India

🇮🇳

Phone Code

+91

Capital

New Delhi

Population

1.4 Billion

Native Name

भारत

Region

Asia

Southern Asia

Timezone

Indian Standard Time

UTC+05:30

India is a vast subcontinent of extraordinary contrasts and timeless traditions, where ancient civilizations coexist with cutting-edge technology and modern megacities. From the snow-capped Himalayas in the north to the tropical beaches of the south, from the arid deserts of Rajasthan to the lush backwaters of Kerala, India encompasses an astounding range of landscapes, cultures, and experiences. Home to over 1.4 billion people speaking hundreds of languages and practicing diverse faiths, India is the world's largest democracy and a rapidly growing economic powerhouse. Whether exploring the architectural wonders of the Taj Mahal, experiencing the spiritual energy of Varanasi, trekking through mountain villages, or navigating the vibrant chaos of Delhi or Mumbai, India offers travelers an immersive journey through one of humanity's oldest and most diverse civilizations.

Visa Requirements for India

India has modernized its visa system with the introduction of e-Visa (electronic visa) for citizens of over 160 countries, making entry more accessible for tourists, business travelers, and medical visitors. The e-Visa system allows approved travelers to apply online and receive their visa electronically without visiting an Indian embassy or consulate. E-Tourist Visas are typically valid for stays of 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years depending on the type selected, with varying entry conditions. Citizens of certain countries still require traditional visa applications through Indian diplomatic missions. Business travelers, students, researchers, and those seeking long-term stays must apply for appropriate visa categories with specific documentation. India also offers visa-on-arrival for a limited number of nationalities at designated airports. All travelers should check current requirements based on their nationality, as visa policies and processing times can change. Medical tourists and conference attendees have dedicated e-Visa categories with specific documentation requirements.

Common Visa Types

E-Tourist Visa

30 days, 1 year, or 5 years depending on type selected. Maximum continuous stay varies by visa type.

For tourism, sightseeing, casual visits to friends and relatives, short-duration yoga programs, or recreational activities. Available in 30-day (double entry), 1-year (multiple entry), or 5-year (multiple entry) variants.

E-Business Visa

Up to 1 year with multiple entries. Each stay should not exceed 180 days without registration.

For business meetings, trade fairs, conferences, establishing industrial or business ventures, recruitment, and other commercial activities. Does not permit employment or regular work.

E-Medical Visa

Up to 60 days, triple entry. Medical Attendant Visa linked to primary medical visa holder.

For travelers seeking medical treatment at recognized Indian medical facilities. Includes short-term treatment as outpatient or hospitalization. Up to two attendants can apply for e-Medical Attendant Visa.

E-Conference Visa

Up to 120 days, single entry for conference duration plus buffer time.

For attending conferences, seminars, or workshops organized by government ministries, departments, or recognized organizations in India.

Regular Tourist Visa

Typically 6 months or 1 year with multiple entries, depending on nationality and bilateral agreements.

For nationalities not covered by e-Visa or for longer tourist stays. Applied through Indian embassy or consulate with passport submission.

Student Visa

Duration of the course or 5 years, whichever is less. Extendable by FRRO in India.

For enrollment in recognized Indian educational institutions for academic studies, research, or educational exchange programs. Requires admission letter from institution.

Employment Visa

Initially up to 1 year, extendable. Linked to employment contract duration.

For foreign nationals employed by Indian companies or organizations. Requires employment contract, work permit, and minimum salary threshold requirements.

Research Visa

Up to the research project duration, typically 1-5 years. Requires institutional sponsorship.

For academic researchers, scholars, or scientists working with Indian research institutions, universities, or scientific organizations.

Important Travel Information

E-Visa applications should be completed at least 4 days before arrival. Processing typically takes 72 hours but can vary. Apply early to avoid last-minute issues.

E-Visa holders can enter India through 28 designated airports and 5 seaports only. Verify your entry point is covered before booking flights. Land border crossings require traditional visas.

India requires at least 6 months passport validity from date of arrival and at least two blank pages for stamps.

Travel Guide

India is a continent disguised as a country — a kaleidoscope of 1.4 billion people, 28 states, 22 official languages, 6 major religions, and a 5,000-year civilization that assaults the senses like no other destination on Earth. The Taj Mahal in Agra is just the beginning. The Golden Triangle (Delhi-Agra-Jaipur) packs Mughal forts, maharaja palaces, chaotic bazaars, and a cuisine that explodes with every bite. Rajasthan dazzles with palaces converted into luxury hotels, the Thar Desert with camps under the stars, the blue city of Jodhpur, and the golden fortress of Jaisalmer. Kerala in the south offers a completely different India: backwaters navigable by houseboat through coconut groves, tropical beaches, ancient Ayurveda, and fish curry in coconut milk. Varanasi on the Ganges — the world's oldest continuously inhabited city — confronts visitors with life, death, and Hindu spirituality in ways nobody forgets: the ghats at dawn with cremation ceremonies, ritual baths, and the nightly Ganga Aarti with thousands of candles floating downstream. Goa blends beaches with Portuguese colonial architecture and Baroque churches (UNESCO). The Himalayas range from Ladakh (the 'Little Tibet' with Buddhist monasteries at 3,500+ meters) to Darjeeling (tea plantations with views of Kangchenjunga) offering trekking, spirituality, and landscapes of staggering grandeur. And then there's the food — every state has its own cuisine, from Hyderabadi biryani to Tamil Nadu dosa, from Gujarati thali to Punjabi dal makhani, with a level of spice complexity that Indian food abroad barely hints at.

