Discover Tailor-Made India Vacations

The cool season (October to March) is the most popular time to visit. With pleasant weather across much of the country, it’s ideal for sightseeing, cultural festivals, and exploring cities, deserts, and historical sites. Think sunrise at the Taj Mahal or exploring Jaipur’s forts without breaking a sweat.

The hot season (April to June) brings rising temperatures, especially in central and southern regions. The heat in urban areas makes this a perfect time to head for the Himalayas, where the mountain air is cooler, crisp and refreshing.

The monsoon (June to September) transforms the landscape into a lush green paradise. While rain can be unpredictable, it's a peaceful time to explore popular places like Kerala or the Western Ghats, with fewer crowds and great deals to help stretch your travel budget. Just pack an umbrella and your sense of adventure.

Check out our guide to the Best Time to Visit and let us help you choose the perfect season for your India trip.

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, fills homes and streets with lamps, fireworks, and sweets. Holi, the Festival of Colours, is a joyous occasion with laughter, music, and red, green and blue powdered paints thrown around in abundance to celebrate spring. (If you participate, wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting stained.) In Rajasthan, the Pushkar Camel Fair brings thousands together in a unique mix of livestock trading, folk performances, and desert charm.

Spirituality is woven into everyday life in India. From morning prayers and temple bells to yoga, meditation, and rituals along the Ganges River, spiritual practices are part of the cultural fabric. You’ll see people offering flowers at roadside shrines, lighting incense in homes, and participating in temple festivals with devotion and joy.

Experiencing Indian culture means diving into its flavours, colours, and customs. It’s a place that’s not just seen, but truly felt with all the senses. To plan your odyssey, consult with one of our Destination Specialists today.

In the north, expect rich, warming dishes like butter chicken, tandoori kebabs, and stuffed breads. Meals are often hearty and spiced with cumin, cardamom, and garam masala.

Travel south and the flavours shift. Here, the focus is on coconut-infused curries, crispy dosas, and fragrant rice dishes seasoned with mustard seeds and curry leaves. Street food is also a must, whether it’s a spicy chaat (savoury snack) in Delhi or a steaming plate of idli and sambar (a lentil-based stew) in Chennai, every bite is a reflection of each region’s unique story.

And, in India, chai is more than just tea. It is a daily ritual and symbol of hospitality. Brewed with spices like cardamom and ginger, it's served everywhere, from roadside stalls to luxury hotels and family kitchens.

“My favourite drinks are aam panna, a traditional Indian summer drink made from raw mangoes, known for its refreshing taste and cooling properties, and mango lassi, the iconic Indian yogurt drink,” says Destination Specialist Anuj Kumar. “In North India, I like chole bhature, an indulgent dish made with spicy chickpea curry (chole), served with deep-fried, fluffy bread (bhature). It’s a hearty, flavourful meal that’s deeply rooted in Punjabi cuisine and widely loved across India, especially in Delhi, Amritsar, and Ludhiana.”

In cities and tourist areas, English is commonly understood. Learning a few local phrases is appreciated, but you’ll find it easy to get by with English in most places.

The local currency is the Indian Rupee (INR). Cash is widely used, especially in small towns and markets, though credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in larger cities. ATMs are common, but it’s a good idea to carry some small bills for tips, local transport, markets and street vendors.

Before arriving, ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned travel dates. Most travellers can apply for an eVisa, which makes the entry process smoother and quicker.

In terms of health precautions, drink only bottled or filtered water, and avoid raw or uncooked street food if your stomach is sensitive.

As a rule, dress modestly, especially in rural areas and at religious sites. Pack lightweight, loose clothing that’s both comfortable and modest. Always remove your shoes before entering temples, mosques, and private homes, and be discreet when it comes to public displays of affection, which are uncommon in India, particularly in the smaller towns and villages.

For more practical info on visiting the country, check out Things to Know Before You Go.