India Travel Guide
India is a vast and diverse country with a rich cultural heritage, stunning scenery, wildlife and a wide range of experiences to offer.
India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. The country has a population of over 1.2 billion people, its capital is Delhi and there are 22 major languages in India and over 700 dialects.
The country is the birthplace of major religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Ever since ancient times people would journey to India from afar to trade for spices, the country is still the leading producer and it continues to influence the culinary landscape worldwide. India is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites and architectural marvels like the Taj Mahal, which offers a glimpse to the mighty Mughal Empire.
Many westerners in the 1960s and 1970s travelled to India on the famous hippie trail seeking adventure, spiritualism and enlightenment. Even to this day, India has retained its mysticism and intrigues many people to visit.
We've outlined some general information that may be helpful to you when planning your next holiday to India.
Time Zone & Currency
The entire country is in the same time zone and is 5.5 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). The currency in India is the Rupee.
Weather in India
The weather is mainly hot most of the year, with regional variations. Weather is coolest from around the end of November to early March, with fresh mornings and evenings and mostly sunny days.
Reading For Your Trip To India
The White Tiger by Arivand Adiga
A Passage to India by E. M. Forester
The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling
Best time to go to India
We suggest visiting from October to April, as the temperatures are usually mild with little rain, the ideal conditions for sightseeing. Monsoon rains occur in most regions between June and early October.
Top Tourist Attractions In India
What is India's Golden Triangle?
The Golden Triangle is an iconic tourist route which takes in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, it's a great way to see some of the top sights of India.
Top Things to do in India
From taking a rickshaw ride though the vibrant streets of Delhi to seeing a classical Indian dance performance of Kathakali, there's plenty to experience in this colourful country.
Food and drink in India
The food in India is just as colourful as its history. Dishes are rich, varied and brought to life by the use of herbs and spices. Every cook has their own ‘garam masala’ spice mix. Food is an important part of the culture and the cuisine varies across the regions. In the north of India there is a focus on meaty dishes and kebabs, while the southern regions favour vegetable curries and dosas (filled rice-flour pancakes). Most hotels provide varied buffets, with a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Tea fans will enjoy a cup of Chai; a sweet, milky tea drink, fragrant with fresh cardamom, cinnamon, ginger and pepper. Kingfisher beer can be a refreshing accompaniment for spicy food.
India Travel Guide FAQs
Can you give a brief history of India?
Do I need a holiday visa for India?
Is India safe?
What kind of plugs / sockets are used in India?
What should I pack for my trip to India?
Useful Links
- For up-to-date information regarding entry into India please see: www.dfa.ie
- Official India Tourism Board: Incredible India!