy if possible.

What Is The Process of Booking Flights And Transportation?

Getting to India is easy, with major international airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, and Chennai. Book at least 2-3 months in advance for the best international flight deals, or leave it to us. For domestic travel, the flight network is vast. Airlines like Indigo, Air India, and Spicejet cover almost every region. Booking 2-3 weeks before saves money.

While trains are iconic in India for domestic travel. Use the : IRCTC website or we will help you with the booking. Book early especially for sleeper and AC classes. You can also go with the local transportation for inter-city travel. Use metro trains, cabs, rickshaws, or prepaid taxis to reach from one location to another.

What Are The Accommodation Options In India?

India caters to all types of travellers with a wide range of accommodations, from backpackers’ hostels to luxurious palaces. You can share your requirements with our team of executives or Google, depending on the best fit within your budget. Here are some of them according to varied budgets:

Budget Range: Hoztel, Zostel, GoStops!, The Hostel Crowd, Moustache Hostel, Backpacker Panda, etc..

Price: INR 400- 1,000 per night.

You can also go with Ashrams to locations like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Varanasi, Guest Houses, and Homestays. These stays are great for meeting fellow travellers, especially in cities and tourist hubs.

Mid Range: OYO Hotels, Fab Hotels, Treebo Hotels, RedDoorz, Vista Rooms, Grand View Hotel, etc.

Price: INR 1,500- 3,000 per night.

These stays offer comfort, AC, free breakfast and WIFI, and good locations.

Luxury Range: Resorts and Heritage Hotels like Taj, Oberoi, Leela, ITC, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Neemrana Fort-Palace, etc.

Price: INR 8,000- 50,000+ per night

Expect spa services, fine dining, and exceptional hospitality. These hotels or resorts are well-equipped with modern world-class amenities to give you a royal comfort.

Book your stay with us, just for transparency and best services. During peak season, book at least a month in advance, especially in tourist hub spots.

What Are Famous Indian Cuisine?

Indian food is a global favourite, and sampling it in its birthplace is a treat. The flavors, taste, feelings, and richness of the cuisine changes awfully between regions, offering endless finger licking variety for vegetarians and non-vegetarian lovers alike.

North India: Known for rich, creamy dishes like Butter Chicken, Dal Makhani, and naan. Your North India Tour is incomplete without tasting the flavours of Chole Bhature, Tandoori Chicken, Malai Ki Kheer, Rabri Jalebi, and Gulab Jamun. Try street food like Chaat, Samosas, and Kebabs.
South India: Expect lighter, spicier fare like Dosa, Idli, Sambar, Vada, Rasam, and Fish Curries. Banana leaf meals are traditional and delicious. The dishes like Hyderabadi Biryani and Appam are among those whose flavour will attract you again to book your South India Tour again.
West India: Goan seafood, Gujarati thalis, and Dhokla have a spectrum of flavours. You can’t miss the traditional Rajasthani Thali, Dal Batti Churma, Gatte ki Sabji, Ghewar, and much more. Maharashtra cuisine offers a special treat to your taste buds with Pav Bhaji, Vada Pav, Shrikhand, and Modaks.
East India: Start your Eastern cuisine richness with Litti Chokha, Dalma, Assamese Fish Curry, and Momos. Explore Bengali sweets like Rasgulla and mishti doi. Don’t miss the flavours of Thukpa, Khasi Red Rice, and Jadoh.

Note: Always eat at busy places, wash hands, and carry hand sanitizer. If unsure, ask for “less spicy.” Many restaurants now cater to vegan, gluten-free, or Jain food needs.

What Are The Must-Have Travel Apps For India?

Navigating India becomes much easier with the right travel apps. From transport and food to language and safety, here is the list of must-have apps:

Google Maps: It is essential for navigation, walking directions and locating restaurants, ATMs, and tourist attractions. Use offline maps when the signal is weak. It also provides real-time traffic updates, jams, and any diversion on the route.
Ola/ Uber: These are the most reliable cab-hailing apps in urban areas. They also offer auto rickshaw books and inter-city rentals to make travelling from one place to another more convenient.
IRCTC Rail Connect: This is the official app for train bookings in India. Sign up in advance, as registration can take a bit of time. This is the best way to book your train tickets without standing in the long queues.
Red Bus: This app is ideal to book inter-city buses. It is helpful to explore the regions that are not well-connected by rail. Book your seat and destinations and enjoy a bus ride with no hassle.
Zomato or Swiggy: These are the best food delivery apps in India; explore restaurant menus, ratings, and order food from thousands of options across the city. These apps promise you door step delivery of food till midnight at every corner (except highly remote zones).
Google Translate: This app is helpful for basic translations in Hindi and other local languages. You can also use camera mode to read menus and signs.
Practo/Apollo 24/7: In case you need to consult a doctor or find a nearby pharmacy quickly, these are the best suited help. Compare the doctors based on their expertise and experience and book your consultation in a click.

Plan Your Trip with Memorable India

Planning a trip to India can be overwhelming but also incredibly rewarding. With so much diversity, culture, food, and heritage, having expert guidance can transform your journey from good to unforgettable. That is where Memorable India comes in. As the most trusted travel agency in India, we specialize in customized India tours that cater to your interests, be it heritage, wellness, adventure, or luxury. Whether it is your first time in India or your fifth, we help you dig deeper into the stories, the flavours, and the soul of this vibrant nation. So, if you are ready to start planning, contact us and let the magic of India unfold effortlessly