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
Indian cuisine is as colourful and diverse as the country itself, with dishes rich in flavour and brought to life by the use of herbs and spices. Most hotels in India provide extensive buffets with a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The cuisine varies widely across regions, making food an integral part of the cultural experience. Some must-try dishes include:
- Tandoori: A North Indian classic where meat or vegetables are marinated in spiced yoghurt and cooked in a clay oven for a smoky flavour.
- Biryani: A fragrant rice dish cooked with aromatic spices, saffron, and your choice of vegetables, chicken, mutton, or seafood, popular across the country.
- Dosa: A South Indian speciality, this thin and crispy rice and lentil pancake is often served with coconut chutney and spicy sambar.
- Chaat: A variety of savoury street foods, including favourites like pani puri, bhel puri, and aloo tikki, known for their tangy and spicy taste.
- Butter Chicken: A creamy and rich tomato-based curry, often enjoyed with naan or basmati rice, originating from Punjab.
India is also renowned for its beverages, including chai (spiced tea) and filter coffee, which are enjoyed daily across the nation. For those interested in something refreshing, traditional drinks like lassi (a yoghurt-based drink) and tender coconut water are popular choices.
Can you give a brief history of India?
One of the oldest religions that can be traced back thousands of years, Hinduism is believed to have been founded in northwest India. Various dynasties ruled different parts of India, like the Cholas in the south and the Delhi Sultanate in the north, but the most famous was the Mughal Empire (1526-1857) which also encompassed modern day Pakistan, Bangladesh and parts of Afghanistan. Founded by Babur who had a policy for religious tolerance and integration, which his decedents followed suit. They were also great patrons for art and literature. The legacy of the Mughal can still be seen today with their exquisite architecture like the Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, and the Red Fort in Delhi. The Colonial Era (1600-1947) saw various European countries like Portugal, The Netherlands and France establishing trading posts. Eventually the British East India Company gained significant control and the British colonial rule began in the mid 18th century. An uprising took place, the Indian Rebellion of 1857, but this was suppressed and the British monarchy took over from the East India Company in 1858. Eventually in 1947 India gained independence from Britain mostly due to the successful non-violent campaign led by Mahatma Gandhi. Today India is a popular travel destination full of cultural and historical gems.
Do I need a holiday visa for India?
All foreign nationals require a visa to enter India. The visa is valid for 60 days from the date of arrival in India. E-visa applicants can apply online 120 days before the date of travel. Once completed, you must print your E-visa and carry a copy with you.
Is India safe?
The places visited on your itinerary are generally safe and our guides will always keep an eye out for you. However, in any large city there can be opportunists and pickpockets. It is wise to be vigilant, especially at busy tourist attractions, and always take good care of your personal belongings. Make use of the safe at your hotel, and carry a photocopy of your passport when out and about. Always take extra care when using public transport.
What kind of plugs / sockets are used in India?
In India the power sockets are of type C, D and M. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. To avoid any issues upon arrival we always recommend travelling with a universal adapters this will be able to work in any country you visit.
What should I pack for my trip to India?
Wear loose-fitting and lightweight clothing, be sure to pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. India has a relatively relaxed dress code, however, care should be taken not to give offence by wearing clothing which may be considered revealing, especially when visiting religious sites. It's polite to remove shoes before entering homes and places of worship, so make sure you bring ones that are comfortable and easily removable. We recommend you carry your own loo paper and hand sanitiser as some public toilets will lack basic facilities.
Useful Links
- For up-to-date information regarding entry into India please see: www.dfa.ie
- Official India Tourism Board: Incredible India!