India travel guide

Overview

India is large and varied enough that most visitors plan a trip around one or two regions rather than trying to see the whole country in one visit. The 'Golden Triangle' of Delhi, Agra (home to the Taj Mahal), and Jaipur is the classic first-timer route. Beyond that, Kerala's backwaters, Rajasthan's forts and palaces, and Goa's beaches each offer a genuinely different trip.

Weather varies enormously by region and season. October to March is generally the most comfortable period across most of the country, avoiding both the intense pre-monsoon heat and the monsoon rains that affect much of India between June and September.

Getting around

• Delhi and Mumbai are the main international gateways, with extensive domestic flight networks connecting other regions
• India's rail network is vast and a genuine part of the travel experience, though booking ahead for popular routes matters
• Ride-hailing apps operate in most major cities and are a straightforward way to get around
• Distances are often larger than they appear on a map — factor in realistic travel times between regions

Mobile data and connectivity

Compare live BrisqNet eSIM plans for India before your trip. A working data connection is genuinely useful for ride-hailing, translation, and navigating between the Golden Triangle's major sites and beyond.

• Coverage is generally strong in major cities and well-travelled tourist circuits; rural and remote regions can vary
• India has specific regulatory requirements around foreign SIM and eSIM registration that can differ from many other destinations — check current requirements for travel eSIMs before you rely on one as your only connectivity
• Confirm your device is eSIM-compatible and unlocked well before your trip, since sourcing a replacement mid-trip can be more difficult than in some other destinations

Practical tips

• The currency is the Indian rupee; carry some cash, though card and mobile payments are increasingly common in cities
• Dress modestly when visiting temples and religious sites, and remove shoes where indicated
• Bottled or filtered water is the safer choice for drinking throughout the trip
• Confirm any recommended vaccinations or health precautions with a travel clinic well ahead of departure

FAQs