Overview
India is a vast and diverse country located in South Asia, bordered by Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Bangladesh, and the Indian Ocean. It’s the seventh-largest country in the world by landmass and home to over 1.4 billion people – making it not just geographically expansive but also incredibly rich in cultural and ethnic diversity.
With a history that spans over 5,000 years, India is the birthplace of major religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, and has been shaped by centuries of empires – from the Mauryas and Mughals to British colonial rule. That layered history lives on through majestic palaces, ancient temples, colonial architecture, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Taj Mahal, Jaipur’s Amber Fort, and the spiritual city of Varanasi.
Every corner of India feels like a different world. From the icy Himalayan towns in the north to the sun-soaked beaches of the south, from the desert forts of Rajasthan to the tea plantations of Darjeeling – India’s landscapes are as diverse as its people.
Whether you’re drawn to bustling bazaars, sacred rivers, vibrant festivals, or serene yoga retreats, India promises a sensory overload in the best possible way. It’s a place where chaos and calm exist side by side, and no two days ever feel the same.
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📍 Top Places to Visit:
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Delhi – India’s capital is chaotic but fascinating, with historic landmarks like the Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb, plus incredible street food.
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Jaipur – Known as the Pink City, it’s packed with ornate palaces, bustling bazaars, and photogenic spots like Hawa Mahal.
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Agra – Home to the iconic Taj Mahal, plus Agra Fort and the abandoned Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri.
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Varanasi – One of the world’s oldest cities, known for its spiritual Ganges rituals, colourful ghats, and deep cultural significance.
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Kerala – Famous for tranquil backwaters, houseboat cruises, and lush green landscapes. A great place to relax.
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Rishikesh – The yoga capital of the world, nestled in the Himalayas, perfect for spiritual seekers and adventure lovers.
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Goa – A coastal paradise known for golden beaches, Portuguese heritage, and laid-back beach vibes.
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Mumbai – India’s largest city, full of contrasts – from Bollywood to bazaars, skyscrapers to slums.
📅 Best Time to Visit:
October–March: Best weather for most of India, especially for sightseeing and northern destinations.
April–June: Gets very hot, but good for visiting the Himalayas.
July–September: Monsoon season – lush landscapes but heavy rain in many areas.
💰 Currency & Budget Tips:
- Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
- India is very budget-friendly for travellers, especially if you eat local food and use public transport.
- Tipping: 5–10% is appreciated in restaurants.
- Use cash for small purchases, though digital wallets (like Paytm or Google Pay) are increasingly common.
🧳 Good For:
Spiritual seekers
Adventure lovers
History buffs
Foodies
Budget-conscious travellers
- Solo Travellers
🍽️ Local Dishes to Try
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Chole Bhature – Spiced chickpeas with fried bread, popular in North India.
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Masala Dosa – A South Indian savoury crepe with potato filling.
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Biryani – Fragrant rice dish with spices and meat or veg.
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Pani Puri – Tangy street snack made of deep fried bread filled with a combination of potatoes, onions, chickpeas, and spices.
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Thali – A meal platter with a mix of dishes and flavours.
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Jalebi – Deep-fried sweet soaked in syrup, perfect for dessert.
✈️ How to Get There:
Major international airports: Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bengaluru (BLR), Kochi (COK)
Direct flights available from London, Manchester, and other major UK cities
Visa required for most travellers – e-Visas are available online for UK passport holders
🚍 Getting Around:
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Domestic flights are affordable and time-saving for long distances.
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Trains are an experience – opt for AC classes for comfort on overnight routes.
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Metro systems operate in cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
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Auto-rickshaws and Uber/Ola (ride-sharing apps) are good for city travel.
🌍 Language & Local Etiquette:
Official languages: Hindi. English is widely spoken in cities.
Dress modestly, especially in rural areas or religious sites.
Be aware of local customs – remove shoes before entering temples.
Use your right hand when giving or receiving items (the left hand is considered unclean).
My India Highlights
I visited India as part of a work trip and managed to carve out five incredible days to explore as much as I could. My journey began in Delhi, and what a place to start! I’ve never experienced somewhere so densely populated and intensely alive.
The energy was non-stop – cars honking, people everywhere, stray dogs barking, the buzz of daily life – it’s chaotic, but somehow it all works.
I took a guided tour of Old Delhi, and the highlight was zipping through the narrow alleyways on a rickshaw. It was the perfect way to see the old city: buzzing markets, historical buildings, and the layered charm that makes Delhi so unique. It gave me a glimpse into the city’s rich Mughal history and daily hustle.
From Delhi, I took a day tour to Agra to see one of the world’s most iconic landmarks – the Taj Mahal. And wow… even in the pouring rain (thank you, monsoon season!), it was absolutely breath-taking. The scale, the symmetry, the story, it completely lived up to the hype. Our guide was fantastic and gave us deep insight into the love story and craftsmanship behind this world wonder. Afterwards, we visited a local workshop where they handcraft marble and semi-precious stone inlays, similar to the ones used in the Taj. Watching the artisans grind the stones by hand was fascinating and a real reminder of the country’s deep artistic heritage.
I then took a short internal flight to Goa for some beach time and relaxation. I stayed in South Goa, which is much quieter than the party scene in the north. The beaches were stunning – golden sands lined with palm trees and peaceful vibes. It was the perfect contrast to the bustle of Delhi and Agra, and a great way to unwind from the hustle and bustle of Delhi.
As for the food – wow, Indian cuisine is next level! It was spicy beyond belief (seriously)!, but so full of flavour. I skipped street food just to be safe, but I ate at restaurants recommended by hotel staff or my guide, and every dish was delicious. From creamy curries to buttery naan, it was comfort food with a kick.
Overall, I really enjoyed my short time in India. It was colourful, intense, and fascinating. There’s still so much more I want to explore – Rajasthan, Kerala, Varanasi, Mumbai… the list is long. Five days wasn’t nearly enough, and I’d love to go back and see more of this vast and vibrant country.
India is a country that deserves time, flexibility, and an open mind. Whether you’re exploring ancient forts, floating along Kerala’s backwaters, or watching sunrise at the Taj Mahal, your trip will be packed with unforgettable moments.
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