North
South
West
East
Central
India Travel Guide – Incredible India!
Overview
India — a land of timeless traditions, vibrant colors, and diverse landscapes — is one of the world’s most captivating destinations. From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the golden beaches of Goa, from ancient temples to modern cities, India offers every traveler a chance to experience history, spirituality, nature, and culture in one unforgettable journey.
Regions of India
India is divided into six major regions, each offering unique attractions and experiences:
1. North India
Includes: Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir
Highlights:
- The Taj Mahal in Agra
- The Golden Temple in Amritsar
- Delhi’s heritage: Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb
- Himalayan retreats like Shimla, Manali, Rishikesh, and Mussoorie
- Spiritual cities: Varanasi and Haridwar
Best time to visit: October to March
2. South India
Includes: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Puducherry
Highlights:
- Backwaters and houseboats in Kerala
- Meenakshi Temple in Madurai
- Mysore Palace, Hampi, and Coorg
- Serene beaches of Goa and Kovalam
- Modern metros like Bangalore and Chennai
Best time to visit: November to February
3. East India
Includes: West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, Sikkim
Highlights:
- Kolkata’s colonial charm and cultural festivals
- Darjeeling and its scenic toy train
- Temples of Bhubaneswar, Konark, and Puri
- Bodh Gaya, where Buddha attained enlightenment
Best time to visit: October to April
4. West India
Includes: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Rajasthan
Highlights:
- Mumbai, the city of dreams
- Rajasthan’s royal heritage – Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer
- Gir National Park in Gujarat (home to Asiatic lions)
- Goa’s beaches, churches, and nightlife
Best time to visit: October to March
5. Central India
Includes: Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh
Highlights:
- Khajuraho Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Bandhavgarh and Kanha National Parks for tiger safaris
- Sanchi Stupa and Bhopal’s lakes
Best time to visit: November to February
6. Northeast India
Includes: Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Sikkim
Highlights:
- Kaziranga National Park (one-horned rhinos)
- Shillong – the Scotland of the East
- Tawang Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh
- Majuli Island and Living Root Bridges in Meghalaya
Best time to visit: October to May
Top Attractions in India
- Taj Mahal – Agra
- Jaipur’s Forts & Palaces – Rajasthan
- Backwaters of Alleppey – Kerala
- Varanasi Ghats – Uttar Pradesh
- Goa Beaches – Goa
- Ladakh Landscapes – Jammu & Kashmir
- Ranthambore National Park – Rajasthan
- Hampi Ruins – Karnataka
- Darjeeling Tea Estates – West Bengal
Indian Cuisine
Indian food is as diverse as its regions — rich in flavor, color, and aroma.
| Region | Must-Try Dishes |
|---|---|
| North | Butter Chicken, Paneer Tikka, Chole Bhature |
| South | Dosa, Idli, Sambar, Kerala Fish Curry |
| East | Rasgulla, Macher Jhol, Litti Chokha |
| West | Dhokla, Pav Bhaji, Goan Prawn Curry |
| Central | Poha, Bhutte Ka Kees, Dal Bafla |
Festivals of India
- Diwali – Festival of Lights
- Holi – Festival of Colors
- Eid – Celebrated across India
- Durga Puja – West Bengal
- Ganesh Chaturthi – Maharashtra
- Pongal & Onam – South India
- Lohri & Baisakhi – Punjab
- Navratri – Gujarat and across India
Best Time to Visit India
- Winter (October – March): Ideal for most regions
- Summer (April – June): Visit hill stations
- Monsoon (July – September): Perfect for Kerala & lush green getaways
Travel Tips
- Dress modestly at religious sites.
- Carry local currency (INR).
- Keep a copy of ID and travel documents.
- Use registered taxis or ride apps.
- Stay hydrated and avoid tap water.
Getting Around
- By Air: Extensive domestic flight network.
- By Rail: One of the world’s largest railway systems.
- By Road: Well-connected highways and state-run buses.
- By Metro: Major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru have efficient metro systems.
FAQs
Q1. Is India safe for tourists?
Yes, India is generally safe, but like any destination, travelers should take standard precautions and respect local customs.
Q2. Do I need a visa to visit India?
Most foreign nationals require an e-Visa, available online for tourism, business, or medical visits.
Q3. What languages are spoken in India?
Hindi and English are widely spoken, along with 20+ regional languages.
Q4. What currency is used?
Indian Rupee (INR)
Q5. What are must-buy souvenirs?
Handicrafts, spices, textiles, jewelry, tea, carpets, and Ayurvedic products.