India Travel Guide
Planning a trip to India? Colomboh is an AI travel assistant that helps you explore India — from must-see destinations like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Goa to getting around, money tips, food, and staying safe. Ask anything in plain language and get clear, local-style answers, plus links to official India sources so you can verify the details yourself.
Top places to visit in India
- Delhi
- Mumbai
- Jaipur
- Goa
- Agra
- Varanasi
- Kerala (Kochi)
- Udaipur
Best time to visit India
October to March is the main season across most of India, with dry, comfortable days in Delhi, Rajasthan, Kerala and Goa. The southwest monsoon runs roughly June to September and soaks most of the country, though Ladakh and the Spiti valley are only accessible in that window. The Himalayan foothills are best in April–June and September–October, and April–June is uncomfortably hot (routinely above 40°C) on the plains.
Getting around India
Indian Railways is the backbone — book on IRCTC, ideally weeks ahead for AC classes and Tejas or Vande Bharat services. Domestic flying is cheap and fast on IndiGo, Air India and Akasa, which matters given the distances. Inside cities use Ola or Uber, the Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai metros, and autorickshaws on the meter or an app fare.
Money & currency
The local currency is the INR (₹). UPI + cash is the norm, and the UPI QR system is widely used. ATMs widely available in cities. Foreign-card fees vary by bank. Carry ₹1,000-3,000 cash; UPI (Google Pay/PhonePe) is everywhere.
Safety basics
India received about 9.2 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2023. Common issues are traffic risk, taxi and shopping scams around major stations and monuments, food and water hygiene, and air pollution in the northern plains in winter. Women travelling alone should read up on the region they are visiting. Some border areas and parts of the northeast require permits or are advised against — check your own government advisory.
Visa & entry
Most nationalities need a visa in advance. The Indian e-Visa covers tourism and is issued for 30 days (about USD 25), one year (about USD 40) or five years, with processing usually in 3–5 working days. Apply only at the official portal indianvisaonline.gov.in.
What a trip to India costs
Budget travel with hostels, dhaba meals and sleeper trains runs about USD 20–35 a day. Mid-range with 3-star hotels, AC train classes and the occasional flight is roughly USD 50–90 a day, and heritage or luxury hotels start around USD 200 a day.
India travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit India?
October to March is the main season across most of India, with dry, comfortable days in Delhi, Rajasthan, Kerala and Goa. The southwest monsoon runs roughly June to September and soaks most of the country, though Ladakh and the Spiti valley are only accessible in that window. The Himalayan foothills are best in April–June and September–October, and April–June is uncomfortably hot (routinely above 40°C) on the plains.
Do I need a visa to travel to India?
Most nationalities need a visa in advance. The Indian e-Visa covers tourism and is issued for 30 days (about USD 25), one year (about USD 40) or five years, with processing usually in 3–5 working days. Apply only at the official portal indianvisaonline.gov.in.
What are the top places to visit in India?
Popular destinations in India include Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Goa, Agra. Tell Colomboh how long you have and what you enjoy, and it can suggest a route that fits your time and interests.
How much does a trip to India cost?
Budget travel with hostels, dhaba meals and sleeper trains runs about USD 20–35 a day. Mid-range with 3-star hotels, AC train classes and the occasional flight is roughly USD 50–90 a day, and heritage or luxury hotels start around USD 200 a day.
Is India safe for tourists?
India received about 9.2 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2023. Common issues are traffic risk, taxi and shopping scams around major stations and monuments, food and water hygiene, and air pollution in the northern plains in winter. Women travelling alone should read up on the region they are visiting. Some border areas and parts of the northeast require permits or are advised against — check your own government advisory.
How do I get around India?
Indian Railways is the backbone — book on IRCTC, ideally weeks ahead for AC classes and Tejas or Vande Bharat services. Domestic flying is cheap and fast on IndiGo, Air India and Akasa, which matters given the distances. Inside cities use Ola or Uber, the Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai metros, and autorickshaws on the meter or an app fare.