Ways to Experience This Destination

Golden Triangle: Delhi, Agra, Jaipur

India's most popular circuit. Delhi: Red Fort (UNESCO), Jama Masjid (India's largest mosque), Humayun's Tomb (precursor to the Taj), Chandni Chowk (chaotic market that's a sensory experience in itself), and India Gate. Agra: the Taj Mahal (arrive at sunrise or sunset to avoid crowds, entry ~1,300 INR for foreigners), Agra Fort, and the Baby Taj (Itimad-ud-Daulah). Jaipur: Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), Amber Fort (ride up by elephant or jeep), City Palace, and jewel and textile markets. Connected by train or car, 5-7 days ideal.

Rajasthan: Palaces, Desert & Color

Rajasthan is the India of the maharajas: Udaipur (Lake Palace floating on Lake Pichola, City Palace), Jodhpur (the blue city with imposing Mehrangarh Fort), Jaisalmer (the golden fortress in the Thar Desert, camel camps under the stars), and Pushkar (sacred lake, camel fair in November). Heritage hotels — palaces and havelis converted into accommodation — offer a lodging experience unique in the world. Thar Desert camel safaris with overnight camping define the Rajasthan experience.

Kerala: Backwaters, Ayurveda & Beaches

Kerala (southwest) is tropical, serene India. The backwaters of Alappuzha (Alleppey) are navigated by houseboat — wooden house-boats gliding through coconut groves, rice paddies, and fishing villages for 1-2 days. Munnar offers tea plantations on endless green hills. Thekkady (Periyar) for elephant spotting in the jungle. Kovalam and Varkala for beaches. Ayurveda is a living tradition in Kerala — 7-21 day retreats with massages, diet, and yoga prescribed by Ayurvedic doctors. Kerala cuisine (appam with stew, fish curry on banana leaf, karimeen) is among India's most refined.

Varanasi & Spirituality

Varanasi (Benares) on the Ganges is India's most intense experience: Hinduism's holiest city where pilgrims bathe in the river at dawn to purify themselves, where cremations at Manikarnika Ghat are a visible part of daily life, where the nightly Ganga Aarti (fire, bells, and chanting ceremony) transforms the ghats into a spiritual spectacle. Boating the Ganges at dawn is one of the most impactful moments of any trip. Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon, is 10 km away. Rishikesh (Himalayas) is the world yoga capital.

Himalayas: Ladakh, Darjeeling & Trekking

Ladakh (Jammu & Kashmir) is the 'Little Tibet': Buddhist monasteries clinging to cliffs at 3,500+ meters (Thiksey, Hemis, Lamayuru), Pangong Lake (intense blue at 4,350 meters, 3 Idiots filming location), and mountain roads crossing some of the world's highest passes. Darjeeling offers tea plantations with views of Kangchenjunga (8,586 m, world's third highest) and the Toy Train (UNESCO). Manali and Shimla are colonial hill stations. Trekking the Markha Valley (Ladakh), Hampta Pass, and the Chadar route (on the frozen Zanskar River in winter) are legendary.

Money & Currency

₹

Indian rupee

Currency code: INR

Practical Money Tips

Best Places to Exchange Money

Exchange money at banks, authorized money changers, or airport exchange counters. Avoid street exchangers. Hotels typically offer poor rates. Banks and official exchange bureaus provide better rates and are more secure.

ATM Availability

ATMs are widely available in cities and towns throughout India. Most accept international cards (Visa, Mastercard). Daily withdrawal limits typically range from ₹10,000 to ₹40,000. Check with your bank about international withdrawal fees.

Credit Card Acceptance

Credit cards are accepted at major hotels, restaurants, and shops in cities. Smaller establishments, street vendors, and rural areas predominantly operate on cash. Visa and Mastercard are most widely accepted. Carry cash for daily expenses.

Tipping Customs

Tipping is customary but not mandatory. In restaurants, 10% is standard if service charge is not included. Tip hotel porters ₹20-50, drivers ₹100-200 per day for full-day service, and spa staff 10-15%. Round up taxi fares or add ₹20-50.

Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.

Common Money Questions